One of my favorite things ever is noticing the seasons change (except from fall to winter--I HATE that one). There are times when life seems so busy that you don't even take the time to notice and then it seems as if the seasons changed overnight. Well, look around, the seasons are changing and it's beautiful! This is a wonderful gift from God's creation. I'm in the middle of seasons in my life and am thrilled to be able to see the change happening in my life!
Two things I've never been in my life: this happy. this busy.
Life has gotten insanely busy lately what with being in grad school, teaching a new grade this year, planning a wedding, taking extra classes to assimilate into my new grade level and become tenured, and just simply having a life. Everyone is busy all the time, but this is the busiest I've ever been in my life. All of these things that keep me occupied are wonderful things that make me oh so happy. So, I can't complain. In fact, I have enough time to sit here and write this blog, but I do this because it makes me happy, too.
Blake and I recently had our first session of marriage counseling with our awesome pastor. I don't know him all that well, so we had some "get to know you" time and then jumped into some beginning marriage counseling stuff. The verses I need to focus on are from Ephesians 5,
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (vs. 22-24).
I take my role as a wife seriously and want to truly understand what God meant when these verses were written. I know it means not that I cook and clean until my knuckles bleed to make Blake happy and give up everything of "mine." But, what I'm beginning to realize is how God created husband and wife to be representative of Jesus' relationship with the Church. It's all about love, respect, serving, and allowing Blake to be the leader of our household. Our pastor pointed out that God created us as equals but with different roles to fulfill.
Anyways, I'm excited to see all of God's blessings right in front of me and am looking forward to the rest of our counseling sessions.
Today I'm thankful for: KLOVE, Spring!, my mama and sis sis, and hummus (YUM!)
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
a shower, tons of tears, dozens of hugs, a million smiles, and one great weekend
We're two months out from the wedding day today--61 days. It's almost to the surreal point. We spent this last Saturday in North Platte getting loved on. And, I mean BIG time loved on. Blake's fabulous Aunt Pam, cousins Gina, Gracie, and Janie, and good family friend, Tanda, hosted a Pampered Chef Bridal Shower for us. This was the point in which Blake said (afterward, that is) is the "no turning back" point. Not that there was any hesitation or questioning, but I know what he meant.
It started to get really "real" when we were going around the room, everyone was introducing themselves, how they know Blake or I, a cooking disaster, their favorite P.C. product, and a piece of marital advice for us. Everyone had hilarious cooking disasters, and wise marital advice.
For the last six months or so, while I'm alone in my car or wherever, and I start to think about the wedding day and giving our toasts as Bride and Groom, I can't help but well up and get emotional. Well, as everyone took their turn sharing marital advice, we got to Blake's Grandma T. who shared with us about the sweet love she's had with Dale for almost 55 years. [I honestly can't remember now what her advice was because it was so precious, I had to hold back tears] Then, we go back and end with Blake's momma, my mama, and my sis-sis. Each one gave us sincere, loving, mature advice about marriage with tears in their eyes and a quiver in their voice. [I have to say again I don't remember a word that was said other than that it was given with such love that it made me cry & as I write brings tears to my eyes]
I am so over emotional (if that's possible) when I think of all the support and genuine love that we have received all our lives, and even more so now that we're engaged. I felt overwhelmed at the amount of contribution to our Pampered Chef party, but I know that it is only because these people care for my fiance and his family so much, and that means the world to me.
My mom, sister, Blake, and I had dinner with Blake's parents, sister and her fiance, Granny & Gramps K., and adopted grandparents, Bill & Theora. After a lovely dinner, Granny embraced my sister to say goodbye and said to her, "We love your little sister, and so we love you too." And, that is what family is all about. It brings such joy to me.
It was such a fantastic time sharing with all of Blake's family and their friends. I felt so much love and generosity that when we headed back West, I felt like I was on a high. It was an inexplicable feeling. And, I know this is just the beginning. I'm looking forward to my next shower at the end of the month, my Bachelorette part/personal shower in May, and the wedding in only 61 days. But, what I'm looking forward to most is spending my life with Blake.
Today, I'm thankful for : two terrific friends who landed new jobs!, my pup June, wedding fun, family love, all my new Pampered Chef loot, waterproof mascara {which I know now is MUST have for the wedding} (:
It started to get really "real" when we were going around the room, everyone was introducing themselves, how they know Blake or I, a cooking disaster, their favorite P.C. product, and a piece of marital advice for us. Everyone had hilarious cooking disasters, and wise marital advice.
For the last six months or so, while I'm alone in my car or wherever, and I start to think about the wedding day and giving our toasts as Bride and Groom, I can't help but well up and get emotional. Well, as everyone took their turn sharing marital advice, we got to Blake's Grandma T. who shared with us about the sweet love she's had with Dale for almost 55 years. [I honestly can't remember now what her advice was because it was so precious, I had to hold back tears] Then, we go back and end with Blake's momma, my mama, and my sis-sis. Each one gave us sincere, loving, mature advice about marriage with tears in their eyes and a quiver in their voice. [I have to say again I don't remember a word that was said other than that it was given with such love that it made me cry & as I write brings tears to my eyes]
I am so over emotional (if that's possible) when I think of all the support and genuine love that we have received all our lives, and even more so now that we're engaged. I felt overwhelmed at the amount of contribution to our Pampered Chef party, but I know that it is only because these people care for my fiance and his family so much, and that means the world to me.
My mom, sister, Blake, and I had dinner with Blake's parents, sister and her fiance, Granny & Gramps K., and adopted grandparents, Bill & Theora. After a lovely dinner, Granny embraced my sister to say goodbye and said to her, "We love your little sister, and so we love you too." And, that is what family is all about. It brings such joy to me.
It was such a fantastic time sharing with all of Blake's family and their friends. I felt so much love and generosity that when we headed back West, I felt like I was on a high. It was an inexplicable feeling. And, I know this is just the beginning. I'm looking forward to my next shower at the end of the month, my Bachelorette part/personal shower in May, and the wedding in only 61 days. But, what I'm looking forward to most is spending my life with Blake.
Today, I'm thankful for : two terrific friends who landed new jobs!, my pup June, wedding fun, family love, all my new Pampered Chef loot, waterproof mascara {which I know now is MUST have for the wedding} (:
Sunday, March 20, 2011
faith looks up
I've had a lot of time recently to think about the family unit. What a precious gift God has given us. Whether your family is super close-knit or not, it always seems that in times of great need, the love in a family pulled a little tighter, a little warmer.
Blake's grandpa had a stroke almost a week ago. It has been an up-and-down rollercoaster for everyone since. But, let me tell you, the strength this family has is indescribable. As we made the drive to Denver last Tuesday, we didn't know what was in store for us when we got there. Thankfully, Dale has made great progress. Seeing his family stay positive and encouraging throughout this process has been so inspiring. The hardest part about these kinds of things is seeing loved ones in a state you're not used to seeing them. I think it's most difficult for those surrounding them to see that person so changed. His grandma's continuing faith in our Lord brought me to tears. She acknowledged God's many blessings, and that He's always brought them through, taken care of them, and she has faith He'll do the same with this.
Today I am thankful for warm weather, being able to look ahead at Spring Break, freedom of religion, and the Tobeys.
“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”
Blake's grandpa had a stroke almost a week ago. It has been an up-and-down rollercoaster for everyone since. But, let me tell you, the strength this family has is indescribable. As we made the drive to Denver last Tuesday, we didn't know what was in store for us when we got there. Thankfully, Dale has made great progress. Seeing his family stay positive and encouraging throughout this process has been so inspiring. The hardest part about these kinds of things is seeing loved ones in a state you're not used to seeing them. I think it's most difficult for those surrounding them to see that person so changed. His grandma's continuing faith in our Lord brought me to tears. She acknowledged God's many blessings, and that He's always brought them through, taken care of them, and she has faith He'll do the same with this.
Today I am thankful for warm weather, being able to look ahead at Spring Break, freedom of religion, and the Tobeys.
“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Dreaming Damask
Hello all!
Only 98 days to go til the wedding and I'm spending the day with one of my favorite people, and one of my bridesmaids, Ali, printing Blake's and my wedding invitations!!
Our original plan was to print them at my mom and step-dad's house but their computer was having some glitches and after a couple of hours, we decided to head to Omaha to use Ali's fabulous computer. Ali's been such a help and is a whiz with the computer--I so appreciate her help.
I've already got, with the exception of a dozen or so, all the invitations addressed. As of right now, we're about half way through printing all the invitations and then I will need to print inserts with wedding details. After that, we're all set.
The future-in-laws came to surprise Blake at his BYOM2 (Big Yearly Oral Mosaic/Bring Your Own Mug) event at the school yesterday. He was so excited for this event and it was so sweet of them to surprise him. We got to enjoy a LATE dinner at Village Inn afterward. It was a wonderful time. Apparently, there's a little surprise waiting for me at Blake's apartment--as I told Blake's mom, "it's the little things in life."
I'm so thankful for these wonderful individuals, for time to spend with my bridesmaid/bestie, and for the happiness of my future husband (it was such an incredible experience to see him so pleased with his event & to hear the wonderful compliments given to his parents in adoration of their son!) I'm a lucky girl!
Only 98 days to go til the wedding and I'm spending the day with one of my favorite people, and one of my bridesmaids, Ali, printing Blake's and my wedding invitations!!
I've already got, with the exception of a dozen or so, all the invitations addressed. As of right now, we're about half way through printing all the invitations and then I will need to print inserts with wedding details. After that, we're all set.
The future-in-laws came to surprise Blake at his BYOM2 (Big Yearly Oral Mosaic/Bring Your Own Mug) event at the school yesterday. He was so excited for this event and it was so sweet of them to surprise him. We got to enjoy a LATE dinner at Village Inn afterward. It was a wonderful time. Apparently, there's a little surprise waiting for me at Blake's apartment--as I told Blake's mom, "it's the little things in life."
I'm so thankful for these wonderful individuals, for time to spend with my bridesmaid/bestie, and for the happiness of my future husband (it was such an incredible experience to see him so pleased with his event & to hear the wonderful compliments given to his parents in adoration of their son!) I'm a lucky girl!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Cream Puffs and Purses
I feel really good. Like immensely happy, excited, feeling loved and refreshed kind of good. Yesterday, I took a mental health day. I just needed a day to step away from the craziness and get caught up on things I seem to never have the time to do--wash my car, pay some bills, do some laundry, set up a couple doctor appointments. The usual. That day, and dinner with some fabulous friends really did me good.
A few days ago, I was feeling really crappy. And, not because I was sick, but because things weren't going perfectly and I decided to throw myself a pity party. Boo. Hoo. And, the whole time I'm throwing this silly party I'm thinking to myself, "You're ridiculous, really ridiculous."
My life is chalk full of blessings. Sometimes it's hard to look at the bright side of things when something or things go wrong. However, God has taken this last year to teach me to do just that. I haven't perfected it yet--but I'm working on it.
I was inspired by a fellow blogger, who is inspirational, to write a few things I'm thankful for (and, there's always something to be thankful for, amidst the chaos of life). This person has been battling cancer courageously and continues to be thankful. God bless her.
I'm thankful for: wonderfully amazing, and incredibly reliable, hilariously amusing, painfully honest, stinking adorable, incredibly smart, wholeheartedly devoted, super-spectacular family, friends, and colleagues. I'm not sure I could be surrounded by a better bunch of people. Many, many thanks to those fine folks :) I cry happy tears and experience hearty belly laughs with these people on an everyday occurrence.
Some smaller, less important things I'm thankful for: good, Christian music, sweatpants, my Rocket Dog sneakers, cream puffs, and my new black purse!
OHMYLANTA! I'm getting married in...{brace yourselves}...105 DAYS!
Yep, that's how I feel about my wedding being so close. It's kind of scary, I know. That's why I only make these faces in private :)
Until next time,
A
A few days ago, I was feeling really crappy. And, not because I was sick, but because things weren't going perfectly and I decided to throw myself a pity party. Boo. Hoo. And, the whole time I'm throwing this silly party I'm thinking to myself, "You're ridiculous, really ridiculous."
My life is chalk full of blessings. Sometimes it's hard to look at the bright side of things when something or things go wrong. However, God has taken this last year to teach me to do just that. I haven't perfected it yet--but I'm working on it.
I was inspired by a fellow blogger, who is inspirational, to write a few things I'm thankful for (and, there's always something to be thankful for, amidst the chaos of life). This person has been battling cancer courageously and continues to be thankful. God bless her.
I'm thankful for: wonderfully amazing, and incredibly reliable, hilariously amusing, painfully honest, stinking adorable, incredibly smart, wholeheartedly devoted, super-spectacular family, friends, and colleagues. I'm not sure I could be surrounded by a better bunch of people. Many, many thanks to those fine folks :) I cry happy tears and experience hearty belly laughs with these people on an everyday occurrence.
Some smaller, less important things I'm thankful for: good, Christian music, sweatpants, my Rocket Dog sneakers, cream puffs, and my new black purse!
OHMYLANTA! I'm getting married in...{brace yourselves}...105 DAYS!
Until next time,
A
Monday, February 7, 2011
Wedding Preview....
My days seem to be consumed with school, classes, wedding, repeat. All great and positive things to be consumed with--I completely cannot complain. I absolutely adore all things wedding and wanted to share with whomever is out there a little sneak peek into what our wedding will be like. Our theme includes royal blue, and the black & white damask pattern. ENJOY!
Here is the cake (LOVE), which will be made by my wonderful cake decorator-friend, Laura Beth! So excited for this masterpiece!!
This is somewhat what my bouquet will look like. A delightful mixture of blue and purple hydrangeas and other flowers I don't know the names of :) Bridesmaids bouquets and boutineers will have the same color scheme/flowers.
This is the dress my spectacular bridesmaids will be wearing (same color, too!) And, Blake's sister, Amy, will wear the black version of this dress because she's standing on his side. It's going to be beautiful.
This is the program we're using and the invitations match, but are a different size. There's a lot of work ahead for us because we have to print the invitations and programs one-by-one on my home printer. But, I am really anxious to see how they turn out! A BIG thanks to my girl Ali for helping me print these out--what a gal!
I ordered these off etsy.com from ThePoshEvent. They require printing and assembly, so this is a project I will be enlisting bridesmaid assistance :)
We just received our shipment of these adorable napkins from theknot.com. Ours will be black with sapphire blue foiling. Love the little lovebirds--YAY!
Only 117 days until we can see it all unfold as planned (hopefully!) :)
Blessings!
This is the dress my spectacular bridesmaids will be wearing (same color, too!) And, Blake's sister, Amy, will wear the black version of this dress because she's standing on his side. It's going to be beautiful.
I ordered these off etsy.com from ThePoshEvent. They require printing and assembly, so this is a project I will be enlisting bridesmaid assistance :)
We just received our shipment of these adorable napkins from theknot.com. Ours will be black with sapphire blue foiling. Love the little lovebirds--YAY!
Only 117 days until we can see it all unfold as planned (hopefully!) :)
Blessings!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Keeping The Faith
All my life, I've been faith-filled. Ever since I was a little girl saying my goodnight prayer in my white canopy bed, I've known there was a God and I knew He loved me. And so, I would pray to Him every night. I didn't start attending church until I was in high school because my family wasn't a church-going family. Not to say they didn't have faith--they just didn't attend.
My first memories of talking to God are from the age of 6--shortly after our move to Nebraska following my parents' divorce. I didn't know how to sort through all of the emotions I had, I just knew I needed a safe release. God was my safe release. I'm not sure I knew I could talk to others (although I now know I could have). When I felt happiness or when I felt a surge of sadness with that empty space I felt in my heart when I missed my daddy the most, I would pray. Always at night I would pray, "Now I lay me down to sleep..." This is still the prayer that guides me every night before I sleep.
My life has not been perfect. I have had difficult and regrettable moments. But, the Lord has continued to be my Shepherd and has lifted me up when I needed Him the most. I shouldn't be surprised; that's His purpose and His joy. He chooses to love me because I am His. But, while my life has not been perfect, it also has not been tragic. I haven't had to struggle through times where life seemed to stand still. Sure, I've felt heartache and regret and failure...But, never have I had the option to doubt my faith.
I recently attended two funerals in one day. I met neither of these people prior to their passing, but learned much about them from their services. All day I was faced with people whose lives are on pause. A momentary pause in life that is heart-wrenching and faith-shaking. I have never had to face the loss of a loved one or even the tragic misfortune of circumstances that plague so many lives (e.g. debilitating diseases, etc.) My faith has never been shaken.
And, so, I've begun to wonder--how do these people keep the faith? I pray on a frequent basis that the Lord build me up so that when I am faced with any of these unfortunate things, I keep my faith and carry on, knowing that God is God. God doesn't change just because life does. I am so thankful for my life and the numerous blessings I hold, and pray to God that I will be thankful even when life does not seem to be worth thanking Him for. The plans He has for us are beyond our understanding. I know He is preparing me for my future with each passing day and so I continue to thank Him for my past, my current, and my unknown.
My first memories of talking to God are from the age of 6--shortly after our move to Nebraska following my parents' divorce. I didn't know how to sort through all of the emotions I had, I just knew I needed a safe release. God was my safe release. I'm not sure I knew I could talk to others (although I now know I could have). When I felt happiness or when I felt a surge of sadness with that empty space I felt in my heart when I missed my daddy the most, I would pray. Always at night I would pray, "Now I lay me down to sleep..." This is still the prayer that guides me every night before I sleep.
My life has not been perfect. I have had difficult and regrettable moments. But, the Lord has continued to be my Shepherd and has lifted me up when I needed Him the most. I shouldn't be surprised; that's His purpose and His joy. He chooses to love me because I am His. But, while my life has not been perfect, it also has not been tragic. I haven't had to struggle through times where life seemed to stand still. Sure, I've felt heartache and regret and failure...But, never have I had the option to doubt my faith.
I recently attended two funerals in one day. I met neither of these people prior to their passing, but learned much about them from their services. All day I was faced with people whose lives are on pause. A momentary pause in life that is heart-wrenching and faith-shaking. I have never had to face the loss of a loved one or even the tragic misfortune of circumstances that plague so many lives (e.g. debilitating diseases, etc.) My faith has never been shaken.
And, so, I've begun to wonder--how do these people keep the faith? I pray on a frequent basis that the Lord build me up so that when I am faced with any of these unfortunate things, I keep my faith and carry on, knowing that God is God. God doesn't change just because life does. I am so thankful for my life and the numerous blessings I hold, and pray to God that I will be thankful even when life does not seem to be worth thanking Him for. The plans He has for us are beyond our understanding. I know He is preparing me for my future with each passing day and so I continue to thank Him for my past, my current, and my unknown.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4: 12-13
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