Friday Favorites!

So y'all, this will be going up on Thursday instead of Friday, because Friday is New Years! 

I hope you wonderful ladies have had a year for the books! I sure have had an.... 

eventful year. To say the least! Here are my favorites from the ENTIRE year! 

See y'all next year! ;)

Friday Favorites

ONE

My all time favorite of this year was spending some last few sweet moments with my all time favorite person. My mama. 

She was the star of the show (but she never begged to be). Everyone was just drawn to my mama with her radiating love for Christ, her children, and her desire to bring everyone together with food. 

My mama was a STRONG follower of Christ. She came to be a disciple through...

Me. 

How cool is that? I had no idea what I was doing at the time. I was only about 9 years old. We were raised Jewish (against my mother's wishes, but she did not have a true 'religion' to follow). On our way home everyday, we would pass by this huge building with the "3 T's" on top. I was young, and not raised Christian, so I didn't know that was a church!

One day I asked my mama from the back seat of the car. "Hey mama, can we go to the building with the 3 T's?" She said, "That's a church, baby. But of course. We can try it out".

I later became involved with volunteering in the nursery with my mama, which was such a fun time for us to have together.  I then went on to become super involved with the youth group, and even became a part of the worship team. My mama saw how I was changing, and decided she wanted in too. 

About a year later, she was baptized in front of my eyes. One of the most beautiful moments I've ever seen. Why? 

Because my mama was SAVED! And now I have the peace of knowing that she is in Heaven, living without any pain, and hanging out with Jesus ALL DAY LONG. There is nothing that can even come close to that relief, ladies. I pray that you all know Jesus. And if you don't, please let me help show you what it's like to be unconditionally loved :)

As for the rest of what my mama was all about, she LOVED her children more than anything in the world. She would do anything for any of us. And she had this amazing way of making us all feel so special. None of us ever felt left out, or second to another. She was truly meant to be a mother. What a special gift. I am so lucky God chose me to be one of her four children. What an honor. I got so lucky!!

If you don't know already, my mama was also an amazing cook! But she never had a recipe. She just threw things together that were in the fridge and had people begging for her secrets! One of the best things is that she always made enough to give to other people, and feed all of our friends who would come home over lunch (during high school). My mama was all about making soup, eggs, enchiladas, and she was always drinking a glass of red wine. She was just the greatest!

I will FOREVER treasure my mama. I urge you to call your mama or go give her a hug, if you have the opportunity :)

TWO

I have some favorite recipes from this year! 

Take a look at these bad boys :) (they're actually really good!)

Mozzarella Meatballs!

Easy-Peasy Goulash!

Mama's Enchiladas! (scroll to #3)

All 3 of these recipes are constantly on rotation for our meal plans! They're great for everyone! Picky eaters, kiddos, mamas in a hurry. Anyone can make these simple recipes. And I so encourage you to do so :)

THREE

Starting this blog has been a HUGE favorite for me! Not only has is been something to fill my days with, it has given me an opportunity to connect with this AWESOME community! I thank God for this blog everyday!

It took me a little bit of courage to start this. I was worried what people would think of me, worried that people wouldn't read, or that they would hate my content, or that no one would care what I had to say. 

But then I had to look at myself. And I said, Rachel, does it honestly matter? Do this for YOU! 

I have since learned to do more small things throughout the day just for me! Wow. What a difference it makes! It makes you feel important. 

This blog has given me courage, and an amazing outlet to get all my thoughts out. 

Can't wait to ring in this new year with you ladies! Big things are coming :)

FOUR

Something that I totally encourage you guys to try is being positive. 

Sounds simple right?

Well my personality is super sarcastic sometimes. I find it gets some laughs sometimes, but it also was making me look at things really negatively. 

Only until I changed my thoughts in my head did my days really start to turn around for the better. 

Here's what I think you should try. 

Every time you think about something (and it can be anything), try to only say positive things about it. Don't even think about the negative things. If negative things start to arise in your thoughts, look at 3 positive things you can find. 

It actually becomes SUPER easy, and it really changes your demeanor. I have found that people want to be around me a lot more, and I am loving myself more each day, which I think is imperative to your overall health! 

One of my favorite things about thinking positive is what comes with it. Look how true this is!

Every time you start to think negatively, just think about this again! You will see changes so quickly! 

Think about every person you've ever met. And how true this really is! 

Soon enough, you'll be radiating Christ's love. And that is exactly what we are called to do :)

FIVE

My man is one of my all times favorites (forever!)

I cannot tell you how faithful my man has been. 

He has rejoiced with me in the exciting times this year, and carried me through the extremely low valleys. 

What more could I ask for?!

He continues to surprise me every day! I wake up each morning more in love with him than the day before. 

As Brad Paisley would say, "And I thought I loved you then".

Look up the song "Then" by Brad Paisley. 

You'll realize how true this is, especially if you are lucky enough to spend every. single. day. with your soulmate. 

This man inspires me to be a better version of myself, encourages me when I've hit a plateau, and loves me unconditionally. 

There is no doubt in my mind that God made this man for me. That is amazing. 

If you're interested in how we met, check out this post. 

SIX

I can't forget our newest addition! 

He may be driving me crazy. 

And waking up at 3 am. 

And chewing on everything in sight.

But we are determined to make it through these hard (but oh so cute) puppy days to see our little guy grow into the most awesome 'man's best friend'!

Here's to you and your loved ones this year!

Any amazing moments you have to share?? I'd love to know! Post in the comments below :)