joy

Keep believing

I can’t even begin to describe how much I’ve learned since starting HeartStories in 2012 (officially 2013). I was in it for what I could do to help others, but sitting here, looking back, it’s been almost seven years of the most intense season of growth of my life. And I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon. I live in a constant state of walking in the unknown.

Nothing is sure to work.

Every risky choice I make is made from layers of experience, seeking wise counsel, praying earnestly, and then simply deciding it’s worth it to jump. Merely choosing to do the next right thing. Sometimes that process turns out beautifully, even better than I could have hoped. But it also often leads to painful lessons, challenges, and struggles I didn’t see coming. IT’s the essence of the John Ortberg quote that you’ve surely heard me say a million times. I still …

When I was a little girl, this beautiful woman took care of me so well and so often that it’s hard to believe she even speaks to me at all. Seriously. She is the oldest of 4 girls in our family, which made her the built-in babysitter. We all already know that I was more than a handful growing up, so she put in many of her hours towards sainthood in those years.

And as well as I remember it, she did it all with a knowing, loving smile, just like this one.

Well, maybe except that one time, when Mom and Dad told her as they were leaving to make me eat my entire bowl of cantaloupe. She did what they asked because she was always good like that, but it didn’t work out very well for either one of us. Let’s just say I haven’t eaten a bite of cantaloupe …

by Crystal Gornto Community Girl's Night Out Inspirational Women Love in Family Love in Friendship The Journey Through Life Leave a comment chat

Today is a special day for this Princess Smiling Sun! (Or maybe it was Princess Laughs A Lot) I’m not exactly sure, but whichever it was, it was a great representation of who she is. My sister Heather brings a bright light of joy wherever she goes. It doesn’t matter if we’re scrubbing toilets, loading a U-haul or throwing a bridal shower, Heather shows up and brings her laughter and optimism along with her.

She’s always lived up to her name: Heather Joy.

Of course, when we were younger, she was my “little sister” and a was a bossy mean big sister. I hate it to this day. I literally feel so much shame about all the missed opportunities I had to love on her and lead her as a big sister should. How I wish I could go back and be kind to her as a kid. But instead, as much …

by Crystal Gornto Inspirational Women Love In Action Love in Family Love in Friendship Loving Others Roadblocks in Life The Journey Through Life Leave a comment chat

My friend Amy posted a black and white image on Instagram this week of a little girl in her swimsuit, full-on playing in the rain. In a wide leg stance, eyes shut, arms and mouth wide open, she’s wholly in the moment. I can almost hear her yelling, “YES! Bring it on!!” The caption read:

“REMEMBER HER? She’s still there . . . inside you . . . waiting. Let’s go get her.”

It stopped me in my tracks. I DO remember her! Just looking at this picture of my Dad, my sisters and me, takes me instantly back to that house. I remember those strange furry window coverings. I remember the blue couch and endless playing in that room. I remember that strawberry-blonde-mulleted, freckle faced, little tomboy who loved to wear hats, and lace. I remember that if I even got an inkling that you were up for some kind of adventure, …

by Crystal Gornto Girl's Night Out Inspiration Inspirational Women Loving Yourself Our Story Roadblocks in Life The Journey Through Life Leave a comment chat

My incredible niece Sophia turned 16 last week. Per family tradition, all the local family gathered to celebrate over the weekend, including Great Grandma, whom we’re thrilled is now “local”. Instead of a fancy birthday cake, Sophia wanted to celebrate with French macarons. They were an absolutely beautiful display of color and perfection. Exactly the right touch for a girl who is entering her adult years of life. But when we’d all gathered in the living room to sing the traditional “Happy Birthday”song while Sophia blew out the candles, those macarons presented a little challenge.

They were almost too delicate to hold even the toothpick style “16” candles.

What I noticed in that moment, was that instead of frustration, or angst of any kind, the room was filled with laughter. There were giggles from all the kids and oohs and ahhs from all the grown ups. Even when the passoff didn’t work, leaving …

by Crystal Gornto Inspirational Women Love In Action Loving Others Loving Yourself Roadblocks in Life The Journey Through Life Leave a comment chat

When Vanessa shared her first look, “sneak peek” images from last week’s girls night out, this one made my heart smile so big. That joyful soul looking up at you is Lauren, the coordinator of all the things. I’m telling you, she keeps HeartStories running smoothly like an Olympic figure skater gliding in for the gold. It’s fast and furious, hard work. Obviously, it’s a lot just working directly with me, but she’s also coordinating all of our staff, sponsors, vendors, members and attendees. She shores up the platform that makes ALL the magic happen for our community, month after month.

And she could do it in her sleep, with one arm tied behind her back.

There’s so much happening behind the scenes to create our monthly GNO and Lauren makes it all seem so effortless. You’d think this is her full time job, plus some. But in reality, it’s her side …

by Crystal Gornto Girl's Night Out Inspirational Women Love In Action Love in Friendship Loving Others Priorities Leave a comment chat

Keep believing

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Her love is sweet

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Show up with Joy

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Remember her?

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Miserable? Or happy and strong?

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Seek joy and you will find it

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Share the Love!

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Share the Love!

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Share the Love!

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Share the Love!

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