I usually don’t write on a Sunday, but I have to be honest, I’ve have a few“project” posts lined up this week and I don’t think sharing life updates would really mesh well with them. Yes, projects as in, sponsored posts. Hey, we are self-employed, every little bit helps. Ain’t no shame! Haha, okay I’m digressing here.
Let’s just consider this my thinking out loud on a Sunday. I know spoons won’t mind me being a little late.
So, let me catch you up. It’s been crazy. Cotter crazy. And I keep relaying (in my head), my January post. The post where I share my NEW YEAR PHRASE, to be open and ready for whatever God had planned for us in 2014. Well, after six months of waiting, I’m impatient. I think I had expected more progress and change. I made it a GOAL to be ready and open to whatever God had planned for us, but in reality, I wanted those plans to be MY PLANS and to go MY WAY… SOONER vs LATER!
I wanted us to be free of financial burdens, I wanted us to be able to find more rest (mentally more than anything), I wanted my husband to be able to race whenever and regain the respect he deserves in the sport of triathlon. I wanted to be at his side at every event, cheering!
Yes, I had expectations. But, I (we) fell short of those expectations. And THAT was all in God’s plan. To be humbled. To learn that being ready for HIS plans means to LET GO of ours. To fall again, but stand up stronger.
To act self-reliant, but then come to the humble realization that you can’t do any of this without each other.
Nobody ever said when you dream big it will all come to fruition right away. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Dreaming big is like building a house —> you make a plan, you build a foundation, you set up structure, and then you go to work with your bare hands. You stop when you need rest, you ask for other to help, you sometimes need to change things, but you keep going building it up one day at a time.
So that’s where we are. UP. Fall seven times, get UP eight. We are going to finish UP the season building on what we have left. Either way, it’s making TRUE progress and LIVING PURPOSEFUL (and bold)!
Here’s to the second half of 2014, standing UP!
Cheers,
Corny Cotter
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I completely get this. In so many ways I’m going through the same thing myself. We all do. It’s the nuance of life.
And even though most days it sucks, I comfort myself in knowing that these moments we spend getting UP again, are the moments where we grow, learn and become stronger.
Reading this late, but just wanted to remind you that you are such a true inspiration to so many. Your honesty, determination, self-awareness, love for your husband, and intelligence are all so admirable! Thank you!
“strength will RISE when we wait upon the Lord”
needed to hear that. xxoo
Love you lady. What I adore so much is your honesty and how humble you truly are. No matter how hard times get, you keep your faith and your love for James. You guys work together and figure it out. The fact that you keep so focused on your dreams speaks volumes. You don’t just give up, throw in the towel. You live, learn, and keep moving forward.
thank you friend. that means so much!
This is amazing. It’s so easy to get complacent and not live bold (totally guilty of this). I think we should all have a little mid-year check-in to remember our goals and remember how much of the year there is left to accomplish them!! xo
The journey is the destination.
why do you always have to be right? haha jk. thank you
I’ve had some really good UPS and some really low DOWNS in the past 6 months. I’m using the UPS as fuel to keeping going. It’s so very hard for my impatient ways though!
i love that! UP FUEL! or FUEL UP
What a wonderful post. So much of life is reacting to what’s in store for you. It’s hard to shift plans (you don’t have to tell me twice), but sometimes that’s for the best. Cheers to you standing up and making the second half of 2014 be whatever you want it to be, even if it’s just reacting.
Amen sister! Here’s to standing up!
Hey dear friend, I love your honesty with the struggle mixed with your strong faith and hope for what is to come. You are a beautiful example of living a life of faith and discipleship! Praying that the rest will come for you… life will never be easy all the time, but we do need those phases where everything is clicking and we know God has blessed us with some rest- hope it’s right around the corner for you.
thank you friend, that means more than you know!
What is the proverb? Man plans. God laughs. Or something like that. It is very humbling to realize that we are not in total control of our destiny. I am always a little in awe of your attitude. You are so positive and kind. You two deserve the best.
Love this, friend. It is HARD not to want to stand right up the first time and have to keep trying, every time you feel like you have fallen. But you are learning, growing, and making progress, even if it may not feel as ‘big’ as you want it. Praying for you, for strength, resilience and strong races for the Mr. coming up. XOXOXO
I think that no matter what happens, it’s always, always, always super important to give ourselves credit for how far we’ve come, because even though it might not necessarily be where we -want- to be, it might be where we’re supposed to be at that given time. I have a feeling that the next 6 months are going to be awesome ones… because they always are if we let them be 🙂
Love reading this today! I can certainly identify with so much of what you said. I’m a huge planner and get uncomfortable with feeling like I’m not being productive, so when things don’t quite go according to that plan or when they take a long time to materialize, I get frustrated! The good news, as you alluded to, is that you’ve got each other to lean on and although we’ve never met in person, from what I can see, you two are one of the strongest couples I know. Have a wonderful week, friend! 🙂
I love this! Great post for me to read first thing on a Monday morning. I have a list of things I’m working on and I often have an all or nothing mentality. I need to be better about shaking off the dust when I fall and stand right back up 🙂 Thanks!
Karen @karenlovestorun
amen to that friend!
Love this 🙂
Sometimes we all need a little nudge in this direction, to keep strong, keep positive and keep working hard. If we do this then no matter what happens, we all know we did our best and gave it 100% – and the result was meant to be.
Here’s to continuing to stand UP!
cheers to UP! indeed friend! xxoo
You are epic. The second half of the year is going to be even better. Seeing as a blogger meetup WILL happen.
Would you rather be a stray junk yard dog or dead lion? That was the mssg at Grace360 today . . . was good. all good.
did you see my niece being dedicated yesterday? Harper Taylor!
It takes real FAITH to see God’s hand during the hard times. God does have a plan.. and it is far better than anything we can think or imagine. I’m just so glad that I get to pray for and witness all that He is going to do. Love you friend.
Hello Lindsay,
Oooh! This is such a great post!! (I’m going to add it to next week’s Sunday Link Love. I would have added it to today’s, but it’s a tad too late. Besides, if I post it next Sunday, more people will be able to see it). Anyways, seriously…thank you for bearing your heart here and being vulnerable. I also love how you mentioned your faith and how this has been foundational (I’m a Jesus follower, too) to you and your husband’s “hanging in there” through this rough season. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers (seriously. I’m not just saying that).
I hope you both enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening. 🙂
~Amy 🙂
thank you Amy, prayers are amazing. And your words are too! So glad we could connect and support each other. xxoo
It’s hard to see God’s plan through our own plan. And sometimes we convince ourselves that our plan is God’s plan but that’s not always so. I like your home analogy. It’s funny because we have a couple of houses in our neighborhood where the people dreamed so big that the house has laid dormant because they can’t finish it. We have to make sure that our dream is in the confines of what God gifts to us.
so well said friend. xxoo
Why are you always spying into my brain, lady?! lol. I’m sure so many others can relate as well, but this stands true for me in soooo many ways…even today I was thinking that first and foremost, I have so much more work to have done in my heart by God Himself. And since we’re in ministry this was starting to really bother me because we’re always praying and working to see things come to fruition at church! But of course it’s NEVER EASY. And you know what? It’s allll good, because anything that isn’t in His will isn’t desirable in the end, what’s the point then…you know? And then I’m always thinking “goshhhh I love being a mom to Selah but I feel like I’m so extremely limited in serving our church (physically)”, but I’m always reminded that the prayers I give are just as valuable as the physical. It’s definitely a challenge when I start to feel stuck and so helpless, which is obviously the mindset I’m supposed to have because it definitely keeps me humbled more often than not, and I’m without a doubt more desperate for His help! It’s also a great reminder that we can do everything we can and everything under our control, but He’ll do the rest in His timing. 😉 I’m so sorry I always end up ranting on your comments, girl! I just love how you always open up that ONE thing that’s on my heart and I know you’re “listening” and we’re both relating to each other one way or another, or readin in this case. 😉 <3333 May the Lord continue to fulfill His work in your lives because what'dya know??? He's not done with you yet! He truly will work everything out for your good, Lindsay, because you love Him and most importantly He is head over heels for you. *hugs*
I just love you, lady. Praying always! (And I need some budgeting tips!!)
HUGS & you know how much I can relate to this & I am WAY OLDER than you! 🙂
Honest, I have even changed the way I look at things & that does not always make things better – just being honest here… I am ready to write a post on this… just because we work hard at things & change the way we think – it does not always result in those good things happening as many post about – ya work hard & all will work out – reality is not always that way. Social media doesn’t want to hear that but it is what it is…
HUGE HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I respect the thought process for sure!
i get that too friend. I look forward to hearing your post. Always here for you as well. <3
I love that no matter what is going on in your life you take a positive approach to everything!!! All the falls are what make the eventual climb and being UP so much sweeter and I know that y’all are on your way!!
you are so right kim! thank you for your amazing support!
My favorite thing about your blog is you mix health in with honesty, which is what I do too. It’s easy to forget we’re still human as bloggers but we all struggle in some way or another. Great point on dealing with failures over and over again- story of MY LIFE. I’ve learned though, that every time I fall, I stand up a bit stronger, with more gust, determination and ‘gung-ho’ than before:)
You rock Ms. Lindsay!:) KEEP THE FAITH- GOD ALWAYS PREVAILS!!<3 Lots of love to you<3
I so understand this right now. Life has kicked us down twice in the past few weeks, but after laying there for a few minutes, we get up and live/fight even harder. Love you!
I have an eerily similar blog post half written. This has definitely been a foundational year for me while John plows ahead on his goals. The issues that I am struggling with are most certainly a message that needs to be heard and I think in order to hear it, I had to be completely sidelined. Knock the stubborn right out of me…humbled. Hugs!
well i can’t wait to read! i know we share the same brain.
I have been “falling” a lot lately too. Love how you put it in perspective.
So glad I stopped by and read your inspiring thoughts this morning.
You have truly lifted me UP! xo
Well looks like I’m not the only one really glad you wrote this post today! My struggles with the plans, and life not going the way I think it should, and the feeling of “can we just be done with this phase and get to the phase I have planned out” is almost unbearable this week for me. What you wrote spoke loud and clear to me. So thank you! And best of luck getting thru the rest of the season!
Loved the Sunday surprise. You know I can relate… each year we say “this is the year!” and then surprises pop up and we say “next year is the year” but with each set back there is always some growth. And we (and y’all) have to just keep going forward!
You guys will climb huge mountains, I know it! But remember, no matter how many you climb, there are always valleys you have to deal with. It makes the trip so much sweeter.
Love ya friend!
I too am getting impatient. I’m getting tired of waiting and waiting and hoping that things come together the way that I want them to. I’ve never been good at the waiting game. But I’ll keep building, falling, standing back up and doing what it takes to get where I’m headed…wherever that may be!
We all go through many trials and falls. I truly believe they make us stronger and they happen for a reason. I’m struggling with my career and this pesty injuring that WILL NOT GO AWAY. But all I can do is take it one day at a time and remember that you can’t build a home in a day. Everything that means anything take time. Lots of time. Keep positive and remember you’re not alone.
This is a beautiful post! Romans 8:28 tells us that God works ALL things together for good. In the totality of our life, God gives us all we need, whether we can see it or not. He is truly amazing and always there helping us stand up after a fall!
Oh Lindsay. I so understand this and have been frustrated too! We set expectations so high, work so hard to build our foundation that we think is solid, and we wait. The waiting can feel like it’s taking forever but I have faith that it will come along. I agree with Laura – you and James are so resilient. xoxo
Brothers don’t shake hands. Duh.
I totally get this… sometimes thing just take longer. But it will come! You guys are so resilient. Much love, brother!
“brothers gotta hug.” –> name that movie. Love you and thank you friend.
No just standing up, but standing tall and proud! I need to get back at my New Years goal and live purposefully instead of dwelling on what I think should should be. I love you crazy cotters! Keep your head held high my friend. We are going to have an amazing 2nd half of this year!
i love you more!
Such an inspiring post, thanks for sharing your thoughts! It’s something everybody struggles with, hoping and dreaming working and then living in reality at the same time, trying to at the same accept it and while continuing to get up again, and again! Needed to read this, and I can completely relate.
And as a side note I think you approach all your sponsored posts really well, something for me to think about as a new blogger, and there is certainly no shame in it!
thank you friend. Yes, we all relate, which is why we can all support each other, yes? hugs!
Oh friend. I needed this today! Thank you for sharing on a Sunday! 🙂 Sending lots of love and hugs your way XoXo
you know i am here for you as well, always!
I love this. We can plan our little lives away and hope we hit each goal at the right time. But you are so right – we have to trust in the bigger plan. When something does not go as expected, it is for a reason! We just have to get back up and carry on <3
Carry on, love it! we need a coffee mug with that written on it. YES!
YES!!! love love love love this to.
heyhey I made some bold living decisions this past week too! Its really true- sometimes our plans are not His plans. Accepting that is sometimes the hardest part. But to keep on living purposeful, that is standing up!
AMEN AMEN!! keep me posted on more of your life friend!
Oh lovely lady (and lovely kiwi), you know I understand this, and I am actually going through a similar scenario right now. We set such high goals for ourselves, which is wonderful, and gives that brilliant determination, grit, strength that makes us so good, but sometimes it pushed you too far, sometimes you fall short, and mentally you can’t handle it. You are so right that you need to give yourselves more credit, and trust that it will work out. I remember watching the documentary “The Secret” and one analogy they used was that your goal is like driving from wherever you are to California on the roads in the middle of the night, all you can see is the 20ft in front of you, but that is all you need to see, you just have to trust that the next 20ft will keep unfolding in front of you. You do not know what turns and twists, ups and downs will come, but just trust it will unfold, and you WILL make it there. Hang in there crazy cotters, I am right there with you, hopefully we both reach our big goals soon. I can sense there is something BIG coming from Kiwi, and I can’t wait to see it happen! 🙂 #BelieveToAchieve
i think we live parallel lives. You are amazing friend! thank you for your ongoing support! will you move here already? xxoo
I love this post – I’ve felt similar kind of ‘falls’ lately but every time I get up and realised the other day how proud I should be of that – falling down is inevitable in life, but each time we get up is a triumph to be proud of, and helps us grow.
from Corny Cat 😉
i love corny cat!!! xxoo