Moments...

The last week and a half has been confusing... I've been numb and overwhelmingly sad about the death of a beautiful woman of God. The sadness comes in waves.

Moments when I'm being a mom.

Moments when I'm just being a wife.

Moments when I'm just alone and thinking about life and purpose...

Those moments have literally been sad because I've thought about her not being here to do those simple things we sometimes take for granted. But even though she's not here physically, she is with our Lord and enjoying being in His presence. He loves her more!

So, today, I finally got a chance to sit still and listen to the Youtube video of my sis in Christ entitled Staying Awake When Life Hurts. Very powerful. Very real.

As I listen and watch. She cries. It's hard for me to see people that I love and care about hurting. I feel helpless to help, if that makes any sense. I just felt compelled to write out my thoughts and feelings...

I've strayed away from writing regularly. My mom reminded me that writing is my passion and while I'm processing what has happened, I should get back to writing. So...

I have.

I am.

I will.

Right now, I feel like I'm rambling, but I'm writing as the words and feelings come... Praying God will use these words and me to show love the way He would. It's not about me. It's all about Him and  Who He is.

The Lord is Good all the time and His plan is perfect. I hold on to my life verse - Romans 8:28...

Rest in Jesus, Wynter Pitts!!

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"

​"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest difficulty in life. They are sour and hard to swallow - just like life can be sometimes. On the other hand, lemonade is cool, refreshing, and sweet, right? It feels and tastes good going down...

So this is what you do to be victorious in your life. Take life by the hand, squeeze it, add some sweetness, and stir it up! Overcome difficulty by changing your attitude from sour to sweet. Kick life's butt by not allowing it to dictate who you are and who you can be in the face of the difficulties in your life!

You see, the reality is that life happens! Good, bad, and ugly. But your response to life's challenges is YOUR responsibility. And most importantly, your testimony of overcoming your challenges can be just what God uses to lift someone else up from their difficulty...

So... let's make some lemonade today!

From the Book of Shellye <3

Here's to Good Health...

​Tonight I will cook and try beets for the first time in my life.

    

Don’t know which dish I’ll try but I’ll figure out!! (Maybe Ratatouille!)

My health is important.

I’m learning the hard way that if I don’t take time to take care of me, my body will MAKE me do it. So...... This week. I have learned to...

Slow down.

Detach.

Redirect my energy to loving myself first.

When you love yourself first, then you have the capacity to love and care for others with your very best!

Here’s to good health!

Book Review: She's Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst

As I started reading this book, I laughed, I cried, I sat and stared into the ceiling... I saw myself over and over and over again throughout the pages. When Chrystal says she's talking to you, she's telling the truth. The book speaks to the reality of who I am and as I near the empty nest season of life, I am assured that I can find the girl in me who has been so many things to so many people and rescue her so I don't get lost on my journey back. I've learned to be careful of what I say about myself. Remembering that my "drifts, decisions, and collisions don't define" me and so much more! So if you seem to have lost your way as you wind your way through different seasons of life, grab hold of this book, get ready for the ride of lifetime, and put on your cape to become your own superhero and rescue the girl in you!

On a scale from 1-10, I rate this book as follows:
 • Readability - 10
 • Challenge - 10
 • Encouragement/Inspiration - 10
 • Godly Wisdom - 10

I highly recommend this book for any woman looking for encouragement, self evaluation, and self improvement.

If you're interested in learning more about this book and purchasing it for yourself, please CLICK HERE. There's also a study guide available!!

Happy Reading! Thanks, Chrystal for allowing us a peek into your life for inspiration and encouragement. Thank you for being a model for other women!

Book Review: FACTS Uncensored

A few years ago, my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Dante and Renetta Wesley. We were invited to participate in a weekend of events, including a golf tournament, football camp, and afterparty at their home by one of my husband's business associates in exchange for our assistance with marketing and promotions. I've never been enamored much with celebrities. However, there was something about this couple that peaked my interest more than any other celebrities I've met over the years. For all that they have, they were so very down to earth and humble. We visited their home after another event a few weeks later and, eventually, Dante became a part of my husband’s sports talk radio show. They always made us feel at home. I didn't understand what it was about them that drew me in until I read their book, FACTS Uncensored.

Why I Don't Remember...

My husband and I had a discussion while we on the road the other day. We have DEEP discussions, especially on long drives. I love it! Not sure how we got on the subject, but somehow we began to discuss things we've done in the past that might have been hurtful to each other. Whenever we have discussions like this, I find that I just can't seem to remember EVERYTHING my husband has done to disappoint or hurt me. Don't get me wrong, I can remember major hurts and disappointments, but the little things, I just can't seem to recall them on the spot and I really don't care to.

What I Did Wednesday...

It's another day in the life of ME!!  Living a gracious, grateful life regardless of what the circumstances look like.

6am to 7:15am
Get up, get up... Get up, get up...

My alarm goes off...Thank you, Lord for waking me up.

I look over at my hubby. Thank you, Lord for him. Thank you for waking him up.

We read devotion together and discuss the topic, "Serving Each Other". Thank you, Lord for Quality time together in Your word.  Thank you for allowing us to pray together daily and start our day off right.