Hello! It has been almost a week since I last blogged and I’ve missed this little space.
This week has been busy with work and pet sitting, but I found a little chunk of time to pop in and share five random tidbits from my life lately!
1. I was thinking yesterday about how listening is a dying art in today’s culture. I know I’m guilty of being a bad listener at times. I’ve caught myself thinking of something I want to say before the person I’m talking to has finished their sentence. Ugh.
Feeling and knowing that I’m heard and understood is important to me. I’ve been making an effort to listen, really listen, to others when they communicate with me. Our culture is full of distractions that pull us away from true, deep connection. When someone talks to me, I want to always give them my full attention.
2. I’ve been enjoying The Language of Flowers lately. It was recommended to me by Amy (and probably ten other people) and I’m wondering why it took me so long to pick up this book. It’s fascinating.
3. I looked up Youtube videos on how to tie baby wraps so I could bake and hold Malcolm at the same time. I used a big beach towel and it kind of worked. I’m still eyeing up cat strollers on Amazon.
4. Pet sitting has been randomly busy for me lately. I so enjoy the company of animals. I constantly go back and forth on whether or not I want to pet sit full-time. It’s a tough decision, mostly because the income isn’t always steady. Speaking of pets, I took Lola to the vet on Tuesday because she has an ear infection. Poor girl!
5. My cousin sent me this picture of her adorable daughter, Macie, the other day. Ten minutes later, my aunt sent me the same picture of Macie.
I had some suspicions about the reasoning behind the influx of baby pictures, so I texted my mom to discuss.
Jimmy and my mom are convinced if I ever become pregnant that I’m going to have twins. The thought of twins scares the living daylights out of me. It’s easy for me to think I can’t do it when I think about babies in general. The truth is that I can’t, but God will equip me for whatever He has in store for my life. Whether it’s writing a book, passing statistics, raising a family, or something totally different. God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Children are something Jimmy and I talk about often. Whether we adopt, foster, or have biological (or all three, or none) is something we pray about diligently. It’s a huge responsibility and privilege to raise a human being. We trust that God will guide us and equip us for whatever His plans are for us 🙂
Living My Full Life 
Pet sitting is super fun and also something you can do while pregnant and quickly after being pregnant. Bringing the baby(ies) with you would be something simple to do right?
Active listening is something I deal with too. As a future health coach, most clients just need to talk and they can solve their health problems by themselves. It is a skill I must work on.
So true about being able to pet sit while pregnant and after having a baby! I’m sure it would be no biggie to bring a baby, either! You got me thinking 🙂
Active listening is hard, isn’t it?! I think you will be a great health coach!
Ah! You are going to be such a good mommy of TWINS! 😉
Being a good active listener is so important! I learned a lot about it when I was in graduate school (studying counseling) and realized what a learned art it really is. This is a good reminder to be a better listener. Thanks, friend!
Oh man, can you imagine me with twins?! So scary! But if that’s God’s will, then I’ll enjoy it because He always has the best plans for our lives 🙂
I didn’t know you studied counseling in grad school! I knew you went to grad school, but I wasn’t sure what you studied. You would be an excellent counselor, as you already are a wonderful listener, wise, and give great, Godly advice!
Aw if I ever get my own cat or a small dog I would totally want to carry it around in a wrap as I do my daily things. Malcom is such a cutie!!!
Wouldn’t it just be the best?! It’s like one long snuggle session all day! Malcolm told me to tell you thanks for the compliment!
Literally was just thinking about that listening problem. I find when I want to have a serious conversation with someone I feel they aren’t fully listening! It makes it hard to want to talk.
I know exactly what you mean. It drives me crazy! I don’t want to be that person, ever!
It is so important to be a good listener and I definitely struggle with that sometimes. Why do I try to come up with a response before the person is even done talking?? My response doesn’t matter that much!
So glad you’re enjoying The Language of Flowers! I knew you would.
That homemade wrap with Malcolm?? Hilarious!! He’s such a good cat.
You will be a great mom someday!
I’m the same way! I know I value people who listen well, so I need to do the same! It’s often easier said than done, but I’m working on it!
The Language of Flowers is SO good. Thank you for the recommendation!
Malcolm really is a good cat. He is incredibly friendly and snuggly. Everything I ever wanted, basically 🙂
Thank you for the compliment! Motherhood scares and excited me all at the same time!
My mom used to tease me about having twins ALL the time, and it terrified me!!! Ha, ha. I think that it’s scary to think about it (as it can be scary to think about having kids in general). But honestly, God gives you grace and strength in the moment, you stand together as husband and wife, and instinct kicks in. You will be AMAZING parents, whether you have one baby at a time… or twins. 🙂 Faith and love gets you through anything! And honestly, being a mom is SO much fun. It’s the best adventure there is. 🙂
I’m glad someone knows how I feel about twins–terrified! Haha. Yes, kids in general is a scary thought for me, but you’re right. God gives grace and strength as we need it! Thank you so much, Nicole!
Twins are great! My little ones are 6 now and I smile every time I skype with them!
Aww, I knew you had kids but I didn’t know you had twins! That must be so amazing!