Identity Crisis! ~ You are MORE!

Our identity,
   how do we define our identity?

How do we define who we are?

One of the dictionary definitions of "identity" states...
"the condition of being oneself or itself, and not another:"

I see the words in the other definitions repeated...

likeness
self
same
one
character

Identity must mean "being one's self."  

But how do we define ourselves?
What makes us ourselves?

    Is it...
where we come from
what we look like
who are family is
who are friends are
where we work
our career paths
our political position
what we eat
how we talk
our general out look on life?

The truth is, there's way more than ONE thing that defines who we are.  It's about so much more than we can see. 

God says,
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Psalm 139: 13-16

God made us, He knows us, and most importantly, He loves us!

       I sit here and type, wondering what my future holds.  Yes, I am in a bit of an identity crisis...  
For the past 10 years, I have been the "cake lady"...  Samantha's Sweets.  So much of my life was consumed by the sweetness of butter cream and the art of creating desserts with a purpose.  That's been so much of my identity.

     I enjoyed being a part of my customers lives; planning a great dessert for their special life moments.  Making the shower cake, then the wedding, then the baby shower, Christening, 1st birthday-----WHAT AN HONOR!  I know it's just sugar, but I felt a part of something bigger that a sweet treat!  That's why Samantha's Sweets was such a success, because I baked with love. 

     Recent events, none due to the success of the business which was thriving, have left me to take a break from caking and baking.  I'm not sure of Samantha's Sweets future to tell you the truth.  Maybe God's got different plans for my family. 

    So what now?  What's my identity, my purpose?  

    I still create art, every day, for my sweet Etsy shop that is doing very well and celebrating one year open today! God's given me a passion for art and I will always create! 
    I created this blog to be an encouragement to others facing life's trials and troubles.
    I will be the best wife I can be.
    I will be the best mom I can be.
    I will be the best teacher I can be.

See, there's a lot to define one's identity.  There's so much more to see, to be, and to know!

I may not be Samantha's Sweets ~ Cake Artist at the moment, but I am still ME!  I'm more than I know. 

YOU ARE MORE!  Don't let one thing define your identity!  God has plans for you!  God made you MORE!  Simply...  more!

God says,
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."  2 Timothy: 7

Be BRAVE AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE 
       MORE!

Xoxoxo,

Samantha

Life can be sweet!

Today's Inspirational Quote

Don't simply make it through bad times and expect to become a stronger better person.  Learning and growing through the bad times in life is what makes you stronger.  Prayers to you!

Xoxoxo,

Samantha

Flowers to Love

Have you seen my new page
      Flowers to Love ?

~A collection of beautiful flower photos!

        It's a fun little hobby to do with your camera phone, and noticing God's blessings through His amazing creation and artistry is good therapy for a moody day.  :)

Red Rose

Poppy Flower

Hibiscus ~ The Dinner Plate Flower

Be Strong, Be Brave! ~The Chicory Flower

My favorite wildflower is Chicory and I will tell you why...

For one reason,

it's my favorite color, (commonly known as Cornflower Blue.)

But the Chicory flower is so much more than a pretty face,

it's STRONG,

it's BRAVE,

and not afraid to GROW!

It grows anywhere,

in shade, in sun,

along roadsides, shallow dirt and gravel.  

It withstands storms, floods, and scorching sun.

It's useful; cultivated for it's leaves, buds, and roots.

I want to be like the Chicory,

brave,

not afraid to grow,

useful...

I believe that God, creator of the Heavens and Earth, provides us with unlimited beauty and lessons in nature.

Have a blessed day!

Xoxoxo,

Samantha

It is What You Make It!

Today's encouragement is about...
         ~not giving up
              ~not giving in
                      ~changing your situation 

Life really is what you make of it!
      ~Sometimes things can't be changed and that's where God's grace is always enough.
      ~Sometimes things CAN be changed and it's up to YOU to make it happen!  Let God guide you in your pursuit of a better life.

Xoxoxox,

   Samantha

I am a dreamer...

ARe you a dreamer?  Do you have a passion you think about every day?
Do you constantly think and hope for things, trying to make the world a better place, make someone smile, doing what you love every day?
     If yes,
 then you are a dreamer

I am a dreamer too!

I know God has a plan for you and for me, and I pray that you hold on

~to your dreams

~to your hopes

~to your passions

Find strength in our Father who made us and loves us.  Find strength to keep going even when someone says

~no

~you can't

~you're not good enough

YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!

God says so!

~God bless you~

Isaiah 40:31

"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

NIV

Someday...

My son, at the tender age of 11, is already an amazing photographer.  With his PowerShot Canon, non-professional camera,
 he has been able to capture some amazing photos and I am one proud mama.  Here is one of my favorites with a simple word~

         someday...

Just a simple hope that someday...
            things will work out.

God does have a plan; I know this.
        Thank you Jesus, for your many blessings today!