i feel as though a big down side to blogging or writing online is not being real. of course on a blog, you can be real to some extent but you have the choice and can choose just how “real” you want to be. i think being artistic in any way makes this a little harder. life is sometimes a mess yet beautiful in all its imperfections. for instance, i could put a picture up on my blog of jay and i smiling, looking happy yet leave out that we were arguing about money this week. i could post a picture of leland laughing, yet totally leave out all the other times he was whining or crying as we went down the aisles of the grocery store.

i think it’s good to be careful when posting on blogs to not portray that we lead a little perfect life because, friends, that is just not reality. it sets others up for discontentment and high expectations. i do love posting pictures of our family and will continue to do so but let me be honest: at  least every other day i’m in sweats or yoga pants with my hair up in a messy bun. yes, it would be great to wear pretty headbands, little dresses, and lovely shoes everyday. but to me, honestly…that’s not real life. maybe it is for some, but for me…it isn’t.

i suppose in reality, it all comes down to caring what others think and how they perceive us. being real isn’t always easy but i think that it is good. if i’m fixing my eyes on Christ, i will want my life to be transparent.  i won’t care if others see my imperfections, my weaknesses, and the trials and lessons that i am learning in life. it won’t matter if others see me as “religious” but see more of a girl who loves Jesus and wants to be authentic and real. i want to stay grounded and not write about things that are only on the surface. things that are on the surface- materialism and appearance- will not last. materialism, shopping, style, clothes, the latest food trend, clothing trend, makeup regimes…they will all fade. the Lord looks at the heart- He looks at my heart. and so for me to try and portray something that i am not, is wrong. i am learning on this journey….and am reminded again and again to be real (and look decent in my forever 21 sweatpants) along the way :)

love,
arielle