Not by chance, but by choice.

Here is a REAL picture of my life. I am a wife and a mom. And on top of that, I stay at home with my 3 little munchkins. About 95% of the time, I look like this. Yes, I'm still beautiful. But am not by any means "flawless", put together, or "on fleek". 

This is me. Sitting next to my GIANT pile of laundry in my undecorated bedroom.... with just a minute to myself before someone needs me. 

I receive compliments all the time about how well behaved my kids are and how cute of a couple Jeff and I are, how nicely decorated and clean my house is.... 

And while YES maybe those are true.... it's not by chance, nor is it without effort. A lot of effort. DAILY effort. My home isn't clean all of the time, and when it is... it's usually because there is one room with a closed door where I've put all of our crap. 😆 Our marriage isn't the perfect romantic poem.... it has taken a lot of tears and yelling and silence and hugging and talking and consistent, purposeful moments alone, and including God in ALL of it to get us where we are.... which is still FAR from perfect. 

My children are obedient and well-behaved outside of home or when we have guests over! Because my number one priority is making sure they represent Jesus first. At home, they are sometimes adorable little hellions....(let's be honest, so am I sometimes.). Because home is where it's ok to not have it all together.... Jeff and I know our kids loves us and vice versa, therefore, we know that imperfections are welcomed in our home... with love and (trying) patience and forgiveness and correction. Out in the world, people are mean and hurt and far from Jesus, so yes we put our BEST out there for others. 

My life is not by chance, it's by choice. I've chosen to follow God and accept what Jesus did for me. I've chosen to remain in Him and His will. I've chosen to LOVE Jeff, unconditionally, everyday for the rest of our lives. I choose every moment of every day to raise these kids to know their worth and value in the One who created them.

 I fail every day. But I give that to God and let Him make me better and stronger. Without Him, I am nothing.