While perusing one of my favorite blogs, I came across this quote "I have come to realize that feeling afraid is the Spirit’s signal to ask for grace and power. So take a deep breath, seek your quiet center and push on." It captures my week, actually the past two months, exceptionally well. There's been so much change over the past few months, some of which I've share here on the blog and others are of course more private. And this week I made a major realization which I'm still in communication with God about in order to make some final decisions before leaping forward. And boy is it scary. And as the quote states, I've come to realize that this sense of fear is not a dead-end sign. It really is more of a stop signal that's telling us to pause, look left, look right, then proceed. It's a signal of God's grace and power, He's with us through this journey and as long as we seek Him we'll be okay. So take a deep breath with me, let's seek our quiet center and keep propelling forward. 

What I'm Loving:

Book Recommendation:

Weekend Reading:

Weekend Plans: 

Well, ladies, I hope you've had a great week and I wish you an even better weekend. Let me know how your week went and what you've got plan for this weekend.

Stay blessed,

Marie

I've had it on my list for over a month now to write this post because I just know you'll appreciate it. It's one of my favorite things to do while I'm commuting to work, running errands around town, or just on a run. It's a perfect way to stay inspired, learn something new, or consider a different perspective. I've been listening to podcasts since I got my first Apple device over a decade ago. Back then the options weren't as numerous as they are today. So it's with great enthusiasm that I share my 10 favorite podcasts in alphabetical order and my favorite episode. Here we go.  

Freakonomics Radio

If there was an essential list, maybe there is, of podcasts this one would surely be on it. The speakers discuss all sorts of topics and ask interesting questions that really makes you think. One thing I like most is that it really broadens my perspective not only about the issue being discussed, but really about personal concerns and issues as well. 

Favorite Episode: Should the US merge with Mexico? 

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Although this podcast has only been running for a little over four months it's on my list because Gretchen and her sister, Elizabeth, make a great tandem. The podcast is an extension of her books about habits and happiness. It's another podcast that makes you think about your actions, how you get things done, and how you can do them better. 

Favorite Episode: Stop Reading That Book 

Here's the Thing with Alec Baldwin

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when I subscribed to Alec Baldwin's podcast and I really only did it because I loved him in 30 Rock. But this podcast has made me appreciate him even more. In this podcast Alec talks with"artist, policymakers, and performers" and talk he does. Alec is a great conversationalist and I love the guest he has on his show. A lot of whom I have never heard of before and almost always do a little research on after. He's a great interviewer and you'll never want to miss an episode. 

Favorite Episode: Bryan Stevenson Wants 'Equal Justice'

Myleik Teele's Podcast

I've only recently discovered Myleik when she appeared on a different podcast and instantly fell in love with her. She is amazing and so full of inspiring energy! Myleik is the founder of curlBox and on her podcast she answers listeners' questions and shares her wisdom on success and living an enriching life. 

Favorite Episode: Now that I'm 36, Things I'm SURE About 

The Lively Show

Love!!! Jess Lively brings on wonderful guests from all over the blog world, other podcasters, and motivators to her show where they discuss their success, how they stay motivated, and what advice they'd give to others. As a blogger and someone who loves to live intentionally I always get a bog boost of inspiration to be better and live a more purposeful life.

Favorite Episode: Radical Authenticity with Myleik Teele

The Moth Podcast

For the storyteller and listener in all of us. This is another podcast that would be on my essentials list. I've been listening to the stories on the Moth for years now and I've laughed and cried along with the audience and maybe other listeners. Who doesn't like a good story and you'll get it here. 

Favorite Episode: Melissa Coleman Dream Home

The Productive Woman

The title says it all. The podcast is run by Laura McClellan, who has a great radio voice, who provides great advice on how to be productive woman. She also brings on wonderful guest that talk about their life and how to remain productive. It's a podcast that I always look forward to. 

Favorite Episode: Simplicity and Intentional Living with Vanessa Hayes

The Simple Sophisticate

Hosted by one of my favorite bloggers, Shannon Ables, this podcast is a must for all women of style and substance. Shannon started her podcast almost a year ago and I have not missed any episodes. The podcast, like her blog, is about living a simple life and defining prosperity by our own terms. I highly recommend you give it a listen. 

Favorite Episode: Why Not...Be a Romantic?  

Touching the Stillness 

Reverend Paulette Pipe was made for this, and more of course. Her voice makes the show, it's absolutely soothing. This meditative podcast is a great mid-week break from all the hustle and bustle of life. She occasionally have guest that come on to talk about how they lead a spiritually enriching life. 

Favorite Episode: The Prosperity Plan

Tranquility du Jour

Not that I intentionally saved the best for last, it is in alphabetical order, but this podcast would be my number one. This is the first podcast I ever subscribed to and there was nothing like it back then and really nothing quite like it now. I've been listening to Kimberly Wilson for almost a decade now and she has had such a positive influence on my life. Through high school, college, and now as a young woman with her own blog I've followed her advice and cannot speak more highly about her and her empire. The guests she has on are always align to her vision and I always find inspiration from their stories. Podcast come and go as my interest changes, but this one has and will probably always be on my feed. 

Favorite (Recent) Episode: Simply Luxurious Life (of course) 

I hope you enjoyed this list and if you are already an avid podcast listener please share some of your favorite below or your favorite episodes from the ones already listed. Thank you for reading and stopping by. 

With Love,

Marie 

Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.

1 Chronicles 28:10

I have this gorgeous print in my home office that reads 'Create a life you love'. It's stationed right next to my desk where it's easily visible and never fails to provided me with a boost of inspiration. I think of my goals, my vision, and all the things I plan on doing and seeing and I'm motivated to continue with the work I'm doing today to one day have those adventures. But as you know, it's not easy to stay motivated and inspired to continue doing the work that's necessary in order to transform an ordinary life into something truly extraordinary.

Getting where we need to go is not easy, but you and I both know it's worthwhile. I think of King Solomon's goal of building a place of rest for the Lord. God chose Solomon for this exact task.  When his father, David, relayed God's message to his son he made sure to impart these words "...acknowledge God...serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. Be strong and do the work." It's those final words that have remained in my heart over the past few weeks. Be strong and do the work. 

Our strength is found when we seek God wholeheartedly. It is His strength that will fortify us to do the work. Solomon was young and inexperienced when he was given this great task. But he wasn't building something for himself, but a palatial structure for the Lord. This is the point where I ask myself what am I creating? What is it that I hope to do and why am I doing so? What are your intentions? Solomon's only intention was to build a place of rest worthy of God. He wanted to be of use to the Lord. When God told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted, Solomon prayed for wisdom to discern God's will from his will. Solomon understood that he did not have all the answers to carry out his purpose, so he prayed to God to help him carry out his vision. God gave Solomon a wise and discerning heart that enabled him to transform his ordinary life into something extraordinary. 

Today let our prayers be like Solomon's for wisdom and strength to do the work we are called to do. Make your plans, pray, and with bold strength do the work. 

With Love,

I cannot even begin to recap my week. What a wonderful thriller it was. As some of you may know from Monday's post I was on the search for a new job. My current job nicely gave me a two months notice one month ago and my last day is scheduled for the end of July. I've been searching for a job since I got the notice, not the most pleasant thing to do at all, but of course it had to be done. By God's grace I have wonderful friends and trusted advisers that were with me throughout the process. My friends and family rallied around me and got me two interviews this week. One was an actual call-back after I miserably messed-up, or so I thought, the first interview. That's another story. And then yesterday I was offered the opportunity to stay with my current job to the end of the year. Blessings on blessings. You just never how things will play out. That's a lesson I'm learning during this process. My faith really carried me through. Although I strongly disliked applying and searching I never doubted that I would get something. And this week I was offered the position from both of those interviews. I've made my decision and will continue to pray and thank Jesus for His grace. Let His will always be done. 

What I'm Loving:

Weekend Reading:

Weekend Plans: 

I hope you ladies enjoy your holiday weekend as I know I will enjoy mines. Also, I made a little change to the post title going from Final Look to Weekly Notes. Thoughts? 

Stay Blessed,

Marie

My favorite summer month is here! There are a bunch of reasons I love July, I celebrate four birthdays, it's hot but not August heat, and there's an aura of summery fun all around. So it's with a lot of excitement that I write this post of what I'm most looking forward to doing this month. 

Easy Baking

Watch the Fireworks

Rest + Rejuvenate

Backyard Picnics +  BBQ

Leisurely Reading 

Bonus Fun: Celebrating four birthdays!!!! Two brothers and two close friends! 

I hope you enjoy this month as much as I hope to do so. Share your plans below. 

With Love,

Marie