I made a choice today…
I chose to walk by faith and not by sight.
I chose to believe God and His promises and not my emotions.
I’m taking a stand against doubt, lack, worry and unbelief. I’m standing for God…and I’m standing on His Word. And His Word tells me that I am chosen, blessed, favored and that all my needs are met.
Was this choice to walk by faith easy? No, but it is necessary. Faith is necessary for me to survive. I’ll be honest~if I were to set my focus on my circumstances and what is going on around me, I would give up.
I would be bitter, envious, and jealous.
I would think that God has forgotten about me.
I would go into isolation.
But God!!!
When I could have chose the natural, I chose God!
I chose to be optimistic, to rejoice w/others and to remember the specifics that God has whispered to me in my quiet times, and to be encouraged to keeping growing in God and in excellence.
I made a choice through my tears and disappointments to choose faith over discouragement and unbelief…what do you chose today???

I can remember moving into our last house and being soooo grateful! I was grateful b/c the house was a Godsend. It was sent at just the right time, we had favor with the owner and it was in a nice,quiet, family oriented neighborhood.
One of the first family devotions we had in our home, the prayer went something like this…”God, we know that you blessed us w/this house and its yours. We are just stewards and whaever you want us to do to bless others we will do, all for your Glory”.
Ever prayed a prayer like that?
Well, not too long after this prayer the answers to it came reaaallll quick! Our home became an open door for dinners, overnight guests, impromptu parties, and often time a place of rest for people.
Then one day the ultimate answer came!
We were given the blessing of welcoming a young man into our home, to make it his home.
Since that time, we’ve had at least 2 houseguests(1 just moved in) and its been a blessing.
A blessing that we can bless someone else with a place to call home, even if it was just for a season….
Prayers are an awesome vehicle for us to commune w/God and intercede for others…but it also important for us to listen b/c we may very well be the answer…the vehicle that God uses to bless someone else:o)

Who do you connect with??? Today I had a great conversation w/a great friend. Does that happen often for me? No, not really…but today was different.
I actually wanted to connect. Not in a desperate, type of way. But in a genuine, thought provoking, honest way.
It was two women, on their spiritual journeys being encouraged by each others honesty and life experiences. In the end, I learned that we have a lot more in common then just our roles as wives, mothers and wanting the best for our families.
I learned that connection is a wonderful thing when you’re connected to the right person/people. The right connections breed growth, love, honesty, correction when needed, and lots of laughs!
So, today I ask you to be mindful of who you are connected too and if that connection feeds your spirit what it needs for growth and encouragement…

My mindful moment this week is simple…instead of always asking God “why” ask Him “what”.
A situation came up and as I started to pray my first words to God were “why God, what is going on?”
As I sat and started my daily devotion, soon I started to feel a soft stirring in my heart. So I just started talking to God. I started to tell Him how I was feeling…honestly and w/all of the ups and downs that come w/the curveballs that come from the left field of life…
Then I just sat. I read my Bible. I wrotein my journal.
And then my answer came…ask “what” instead of “why”.
So, that’s what I did! I asked God “what”.
“What” God do you want me to get from this situation?
When I asked “what” my whole perception changed. No longer was I angry, judgmental or even self-righteous.
I was prayerful, compassionate and more determined to be faithful…
So I challenge you to ask the “What’s” instead of the “Why’s” and see if your perception changes…for the better.

I recently read a comment on Twitter where a young lady told a celebrity that she was her “Idol”…for more reasons than one this statement lingered in my thoughts.
IDOL<=that's a huge statement.
When I think of a person being “idolized” I think of a copy. A copy may look like the original from a distance, but a soon as you get close enough you start to see that the copy is a flawed, unauthentic version of the original…
Its ok to admire certain qualities about people. Heck, even some of the people on Twitter inspire me to be more disciplined and diligent about writing…but to IDOLIZE someone is a totally discredit to God and the amazing way that he created you.
Your smile. Your voice. Your complexion. Your creativity. Your walk. Your heart…it was all made specifically for you.
So please short change God’s wonderful creation by trying to be someone that you are not.
You weren’t meant to be anyone but You. You are “fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and the works of God (You) are wonderful…
Be You! Nobody can be you except you…and you do it the best!

Today has been a great day!!!
Our oldest daughter’s first day of Kindergarten was today and it’s also my 31st birthday:o)
More than anything, today I’m oh so mindful of time.  My awareness of how quickly our kiddies are growing up and how fast this year has went by were at an all time high!
Instead of dreading being a year older or dissolving into a puddle of tears b/c my big girl is in kindergarten and it seems as if just yesterday I was potty training her, I welcomed the joys that came w/this day.
I welcomed the smile that came to my face and the joys that filled my heart as I seen my big girl so excited about being a “real kindergartener”….I welcomed the urgency that I felt about being a year older and having a few specific “to-do’s” that I have to get done w/in this next year!
So whatever it is that you have on your “Lifetime To-Do List”, I hope that your being mindful of getting those tasks done…the time is now!!

“Mindful Monday ” is something new on the The Mommy Diaries!
I will be taking the time on Mondays to share w/you some of my “awareness” moments…
Please be aware that these moments will be good, bad and maybe even ugly…but they will be honest, heartfelt, hopefully relateable.
By the end of the post, I hope that you see the light that I did and it encourages you to keep pressing, improving and growing closer to God in every area of your life!!!

Mindful Monday
Can I be honest w/you? I haven’t always appreciated being a stay-at-home wife/mother. 
I haven’t always taken the time to “smell the roses” and appreciate the season that God had me in.
All I could think about is what financial position we could be in if we were still a two income household and how I could do more, buy more and pay more bills.
I didn’t take the time thank God for allowing me to be a wife/mother whose full-time job was creating a home for my family, while at home.
Now I’m appreciative! I appreciate being able to be the “Home Manager”! I’m thankful that I can volunteer at a local pregnancy center 2x’s monthly. I’m appreciative that I can be active at my daughters school w/o reservation, I’m thankful that I can support my hubby in his coaching career.
I’m not sure that I would be able to do what I do now, or even desire too, if I was still working full-time in corrections.
I’m grateful that I can look at my life and tell God that I’m grateful for my “home” season…and not feel insecure or that I’m missing out on something b/c my life isn’t where I thought it would be (my aspiration was to be a prison warden:o)).
I now know w/o a doubt that I’m in the right place at the right time.
I encourage you to be grateful in your “now”season…there’s always a lesson to learn, not only for yourself but also to bless someone else:o). So grow in your faith and be perfected…in this season!

Being a Stay-At-Home Wife and Mother isn’t the easiest job on earth! One of the many things that I’ve learned over the past 4 years is that w/o a plan you might as well plan to fail!
Here’s my Top 7 Lessons for SAHM’s…enjoy!!!

1. Know Your Hubby’s Expectations:
Have the talk! Ask him what he expects from you as a SAHM. Once you know what he expects and you know what you’re going to do, you’ll have a clear “job description”.  With open and healthy communication there will be less room for error and offense.

2. Have A Schedule:
Time management is key!!! Having a daily schedule gives you boundaries and helps give you a clear vision for what you need to accomplish for that day. Do specific things on specific days ie, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping etc. Block off certain times for meal time, work time, playtime etc. Having a workable routine is a benefit to your whole family!

3. Have An Outlet:
Take time to do something that you love! Whether it be writing, volunteering or teaching a weekly class, take part in something that is productive, refreshing and brings you joy.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Say No:
Some people automatically think that if you’re a SAHM you can be their very own “walking to-do list”! Don’t take on extra errands and tasks from family and friends that is going to cause havic in your life! Don’t be afraid to let people know that your time is valuable…

5. Set The Atmosphere
As a woman, you have the ability to set the tone in your home. If you are uptight, upset or worried those feelings translate into everything that we put our hands too.  Do your best to create a God-centered home that is welcoming, encouraging and fun to all who enter in…be intentional about loving your family and that love being shown by your service to them.

6. Get Up Early
Getting up early doesn’t have to be at the crack of dawn! Get up early enough to spend time alone w/God before you start your day. Daily devotional time will give you direction, peace and give you time to have your first cup of coffee before your mommy adventures begin!!!

7. Be Appreciative:
Let your hubby know that you appreciate him! Sometimes living on 1 income can be challenging…thankfulness goes a long way:o)

8. Keep Yourself Together:
Take time to get dressed and doll up sometimes! Even if I’m not in makeup and heels, I try to stay presentable. A good pair of jeans, a nice shirt and lipgloss can go a long way! After your morning devotion, try getting dressed for the day. When you look good chances are you’ll feel good and be productive too! Ps-I’m not saying that I don’t have days when I’m in sweats…I just tr to make sure they are clean and they match;o)

I hope that this is a help and/or a loving reminder to SAHM’s! God Bless

I don’t have a whole lot to say today…but I do have a few words that are ringing in my ear “Just Do It”.
Whatever it is that you love to do, whatever God-given gift that you’ve let sit dormant, whatever you’re passionate about…just do it.
By know means I am I saying that everything will just fall in place overnight…but I KNOW that if you give God your best,He’ll do the rest!!!
Whatever you are born to do, do it everyday…work on it, perfect it, and be excellent in your dealings.
Turn your dream(s) into attainable goals…”Just Do It”!!!
Be the You that you are meant to be…God’s best!

Through every difficult situation in life, a person can experience growth…How do I know you ask? I am a living witness!
The past few months have been quite challenging for the Boyd Family.  Throughout all of the changes, the one thing that has been apparent to me has been growth!
Growth spiritually, personally and mentally.
Is the process easy? No. Is it comfortable? Heck No!!
And I’m glad.
I’m glad that I’m able to be in a difficult situation without being comfortable. Being uncomfortable causes me to change my position, make adjustments and do something(s) different.
Being out of my comfort zone has given me a chance to examine myself, my thinking and my intentions. 
It has also broadened my prayer life and my expectations. Being in the midst of transition has caused me to be more frequent,honest and outright w/God about my feelings and my thoughts. 
My expectations have become BIG!!! I’ve always been able to see so many great things on the horizon for others.  But when it came to myself, my scale was too small…I would even venture to say non-existent and mediocre.
But God!!!! God has opened up my eyes to His greatness both IN and FOR me:o)
So what do I suggest for those who may be going through a difficult time in their life?
Expect More! Expect more from God and yourself. Expect to overcome your current difficulties w/a testimony about how God blessed you in the midst of!
Do More! Do more seeking, praying and meditating on the Word of God.
Change! Change what your thinking about. Replace every negative thought with a positive affirmation from the Word of God. Change what your speaking. Speak life into every situation, speak the Word.
Change Your Outlook! Instead of focusing on the problem, focus on the solution and the possibilities of greatness! Change your routine if what you’re currently doing isn’t bringing about results.
Be Open! Be open to God, change and new opportunites.  Don’t let another blessing pass you by
b/c you weren’t open to get out of what you’re used too.
Do Something Different! Do something outside out the norm for you, not crazy or unwise…just different:o)

Life may throw us a curve ball no doubt…but nothing is impossible for God! Give your situation to God and ask Him to bring about a godly change in you through your circumstances…
We have a choice when we face hard times…to grow in God and His characteristics or shrink in fear, doubt and unbelief. Which do you choose???