Being a mom is an honor and a whirlwind!
Photo courtesy of Taisiia Stupak via Unsplash
Hey Friend!
Read my latest article on Medium.com! This one is all about connecting with God on a daily basis.
Be encouraged!
XO,
Scarlett
Tag: life
You Are Exactly Where You Need To Be
Hello, Sweet Mama!
What’s On My Mind Today?
I have something on my mind that I wanted to share with you.
I heard a young mom talking the other day about how painful and discouraging it is to see other moms on social media who appear to have a perfect life or at least have it more together than they do.
It broke my heart. Because the effect she is allowing it to have on her is paralyzing.
I want to implore you, especially you younger moms… please stop comparing yourself to other mamas!
I know it’s hard.
Their Instagram posts look perfectly curated, with the right filters and captions, and perfectly posed babies or children.
But I would bet money that if you had been in the room or the car or at the pumpkin patch with them, you would’ve seen the real story.
Crying babies, moms bribing kids with candy or extra iPad time or ice cream (been there done that!), frustrated kids, husbands getting impatient. Not exactly the pretty sight you see on their posts, right?!
And I get it, I don’t post all the yucky behind-the-scenes stuff either. I mean, I guess I’ve always just assumed that we all have the hard stuff and who wants to see more of it?
Maybe we all need to post more of that messy stuff.
But what I want you to hear is that there is no perfect mom.
There is no perfect family or marriage or parent.
We all have the hard stuff, the messy bits, the stuff that stays off-camera.
Every. Single. One. Of. Us.
So, I want to ask you…
Do you know you are enough and exactly where you need to be?
{I realize that some religious hounds may come at me for that statement.}
But here’s the thing… if God wanted you to be somewhere else, He would’ve told you, right?
If He had other plans for you, He would’ve shared those with you.
He is our GOOD Father and doesn’t withhold His goodness and good plans from us.
Trust that you are exactly who He has made you to be, that you are in exactly the right place, and that you are living the amazing life He designed for you!
He gave you that precious child. They are a gift straight from heaven! You are the one and only Mama your child needs.
So, trust the process. Trust your gut. Do what is best for you and your family.
If that means posting beautiful, magazine-worthy photos on Instagram every day, go for it.
If that means staying off of social media to focus on what you need to get back on track with knowing who you are and being confident in yourself, do it!
But let’s cut out the comparisons, okay?
Let’s celebrate ourselves and each other and where each of us is in life.
Leave focusing on our differences and thinking we have to measure up to someone else’s life in the garbage bin.
I am sending you an enormous hug and cheering you on!
XO
Happy Summer… And Let’s Tackle The Recession With A Strategy of Hope
Hello, Friend!
You are on my mind. I hope you’re enjoying this first week of summer!
I’m seeing a lot of talk on social media regarding the state of the world and the recession. I realize there is a bit of a debate about whether we’re already in a recession or heading toward one, but either way, we are seeing and hearing that word everywhere. Gas and grocery prices are the highest they’ve been in several years. Supply chain issues are still affecting the grocery shelves (and every other industry).
How are you feeling? Is the stress getting to you? Are you worried about your finances?
Today, I want to remind you to look to our Heavenly Father for hope and encouragement. He is good. Always good. And He is our Source of strength and hope and provision. He says He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He never goes back on His word.
Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! Romans 15:13 TPT
I have more to share on the goodness, provision, and abundance of God, but I want to go ahead and get to some practical ideas that I hope will help you today.
Here are some ideas about making your money go a little further right now.
Coupon Apps/Websites
If you’re not using coupon apps, you’re leaving money on the table. I’m listing my top choices below. I have used every one of these websites and/or apps and have cashed in my points for gift cards. Hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards over the years!
Just keep in mind that they are supposed to be helping you make the most of your money. Your time is precious. Don’t allow them to become a time-suck!
Fetch Rewards: This is how I turn my receipts into FREE gift cards. Try it and get 2,000 points! All you do is snap a photo of your receipt. And it can be ANY receipt, not just ones from the grocery store. I’ve been using this one for the shortest amount of time, but it is my favorite. It’s the easiest one to use. Never glitches. And they occasionally offer additional perks, such as free magazine subscriptions (i.e. Better Homes & Gardens, Town & Country, Eating Well, Harper’s Bazaar, etc.).
Ibotta: This is another free app that gets you cash back on the stuff you buy every day. Just use my referral code: ktilyma and you’ll get a bonus!
My Points: This site gives you multiple options for earning points, which you can turn into gift cards! You can take surveys, shop, answer poll questions, find coupons, upload receipts, click for points, etc.
Swagbucks: This one is pretty much identical to My Points. Earn points when you shop online! I’ve been a member of this platform the longest and have purchased many birthday and Christmas gifts with the gift cards I earned.
Grocery Savings
Shop at Aldi! I have been shopping at Aldi for 10+ years and am super thankful to my friend, Clarissa, who told me about it back in the day. I had seen a few bloggers mention it but had never been myself, so when we moved back to the States, I found out there were two stores close to me. If you haven’t been to an Aldi yet, find one near you ASAP! I always feel so great about how much I get for my money when I shop there. What a great feeling!
Aldi has a wonderful selection of groceries (including organic items), and don’t miss the fun, middle aisle! You never know what you’ll find. It’s like a treasure hunt.
And if you’re going to Aldi for the very first time, take a quarter for your shopping cart. And take your own bags, unless you want to pay for new ones.
If you don’t have an Aldi near you, make sure you sign up for your local grocery store rewards card. This can save you hundreds of dollars each year and always gives you the best deals. With my local grocery rewards card, I can use my points for groceries or gas. Today I saved 40 cents per gallon, which felt pretty good!
If you have pets, shop online at Chewy.com! I have been buying our cat and dog food via Chewy for years. They are fast, reliable, and have the best customer service in the world!
A couple of years ago, our cat, Elliot, got sick and passed away suddenly. We had just received our Chewy order with a fresh bag of Elliot’s prescription cat food. I called them to see if I could return the unopened bag. They not only gave me a refund, but they also suggested I donate that bag to my local vet.
Then I came home from work a day or two later to this…
Chewy sent us flowers from a local florist and included a heartfelt message of sympathy. That’s what I call a five-star experience. During our sadness at losing our sweet pet, Chewy was the epitome of sensitivity and compassion. I’ve been a faithful customer ever since (We have two cats, two dogs-sometimes three when Austin’s dog is here-and a fish.).
Shop on Amazon.com! Are you a Prime member? Get ready because the Prime Day deals are already looking hot! Prime Day is actually two days – July 12 & 13. Mark your calendar! And if you’re not a member, why not?? There are so many benefits. Shopping, obviously, but also shipping/delivery benefits, streaming and digital benefits, reading benefits, and more!
One of the best ways to get deals on Amazon is to sign up for their Subscribe & Save program. It’s a subscription you set up for items you regularly use. I’ve ordered all kinds of things through Subscribe & Save over the years… from toilet paper to snacks to elderberry syrup and supplements to cleaning supplies.
Another favorite Amazon feature is their Audible membership! But since this is a post about saving money, go to your local library for your audiobooks. 🙂
What else do you hope to find a way to save money on right now?
Leave your thoughts in the comments. I’ll be back soon with more ideas.
Love & Blessings!
Scarlett xo
{This post contains my affiliate links, which simply means that when you purchase through my links, I make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!}
Happy Mother’s Day to You
Hey Mom!
Are you looking forward to having the spotlight all on you this Sunday?
You are a rockstar!
Let your people love on and spoil you this weekend!
It’s time to honor you!
I know motherhood is hard. It’s endless hours of being available and “on.” It’s putting yourself last much of the time. I know it can be exhausting and thankless.
Hopefully, you have a supportive spouse or significant other or friends who cheer you on! (And don’t forget to teach those little ones to say “thank you”!)
But if not, I am in your corner, jumping up and down! Here I am shouting, “You are amazing!” “I celebrate you today!” “You’re doing an outstanding job!”
If you’re feeling a little worn down and weary…
If you’re wishing for a break…
If you’re not sure you’re cut out for this job…
Just remember, this is a marathon and a journey. It’s not a sprint.
And there is grace for every step.
Some seasons will certainly be busier and go by faster. But keep the long game in mind.
This is an adventure with the Lord and your kids.
Keep the relationships in the front of your mind. If your little one is only 2 years old, picture them in 10 years. And then in 20 years.
What do you want your relationship to look like at those intervals? In keeping the big picture vision in mind, you won’t get bogged down in the daily stuff as much.
Remember that God chose you to be the mama out of all the women in the world today. He picked you for your child and your child for you. He wove all that DNA together and tied an enormous bow on top. His gifts are good and perfect.
So I hope they greet you on Sunday morning with breakfast in bed or a pleasant lunch out or a fun picnic at your favorite park!
It’s your special day. Enjoy every moment.
Thinking of you,
Scarlett xo
P.S. Check out this touching, new song: Anne Wilson’s Mamas
Happy Spring!
Hey Friend!
Happy spring, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere! 🙂
How are you? How is your 2022 going?
I wanted to hop on here to do a quick check-in. 🌸 🌸
I’ve been focusing much of my time on my business in 2022.
I’ve also been able to travel, not once but TWICE, so far this year! Traveling is my favorite!
We went to Texas in February for a memorial service for my late mother-in-law. She passed away in January 2021, but because of all of us living in different places, plus the state of the virus, we weren’t able to have a service at that time. I’m so thankful we could gather with so many beautiful friends and family members to honor Jacque’s life in February. It was a special service and a lovely time together. Plus, it was wonderful to be back in Houston with Bob’s Dad and his sister, Holly, and her family, after way too long.
After Houston, my three girls and I traveled to the Fredericksburg area to visit friends who are opening a winery there. I had not been to that part of Texas for 25+ years, and it was the first time for the girls. We enjoyed staying in a cute little Airbnb very near the winery. We ate some great food and had a fun time exploring Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
While we were there, I learned that the man who has been like a second father to me since I was six years old was at the point of death. Since I was already in Texas, I started changing all my travel plans to go and be with him or to at least attend his funeral. Sadly, he passed away the next morning.
I drove the girls to Austin so they could go home, as originally planned. Then I drove up to the Rockwall area to stay in a hotel. On the way, I stopped by my alma mater, Baylor University! Wow! I knew it had changed immensely since I was last there, but to see it with my own eyes was amazing. I wish I had had more time to explore. But, there was an ice storm coming…
The drive to the hotel was a little precarious, as the ice storm hit the area right when I arrived. I was never so happy to pull into a parking spot and stay put for a couple of days in the warm hotel. It was an opportunity to batten down the hatches in my room, enjoy the solitude, and get so much work done. I am also thankful for the unexpected time in North Texas to reconnect with a dear friend who I got to have lunch with once the ice thawed.
(This is me with Lowell several years ago.)
The visitation and funeral both got pushed back because of the crazy weather, but I got to attend the visitation, which was probably better anyway. One of my long-time friends was also there and pointed out that you really get to visit with the family more at the visitation, so I was thankful for that. I still cannot believe that Lowell is gone. I know I’ll see him again one day, but wow, he was such a bedrock foundation in my life. His absence is still very surreal.
I was home for about a month and then headed to California for the incredible 100X Favor Conference! It was the best event I’ve ever attended. I soaked in the wisdom, worshipped with 700 other Kingdom entrepreneurs (plus 3000 more who were virtual), made beautiful new friendships, gained unbelievable working relationships, prayed, laughed, cried, and got even more clear about the direction Father is taking me.
If you’ve never heard of 100X or Pedro Adao, I would encourage you to check them out. I discovered Pedro in March 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic. He was offering a challenge for entrepreneurs. I was just starting my entrepreneurial journey, so it was perfect timing! I credit that 4:14 Challenge with giving me the hutzpah to start my copywriting biz. Kingdom life truly is THE BEST LIFE!
That’s a brief bit of my 2022 story so far.
I plan to be back here more often and look forward to connecting with you. xo
{This post contains affiliate links. I make a monetary commission when you purchase through my links. Thank you! 😎 }
Welcome back, Autumn!
Hello Lovely,
I realize I’ve been quiet for a while now. Sorry to leave you hanging.
Honestly, 2021 has been as hard, if not harder, than 2020 was. It’s weird to put that in writing. There have definitely been some wonderful, beautiful, enjoyable aspects to this year. But man, there have also been some hard times and so much grief. We lost three very significant people in our lives in the first 6 months of this year. I’m not sure I’m ready to write about those losses yet. I am processing them and will share more at a later time.
I had planned to write so many things at the time of my last post, but life just kept happening, and I didn’t have it in me.
So… I’m starting today to pick up the pieces. I love being able to tell stories about my life and what I’m experiencing. And I hope to bring some encouragement to you as you mother your little one/s. It’s such an important job and the days are full. I want to cheer you on and support you as much as possible!
Today is the first day of autumn here in the US, and it is a day I look forward to every year.
I adore the four distinct seasons that we get to experience and enjoy on the East Coast. If I had to name a favorite, it would be spring. But all four of the seasons have such unique aspects to them. I look forward to the transition into each one.
Growing up in Texas, I didn’t see the distinction of fall as clearly as I experienced both in Canada and here in Virginia. The colors of the season are truly breathtaking. I cannot wait to take them in again this year.
We have the house decorated and plan to buy some mums for the front porch this week. The leaves are beginning to fall, and I know well see them changing color soon.
Do you love decorating for fall? What are your favorite decorations?
We are experiencing some cooler temps this week, so tonight’s dinner was turkey chili. It seemed fitting for marking the new season. I’ve been looking forward to pulling out the stock pot and cooking up some delicious, warm soups and chilis and stews for my family. I’ll share some recipes soon.
Happy Fall! 🌾 🍁 🍂
Life and Blessings
As I prayed this morning, my heart was set in eager anticipation of what God wants to do in our lives and in our country!
I am speaking peace and unity over this year and the American people.
God is for us and His plans for us are great and wonderful!
Be encouraged! Live in peace and anticipation of what He’s going to do.
As I was praying for our election and the voters who are/will be standing in line today to cast their votes, I asked Father for a word to pray over them and the day.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 was immediately brought to my mind:
I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Just as He spoke these words to the ancient Israelites, I believe He is speaking this word to us today.
The choice is ours.
Life or Death
Blessing or Curse
Let’s be purposeful in our choices for His Name and His Glory!
I am praying Life and Blessings over us all today! ❤️
Thinking of you,
Scarlett xo
Turmoil or Peace?
What are you choosing?
Hey, my friend,
How’s life?
How are you feeling?
Whether or not you’re in the USA, you may be experiencing loads of anxiety.
Is fear trying to suffocate you?
Listen, there is so much going on in the world right now. 2020 has been one challenge after another.
We have been dealing with an illness that we’d never heard of before earlier this year. We’ve lost loved ones. We’ve lost jobs. We’ve been separated from each other. We’ve seen our country divided over issues that are beyond heartbreaking. We have severe political division.
Despair and doom and gloom are everywhere we turn.
Maybe you’re facing some things that don’t even have anything to do with COVID and the circumstances related to the pandemic. Maybe you’re facing other health concerns, family problems, marriage issues, financial struggles.
Maybe you are a single mom who feels totally alone. Maybe you’re trying to homeschool for the first time and find yourself overwhelmed more often than not.
I know it would be easy to collapse in the face of all the angst and turmoil. Sometimes the fear feels like too much.
I get it! This year has been wacky, challenging, and has just seemed like a little too much for me, at times, too.
But I’m here to tell you, there is another way! It’s a new month (Happy November!) and what better time to discover you don’t have to live according to what fear mandates! Dread and anxiety do not have to rule your life!
There is a path to peace.
Isn’t that good news? The best news?!
It would honor me to introduce you to the Prince of Peace: Jesus, the King of Kings!
Do you know Him? If not, I want you to know my Saviour, my Redeemer, my Hope, my Source of life and peace and abundance.
He is THE answer to all this turmoil, all the challenges, all the uncertainty, all the fear. He doesn’t just offer us His peace.
He IS Peace.
In the Bible, we read of the foretelling of Jesus the Messiah’s birth in Isaiah chapter 9 . . .
A child has been born for us; a son has been given to us. The responsibility of complete dominion will rest on his shoulders, and his name will be: The Wonderful One! The Extraordinary Strategist! The Mighty God! The Father of Eternity! The Prince of Peace!
Great and vast is his dominion.
He will bring immeasurable peace and prosperity.
In Jesus’ own words in John chapter 16 . . .
And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!
If you don’t know Him but you want this peace, stop right now and talk to Him. He is listening. Always. He loves you and His love is immense and immeasurable! He wants to have a relationship with you. He is just waiting for you to give your life to Him.
He is waiting to be the Peace that you’re longing for.
Talk to Him now.
You will be absolutely amazed at the incredible Peace that He brings.
Just look at what Philippians 4:7 says:
If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
You’re standing at the crossroads, and it’s time to choose: turmoil or peace.
Do you want to continue down the depressing, life-sucking road you’ve been on? The one that gets you nowhere? The one that makes you want to give it all up?
This is the most important decision of your life. It will change everything.
Please let me know if you’ve made this life-altering choice. I want to celebrate with you!
Thinking of you,
Scarlett xo
Mom, You Are Resilient!
Check out my latest article on Medium.com.
Thinking of you,
Scarlett xo
The Scarlett Thread 