An edited life?

I enjoy Instagram and photography. So let me just say that I am not here to totally bash social media. But, I do want to share the following thoughts...

What if we looked at our entire life, every moment, and enjoyed it like it was a carefully crafted Instagram picture? Instead of only looking at the "social-media-worthy-highlights" that we want to show off to others...

What if we viewed every moment of everyday as beautiful and breathtaking? Rather than focusing on drama and frustrations...

What if we enjoyed all the simple things? In place of longing for things we do not have...

What if we took time and put forth effort to intentionally see the amazing things happening in our everyday lives? Instead of missing moments because we are glued to our phones...

What if we spent time looking at our blessings? Rather than someone else's Facebook status...

Or, are we deceived into missing so much of life because we are comparing our outtake reel to someone else's "edited" life as seen on Instagram and Pinterest?

Are we trying to live an edited life?

Just a guess, but... I think we would find joy and contentment if we intentionally focused on our blessings from God and every moment of the life He has given us.

My prayer is that God will help me to enjoy what He has blessed me with, in this moment. And that I would not compare my life with others or attempt to compete with anyone else.

Friday?

It is Friday!

These three words can pack a huge meaning. And for many it means the work week is over and the weekend is starting. Believe me, I am looking forward to the weekend! But, I am wondering... Do we use that phrase as an excuse to glide through the day doing just enough to get by and fly off to our weekend escape? Do we use that phrase to be lazy?

Or.

Do we say, "It is Friday!" This is my last work day this work week. I need to make it count. I need to do hard things. I need to step it up and get things done.

It can be easy to fall to the temptation of complacency.

It can be easy to just exist.

I for one need a kick in the butt now and then to keep moving. So this is my challenge, the kick in the butt, to myself to do this day well. To do hard things and to make this time count.

And by the grace of God I know this is going to be a great day!!

Doggy Beds and Rain "Puddles" - Friday Morning Rambling

Overnight our area had the worst rain storm of the year. If you do not believe me just check the local news stations! Evacuations and water rescues took place most of the night in two nearby towns.

We were sleeping for most of the storm and unaware of the flooding until alerts blasted across our phones startling us awake. Clearly our dog was also unaware. Let me just share something with you about our incredibly smart Australian Shepherd:

Two weeks ago I bought her a bed. Not just any bed. A Serta mattress doggy bed (spoiled rotten, I know). The picture below serves as the proof (do not let the dog tell you otherwise).

Fast forward to this delightful morning, with our rain gauge reading 6 inches... Where is little doggy? OUTSIDE. Laying in the rain looking like a drowned rat.

Are we cruel animal owners? Ha! Her nice warm dry doggy bed was less then 20 yards away and freely accessed. But, as she is a very smart doggy, I am convinced that she must have just been taking her morning shower (too bad ticks can't be washed off).

But listen! Even Bubba duck loudly shared her displeasure when let out of her pen this morning. A DUCK!!   I'm convinced she would wear a rain coat and boots if we provided them (but she would require they be of the latest fashion, of course).

I truly do not understand this dog. But she provides us with humor! I guess she can stick around. She just better start using that bed!!

Happy Friday!