because women need each other

7/4/2016

Happy 4th of July, friends! I am so seriously tired today, but I'm trying to get some sort of patriotic excitement going. (slowly waves a tiny flag while sipping coffee)

So, I had two cool things happen this week: FIRST, My cousin-friend Kelly started a bucket list blog before her 33rd birthday called Thirty Three Things. It reminded me of my 2016 goals for the year, and I realized I'd be slacking on my resolution to lift others up. In fact, I feel like I've actually had more days of just trying to keep myself afloat than being there for others... but I guess that's young mom-life for ya. SECOND, My awesome buddy Sarah left a secret, out-of-the-blue package on my doorstep filled with an encouragement letter and the gifts pictured above. I haven't read them yet, but you know that sea salt chocolate is already opened. Has anyone else read either of those books?

So all of this made me think of a challenge for this holiday...

If you happen to see this post, tag a female friend on social media and write what is so great about them here in the comments! Writing your encouraging thought on Instagram or Facebook is cool too, but I'd love to see all of the encouragements saved here in one place!

If you get tagged you have to tag someone new... Yes, 1998 chain-mail style! I ain't ashamed.

I'll start with Kelly & Sarah since they inspired this post!

LET'S GO, AMERICAN GIRLS (and non-American too, of course!)

38 Comments

Ginger link

7/4/2016 09:16:15 am

DEAR KELLY -- My favorite things about you are your constant ability to be real and outspoken... especially fighting against the social media world of curated perfection, you always stay true to yourself! I'm so proud of you for your new blog, and especially that you didn't just let your goals sit on a notepad in a drawer all year, but that you wanted to make something of it and push yourself further. I wish I was more like you in your house-management skills, money-saving, and overall #adulting. :) haha! I'm thankful that you are such a kind and loyal cousin-friend!

Kelly

7/4/2016 09:49:36 am

Oh. My. Goodness.

This is the best and I so needed it today. Love you 😘

7/4/2016 09:22:54 am

DEAR SARAH --
My favorite things about you are your super-human organizational and management abilities -- that are mixed with artful creativity. I'm so proud of you for always working beyond your 9 to 5 to expand your art business-- even when it robs you of a few weekends and leaves you exhausted... all hard work pays off! I wish I was more like you by NOT having to think all the world needs to be my friend ;) (haha)... and marching by the beat of your own drum no matter what other people think about it.
I'm thankful that you are always there for me and can talk circles around a story or issue for hours and not get tired of talking!

7/4/2016 09:52:45 am

DEAR ASHLEY-- My favorite thing about you is your ability to be tough and sensitive at the same time! I'm so proud of you for rising to the challenge of teaching 2nd grade and doing an amazing job-- even when the transition was gutwrenchingly hard on you! I wish I was more like you in your ability to drive a stick shift in one weekend haha! -- and I'm so thankful that you still feel like a close roomie I could plop on the couch and eat a bowl of avocado-something while watching something girly ...even when I haven't seen you in months. ❤️

7/4/2016 09:54:02 am

My dearest Ginger -

My favorite favorite favorite (yes 3 is necessary) thing about you is how amazing and intentional you are as a mama. You're real and kind and make huge efforts to raise your little guy with so much grace and joy. I love how creative you are and how you push yourself and stretch yourself with your blog! You absolutely inspire me daily! And I also just love that we're related in some redneck Alabama way 😜

7/4/2016 09:58:54 am

Sweet Ashley -

You are one tough cookie! I've learned so much from you on how to be brave and do things and not give a crap if it's crazy or weird or silly! You are so transparent and real and I'm appreciate that so much! I'm also glad you will 100% dance with me at any dance party or wedding even if it's just us being dumb! Love you girlfriend 😘

7/4/2016 10:14:09 am

DEAR AMANDA -- My favorite thing about you is your ability to be whimsical and laid back and then switch over into fightin' mama bear when people need defending! I'm so proud of you for making it through the roller coaster of 3-kid/twin-infant life... all with strength and without complaining! I wish I was more like you in your confidence to know who you are in Christ and that you don't beat yourself up (outwardly at least) like a lot of us women do. I'm so thankful that we figured out a way to become sisters ;) and that your home always feels like my home too!

Amanda

7/4/2016 10:38:53 am

Oh my goodness! My heart is full!! Thank you! I needed this more than you could have known! ❤️❤️❤️

7/4/2016 10:28:52 am

DEAR BLAIR-- My favorite thing about you is your ability to enjoy God's blessings in life and to be the "fun mom" !! I'm so proud of you for making it through your THIRD pregnancy while mentoring girls at church and raising your firecracker kiddos. I wish I was more like you in your gift to spread joy, and I'm so thankful that you guys feel like our extended family.... I'm still considering commune-farm-life with you guys! ;)

7/4/2016 10:38:01 am

DEAR KATHERINE --- my favorite thing about you is your ability to communicate your deep feelings and reach others with your love for Christ! I'm so proud of you for using your many creative talents as you transition through different seasons of life. I wish I was more like you in your ability to outwardly show your heart worship, and I'm so thankful that we were able to be roomies and all help each other through those crazy single days!

7/4/2016 10:45:11 am

Dear Michelle,
You've been through a lot this year, and though I don't get to spend much time with you in real life, I know how strong you must have been. Your strength And your dedication to your kids and your family inspire me. I do wish we still lived close to each other, but I'm so glad I got to know you while we did! You are a light in this world and I'm grateful I get to call you friend. ❤️

Katherine

7/4/2016 10:46:16 am

I am so grateful for these kind words. Truly I love remembering that season of roommate glory. what a sweet time. I love the way you care and intentionally give to others. even watching that flow into sweet Rowan. you're so inspiring to watch you live your life. love your sweet red headed Lindsay clan!

7/4/2016 11:23:17 am

DEAR HANNAH -- the encourager of all encouragers! I feel like if you had a blog (or read blogs, ha!) you would've come up with this idea first! I'm so proud of you for always being brave enough to make the big moves to new cities for college and for your career changes through the years! I wish I was more like you in your ability to see the fun, positive side of life and to always ask the best probing questions to get to know how your friends are doing, haha! I'm so thankful that you are always up for an adventure, and that you've been a friend to count on no matter the distance.

Hannah rice

7/4/2016 02:28:51 pm

❤️What a great idea ginger!

Some things I love... Your ability to have an hour long conversation about how to make a fall wedding with spring "colored" flowers possible since this was what I wanted

Your castle adoration and exploration

The way you parent just like you always said you would bringing Rowan right along!

Your creativity in making little things like a word written the right way beautiful

7/4/2016 12:08:47 pm

DEAR MEREDITH -- One of my favorite things about you is your ability to have fun and be present in the moment! Even though you don't really like social media and phone conversing, being present in the moment is still the BETTER way to be! I'm so proud of all the hard work you've done transitioning into mom-life! I wish I could be more like you in your ability to speak freely and confidently about everything you care about -- even in sales... I am seriously the world's worst salesperson and don't even know how people have that gift! haha! I am so thankful that I've had such a loving friend in you all of these decades! ;)

7/4/2016 12:20:34 pm

DEAR JESSICA -- My favorite thing about you has always been your sense of humor and how you make everyone feel like a friend! I'm so proud of all the awesome work you do with Buddy & Create Birmingham, and think you're GREAT at it! I wish I was more like you in graciously balancing that mom/work life and still keeping up with lots of home-cookin'! I'm thankful that I've known you all of these years and hope that our kids can hang some day to play as they get bigger!

7/4/2016 12:44:48 pm

My best - Rachel,

Girl you're my numba 1! Thank you for always making me laugh even when I'm feeling real down, and for always helping me see a new perspective! You have a heart of gold, and you'll absolutely knock someone's teeth out if they mess with the people you love. I'm glad we are more than friends, I'm thankful you're my sister and we get to do life together. ❤️

Rachel

7/4/2016 03:16:27 pm

I love you Kel! You're an amazing friend and I'm so thankful God put you in my life.

7/4/2016 12:49:10 pm

Dear sweet Loriahn -

Girl you are AMAZING. Not only are you an amazing mama to three angel babes, you are super motivated and run your business like a champ! I've always looked up to how you raise your babies, having an incredible balance of grace and truth. I miss you all the time and pray our journeys cross one day to where we finally get to be next door neighbors 😉 Also, you're crossfit mama and I don't even know how you do it! Love you!

Loriahn Harden

7/4/2016 02:43:23 pm

What?!?! This is exactly what I needed! Your words mean so much! I feel like a million dollars after that. 💪🏼🏆

Sarah Woodall

7/4/2016 02:15:56 pm

Dear Brittny,

You are so brave! You'll never know how much I admire your decision to quit your job and start your own business doing something you love. You inspire me. Thank you for being so encouraging and supportive of the people you love. I'm so thankful that we've reconnected, and even after so many years have passed, you reentered our friendship with nothing but positivity and encouragement-- pushing me to be a better person. You ALWAYS make me laugh. And you have such a tender heart, for ALL creatures.

7/4/2016 04:42:05 pm

DITTO TO THIS! Love you, B! I am so thankful for your tender heart to animals... (and especially my fur kids!) My favorite thing about you is basically the same as what Sarah said -- that you have gone for your goals even when it is tough, hard, sometimes discouraging work. I'm so thankful that you thought of the idea for us to push ourselves to grow in our creative hobbies/side businesses. <3

7/4/2016 02:20:27 pm

Dear Ann Marie,

I don't know if you know it, but you've taken me under your wing. You've helped me get my sea legs in a new world that's big and intimidating. You've held my hand through it, and I'm thankful. You are one of my favorite people to chat with-- be it about weddings, work, family, friends, or anything in between. You always make me laugh. You always cheer me up. You have such a refreshing, positive outlook on things. You and Scott are blessings to me and my family. Thank you for your friendship and leadership.

Ann Marie Leveille

7/6/2016 07:23:43 am

Thank you for your kind, sweet words!! It has been SO FUN getting to know you as an adult, after knowing you as a teenager ;) And I love your creativity and love for all things "theme"!! It was an honor to be a part of your wedding and I am SO proud of your hard work and drive as you explore and grow into your little corner of wedding world!! <3

7/4/2016 02:32:52 pm

Dear Codi,

Encouragement today - your ability and will to become such a running superstar a little later on is still so impressive to me. The way you write the best thank you notes- I love them
Every time. Your honesty about being a real mom- thank you for this!

Dear Erin- bottom line I am so thankful for This upcoming birthday bash to end all! On another note thankful for the endless supply of fab necklaces on your college wall and that you let us borrow ESP the green necklace! Also I love the way in college you always let me have first shower so your tan could "sink in" hahah ❤️

7/4/2016 03:00:03 pm

Kel!

I love that every time I eat a donut, you come to my mind. 🍩 I love that we jello wrestled that one time and that we rocked High Gear together. I miss hanging with you every single day. You have grown into a beautiful, mature, inspiring lady and everyone who knows you sees it. I'm so proud of the mama and wife you are. Danny and those girls hit the jackpot, my friend. Also, this whole living in two different states junk is just dumb. I'm packing the house up. We're heading to TN.

😘😘

7/4/2016 03:11:40 pm

Amanda!

You are one of the most beautiful girls I know. Your heart is generous and kind and believes the best about people. I love that. Also...a toddler AND twins? I'm giving you a standing ovation. Serious business. You deserve a trophy. You will always be my "first friend". I have so many hilarious memories of us growing up together. SO much love for you sweet friend.

😘😘

7/4/2016 04:06:42 pm

DEAR JESSIE -- You may not read this for a few days, but I definitely had to say how much of an inspiration you are... especially with your FAITH! I am praying for you today, but also I'm continually encouraged by your trust in God and your caring heart. Also, my favorite thing about you is your artsy-creative, go-getter mama-style! Evie is so blessed to have a mom like you! Thank you for being such an encouragement to me this year!

Jessie

7/4/2016 07:30:45 pm

Sweet Ginger,
You are simply amazing!! You stir the deep creative juices in my heart by simply being in your presence. I am constantly refreshed in my spirit by your stunning authenticity! You are one of the most intentional and genuine people I know. And conversation with you is like reading a beautiful epic novel full of intriguing details and magic. You make your family truly magical with that powerful multifaceted heart of yours. You and your family have been such a rich treasure to my family. And I love how you seamlessly recreate culture around you. So much love and thank you the world over for praying for me today

7/5/2016 05:22:53 pm

WOAH, GIRL! THANK YOU! Even while sick, you are the encouragement Queen! <3 I could read those affirmations every morning!

7/4/2016 04:14:08 pm

DEAR JEANETTE -- My favorite thing about you is your ability to openly relate to others through conversation and offer in-the-moment encouragement! I'm so inspired by how you seem to do it ALL .... (like how?) but yet at the same time are very real about being a real-life mom (aka Laundry Queen). Thank you for being a laid-back mom friend to all of us uptight, worriers out there! And please please please teach all of my children violin in the future. <3

7/4/2016 04:27:35 pm

Molls.

You've become a friend that I lean on when I can't tell which way is up. When I feel lost and uninspired and totally not motivated to do life, you are the one I can always always count on to give me a grace filled pep talk. You help people see the best in themselves and that is such a gift to others. I love that our friendship was CLEARLY ordained by God. You seriously rock.

😘😘

Molly

7/4/2016 06:08:58 pm

Oh sister. You totally encouraged me tonight. I am loving the beach with my babies but more than a little homesick for our routine and my people. Thank you for blessing me with your generous words and precious friendship. I love you so much!

7/4/2016 04:34:27 pm

DEAR ANNA -- My favorite thing about you is your SMILE! You seriously make me feel like I must be the funniest person ever, but its really just all your joy and laughter you spread around to everyone! I'm so thankful for all you do to encourage the MWM ;) -- and that you guys love my family like we've known each other for years even though we haven't yet! I also totally love that you feel like a Hermione-kindred-spirit to me and wish I could time travel so that you could be one of my middle school teachers!

Anna

7/4/2016 05:06:08 pm

You are too kind 😘😘

7/4/2016 04:35:39 pm

Carmine.

You're the most encouraging and selfless person I know. For reals. You give so much of yourself to helping others and being a freaking rockstar mama. I love that you and Molly and I were destined to be framily. Also, you get my intense love for all the food that's just really bad for you and we can be real about it. I love you in my life!

😘😘

7/4/2016 04:44:47 pm

Shelby. You're my best girl. I wouldn't wanna do life without you. You are ALWAYS there for me to vent to and laugh with. I love that you don't sugar coat things and will be real and honest with people. You balance motherhood and all of life's curveballs like a dang boss. AND. You just get me. It freaks me out a lot how alike we are. We were obvs supposed to be besties for life. I so love you.

😘😘

7/4/2016 05:08:49 pm

GINGER - you are so brave and creative and sweet and absolutely stunning!! I hope I can be half the mom you are one day :)

MACK - I love your tender spirit and how you are comfortable enough in your own skin to laugh at yourself and love others fiercely! You are amazing!

because women need each other

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