catharsis

Because it helps to say things or write things down.
Because words fail us sometimes.
Because just maybe we all have someone who has or is making us feel this way.
Because some day soon you will have to let go, put your heart back together, and move on.

I have chosen song lyrics - because words fail us sometimes.  Then we turn to music.  And some of the most beautiful lyrics and music come from the most excruciating pain.

"Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt

Because of you
I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

Because of you
I tried my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don't know how to let anyone else in

Because of you
I am ashamed of my life
Because it's empty
Because of you, I am afraid.

...Sometimes you just have to get it out to truly let go...

gratitude

Okay so it has been a minute since I have updated you on the goings on here in the Beaty girl's house and filled your time with my ramblings.  We have been so incredibly busy the past few weeks, that this is honestly the first time I have has time to sit and think.  It was busy, but it has been some of the best times this year.  Great times with unbelievably precious friends that I find myself thanking God for almost every day, a church family that are incessantly challenging me to "live my life outside of the mirror,"* and an incredibly beautiful family make this girl feel like the most blessed girl ever.  I haven't been doing the "thankful thing" on facebook, but I feel completely overwhelmed by my blessings this year.  Thankful just doesn't seem to do justice to how I feel right now.  Perhaps gratitude is better - I am grateful for being the witness and participant to so many beautiful moments the past few weeks.
*This quote is from our pastor - John, and I quite love it.  The conviction that followed was slightly painful but the idea of this life not being solely about me is beautiful to me.
So here are some of the pictures from the past few weeks - what I am grateful for.

Now, I am particularly looking forward to Thursday and spending time with my family, but today is my Daddy's birthday.  We have completely ruined him - he is now calling the week of his birthday "poppy-palooza."  As he is the best daddy and poppy in the world, it is okay to spoil him a little!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Much Love,

Colie

Export

<p>Have you ever thought about what you export - what you pour into your world? I am not talking about legacy - its not about what people remember about you after you die. I am talking more about the attitudes and actions and words you choose to put out into this world.<br>
The pastor of our church has been doing a series called "The Code" where he is detailing a lifestyle that we as a church will ascribe to. Today we learned that we are to be the largest exporters of laughter. Not just silliness but taking the joy we have found to the world. I think that happens in the little things we do.
I was thinking about this while we watched Madison, Wyatt, and Daisy Claire laugh and play, while my Mom and Dad share a look when the grand babies do something sweet, or when Candace, Brit, and I share a great laugh over some memory of something we did when we were younger. For example, when Madi does something so Candace-ish that we visibly wince.
I love these kind of days where we can enjoy our family. There are so many days when we struggle just to smile through the weight of the world that good days must be cherished and enjoyed in all their wonderful abundance.
I definitely want to be more aware of what I am exporting. I want to pour joy into my world - that joy you see on the face of children.