Utter Failures

A friend shared an inspirational quote on Instagram the other day and it got me thinking. Here's the quote: So at first glance, I agree with the quote. We should be doing our best and giving each day all our effort. And our faith would agree: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23 & 24 But what gave me pause was the way the quote could be taken. YOU are better than being average. YOU deserve the best. YOU need to live in a way that brings YOU all the things YOU want so YOU can be a SUCCESS. I'm not saying at all that the friend intended that. (If that was you, please don't @ me!) But contrast the "YOU"-focused application with this: I think most of us (Christians and not) would see through and denounce the prosperity gospel advocated by the Joel Osteens of the world. That's probably n

Someone told me the other day I should have a blog about the reality of having kids since most "mom blogs" are more idealistic or at least don't show the everyday messy reality. I'm not going to create a new blog -- this one is largely about those types of things, anyway. But I decided I'd write a post about that topic. Keep in mind, this is my point of view and experience. So here we go -- Having Kids: Expectations vs. Reality. Expectation: I don't think I'm actually prepared to have kids Reality: I wasn't Expectation: I'm going to be really tired Reality: I am Expectation: I have no idea what I'm doing Reality: I didn't Expectation: I don't think I can do it all... Reality: I can't Expectation: I am going try my best to balance work and home life Reality: Still working on that Expectation: I'm pretty laid back. Wonder if I'll stay that way? Reality: Eh... Expectation: I don't like kids... I wonder