“I have told you these things, so that in ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

This verse has been on my mind more than ever lately. The world seems to be SO sad and angry as of late. Most likely it is because of the Presidential Election taking place and tensions are high and maybe I am just more aware as I age and pay closer attention than I ever used to. It’s not that I’ve never cared about our world in the past, it’s just now I have young children that are relying on me and my husband to be their example and guide as they grow. The pressure of that sometimes seems overwhelming!

It can seem overwhelming because as I watch the news and see all the controversy and hate going around it sickens me to have to raise up little, innocent children into a world that is truly corrupt. Now, don’t get me wrong… I absolutely believe there are plenty of amazing Godly people on this earth, but I am also well aware that this world is not my final destination. God is waiting for me to one day enter into the gates of Heaven and be with Him for eternity! That is such an exciting reality and truth to live by and look forward to. But it isn’t a free pass to stay shut-in behind doors and not stand up for what is right. God put each and every one of us on this earth for a divine purpose, so IT IS our responsibility to spread His love and kindness when others try and destroy and ruin His name!

I want my kiddos to grow up in a household filled with love, laughter and kindness. Knowing that in this home, their home, they are safe, cherished and loved… even if the world tries to tell them anything different about themselves. As parents, Paul and I want to instill certain values into Lazar and Mila (just as our parents instilled in us), to put God first and #1 in every aspect of their lives. Before they will be able to understand that concept, it is our goal to teach them to BE KIND in a world that isn’t always so kind.

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in ME should stay in darkness.” -John 12:46

BE KIND, even when being kind isn’t the “cool” thing to do. This one is never going to be easy…as a young person or an adult! I have never felt guilty or bad about choosing kindness. It is the way God intended us to act, so it needs to feel natural rather than tried.

BE KIND, when it would be easier to just walk away and not deal with it at all. Sometimes we may not be directly faced with the dilemma we are witnessing, but its important to step in if we see a situation that needs it! I believe God has us exactly where He wants us for a very specific reason each and every second of every day, so if you feel it in your heart to step up in a situation do it!

BE KIND, always! The term, “kill em with kindness” really does work! SIMPLE.AS.THAT! Rather than reacting to someone, show them the act of kindness instead! It is incredibly hard to put pride aside, especially with heavy issues, but keeping cool and collected is always a better route that you won’t regret later on when everyone cools off.

I realize that life isn’t a Disney musical where everyone sings a little song and suddenly we all get over our differences and get along. It is ok to have differences… It is ok to have conflicting opinions… But it is NOT ok to treat people as if they are less than you because of those differing mindsets. Social media plays such a pivotal role in this issue, people love being able to spew hate while hiding behind their computer screens… So sad. I believe that if we would just use tools like social media to spread kindness rather than hatred our children just might follow in those same footsteps and have a better shot at making this world a better place after all!

Seriously BE KIND to one another! ALL lives really do matter and showing love to ALL goes a long way!

Have Faith Mama(s)…

XO

We are fully immersed into summer and all the fun that comes along with it; specifically the BEACH! The weather has been so amazing lately that we have been taking full advantage of Grandma and Grandpa’s house on the lake. I mean, we not only get to experience the perks of living on the lake, but we also get to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa (my Mom + Dad) along with it! My brothers and I were fortunate enough to grow up going to our Grandparents lake cottage as well and it was truly a privilege and added such amazing memories to our childhood! So now that my kiddos get to experience the same thing makes my heart so happy! I decided it was only fitting to put together my go-to beach bag essentials when traveling to gma + gpa’s for the day!

1st: S W I M S U I T S

You can’t enjoy splashing in the water in your clothes… I mean you could, but doing it in a cute suit is way more fun! These adorable + affordable swimsuits are from Old Navy!

2nd: S W I M  D I A P E R S

Before getting the kiddos in their swimsuits I put them in these cute little swim diapers. Personally, I find that the disposable swim diapers are a waste of money and quiet honestly, a lot of the time we let L+M go diaper-less anyways! These diapers are from The Honest Company. They work great and if the inevitable BM happens they are easy to rinse and wash just like cloth diapers!

3rd: T U R K I S H  T O W E L

I am a huge fan of turkish towels! Not only are they beautiful, they are also extremely functional! For one, they are very absorbent and they dry quickly because of the thin, but oh so soft material. I sometimes wear it like a scarf or shall and it can be used like a mini blanket/throw as well. It comes in perfect to lay my daughter on so she doesn’t get all full of sand! This turkish towel is from Mae Woven. I definitely recommend checking out her FAB Etsy shop: http://www.maewoven.etsy.com

4th: B L A N K E T // T H R O W

Although I sometimes use our turkish towels as a blanket/throw, I still think its essential bringing a blanket to the beach. I use it to cover the kiddos up on breezy boat rides, I lay it down on the sand (as I mentioned) so my 6 month old daughter doesn’t roll around in it, it’s perfect as a changing station, we even drape it over chairs as a sun blocker at times and lastly, it’s just too cute to leave home! This gorgeous blanket is from the sweetest Mama, Siera Weatherall! You MUST check out her amazing Etsy Shop as well: AnnieMae Home Decor:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnieMaeHomeDecor?ref

5th: S U N S C R E E N

No beach bag would be complete without sunscreen intact! I do not lather my kiddos in this stuff… I let them soak up the amazing benefits of vitamin D that the sun provides. So after some extended time in the sun I will then apply sunscreen on them, but I really do think it is important to let their bodies soak in what God created to benefit them (of course not allowing them to burn)! This is Honest Company sunscreen and we also use a brand called Coola sunscreen, which is amazing!

6th: S N A C K S + W A T E R

Since my daughter is still nursing this one isn’t so essential for her…but for my 1.5 year old son, these little snacks are crucial! Especially the water! It is so important when we have our little ones out in the sun all day to keep them hydrated. So when I have snacks for Lazar he likes to have his water or bottle near to wash it down with. Puffs and Yogis are perfect for the beach because if you loose some along the way it’s really not that big of problem a hungry little birdie can’t fix! 😉

7th + final: B E A C H  T O Y S

I always find it helpful bringing little toys with me wherever I go, and the beach is certainly no exception! Thankfully Grandma and Grandpa have it stocked with buckets, pails and sand shovels for building the ultimate sand castles!

So there you have it! These 7 essentials have yet to let me down this summer! They seem pretty basic, but I’m hoping they helped if even just a little! Happy Summer!

Have Faith Mama(s)…now that you know the essentials, you can sit back and enjoy watching your kiddos make sweet sweet memories!

XO