year in review: twenty sixteen.

Looking back on 2016, Michael and I experienced countless lows scattered with some highs. It was quite a year. Despite the lows, I choose to praise the highs because I'm a glass half-full kinda girl.

january-
we celebrated Michael's 30th. I had grand plans for a huge surprise party, but as life does, it came so fast and I didn't get it planned. We did have a mini surprise party at Soulshine with family and close friends

april-
we celebrated 5 years of marriage with a babymoon/anniversary trip to Nashville. My darling godmother Babsie and her husband, Dave, were excellent hosts who spoiled us rotten. picture this: sleeping in late, waking to breakfast and coffee on the table, no agenda or kiddos schedules to stick to, working out without a stopwatch or baby monitor, and a lovely dinner under the sea at the Aquarium Nashville. I know, I still pinch myself. It was wonderful, even if I was 8 months pregnant!

may-
Everett Peter McElroy joined our family on May 7th, earlier than expected but granting us with a few extra days to celebrate his sweet life and baby snuggles. I'd had contractions weeks leading up to his birth so I wasn't alarmed when they became more regular. On Thursday May 5th, I thought I was gonna have a baby! I did what ever other fit momma would do, and I decided to go walk two miles while regularly having irregular contractions the entire trek. I will never forget the details of that walk...I prayed and worshiped the entire time. I giggled at the passerby's on the path who looked at me like the crazy momma I was- working out at 9 months pregnant in public and acting like it's completely normal is just funny and frankly a bit crazy to most. I speed-walked proudly down that path with my swollen ankles and dangerously low hanging belly, all the while praying out loud to Jesus and singing worship songs in between the prayers....all of this while counting contractions. Despite my best efforts at bringing this baby early that day...I woke up Friday and he was still in there. It actually happened exactly the way I had always expected it to happen though. The next afternoon, Friday, I arrived to the gym for my daily dose of Crossfit with my Iron Sharp Family. I was  preparing to do my final workout of this pregnancy and hurriedly warming up and getting my equipment set up when it happened...i'll spare yall the details but I knew I shouldn't attempt to finish my workout that day. I was about to meet my little boy! The Lord knew just what I needed when it came to going into labor with my second little love...the next 12 hours were absolutely refreshing and perfect for this gracious momma. All the dots connected and I met my sweet boy the next day at 12:01pm while listening to 'Holy Spirit' in a room filled with love, laughter, and sweet tears of joy.

july-
July 2016 will forever be ingrained in my memory as nothing less than awesome! It was this month that I became a full-time SAHM, launched One Gracious Momma, and jumpstarted my new lifestyle of healthy habits. I'll refer you back to this post where I described all of these awesome happenings in detail. The ability to be home with my boys is by far the most rewarding and most grateful blessings I have received thus far. (besides April 30, 2011 when Michael and I became wholly His as ONE in Christ).

september-
I competed in my first Crossfit competition in years- team of course and all for fun! We spent a few days at the beach with family to follow the competition- Everett's first beach trip! This was refreshing as it was our only vacation this summer since Everett was born. We celebrated my big boy's 3rd birthday as well this month!

october-
I rang in my last birthday of my twenty-somethings. The clock is ticking towards 30 and I already know it's gonna rock!

november-
We excitedly welcomed my brother home from deployment! Lots of family time was had by all, and we celebrated Thanksgiving holiday with our entire family at our house. BLESSED.

december-
This month flew as it tends to do every year. I really love Christmas season and all the it entails- the decorations, the music, the smells, the cooking, the snuggles, the movies, the gifts, our Savior's birth. This was the first year that my oldest (halfway) understood the magic behind this season. Michael and I have had several 'Santa' discussions, one's we'll surely have to share with our Camp next year. Everett's first christmas was filled with crawling, present and ornament grabbing, and sitting up. My boys are growing up before my eyes...and I'm thankful I won't miss any of it.

As we ring in the new year. As we look forward to 2017. As we anticipate, set goals, plan, and make resolutions......
may we be PRESENT.
may we be PERSISTENT.
may we be BRAVE.
may we be BOLD.

present in the little moments that I would hate to miss.
persistent in prayer.
brave in my mission to declutter and become a minimalist.
bold in my faith.

present with Jesus, with our spouse, with our families.
persistent in our goals, our dreams, our mission, our passion.
brave to be the best version of ourselves.
bold to finally do those things that we've always been too scared to do.

see ya later, 2016.
let's do this, 2017.

here's to persistence,
reagan

sleep who?

when your 7 month up {finally} starts sleeping through the night and your 3 year old suddenly decides to start getting up at all hours.....

sleep.
it's not something we're used to in this household.
it's not something we get much of.
it's not how we make best use of our time.

As a child, I was what you would call a "night owl". My mom's favorite story to tell is that she would find me up at all hours rearranging my bedroom furniture. I remember staying up late, but I also remember waking early. My motto on sleep was "I don't want to waste my day!". Whether it was Saturday morning cartoons or a chance to watch the sunrise as a child, which developed into an early morning run and coffee and quiet time in the Bama Chi-O house kitchen...I've never required much sleep (and/or enjoyed it). In nursing school, I would stay up studying until wee hours, get in bed for 3-4 hours sleep, then get up and head to the Rec to never miss a workout around 5am.

I'm not sure how healthy my sleep patterns were in my entire child and young adult life...

Fast forward to married life with kids....
I always knew I'd be fine with newborns in my life because sleep is a rare thing for them and I didn't need much sleep to get by.
Michael and I are both early risers by nature, but one huge change for me after marriage was an early bedtime as well. Before kids even, we'd be in bed as early as possible knowing that we both would be waking early to start our days. Michael as a gym owner and coach and me as a nurse- our days start much earlier than most.

Sleep is essential. There are countless reasons. I was reading something during quiet time recently that pointed out how as humans, we cannot function without sleep in our lives. Think about it...there are A LOT of things we CAN live without, but sleep isn't one of them. Michael blog's on sleep and the importance of it often. Here is one post he wrote.

I know that I'm a momma of young littles. I know that this phase will come and go before I want it to. I know that one day, I'll see a few extra hours of sleep again....

BUT.
I also know that I'm blessed with healthy babies. I'm thankful for these sleep-less creatures that I've been given to rear and raise. I'm thankful for loud cries and snotty noses. I'm thankful for little voices and gentle touches that wake us in the middle of the night.

so for now...
I'll open another box of tissues and wipe that nose.
I'll rock them no matter how big they are.
I'll tie that shoe for the twentieth time.
I'll answer to "why" and "momma, watch a trick" over and over again.
I'll hold you because you are tired of the high chair.
I'll scratch your back and tuck you and your puppy in a second time.
I'll keep you safe from crawling and grabbing things you shouldn't.
I'll read "just one more" bedtime story.
I'll relinquish my OCD tendencies and let you help me wrap the presents.
I'll pour another bowl of cheerios even though you haven't finished the first.
I'll sing another silly song and dance a little longer.
I'll share my snacks with you because "your tummy growled".
I'll wipe up another pile of spit up and wash unending loads of laundry.
I'll make silly faces and sing for you to see that gummy smiles again.
I'll pick up the toys and repack the blocks a thousand times.
I'll wipe up the milk you spilled while trying to "do it myself".

I won't ever stop.
Not ever.
Never.

I can't say I'll be well-rested or dressed-up or without black rings under my eyes....
But I can say I loved them well and hard. I've prayed for them and with them.
I will always show up.
I will always be present.
And this gracious momma will always be your biggest fan, baby.

sleep-who????,
reagan

coming up for air.

this gracious momma is about to embark on a new adventure.
this gracious momma is about to begin what could be a fairly lengthy process.
this gracious momma is about to fearlessly face my clutter head on.

this gracious momma is about to CLEAN OUT // DECLUTTER.

This topic has been on my mind for several months now. Since being home more often and constantly surrounded my my stuff....I am borderline hoarder vs. the ultimate organizer/packer. I am 29 years old and I have accumulated more stuff than knowingly possible at my age. And the truth of it all is just that.....it's just stuff.

"I will wear this again one day"
"I can't get rid of this (even though I haven't worn it in 6 years) because it cost too much"
"This was a gift from _____"
"But I really enjoyed using that dresser in our first house"
"When we have a bigger house one day, we'll need more furniture to fill it up"

I could go on.
The excuses and reasons behind why I'm holding on to that 'stuff' is endless....but the stress it causes me to live in a constant state of clutter is officially overwhelming this momma.

I've had enough.

I have been piddling through things over the last two months. I have made what felt like 'progress' on days I can count on one hand. But now, now I'm ready. And I'm putting it out there for all to see and hold me accountable for making this happen. I have been praying for this day for sometime now. I pray that God will use me and humble me in this process. I pray that I will learn just how much I have and be reminded of that in times of envy or want. I pray my 'wants' vs 'needs' will become exceeding evident. I pray that God will use my 'clutter' to bless someone who is in need. I pray that by ridding my life of more stuff, I can enjoy my family and the little time I have with them more. I pray that the 'clutter bug' never returns to this home.

< If you know anyone with a direct or specific need, please email me at reaganmcelroy@gmail.com.
I would love to help.

Lord, use my 'stuff' to bless another.
And use this purge to bless me and my family.

here's to operation declutter our life!
#blessmymess

seeking breathing room,
reagan

ever changing perspective.

Perspective: a new point of view

"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:36

What do you think Jesus' perspective was as he anticipated his death. He knew it was coming-fully God and fully man. He waited for the moment to arrive.

I have found myself praying for a new perspective on numerous account lately. It's not something I've been 'studying'....not something I have had on top of my mind...not something I've blatantly noticed the Lord pointing me towards...BUT GOD. I am putting the pieces together and finally hearing what the Lord has slowly been revealing to me over the last few months.

PERSPECTIVE.
to be positive in the negative.
to be thankful even when lacking.
to worship in times of trouble.
to seek HIS will when I want my own.

Each morning during the quiet and dark hours, I spend time with Jesus. (This is a precious and cherished time for me!) I read books, study scripture, draft notes, and journal my prayers. My prayers usually include whatever is on my mind that morning, something I've been praying about for weeks or months, and for people who the Lord asks me to be in prayer for. My prayer journal has revealed to me a new perspective- God's view...His will...His cup.

-At 2:30am, rocking my baby for an hour before he finally gives in, only to wake back up in a few hours and begin the process again.
       >I have been given a healthy baby boy from Jesus.
-When digging through buckets of toys, and bagging up untouched toys in perfectly good condition to deliver to Goodwill so that I can declutter my house.
       >I have a home to come to with a roof for protection, beds to sleep in, and food to eat.
-On the first of the month when your bank account reads negative red numbers, only to transfer money from a separate full account that isn't lacking.
       >I have money in the bank.
-When a decision you have been praying about finally comes full circle and the answer is obvious.
       >Jesus answers. Jesus leads. Jesus reveals.
-When crime creeps into your neighborhood where you once felt safe and trusting, and suddenly feel the need to research alarm systems, security cameras, and keeping your garage door closed as I'm home with my kids all day.
       >I am safe. There are children who wake up in the middle of the night to gunfire every day.

PERSPECTIVE.
let's seek a heavenly point of view when things get hard.
let's change our negative sight to positive praise.
let's be grateful even when things aren't going our way.
let's rid our hearts of envy and thank Him for all he has blessed us with.
let's remember the miracle of life when close friends are walking through infertility.
let's listen to the His answer's instead of seeking to find a different one we like more.
let's stand firm and fearless in a world where crime is now everywhere.

let's remember why we celebrate Christmas.
JESUS.
JESUS.
JESUS.
Not my will, but THY will.
Take this cup from me, Jesus.

"He became the lowest to show us glory in the highest"

gaining perspective everyday,
reagan

it is finished.

"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished'. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:30

finished.
complete.
fulfilled.
accomplished.

Jesus bridged the gap between "I need to do this" and "I want to do this".

How often do you find yourself checking off the list of "the right things to do" in order to receive Jesus' love and assurance of faith? This is natural for the human flesh to continually strive to please Him and 'be perfect'.

(Insert GRACE.)

The moment Jesus declared that 'It is finished' saved us from that battle between need vs want.
"I need to read my Bible again"
"I need to join that Women's Bible Study at church"
"I need to tithe because that's what God would want"

-All of these statements are true and important, but when our minds connect with our hearts and we allow those words that Jesus whispered on the cross to sink in, we find GRACE.

"I want to read God's word today"
"I want to be part of a Women's ministry to join in life with like-minded ladies"
"I want to tithe out of obedience and faith to that Christ for what he's blessed me with"

"Thanks be to God, grace set me free. The moment I finally understood I couldn't save myself was the day I began living because of what Jesus did, not because of what I needed to convince Him I could do."

it is finished. -Jesus

resting in Grace and obedient in awe,
reagan

the Permanent One.

"In light of God's Truth, we can zoom in on the details of this life without our being ruled by uncertainty and fear. And in light of God's Truth, we can zoom out to see the whole, God-sized picture, knowing He and His Word will outlast anything we can see or control.

When the temporary has passed away, when The Stack and every other finite thing has finally returned to dust, we'll be left standing face-to-face with the Permanent One. There will be no more guesswork then."     (excerpt from She Reads Truth By: Rachael Myers and Amanda Bible Williams)

Permanence.
      In Christ.
      In the questioning.
      In our fears and doubting.
      In what the future holds.
      In our present lives and circumstances.

GOD IS THE PERMANENT ONE.
The only Permanent thing we have to seek, to hold, to get to know intimately, to love, to trust, to believe in.

When I am feeling overwhelmed by doubt, fear, questions, and concerns....my God is something PERMANENT that I can hang on too. Praise Jesus for that. In a world that is passing us by so quickly, I need a bit of permanence to keep me grounded.

So with that....
Whatever the Lord is calling you to.
Where you're being nudged to turn.
Whatever decisions you're facing.
---------turn to Jesus, your permanent one.

"God's covenant to us is not dependent on us. Not even a little bit. His guarantee is permanent, even when nothing we can muster up in response is."

seeking permanence in Christ,
reagan