sometimes

life isn't always rainbows, sparkles, and unicorns.

i giggle every time julie says this, because it's so.very.true.

when we put our lives out for the world to see, 

we can pick and choose what we want out there.

that's the beauty of having our own little corner to create in.

sure, i can take pretty pictures and make things look beautiful, 

but you do not see beyond the lens.

i want you all to know{which i'm sure you already do} that my life is far from perfect.

i'm a simple minded girl with remnants of dirty 'ol sin stains across every part of my being, 

washed clean and white only by the cleansing fountain of Jesus' blood.

the only good in me comes from Him.

sometimes life is hard and ugly.

and sometimes it flows rather beautifully.

sometimes my kids won't sit still and do their school work,

 and as soon as i leave the room i hear them getting rowdy.

i usually yell.

sometimes my eyes are puffy because i didn't get enough sleep, 

or the burdens weigh heavy and i get just plain overwhelmed.

sometimes i am rude and short with the man i get to sit across from and
who loves me the most.

sometimes things happen to people that you don't understand 

and hurt burns deep in your soul for them.

this is my best friend, sandi, and God is doing awesome things in her life despite the trials.

love you, girl.

but then!

 sometimes life is grand and you get to sit back and enjoy the ride.

 sometimes you have all the ingredients for the perfect lunch{and your kids love it!},

instead of trying to decide on something that everyone will like.

i'm feeding an army here, friends.

sometimes the kids get along and actually do what they are supposed to be doing.

 sometimes your husband totally blows you away with a birthday you'll never forget.

and sometimes i just plain old forget that my life shouldn't be dictated by my circumstances, 

or what i see/feel happening around me.

joy should flow from the healthy Hope that lives within me, making all things beautiful, in His time.

and i don't ever want to forget that.

but i will.

i just know it!

Lord, help me to remember.

He has made every thing beautiful in its time: also he has put eternity in men's hearts, so that no man can find out the work that God does from the beginning to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

xoxo

mary