Not Supermom.

The overly positive annoying lady. The supermom who has it all together. The homeschooling mom with perfect children. The perky perma-smile woman. I've heard many different versions.

I never really know how to respond when I hear these things. Lately, I've been getting confused and almost shy away from who I am.

Let me just say, I tend to naturally have a positive outlook on life. That's just the way I am wired. So, when I share things, that is what comes out. Not only do I truly feel that way, but also, I feel that declaring those words daily helps me to continue in that lifestyle and perspective.

Lately, I've been feeling the need to insert in posts and conversations things like "Not all days are easy," or "We have rough times too," or "I was such a bad mom yesterday." Not because we actually DO have rough days, but I feel I need to make sure the internet world and other people know that we are human too. I feel the need to justify our crap and that our crap does, in fact, exist.

Besides just letting others know that we have ordinary crazy days just like everyone else, I never feel the need to dwell on it. I don't want to be a complainer. I want to talk about those things and how we have victory through Jesus in them. I like to talk about what the Lord teaches me through rough circumstances. I like to focus on the growth I experience through life situations.

It's not a natural flow of who I am to complain or focus on the negative. It's not because I am trying to paint this perfect picture of a perfect family, but because I choose to focus on the beauty through the brunt.

So let me take the time to lay it all straight.

There are days I yell entirely too much at my children. Days that my patience runs scary thin. Days I put the tv on and go take a hot bath- at 11 am. Days that my kids fight ALL. DAY. LONG. Days where I break down and cry. Days where I am scooping poop out of the bathtub. Days where food and beverages are spilled all over the floor. Days where the mess, laundry and dishes have consumed our habitat. Days where I am not a fabulous mom. Days where I am not an awesome wife. Many days and may times that I fall short.

My kids fight. I yell. The house is usually a mess. Sometimes, popcorn is what's for dinner.

And all those days, the good and the bad, God seems to teach me amazing things. And grows me through them. This is my legacy that I am building. And I can see the light through all the simple daily tasks and all the draining repetitive yelling of "STOP FIGHTING!" I can see the glory of God through the days I get to walk out because He has equipped me to do so.

Every day is not peaches and cream, but I try to look for lovely in all I do. And I talk about that often, because I want to help others, but it also serves as a reminder to myself.

And I fail. I screw up. I am in process.

But I also have victory in Jesus. I am growing. I am learning. And I love this life I get to live.

My encouragement for you today is to walk confidently in who Christ made you to be. Don't compare yourself to others.

We all have been given different gifts, different abilities, different talents. Sure, I am a positive person. But I am really not good at math. I can't put my head below water. I'm clueless as to what is in style nowadays. And I'm not an excellent cook. Find your own strengths! And be proud of your own personality. How boring would life be if we all were the same? We complement each other. We all create this perfect beautiful puzzle when put together. Where I lack, others are stronger, and they teach me and grow me and stretch me. And where others lack, hopefully my strengths add value to their life.

And know that God will equip you for what is before you. You will not be alone. He will divinely give you the grace and patience to perform what is to come. Just open your arms and receive.

Love me or hate me. Your choice. But I need to follow my calling.

To be imperfectly me. It's all for His glory.

And if that includes rainbows, sunshine, unicorns and cotton candy... then so be it.