10.10.2021

Faux Perfection

 When I started writing these tid bits and posting them to the internet I had a moment of “The facade of perfection is shattered. Is this too real and raw? I like my bubble of faux perfection. It’s safe here.” But you know what. No ones life is perfect. This outlet of telling bits of my story and how the Lord works on those broken places is authentically me. It also made me think is this what people will remember? The 3x over my whole life I wasn’t included in a party. I have a lot of friends and am invited to a ton of things. Does it come across whiny 😂 Breaking faux “perfection” is hard for me. 


I’ve loved perfection for as long as I can remember. I’ll never forget not winning 1st place at a gymnastics meet when I was in maybe 2nd or 3rd grade and throwing my ribbons right in the trash 😐 My coach made me dig them out and sat with me and explained good sportsmanship. Progress over perfection. While we aim for 1st place we can’t alway perform to perfection. 

I’ve been a work in progress since then. 

Up until I had kids I lived in a state of striving for faux perfection. From cheerleading to my career to people pleasing to make sure everything stayed as “perfect” as possible. 

Having kids really shifts it all. Very little is “perfect” with small kids. I’ll never forget the amount of messages I got after letting Eli play play doh over the carpet when he was little. And I remember thinking how of I hadn’t sought childhood over perfectionism I would have never been the mom to splash in puddles, finger paint, and just let them be little. 

The truth is Jesus is the one and only perfect human. He died on the cross to break the barrier of our sin nature and gift us a spot in heaven next to Him. We can never achieve that status so why spin our wheels in a box marked “perfect”. Our love for Jesus should compel us to a life of righteousness. Choosing to life our lives in a way that humbly honor the only PERFECT one! 

10.07.2021

Uninvited

 sat at dinner with friends when the book “Uninvited” came up. I listened carefully as girl after girl told their story of the pain of being not included and how that book was revolutionary for them. It came to me- and I gently said “well that’s not really a struggle I have faced. I am blessed with a 5 second rebound rate. Moving right along!” 


And doesn’t it seem like when we say things like that- we open ourselves up to be tested in that way. And I was over and over again through 2020 + 2021. The year of “social distancing” and “pods” with whom we felt safe. For the first time I watched groups gather and no invite came my way. I’m a natural connector and gatherer. It’s just how I am made. I kept thinking, “I just wouldn’t have done that to them.” 

Then it hit me. 1. Am I letting the “not invited” status tie to my worth? Am I letting that tell me I am not a good enough friend? Or not well received? My worth was on the line and I knew I had to shift my perspective. Who does GOD call me to be? He calls me worthy- He calls me friend. 

Quality over quantity is true. You become like the 5 people you spend the most time around. So guard those spots carefully. But let’s link arms as women and mothers, and be includers. Remember to have a friend, you have to BE a friend. Reach out, be kind, love well. Build a bigger table. And if you’re going through a season where you feel unincluded. Our Heavenly Father is near. And He calls you friend!!!! 

If you need a seat at the table. I got you! You have a seat saved next to me! 

7.09.2021

The Joy of Being Mom

 The Joy of Being Mom 

by Judy Brisky


Friends, 

I am so excited to be sharing about a book I read that was written by one of my sweet friends. 

Judy Brisky, author of The Joy of Being Mom, and I met at a Gateway church function a few years back. 

I remember sitting by Judy and thinking what JOY she exudes. 

When we met for lunch and she shared the name of her first book I knew it was going to be a hit. 

Judy truly embodies joy. She walks it out in every way. 

She is the best role model to share on the joy in motherhood. 

The book opens with a note she wrote in her journal many years back. 

It's real and raw and it left me in tears. 

She speaks about loosing her temper and haven't we all been there. Yelled at our kids and the guilt starts to set in. At the end she writes "Please, please help me." This letter made me feel seen. That we are all moms and we are all in this together. Although, Judy is a couple chapters ahead in her journey she was once a young mom and can relate to the overwhelming moments young mothers face. 

Judy uses her experience in motherhood to point all those around her back to Jesus. 

The practical applications at the end of each chapter was one of my favorite parts. 

While reading through each chapter I felt strengthened and encouraged. 

It reminded me to slow down and enjoy each phase of motherhood. That this is a marathon and not a sprint. To keep my eyes on Jesus and that we are building a legacy through our faith. 

Overall, it was a 10/10 for me. Excellent read! 

Biggest Hugs, 

Lauren Stack 

10.21.2020

Apple Picking 2020

 


Apple Picking 2020

On our year of adventure we have traveled to lots of places close to DFW (and a couple further away) in our RV. 
We recently did a segment in homeschool over the life of an apple and I searched high and low for an orchard close to home and couldn't find a thing! 
My friend from childhood now lives in Oklahoma and I saw her post on IG about Livesay Orchards in Porter, Ok and we packed up and took off for the day. 
We love apple picking and had the opportunity to go last year in Washington D.C. right as the leaves were changing. Next Fall I want to plan a bucket list trip down the east coast starting in Maine to see all the changing leaves + travel through American history! 
































10.13.2020

Fall Home 2020

Fall Home Update 2020



































Couch: Similar style
Plaid Chairs: Caitlin Wilson
Art in living room: Frontgate 
Barstools: Ballard Designs 
Sideboard: Wayfair 
Inner Circles Art: Jenn Thatcher Art 
Scones in Dining Room: One Kings Lane
Monogram Plate: Sasha Nichols 
Coffee Table: One Kings Lane 
Ceramic PumpkinTarget
Ceramic Pumpkin: Target
 Raffia PumpkinTarget
 Faux Golden Aspen Leaves WreathTarget
Faux Golden Sedum Greenery Napkin Ring Set: Target
Linen Blend Raw Edge Napkin Set: Target
Water Hyacinth Charger: Target
Wooden Bead Garland: Target
Gold Flatware Set Gold: Target
 Salad Plate: Target
 Dinner Plate: Target
 Cereal Bowl 20oz: Target
Kentfield Pendant: Target
Candle: Pinrose 
Patio:
Chairs: Target
Egg Chair: Walmart 
Pumpkins, Corn Stalks, flowers: Calloways