Category: Change

Stretch Marks

I was sitting on the beach last month in Florida and I was looking at my stretch marks.  After 4 kids and several large weight fluctuations over the years, needless to say, I have more than I care to count.  I was once again discontent with how I look and the visible scarring I wanted to get rid of.  I know I am not alone – we have all been there!  Can I get an Amen?!

Looking great is a multibillion-dollar industry.  To try to lessen the visibility of our stretch marks, we use creams, oils, body wraps, laser treatments and injections.  Society tells us that in order to be beautiful, we need to get rid of, or minimize our imperfections.  This is a lie that so many of us (including me) swallow hook, line and sinker. 

The longer I looked at my stretch marks, the more I started to realize how each and every one of these “ugly” marks signify a period of growth.  Maybe not always good growth, but growth, nonetheless.  Most scars come from something that is painful in our lives.  We may have gone through a trial or hardship that has left a deep scar on our hearts.  It is through those difficulties that God grows and stretches us so we can become more like Him.  These permanent stretch marks are a reminder of how good God is and how He uses our pain to strengthen and teach us.  The periods of growth and stretching in our Christian life aren’t something that we need to hide or make less visible.  They are important life lessons that we can use to teach or encourage others.  

I am grateful for my stretch marks!  What a lovely reminder of where I have been and where God has brought me! My physical stretch marks remind me of the beautiful gift of life. Through the growing, stretching and physical pain of pregnancy, I was blessed with four of the most amazing children ever!  My stretch marks that have come from my mistakes and life-lessons, are there to remind me of the faithfulness of God and how he never wastes a hurt but can turn it into something magnificent!  Each stretch mark is unique and beautiful and represents the beautiful tapestry of my journey to become more like Jesus.   

Girlfriends!  Don’t ever let someone dictate to you what beauty demands.  Instead, let’s unmask the lies of what we perceive and realize our value comes from God alone!  Go on and wear your stretch marks proudly! You are beautiful inside and out – SCARS AND ALL!

What Are You Waiting for?


“What does it say about me that I have been counting down the days
for the Grand Opening?!?!”

When my Rite Aid pharmacy in Gainesville went out of business last year I was bummed!  I loved the fact that it was close to home and not super busy.  I am a germaphobe (I fully admit this!) and I liked the fact that there weren’t tons of sick, sneezing, coughing people waiting on their prescriptions. I guess from a business standpoint for a pharmacy that is not necessarily a good thing…. :-/

Not long after Rite Aid closed, they put up “For Lease” signs.  As I was driving by one day, I glanced over and I saw it! The store that was replacing our Rite Aid was Dollar Tree – I was so excited!!  I periodically would check online to see if I could find out when the store was opening.  I even stopped by on several occasions when I saw a few cars parked outside and peeked inside hoping to get some information.  Finally, on one of my drive by’s there was a note posted on the front door announcing that the Grand Opening was scheduled for January 5, 2019!  For several weeks, I carefully planned my schedule, making sure I was available on that Saturday morning for the store Grand Opening. Sounds a little crazy, but it’s true!  I am the quintessential example of the person that has champagne taste on a dollar store budget!  I hate to pay too much for something and am always searching for the best deals around!

The long-awaited Saturday had finally arrived!  I drove up and took a picture that I posted on my Instagram page.

“What does it say about me that I have been counting down

the days for the Grand Opening?

When I walked in, I was not disappointed.  Compared to the other dollar stores I had been to, it was well stocked, clean and super organized! I stopped and talked to several people I knew and realized that I was not the only one that was anticipating the opening of this store! So many people commented on my Instagram and Facebook posts saying that they too were excited. One of my friends even said that “the Dollar Tree is the greatest thing that has happened to Gainesville in years”!

It’s funny how we spend our time anticipating, wishing and planning for things in our lives.  As someone who is a planner, I work hard to make sure my schedule is planned and my lists are checked off. I look forward to concerts, date nights and time with friends. As Christians, one of the greatest events we can look forward to is the second coming of Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus is coming back to earth – this is our great hope!

Jesus tells us, in Mark 13:32-33 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” 

The second coming of Christ is mentioned more than 300 times in the New Testament.  Since it is so frequently mentioned, it emphasizes its importance! We need to strive to live actively focused on His return.

  • As Christians, we should be anticipating with excitement the return of Christ.  Just as I was excited for the opening of the store weeks before it happened, I should be expectantly awaiting His coming and living as if THIS could be that very day!
  • Our primary job as Christians is to share the gospel with others.  There are so many people that we come in contact with every day that do not know Jesus.  Am I daily sharing my faith as easily as I share my excitement for a store to open?  How much more important is the salvation of the lost, compared to the things I sometimes deem more important.

Let’s be challenged to live our lives in anticipation of our Lord’s return!  To focus on sharing our faith with those around us, and to live godly, upright lives while we wait for His second coming! (Titus 2:11-13)

“It ought to be the business of every day
 to prepare for our final day.”

-Matthew Henry

I Am Resolved!

Do you make resolutions or set goals every year?

Percentages show that most people start strong but never finish what they resolve to do. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word resolve as ‘to decide firmly on a course of action’. The start of a new year is always a great time to evaluate and reassess how far we have come, and where we would like to be. What actions or behaviors do you feel need more attention and improvement? Every year I try to set realistic goals to cover these 3 main areas:

1. Spiritual/Emotional
2. Physical
3. Professional

It seems that most people try to better themselves by setting goals for weight loss, eating right, exercise, enhancing productivity, getting a raise or increasing sales. But what about your spiritual wellness? Oftentimes our spiritual health gets pushed to the back burner as we focus on the outward goals that others can see. These spiritual goals may seem less dramatic, but in the long run, these are the things that will make the biggest impact! Maybe you want to set a goal to read the Bible through in a year. I would have to say that this was absolutely the most impactful goal I have ever achieved! Maybe you want to set a goal to attend church more, commit to getting baptized or start tithing. Maybe you need to become more forgiving or want to join a small group to establish a community of people who believe as you do.


I think the key is to keep it simple and to write it down. We all have a million things we would like to improve, but you will be more successful if you stick to just a few main goals. Make a list of each goal and revisit them at the end of each month. If you fail to meet your goal, the end of the month is a great time to re-evaluate and readjust in order to start again. Don’t give up altogether – just give yourself a do over!

Like the words from the Old Hymn – I Am Resolved

I am resolved no longer to linger
          Charmed by the world’s delight;
          Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
          These have allured my sight.

God’s Word instructs us to keep changing, and to “Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord”. (Rom. 12:11)  Don’t linger when it comes to spiritual growth. Keep striving to make positive progress in your Christian walk.


What are your goals for this year? How can I help encourage you? This is a NEW YEAR! Today is a new day! I am so excited for 2019.  Let’s support each other and help make this our best year yet!