littlebylittlemore

Why am I starting this blog? To give you the simple answer- I am inspired. It sounds like such a simple answer, but I can’t think of a more honest one. I look around this crazy but blessed life that I have, and I can’t help but be inspired and want to share that inspiration with others.

I live in the beautiful state of Colorado, and every day I am so inspired by the diverse and breathtaking landscape around me- the various rocks and trees and grasses; the brilliant sunsets of oranges, pinks, and reds; the different wildlife and people groups; and the stark contrast between the cities, mountains, and plains. I am also inspired by my darling friends who make a kaleidoscope of such different and charming personalities. Each of them have such unique talents and gifts, and they enrich my life so greatly.  They have so many skills and talents that I don’t, and I can’t help but be inspired as they challenge and teach me to be better and to learn new ways of doing things. I see the countless trials and hardships several close friends and family members have been going through, and I am inspired by their endurance and grace. I have been blessed over the years to have had mentors and family members who truly give me the tangible example of selfless love and sacrifice to me and my family, and I am inspired to be more like them. One of those people is my Grandma. She lives just minutes away from me, and she is one of my closest and most treasured friends. Her wisdom and faith continue to inspire me each time I am around her. For inspiration, I can look at my three precious children who make me see life through such a different lens. They inspire me to stop and enjoy the fun around me. They help me to not only see my weaknesses and selfishness, but they challenge me to not be content staying that way. They make me want to be a better mom and wife. Speaking of being a wife, I am also inspired by my incredible husband. He is the most loyal and hardworking man I know. He is strong where I am weak, and he is level-headed when I am easily frazzled. He is my best friend, and I absolutely adore him. But of all the inspiring people and things around me (which of course you can see I’ve listed several), I am most inspired by the grace of God and the gift of salvation through His Son Jesus. My relationship with Him is the most precious gift to me, and it is the only thing that truly changes me and gives me lasting hope. His Word is absolutely a light to my path and to my soul, and I pray it is His work in me that ultimately shines through.

As I sit here typing this on a cold snowy day, I find that the delicate snowflakes falling quietly in my backyard are a gentle reminder that there is inspiration everywhere if I would just take the time to see it and listen. Little by little those snowflakes fall one at a time, and as they add up, they completely change the landscape all around. What was once muddy and dark, gradually turns into a sparkling white creation. It gives me such hope to think that by God’s grace- little by little-I can be changed into a stronger and better person. I truly believe that the way we live and the choices we make matter, and that a little by a little more each day, if we are faithful, those choices can add up to make a big difference in our personal lives but also in the lives of all those around us.

We have a culture immersed in the idea of instant gratification. As a result, it can be so discouraging to find that the process of true and meaningful change often takes a long time. For example, I go to the gym just one time and expect to miraculously drop 2 pant sizes. I eat two extra salads in a week and hope the scale goes down 10 lbs! Ha! I read the first chapter of a parenting book and hope that somehow I will have perfected this parenthood thing. I could go on and on. Somehow I get discouraged when reality sets in that the changes I am longing for won’t just happen over night. The Bible has such great encouragement for us in this situation though. “Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”. (Galatians 6:9) So there it is. The main goal for this blog. I want to encourage myself and others around me to not grow weary as we try to do good and to stay motivated to not give up. Whether it’s by spending a couple extra minutes each day reading my Bible, spending more time regularly working out, planning healthier meals and snacks for my family to eat, putting down my cellphone and focusing on my kids more, or just going to bed just a little earlier every once in a while- commitment to the little changes can really add up.(Just like the snow in my backyard!)

I’m not going to lie, part of me feels insecure and a little ridiculous for starting a blog. After all, who will even want to read my random thoughts and musings? I know that my descriptive writing style isn’t for everyone, that I can come across a little too idealistic, and I can guarantee that at some point I am bound to offend someone by saying something that they disagree with. But even if I’m the only person who ever reads what I write, that’s okay. I love writing. It is a passion of mine, and I am looking forward to finding an outlet to share the thoughts and ideas that are bubbling inside my mind and heart.

So what do I hope this blog will look like or become? I want to write an inspiring post at least once a week. One, so that I can be motivated and accountable to keep studying and learning and developing my writing skill, and two, so that I can maybe encourage someone along the way. I also want to share any recipes, workout ideas, health tips, or other random tidbits that inspire me on here for others to have access to. Those will be more sporadic and as I find them. So, if you want to join me on this journey of change little by little more, please follow my blog and share it with anyone you think may also enjoy it. I am always open to suggestions and comments.

Blessings,

Karen