Life. Archives - Page 6 of 7

Servant Leadership.

November 1, 2012 By: Sarah Leffcomment

Happy November 1^st! It definitely doesn’t feel much like November here in Texas—I think it is supposed to be 85 here today—but none the less, I have been listening to Christmas music this morning! Always makes my day a little brighter:)

In other news, here is something I read this morning…

“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

Luke 22:27

Right before Jesus said this, the disciples were (again) arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest among them, and who have the highest position in heaven. They figured that stature and works were the most important factors in determining the greatness of a person, and were eager to see who amongst them had achieved the highest level of greatness. Jesus however had a different idea in regards to what makes a leader great. According to Jesus, a great leader is someone who has a servant heart, and is willing to humbly serve those who follow them. That is how he chose to lead, and we should strive to follow his example.

Without this crucial factor, leaders cannot be true leaders because their decisions are based in selfishness and pride. Even the world’s greatest leaders need to have a servant’s heart in order to be truly effective. Imagine what our world would be like today if every world leader chose to follow Jesus’ example, and lead with a servant’s heart.

This leadership quality doesn’t just apply to those who lead on a large scale—it also applies to you and me. We may not be world leaders, but more than likely we are leaders in some way, shape or form. What can you do today to start leading with a servant’s heart?

Hope you all are having a great first day of November! God Bless:)

White Rock Lake Park; Dallas, TX

October 31, 2012 By: Sarah Leff3 Comments

Hello again! I thought I would share some pictures from our weekend adventure to White Rock Lake Park. The park is located on the East side of Dallas, and it is definitely worth checking out if you are ever in the area! Beautiful Lake, awesome trails, nature, peacefulness…everything you could want in a park. So, with our further ado, here are some of the pictures…enjoy!

White Rock Lake–you can see sailboats in the background! Love!

The pathway…perfect for walking, running and biking.

My first colorful tree sighting in Texas! I was a little excited…

You can see the Dallas skyline in the background. So close, yet so far away:)

Cool Trees!

I loved the branches on these trees.

So twisted, and so cool. I love trees. Must be a Michigan thing I guess.

These GIANT acorns(?) fell from above trees.

Look how this tree is sort of bent downwards…

Perfect for climbing. I’m a regular Katniss.

Not swans like we originally thought, but still cool.

Birds on a log.

Delicious, refreshing bubble tea after a long day of exploring.

And of course, cuddling with Samson. So precious.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed the pictures! I am going to try and get a little more creative with my posts, and definitely try and include some more pictures for you all! Have a great day:)

Friday Favorites.

October 19, 2012 By: Sarah Leffcomment

Hello and Happy Friday! It’s been a busy week with moving and unpacking all of our stuff, but I can now say that we are officially moved in! Yay. Just hung pictures on the walls last night, and unpacked the last bit of stuff. Still have a few various projects to do—like putting my desk together (which is still in a box), and organizing the spare closet so I can fit more into it (ha) but overall things are looking pretty good around here. So, here is my list of Friday favorites for the week…hope you all had a great week as well:)

5. Samson’s scratching post. Sounds like an odd favorite thing, but it is so funny to watch him on it. His grandma (my mom haha) wanted to get him a present, so we settled on this cool little scratching post for him to play on. It came with catnip to sprinkle into the scratching part, and let me tell you, he LOVES catnip. He was so hyper that first night he used it, I didn’t think he would ever settle down. But, eventually he crashed, and everything was all good. But seriously, it was so entertaining to watch.

4. While out exploring the other day, James and I stumbled upon a Bubble Tea shop. Now I’ve never had bubble tea before this week, but let me tell you—I am hooked! It was so good, we’ve already gone back for a second trip. We actually went last night, and I had a pumpkin pie smoothie (not tea, I know) and it was seriously amazing. I’m sure we will be back again.

3. Getting to skype with my parents! We finally got Internet in our apartment last week, so we were able to skype with my parents (and kitty). Ah it was SO good to be able to see them and talk to them. I miss them both so much. Thank goodness for skype when you can’t be there in person:)

2. We’ve been having some beautiful weather this week. So nice, I can’t even complain much about missing those brisk Michigan fall days. (Even though I do still miss them very much). It’s been sunny and warm during the day, and cool at night—perfect. I still find myself thinking that I am on vacation—not used to this warm October weather yet I guess. Still, I can’t complain. I even saw a tree with some reddish looking leaves the other day—sort of like fall! Ha.

1. OUR FURNITURE and BED and KITCHEN SUPPLIES finally came this week. We had a small misunderstanding with the first moving company (ahem…scam) that we tried to use, so we ended up having to wait two and half weeks for our furniture to come using another (much better) mover. I have never been so grateful for a bed in my life. This whole ordeal has really made me grateful and appreciative for the things that I have. It finally is starting to feel like home here in our new apartment, which is definitely a good thing!

Well, that about wraps it up. Hope you all are having a fabulous day, and have a fun fall weekend planned! God Bless:)

Friday Favorites

October 12, 2012 By: Sarah Leff1 Comment

Hello and happy Friday! It’s a beautiful day here in Grapevine–sunny and not too hot:) I figured my Friday Favorite posts were a little bit overdue, so I thought I would combine the last couple weeks of favorites into a picture collage of sorts. So without further ado, here are some pictures from the past couple of weeks (can’t believe we’ve already been in Texas for two weeks…seriously, time goes by so quickly).

Sadly, this is not Texas.

Last visit to Michigan for awhile…I had to take in the trees!

I got a little carried away with scenery pictures.

What can I say? I wanted to remember home.

And of course, Mr. Piggers. Such a happy fellow.

Again, with the trees. Do you think I love Michigan fall??

And of course downtown Rockford.

We drove through this CRAZY storm on our way down to Texas.

Our apartment has a complementary car wash. It’s the little things in life…

AND they have a Corner Bakery here! I almost got in a wreck when I passed by out of excitement.

Cool lake side park in Dallas.

Pretty Lake. I had no idea there were lakes in Dallas.

Grapevine has an AWESOME farmers market…BONUS!

Our pool area, which is right outside our balcony. So resort-ish.

The HUGE balcony…seriously, we are going to have to buy some patio furniture.

Note the huge lake in the background. Seriously, who knew?

Not me…but I’m loving it!

The newest addition to our family…baby SAMPSON!

He fell asleep in the fireplace (no fire!) on his first night here.

He likes to cuddle while I do devotions in the morning.

Fall asleep.

Look cute.

Pretend to help me work on my book. He is a very good writer.

He even stands on the word of God (thats my Bible if you can’t tell).

And he even sleeps on my shoulder. Precious, I know.

Well we are enjoying our time here in Grapevine/Dallas so far. And I am definitely loving our new addition…baby Sampson:) Hope you enjoyed the pictures. I’m going to try and do a better job with posting pictures from now on…I think it makes everything a little more interesting!

Hope you all are having a great Friday! God Bless:)

Friday Favorites.

September 21, 2012 By: Sarah Leffcomment

Good morning and happy Friday! I am up in Michigan for the weekend visiting family before the big move to Texas next week (so soon!?). I’m trying to soak up these last few days of cool Michigan fall weather—my absolute favorite time of year—because I know I won’t be getting ANY of it in Dallas:( Most people would probably be excited about moving to a warmer climate, but I am a Michigan girl through and through, and I definitely enjoy the cooler weather. Despite not looking forward to the weather, I am getting more excited about moving. Still a little nervous, but I have a feeling everything (besides the weather) is going to work out great.

Without further ado, here is my list of Friday Favorites for the week…

5. Saying goodbye to our business in Fort Wayne. It wasn’t even all that bittersweet—it was basically all relief. This past year has been very stressful on James and on myself, and it was nice to be able to say goodbye to one of those unnecessary stressors in our lives. I have a feeling we will be a LOT happier in the coming days.

4. Celebrating James’ dad’s birthday up at their campground last weekend.We got to spend some quality time with his family last weekend before we take off for Texas. It was great to see everyone, and enjoy some more wonderful Midwestern weather (sad face).

3. Saying goodbye to friends this week. It’s not exactly a fun thing to say goodbye to friends, but it has definitely been good to catch up and see people I haven’t been able to see for a while. I will definitely miss friends when we are in Texas, but now I can fully utilize my Skype account:)

2. Spending time with my family in Grand Rapids this week/weekend. I am going to miss them so much. It’s been great to spend some time with them before I leave, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them this weekend as well.

1. Texas. I may be nervous and sad from saying goodbye to friends and family, but there is still a little bit of excitement in my heart. I like to travel and experience new things, so I am looking forward to this new chapter in our lives—even though it may be a little bittersweet. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in our lives over the next few months and years.

Anyways, there’s the list. Hope you all are having a great week, and will have an even better weekend! God Bless:)

Trusting God in the Transitions

September 19, 2012 By: Sarah Leffcomment

Hello and happy Wednesday! Sorry for the inconsistency in blog posting recently—James and I have been going through a stressful couple of weeks, BUT I can now announce that we will be moving to Dallas, TX at the end of the month! It’s a little scary for me—I’ve never even been there before—but I know God will be protecting us, and everything will work out just fine:) I’m excited to begin a new chapter in our lives, and embark on a new adventure!

Like I said, I’ve been a little nervous about the move, but the closer it gets the easier it seems for some reason. Consequently, I’ve been reading the book of Daniel lately, which has definitely helped me through this time of transition. I’m sure many of you are familiar with the story of Daniel, but if not, I’ll give you a few details. First, Daniel was living in captivity in a strange and foreign land (Babylon). He was not familiar with his surroundings, but he and his friends relied on God to keep them safe. Daniel trusted God, even when it wasn’t easy. For example, when a decree was issued that no one would be allowed to pray to anyone but the King, Daniel refused to obey. Even though the penalty was death by the lion’s den, Daniel refused to pray to anyone but the one true God. Because of his disobedience to the king, he was thrown into the lion’s den. But, God protected Daniel by closing the mouths of the lions, and he remained unharmed until the King pulled him out of the den the following morning.

Daniel lived a life outside of his home country—his comfort zone—and he was always faithful to God. Now, I’m not going to be living in captivity like Daniel was, but at the same time I felt a connection with his story as I read. Like Daniel, I need to be faithful to God no matter where I may be physically—even if it’s a little out of my comfort zone. I need to trust that God knows what’s best, and that he has a greater purpose for my life and transitions than I could ever fathom. So, with that being said, I’m choosing to trust that God will provide for us down in Dallas, just as he has been for years in the Midwest. I am going to trust that he has us going there for a reason, and everything will work out according to his perfect plan as long as I trust him.

What about you? Is there anything that you need to trust God with in your life? Any big changes or transitions that may seem scary? Trust that He will guide you and protect you, just as he did for Daniel, way back in the Old Testament.

Hope you all are having a great week so far! God Bless:)

Friday Favorites.

September 14, 2012 By: Sarah Leffcomment

Happy Friday Everyone! This week has really flown by, but I am glad that it’s almost the weekend:) James and I are planning on hanging out with his family up at their campground, so I’m looking forward to spending some time with them and in the outdoors. Praying that the weather stays nice—it’s a little rainy now, but after al the droughts this summer, I have a new appreciation for rain that I doubt will ever go away. Anyways, here are some of my favorite things from the week…

5. Visiting my family in Grand Rapids for a few days earlier in the week. James was away on a business trip, so I went home for a bit to see the family (+ pig and gandie). It was great to relax and see everyone again.

Pig with his leaf:)

Gandie…in her favorite spot.

4. On Monday, my mom and I had a girls day:) We went and got pedicures, did some shopping, went raspberry picking, got lunch…it was a great day to say the least. I love hanging out with my mom—we always have a great time!

The Big Apple at Robinette’s Apple Orchard.

3. Also on Monday, I got to try on some bridesmaid dresses for my friend Sarah’s wedding this coming Spring! I am so excited for her, and trying on different bridesmaid dresses added to the excitement:) Can’t wait to be a part of her big day!

2. Holland. I got to go there briefly on Tuesday with my family because we were there visiting my little brother who goes to Hope College. It was great to see him, and of course visit some of my favorite Holland places—like dinner at the New Holland Brewing Company. Of course, it would have been better if James were there, but it was great to have dinner with the fam:)

The Lake View.

This will NEVER get old.

1. Life Changes. There are going to be some big changes coming up here in our lives that I’m still trying to wrap my head around. I like change, but at the same time it can be really scary. I’m praying that God would give me peace and courage as we go forward.

Well, there’s the list. Hope you all are having a fabulous week, and have a great weekend planned! God Bless:)

A Fresh Start.

September 11, 2012 By: Sarah Leffcomment

Hello and Happy Tuesday! It’s a beautiful day here—sunny, breezy and in the 70’s. Perfection. I was able to do my devotions and journaling outside on the deck today, which was a great start to the day:) Anyways, I’m still in the book of Ezekiel, and it is still just as interesting. One passage in particular stuck out to me…

“I will sprinkle clean water on you and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel 36:25-26

This is God’s word given to the Israelites, giving them hope of restoration even after all the things they did to desecrate God. He was willing to forgive them and give them a fresh start, despite everything that they had done. No matter how badly we’ve messed up, God is willing to give us a fresh start—just like he did for Israel. He will put a new heart and a new spirit in us; we just have to accept the gift he is giving us. He is willing to cleanse and purify us regardless of what we’ve done—all we have to do is ask, trust and receive. Think you’ve done something that is beyond forgiveness? You haven’t. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, God is willing to forgive and let you start fresh—clean slate. Why continue to live in your guilt and shame when God is offering you a way out? A fresh start is yours through the grace of God—all you have to do is take it.

Lord, I pray that you would purify me and cleanse my heart and spirit. Get rid of anything that is not like you, and in its place leave your peace and love. Thank you for your grace and mercy—even though I don’t deserve it. I love you. Amen.

Hope you all are having a great week so far! God Bless:)

Friday Favorites.

September 7, 2012 By: Sarah Leffcomment

Happy Friday! I can’t believe it’s already the weekend again. And that it’s September. Craziness. Anyways, I hope you all are having a fabulous day and have fun weekends planned ahead of you:) We’re not doing too much around here…but it is supposed to be a beautiful weekend, with some cooler temperatures, that I am pretty excited about. I missed last week’s Friday Favorites, so I thought I would do a 2 week recap here…

5. It’s September.Fall is my favorite season of all time, and I am definitely looking forward to participating in some fun fall activities…namely cooking pumpkin related treats. There’s something about the season change and the cooler temperature that just gets me really excited about life…which is never a bad thing!

4. We got to spend some quality time with my family last weekend over Labor Day. We all went up to our cottage on Lake Michigan for the weekend, and go tot enjoy the beach one last time for the summer. It was great to see everyone, and of course I always love going to the beach:)

3. God’s guidance and direction—even when things aren’t the easiest. I won’t say much about this, but it’s an amazing feeling to know that we have a God who cares about us and meets all of our needs. He provides for us always, and loves us unconditionally. This has become more and more plain to me in the past few weeks. God is good—all the time.

2. Health. That may sound strange, but this week I haven’t been feeling the greatest, and it’s really made me realize how much I take for granted in terms of my health. I’m thankful that God has given me a strong and healthy body that is able to do the things I want to do.

1. Beginning new things. Sometimes change can be scary, and starting a new project or task can be daunting. But, at the same time new challenges can be exhilarating and exciting. Recently I’ve started to write more frequently, and am hoping to eventually write a book. It’s always been a dream of mine, and I guess I’ve finally decided to go for it. Exciting…and a little scary at the same time. But, God is good, and I know everything will fall into place in his timing:)

Well, that’s all I have for today. Hope you all have an excellent evening, and an even better weekend! God Bless:)

Friday Favorites.

August 24, 2012 By: Sarah Leffcomment

Hello and happy Friday! Technically I suppose it is already the weekend, seeing as its almost 7:00 as I’m writing this…it’s been a busy day. Anyways, yay for the weekend! It was a pretty warm day again over here, but that’s okay because I know in a few months I’ll be wishing I could have a little bit of that warmth back when the temp’s start to drop:) Not too much on the agenda for the weekend, just relaxing and enjoying some of the beautiful summer weather we are supposed to be having—always a good thing! With that being said, it’s time for Friday favorites number two…

5. I guess this would technically be from last week, but I received an email from a good friend whose wedding I will be standing up in next Spring containing links to bridesmaid dress choices:) It may sound silly that I would get so excited about an email, but I love weddings and I love her and I can’t wait to celebrate her special day with her!! (That is quite a few “hers” in one sentence lol) Yay. Haven’t picked out a dress yet, but definitely have been doing some browsing…definitely a good way to spend time haha:)

4. This may also sound silly, but the Hunger Games came out on DVD last week! My husband kindly bought a copy for me over the weekend, and watched it with me on Sunday night. Needless to say it was awesome, and I definitely have the best husband ever!

3. Last Sunday, James and I got to spend some time with his brother and his brother’s girlfriend. We went out to eat after church, and then took a long walk on a path near our neighborhood. It was great to talk with them and catch up…excellent way to spend a Sunday afternoon:)

2. Today, James took me out for lunch to a vegan restaurant here in town that I have been wanting to try for FOREVER. Now, let me clarify—my husband passionately dislikes vegetables, so for him to take me to a vegan restaurant was a big deal! The food was great, and I think he actually enjoyed it haha. It was a fun little lunch date:)

1. I got up early every morning this week to run/exercise. That may sound like a strange thing to include in a list of Friday Favorites, but it is something that I am proud of! I’ve been really trying to get in a better/ more productive daily routine, which includes getting up early before work to run or work out. I know that when I do this I have way more energy throughout the day, and am also able to get a lot more accomplished in the afternoon/evening. It’s something I’ve been working on for awhile, and this week was definitely a step in the right direction!

So that’s my list of Friday favorites. What were some of the fun things that you did this past week? Hope you all have a great weekend!!

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