Hello, friend. I know. Where in the world has blogging gone these last months? Truth: sometimes we have to say no to one thing in order to say yes to something else. This year has taught me so much, but mostly, it’s taught me that face-to-face time matters. Relationships matter. Community right where you are matters. And so, I’ve been pouring every bit of energy and time I can into nurturing those things.
My favorite moments — meaningful conversations, dinners with neighbors, sharing life’s challenges and joys with girlfriends over tea in my kitchen, teaching Sunday School with Ari, times of being silly with Grace and getting our hands dirty in the garden together — didn’t get photographed. Most of my favorite times this year didn’t make it to Instagram, but they happened and they have been so sweet.
I said no to some things I love (like writing you here the last few months!) while I finished edits on my book over the summer, picked buckets and buckets of tomatoes and blueberries, and loved on this group of ladies. I’ve also said no to things that were distracting me from what matters. I’ve been doing Nancy Ray’s Contentment Challenge for over a year now (blog post coming soon on my experience not shopping for a year) in order to say YES to needed heart change. I said no to fear and comparison and so many things in order to say yes to investing in relationships. Yes to big risks. Yes to my marriage. Yes to less time cleaning my house and more time living in it. Yes to prayer. Yes to making a magazine that is about so much more than planning for just one day (V7 debuts in 3 weeks!). Yes to doing things that felt uncomfortable, but were so worth it. Living on purpose is worth saying no so you can say yes.
What about you? What are you saying no to? What are you saying yes to? I encourage you to make a no/yes list today and see how it helps you focus on what matters. See if it helps you simplify your days and live on purpose. I am cheering you on!
Some news: 2015 PowerSheets™ preorders are now open. After three years of using them myself, we took all that has helped us take big leaps and all that has helped you make what matters happen into this updated design. I can’t wait to use these in 2015! Do you need these to make what matters happen? No. The PowerSheets™ were created simply as a tool to help people like me who need help taking action on goals and staying focused on progress, not perfection. I pray these will help you do that too! Pre-order now for guaranteed Christmas delivery. And there’s something special my friend Emily Ley and I have cooked up for those who pre-order. See y’all in November!
Photographs of Grace and I picking wildflowers by my friend Emily. Grace couldn’t get enough of these flowers! And, I don’t usually talk about fashion, but I was gifted this dress from Shabby Apple, and I love it. Love the modest hemline and soft fabric. A treat to wear!
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7 Comments
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on October 17, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Yay Lara, for V7, new PowerSheets, Bible study, your book, and quality time with Grace! She is adorable and those pictures are beautiful! I’m glad that you addressed saying no to some things to say yes to others because that is something that I have been learning lately and it is encouraging to know that you share that sentiment. I’m looking forward to purchasing a new set of PowerSheets for the new year and setting goals with purpose and meaning behind them 🙂
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on October 17, 2014 at 6:23 pm
Lara, I’m so excited about the Powersheets! I pre-ordered and this will be my first time using them! I’ve just recently been led back to you and your blog via Instagram. I knew of you from Emily Ley. I had started a small Etsy shop w/ custom stationery around the same time she did. I wasn’t in a position to give it my all and I’ve hit lots of stumbling blocks since. I believe that God has led me to you, to make me try to focus on what’s important. I’ve yet to figure out what “it” is in my “make it happen.” I’ve started so many different things, but quickly run out of steam..usually for financial reasons. I’ll be 40 next month and I don’t want to spend the next 40 years trying to figure out what it is exactly that I’m supposed to be doing. I’ve also found so much inspiration in #graciesgarden. I’m pretty excited about adding to my raised bed gardens next spring and have begun planning. Maybe there is something there-a way for me to give, lead, or something.
Thank you so much for being you! I’m truly inspired by you and what you are doing! Can’t wait to read your book! -
on October 17, 2014 at 9:42 pm
I love this, Lara! If nothing else, this year has taught me the importance of balance, and that there is a season for everything under the sun. I’m thankful The Lord has revealed to me all the things I should make time for instead of my blog or social media…and my heart is full because of it! Glad your heart is full of good things and great joy as well! xoxo!
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on October 26, 2014 at 2:01 pm
Love this shoot. I particularly love the colors of the dress and the hair ribbons and their fit to the background. Lots of fun! Very nice, George.
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on November 4, 2014 at 12:58 am
Goodness I just love you two! Hi Gracie 🙂
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on November 11, 2014 at 12:54 am
so good to see you here again … i have been peeking in for months … your energy radiates off the page! … i too have not blogged (for a whole year) as there war other commitments far more pressing … i have just started again and it feels so good, but i have more time now … everything in it’s season … look forward to seeing what else you will be sharing! lovely photos too!