Mug: Ashley Brooke Designs || Sweater: Soca || Similar styles here, here & here || Socks: Nordstrom || Jeans: Madewell || Similar Jeans here & here

Do you want to know a secret? I have a slight obsession with coffee mugs. Especially those that have fun little sayings on them like this one from Ashley Brooke Designs. I have been falling in love with this company for a while, so I was thrilled when they sent me this precious mug. Of course, this is the kind of shop where I could literally say, “Oh, I’ll take one of each, please.” So, be sure to check out all their adorable mug styles. Don’t tell the other mugs, but this one is my favorite.

There are a lot of traditions around the holidays that I truly enjoy. But, this year, my mom decided to change things up a bit. So, when she called and suggested that we spend Christmas Eve serving hot meals at the Nashville Rescue Mission, I was a little taken back. Most of my family has served before, and my sister, Hillary, is basically in charge of the food pantry at her church in D.C.; so, for them, this was no big deal. However, I was honestly a little nervous. I had never served at a homeless shelter before. I couldn’t understand why I was having such a hard time getting excited about something that I knew deep down would bring so much joy.

While scooping mashed potatoes onto each plate that rainy Christmas Eve, I stood next to a women named Kerry. Kerry is the type of person you never forget. She is the type of person that embodies the verse “be kind and do good” each day. Kerry works two jobs, but in her “free time,” she serves at the shelter twice a week. And did I mention she is also a mom to the most adorable teenager? While her work-ethic is impressive, it is her positivity that draws you in and makes you want to do more, too.

Now, I am not suggesting that in order to “be kind and do good” you have to serve at the homeless shelter everyday. (Although it would be great if you did!) Rather, you can live out this verse by committing to serving God’s people on a daily basis. Whether that is severing dinner to hundreds or just telling a friend you’re thinking about them, it’s the act of kindness that makes it all worth while.

Don’t be afraid to answer the call to do something that may seem out of your ordinary. Just go for it. When you do, I hope you get the opportunity to meet and learn from someone as God-loving as Kerry. Those moments can change your life for the better. And if you need a little reminder to live like Ecclesiastes 3:12, I have the perfect mug for your morning coffee that will do just that!

"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." - Ecclesiastes 3:12

In life, we are given many blessings from our Lord above. But one of the best gifts He gives us is the gift of laughter. Earlier this month, I spent the weekend with a group of girls that I thank God for everyday. Not only because of their unwavering love and support, but because of their ability to make me laugh so hard at the silliest things. Time with these girls is good for the soul.

We sat around the table on our last night together and laughed through the tears as we talked about how thankful we were for each other. I could never put into words what these girls mean to me.

So, on this Praise Worthy Wednesday, I praise God for the gifts of laughter and friendship. I praise God for the kinds of friends who bring me joy from something as simple as a game of Dirty Santa. I praise God for the feeling I got when the new baby girl of one of my best friends grabbed hold of my hand.

I pray that your friendships bring you this much happiness. And I pray that you live a life full of laughter with the ones you love.

As always, a big PRAISE to each of you for taking time to stop by this little blog of mine. Below are some more of my praises for this week.

- Praise for this group of girls and their giving hearts. We collected so many toys to give to the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital all thanks to our loving friend, Kristina, for the idea. -