• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

A New Perspective

June 16, 2014 | Faith, family, motivation, movies

Call me way behind in the times, but I JUST watched the movie Soul Surfer about Bethany Hamilton on Saturday night. It’s one of those movies I always wanted to see, but wasn’t going to go out of my way to rent, etc. My mom happened to DVR it the other day, so we all watched it together. Yes there were a few cheesy parts, and parts of Carrie Underwood’s performance reminded me of the Sound of Music live TV special, but I really, really loved the message.

john 137

Bobby and I are currently going through some unpleasant things in life, and we have said things that, just like the actress who played Bethany said….”I just don’t understand why this is happening to me.” In the movie, Carrie Underwood’s character challenges the kids to see things from a new perspective, that sometimes we are too close in on a situation, and need to back up a bit to try to see more of the big picture.

While I think this is a great thing to do, it is definitely easier said than done. For a control freak like me who likes to know everything NOW, waiting around to see the big picture, or waiting around to see that eventually something good will come of a situation, is not ideal in my mind….especially when I feel like I have already been waiting a long time.

It is my hope that maybe someone else can one day benefit by what we have been through/are going through and hearing our story (which is still in the making), so I do try really hard to set a good example and have a good attitude about it all, even when things don’t turn out as planned.

unnamed (2)

So, while I know this is a big week for us and could end very happily or with us being very discouraged, I pray that no matter what we will be able to keep it all in perspective and see the bigger picture. I hope you are encouraged today to not get frustrated by things in life, but instead to step back and think.

QOTD: Have you ever wanted answers to come right away, and to be able to see why certain things were happening to you? Did you end up seeing the bigger picture eventually?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen says

    June 16, 2014 at 5:35 am

    Huge hugs! <3

  2. Brenda says

    June 16, 2014 at 4:36 am

    Here’s one of my new favorite sayings: You can only see God’s plan when you look backward. But you have to live it forward!

    • Randy Crane says

      June 16, 2014 at 11:40 am

      That’s really good, Brenda!

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:49 am

      great quote!

  3. Jessica says

    June 16, 2014 at 6:18 am

    Its so hard to look at the big picture when you’re in the middle of rough times. I often find myself questioning choices that I have made, but then I look around and know that if not for some of the decisions that I’ve made, I wouldn’t have all the great things I have in my life. When times get rough, I just like to tell myself that everything happens for a reason and that everything will work out in the end. I know its corny and cliche, but its so true. I hope things start to turn around for you soon!

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:48 am

      thanks for the encouragement!

  4. Bridie Rist says

    June 16, 2014 at 5:39 am

    Been there more times than I would like. I do know that had I not dealt with the bad stuff, I might not have realized all the good stuff that has happened as well. Things like this certainly give you some perspective. I try to remember that there are people for whom this is their normal. Good luck!

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:49 am

      thanks!!! 🙂

  5. Katrina Elle says

    June 16, 2014 at 6:49 am

    Amen sister! I stopped asking God “Why me” and ask him instead “What now” to take direction according to Him and reflect on what I can learn good or bad

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:46 am

      great approach!

  6. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    June 16, 2014 at 7:29 am

    I can completely sympathize with wanting to be in complete control and wanting answers and resolutions immediately instead of having to wait for them to come. Just remember that everything happens for a reason, and it’ll all eventually resolve itself.

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:45 am

      I am hoping so, thanks!

  7. Morgan says

    June 16, 2014 at 6:48 am

    I love that movie! I watched it a lot after I was laid off and sitting home unemployed. It gave me hope that there were better things in my future – and there were!! It turned out getting laid off was the best thing that could happen at that time. Keep the faith – I know things will work out for you and Bobby. You’re in my thoughts!

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:48 am

      thanks so much Morgan!

  8. Brynn says

    June 16, 2014 at 7:08 am

    Great post and question. Yes, I often find myself wondering why something is happening (or not), but I have learned that life will play out and it is on us to control our actions and reactions. Trust is a difficult thing to learn and honor.

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:46 am

      yes trust is hard for me in general anyway!

  9. jill conyers says

    June 16, 2014 at 8:30 am

    I’m a big believer in things happen for a reason. We may not know what that reason is at the time but eventually we do if we’re open to making the connections. It’s not as easy as it sounds but I believe whole heartedly.

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:45 am

      def not easy but usually worth it!

  10. Lauren @ Lauren's Glass Slipper says

    June 16, 2014 at 10:19 am

    I am very much like you…I enjoy being in control of things and it’s hard for me to take a step back and see the bigger picture. I do try very hard to work on this, though!

    Sending prayers for you and Bobby that God will guide you through this time in your life and help you see the big picture! :0)

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:43 am

      thanks 🙂

  11. Steph says

    June 16, 2014 at 10:42 am

    I always struggle with wanting to see the big picture *right now* so I can deal with the obstacles directly in front of me. We’ve deal with an awful lot of heartbreak over the last few years and in coping with that, have really seen God’s grace and His work happening all around us. It’s so tough in the moment but the clarity you have once you finally get a glimpse is so powerful. Will pray for you guys this week.

  12. Mindy @ Road Runner Girl says

    June 16, 2014 at 11:26 am

    I’m very impatient with answers! I just have to keep reminding myself that God is in control. Hugs girl! I’ll be praying for you! And Soul Surfer is an awesome movie!

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:42 am

      thanks friend

  13. Randy Crane says

    June 16, 2014 at 11:44 am

    I’ve been there before, and my wife & I are there now. Sometimes looking back I’ve seen the bigger picture, but not always. Right now we’re in the middle of it (have been for more than a year) and wish we could. We know it’ll come some day, but that day is not today.

    I wrote a short post on my blog about this very topic quite some time ago–but I still need to be reminded of it often. Maybe the best quote from the post is this, “But life doesn’t have to make sense for me to trust that God is in control. I don’t have to understand exactly what’s happening to know that God is working through it all. In fact, if I only trust Him when life makes sense, what good is that?”

    If you want to read the full post, it’s here: http://www.leavingconformitycoaching.com/2010/09/alice-in-wonderland-making-sense-of.html.

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:40 am

      will check out the post! Love that quote, it’s so hard sometimes but so true. I try to remind myself when I start to get anxious that if I am acting anxious then it means I don’t trust God to take care of things, and that usually helps me “back off” a bit.

  14. Ashley says

    June 16, 2014 at 11:28 am

    My husband and I are going through something similar. We’re waiting to hear back on a job we really need and it’s been months of waiting since the interview process is so long. We have an almost 5 month old boy and it’s been hard to step back and see the positive things when we keep saying “why us” all the time. But we are extremely blessed to have this sweet little boy! I’ll have to check out that movie soon. Praying for you and your family. <3

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:42 am

      thank you and I hope both our husbands get jobs soon!

  15. Greg says

    June 16, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    I feel your pain Heather. It sucks when the answer is not right there for you when you want it. God never promises to keep us from hard times. He only promises to walk with us through those hard times. My wife and I are waiting to be chosen by an expectant parent to adopt their child. We’ve been waiting for more than 18 months and have absolutely no clue when God will answer this prayer. There are ebbs and flows when it comes to dealing with the wait. There are times where God feels distant and times where I can see him providing comfort. If you go to iTunes and look for my church’s podcast from May 25th, our pastor talks about how God is here. When times are hard, God is there. When times are amazing, God is there. If you search for the sermon, search for “Mosaic Video Podcast” and the name of the sermon is “God: Part 4.”

    I pray that God will give you and Bobby peace as you wait for your answers. I know it’s hard.

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:40 am

      oh my goodness. I know so, so many great people waiting to adopt and it breaks my heart. Our house has been for sale for almost 27 months, and bobby is still unemployed. It’s so scary with the baby coming! Thanks for the podcast will try to check it out!

  16. Danielle says

    June 16, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    Oh Heather, my fingers are crossed for you guys that everything starts going your way soon! My husband and I are working through some stuff right now as far as our living situation goes right now and it’s been incredibly frustrating, I’m sure in the end it will all work out and we’ll all be looking back at this time and appreciate the lessons it taught us (hopefully!).

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:38 am

      thanks! I hope yall get through your stuff, too!

  17. Coco says

    June 16, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    It is hard to have perspective when you are in the midst of something, but even remembering that there is a different perspective can help you get through. I hope you have a good week!

    • Heather says

      June 17, 2014 at 6:38 am

      thank you!

Trackbacks

  1. runningwithsass says:
    June 16, 2014 at 2:16 am

    A New Perspective

    Call me way behind in the times, but I JUST watched the movie Soul Surfer about Bethany Hamilton on Saturday

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 Ready to escape to para 🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 

Ready to escape to paradise? I spent a few dreamy days at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers, and I’m giving YOU the chance to win 2 FREE nights at this beachfront oasis! 😍☀️ #margaritavillepartner

Here are 5 things I didn’t expect to love so much (but totally did):
1️⃣ Fins Up Beach Club — live music, great drinks, and cabana vibes for days!
2️⃣ The Rooms — bright, coastal decor and ocean views that make you feel like you’re living inside a vacation postcard.
3️⃣ The Spa — a total hidden gem. My massage was next-level relaxation.
4️⃣ The Restaurants — from casual beachfront bites to more elevated dining, the food alone is worth the trip.
5️⃣ The Vibe — laid-back luxury with the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. It’s always 5 o’clock here! 🍹

✨ Whether you’re staying overnight or popping in with a day pass, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is pure island bliss.

🎉 Now YOU could win a 2-night stay!

🏖️ Prize: Complimentary Two-Night Stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
⚠️ Blackout dates apply.

How to Enter:
✅ Like this post & follow both @HeathersLG and @margaritavillefortmyers
✅ Tag at least 2 friends in the comments (extra comments = extra entries!)
✅ Comment: Are you a pool or beach person?

🌟 BONUS (not mandatory) for 5 extra entries: SHARE this post on your stories and TAG me so I can see it!

Good luck — and remember, it’s always island time somewhere! 🌊🍹

Redemption Details:
Winner must book by August 31, 2025
Valid for travel between August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway closes midnight July 25, 3025. Not sponsored by Instagram. 

#MargaritavilleResort #FortMyersBeach #BeachClubVibes #CabanaLife #SpaDay #BeachGetaway #ResortGiveaway #FinsUp
I’ve had an interesting first few days of being I’ve had an interesting first few days of being in my 40’s. A bit of a nerve wracking medical week I guess you could say. 

Have you ever had an MRI? Do you suffer from hearing loss? 👂 

#thisis40 #hearingloss #mri #inmy40s #40andfabulous
✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad Sin ✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad 

Since turning forty, I’ve been all about simple changes that help me feel strong, healthy, and confident — inside and out. 

Adding Organixx Collagen to my coffee each morning has been one of the easiest ways to support my skin, hair, and joints while juggling busy mom life. It blends right in and makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself every single day. 

Because for me, it’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling my best, staying active, and showing up for the people and moments that matter most. 
Radiance starts from within, and @organixxco helps make it part of my everyday routine.

🤩Use code HMONTGOMERY to save 10%! Link is in my bio.

 #organixx #organixxcollagen #CollagenRoutine #GlowFromWithin #BusyMomLife #ThisIsWhatRadianceLooksLike
I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met some of the kindest most fun cast members while getting our pictures taken. 

If you don’t get pics taken with them often you probably won’t get this reel, and that’s ok. IYKYK. It’s all in good fun! 💚

What did I miss/forget?😆

#disneyphotopass #photopassphotographer #disneypics #disneyfunny #disneymeme
Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀ Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀️

#backtoschool #parentinghack #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshopping
I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like t I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like this has me reflecting—not just on what I’ve accomplished, but on who I’m becoming.

I’ve always been driven to achieve, to push, to prove. But lately, I’ve been learning to celebrate presence over performance, connection over perfection.

Today wasn’t about checking a box or hitting a goal—it was about pausing, feeling grateful, and eating a ridiculous amount of cake with people I love. And honestly? That feels like growth.

Here’s to 40: more aligned, more grounded, and still a little extra. 😉

#thisis40 #40andfabulous #thankyoujesusfor40years #birthdaygirl❤️ #40andoverclub
Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 Big milestones always Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 

Big milestones always make me pause and ask:
What am I proud of?
What needs to shift?
Am I becoming the woman I want to be?

💡 As an Enneagram 3, I’ve always been wired to achieve — and for a long time, that meant shaping myself into whatever version I thought people would like best.

There are tables where it’s clear I’m not welcome — and that used to wreck me.
But at 40? I don’t do cliques. I don’t do shrinking or contorting to be accepted. 👀

I’ll always be kind. I’ll always be respectful. But I’m done dragging a chair to tables that were never built for me.

I’m moving over. Making space.
Creating my own table.

✨Who’s in?

#ThisIs40
#OwnYourStory
#ReelTalk
#Over30Club
#ChristianWomen
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#enneagram3

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d