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Clare Smith

Training Body & Soul

Back-To-School Health Tips and a Back-To-School Giveaway for You!

August 19, 2014

Is your household back to school yet? Mine will be later this week! This summer flew by–the fastest on record it feels–and we are already gearing up for the fall! This period of transition can be hard in many ways, so I want you to remember to give yourselves that permission to transition, but sometimes we just need a little organization and inspiration. I’m sharing 9 tips for how you and your family can get (or stay!) into a healthy routine for this year over at The Better Mom!

Your Back-To-School Body: Healthy tips for you and your family! : thebettermom.com and peak313.com

♥♥♥

And now for the giveaway! (I know I had one 2 weeks ago, but I can’t help it when good things come my way and I get to share them with you!) If you follow me on instagram or Facebook, you’ve seen me reference the market bag that I absolutely adore! I use it as a purse while I’m running errands and need to fit things like snacks and coupons in them! I got this bag (below) from a local company called Diengie Designs. You can read more about them here, but this sister and mama trio have bigger dreams than making bags! They desire to build a community center/headquarters so that it may reach single moms and their kids by providing jobs with on-site daycare, good wages, a cafeteria for lunches with their children and more! Don’t you love it!?

diengie designs Market Bag (GIVEAWAY!) : peak313.com

I use it when shopping at our local Farmer’s Market every Saturday!

diengie designs Market Bag:(GIVEAWAY) peak313.com

Also, check out the cute bracelet I have on. They made that too!

diengie designs Market Bag:(GIVEAWAY) peak313.com

I also own the key loop and a purse similar to this. I love all their stuff and I also love that all their designs are so unique!

diengie designs: peak313.com

diengie designs: key FOB : peak313.com

Their best seller, the market bag!

diengie designs: market bag

♥♥♥

I figured since it is back-to-school time, most of your money is going to supplies and clothing for everyone BUT you, so I wanted one person to win a little something for themselves! This darling cell phone pouch and key loop will be one lucky person’s gift! They made it just for our giveaway!

diengie designs (Back-to-school Giveaway!) : peak313.com

diengie designs (Back-to-school Giveaway!) : peak313.comBe sure to enter in the rafflecopter below!

(The rafflecopter makes it easier for me to randomly choose a winner!)

For those of you who are looking to do some early Christmas shopping, NOW IS THE TIME! They have graciously offered a special discount just for my Peak313 readers. Use code “PEAK313FREESHIP” on any of their products through the month of August for free shipping! Um–I’m heading over there!

Finally, be sure to check out diengie designs on Facebook and etsy!

The giveaway ends Sunday, August 24th at 12am so be sure to get your entries in!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Filed Under: Featured, Reviews, Tips Tagged With: The Better Mom 119 Comments

About Clare

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:29 am

    I love it all!! The colors, the smells, the crisp air, the fall foods. Everything!!!

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    August 19, 2014 at 8:07 am

    I love the smell of the air and the perfect running, sewing, and knitting weather!

    Reply
  3. Janelle says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:21 am

    What do I love about fall? Just about everything! The cooler weather, the changing leaves, everything pumpkin, football season, boots, scarves and more!

    Reply
  4. Alicia says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:16 am

    The beautiful colors 🙂

    Reply
  5. Gina Zahra says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:18 am

    It is my favourite season…cozy clothes, pumpkin latte’s, just everything 🙂

    Reply
  6. Joy says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:24 am

    Fall is my favorite time of the year! I love to see God change the colors of the trees!!

    Reply
  7. Amy B. says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:28 am

    It’s hard to pick just one thing~I love everything about fall!! The crispness, the leaves changing color, apple picking, pumpkin spice lattes, watching my boys play soccer…… 🙂

    Reply
  8. Christina A. says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:31 am

    I love the crisp air, fall colors and pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks!!! hehe.

    Reply
  9. Kami S. says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:35 am

    The weather! It is by far my favorite season!

    Reply
  10. Carrie says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:38 am

    Fall is just the best season ever. I love the cool air, the changing leaves, warm sweaters and jeans, apple and pumpkin desserts…and this year in November we will be adding a new little one to our family, so that’s another thing to love about fall! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Wendy says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Fall is my favorite season! I love the vibrant colors in the trees changing, the crisp air, and pumpkin lattes.

    Reply
  12. Suzanne G says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:45 am

    The colors and the cool weather. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Lisa G says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:08 am

    I love the color changes, pumpkin everything, and the crispness of the air!

    Reply
  14. Beth says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:08 am

    What a cute wristelett!

    Reply
  15. Beth says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:09 am

    Whoops! Didn’t see it was suppose to be about fall!
    I love the cooler, sweater weather. (Wait, is it fall already?)

    Reply
  16. Meghan says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:12 am

    I love the crispness in the air and everything pumpkin!

    Reply
  17. Cathy says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Favorite thing about fall is that it finally starts to cool down, at least in October. No more 100 degree weather, yippee!

    Reply
  18. Andrea says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Brisk air. Leaves changing colors. Pumpkins. Bonfires. Sweaters and Sweatshirts.

    Reply
  19. Michelle says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:14 am

    I love decorating for fall and all the yummy apple and pumpkin inspired recipes. Cozy clothes and the changing leaves. Always been one of my favorite times of the year.

    Reply
  20. Ashley G says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:17 am

    Too Cute! Love it!!!

    Reply
  21. Ashley G says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:18 am

    My Favorite thing about fall is the cooler temps and getting to sit on my porch swing with a cup of coffee and a book while my daughter plays in the yard!

    Reply
  22. Mandy W says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:18 am

    All things apple and pumpkin, for starters!

    Reply
  23. Tabbetha says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:20 am

    My favorite thing about fall is the cooler weather, the beautiful colors, and the coziness inside our house as we settle into a routine from the craziness of summer.

    Reply
  24. Tanya says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:23 am

    I love the fall colors, able to wear hoodies, and bonfires

    Reply
  25. Anna says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:26 am

    Apple cider slushie and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins!

    Reply
  26. Rachelle says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:26 am

    I love fall because it is another fresh start. We homeschool, so it’s fun getting into a different routine. The kids are excited to have fun in a different way and back into a little more formal learning routine than through the summer.

    Reply
  27. Malissa says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:28 am

    The cooler weather, watching the aspens change here in Colorado, and of course FOOTBALL 🙂 I love going to games at my daughters high school & watching her cheer 🙂

    Reply
  28. Alaina says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:28 am

    When we lived in VA, I loved the cooler weather and the colors of the trees. Now that we live in Fl, I still miss the cooler weather. 🙂

    Reply
  29. Tiffeny says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:30 am

    I love the cooler weather and the changing of the leaves.

    Reply
  30. Stacey says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:31 am

    I love the fall colors, cooler weather, sweatshirts, and high school football.

    Reply
  31. Tiffany DeOs says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:33 am

    I love the colors and the smell of fresh color crayons.

    Reply
  32. Andrea Miller says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Cool temps and pumpkin everything! 🙂

    Reply
  33. Marley says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:36 am

    I love wearing boots and curing up under warm blankets in the fall!

    Reply
  34. Deb says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:41 am

    I love fall the best! There is just something about how the sun shines through the trees.

    Reply
  35. Rachel says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:41 am

    I love all the colors and cooler weather!

    Reply
  36. Sarah says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:42 am

    I’m excited for a little more structure with the fall structure and looking forward to new Bible studies and connecting with other women. Now, of course, it would be kind of fun to walk in sporting a the new clutch in the give away. 🙂

    Reply
  37. Karen M says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Pumpkins and falling leaves and pretty much everything!!

    Reply
  38. Marilyn says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:56 am

    All the designs are very pretty! May have to start and do some early Christmas shopping.

    Reply
  39. Katie Wilmot says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Oh fall–it’s my favorite time of year!! One thing…hard to choose but I’m going to say hoodies. 🙂 I love the change in weather so that we can easily throw on hoodies with our shorts and flops for a little walk and be totally comfortable.

    Reply
  40. Melissa T. says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    I love pumpkin patches and cooler weather!

    Reply
  41. Susan says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    Football!! My son is playing football for the first time this fall and we are so excited! I love fall!❤️

    Reply
  42. Natalie B says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    I love the crisp cool weather, changing colors, and apples!

    Reply
  43. Chels says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    What a neat little bag! I love the look of it.
    My favorite thing about Fall-what’s not my favorite thing. I adore scarves and boots, everything pumpkin, the decor, the way the air smells, the festivities. It’s my favorite time of the year.

    Reply
  44. Nicole says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    I love the cool temperatures & the beautiful colors!

    Reply
  45. Lori Turner says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    I cannot possibly pick just one thing! 🙂 I love football, pumpkin anything, fall decorations, cool air, hayrides, sweaters, did I mention pumpkins??

    Reply
  46. Caroline says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    All things pumpkin!

    Reply
  47. Melinda Elam says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    I love the change of the seasons(although it does not last very long in Texas). I love opening the windows. I love the layers of clothes and fun styles.

    Reply
  48. Abigail says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    Pumpkin Everything!!

    Reply
  49. Vanetta says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    I love the fall colors, the crispness in the air, and ALL of the holidays which means for LOTS of opportunities to connect with family and friends. I’m all about the relationships!! I think my daughters, and dil would love this so am going to take a look at their website.

    Reply
  50. Brittany says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    Fall is my favorite season! I love everything about it: the weather, the colors changing everywhere, fall food (PUMPKIN everything), and thanksgiving( one of my favorite holidays)!! ♥♥♥ 🙂

    Reply
  51. Stephanie Johnson says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    In-season apples

    Reply
  52. Geneva Nunez says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    Fall….oh, goodness, what is not to love??? The perfect just right weather, not too hot not too cold, the changing of the leaves, Friday Night Football at the high school, Saturday College Football and Sunday NFL Football and all the days of football in between, Halloween. I can go on and on and on. Did I mention Footbal!!!!!

    Reply
  53. NeeNah B says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Cooler weather, changing leaves, apples…my favorite weather!

    Reply
  54. Megs says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Fall! My favorite time of the year! There are so many things to love. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot. The beautiful colors of those leaves before they drift down to Earth’s floor. Fields of pumpkins waiting to be made into pie. Hayrides, corn mazes, apple picking at the orchard, fire pits and roasting marshmallows, making apple butter over an open fire outside with family. I think my absolute favorite is spending time my husband and boys outside. So much fun to be had!

    Reply
  55. Leslie says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    three words: High School Football!!

    Reply
  56. Sara H says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Those look adorable!

    Reply
  57. Caroline says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    Love love love!!! And I could really use both. Also, just prayed for you and thanked God for you and your ministry to us. You bless us! 🙂

    Reply
  58. Caroline says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    Oh! And favorite thing about Fall? How it beckons us to linger in coffee shops, run faster to warm up, pull out the crockpot, pull on a cozy sweater… I could go on and on 🙂

    Reply
  59. Alyssa says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    My favorite thing about this fall is that we have a baby girl coming in October!

    Reply
  60. kathy says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    I love the cooler weather and the beginning of football season!

    Reply
  61. Anita Harkness says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    My favorite things about falls are the colors, cooler weather and the smell of burning leaves!

    Reply
  62. Katie says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    I love everything pumpkin!!! And the adorable layered clothing. 🙂

    Reply
  63. Marla Stanley says

    August 19, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    I love everything PUMPKIN! and the crisp air, and crunchy leaves on the ground…but I HATE the cold weather and less sunshine…can we just skip winter? Haha!

    Reply
  64. Tania says

    August 19, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    Love pumpkin! Also love fall squash- acorn, butternut, spaghetti.

    Reply
  65. Bethany says

    August 19, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    Everything! Pumpkin flavored stuff, apples, color!!!!!

    Reply
  66. Sheala says

    August 19, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    I love the colors of spring. It reminds you of hope. It’s just filled with beauty

    Reply
  67. Amy @ Eat Pray Workout says

    August 19, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    I love market shopping! It’s winter here in Australia, but this is the latest one I’ve been to, it was an artisan market, so many pretty things!: http://eatprayworkout.com/finders-keepers-markets-brisbane-2014/

    This one is my favourite farmers markets though: http://eatprayworkout.com/mitchelton-markets/

    Do you do your fruit and veg shopping at the markets or supermarket? xx

    Reply
  68. claire hoffpauir says

    August 19, 2014 at 6:12 pm

    I love changing of the leave colors. the weather is cooler and its not as muggy.

    Reply
  69. Stephanie H. says

    August 19, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    Since I live in Texas, Fall is a GREAT……cooler weather 🙂

    Also I Love the scented fall candles.

    Reply
  70. Andrea P. says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    Fall weather = sweatshirts and jeans!

    Reply
  71. Sarah Matos says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    I love everything about the fall! Cooler weather, pumpkin everything, fall scented candles, etc. etc.

    Reply
  72. Fran Tilden says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    I love the colours of the leaves on the trees and the cooler nights.

    Reply
  73. jackie says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    the smell of everything changing!

    Reply
  74. tinmo says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    I love all the fun fall foods (especially different varieties of squash.

    Reply
  75. deenles4evr says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:04 pm

    Fall-it is sensory overload:-)
    Vibrant colors of leaves, mums and other flowers.
    Smells bonfires, hot chocolate, pumpkin and spices, apples and Carmel
    Hearing the crunch crunch of leaves as I hike with my family, the sound of birds winging their way south
    Taste fall veggies; squash kale pumpkins , apples, pumpkins
    Snuggling with hubby under a throw as we watch the kids play, sitting close at a bonfire whispering our hopes and dreams.
    Love fall

    Reply
  76. Rox Anne says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    I love the cooler weather. I love watching the leaves change! I’m ready for fall!!

    Reply
  77. Jennifer D. says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Everything! It’s my favorite time of year. The cooler temps, fall smells, pumpkin decorations, etc.

    Reply
  78. Brandy says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:35 am

    The smell and taste of cinnamon apples, pumpkins. Well anything with the yummy sice of cinnamon.

    Reply
  79. Deanna says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:41 am

    My favorite thing about fall is the crisp air, picking apples and pumpkins 🙂

    Reply
  80. Jackie says

    August 20, 2014 at 2:16 am

    I love the colors of the fall leaves and anything pumpkin.

    Reply
  81. hollycoty says

    August 20, 2014 at 2:34 am

    My perfect answer for this question four months ago would have been pumpkin spice latte hands down. However, since I gave up sugar around Mother’s Day in order to make myself a better mamma I don’t know! I am kind of scared/excited for the fall and Christmas to come because I will be finding out for the first time ever what I really love about these seasons without food being front and center. Eek!

    Reply
  82. marie says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:36 am

    Sorry fall lovers, I’m the fall grinch.
    I love summer. I love going to the beach. I love BBQs. I love Italian ices. I love,having my boys home (even with the bickering). I love the,trees full of leaves. I love my vegetable garden… all of this fades away in the fall. Boohoooooo. 🙁

    The only thing I love about fall is Thanksgiving… and being a few months closer to Christmas. 🙂

    Reply
  83. marie says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:40 am

    P.S. I already know who I’m getting that wristlet for!!! One of my friends who is all about the environment. 🙂

    Reply
  84. Tanya says

    August 20, 2014 at 6:50 am

    I love the colors of the leaves on the trees and the smell of chi lattes 🙂

    Reply
  85. Amy says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:10 am

    I love running in the cooler weather and watching my son play soccer on Saturday mornings.

    Reply
  86. pepper says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:28 am

    My favorite thing about fall is being outside with my kids in the cooler weather. Summers are HOT in TX!

    Reply
  87. Jessica Reno says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:35 am

    THAT is adorable! My favorite thing about fall is I can run again! It’s so hot here in the summer that I am not able to run like I want to.

    Reply
  88. Lynn C. says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:10 am

    The smell of burning leaves, fall festivals, wearing boots and sweaters.

    Reply
  89. Annie says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:20 am

    Crisp air!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  90. Christine says

    August 20, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    Family outings to the pumpkin patch, apple pie, extended family get togethers, apple picking, and lots more!

    Reply
  91. Jessie Bates says

    August 20, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    My favorite thing about fall is the crispness of the air. It is so comforting and just sets me in a mood for the crunch of leaves beneath my feet and light sweaters.

    Reply
  92. Melanie says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:17 pm

    Living in an area where there is not a big change between seasons I still choose fall as my favorite. Living in Cali I enjoy the change in the way the sun shines a certain crisp of orange on the land. Decorating my house for fall and everything pumpkin really feels peaceful and gives that feeling of “hey relax, the weather is changing.”

    Reply
  93. Brooklyn W. says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    My favorite thing about fall is the smell; and the colors; and the fact that I get to wear my favorite clothes – scarves and hats and anything autumny! I also love that it’s not to hot and not to cold. 😉

    Reply
  94. Maureen says

    August 20, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Right now, I’m really looking forward to returning to a schedule and a rhythm when the kids go back to school

    Reply
  95. Alissa says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:03 pm

    I love everything about fall! I love the cool, crisp air, cozy sweaters, and bonfires.

    Reply
  96. Lacey says

    August 21, 2014 at 12:00 am

    My birthday is in the fall, so it gives me something to look forward to before winter hits.

    Reply
  97. Sherry H. says

    August 21, 2014 at 6:39 am

    Hurry up, fall!!! Recess duty in Louisiana is TOO hot now!! 😉
    I love the smells and the start of football season, PLUS it’s the time when my students FINALLY hit a comfortable groove in the school routine!!
    🙂

    Reply
  98. Angie J says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:20 am

    I love the colors and crisp, cool air. 🙂

    Reply
  99. Erin Ellis says

    August 21, 2014 at 9:07 am

    My favorite thing about fall is crisp runs in the early morning. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
    Erin

    Reply
  100. Robin says

    August 21, 2014 at 9:57 am

    I love EVERYTHING about Fall. The beauty is my favorite… cooler weather, beautiful colorful trees, etc. These bags go PERFECTLY with fall!

    Reply
  101. Ilka J. W. says

    August 21, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    County fairs, and apple cider!
    I’d also say “weather fit for ‘in-between-clothes'”, since they suit my body type better – but summer has been cool here, so this year, it does not really matter…

    Reply
  102. Amanda Evans says

    August 21, 2014 at 10:17 pm

    Boots and sweaters, fires, FOOTBALL

    Reply
  103. Christy says

    August 22, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    I love lots of things about fall: the smells, the cool weather, the colors, the preparing for winter (though I do get tired of the food preservation!).

    Reply
  104. Dawn Keenan says

    August 22, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    I love the smell of the fresh, clean air.

    Reply
  105. Carmen N says

    August 23, 2014 at 9:13 am

    Apple picking and cooler weather

    Reply
  106. Christina says

    August 23, 2014 at 10:45 am

    I love the colors and the cooler weather.

    Reply
  107. Julie says

    August 23, 2014 at 10:48 am

    Decorations and food!

    Reply
  108. Paula says

    August 23, 2014 at 11:06 am

    Love the colors, the smells

    Reply
  109. Jennifer says

    August 23, 2014 at 11:13 am

    Fall is my absolute favorite season, the leaves changing beautiful colors, cider mills to get warm donuts and cider, and the perfect temps!!

    Reply
  110. Stacy says

    August 23, 2014 at 11:22 am

    Love the leaf colors, and the cool crisp air. Apples right off the tree, with warm cider too!!!

    Reply
  111. Nikki Tibbetts says

    August 23, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    I love the lower humidity and cooler temperatures. It means leaves are changing and football Saturdays are near.

    Reply
  112. Valerie Reeder says

    August 23, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    The atmosphere is what I love!

    Reply
  113. Bethany B says

    August 23, 2014 at 1:31 pm

    I have a nice pair of boots that I can’t wait to wear again once fall hits Texas!
    (Boots and pants and boots and pants… 😉 )

    Reply
  114. Tina Cook says

    August 23, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    I love the smell of fall, the cool weather, and wearing my favorite boots!

    Reply
  115. Dee says

    August 23, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    Crispness in the air, apples, spices, leaves, smell of fall, football…..ALL of Fall is my favorite. 🙂

    Reply
  116. Sarah Hall says

    August 23, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    Cooler temps. Fall clothes. Boots. Leaves changing. Pumpkins. FOOTBALL. Fall scents.

    Reply
  117. Tricia says

    August 23, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    I love fall! The smells, colors and getting to routines and new adventures!

    Reply
  118. Sophie says

    September 1, 2014 at 5:02 am

    love the weather, love the fresh air and love the bags too! they look great!

    Reply

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Let your complicated, challenging, nuanced situati Let your complicated, challenging, nuanced situation(s) be what forms you. Let it build you into the person God is bringing you to be. It’s not the ability to live life unscathed and perfect that creates a beautiful soul. It’s the ability to feel the heat and pain and come out more tender, authentic, and loving that makes you a person who is set apart for use. A person like this is refreshing and that person absolutely is you. #abeautifulpurpose

(Quote not my own)
I’ll keep this short because I want you to read I’ll keep this short because I want you to read the poem. We can bring our burdens many places nowadays- friends, Instagram, Facebook, text, to gym, to work, to sleep.. you get the point. But let’s make sure we bring our burdens first to Jesus. After the week.. month.. year.. many of us are having, there’s no better time to do this than now. #sweetunfailingrefuge

(I found this tucked in an old book at my family’s 100 year old farmhouse that we were selling this summer 🤍)
•My house was a mess with everyone being home to •My house was a mess with everyone being home today
• I only had ingredients for one batch of soup
• I don’t drink alcohol on Mondays
• Hubs had the sink totally apart in the middle of a project
• The kids were in and out of our deep conversation

Sometimes the quick stop to say hello turns into a therapy session with dinner and wine. Everything was stacked against me – so I thought- but the mayhem is often beauty and normalcy to the person’s life who is spinning. Sometimes “the plan” goes off track... but it’s not off track in God’s eyes.

Living life knowing that the minutes of your day are not yours but for God to use to encourage and be there for people who are hurting changes everything. It changes who you marry. It changes how you spend your money. It changes what you do with your time. Dinner portions may not be what you planned but God always finds enough to fill those who come to His table to be loved on and heard.

If I know one thing – it’s this. People are hurting right now. Some things are private and some are public. What would it look like if our homes became safe places for people to land? For our hearts to enter in the pain? For our embrace to provide the temporary relief needed? We can be people who talk about bringing the kingdom here on earth or we can be people who do what we can with the little we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. 🤍
I’ve been on a “physical” comeback over the I’ve been on a “physical” comeback over the past few weeks. Between an insane December, Covid recovery, Ohio winters, and the mere fact I don’t have the bounce back that I used to (#thisis40) it’s been a slow go for me to get to feeling where I feel best physically. It’s been discouraging to say the least and I feel like I just turned a corner last week. 

While a lot truly was physical exhaustion, it was more of a mind game I was playing. I had to be my own #hypeman and tell myself to keep chipping away at the goal. I had to tell myself that the only way to the end was through it…no shortcuts. Just time and steady work. I often dismissed the small wins I had because I hadn’t hit the finish line. Well that thinking wasn’t helping me and one day had the “aha”that while I wasn’t yet at the goal, I was BETTER.

Each of us have something in our lives where it’s not what we want. We are on the path to achievement but it sure ain’t there yet. It can be with some of the obvious things such a health or financial goals but I see this often with people regarding relationships. The marriage, friendship, child or community in which we live falls just short of “perfection” and so we just settle instead of putting in consistent, hopeful work, which allows room for the Holy Spirit to work. 

I just want to encourage you to keep chipping away because while things may not be what you want, they can be better. In fact the way we reach what we want is not by snapping our fingers and it magically appearing but by a process or journey which involves ups and downs, straight stretches of boredom, and then finally a renewed energy as you see the end in sight.

What have you given up on achieving because it hasn’t come to fruition in the time you wanted? Remember… things can be BETTER. And that counts for something. 🤍
I was recently telling someone my journey or where I was recently telling someone my journey or where I am today in regards to what I do for a living... the crazy road I’ve travelled over the last 10 years to get me here. It’s changed a lot and if you’ve been here online with me, you have seen it! If you would have asked 18 year old Clare what she saw herself filling her days with at 40 years old, it would be about 5% of what I’m doing. Goodness...none of this was even around when I was 18!

I look back and see all the twists and turns. All these tiny moments and conversations. Many open and closed doors. Things that I thought were just random or not a big deal, but in hindsight, they were a huge deal. I appear to be a very type a “has her stuff together and a plan” type girl but the truth is, I am (was) taking everything day by day.

All I know is that everything I stepped into prepared me for the next thing. Many times I didn’t even know it! But I look back often and am like, “ohhh, God, I see what ya did there!” 

My encouragement to you is this- no matter what age you are- trust the path you are on. Let peace be your guide... not some assumed plan an “expert” or author told you. Sure- be wise with your time. Put in the work with diligence wherever your feet may have you, but be open to the nudges of where to go.

Maybe I’m crazy but living a life of faith in God is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things. I don’t know what He has for me in 5 years let alone 1...and for whatever reason, that thought alone gets me up and helps me live with a holy anticipation. I trust Him.  I live less with resistance to the unexpected now. God is indeed preparing you for what he has prepared for you. What a loving Father!
We all know this but it’s so easy to forget. Rem We all know this but it’s so easy to forget. Remember that seeds are buried and “in the dark” before anything springs forth. Our journeys in life can often feel like that. Do the daily work. Tend your “heart garden.” Time is on your side. And when it’s time...it’s time. 🤍

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬
A few years ago I was the speaker for a women’s A few years ago I was the speaker for a women’s retreat in the Chicago area. I just finished a session & a lady ran up to me asking if she could ask me a few questions. She was early 50’s, striking in appearance… fit & confident. She started telling me that she resonated with my health/fitness message & wanted some encouragement on starting “this late in life”, but as we continued talking, her demeanor changed & tears started to fill her eyes.

She told me that was she was struggling with something that had been weighing on her since she was 18…the decision to have an abortion. The tears were streaming down her face, the clear guilt she carried from it weighing heavy on every part of her beautiful stature. Not many knew about it. Her current husband did not…many friends did not. She felt it was keeping her from this life she saw that was just within reach. The more she sat in silence, the heavier the chains felt. She needed to speak and I watched the tears fall like visible chains.

We chatted a little longer, prayed & hugged, & as I walked away I couldn’t help but think of many women I’ve encountered with this same story but I would’ve never known. Walking through life seemingly fine, yet carrying a deep wound inside, questioning every bit of her worth and ability to make a difference. Heartbreaking. 

If you relate to that woman, I want you to know that you are loved & seen. Your past, as hard as it has been, has formed & shaped you into the woman you are today, & a woman that God greatly desires to use. He wants your broken, fragile heart. He will bind it up and heal it. He will walk with you in the shadows. He will lead you beside still and soul-quenching waters. There may be many words you can attach to your situation but there is one more powerful than all that I want you to keep remembering…RESTORATION. Jesus is renewing and reviving something within you that will bring light to yourself & others.

For the rest of us who may not have this as a part of our story, let’s remember that we are walking amongst those who have & that we are to be healing arms, not ones of judgement & legalism...but ones of compassion & grace. 🤍 DM me if you need prayer!
This came up on my Facebook memories and I just fe This came up on my Facebook memories and I just feel it’s always applicable! There is always something in our lives that if we could just “get our hands on” would work to our favor. We dream about what it would be like if we got that thing/person etc. We think about the 2 tweaks that need to happen for it to occur. We pray about it. Perhaps obsess over it.. sound familiar?

But we also start to resent our current lives. We stop living in what God has fully given us. We live everywhere but the here and now and alongside that dream of yours comes a side dish of anxiety and sadness. So then we get our hands in it, perhaps without God’s “OK” and then we see a mess unfold. We’ve all been there. If only we had waited. 

This is the grind of living in reality. We are pulled from living what is before us into living into a dream we have deep within. Here’s the cool thing. We don’t have to choose.. reality or dream. It’s not an either/or but both/and. We can live fully here while also giving energy to our hopes. The difference is how tightly we hold into those things and how much they get elevated in our hearts.

If you are here this morning I just want to encourage you that you aren’t alone! I truly believe with everything I am, that God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) I believe in His sovereign timing. I believe that the work He started in you (and everyone else in your life) will be completed. (Phil1:6) Keep praying, stay faithful to where you are now, walk in the “peace path” and hold onto Jesus. He will lead you. 🙏🏻
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