Live Beautifully

Recently, for Christmas, my Mom gave me a journal. Not just any regular ole journal, but it was a special journal to log my pregnancy journey and the happenings of the first few months after the baby is born. I'm really excited about it and Ive already covered the first several pages.

On the front of the journal it says, Live Beautifully. The other day I started thinking about what that meant. What does it mean to Live Beautifully? Many people would have different ideas of what it means. Some would say to travel the world and live free, because of course, that's beautiful. Some would say just have fun and enjoy yourself. Others would say just do what you love and make yourself happy - whatever that takes.

I have seen a lot of people live, what I would call, beautiful lives....
 My parents. I would say they have lived extraordinary beautiful lives. Not because it has been perfect. Not because they have traveled all over the world (okay, maybe the country). But because they chose to serve. They have lived a life of service. They have lived a life of happiness, even when at times happiness isn't so easy. They have lived a life for our Father and they have shared that with others. That is a beautiful life.

The elderly couple I see at Barnes and Noble all the time. I have no idea what they might have encountered in their life, tragedy or struggle. But they sit together and they read together. I see them laugh and hold hands. They are content. And this is Beautiful.

The family with 4 children who run around in circles, with messes and screaming and running and playing. Life is hectic and sometimes crazy. But they teach their children. They teach them about their Creator and they teach them to pray. They teach them to love. And this is Beautiful.

These are just a few of so many I see Live Beautifully daily. But I think of the man who Lived Beautifully more than anyone, ever. His life was hard, and He had nothing. His family was not wealthy and He had no real home. He was not some educated scholar. He was a humble man who lived to serve (Matt. 20:28) and to teach. He lived His life simply. He was mocked and bullied and hated by many. Some wouldn't call that a beautiful life. But it truly was the most Beautiful. If someone doesn't know how to Live Beautifully, we have a wonderful Perfect example.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
                                                                                                                 - Matthew 6:33
"He has shown you, O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
                                                                                                                 - Micah 6:8

Let us Live Beautifully :)

A Pinterest Problem: Choosing The Easy Way Out

I will be the first to tell you: I love Pinterest. It's got some pretty awesome stuff on there, there's some helpful, some inspiring, and some funny that site has. I've got several boards all organized and put together. It's all because "I'm gonna need that someday, so I'll save it", haha. I've found some very helpful and insightful things on Pinterest. When I was doing gluten free I was able to get a lot of ideas and tips off there. When I broke my leg in March and sat on the couch for two months, it was entertaining. I've found some great homeschooling ideas on there, cute clothes, crocheting patterns, great meal recipes, witty sayings, beautiful pictures - you name it, you can find it on Pinterest.

Pinterest has its purpose. It can be useful for much good. But I feel like more than not, it can be a hindrance and a cop-out.  What does Pinterest feed us?
   - A picture of a "hot", tan, slim chick- who has to also have beautiful luscious hair -with a description that says "10 week challenge: 10 squats a day, 10 push ups, and a fruit and veggie diet".
  - ANOTHER picture of Ryan Gosling for girls "inspiration" during finals saying something like "I believe in you, babe".
  - The latest fashion of .... Wait for it.... Leggings and boots with everything.
  - Another picture of Peeta.
  - Another Harry Potter quote. (I'm not hating on HP, I love it).
  - "40 freezer meals in 2 hours"..... Which might have been the 100th one you've pinned. (I'm guilty).
  - "10 steps to organize your house fifteen minutes everyday"  (that one sold me).
I could go on fo dayyyzzz....

So you see a trend here? There's nothing wrong with these things on the surface. They're pretty harmless. Again, there really are things on Pinterest that are good and helpful, I've found some great things. As women we fall into this trap of "wow, one website to organize my life!" And then it becomes almost an obsession. Maybe you're not on everyday, but when you do log on you end up being on for hours (guilty again). We get caught up on searching and pinning "new and better ways to organize your closet" while you sit in front of your laptop or computer and your closets down the hall... As women, we get sold on the idea to make out lives better. Where's the action? No, not the click and pin. But the action of walking away and to get moving. What happened to women learning by trial and error and to learn what works best in your own home? Pinterest is easy. The answers sit there on this page of everyone else's ideas. That cute outfit you just pinned really isn't realistic because it's way out of budget when you're a college student scraping by. Pinterest plants the idea of not being content. Think about that for a moment......

One thing that I really started thinking about was the whole trendy meal idea on Pinterest. What's easiest? What's fastest? What can I prepare the most of in the least amount of time? I'm no mother of 4 trying to clean a house, give love and attention to the kids, being attentive to the husband, all while making sure Johnny and Susie get to soccer practice, Bobbie practices the piano, and little Lucy decided to paint the wall with my lipstick. I'm aware that Pinterest holds ideas that are helpful for mothers, and that's grand. But what about take the time to prepare meals? I believe back when, that used to be the thing. Now it's a burden because we are just so busy. What about the time to teach the children to cook? I have some great memories in the kitchen with my mother, and I'm thankful. Cooking is a time for memory making and connection. Is this making any sense? Pinterest is an aid to  compartmentalize our busy lives so that we can make it more busy. Are we using it in that way?

I'm not trying to make anyone feel guilty for being on Pinterest. I'm still going to use it because I've seen some true good it offers. Every now and again let's re-evaluate our use of it. I chose Pinterest because I found it easier for me to sink into, but I reckon this problem can be in other social media. We just need to help each other and remind each other as Christians everything we do needs to have a purpose - and make it a good one :)

P.S. Thankful to so many who I've seen use Pinterest for a pure purpose and have used it for encouragement. Thank you :)
Happy New Year!