True Friends

Hey There!

Have you ever felt drained after talking to one of your friends? Does it feel like all the conversations are about is them? I’ve felt that way, too. Sometimes, friends can get a little too comfortable (us included), that they don’t realize if their conversations only point towards them and what they’re up to. It can be exhausting to be the ear for others to talk into about whatever is going on in their life, especially if they don’t do the same for you. It’s easy to just paste on a smile and nod your head occasionally when these things happen, but sometimes it’s better to pull back a bit and let them do some of the work, too. My sister is constantly reminding me that 

Friendships are a two way road. It takes two people to do the work, not just you.

When situations like these come up, it’s ok to reply to what the other person is talking about, and state an experience you’ve gone through or something you’ve done that is relatable to the conversation. It can remind them that you would like to share your life with them, too. If they ignore what you said, try again – everyone deserves a second chance. If they still don’t pay attention, then pull back a bit. Maybe don’t comment as much, or (depending on the circumstances) politely leave the conversation all together. If you’re in a group of people, let them finish what they’re saying, comment, then politely tell them there are a few other people you would like to touch base with. If you are chatting online or texting, tell them you have things that need to be done. It’s important to take care of yourself, and taking a step back to clear your head can do wonders. Friends are supposed to listen to one another and have each other’s backs. 

It can be hurtful when friends don’t seem interested in what you are talking about, but sometimes that is a sign that God is telling you to move on. It can be painful, especially if they are a close friend, but which is more important (and healthy) to you: maintaining a friendship that you’re not getting what you want out of it, or finding a new friend who is great at talking AND listening? True friends will care about what you say, and want to hear you say it. 

Also, don’t cut off the friendship too soon. It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and not to be too harsh on someone, because everyone appreciates receiving grace – even if they don’t realize their mistake yet. I think that is one of the bravest and kindest things we can do: extending grace when the other person didn’t realize they needed it. After all, we most likely don’t know everything that is going on in their life. They could be struggling with something under the surface and need some support, or maybe they just had a bad day! 

I hope this helps inspire you to evaluate your friendships and make healthy decisions. 🙂 

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17

 

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

Dandelion Bubble Photography

Hey There!

How are you all doing in this tough season? ❤ I wanted to post some cheerful photos to brighten your day! 🙂 Share with someone who needs some cheering up. 😉

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Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

Sunset Poem

Through the silhouettes of the trees and over the skyline

Flashes pink, blue and shades of wine.

Through the black wavy veins

the sun can be seen as it wanes.

Gorgeous colors all vibrant and bright

Catch the eyes of a family saying goodnight.

As the day continues to cease,

You can see God’s masterpiece. ❤

 

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

Comforting Others

Hello there!

When you see someone who is upset or stressed, what do you do? Do you pretend not to notice, or do you offer comfort? Do you try to help as much as possible to make them feel better, or do you go about your business as if nothing’s wrong? Sometimes helping others is awkward – when you don’t know what to say or do – but that is not an excuse to ignore comforting them.

“So in everything, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Matthew 7:12

You have probably heard this said a lot, but I challenge you to read it slowly and re-understand what this Bible verse says. How often do we actually do to/for others what we would want done to/for us? Sometimes, it feels like it is easier to remember this verse only after the moment. But always remember: you do not know what is going on in someone’s life. We might think that mom with five noisy kids is being disrespectful by not quieting her children; or that man who cut in the grocery check out area is being rude, but we don’t know anything about those people – who they are or what they’re going through. Are you willing to help comfort strangers in the face of trials? Even though we don’t, God knows what a difference we can make. Gestures as small as smiling and saying hello to a stranger can mean the world to someone.

This goes for family and friends, too! Seeing the same people every day can somewhat make us blind to when they are hurting. Spending quality time is crucial to any relationship. Go out to the park and take a walk with a family member or friend, and ask what they’re thinking about. Visit a local café and just talk – about anything! Sometimes talking about random things (i.e. a bird that just flew by; an interesting photo you saw the other day) can mean more to someone than talking about what is bothering them. Some people don’t like opening up, and pushing them to can cause more stress than help. But if you spend a little bit of quality time frequently, it shows the other person that you care.

I recently read an article (Link Here) that spoke to me. It said:

Ministry is:

Listening when you’d rather fix the problem.

Searching for the joy when it’s easier to say “It’s not fair.”

Helping, when you feel like you’re the one that needs the help.

Telling God “Use me” when you’d rather ask to be rescued.

Encouraging, even when you don’t see God’s reasoning. 

Hugging when it feels awkward.

Saying “let’s pray right now” instead of “I’ll pray for you.”

Serving, when you doubt you have anything left to give.

Comforting, by being the flicker of light in others’ dark caverns.

All of these acts take courage – and I know you have it! Often, our thoughts about what others will think of us can cloud our vision of what is right. Whether you fear rejection of your help, or what the people around the situation will think, you need to remember: You are reaching out and being kind to someone, and God will appreciate your good works. And as far as the people around you go – if they aren’t willing to help whoever is in need, we need not fear their judgement. 

Thank you for reading, I hope this helps refresh your courage to help others! 🙂

Be the light in dark places!

 

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

Pink Rose Photography

Hey There!

For Valentine’s Day, my Dad surprised me with some gorgeous light pink roses. They are so pretty and colorful, and I am so grateful for his gift. I knew as soon as I saw them that I would love to take some photos of them. Thank you, Daddy! ❤

 

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

Peanut Butter Truffles (Allergy Friendly)

Hey There!

I love peanut butter. It goes with sweet or salty foods, and it stops me from getting hungry. Peanut butter desserts are even better! However, a family member in my house is allergic to peanuts, so she can’t have peanut butter cups or truffles – so I decided to make some allergy-friendly ones specially for her!
I used a peanut butter substitute* that tastes exactly like peanut butter. You could hardly tell the difference. I used this Peanut Butter Truffle Recipe for the first time, and I loved it! The texture was smooth, and the flavor was amazing! Everyone in my family enjoyed them, and I had a lot of fun making them. 😀

* contact me if you would like the name of the peanut butter substitute

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

Tender Hearted

God made me tender hearted.

He made me so that I notice the smallest social interactions – a facial expression, shift in body language, or a small glance. I can overthink things often, and can sometimes be extremely sensitive. But that’s ok, because that is how I am made – and I’m made in God’s image!

“There is something special in being fragile, and it has nothing to do with weakness, and everything to do with strength. Being sensitive is a gift… and I shouldn’t be ashamed of it.” – unknown

It took me a while to remember that God made me “fragile” for a reason, even if I don’t know it yet. I am quiet, and lots of people take that as being insecure or weak. But I’m not. I know just who I am in Christ – a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17) The world is tough, and values perfection, which is something none of us can achieve. Society tells you to “Be yourself – but not like that,” creating a desire to do things on your own and an aversion to asking for help. Respect, manners, and caring for others are dying practices. But when we extend ourselves to others and reach out to comfort them, we are creating a bond of trust and shining the light of Jesus.

“There’s bravery in being soft.” – unknown

Are you willing to be soft? Are you willing to be sensitive? Are you willing to be the person who jumps up to hold the door for a complete stranger who needs a hand? To help pick up books a student drops, or console a stranger in tears? Because we need more comforters in this harsh world. We need more givers. We need more people who are willing to reach out and be like Jesus to the brokenhearted. ❤

 

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

Cinnamon Snowball Cookies

Hey There!

I recently was flipping through my new baking book, Sally’s Cookie Addiction, and found a recipe that caught my eye – cinnamon snowball cookies! These cookies look awesome, and taste even better!

I made these cookies Gluten-Free, and the flour worked well. The texture and flavor remained the same as if I had made them with wheat flour. I had a lot of fun making these, especially coating them with powdered sugar! 😉

 

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

Still Life Photography

© Chick & Co.

© Chick & Co.

© Chick & Co.

© Chick & Co.

© Chick & Co.

© Chick & Co.

© Chick & Co.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17

 

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life

The Fight

Even though it’s sometimes hard to see, we are all fighting for God: you and me.

Every day we can talk to our LORD: a great privilege He helped us afford.

With our Father above anything can be done, and when we speak with Him the battle can be won.

To others our battles of everyday may seem small, but the importance of them God knows in us all.

For He is great, and His grace is strong – He makes it clear that with Him we belong.

Chick & Co.

Living the Sweet Life