Hi Socialites ??, and Happy Valentine’s Day! Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my marriage, motherhood, and many of the choices I have made over my life. It could be because February is the “month of love”, but I’ve been downright sappy over the past week!
I have been trying to say “yes” to more things in my life lately, especially in areas of physical health and fitness; career and finances; and my spiritual walk. But there are three experiences I have had that stand out as defining moments in my life. These moments are the type that have a deep impact on your life, and transform everything that you thought you knew about yourself. Defining moments often require tremendous courage and determination when “yes” is your answer. I’m sharing the 3 times when saying yes changed my life!
1. Getting married. Honestly, out of every choice I have made, saying yes to getting married is one of my better ones! I hadn’t planned on getting married when I met my forever love. I was determined to climb the career ladder, and achieve success and independence before ever considering settling down. But God (and my husband) had other plans, and I’m so glad I said yes! I’m not saying that marriage is always wonderful; ours has come with many challenges, especially with regard to health (my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2014), but there is something so reassuring about having someone to love, to walk through life with, and to come home to at the end of a stressful day. I love that marriage is a partnership, and that my husband and I are built in support for one another!
2. Becoming a Mom. I think I shocked my entire family when I said “yes” to this one! I’ll be very transparent and say that I was never one of those women who dreamed about having kids. Sure, I had nieces and nephews who I loved, but part of the appeal was that I could spend a little time with them, and go back home to peace and solitude! So, as the number of years that I was “married with no children” increased, my mom began telling everyone that she had “4 grandchildren (from my sisters), and one granddog” (my dog Grizzly, shown here!) I can still remember the day that my husband looked at me and mentioned starting a family. At first I was like “no sir!”, but then my heart began to soften, and with each day that passed, I began to think about being a mother, and being able to love, provide, and care for a precious life. And one day, I looked at my husband and said “yes.” Baby Bella is now here, and our life is forever transformed! Our home is filled with the sweet sound of her laughter and love, and every moment with her, although sometimes challenging, has been magical. ?
3. Giving my life to Christ. This should honestly be at the top of the list, but this post is in no particular order. Lol. I got saved at an early age; around 10, and I was baptized and very active in the church (choir, junior usher, etc.) When I went away to college, being away from home, and left to own devices resulted in me not attending church regularly, and partying as much as I could. I fell further and further away from a Christian walk, and at the time, I didn’t care. I’m often ashamed at some of the things I did in college (?), but then I realize that it’s all a part of my testimony as to the undeserved Grace that God has shown me, and how even in my darkest moments, He never left me, but was merely waiting on me to return. One of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This verse has so much truth!!! After college, I went back to church, but I would still dabble in the party lifestyle, and many times I backslid. But on February 9, 2014, I finally made the decision to completely rededicate my life to God, and it has been a sweet walk with Him ever since. By saying yes to God, and keeping His commandments and walking in His Word, I am assured of eternal life with my Heavenly Father!
I hope that the moments I have shared will encourage you to make confident choices in your life, and embrace life-changing decisions. What are some moments where you’ve said “yes” and your life was never the same? Drop me a comment below and share your stories! ??
See ya next time!
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February 14, 2018 at 8:21 am
Wow. This a beautiful blog. I love your photos too. Cheers to more wonderful yes-es to come!
February 14, 2018 at 8:43 am
I love the post to your blog. Beautiful!
February 14, 2018 at 10:34 am
Such a beautiful and heartfelt post! I’m sure it means more to me since I’ve been there every step of the way! ??? #IsayYEStoo ?
February 14, 2018 at 11:58 am
Lovely post, loved reading it.
February 14, 2018 at 1:23 pm
My life changed the most when I said yes to finally having to leave my teaching job and staying home with my kids.
February 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm
This is so inspiring! Saying yes definitely gave you a great life and an adorable daughter. I am not in that phase in my life but hopefully in the future I’m gonna say yes for both!
February 14, 2018 at 3:01 pm
This is such a sweet post! I also said yes to marriage and having kids and I’m so glad I did as well. I’m agnostic so I’m not religious, but I’m always glad when people find something that helps them believe!
February 14, 2018 at 3:15 pm
This is so sweet!! I think I am going to follow your lead and say yes to something today!!!
February 14, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Saying yes in certain aspects of your life is a good thing like with fitness, but not all the time.
February 14, 2018 at 4:52 pm
Aww this is such a lovely post and what amazing times to have changed your life and thankfully all for the better by the sound of it!
February 14, 2018 at 7:27 pm
How sweet of you! Saying “YES” is definitely one of the amazing but complicated answer to a question in relationship, because saying “YES” in marriage means you are ready to grow old with him no matter how big or small the trials are..
February 14, 2018 at 7:41 pm
These are definitely beautiful moments worth saying YES to! I’m glad you did and it’s really nice how much life has blessed you.
February 14, 2018 at 9:07 pm
Those were the three biggest YESEs my wife did for me and for herself. Thanks for such a nice read. 🙂
February 15, 2018 at 12:32 am
Saying yes to marry my husband changed my life. Having kids as well. This was beautifully written and reminded me I made great choices.
February 15, 2018 at 1:43 am
Awww! Your story is so great. i loved that saying yes has changed your life in amazing ways. Bless!
February 15, 2018 at 6:50 am
What a great story! Love these yes’s that lead to awesome things!
February 15, 2018 at 12:07 pm
The most important “yes-ses” I can think of. Love your post and words. Hope you keep on sharing your faith, business and family posts with us. You have a beautiful family, by the way!
February 15, 2018 at 12:59 pm
I cant wait until I say yes to my future husband and become a mom. That is wonderful and its always great to say yes to higher spirituality!
February 15, 2018 at 3:18 pm
These are all such beautiful, memorable moments! My key “yeses” were when I married my husband and when I decided to move to another country to attend my dream graduate school.
February 15, 2018 at 4:33 pm
What an amazing story. Saying yes leads to many great things for sure!
February 15, 2018 at 7:53 pm
Your commitment to saying yes more often has really inspired me to grab life by the horns and just say yes to more opportunities. I am so happy that you found yourself a wonderful husband and had a lovely family as well!
February 16, 2018 at 1:05 pm
This is a beautiful post. I also said yes to marriage and of course to having my son. My son has changed my life forever and I am so glad we are under the Lord’s umbrella.
February 16, 2018 at 2:45 pm
I am a “yes woman”. I try saying yes as much as I can.
February 16, 2018 at 7:22 pm
Very sweet post. I love your pictures. Your daughter is very cute!
February 17, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Beautiful post. We could all benefit from saying “yes” more often.
February 17, 2018 at 4:30 pm
That’s a very beautiful post.. Loved reading it thanks for sharing this with us
February 18, 2018 at 1:03 pm
As a friend used to say, “I’m saying YES to the rest of my life being the best of my life.” Sometimes, one has to be willing to drop fear of the unknown or fear of failure to enjoy the possibilities that lay ahead. Glad you’ve had an amazing life so far.
February 19, 2018 at 2:26 am
What a wonderful post! Saying yes to Jesus was the greatest decision ever! He made me brand new! So happy for you and your family!
February 19, 2018 at 7:32 am
Yes, yes yes! Lovely post and there is nothing wrong with this three-letter word! Now you are truly blessed 🙂
I’m happy for you, babe!
February 19, 2018 at 4:42 pm
Such milestones in your life. Cheers to saying yes 🙂