They say “Paris is always a good idea,” and honestly — they’re right. Trying to put together a one-week itinerary for Paris? Not so easy. There’s just so much to do! My husband and I traveled to Paris almost 20 years ago, without kids and so here’s my best shot at sharing what our first trip to Paris looked like as a family of five — full of adventure, crepes, and memories we’ll never forget.

One Week in Paris: Family of Five-Adventures in the City of Light

Our family of five had just one week to experience Paris — and what a week it was! From iconic landmarks to quiet café corners, we soaked in every moment. With only seven days, we made the most of our time, packing in the culture, crepes, and unforgettable memories. Paris didn’t just meet our expectations — it exceeded them!

🇫🇷 PARIS 101: TIPS FOR AMERICANS IN SPRING 🌸

Things to Pack:

1. Passport! It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to overlook the most important item. Don’t leave home without it!

🌤 WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR:

In May 2025, Paris typically enjoys mild spring weather, but it can be unpredictable, so packing with versatility in mind is key.Layers are your friend: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even if afternoons are sunny (temps range ~49–71°F / 9–21°C). Bring a scarf: Parisians love them, and it’s stylish + practical. Light jacket or trench coat: Especially for spring breezes and rainy spells. Comfortable shoes: Paris is best seen on foot. Opt for chic sneakers or stylish flats (no athletic running shoes unless you’re working out). Umbrella or waterproof jacket: Spring showers come and go. A few of my favorite stores for basic essentials include (Seen in photo below): Amazon (Mid-length black coat), Black trouser pants, Target (sunglasses), J.Crew (striped tee). Other favorite stores for that European style try Zara, H&M, Nordstroms Rack.

Parisians dress smart casual — leave the sweatpants, shorts, leggings, bright & bold colored clothing, and backpacks at home. Many shops close Sunday & midday — plan accordingly. Use Google Translate app and Citymapper for navigating.

Outfit Below: Crocheted top and Belt (Target) , white jeans (Amazon).

A few of my favorite finds for Being Prepared in Paris!

Comfty & Cute Travel Day Look: Amazon

New Balance Women’s Sneakers: Nordstrom

Crossbody Favorite: Athleta Crossbody: https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=613694012&vid=1&searchText=crossbody%20bag#pdp-page-content

Chic Cardigan: Amazon

Trendy Trench Coat: Nordstrom

Scarf/Pashmina: Amazon fave

Other Chic Casual Outfit Ideas:

Favorite Tripod for Easy Family Pics:

🕶️Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, easy crossbody bag, hat, light weight jacket, umbrella, and sunscreen!

To summarize, May in Paris is all about being practical, polished, and prepared for changing skies. Layers, comfort, and classic neutral tones will have you fitting right in while staying cozy and stylish.

One Arrived:

✈️AIRPORT TO APARTMENT:

We took a taxi van from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to the apartment we rented for the week in Paris. The ride took about 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost around €60–€70 for our family of five. It was comfortable, convenient, and gave us a first glimpse of the city as we headed toward the heart of Paris — the perfect start to our adventure!

We rented a beautiful apartment just off a charming street with breathtaking window views of the Eiffel. See photos here:

🗣️ LANGUAGE & ETIQUETTE

I was pleasantly surprised to find that many Parisians speak English—perhaps a reflection of Paris’s international presence or the influence of modern global culture. Still, learning a few basic French phrases goes a long way in showing cultural respect and appreciation Greet first! Always say “Bonjour” (daytime) or “Bonsoir” (evening) before speaking — especially when entering shops or cafés. Politeness goes a long way: Add “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you). Finally, whatever you do, don’t be loud or yell: Americans tend to be louder — try to lower your volume indoors. Here are some basic French charms to help you:

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: 🛍️

🍽 FOOD & DRINK|

Café culture: Meals are slower paced — enjoy it! Don’t expect speedy service. Tap water is safe: Ask for une carafe d’eau (free water pitcher) instead of paying for bottled water. Avoid eating on the go: It’s considered rude. Take time to sit and enjoy. Try local spring produce: Think strawberries, pomegranates, asparagus, and artichokes. The food is amazing and tastes so fresh!

Tipping: Service is included in the bill (service compris), but you can round up or leave €1–2 for good service.

🛍 SHOPPING & MONEY

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Cash is still useful: Especially for small purchases, markets, or restrooms. Shopping hours: Many stores close on Sundays. Plan ahead!

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann– Mall Experience

• What it is: A luxury department store that feels like a cathedral of fashion.
• Highlights: Designer brands, French perfumes, gourmet food hall, and a free rooftop terrace with amazing city views.
• Location: 9th arrondissement, near Opéra Garnier.
• Pro Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and check out the glass dome inside!

Boulevard Haussmann, near Opéra Garnier. Famous For: Its stunning glass dome, fashion-forward designer collections, gourmet food hall, and panoramic rooftop terrace (free entry!). Tip: Go to the rooftop for one of the best free views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline. Also, there are several restaurants on the rooftop that are incredible with rooftop views!

🧭 GETTING AROUND 🚊

Metro is efficient & cheap: We mostly used the Metro (and walked). Buy a carnet of 10 tickets or a multi-day pass (Navigo Easy). Apps to download: Citymapper, Bonjour RATP, Google Translate (offline mode). Taxis vs Uber: Both are available. Taxis are easier to find at stands. Walking is incredible: Paris is best explored on foot — I cannot emphasize enough to bring comfortable walking shoes.Ubers are available as well!

Pro Tip: Consider downloading apps for train and the metro. 💡

📸 MUST-DO SPRING EXPERIENCES

Picnic in the park: Try Jardin du Luxembourg or Champ de Mars. Bring a light blanket and snacks for a fantastic memorable picnic !

Spring blooms: Cherry blossoms near Notre Dame or Jardin des Plantes. Seine River cruise: Especially in the evening for Eiffel Tower sparkle. Rooftop views: Galeries Lafayette terrace or Sacré-Cœur steps. Eat outdoors: Patio dining is a must-do in springtime!

Tuileries Gardens:

You don’t want to miss the gorgeous Tuileries Gardens right next to the famous Louvre Museum. They sit side by side in the heart of Paris and offer a perfect blend of art, history, and beauty. Here’s what makes each spot so special: It is one of Paris’ most beautiful parks and the perfect place to take a walk, have a picnic, or even get engaged! 💍

(Picture seen below is a re-enactment of my husband’s marriage proposal 18 years ago!)😍

Eiffel Tower Tour:

To tour the Eiffel Tower, start by booking your tickets online in advance — this helps skip the long lines. You can choose to visit the 2nd floor or go all the way to the summit for breathtaking views of Paris. There are elevators and stairs (if you’re up for the climb!).

Most tours include insights into the tower’s history, architecture, and panoramic landmarks. Guided tours offer great information and often include access to priority elevators.

☀️For the best experience: Visit at sunset or night for a sparkling view. Stop at the 1st floor glass walkway and grab a snack at the café. Don’t forget your camera — the views are stunning!

🎡 Fun Facts About the Eiffel Tower

1. It was never meant to be permanent
   Gustave Eiffel built it for the 1889 World’s Fair, and it was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years!
2. It changes size with the weather
   The tower can expand by up to 6 inches (15 cm) in hot weather due to the metal heating up.
3. It sparkles every night
   Every hour on the hour after sunset, the Eiffel Tower twinkles with 20,000 lights for five minutes — magical!
4. It used to be the tallest building in the world
   At 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall, it held the title until the Chrysler Building in NYC surpassed it in 1930.
5. You can climb it — all 674 steps to the second floor!
   Or, take the elevator to save your legs and enjoy the views.
6. It was once yellow
   Over the years, it’s been painted many colors — including yellow-brown and red! Today it’s a custom shade called “Eiffel Tower Brown.”
7. It’s repainted every 7 years
   Using 60 tons of paint each time to protect it from rust.
8. Céline Dion performed at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking her first public performance since 2020.

Family Photoshoot: 📸

📸 Why a Family Photoshoot in Paris Is Totally Worth It!

Let’s be honest — Paris is dreamy, and having professional photos taken while you’re there just makes sense. Here’s why it’s such a great idea:

1. No more awkward selfies

A pro photographer makes sure everyone is in the shot! You get real smiles, genuine moments — no weird angles or blurry pics. A bonus: It helps someone else besides Mom trying to get the kids to smile!

2. They know all the best spots

From secret corners in Montmartre to perfect Eiffel Tower angles, local photographers know exactly where to go — and when the lighting’s just right. You get amazing backdrops without the stress.

3. Way better than phone pics

Professionally edited, high-quality photos? Yes please. These are the kind of pics you’ll actually want to frame, post, or turn into your holiday card.

4. You get to just enjoy the moment

No juggling tripods, timers, or asking strangers. You can just have fun together while someone else captures the magic.

5. The best souvenir ever

Forget the snow globes — your photos will last forever. It’s the sweetest way to remember your trip together.

6. Affordable

Research photographers who specialize in family or vacation photography (try platforms like Flytographer, Airbnb Experiences, or Instagram). Check portfolios and reviews to find a style you love. Contact them directly via website or message to confirm availability, pricing, and preferred locations (like Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, or Luxembourg Gardens). Book in advance, especially for golden hour or weekend shoots. Confirm meeting point, outfit tips, and weather plan.

Most shoots last 30–90 minutes and deliver edited digital photos within a week! 
The Paris Photographer we chose Maud and she can be found here.

Maud Ovelacq

Perfumery Tour:

🌸 How to Book a Perfumery Tour in Paris

1. Choose your perfumery

Some of the most famous options include:

• Fragonard Perfume Museum (Musée du Parfum) – Free tours + paid workshops near Opéra Garnier.
• Maison Guerlain – Iconic boutique on Champs-Élysées with private tours and bespoke experiences.
• Maison Molinard or Galimard – Offer “create your own perfume” workshops.
• Le Studio des Parfums – Personal fragrance creation in the Marais.

2. Visit their website or booking platform

• Most perfumeries offer online booking through their websites.
• You can also find tours on Viator, GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or TripAdvisor.

3. Select your experience

Options include:

• Guided tour with perfume history.
• Hands-on workshop to create your own scent.
• VIP or private sessions.

4. Pick a time + language

Many tours are available in English, but confirm when booking. Some experiences fill up quickly, so book early — especially in spring and summer.

5. Show up and breathe it all in!

Arrive on time, and be ready to experience the artistry behind French fragrance — it’s both fun and luxurious!

To complete our perfumes, it took about 2 hours. Totally worth every minute!

🧠 BONUS TIPS:

Etiquette: Parisians aren’t rude — they’re reserved: Show respect and effort, and you’ll be treated kindly. Bathrooms are scarce: Many cafés charge unless you’re a customer. Keep €0.50–€1 coins handy. Sunday slow-down: Many museums, restaurants, and shops close or open late. Don’t rely on air conditioning: Most places don’t have it, but it’s rarely needed in spring.

Safety: While Paris is generally safe, it’s important to stay alert in crowded areas like the metro, tourist attractions, and busy streets — pickpocketing can happen quickly and discreetly. Keep your belongings close and your loved ones closer! Use a crossbody bag with a zipper Don’t keep valuables in your back pocket Stay aware when someone distracts you or gets too close. A awareness goes a long way in keeping your trip smooth and stress-free.

Recap!

Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Seine River & Trocadéro

Eiffel Tower – Book tickets in advance for the summit. Champ de Mars – Perfect for photos or a picnic. Trocadéro Gardens – Best Eiffel Tower views at sunrise/sunset but you must get there early! We got there at 8am for our morning gamily photoshoot and there was already people gathering for pictures .

Seine River Cruise – Take an evening ride to see the Eiffel sparkle on the hour after dusk. Tips: Arrive early or book a skip-the-line tour. Bring a scarf or jacket — it’s windy at the top! Cruises with commentary are great for first-time visitors.

Day 2: Louvre Museum & Palais Royal

Louvre Museum – Home to the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and more. It’s the largest art museum in the world — with over 35,000 works on display.

The building itself was a former royal palace, and you can still see remnants of the medieval castle underground.

The glass pyramid, added in 1989, is now an iconic Paris landmark — and a perfect photo spot.

Fun Fact: If you spent 30 seconds viewing each piece in the Louvre, it would take you over 100 days to see everything!

Tips: Reserve Louvre tickets online. Go early or on a weekday. Download the Louvre app or bring a map — it’s massive! Consider a guided highlights tour if short on time.

Day 3: Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle & Latin Quarter

Notre-Dame Cathedral – Under renovation, but still worth seeing. Sainte-Chapelle – Stunning stained glass. Latin Quarter – Historic, student vibe, with narrow streets and bookshops. Shakespeare & Company – Iconic English-language bookstore.

Tips: Sainte-Chapelle tickets can be bundled with Conciergerie. Take time to wander Rue Mouffetard or Place de la Contrescarpe. Great area for crepes and budget-friendly eats.

Day 4: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Free entry, panoramic views of Paris. Place du Tertre – Artists painting on cobbled squares. Rue de l’Abreuvoir & La Maison Rose – Quaint, charming photo spots. Wall of Love – “I love you” in over 250 languages.

Tips: Wear good shoes — the area is hilly. Avoid souvenir traps near the basilica. Sunrise here is magical and far less crowded.

Day 5: Versailles Day Trip

Palace of Versailles – The Palace of Versailles is one of the most fascinating and breathtaking places in France — here’s what makes it so special: It was once the center of royal power.

Versailles was the royal residence of King Louis XIV (the Sun King) and became the political and cultural heart of France until the French Revolution in 1789. It was designed to showcase absolute power and royal glory.Hall of Mirrors, King’s Apartments. Gardens & Fountains – Also, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet – Fairy-tale countryside retreat can be visited during bike ride.

Tips: Take RER C train from Paris (buy round trip). Book entry + timed tickets in advance. Bring snacks — food options are limited and pricey.

Tips: The bike trip around the canal was the highlight for the kids! Rent bike for €10 an hour and see the beautiful scenic scenes with adventure!

Day 6: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe & More Shopping

Champs-Élysées – Iconic avenue for shopping, cafés. Arc de Triomphe – Climb to the top for a 360° view. Galeries Lafayette & Printemps – Historic department stores with rooftop terraces. Le Marais (evening) – Chic neighborhood for fashion, falafel, and art.

Tips: Climb Arc de Triomphe near sunset. Galeries Lafayette rooftop = FREE view. Le Marais is closed Sunday mornings — go late afternoon or evening.

Day 7: Musée d’Orsay, Seine Stroll & Local Markets

Musée d’Orsay – Impressionist masterpieces in a converted train station. Rue Cler – Foodie street for fresh market vibes. Île Saint-Louis – Quaint island near Notre-Dame, perfect for Berthillon ice cream. Evening Seine stroll or café dinner.

Tips:Buy a combo ticket with Musée de l’Orangerie. Try a market picnic lunch. Best day for slower pace, photo ops, and winding down.

🌹Bonus Travel Tips: I forgot to mention, Paris Museum Pass saves time & money if visiting many museums. Navigo Easy metro card or 10-ticket carnet is useful for travel.

In summary, our week in Paris was everything we hoped for and more! From croissants and flower markets to picnics by the Eiffel Tower, we soaked up every minute. So many laughs, memories, and moments we’ll never forget. Paris, you were a dream—until next time!”

Make something beautiful today, for His glory. — Brit

Check out this profound commercial from Embrace Grace

Embrace Grace commercial

Good Friday Friends!

Have you ever heard of Embrace Grace?  If you haven’t, you are in for a sweet treat.

Embrace Grace is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed for the purpose of providing emotional, practical and spiritual support for single, young women who find themselves in an unintended pregnancy. The primary goal of Embrace Grace is to empower churches across the nation to be a safe and non-judging place for the girls to run to when they find out they are pregnant, instead of the last place they are welcomed because of shame and guilt.

They provide curriculum and resources for the church to implement our program and become a Pro-Love church. If the church, the Body of Christ, will join together to support these girls who choose life, young moms will be more open to not aborting their babies. Whether they keep their baby or choose adoption, Embrace grace is a support system for them as they begin their journey of being a young mother or blessing another family with their baby. Emotionally and spiritually healthy mommies parent emotionally and spiritually healthy babies. Through the Embrace Grace program, lives are saved and generations are being changed. God loves these babies and their mommies, and we do too.  EG has 120 groups in 32 states!  Does this organization of Love sound like something you would Love to have near you?  Do you have a friend or have you found yourself in a situation,  where all you want is to be loved, accepted versus judged and ostracized? Embrace Grace is the gospel of love and grace just awaiting to embrace you. 

I would love to give y’all an opportunity to adopt a young mother-to-be from Embrace Grace for their HUGE Fall Baby Shower November 19th!  You can help me by contributing to the momma I adopted! Her name is Brittney 🙂 , She is 22 years old, and she is having baby GIRL! Comment in this post if you would like to donate items from her wish list 😉  Or see the Meet the Need list by the link below: http://meettheneed.org/searchpage.php?country=USA&distance=50&zip=76054&targetorgid=3732&targetorgdirect=1&orgtemp=898%7C3732&orgid=3732&authToken=d43f60955b118f8e81e86ce90f0768e5

Here is the EG website to see and learn more:

http://embracegrace.com

See this profound EG video:
http://embracegrace.com/media/media/embrace-grace-commercial/

Read about the stories behind the women:

http://embracegrace.com/blog/

“Every time with think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your Labor of Love, and your patience of hope…IT is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.”  1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

Be BLESSED to be a Blessing to others!

Brittany

One of my favorite things to do is workout on the beach when I can. Here are 4 HIIT (hi intensity interval training) Tabada style format in which you perform as many reps as possible for 20-40 seconds followed by 10-15 second rest. Repeat 6-8 times. Talk about a really great way to get your heart rate up and incinerates calories! 

Today, I did 40 seconds on with a 20 second rest for 6 rounds. I was dying afterwards! A great challenge and a powerful without you can do anywhere.

1. Plank jacks. In a plank position, bring feet together and back briskly.

2. Diamond clicks. Jump down in to a push-up position, use momentum to kick legs up and back, clicking heels together and down. 

3. Butt kicks into squat jumps

4. Jog squats with hustle backs
*If you really want to push yourself, do sprints!

 
BeUnstoppable, Believe in yourself, Be transformed. 

Mark 10:27

“I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength .”

Brittany

                                     

Bad perspectives creates:

1. Memory loss. All the things He’s already done for you, God has moved and has done on your behalf. Think of the Israelites. They were so fed up waiting on God and not seeing any solution to their problem. Will you save us already?! They cried to Moses.  Moses heard from the Lord in Exodus 14 and he says,”Fear not. Stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.” The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. A Red Sea Moment happened. The Israelites, in their wavering belief stood watching God work through Moses and divide the waters so that they could cross. When safe on the other side, God returned the waters on top of the enemy, “not one of them remained.” Israelites saw the great power of the Lord in the midst of crisis and he saved them.

Be-YOUtiFUL.

This past week marked a pretty exciting day for me and my daughter. It was the first week of cheerleading practice! You have to understand a bit about my history to understand why I was so elated yet, a bit nervous for her. It had nothing to do with the sport of cheerleading- I think its an absolute wonderful sport. It has everything to do with the past disillusioned lies that I believed about myself that controlled so much of my childhood. Let me explain my story in the making…. 

Middle school through high school,  I was a cheerleader.  The idea of ‘team spirit’ and being apart of something bigger, something positive & encouraging really excited me. Oh, and let’s NOT forget about the uniforms.. Oh how stinkin’ cute are the uniforms! I remember that feeling walking through the hallways of middle school wearing my uniform, thinking to myself, ” I am so proud, I am SOMEBODY.”… So that time of my life was great fun but there were also painful memories that erupted from that season that I am not so proud of.

You see, I was always a bit heavier and ‘stockier’ than the other girls on my team. I was never the cool ‘flyer’ that did all the cool tricks in front of the audience in the stands, I was the base girl who lifted all the other girls because no one could pick me up!  I remember one day during practice, being teased and called ‘big boned’ . To most, this type of teasing doesn’t amount to much- it should have been something that I just brushed off but I didn’t.  When you are an insecure young girl in middle school, you certainly are aware of how others see you.  In that moment, after hearing those words come from another’s mouth, the lies of insecurity, insignificance, and inadequacy were birthed.  These lies changed the course of my life for the next 10 years ( I am so sorry Mom!) .  It wasn’t long after that incident where I began I began experimenting with all the various fad diets, eating only an apple and a handful of crackers a day.  When I saw how deprivation slowly began to lower the number on the scale, it only perpetuated the behavior.  I was seeing changes in my weight but the weight always came back.  Not long after that, I ‘tried’ being a bulimic but I just couldn’t do it.  I developed body dysmorphic disorder where no matter how think I got, I always saw myself in the mirror as the ‘big boned’ girl- I felt defected.   I started to hate myself. I hated myself that I wasn’t the ‘small girl’, that I wasn’t getting the attention I so wanted, and that I couldn’t CONTROL my weight.  I found myself struggling with athletic anorexia which is the tendency to compulsively, over-exercise in excess to control every last pound.  I was completely disillusioned of who I was. These habits of eating and the self-deprecating lifestyle lasted  well over 10 years. Everything in my life was out of balance, off -kilter, and out of order.  What is so interesting about this story is that I grew up in church all my life.  I remember going to church every Sunday, praying before every meal, and driving around with a fish sticker on my car. I thought I was DOING all these things a ‘good’ Christian should do in order to live the life God wanted me to live so why was I still struggling so much?  A problem with ‘religious’ ideas and traditions; they are powerless to truly liberate you.  

Fast forward a few years, I can now say that I am free from those very destructive behaviors.  It wasn’t until just recently (it took a while), that it was revealed to me by the Lord that it is less about the DOING and more about the KNOWING.  Did I really KNOW him? Knowing is more than the mere acknowledgement of its existence, it implies relationship. Where was the relationship? Did I even really have one with Him?  What was the truth about me?

What changed for me was my perspective. I began looking at the Father as a 
l o v i n g  father. A father that cheered me on every day and who wanted the best for me; Not  the “big guy upstairs’ who only wanted to shake his judgmental, angry finger at me for all my mistakes that I had successfully made in my past.  Through reading His Word, I began understanding how he sees me and I chose to allow HIM to be my audience who cheered me on from the stands, to whom I sought acceptance, applause, and praise.  Everything changed.

I look back now and remember feeling SO exhausted of looking to the right and to the left, trying to BE what the world deemed as ‘beautiful’. Who was I anyway?   What was my purpose in this life? Was I SOMEBODY like I felt walking through those hallways in my cheerleading uniform so long ago? Sometimes we look to the wrong source to find out how others see us. We look to pleasure, possessions, and people’s opinions that only give us distorted views of ourselves. I know that can be true because I fell prey to that- “Only if I had these outfits, was apart of this group, If only drove this car to preschool, had those shoes, was this size, I would be deemed ‘accepted”.  It goes on and on doesn’t it. We are constantly inundated with magazines, celebrities, trends and fads that all try to tell us what’s ‘hot’ and what’s “not”, what’s acceptable and what’s not, and how to have ‘lasting beauty’.  We won’t understand our own beauty until we figure out who we ARE in Christ.  The better we KNOW God, the better we will know ourselves. The depth of this knowledge is knowing what God’s Word says about us.  . His Word, the Bible, is the ultimate mirror.  It is His thoughts, his ideas, his love letter to us telling us exactly who we are to Him. Jeremiah 1:5 says, ” Before I formed you in the womb, I KNEW you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet of the nations.” So forget what the world thinks, I focus now on what He thinks of me and that has changed everything; It has totally recalibrated my thoughts. 



When Adam and Eve looked away from God and chomped on the big apple, this was the first circumstance where man looked away from God and listened to the enemy instead . The enemy wants us to doubt the position and place God has has for us. The lies whispered in our ears- ‘You’re not good enough” God doesn’t want the best for you” slowly begin to create deep insecurities in our lives. When Eve took her eyes off who God she found herself OFF the path that she was intended to go. God  says in  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I KNOW the plans I have for you…” He’s already got this life figured out for us. He is very strategic in his plan for our lives.  He wants us to know that the work has ALREADY been done and we are covered by the blood of Jesus. The Cross is the ultimate mirror of sacrifice that was given out of LOVE for us. He is the One who tells us who we are – we are made in the IMAGE of Him. Have we have allowed the image of the world to be imprinted upon us more deeply than the image of Christ?

Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

I want my daughters, my son to know that they don’t have to look to the right or to the left to figure out who they are or what their purpose is in this life. They don’t have to worry when they don’t have the right outfit on, the cutest bow in her hair, or the coolest toy on the block that he or she isn’t VALUED and loved. Jesus has already told us who we are.  The bigger question now is do we 
b e l i e v e ?  Do we believe the things he wants us to know about Him? 


He wants you to know who you ARE:
-You are Forgivable. No matter what junk you have in your past, please don’t ever think its something God can’t let go and forgive because He already DID! There’s NOTHING you have done that has surprised God. He already knew we were going to mess up, that’s why he sent Jesus to cover us and redeem us..That is EPIC! 

-Valuable. God sent his ONLY Son to die so we could be forgiven, rose again so we could have eternity with our Father. I can’t even fathom having a love so strong and so deep that I would sacrifice MY ONLY son. But He did. If you were the only one on the earth, He still would have done that for YOU. 

– Lovable.  Love has to have an object, I am an OBJECT of God’s love. Loved by the God of the universe Made in His image,  Let that sink in for a moment… 

– Capable. God has a plan and purpose for our lives and He has equipped us us with a pretty awesome plan but its up to us to understand that we are capable and able to walk in that plan. The question is, are we AVAILABLE  for Him to put his plan to work in our lives. 

Every day is a choice NOT believe the lies of insecurity, insignificance, and inadequacy that ran my life for so long. Everyday is a CHOICE to believe that God wants the best for myself and for my family. Everyday is a CHOICE to lay down at the foot of the cross, all my hurt and pain that I carried for so many years. EVERY DAY is CHOICE not turn to the world and allow the world to define me.  I believe now I am living a much healthier lifestyle both physically and spiritually and this life has never been so fulfilling and so free now that I have found my SOURCE of life.