30 Days in Pictures: Day 18

A picture of your biggest insecurity



It's not my lips, mouth, or teeth that are my biggest insecurity. No, it is my words. Things have a tendency to come out all wrong. I really hope people take what I say with the best intentions. In various situations I spend hours analyzing what I said, could have said, or didn't say. In the end, I try to become more of a ponderer like The Virgin Mary. If you look at the Scriptures, she is always pondering something. I'm trying to become slower to speak, think about what I say, and listen more than I speak. It's a weakness~an insecurity, but I'm trying.

30 Days in Pictures Day: 17

A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.


The Great Adventure Timeline Bible study series and those afterward have made a huge impact on my life recently. I have never understood the Bible so clearly. Basically, the writers of the curriculum have taken the Bible and organized it, so readers can understand the Bible as a story. It is intriguing and exciting.

30 Days in Pictures Day: 16

A picture of someone who inspires you



I had a hard time picking one person who inspires me. Many people inspire me. So, I will tell you about four people who inspire me. My sister-in-laws on Dane's side. Tracy is missing from this picture, but this is when we were all five pregnant together. Earlier in the day, Tracy announced that she was pregnant. (Christmas 2009) Unfortunately, she left before we could all get a picture together. We always meant to photoshop her in. I guess we still could.

Monica (in white): Inspires me to trust God. I try to be a go-with-the-flow type of person, but I like my schedule. I like things to be just so. Monica reminds me that when the plan fails, God still has a plan. She always seems to have a peace in Christ. She inspires me to seek that kind of peace as well. She also inspires me to cook well for my family. She is always whipping up something delicious.

Tracy (not pictured :( ) Tracy is very inspiring. She is just a real, down-to-earth person. To be honest, I wish I could be more like Tracy. She is very genuine. She never says a bad word about anybody. She is very interested in her faith and always wants to learn more. She is humble. I want to be more like that. She also teaches her children (and any children she comes in contact with) I desire to simply teach my children like she teaches.

Diane (in red) Inspires me to be creative. I love the arts. Anything creative~from photography, to cupcake-baking, painting, sewing...the possibilities are endless. However, I sometimes lack the confidence I need to follow through with projects. I tend to come up with an excuse of why my next project won't be perfect, so I shouldn't do it anyway. Diane (and her work) reminds me that everyone is creative. Everyone can be creative even if you don't have a degree in art...(she does which I think is so cool by the way) She also inspires me to play with my children. Being a stay-at-home mom is a blessing, but it can also be a curse. You are with your kids so much that you can tend to put things before them (cleaning, cooking, sewing, painting...etc.) She reminds me to stop and take time to play with my little boy.)

Alissa (in blue) Alissa is a very sweet girl. She has a personality most similar to mine. As far as inspiration, she inspires me to work out and take care of my body. Dane says that she has been running everyday since middle school and she rarely misses a day. Talk about dedication. I'm trying to get into the workout everyday groove. I'm doing pretty well for the most most part, but when I need a little pick-me-up, I think of Alissa!

I am so blessed to know all of these ladies and even more blessed to be a part of their family. Most of them probably don't know I look up to them so much, and all I have to say about that is, actions speak louder than words. You are all true blessings to those around you. :)

30 Days in Pictures Day: 15

A picture of something you want to do before you die
I'm not going to lie. I thought about this post for a long time. I've got many things on my bucket list. From skydiving to travel adventures to random acts of silliness. However, I had a hard time pinning down the one thing I want to do before I die. Therefore, I will say this. All I want to do is live a simple life, loving God, serving others, and being joy-filled. I will leave you with this poem.

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.


He noted that first came her date of birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the “dash” between those years. (1934 -1998)


For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.


For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars...the house...the cash,
what matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our “dash”.


So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
that can still be rearranged.


If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.


And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.


If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special “dash”
might only last a little while.


So, when your eulogy's being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your “dash”?




Copyright by Linda Ellis

30 Days in Pictures Day: 14

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

I love you Fredrick Dane and Jude Azariah!

30 Days in Pictures Day: 13

A picture of your favorite band or artist.
If you know me, you know I am a music fanatic. Growing up, most of the time the TV was turned off and the radio was on from 6 AM until bedtime, and sometimes it sang all through the night. I grew up listening to my dad's music--John Prine, Steve Goodman, Todd Snyder, Fleetwood Mac...etc. As I got older, I fell in love with country. A little bit older alternative rock. I went through and "emo" phase in college, and sometimes my husband can get me to dance to a little R&B in the car. Needless to say, I have a wide range of musical taste. Therefore, picking my FAVORITE band or artist is practically impossible. Instead, I will choose a good local band that's from Ames where I went to school. The Nadas. They make me think of summer, bonfires, the state fair, and being in love. They are my feel good music.

30 Days in Pictures Day: 12

A Picture of Something you Love

It is pretty obvious that I love my husband and little boy, so I decided to picture of something else I love. My nieces and nephews!



On Dane's side, we have quite the clan and tons of fun!
Back row: Jude Azariah, Bridgette Veronica, Isaac Jay, Peter Augustine, Lillian Elaine
Front Row: Sydney Suzanne, Henry Augustine, Avery Eden, Mason David, (and another little one on the way that I cannot wait to love on! Mason and Avery's little Brother)




My quite a bit smaller, but they are two strong-willed little boys--Liam Joseph and Jude Azariah