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Time to re-focus

November 29, 2016 Mindy Larsen
anniversary pic by Alex Good

Two weeks ago I was running around doing last minute errands and prep for my sister’s wedding.  Last week, I was in recovery mode.  I did a lot of sitting on the couch in front of the fire, cuddling with my hubby, and starting a new binge on Netflix (hello, Walking Dead).  I gave myself the full week off to recover from the wedding craziness both physically and emotionally, and it was glorious.   And this week is for jumping back in… but jumping back into what? 

The past who-knows-how-many months, the main focus of my brain was doing everything I could to support my sister in planning her wedding.  From the brunch and bubbly bridal shower to the bachelorette party, then on to the actual big day (which was absolutely beautiful) – I have had one thing on my mind, support my sister, execute a beautiful wedding.  So now that it’s over I am feeling a little lost.

Have you ever been there?  Maybe it wasn’t planning a wedding, but perhaps a big project at work, or a magical getaway in the dead of winter.  You plan so much that your mind is absorbed.  You lay in bed going over the details yet to be covered; you wake and conquer the last of the to-do list.  Then the big day comes, everything goes off without a hitch and suddenly you’re left wondering, what now?  What’s on my to-do list?  What’s the next project?  What should I focus on?  That’s where I’m at today. 

Helping plan my sister’s wedding wasn’t my entire life, but it was my prime focus.  So, now that it has come and gone, it’s time to re-focus.  Re-adjusting is not easy; I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was in full-on avoidant mode today.  But I'm ready and eager to get to work on the next project God has for me.  

There’s all sorts of things brewing in this brain of mine and I’m looking forward to getting a lot of them onto paper (like our 5 year anniversary!) but first and foremost I want to get myself re-centered on the Lord.  If you think of me, would you pray for me? I want the words from Lauren Daigle’s song “First” to be the cry of my heart as I step faithfully into whatever the Lord has for me in the days ahead. 

Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
Before I lift my cares
I will lift my arms
I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
And seek You
First

_

- This image is a sneak peek from our anniversary session with Alex Good.  I can't wait to tell you about it and share more of the images she captured! - 

Tags 2016, focus, First by Lauren Daigle, writer
← Celebrating 5 years of marriageRe-defining Community →
Mindy Larsen by Alex Good

hello!

I'm a housewife, kitty mama, writer, and I love Jesus. I live with my husband in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and I write because of the Lord.
Read more>>

I'm so glad you're here!

xo Mindy

Last week I did something atypical.  For the first 3 hours of my day, I avoided tapping my finger on the purpley, pink and yellow square that leads to this beloved app. Thanks to the encouragement of the @wellwateredwomen #wordbeforeworld challenge, I saturated myself in the Word before scrolling - and the result was surprisingly significant. ⠀
⠀
Starting the day with Instagram = mindless scrolling, distraction and the comparison game⠀
Starting the day with the Lord = peace, joy, and a positive motivation that affected the rest of the day⠀
⠀
My new goal everyday is to stay away from social media until I've spent time with my Savior. Sadly, it's a hard habit to break, but I know it's sooo worth it. ⠀
⠀
Is this something you struggle with? Want to join me? ⠀
P.S. I have a funny story about this picture over on my insta-story.⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#wellwateredwomen #womenintheword #postwithpurpose #faithblogger #soulscripts #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #womenintheword #graceupongrace #christianblogger #faithblogger #christianliving #givemejesus #Christianwriter #hopewriters #sheislight #joyintheordinary #speaklife #getaftergrateful #lifeoflegacy #dearlymagazine #milwaukeeblogger #instagramadvantage #cultivatewhatmatters #powersheets
A couple months ago I started a series on my blog called, Things we don’t talk about.  I’ve been working my way through different topics like "What if I don’t want to have kids?", "When you don’t want to talk" (a post about the struggle of marriage) and on Friday, I'm releasing my next post about the difficult topic of WHAT TO DO WHEN FRIENDSHIPS FAIL. ⠀
⠀
Throughout the last year, I’ve struggled with each of these areas and felt like I was dealing with them alone because these topics are simply things we don’t talk about.  My ultimate goal with this series is to encourage each other that we are not alone and to start conversations about these untouched topics. ⠀
⠀
If this is the first time you're hearing about my series, and you want to catch up - tap the link in my profile @mindykaysl ⠀
But before you do, I'd love to know if you're struggling with this question of what to do when friendships fail? ⠀
⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#amwriting #gritandvirtue #dearlymagazine #deeplyrooted #relevantmagazine #relevantwomen #huffpost #loveminblog #thingswedonttalkabout #getaftergrateful #lifeoflegacy #soulscripts #soulscriptssisterhood #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #womenintheword #graceupongrace #christianblogger #faithblogger #christianliving #speaklife #milwaukeeblogger #cultivatewhatmatters #cultivaterelationships #womenintheword #communityovercompetition
Today was a rough day... I mean, I had to stare at this sweetness through my lens and capture some of her newborn, squishy, goodness. 😍😍😍 Okay, clearly NOT a rough day at all!  I am so loving this role as auntie and getting to put on my photographer hat, too. ⠀
⠀
Isn't she precious? ⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#newbornphotography #mkephotography #niece #auntie #igmotherhood #uniteinmotherhood #lifeoflegacy #getaftergrateful #instagramadvantage #lifeisbeautiful #amwriting #hopewriters #cultivatewhatmatters #gritandvirtue #pursuitcommunity #createdtocreate #wildandfree #lampandlight #writersofinstagram #incourage #influencetribe #communityovercompetition #sheislight #thatsdarling #thehappynow #flashesofdelight #livefullyalive #faithblogger
Sometimes writing feels like birthing a baby.  It's painful, slow, even gruesome at times, but at the end when you know the job is done - the overwhelming feeling is sweet, sweet release.  Writers, do you feel me? ⠀
⠀
That's how I felt most recently when I finished the piece about my niece's birth - ironic, I know.  My chest tightened re-creating the tense moments, I had to pause to blow my nose after crying out all my emotions, but when the last words were written, I threw my arms back and with sweet satisfaction said, "Yessss! I did it."⠀
⠀
Writing is therapy for me- a beautiful cathartic method of capturing the most precious memories.⠀
⠀
P.S. Missed the post about my niece's arrival?  Head to the link in my profile.⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#hopewriters #amwriting #writer #writersofig #writerscommunity #writerscorner #writemotivation #writerslife #creativewriting #writersonwriting #faithblogger #christianwriter #milwaukeeblogger #graceupongrace #wellwateredwomen #getaftergrateful #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #womenintheword #christianblogger #christianliving #instagramadvantage #makewavesmonday #coffee #valentinecoffee #mke⠀
When it’s a full blown snow day in April, it’s a good day to do #thegoodlist ⠀
⠀
Today, I am thankful for- ⠀
• peace that comes with a snowfall⠀
• a hubby who snowblows the heavy, dense, layer of white⠀
• unexpected time with my in-laws from MN who are trapped here due to the weather⠀
• a Dad who drives 30 minutes to drop off bagels (in this weather 🙈) ⠀
• living only a block away from my sister and brother-in-law and my new niece. ⠀
⠀
(You can see our winter trek to visit baby girl over on my insta-stories.) ⠀
⠀
What makes your good list today? ⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#spring #wisconsin #milwaukee #wauwatosa #winter #snowday #getaftergrateful #lifeoflegacy #darlingweekend #liveauthentic #alifeofintention #pursuepretty #savorthejourney #createcultivate #adventurethatislife #verilymoment #inspiremyinstagram #thatauthenticfeeling #athomeintheworld #theartofslowliving #seekthesimplicity #flashesofdelight #hopewriters #amwriting #faithblogger #christianwriter #brickhouse #myhome #dearlymagazine
I saw a meme on Facebook today with a picture of a man sitting in the snow with shorts on- it said Spring: faith is believing in what we do not see. 😆 The wind is howling and a wintry mix is falling to the ground. So today I’m hunkered in making a list of all the things that need to be done on my book proposal (hint: it’s a lot). ⠀
⠀
How have you spent your Saturday? ⠀
.⠀
.⠀
⠀
#hopewriters #amwriting #writer #writersofig #writerscommunity #writerscorner #writemotivation #writerslife #creativewriting #writersonwriting #faithblogger #christianwriter #milwaukeeblogger #graceupongrace #wellwateredwomen #getaftergrateful #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #womenintheword #christianliving #instagramadvantage #mckinleybeach #mke #dearmke #lakefront #mkelakefront
I am SO EXCITED because today, I get to tell you the story of my niece's birth!!! 🎉🎉⠀
⠀
Months ago, my pregnant sister and brother-in-law asked me to support them through labor and delivery as doula and photographer.  Completely honored and excited for this opportunity, I prepared through lots of prayer, a book called the Birth Partner, and wisdom from a doula friend. ⠀
⠀
Last week Wednesday at 3:21 am, I received this text - "sooooo...it's happening!"⠀
⠀
Taking a lot of deep breaths (and almost throwing up - I was so anxious), I got myself ready, packed my bag and waited for them to pick me up on their way to the hospital. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of the 35 long hours it would take to bring my niece into the world.⠀
⠀
OVER ON THE BLOG (link in profile), I'm sharing the beautiful story of my niece's arrival, and the life impacting experience of witnessing childbirth. Hint: Childbirth is the craziest, most intense, but earth shatteringly amazing thing.⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#birthphotography #doula #childbirth #newborn #milwaukeeblogger #auntie #babygirl #lifeoflegacy #getaftergrateful #hopewriters #christianwriter #wellwateredwomen #womenoftheword #faithblogger #amwriting #loveminblog #overwhelmed #takeinstagramback #cultivatewhatmatters #risenmotherhood #coffeeandcrumbs #gritandvirtue #pursuitcommunity #lampandlight #writersofinstagram #Christianwriter #instagramadvantage #themagicofmotherhood #uniteinmotherhood #motherhoodrising⠀
Hello! I'm Mindy - the face behind the feed. There's a few new friends around here so I thought I'd introduce myself a bit. ⠀
I'm a 😻 mom - his name is Finn and he's our fur baby.⠀
I love 🍩 - vanilla raised with sprinkles preferably.⠀
I play 🏐 and in the summer I like to waterski.⠀
⠀
I'm a writer, whose goal is to encourage you with words that point you to Jesus.  Three things I'm working on right now are: ⠀
1- a story about witnessing my niece's birth⠀
2- finishing a post for my "things we don't talk about series" (click the link in my profile for the scoop about the series)⠀
3- a book proposal for my memoir⠀
⠀
I'm so glad you're here! Tell me one thing you love - or if you're a writer, tell me one project you're working on. ⠀
⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#hopewriters #christianwriter #introduction #wellwateredwomen #milwaukeeblogger #faithblogger #christianwriter #christianblogger #allgoodthingscollective #thekingdom #risingtidesociety #communityovercompetition #cultivatewhatmatters⠀
#getaftergrateful #lifeoflegacy⠀
#soulscripts #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #womenintheword #graceupongrace #christianliving #amwriting #speaklife #instagramadvantage #lifteachotherup #livehollandlane⠀
“And ultimately, when we put our desperation in anything other than God himself, those things become idols.” - @annswindell #stillwaitingbook⠀
⠀
Happy ONE YEAR birthday, Still Waiting!! This book, about having hope when God doesn't give you what you want, has planted many memorable lessons in my heart.  One of them that keeps coming to surface lately - this reminder to fix our eyes, not on our struggles, but on our Father. ⠀
⠀
Have you read this book yet?  If you haven't, join me in celebrating the ONE YEAR anniversary and snag yourself a copy! And guess what? @annswindell is doing a giveaway for a @letterfolk poet board! All you have to do is post a picture of the book, tag Ann and #stillwaitingbook- or if you already have a copy, take a selfie! ⠀
⠀
photo by @shaunaeteske ⠀
.⠀
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#tyndalehouse #stillwaitingbook #oneyearanniversary #booksilove #whatimreading #favoritereads #amwriting #writingwithgrace #launchteam #milwaukeeblogger #faithblogger #christianwriter #soulscripts #soulscriptssisterhood #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #womenintheword #graceupongrace #christianblogger #christianliving #womenintheword #wordbeforeworld⠀
When my sister went into labor, I knew that I would want to remember every little detail.  From the milestone moments, to the sights, sounds and smells, I captured it all and wrote it down in this notebook.⠀
⠀
Last week I talked about how I used to view my excellent memory as a curse; but this time, instead of getting mad at myself for wanting to remember every little thing, I tapped in, embraced that desire and soaked it all up.  Friends, it felt so good - like I was finally releasing a part of myself that I had been denying for years. ⠀
⠀
This was a good learning experience - I'm not neglecting that desire to remember it all anymore.  And the cool part, it's not just a gift for me - I can't wait to tell my sister, brother-in-law, and niece all that I documented from their big day. ⠀
⠀
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#amwriting #thememoirproject #memory #writingwithgrace #hopewriters #Christianwriter #getaftergrateful #lifeoflegacy #wellwateredwomen #sheleadsdaily #speaklife #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #milwaukeeblogger #liveauthentic #pursuewhatislovely #bedeeplyrooted #livefullyalive #youbelong #flashesofdelight #instagramadvantage #gritandvirtue #writersonwriting #makewavesmonday #risingtidesociety #communityovercompetition
"Onise Iyanu⠀
You're the God of awesome wonders⠀
I've tasted of your power"⠀
⠀
This morning @eastbrookchurch we sang this new song (the first words in Yoruba) and it was exactly the praise I wanted to lift up today.  I'm still on an emotional high from witnessing the arrival of my niece; birth is truly an epic expression of God's awesome wonder.  I am so thankful to have tasted His power in such a monumental way. ⠀
⠀
Today is for reveling in the wonder, processing, editing some of the pictures I took and resting - until I get the call to come snuggle Lola so mom and dad can sleep. 😊⠀
⠀
P.S. My sweet parents - who were also at the hospital the entire time, and my mom was an active support in labor alongside me - brought me these flowers to say "job well done supporting your sister." Such a sweet surprise.⠀
⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#flowers #wellwateredwomen #eastbrookchurch #praise #wordbeforeworld #womenintheword #creativeworldview #milwaukeeblogger #auntie #birthphotography #doula #speaklife #lifeoflegacy #getaftergrateful #hopewriters #cultivatewhatmatters #gritandvirtue #pursuitcommunity #createdtocreate #wildandfree #lampandlight #writersofinstagram #communityovercompetition #sheislight #amwriting #faithblogger #Christianwriter #instagramadvantage #lifteachotherup
My niece is here! My niece is here!!!!!! ⠀
⠀
Lola Marleen entered the world at 10:06 yesterday morning.  I had the immense honor and pleasure of being by my sister's side the whole time as I got to be doula - supporting her and my brother-in-law and cheering her on - and birth photographer.  Watching my sister, like a warrior, push that baby into this world (after 36 hours of labor) was the most incredible experience I've ever had.  Birth is amazing. ⠀
⠀
So proud of my sister and my brother-in law for being a strong support for her.  I love this peanut so much already!! ⠀
⠀
P.S. My writer self was soaking up this experience with every ounce of my body.  It was life impacting, indeed.  I cannot wait to share more about this experience. ⠀
⠀
.⠀
#birthphotography #newborn #milwaukeeblogger #auntie #babygirl #lifeoflegacy #getaftergrateful #hopewriters #christianwriter #wellwateredwomen #womenoftheword #faithblogger #amwriting #doula #allthethings #overwhelmed #takeinstagramback #godisgood #childbirth #wow

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Last week I did something atypical.  For the first 3 hours of my day, I avoided tapping my finger on the purpley, pink and yellow square that leads to this beloved app. Thanks to the encouragement of the @wellwateredwomen #wordbeforeworld challenge, I saturated myself in the Word before scrolling - and the result was surprisingly significant. ⠀
⠀
Starting the day with Instagram = mindless scrolling, distraction and the comparison game⠀
Starting the day with the Lord = peace, joy, and a positive motivation that affected the rest of the day⠀
⠀
My new goal everyday is to stay away from social media until I've spent time with my Savior. Sadly, it's a hard habit to break, but I know it's sooo worth it. ⠀
⠀
Is this something you struggle with? Want to join me? ⠀
P.S. I have a funny story about this picture over on my insta-story.⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#wellwateredwomen #womenintheword #postwithpurpose #faithblogger #soulscripts #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #womenintheword #graceupongrace #christianblogger #faithblogger #christianliving #givemejesus #Christianwriter #hopewriters #sheislight #joyintheordinary #speaklife #getaftergrateful #lifeoflegacy #dearlymagazine #milwaukeeblogger #instagramadvantage #cultivatewhatmatters #powersheets
A couple months ago I started a series on my blog called, Things we don’t talk about.  I’ve been working my way through different topics like "What if I don’t want to have kids?", "When you don’t want to talk" (a post about the struggle of marriage) and on Friday, I'm releasing my next post about the difficult topic of WHAT TO DO WHEN FRIENDSHIPS FAIL. ⠀
⠀
Throughout the last year, I’ve struggled with each of these areas and felt like I was dealing with them alone because these topics are simply things we don’t talk about.  My ultimate goal with this series is to encourage each other that we are not alone and to start conversations about these untouched topics. ⠀
⠀
If this is the first time you're hearing about my series, and you want to catch up - tap the link in my profile @mindykaysl ⠀
But before you do, I'd love to know if you're struggling with this question of what to do when friendships fail? ⠀
⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#amwriting #gritandvirtue #dearlymagazine #deeplyrooted #relevantmagazine #relevantwomen #huffpost #loveminblog #thingswedonttalkabout #getaftergrateful #lifeoflegacy #soulscripts #soulscriptssisterhood #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #womenintheword #graceupongrace #christianblogger #faithblogger #christianliving #speaklife #milwaukeeblogger #cultivatewhatmatters #cultivaterelationships #womenintheword #communityovercompetition
Today was a rough day... I mean, I had to stare at this sweetness through my lens and capture some of her newborn, squishy, goodness. 😍😍😍 Okay, clearly NOT a rough day at all!  I am so loving this role as auntie and getting to put on my photographer hat, too. ⠀
⠀
Isn't she precious? ⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#newbornphotography #mkephotography #niece #auntie #igmotherhood #uniteinmotherhood #lifeoflegacy #getaftergrateful #instagramadvantage #lifeisbeautiful #amwriting #hopewriters #cultivatewhatmatters #gritandvirtue #pursuitcommunity #createdtocreate #wildandfree #lampandlight #writersofinstagram #incourage #influencetribe #communityovercompetition #sheislight #thatsdarling #thehappynow #flashesofdelight #livefullyalive #faithblogger
Sometimes writing feels like birthing a baby.  It's painful, slow, even gruesome at times, but at the end when you know the job is done - the overwhelming feeling is sweet, sweet release.  Writers, do you feel me? ⠀
⠀
That's how I felt most recently when I finished the piece about my niece's birth - ironic, I know.  My chest tightened re-creating the tense moments, I had to pause to blow my nose after crying out all my emotions, but when the last words were written, I threw my arms back and with sweet satisfaction said, "Yessss! I did it."⠀
⠀
Writing is therapy for me- a beautiful cathartic method of capturing the most precious memories.⠀
⠀
P.S. Missed the post about my niece's arrival?  Head to the link in my profile.⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#hopewriters #amwriting #writer #writersofig #writerscommunity #writerscorner #writemotivation #writerslife #creativewriting #writersonwriting #faithblogger #christianwriter #milwaukeeblogger #graceupongrace #wellwateredwomen #getaftergrateful #wildandfree #propelwomen #postwithpurpose #creativeworldview #encouragementgallery #lampandlight #womenintheword #christianblogger #christianliving #instagramadvantage #makewavesmonday #coffee #valentinecoffee #mke⠀

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