Have you ever had a day where everyone was cuter than you?
Everyone.
Everyone had better hair.
Everyone had shoes that matched their purse.
Everyone had children that behaved and didn’t argue back.
Everyone was smarter or better or taller or shorter or skinnier or richer or nicer or prettier or lived in a house that looked like a magazine.
Ever had a day like that?
Oh, good.
Come sit by me.
Truth?
I’ve really been struggling this past week. I know I write happy words and use exclamation points and smile through my posts and dance and turn cartwheels on my lawn, but inside? My heart has been so heavy. So burdened. It seems that everywhere I turn, I feel inadequate.
I feel less.
I feel small.
I shouldn’t feel like that. I shouldn’t. I know better. But I can’t help it.
My internal narrative goes like this:
I create a blog.
Someone else is creating it better.
I take photographs.
Someone else is taking them better.
I’ve written a book.
Someone else is writing it better.
Over and over and over again, I compare myself to others….
….and I always come up short.
Always.
Until I want to go back to bed and pull up the covers and hide my flaws away from a world that is so much more perfect than me.
And then?
Yesterday I cut these peonies.
I gathered them into my arms and marveled at the unfolding petals and the brilliant color and the beautiful blooms that unfolded in the garden over the weekend. I filled the pitcher with water and fluffed them and put them into the stoneware top and in the middle of flower arranging 101….
….the most brilliant thought occurred to me.
Yes. These peonies are beautiful.
Every. Single. Petal.
No one could deny it. No one could argue. No one would say otherwise.
But here’s the amazing thing. Here’s what I realized at that moment. Here’s the truth that spoke to my heart. The roses that grow in the flower bed right next to them are just as beautiful.
Truth.
The roses are a little more thorny. A little smaller with a few less petals. A different shape, a different look, a red instead of a pink….
….but truly, incredibly, amazingly beautiful in their own way.
Just like the lilies and the nandinas and the magnolia and the holly and the boxwood and the hydrangea…
…and me.
Somewhere along the way in all that comparison and feeling sorry for myself and walking around like I was less…
….I totally missed the point.
I am different.
It’s true. It’s a fact. I’m not like anyone else.
I’m me.
And the me that I am is funny and incredible and awesome and a little dramatic. And my eyes smile and I have a southern accent and I have extra long toes and I’m impatient and short and sometimes I laugh so hard that it bubbles out of me like ripples on a pond.
I’m amazing.
I’m a rock star.
I’m one-of-a-kind.
And here’s the best part…..
….you are too. 🙂
PS This post was brought to you by the first peonies of the season.
Who knew they were philosophers?
Oh yes! Funny thing? I saw this, before reading it, and thought " I wish Peonies would grow in my hot, sandy, Florida yard". You see, I see Peonies in everyone's IG feed all summer and I'm so envious because I don't have them... ...or long thick hair ...or a 3 car garage (I lament way too often) ...or a swimming pool. But after reading this I remembered ...I have cute short hair people always compliment me on ...a 2 car garage I just cleaned out (say Amen with me) ...and a sprinkler I run through with the kids (it's true) Now I'm off to buy a Hibiscus because it will love my yard. Plan to see hibiscus shots in my IG real soon. :) Nancy
Wow, it takes a lot of courage to write an entry like this one. It's so full of truth and vulnerability and beauty! I am utterly amazed! Thank you, I feel like this so many days until someone like you remind me of my hidden beauty...darn those gorgeous peonies! I LOVE them too!
It's so funny to me that you have these feelings and you are the one who takes all of the beautiful photos that I envy! It proves that we all need to just calm down and appreciate our own accomplishments. I enjoy your blog immensely--your sunshiney attitude ride reminds me to laugh and enjoy life
You are a rockstar! I love your blog and it inspires me, too! What I love about you most is not your laughter, your beautiful home, your beautiful family or the great blog you wright. These are all awesome and amazing, but thats not it. It's the love you have for our Lord! You are like no one else. If I were to describe you I would call you Sunshine! Have a great day and thank you for sharing your beautiful peonies!
What a wonderful post, thank you for sharing and for your peonies. Ours in the upper Midwest are just starting to come up. Can't wait to bring them inside
So true! We never think that we ever quite measure up. In God's eyes we are all wonderful!!! Just as wonderful as those beautiful roses and gorgeous peonies! Love you and feel like you are a close friend...always!
Oh, dear one, you are TRULY one of a kind. You are precious and lovable and funny and vulnerable and have gorgeous hair...just like the rest of us. Well, except for the hair. ;) But you, sweet one, are a rare peony...with red-lipstick edges! A beautiful blossom for all to enjoy! God made you just the way you are. Don't argue with Him! :D ❤
This thought just hit me: you are a ray of sunshine on steroids! LOL And that's a good thing! :D
Miz karianne.....I just read this to my husband. When I finished he smiled and said, "where does she come up with all of that"? I proudly answered him with, "that's just karianne....she's a little bit of everything....incredible as well as crazy! Hahaha, my favorite things about you, little one!
You are a Blessing to everyone! God made each of us unique and perfect in our our way. You are a Rock Star???
Now I know we are sisters of the soul! I always feel like I am not good enough ( can't believe you struggle though superstar you are) and the true clencher we are sisters? I have extra long toes too! Skinny ones that don't match my body! Would not wear flip flops and sandals for years!!!! Love peonies and yes scary writing a memory keeping story about peonies!!! No doubt we are sisters! Oh if you see stalker in yard just me! Have no peonies at this new house! Miss them so!!!! Hope week is kind and stay warm during this KY blackberry winter!!!
I wish I had more time to read your posts every day because you have a lot to say. I like your analogy of the peonies. I am happy that you found your place in blogging. I have a friend who was a great blogger but envy of others took her down. She is not blogging anymore. Too bad because she was good. I like your blog so keep blogging. You keep it real.
Don't you just love all of the beautiful comments you have gotten? They have all said what I wanted to say! You are beautiful and your writing is amazing! It always makes me smile? I'm enjoying my peonies too! I truly wish they lasted longer.
You ARE AMAZING....and I am blessed that I get to sit next to you in person sometimes and hear that infectious laugh in real life. Even when it is because your sweet and handsome son has just been struck REALLY HARD in the ankle with a Fastball while at bat...???❤️⚾️
I'm a more recent subscriber to your regular posts, even though in the past I dropped in from time to time. And I subscribed because you are different! You are fun, and funny and optimistic, and uncomplicated (not to mention talented). And I needed that! I didn't need more of the same, which left me feeling like you just described, so thank you for being you!
Peony Perspective! So refreshing, raw and honest. And... cleansing. For all to read, reflect, and be reminded. Well done , Rock Star!!
BEST post ever! I read and love your sweet spirit, but this touched my heart....just like YOU. Wise words sweet friend, wise words!
oh my! I had just come in from seeing if my peony buds had opened yet! And then I saw your post......Thank you! How did you know that I needed that today!
KariAnne, thank you. I cannot possibly express how much the words you put in your stories bless me. I struggle greatly with comparing myself with others. Like many others I'm sure, we know we shouldn't, but man oh man is it hard not to. All it does is steal away our joy! Oh, if we could all just grasp this and hang onto it. You put it so beautifully. You are so appreciated.❤️
Love it. Authentic grace. Girl, you got it goin' on!
Dear Karianne! You should come and read all the comments on your blog!!! They are like reference letters, letters of awesomeness to YOU! I adore you and you make a difference in my life!!! You ARE different and I love that! Because I could spot your writing and your style and isn't that marvellous?? To have your OWN style?? I'm glad you cut the peonies and the roses and had this insight! And I'm glad you shared your vulnerability with us. I compare myself too and I lose more often than win, too!! I never thought you didn't think you are IT! Because you are IT to me!! Sending my love, Claudine
Theodore Roosevelt said: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." My dear best never-met friend, YOU do this everyday with great success!! It is quite human to doubt ourselves and compare our accomplishments (or lack of them) to everyone else. This is beneficial as long as you don't let it overwhelm you. Your peonies are very wise, listen to them! I'll add one last thought from Henry Ford that I've repeated to my children over and over again: "Whether you think you can, or think you can't... you're right." Rock on Rock Star!
I have been a reader of your blog for a long time now, and very rarely do I comment. But I need to this time. You have always made me laugh, and my very favorite post was one you did many months ago about your "village people" AKA your children! I read it and never laughed so hard in my life. I even read it to my husband (and that is a rare event). Please continue to bless us with your God given gift of telling stories. We are all created in God's image and are unique and special to Him. Thank you for your thoughts on self-esteem. Thank you for your uplifting and encouraging blog. Blessings!!!
I can understand how one can sometimes feel "not good enough" but please know we love you just the way you are. No one is expecting perfection in your blog or anything else. We enjoy what you share because there is truth in it. As we all know life is never perfect and neither are we. We just take the bad along with the good and your blog is always part of the good. Sue in Fl.
I would venture to say there are many more of us who needed to hear this than you will ever know. Thank you for foresight and willingness to share. That in itself is an example of what a strong woman you are.
GOD made us all different for a reason. He wanted us to be unique. Gave us all different flaws and along with them different blessings. Just at Walmart this morning there was a woman in line with 3 kids, boys. The second boy had on shoes that were 2 sizes at least too big for him. The woman behind me tried to give the woman money so she could buy him new shoes, the woman looked at her and said, I appreciate it but those shoes are still good and they will last him the year, we are blessed. She then told the woman to find someone who has no shoes and make sure they are blessed with a new pair.. The family walked away and the boy with the shoes too big skipped all the way out of the store. I thought to myself, what a strong woman. She felt blessed that her kids had shoes at all... We could all learn from her, I know I did. You are so special, sweet and kind to everyone. Your kids love you and your hubby adores you.. That is all that is important.
I identify with every word you wrote! We are all different and special and amazing! Thank you I needed that today!
Kari - YOU are truly amazing... YOU are so incredibly amazing that as I was reading this I could actually smell your peonies! Do you have any idea what an impact you just made to those who read your blog on this cloudy Monday morning? Me... You made an impact on ME!
And my favorite line from The Secret Garden......Where you plant a rose, a thistle cannot grow.
It always surprises me when women I admire admit to imposter syndrome! And then it makes me admire them all the more that they have the same doubts that I have- these strong, talented, beautiful women. I adore your stories and honesty (and your lovely pictures)! Have a blessed day.
You made my eyes leak! Truth! ;)
You are beautiful, you are funny, you are talented. YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!
❤️❤️❤️ WOW! Out of the park... AGAIN!
I'll never look at my peonies in quite the same way. Thanks for hitting that nerve we all suffer from now and then. Hugs. Have a marvelous week!
I'd love to sit by you Karianne-
Karianne, you are a precious flower in God's garden of life. Your unique view of life always helps me lighten up and enjoy just being alive. Your posts make a difference in the lives of your readers and prompt smiles and laughter. The honesty and vulnerability you share are endearing. We can't let comparison rob us of a moment's joy!
you are wonderful...amazing and fun to read!!! so look forward to the posts everyday! thanks for what you do!
True words of wisdom. And amazing, looking at all you have accomplished. Peonies are my all time favorite, though their season to shine is so brief. Thank you for a wonderful common sense post. ?...and remeber, you sparkle!
Arrrggh, tablet keyboard user error, supposed to read common sense post.....and remember, you sparkle!
This is the best post! You are the one to whom many of us are comparing ourselves. Seriously! If someone as amazing as you has doubts. Maybe, just maybe. I shouldn't give up and feel so bad about myself and my little blog. I have a voice, a point of view, a unique contribution. I may be the pansy of the garden, but pansies, even though small, are beautiful and worthy of growing in the garden too. Thank you for leading the way with your bright peonies. We are following along.
Stone Gable blog is doing a series of the Comparison.Trap. We all fall into it! Wouldn't it be a boring.world if we were all the same. We would never learn anything new.
Psalm 139:14 New International Version (NIV) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
YOU. ARE. AMAZING!!! Everyone has these feelings, but girl, you shouldn't ever! lol!
What a wonderful way to remind us that we are all beautiful in our own way. Thank you for being you!
I can totally relate, that is a pothole in life we all seem to step into. Thanks for the reminder we are all different. Hugs
Oh my goodness! That is so ironic because I always look at YOU and feel inadequate, always have...you are more than adequate, you are beyond fabulous and insanely talented! I have been doing the exact same thing (comparing my inadequacy to others' success), but I'm just going to own who I am, what I have and put it out there. You are what I want to be when I grow up...much love!
Amen Sister! here's to all of us who are just trying to make a difference in the world, big and small....and for all the "long toes" of the world...that's me too!
Thank you for such a beautiful narrative of your feelings. I found you a while back, don't know how or why but you have blessed my life ever since. You a pure treasure to my day.
I guess we all get down kinda like having the " blues ". I have it too. Like when I lost my husband ....then the Lord shows me I had a wonderful husband for 44 years 4 months and 4 days....some women never have a good husband...or like I think how the Lord has blessed me with a wonderful son, loving daughter in law and two great grandchildren...and the Lord shows me how some women can't have children....how I lost my beloved Golden Retriever but the I still have another one and a new puppy and how the Lord shows me how some people don't even like animals ... Our Lord is so good to us all and yes He made us all different just like all the different pretty flowers in the world.
My mantra when those awful feelings of inadequacy hit (doesn't always work completely, but it does help): "Comparison is the thief of all joy". And one more - "Anytime it gets frustrating to see all the people in front of you, simply turn around and look at all the folks behind you". Best to just look inward - and pick peonies whenever possible! :o) Loooooove the pitcher.
I thought for SURE that this post was a segway to "The Comparison Trap" study that is going on with some of the other home bloggers. The fear of man (biblically speaking) is such a trap for all of us! I'm with you, sister. But, we need to remember Who we serve, and Who makes us valuable! :-)
This weekend I discovered peonies growing in my yard. I moved in last summer so they are a fun surprise for me! I think the beauty in all people is the fact that we are different. No two the same. Comparison is never good since we tend to compare ourselves to someone we see as better. My gifts and talents never fade in light of someone else's...they are just different. Of course living that can be easier said than done.
As Dr. Seuss would say. "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is Youer than You. You are awesome Karianne.
There are beautiful blogs out there; yours is one of them. There are beautiful pictures out there; your blog is filled with them. There are wonderful books to read out there and I can't wait to read yours because I know that it will bless so many. Thank you for being so real for all of us who follow your sweet words. We see ourselves and our families in them. You make our days brighter and blessed and a little lighter. I'm sorry that I missed you the last time you were in Carol Stream, IL. I still would love to take you out to lunch.
Today was the day I needed to read your words...today...and thank you...On my blog I want to write about fun decorating ideas or trips we are planning or shopping sprees or silly meals done in a flash...but my weeks/months have been filled with all the scary stuff of a sick child...in a hospital for the very first time and for a very long time...too long...and I have a hard try seeing the fun in the day-to-day. But there is a light...she'll be home on Wed...and I see we are a strong family and a loving family who are working hard to get through this and move to that light of healing and joy...yes, I look at other families and wish why not me...why not mine...but then I remember, I am like those peonies...different, special, and in love with all the peonies in my family. Thanks Karianne. A lovely post. :)
I think we should start the very first ever, anywhere "Long Toe Society"???? My uncle once told me my toes are long enough to have their own respiratory system. ???? I feel very special!!! So should you. Any time you feel down, just look down at your toes and laugh and feel special. PS: I'm happy to send a photo if you would like to compare. My pedicure is still looking good.
You are my favorite blog. Don't....change....a....thing! God bless!
No one makes me smile the way you do! I'm so excited for your first book and I'm sure your amazing personality will shine right through all the pages! Hugs!
Hello! I've missed so much!! Been entertaining out of town guests... Karianne, I never would have dreamed you had doubts and insecurities, which is silly of me because, of course, we all do. But I'm so glad for the lesson the peonies and roses taught you and that you felt compelled to share -- what a lovely analogy for uniqueness and beauty in all of us!
Sometimes it is a good idea to go to bed and pull the covers up & sleep or watch TV all day. Somestimes doing too much makes us feel inadequate everywhere because we are just doing so much we feel so torn that nothing seems perfect. It seems like you must take advantage of all offers right now in case they stop coming. They or something else will come along so don't be afraid to spread it out over the rest of your life....................believe me, I know.
So much to love about your blog today. I'm so thankful that God has made something so small and yet so intricately beautiful as pink peonies to remind you (and me) of our intricately detailed beauty of what makes you -you, and me - me. My heart fluttered with the most lovelist burst of joy when seeing the beautiful pink peonies. That's what God does. Thank you for that today my friend.
Lol. I always tell my kids that their toes are so long, they could pick grapes with them. And truly, they probably could.
Comparing is the mother of discontent. The crazy thing is that we almost always compare up and find ourselves wanting, rather than comparing down and seeing how far we've come. Comparing ourselves with others is unfair to us all. And yes, peonies are beautiful but so are a whole lot of other flowers in the world. Just like us.
Miss Kerrianne, I think, as women, we all have those days that we are not judging anyone except ourselves. We often wonder if we are good enough for our children, our spouse, our parents, our co-workers and our friends. But....there is always something (Peonies in your case) that brings us back to reality and YES....we are good enough.....especially to ourself. And that is what matters the most. Thank you for showing us that no matter who we are, at the end of the day, with God's blessing, we will start a new day when we wake up and see the good in everything, including ourself. take care,
Wow....first time responding. Your words today really hit home. I've been feeling a bit like this and have been blaming it on the lack of sun here in Oregon...it's been a long, rainy winter. It was just the reminder I needed. Thank you and I love your blog.
I am sorry you have been feeling less than. Perhaps it is to be expected after a high like publishing your first book. There always seems to come a bit of down time after a big accomplishment like yours. This too shall pass and you will be onward and upward to your next life adventure.
Isn't it ironic we see what we perceive to be flaws in ourselves and everyone else sees the good in us. So glad your peonies "opened" up to you so that you were reminded of how awesome you are.
The best piece of advice I ever got was, "Never compare your inside to someone else's outside." Roughly translated, it means don't compare the way you feel inside about yourself with the image someone else chooses to present to the outside world. Neither one may have any basis in reality. (Because gurrl, while you may feel "less than", from where I'm standing, you are freakin' awesome!)
I feel the same way! But I'm different and that's what's so amazing! We all are unique and should just quit trying to be someone else ( I'm preaching to myself!). I'm loud, intense, shy, and uncertain. But I'm a good artist and a pretty decent decorator. Plus I'm a wonderful and loyal friend. There! I feel better already. Thank you, Karianne for reminding us we're all special. Hugs to a rock star!
Love this analogy, Karianne. So often hard to not do the comparison thing. Thank you for the sweet reminder that we are all created beautifully different. And peonies always make me happy...mine have been beautiful...like my irises...like my forsythia!!!
Dear KariAnne, Everyone has had these times of heaviness. The next time it happens turn your gaze inward and look at your flaws with compassion, the same way you would with your friends or your family or a stranger and very plainly love yourself, just as God does!!! Then rest and you'll feel lighter!!
When I'm feeling "less than", I find that it's helpful to take a break from whomever/whatever is making me feel that way, and do something fun with those who love me just for me. Oh, and a good laugh doesn't hurt. It builds perspective.
You have accomplished so much in so little time!....Your peonies would say, stop and smell the roses and stop and listen to the peonies for they say, all you need in life is the love of family and friends, faith and passion...they make up the beautiful bouquet of life! Now my hydrangeas talk to me! :)
Karianne, YOU live in a house that looks like a magazine. Your house is my gold standard, what I wish my house looked like. People tell me all the time my house is gorgeous and I say its just meh. Today I will take your words to heart and love what I have and say well it doesn't look like Karianne's house, but it sure does look like mine!
KariAnne, Rock Star among Rock Stars!!!!!!!! Yet human. Still a mighty Rock Star....in all your human-ness. There are no words to add to all the marvelous sage advice of all who commented before. Peonies are philosophers... never knew it before today, but oh, so true. Judith
thank you kari ann, i needed this....
First, I love your blog. I love how you write and I love your photos!!! <3 Second, I've learned lately that the devil fills us with such inadequate thoughts so as to keep us from doing good, whether it be to have a successful marriage or be loving parents or even to run a business that just might help people and fill them with joy. I've learned that feelings of despair and doubt don't come from God, so when I feel those things, I remind myself of that...and refuse to let the devil win! This was a fantastic post...thank you!!!
You are you and I think that is fabulous. Inspiring, intelligent, caring and creative? God knew just who you needed to be. Thank you for my morning inspiration.
Love and hugs to you! You are awesome!
Karianne, all these wonderful comments! Everyone admires you (and your blog and your house and your yard and your peonies) just the way you are. Keep on being yourself and don't crawl back into bed ever, unless you have the flu, because you need to share all your red-lipsticked awesomeness.
*sigh* You have long toes!!!!! I wish my toes looked cute with bright red nail polish. My toes are ugly!! Hubby calls them monkey toes. They kind of curl and I'm very self-conscious about wearing sandals and flip-flops. But, you know what??? They can carry me around for miles and I can jump up and I can dance! So, I bare my toes and decorate them nails with polish anyway. They may not be beautiful, but they're mine, and God gave them to me. KariAnne, you are a ray of sunshine to my life. I love every single part of you because it's YOU!!! Sending hugs!! ?(I'm still looking for the blushing emoji)
You create a blog, millions don't have creative ideas. You wrote a book AND got it published, thousands don't persevere through the process. You grow peonies, many don't see the value in "wasting time" planting ephemeral beauty. You wear color saturated lipstick, you look cute, I'd look ridiculous. You do things that most of don't have the gumption or courage to even try. Yay you
Karianne, I read once and kept this quote: "Comparison is the thief of joy." One of the beauties of growing older is caring less what others think and spending less energy on comparison. You have just finished a huge project, your book, and are likely experiencing the letdown. Smell those flowers and practice some "extreme self-care" to lift your spirits. I, too, am a person who smiles through the tears, but now I know that it has served me well. I just need to remember when to ask for support. Sending warm hugs...
All these comments! I love it. Yesterday I was feeling particularly rough after tossing and turning. I'm pretty content. Not a lot of comparison going on....so I think. I love my oddballness. But my inability to be inauthentic leaves me sometimes outside the crowd. Sometimes I just have to zig when everyone else is zagging. I like my zig. But, I have to figure out how to get others to like my zig as far as my fitness instructing goes, or I won't eat. Yesterday morning I was feeling the weight of this, and went outside to water. It was the peony that spoke to me too yesterday. They're not supposed to grow here. I failed years ago and nearly gave up. But I'm trying again. I bought a plant in bloom last year. I watched it seemingly die over winter. Then out of the blue, under dead sticks, green coils coming up. I've been speaking to it daily, and yesterday, with one of several blooms just on the edge of bursting out of its tight bloom, it spoke to me. Hold tight. We'll bloom together. Thanks for listening. xo
Oh my goodness, what a lovely reminder! Thank you!
I am late to the post. It was a hard day yesterday and today my printer and laptop are playing hide and seek, and it is really slowing me down. But the job is done, I met the deadline. You see it happens to everyone. When I was growing up I wanted to be like Melanie in the very worst way, I tried, I really did, but I came up Scarlett every time. Sometimes you just go forward and accept the wonderful person that is you. And for me, I am not really Scarlett after all, just Kathi, with an I, and that is special, too.
I found this quote in my twenties, and at 57, it has carried me through life. "If you compare yourself to others you shall become vain and bitter. For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself." It's a real keeper and so are you, forever and always!!
Girlfriend, I thank you for this post today! I've been going through a season of comparison and feeling less than. Wonder why that knocks on the door sometimes? Really in my heart, I know better! It happens though and sometimes we have to just shove it aside. Thanks for the beautiful reminder.
You, my dear friend, make my own life more beautiful. Cheesy but true... thank you for making everything brighter.
I knew this about you. Now, be a believer.?
You are so perfect just the way you are!
That's why I love flowers - they are so smart. Thanks for sharing. Now go believe in yourself. :)
Karianne, it seems that this is a universal lie to our spirits. I even wrote about it on March 31 on my blog. https://particularpassions.me/2017/03/31/comparison-is-a-thief/ Jen Sincero says, "“It’s none of your business what other people are doing. All that matters is that you’re enjoying yourself and pleased with what you’re creating. It’s precisely your uniqueness that makes you awesome.” It has taken me a long time to become happy with myself (I"m a lot older than you) and realize we ALL have a unique light to shine. We are ALL created with a special place and purpose in this world. I compared myself and my blog with so many, including yours because I admire you so much. I rarely get any "likes" or comments and yours and another one I read have tons. So I thought I should start writing about other things. Then I realized that I write about what God has called me to write about, and to share truth. So for me to copy someone else is not going to work. Thank you for sharing your heart with us!
Oh, Miss KariAnne, how we love you. You always seems to be right there, with the right thought, just when we (I) need it the most. Thank you, thank you! You are the best!!
Oh sweetie what a comfort to know that you are human too! We all go through exactly the same struggles we just don't share them so no one knows and we struggle alone. I worry those very same things. I write something that feels really great and then read it the next day and think what in the world was I thinking? LOL! I lose a few pounds and catch a bad angle in the mirror and think why bother it's hopeless? But the garden is a healing place I was thinking this morning that even Jesus spent time there to refresh his soul, and there's your gift sweet Karianne, . Being an encourager don't let the enemy rob you of the joy of that for that is surely where that self-doubt originates. Rejoice in your gifts and take the best advice I ever received. "Don't even worry about what the competition is up to. Just keep your eyes focused firmly on him and on the goal. He came that we might have life and we might have it more abundantly remember? Just keep using those lovely talents you are gifted with to bless the ones in your basket sweetie! And God can always make that basket a whole lot bigger Fondest Wags from me & Agatha