The Newlywed Diaries is one of the first blogs I read, even before I knew Jennifer. I have loved following along with her life from the changes to her house to the birth of her sweet girl. I am so excited to have her here today!This series has really taken on new meaning in the last year, as we became parents and I left my full-time career to stay at home with our little girl. Dropping my income has been an adjustment, and the projects around our 1959 rancher have taken a backseat to oh, say DIAPERS. We are definitely learning to love the one we're with - for better or worse. Here are a few things that keep me in love with our imperfect - yet perfect for us - little home.
Learn to admire without the need to acquire. I can't take credit for this one; Erika wrote about hearing that phrase during a sermon a couple of years ago, and it still resonates with me. I'll admit that I like to shop, but have found that it can be just as fun to get out and about, look around, get ideas and go home without the anxiety that would come with spending money needlessly.
Keep a "have list," instead of a "wish list." Don't get me wrong, wish lists are great. Goals and priorities are important, but it can be so easy to get caught up in what you wish you had, that you lose appreciation for what you already have. It's hard, believe me. These days there is a design blog on every corner, and it seems that every minute there is something new to love on Pinterest.
I read once that comparison kills contentment, and find it to be more than true. I may wake up feeling completely content and happy, and one look at a friend's stinkin' fabulous new kitchen or something beautiful I've pinned, and suddenly, nothing I have is good enough. Sure, there are always improvements that we can make, but the truth is, when I look at what we have and have been blessed with without the but-everyone-else-has-more goggles, I am moved to tears. We have so much. And it is enough.
Thanks Marianne for having me, and for a great - and timely! - series.
Learn to admire without the need to acquire. I can't take credit for this one; Erika wrote about hearing that phrase during a sermon a couple of years ago, and it still resonates with me. I'll admit that I like to shop, but have found that it can be just as fun to get out and about, look around, get ideas and go home without the anxiety that would come with spending money needlessly.
Keep a "have list," instead of a "wish list." Don't get me wrong, wish lists are great. Goals and priorities are important, but it can be so easy to get caught up in what you wish you had, that you lose appreciation for what you already have. It's hard, believe me. These days there is a design blog on every corner, and it seems that every minute there is something new to love on Pinterest.
I read once that comparison kills contentment, and find it to be more than true. I may wake up feeling completely content and happy, and one look at a friend's stinkin' fabulous new kitchen or something beautiful I've pinned, and suddenly, nothing I have is good enough. Sure, there are always improvements that we can make, but the truth is, when I look at what we have and have been blessed with without the but-everyone-else-has-more goggles, I am moved to tears. We have so much. And it is enough.
Thanks Marianne for having me, and for a great - and timely! - series.
Thank you Jennifer! Wow, this was timely for me, I think I needed to read this more than anyone. I am going to memorize each of these points and take them to heart. What a great post, I am blown away!
11 comments:
Wow, a needed word for today. Just visited Hailey Salvage in Nashville and it is inspiring, but to take on such projects while my kids are in this sweet stage wouldn't be good stewardship of the time God has blessed us with. Thanks for your words on contentment!
Definitely a very much needed post. Something we can all take to heart and remember! Oh, and Marianne, I paid homage to your series on my most recent post (called it "Love the One You're With and referenced your series.) Take care!
What a terrific post! Love the sentiments she shared. It's so hard not to get caught up in everything we see out in blogland. Words to live by. Thanks for sharing.
so beautifully said Jennifer! Also your home is still one of my favorites.
I needed to hear this too!! We are so blessed and yet use the word 'need' way too liberally. Such a wonderful post, thank you for the insight and words of wisdom.
Jenn! Imagine how surprised I was while on one of my many mid-day-blog-breaks from work to see you on H&H's post today. Your entry was very insightful, thanks for encouragement. I can't wait to see more from you at Newlywed Diaries.
Thanks for having me, Marianne! Putting these thoughts down was a great exercise, and I have loved this series.
I was really moved by this post. Jennifer did a great job of articulating and sharing thoughts that I'm sure many bloggers and blog reader have. I applaud the points in this post and will be taking them to heart!
Great post... thanks for sharing!!
Loved this....very timely, indeed.
I love this. Jennifer's blog is one of my favorites (she has excellent taste), and this post just makes me like her even more. "Comparison kills contentment" "Admire without the need to acquire" and the "Have List". I love it all. :)
Great post! Thanks for featuring her! We all need a little reminder once in a while.
xx
Kelly
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