Sunday, July 31, 2011

I’ve come to Realize….

I’ve come to realize that I actually do have a life……

bday dinner

I’ve come to realize that I love this city……

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I’ve come to realize that food is best with good company…….

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I’ve come to realize to LOVE the ONE your with, LOVE the LIFE you LIVE, and SMILE.

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This past week has brought answered prayers.

God’s path may be narrow at times,
 but I’ve come to realize it’s a path that is straight and secure.

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What have you come to realize?


Cheers to “aww haa” moments!
LC

123 comments:

Tri-Living...Together said...

Wow.. AMEN! There are def times when I feel like my life goes no where. Then there are times when I can feel how blessed I am. It's when we want to step off the narrow path to run onto the open wide one that we lose our way.  

Pure2raw Twins said...

Beautiful post! I have come to realize that my family means the world to me and I value their love and support everyday! Now I just wished we all lived closer ;)  xoxo Twins

Heather @ Where's the Beach said...

Oh fantastic post my dear. It's so true that we need to learn to love what we have in the here and now. Don't envy others b/c you don't really know what their life is. And you don't know what the future holds or how long you have. So love now.

Matt @ The Athlete's Plate said...

Glad you are loving life :)

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

I love this! I've come to realize that there is no rhyme or reason to anything in life...you have to just accept that there are ups and downs and that you have to learn to deal with both. I'm learning that I really have no control over anything, but that I have to try to make the best decisions I can for me and then accept that no matter what happens, it's a part of life. 

I hope you have a great weekend Lindsay!

Wendy said...

That you have to let go to receive!

That sampling a new kind of plum at a farmer's market can result in buying 5 for $1.35!

That driving 11 hours home with my parents isn't nearly as bad as it was when I was a teen!

That my parents think I'm super cool for driving from Youngstown to Breezewood, but I think they're just as cool for driving the entire lenghts of MI and OH while I slept!  (Yes... slept through my sometime-nemesis travel state!)

That taking 2 weeks off from working out fuels the desire like never before!

That sometimes you have to take a chance, ask God to put the words in your mouth, and then have the courage to confront stuff!

That you can turn on the A/C a tiny pinch and still have an elec bill under $25!

That there's more love out there than we realize...we just need to shift our perspectives (if they aren't already in tune)!

Peace to all.

kalli said...

oh so glad you got out with your hubs and enjoyed a great night out on the town......we did too!  it was so fun :)

Teabag said...

hmmm... what a lovely sunday post! 
i've come to realize that sometimes i'm my own best company.  that organizing my apartment is a wonderful saturday night and quietly prepping food for the week is a peaceful sunday morning.
i've also come to realize that harry potter waits for no man & if i'm gonna see it in the theater, i'm taking myself!  :)

Casey said...

I've come to realize that you are awesome...and for some reason always write what I need to hear. :) I've had so many thoughts and worries swirling in my head lately and your posts like this are kind of the extra reminder I need to just chill out and live. Hugggs from the north, lol!

Tiffany said...

I love your week and realizations, missy.  :)  I've come to realize that  I should embrace the ups, and equally the downs.  I would never know ups if I didn't have downs, nor would I love them as much!  Happy blessed Sunday!

Grace said...

I've realized that I am loved even when I don't feel it sometimes!

lindsay cotter said...

oh yes you most definitely are Grace!
<3

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

Well I think you are awesome(er)! Thank you sweet friend for being a gift of encouragement!

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh I'd go see it with you! I'd bring some vension patty sandwiches too. I can sneak those in, right?
;)

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

i'm so glad! You guys needed some good fun after fridays adventure.
:)

Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

cheers to that Matt! And I can see you are doing the same.

Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

what great adivce Sarena, as always! Life really is easier once you accept its uncertainties, right?
Cheers to you!

Lindsay



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JennyV said...

I've come to realize that you can make elaborate plans but God's plans are far greater & ones we couldn't dream for ourselves. You're right, His plan is straight and secure.

Bitchy Runners said...

Very nice!  I just realized I'm super hungry looking at that amazing food.  I've also come to realize that I have a pretty darn charmed life!

Lindsay said...

I always love your posts! They are so uplifting and make me smile :). I've definitely come to realize that it's important to enjoy the time you have to spend with your loved ones- my bf is moving to florida in 2 weeks and then I move back to boston...it's gonna be hard!

lindsay cotter said...

oh Linds, I know how you feel. My husband and I lived in seperate cities for a while when we dated. But in the end, it made our time more precious and oure relationship stronger! Hugs!

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

charm and hunger (for life and food), those are two great things to be proud of! Happy Sunday lovely

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

so amazing and so true Jenny. Thank God that his plans are in control and far far better!

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

you got that right Tiff. Downs are there for a reason, to make us see the UPS in such clarity and appreciation. Thank you for that!

Lindsay



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Stephanie said...

I've come to realize that if I'm going to dip my finger (well, 2 fingers in a row, actually...one wasn't enough, and I'm not quite gross enough yet to lick and re-dip) directly in the Nutella jar, I should glance around first and make sure that my husband isn't standing right behind me.

Jenny Houlahan said...

Yey for answered prayers, spending quality time together and enjoying your fabulous city! :) So glad things are going so well for you two, you deserve it! :)

I'm still working on a few realizations but good things are coming. :)

Kristi @ Sweet Cheeks said...

love this post. We only have one life here on Earth, so might as well embrace it and live it to the fullest! 

Heather @ Dietitian on the Run said...

Your curly/wavy hair is so cute!  :)

Always glad to hear there are "answered prayers" around those parts, good times are always ahead!

I've come to realize this marathon training has come at the perfect time - a great distraction and challenge to keep the days busy and exciting. 

lindsay cotter said...

oh wendy, I love your realizations. So simple yet true! and I wish that we could have a $25 electric bill. 110F outside ain't cuttin it. haha.

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh yes, envying others gets us nowhere but down, right? Hope you are lounging by the pool.
:)

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes, family is there through EVERYTHING. ANd when you do see them, time is just more sweet. Ain't it?

<3

Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

i love that you said that. That open wide path can make us lose our way, seeing the blessings STRAIGHT in front of us is the WAY to go. I am so honored to "know" you Nora. Have a great TAPER week.

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh good planning indeed! The perfect "vent" for a spastic summer. Agreed? I am so excited for you! Keep us posted on how its going.
Cheers!

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

one life to live and that life now! right Kristi!?
Cheers!

Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

and i don't think our realizations will ever stop. Thats a good thing, means we're getting wiser. Right?! Cheers to you and nick this weekend!

Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

haha, we are way past that. We gladly pass the jar around here, without spoons. So if you ever come visit me, you might want to bring your own jar! haha.
Lindsay
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Allie said...

Great insight!

I have come to realize... I love coffee :)

klh said...

Love this : )  Looks like a perfect evening and glad you have come to all these realizations!  I've realized that life is full of ups and downs and that I am loved no matter what by those who mean the most in my life!
Hugs Lindsay!

Abby said...

God's path is "straight and secure" AMEN TO THAT! P.S. I might have just looked up flights to Austin...

emily@runningperspective said...

i love this!!! it is so important to realize that even though your life at the moment may be confusing and complicated..it is all within a plan and you just need to find the good out of every experience you face!

lindsay cotter said...

You better not be teasing me!
;)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Abby said...

Well, I'm not teasing..I really did look!!! 

Rachelle Wardle said...

Great post Lindsay!  Sometimes what we want is right in front of us.  So glad you had a great night out with your hubby!  :)

Sarah said...

I love all your realizations, especially the last one! I've come to realize that I don't need other to tell me I am valued. I am valued by God no matter what! :)

Megan @ Muncher Cruncher said...

Linds! You look BEAUTIFUL in these pics. What a babe! My sister made the drive to Austin yesterday, and I miss her already! At least I know there are awesome people like you there to take care of her! Love ya darlin'!! xoxoxo

Kathleen Meeker said...

I love this post! the moment I found out I was pregnant, I realized how much bigger is than just the life I live. Everyday, I am filled with so much awe and gratitude at the world God has created and the little miracle growing in my belly :)

Katy said...

This post was beautiful. The photos, the words, the meaning. I love it. I teared up a little. I'm not sure if it's from my contacts being dry, or the beauty of the post.... I'll choose whichever makes me sound less dorky I guess. :) 

Dorry said...

This makes me smile, Linds! I love these realizations you've had, and I hope you hold on to them close to your heart. :) I've come to realize (thanks to you!) that it's OK to have a bad day, and the next day is almost always sure to be better.

Smriti K said...

That's a good realization phase for you :)
I think I have realized you can't try to change everyone for the better, and sometimes you can step back and not play Mother Teresa .Has saved me a lot of energy.

Keep it going!
love
Smriti

lindsay cotter said...

oh I like that one. God values you more than you will ever know. And I love that realization! Thank you Sarah!

Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net
www.cottercrunch.com




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lindsay cotter said...

so true, we are just blinded by our worries that we dont see them. Ahh, so great Rachelle. And congrats on your race!

Lindsay




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Liz said...

Aw, this is great. :)  I've come to realize that you'll really never know what you can and cannot do unless you give it a concerted effort.  I really think the blog world helped me with this realization, too -- so many (including you) have really gone after your dreams!

lindsay cotter said...

oh same here! coffee addict!

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

all in the plan, I like that. But living moment by moment is the way to enjoy it best. The up moments and the down. RIght Em?

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes you are and thank goodnes for that! HUGS!
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh please give her my email!! Would love to welcome her personally. And will you be coming soon?? please!

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh liz, I couldn't agree more! So many in the blog world have been a vessel for our dreams. And what a blessing!

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh I like that one Smriti. You always have great words. CHeers!

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh yes, bad days come but bad days GO! phew! and thank goodness for friends like you who continue to make the good days GREAT!

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

your not dorky, your warm hearted! and I love it Katy.

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

so beautiful Kathleen! a miracle indeed and what a great realization. God gives us such beautiful life, amen?!

Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net
www.cottercrunch.com




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Stephanie said...

FUN POST!

I realise that sometimes things work out in the most unexpected ways---in terms of time, place and the means... and you just have to go with it. More flow, less force!

Holly said...

I love hearing that  you have some answered prayers -- things may not always work out the way we want them to or when we want them to, but they do work out and you just have to be patient sometimes. I'm glad you had a nice weekend!

I've come to realize that I'm not in control of everything -- that I need to trust others and I need to trust God!

Molly Mcnamara said...

Very nice :)  I've come to realize only I have the power to let myself be happy :)

Tara said...

Beautiful pictures and a beautiful message, as always! I've come to realize that I'm a little too hard on my sister.. she's 8 years younger than me, but I have no patience with her! I need to think about how I was at her age and that she will grow up... eventually.

lindsay cotter said...

thats tough. You just want whats best for her but that age is hard. I'm sure youre an amazing sister Tara.

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

ahh yes indeed. Oh hey by the way, how did this weekends training go?

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and thank goodness we are not always in control. Ya know? Learning to let go and trust, hard but oh so worth it!!

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

i like those unexpected moments. And those words are perfect. More flow, less force!

Lindsay



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Katherine said...

What a beautiful post!  Thank you so much for the gentle reminders and the honesty you are willing to share with us.  It sounds like you are really letting God guide you and your husband down the path the He wants you on.  My small group at church is doing a study on the book Captivating.  Tonight we discussed grief for the wounds in our life and how those who caused those wounds have grief of their own.  It was pretty profound for me.

Melissa simson said...

Linds you look GORGEOUS in these pics! :) I love your posts. You know what ? they make me feel BETTER. They leave me just with a happy heart, like I really took something away. So thank you for that. And that's why i keep comin back for more!

I have realized this weekend that : 

 - my body is not unbreakable
 -  the city i live in doesn't have to define my lifestyle and that though i feel like i need to conform - i never will ! 
- that chocolate tastes SO much better when shared 

chuck feerick said...

Hopefully it didn't take you too long to realize all that!  It's funny you mention things you came to realize... I just had one of these moments and am in the midst or writing a blog about it

Kris | iheartwellness.com said...

I have come to realize that I am Beautiful, Fun, and am 100% Responsible for my life!  I come to realize I have a voice and I speak it! 

I love this post girl, you always, always, make me think and smile :)  Beautiful!  We MUST do wine one day....we will :)

xxoo

lindsay cotter said...

that is profound. God definitely allows grief for a reason, even those who wounded us have their own. WOW! That means learning to be compassionate even in the midst of youre on hurt. Hope you are well Katherine. Is the hubs coming home soon?
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh that makes my day. I honestly just try to write in the moment. Whats on my heart and to be able to share it is a blessing. Thank you for listening. And I love what you have realized. Just wish I was there to share some chocolate. ;)

Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

well I think we definitely feed of each other with encouragement and for that  i am GRATEFUL! now that glass of wine....gotta make that happen!

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

ha, I think we are on the same wave length thtese days chuck! Love it!
Lindsay



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Bre said...

I'm so happy that you had a lovely weekend full of wonderful moments :) lovely post friend, hope that all is going well down in the Texas heat! ;)

Madeline said...

Now that's my kind of weekend! I've come to realize that everything in life comes together so much easier when you find someone who you love spending every minute with. 

Jess said...

I am SO SO SO happy you've had some prayers answered recently, faith is an amazing thing isn't it? I'm with you on the mantra - love the life you live, live the life you love; and am embracing that in as many ways as I can lately.

lindsay cotter said...

i know you are living this mantra right now and its amazing to see. what an inspiration! truly, I am so glad God has answered some of your prayers as well. ;)

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh amen to that! the little things in life are 10x more meaningful!

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh lordy it was already 81F when I started my run at 7am. 104F the high. I need you to come rescue me! I miss you! how are you?!!!

Lindsay



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Teamarcia said...

I love this! I realize that, despite the obstacles and pettiness that sometimes cloud our way, God and the universe ultimately want the best for each of us.

Brittany said...

I have come to realize that  you are soooo awesome and I want to teleport to where you are so we can seriously hangout! I have also come to realize nothing happens overnight and that I have to work for the things I want in life (which I am SO OK with!) It's these efforts that separate the hard workers from the slackers. 

Monique said...

You guys are so cute!!! I'm a big fan of Stella (and wine, obvi) lately. I've come to realize my days of underemployment are limited!! haha trying to live up my last few weeks with not much to do :)

Jenn @ Peas and Crayons said...

awwwww i'm glad your realizing so many wonderful things =) and heck yes you have a life! =) and its glorious <3

I've come to realize that though the USMC closes a LOT of doors for me... new ones open up. I just have to kick a few down in the process.

MWAH!

LauraJayneBlog said...

Love these pictures!  Looks like a great weekend (and a great birthday date)!
 
I've come to realize that while my relationship with food is a reflection of how I'm feeling about the rest of my life, it shouldn't - but obsessing about it won't change anything.  In fact, obsessing/worrying won't change anything except to waste time.

lindsay cotter said...

those are some powerful words Laura! So true, honest, and real! You are making some freakin awesome realizations.
;)

Lindsay



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Janetha said...

You are absolutely stunning and I love these photos! I have come to realize that taking some time away from internet land is NBD.. it'll all still be here when ready to come back :)

Bonnie said...

"Straight and secure..." So, so true. Thanks for sharing your realizations, Lindsay! And I agree with Janetha - you ARE stunning! I've come to realize that only people count...walking away from an incredible retreat with young adult cancer survivors and leaving with that thought. have a wonderful start to the week!

Missy said...

Beautiful pictures! 
Beautiful words: 

God’s path may be narrow at times, but I’ve come to realize it’s a path that is straight and secure.

lindsay cotter said...

And we're the only ones who make it go off course, amen?! Saw that you commented on my comment to Sophia. And now you know just a little more about my crazy path. hehe.

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh thank you for sharing this bonnie. I want to hear more about this retreat! you amaze me with such love and compassion.

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

yes, life is sometimes WAY more important than the internet. A good break and better for it. I hope you got some good R&R this weekend friend.
<3

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and you better SLAM those walls down! I know you will.
:)

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

soak it up! And maybe a last minute trip to austin? I've got a stella waiting......

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh please do! Let the teleporting begin! and hard work is worth it in the end. Dignity and Strength come from it.

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

He sure does. Gosh, pettiness has been a big cloud lately. thank you for reminding me to give it up!

Lindsay
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Paige said...

I've come to realize that you NEVER know what horrible things someone else might be going through - no matter what front they put on.

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

Everything is good. :)

Allie said...

I have come to realize that God's plan isnt always so clear. I have realized that my life is random and that I need to learn to relax more when it comes to the little things in life.  I have come to realize that if I dont make an effort I wont see change.

lindsay cotter said...

indeed my friend, indeed.

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

wow, amen to all 3 of those! and I think everything can relate!! I know I can Allie.

Lindsay




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Sam said...

aww, these pictures are so lovely!! and i always love your life insights :)

lindsay cotter said...

aww, good one. So many people hold things in (including myself). Compassion is needed.
:)

Lindsay



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Sara Stewart said...

I really love this. Your thoughts are so raw and beautiful, Lindsay!

I've come to realize that life is a lot more fun when you're buoyant. God has a plan for us all, but he likes to throw us for a loop from time to time. If we ride the waves without resisting and TRUST him, we can experience the joy that he wants for us!  

runningperseverance said...

WONDERFUL POST! this week I came to realize that I do not ALWAYS have to push so hard to get where I want to be...sometimes I can take a step back which ultimately helps me get further and helps things to be more clear!

Gina said...

I love this post and your outlook on life! Hope you had a beautiful weekend :)

lindsay cotter said...

wow, what a great word and so true. BUOYANT! GOd is that! And he will never let us sink.
;)
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and I love yours sweet friend.
<3
Lindsay




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Christine said...

"Love the life you live" -- sooooo much truth in that, especially in the blog world.

lindsay cotter said...

yes, lets write this on our forehead!

How are ya lady??
;)

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

i did. thanks Gina. And I hope your raw cooking class is going well. It makes me hungry looking at your posts!

Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

now that is profound! I love the way you think Julia. Maybe we all need to step back and see the bigger picture, right?
:)

Lindsay




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Allie said...

Lindsay I never got that SunChlora stufr yet(and I just realized I think I misspelled it) :)

penny01966 said...

"God’s path may be narrow at times,
 but I’ve come to realize it’s a path that is straight and secure."Wow, that was so enlightening and encouraging. It's so true! I can look back over my 45 years and see where I traded the straight and narrow path for whatever sounded good and fun at the moment. It never worked. Not even once. Those were the most insecure, troublesome times of my life.

lindsay cotter said...

yet why do we think our paths are always the best way to go? sheesh! God is good and brings us right back! phew.
:)

Lindsay



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Holly said...

BEAUTIFUL post! I loved it! & Thank God for answered prayers!!!! :)

LivelyKitchen said...

Great post!  I'm coming to realize that I place way too much emphasis on other's opinions of my parenting.  My kids are going through a squabbling phase and I'm over trying to placate them so who ever I'm with won't judge me.  Sibling rivalry is nothing new and they need to learn to work it out on their own (with some strategic guidance from me at times).  I don't want them, especially my daughter, to pick up on my need to have everyone always think I've got it all together.  I don't and I'm certainly not fooling those who matter the most (my God, my husband and my kids).  

Wow - therapeutic comment for me.  Thanks!  :)

lindsay cotter said...

oh how I respect you even more for this  michelle. You are an amazing woman, mom, wife and yes.....we don't always have it together. A good lesson to learn!
Hugs friend!

Lindsay



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Blonde Ponytail said...

Beautiful!!!!  YOu and the hubs are such a gorgeous couple!!  This post makes me smile at you, your relationship, your faith!  Cheers!

lindsay cotter said...

oh thanks Jess! I always smile at yours. Becuase, youre just freakin awesome! you still in Nebraska?

Lindsay



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