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So let’s hear it! What fun activity will you do to mark this halfway point?

Thank you so much to Style Me Pretty for featuring Erin and Jon’s beautiful wedding! Click here to see the feature. And be sure to go leave a comment on their lovely site!

My Dad used to tell me that quote all the time when I was growing up. I always thought it was an exaggeration, until I became a reader. Now I believe it with all of my heart.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about my book choices. If you know me at all, you know that I love to read. I try to at least read 1 book/month: I call it “12 in 12″ on my goals, and this year I upped it to “15 in 12.” I have 3 Pinterest Boards dedicated to books that I recommend: 1. Life + Faith, 2. Business, 3. Enjoyment. I also tag my books with #nancyrayreads on Instagram, which has been a really fun way to share what I’m currently reading! So yes, I’m a reader. I absolutely love books, and believe that 1 good book can change your life forever.

I began thinking of how I choose the books I read, and how I have time to read them all. I thought I would share that with you today, in hopes to turn you into a reader too! Here is my simple philosophy on choosing and reading books:

1. Only select books that come recommended by a trusted source
2. Choose a balance of books that touch on every aspect of life
3. Read a little every day (I read at least 15 pages/day, during my morning routine)
4. Read one book at a time

It’s really a simple philosophy! And it works for me. I know it may not work for you, but I’ve acheived a lot of success when abiding by these 4 guidelines. My husband would disagree with #4 – he loves to read several books at once. I, however, am not a multitasker like he is! I like to read 1 book at a time. The point is – do what works for you.

This year, I am basing my book choices on the Life Balance Wheel. (Note: There are several versions of the Life Balance Wheel, but I like Zig Ziglar’s Wheel of Life best.) This way, I can make sure I am reading books to enhance each major category of my life. I believe that a well balanced life is a happy life, and that is what I strive for even in my readings.

Before reading my 2013 Book list, you’ll notice a few things:

1. There is an uneven number of books in each category. That’s because I just keep adding to my list of books I want to read, and when I find a new one I place them in the appropriate category. I might not get to all of the listed books in 2013, but I will roll them over to 2014 if needed.
2.  Some are marked with an asterisk (*). Those mark the books I have already read this year.
3. There are more categories than listed in the Wheel of Life. That’s because I have split some of the categories into two, in order to create more specific categories to accurately reflect my life.
5. The “Social Relationships” Category books all fall within other categories, since they are books that I am simply reading with my small group, book club, or friends.  (Ex: Greater = Spiritual, Leadership Matters = Career.)

So, here we go!

Nancy Ray Reads : 2013 Book List

Spirituality
- Seven*
– Weird*
– Radical*
– Descending into Greatness

Finances
- The Monk and the Merchant*
– Think and Grow Rich*

Career
- Margin
– Martha’s Rules
– The Art of Possibility
– Unnecessary Endings

Marriage and Family Relationships
- The Meaning of Marriage

Social Relationships: Book Clubs and Small Group readings
- Greater*
– Daring Greatly*
– Leadership Matters (Currently Reading)
- What you do best in the body of Christ 

Personal + Intellectual Development
- His Excellency George Washington
– Bonhoeffer
- Boundaries for Leaders

Health (Physical Well-Being)
- Wheat Belly
– Born to Run

Rest and Relaxation (Physical Well-Being)
- The Great Gatsby*
– The Storyteller

•••

I hope this helped you! I encourage you… no, I implore you! Become a reader if you’re not one already. It takes a little self discipline, and it pays off greatly.

Please leave a comment with any books you recommend that I add to my list! I would love to hear from you!

Dear Mama,

Thank you for teaching me to focus on what matters most in life.

I will always remember to appreciate the beauty around me, to always have a bluebird house (and to stop and look at the bluebird eggs with children), to make time for traditions, to bake together in the kitchen (and not be afraid to make a mess), to laugh, to sing and harmonize, to play an instrument, to write thank you notes, to make time for family. I will always be grateful for the “little things in life” like a ripe cantaloupe, a beautiful song, tacky Christmas lights, a full tank of gas, a clean car, and an organized kitchen. I will remember to do all of this because of your example to me.

I will never be rude, or selfish, or harsh with children; I will not judge others or be jealous of what others have, I will not want “bigger and better,” because you’ve taught me that more often than not, a simpler life is better. I will invest wisely and make sure I budget for vacations and memories, because those were always your favorite ways to spend money. I will not cut people off with my speech, be impatient, or drive recklessly. (Thanks to your advice and Papa’s, I will always “drive defensively.”) I learned what to do and what not to do from your example to me.

I will always put the Lord first, read my Bible, be kind, and love those most important to me. I will listen to positive voices, not negative ones, even while I’m getting ready or driving in my car (like you do).  I will stay organized with my planner and notes like you taught me to so well (although I may not ever write as many notes as you do!) I will always stick to my North Carolina Southern roots, saying “Yes ma’am and yes sir,” and I’ll teach my future kids to do the same. I will always love a screened in porch the way you do, because there’s nothing quite like it. And I will take time to slow down and rest, because it’s important to maintain your life that way. I’ll sing hymns and think of you every time, because they are your favorite. I learned these beautiful and important lessons because of your example to me.

I love you, Mama. Happy birthday and mother’s day!

(photos taken last week in her adorable backyard, when I celebrated her birthday in Nashville)

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I feel like my heart is in a new place lately. I like the place that I’ve found, a place of rest and peace. A place of true happiness.

I’ve discovered something during this Contentment Challenge:

Life is better lived when you actually start living.
When you start doing things.
When you take a deep breath in and live in the moment.
When you stay active.
When you replace stuff with experiences.

I think that’s what we all look for when we walk into Target or a beautiful store like Anthropologie – we are looking for that experience of beauty around us.  But I’ve realized it’s so fleeting – even the things we end up purchasing because they look pretty in that moment – even their beauty is fleeting. Pretty soon it will be a retired article of clothing in your closet along with the rest of it.

Gaining this perspective has been literally life changing. We are almost halfway through, and I already feel like a new person! Yes, there have been things I’ve wanted, but because I realize I do not need it, I simply focus on what I do have and move on with my life.

So how have I started living, you ask?

For starters, I rode my bike 8 miles this morning, then I ran 2. I’ve watched movies with Will and spent more quality time with him. I’ve read more books than I ever thought I would be able to this year. I’ve eliminated online shopping from my life, thus freeing up more meaningful time for myself. I’ve taken more bubble baths. I’ve journaled more. And I’m picking strawberries this weekend!

Living life > Shopping. Period.

What are some things that you have done to make your life more meaningful? How have you replaced the time you used to spend shopping?

Kendra and Jeff’s ceremony was so meaningful, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place. Immediately afterwards, they escaped to a private dinner by the pond, which is, in my opinion, one of the smartest things a couple can do on their wedding day. It was a sweet time for them to relax, be together, and of course… eat! Their reception was a celebration in the truest sense of the word. A good time was truly had by all! The details were stunning – Nicole did an incredible job making sure everything was perfect. The menu was unique and delicious – I remember the macaroni and cheese to this day! And of course, the music and dancing was non-stop all night. I didn’t even feel like I was working! We had a ball.

Enjoy Part 2 of Kendra and Jeff’s wedding!

The Old Edwards Inn is one of my favorite venues to work with. Not only is it an absolutely stunning environment and setting, but their service is top notch. Everything was beautiful and ran so smoothly. 

I died at how adorable their cake was! Tiffany’s outdid themselves.  Kendra and Jeff love the Florida Gators, so they were the perfect cake toppers. And they had 3 custom puppies included on the bottom tiers, because they absolutely love their sweet dogs. I love it when couples have cakes that really reflect who they are!

I simply have to say how much I loved the US Beat Band. They were incredible! Hands down, best wedding reception band I’ve ever heard. Love this image of them through the window!

What a joy it was capturing your stunning wedding! Kendra and Jeff, I am so grateful to have been included in your big day. Congratulations on a beautiful celebration!

Photographing Kendra and Jeff’s breathtaking wedding in Highlands, NC was one of the highlights of last year. I’ll never forget when I walked into the home where all the ladies were gathered, preparing for the day ahead.  Light was pouring in the windows, their blush dresses hanging ready, laughter filling the rooms, and to top it off – they were having their hair and makeup done on the wrap-around porch. I instantly knew I would love this bride and her friends, that I would love this day. I didn’t realize how much, though. I didn’t know that I would cry during their first look, that I would be so inspired by every detail, that I would come to call this couple our friends.

Their love runs so deep. Kendra and Jeff have one of the sweetest loves I’ve ever seen. The way he cared for her, looked at her, admired her – it was moving to capture those moments. (You’ll see what I mean during their first look! I was a mess.) And sweet Kendra just melted every time she hugged Jeff, every time she spoke to him, every time they kissed… it was like they had to be near each other. Their loyalty to one another shines in their relationship; truly nothing is more important in this world than each other.

A big thank you to Martha Stewart Weddings for the lovely feature!

Stay tuned for part 2 – coming tomorrow!

For those of you who have joined me, how has the first month of The Contentment Challenge been for you? I hope it’s been as challenging and rewarding as it’s been for me. It has been a stretch (I successfully went to Target, stayed completely on task, and left with nothing but groceries!), and it’s been so rewarding. God’s words are true – happiness does not come from stuff. Whatsoever. So roll up your sleeves, because we are ready to get started on MONTH 2!

The Contentment Challenge : May
Theme: Gratitude
Memory Verse: Philippians 4:11-13 (above)
Activity Challenge: To create at least 15 brand new outfits with the items of clothes you already own

Ok friends – I’m very excited about this month’s challenge! This month is all about focusing on what we already have. Being grateful. So far, you’ve cleaned out your closet and given a bunch of stuff away. Now it’s time for you to get creative with what you already have!  The May Challenge is for you to create at least 15 brand new outfits with the items of clothes you already own. If you don’t have a creative eye, ask a stylish friend to come over and help you. That’s what I did, and it’s amazing what a fresh pair of eyes can see!  My sweet friend Stacie (who has the most adorable style) spent a morning with me and my closet. She emptied it out and put it back together again, opening my eyes to articles of clothing I would have never otherwise worn/noticed/paired together. She is brilliant! Here is a pic of her and half my wardrobe sprawled out over my bedroom :

And here are examples of outfits she put together for me! I had never paired these items together or worn them before. I felt like I went shopping, when really all I had to do was open my eyes to what I already had, and be grateful.

Note – I’ve only ever worn those blue converse shoes for painting! They were hiding in the very bottom of my closet. Stacie totally revived them! She said to embrace all the paint on them and wear them all the time. She also taught me to embrace belts, pairing blues with blues, accessories and layering.

Be sure to Instagram some adorable new outfits and include the hashtag #contentmentchallenge! This community has been so encouraging, and I am so grateful that so many of you have joined in!

Okay, onto this month’s goals:

May Goals

Complete Month 2 of the Contentment Challenge
Take my 2nd guitar lesson + practice 2x/week
Go camping with friends
Ride 8 miles on my bike 3x this month
15 in 12: Read The CEO Survival Manual (Part of the Think Splendid Book Club!)
& The Great Gatsby
Practice Calligraphy lettering 1x week
Continue Social Media Free weekends
Take a true Sabbath one day a week

What are your goals for this month? What has been the most challenging or rewarding aspect of the Contentment Challenge during month 1? Can’t wait to hear from you!

It has always been a dream of mine to be featured on Martha Stewart, and word can’t express enough gratitude to Shira and the incredible team at Martha Stewart Weddings. Happy Tuesday, friends!

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This week I was a pretty pitiful human being. I had a bacterial infection from food poisoning, and it was not fun in the least! I am happy to spare you the details, but let me just say this : I never want to take my day to day, normal, healthy life for granted. It is such a beautiful thing. Nothing makes you more thankful for your health than being sick.

A theme that the Lord has been teaching me lately is one of gratitude. I read 1000 Gifts last year, and it has influenced how I view the small things, the “dailies.” For Christmas, Callie gave me a Thankfulness journal, and I am fill it daily. Each morning when I wake up, I write down 3 things I’m thankful for. Some of my “thankfuls” lately:

- Eating guacamole with Will
- Cast iron skillets
- Peach tea
- Knockout roses
- Waking up early without an alarm
- Pilates
- Getting into clean sheets
- Baths during a fever
- Rainy mornings 

While I could have complained nonstop about the way I felt this week, and while I could have had a terrible attitude, the Lord kept giving me a sense of peace and grattitude while sick. I really believe the Contentment Challenge has helped with that. Paul said it himself :

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do everything through Christ,  who gives me strength.” Phil 4:11-13

I kept thinking to myself:

I’m so thankful to have this warm bed
I’m grateful to be at home
Thank you Lord that I’m married, that I have a husband who cares for me like Will does
I’m so thankful for this warm tea
Thank you Lord that I will be well in time for this weekend’s wedding
I’m so thankful for this country – for healthy foods and medicine within arm’s reach
I’m thankful for mindless TV shows like the Amazing Race that allows me to zone out and rest!
(Ha! I never watch TV!)

So, friends, what are you thankful for today? I love the quote I’ve shared : Gratitude turns what you have into enough. Can I get an amen! How perfect is that for this Challenge?

What do you have, right now, that you are grateful for today? Comment away!