For the past couple months, I feel like I've started to take care of my body (inside and out) a little more. I've been drinking my protein shakes (and shedding a few pounds) and feel a lot better and more energized physically. And I've recently starting running on the treadmill to get some exercise. I'm hoping that I can continue to keep this up. The shakes are coming easily these days - I honestly feel kinda gross when I eat too much or eat unhealthily. I'm actually craving healthy stuff - which is awesome! The hard part is waking up before school to run on the treadmill. I'm hoping an earlier bed time will help some. I really do feel better when I run early. It's also convenient because it gives me some time to watch something good on Brandon's ipad and it helps to wake me up!
On a different note - I've started using Mary Kay products and started taking better care of my skin (I feel good about preventing wrinkles - even at the young at of 23). It's nice to get into a routine of washing your face and pampering yourself before you go to bed. It's an extra step - but I really like it.
So tonight - I'm excited because I'm adding to my list. Over break I had a bad habit of staying up late and sleeping late. This is not going to work for a lot of reasons (One being that I have to get up at the crack of dawn) But also - I want to spend a better amount of not-so-rushed time reading my Bible. I'm going to try to get to bed a substantial amount earlier so I won't feel so tired when reading. Then I can also get to sleep a little earlier and get more rest. I'm hoping I can keep up these new routines. I do feel like a healthier me.
So here is me heading to bed at 9:00 - I'm going to read and still get to bed before 10:00. Then my 5:15 wake up time won't seem so early! I know this won't work every night but for tonight - I'm pumped. Goodnight!!
husband & wife, mommy & daddy, musicians, travelers, lovers, friends. we are young and in love and on an adventure to live life to its fullest!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Goals for 2012
Well, our pastor asked me and Brandon, last night, what some of our goals were for 2012. I have to admit at first, I couldn't think of any. It was like the blank stare. Then we started naming some of the goals we have for our lives as a family. We want to build a home this spring and start really thinking about having kids. We also discussed how we want to get back to the heart of praying for and with one another daily. We're really good at this when we ride to school together, that's our time to do that, but we're not so good at prioritizing it when we're at home sleeping till 9 and hanging out all day. You'd think - you have more time to spend with the Lord - but somehow we're distracted. We need to work on that.
I also talked a little about discipleship. How I want to grow more with the person discipling me and the group that I'm growing with and also to start pouring into other girls. Discipleship is an amazing thing that I honestly was clueless about until a couple years ago. It's just chasing after the Lord by learning from the people who have done it before you. It's really less about the people and more about being Christlike. Yet, it still matters, the people you're pulling from, because they've got to be chasing after the Lord and growing and praying for how to lead you to closer to Christ. I am so thankful for those relationships and want to continue to invest more in them this year.
So we kept talking and kind of got on another subject, but I kept thinking of the goals I have for this year, especially spiritually, and it really kept coming back to me, that I want the presence. I want the presence in my personal quiet time and worship and I want the presence on my ministry team - whether we're practicing, or praying, or ministering through worship - and I want the presence in my church - from the moment people walk in to the door - and I want the presence to flow through every family in that house. It's so true that when you have a taste of something - you can never forget it and always want more. I have tasted being in the presence and I really want to chase after it and seek it in 2012 like never before. It's not like God doesn't want us to have it and it's not like it's something you just get sometimes and don't get sometimes. It's just a heart matter I think. As an individual, and as the whole body, we have to be spending daily quality time with Him, reading His word and seeking His will for every situation. It's not like He's going to show up in His fullness once a week when we sit down to pray and worship and then leave for the rest of the week, we have to be ready to get close with Him and carry that with us all the time. I'm ready for that. I'm ready to know Him on such a deeper level. I never want to get to the point where I think I've gone far enough. Because Jesus has always gone farther and I want that kind of close relationship with God, where everything that I say is what He would say and everything I do, would be what He would do. But starting with bite-size pieces, I want a daily, committed time of worship and learning from the Word. I want it prioritized and not cut short.
So these are some of our goals for 2012.....
I also talked a little about discipleship. How I want to grow more with the person discipling me and the group that I'm growing with and also to start pouring into other girls. Discipleship is an amazing thing that I honestly was clueless about until a couple years ago. It's just chasing after the Lord by learning from the people who have done it before you. It's really less about the people and more about being Christlike. Yet, it still matters, the people you're pulling from, because they've got to be chasing after the Lord and growing and praying for how to lead you to closer to Christ. I am so thankful for those relationships and want to continue to invest more in them this year.
So we kept talking and kind of got on another subject, but I kept thinking of the goals I have for this year, especially spiritually, and it really kept coming back to me, that I want the presence. I want the presence in my personal quiet time and worship and I want the presence on my ministry team - whether we're practicing, or praying, or ministering through worship - and I want the presence in my church - from the moment people walk in to the door - and I want the presence to flow through every family in that house. It's so true that when you have a taste of something - you can never forget it and always want more. I have tasted being in the presence and I really want to chase after it and seek it in 2012 like never before. It's not like God doesn't want us to have it and it's not like it's something you just get sometimes and don't get sometimes. It's just a heart matter I think. As an individual, and as the whole body, we have to be spending daily quality time with Him, reading His word and seeking His will for every situation. It's not like He's going to show up in His fullness once a week when we sit down to pray and worship and then leave for the rest of the week, we have to be ready to get close with Him and carry that with us all the time. I'm ready for that. I'm ready to know Him on such a deeper level. I never want to get to the point where I think I've gone far enough. Because Jesus has always gone farther and I want that kind of close relationship with God, where everything that I say is what He would say and everything I do, would be what He would do. But starting with bite-size pieces, I want a daily, committed time of worship and learning from the Word. I want it prioritized and not cut short.
So these are some of our goals for 2012.....
Monday, December 26, 2011
Better Late than Never
I can't believe it's already the end of 2011. I also can't believe my last post was in July, right after I got my job. A lot has happened since then and I can't think of hardly any of it that has been bad. Brandon and I are both teachers now and have had a successful first half of our first year. I've heard from lots of other people that the first year is the hardest and you might cry a lot and be stressed out but you'll make it through. I honestly think I may have cried once this whole year and really haven't been that overwhelmed. I love my kids, I love my kids' parents and I love my school. Everyone has been so supportive and it has been amazingly easy for me to get in the groove. I think I must attribute it to my school and the county I work in. It's the best possible place to be and I'm so thankful to get to pour into my kids' lives each day. They are the best.
On a different note, Brandon and I had a WONDERFUL Christmas. I was so thankful that we really got to see all of the different parts of our family. We got to spend time with both of Brandon's grandparents and extended family in Parkton and Hope Mills and then we came back home to celebrate with my parents and grandpa. Sadly, my mom's side of the family didn't make it up but we will hopefully get to see them at the end of the week. Overall, we love being with our family and eating all the great food!! :)
Another new thing in my life.... my friend Heidi and I have started doing photography. No, we are not professionals yet, but we are learning and taking lots of pictures and I think they have turned out really great so far. It's only going up from here! We've all got to start somewhere. Check out our photography blog here. We've recently done a maternity shoot and a wedding and I can't wait to post those pics! :)
So. That is all for now. I just wanted to update. Thanks to those of you who have reminded us that we need to post. It's fun to think that people read our blog. Hope you all have a relaxing week between Christmas and New Year. We have the whole week off and are going to live it up!!
Love.
On a different note, Brandon and I had a WONDERFUL Christmas. I was so thankful that we really got to see all of the different parts of our family. We got to spend time with both of Brandon's grandparents and extended family in Parkton and Hope Mills and then we came back home to celebrate with my parents and grandpa. Sadly, my mom's side of the family didn't make it up but we will hopefully get to see them at the end of the week. Overall, we love being with our family and eating all the great food!! :)
Another new thing in my life.... my friend Heidi and I have started doing photography. No, we are not professionals yet, but we are learning and taking lots of pictures and I think they have turned out really great so far. It's only going up from here! We've all got to start somewhere. Check out our photography blog here. We've recently done a maternity shoot and a wedding and I can't wait to post those pics! :)
So. That is all for now. I just wanted to update. Thanks to those of you who have reminded us that we need to post. It's fun to think that people read our blog. Hope you all have a relaxing week between Christmas and New Year. We have the whole week off and are going to live it up!!
Love.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The longest, best week
I don't think I can even describe all that has happened this week. It really feels like it has been a month since Monday rather than a week. Last week at this time I was preparing for my interview for Blowing Rock and trying to get lots of sleep after coming home from a busy wedding/beach weekend. My interview was at 10:10 the next morning and at about 3:00 that afternoon I was offered a year-long interim position as a 3rd grade teacher at Blowing Rock! Hallelujah!! What an amazing answer to prayer.
God definitely knew what He was doing. I honestly had trouble believing I would be smart enough to teach 3rd graders but now I'm getting more and more excited about the upcoming year. It's still really scary but I know that I can do ALL things through Christ!!
My husband also has a job at the same school as the middle school band and strings teacher and two more of my friends got jobs!! (Martha got 4th grade at Blowing Rock and my friend Danielle will be teaching either 3rd, 4th, or 6th in Jacksonville, NC)
Since Monday I've spent as much time as possible in my own classroom rearranging and trying to get organized. I've also helped my friend Christi paint her kindergarten classroom, went to watch my dad play bluegrass at Carolina Barbeque, and went to the Dierks Bentley concert. Oh and did I mention that I worked almost 40 hours at Hound Ears on top of all that? I guess that explains my "month-long" week.
This week I am looking forward to seeing my very-missed friend Kira Cardwell and getting in my classroom to do some more work. I'm so thankful for my teacher friends who have already given me ideas and are going to be helping me this week! Can I just say "THANK YOU JESUS!!!" I'm so excited. :)
On a different note. I just have to say again how wonderful my husband is. This has been an exhausting week for me and I haven't always been the most cheery person to be around. I'm so thankful that he still loves me and does his best to make things better when I'm feeling down or frustrated. I came home tonight to clean laundry. That just about says it all.
God definitely knew what He was doing. I honestly had trouble believing I would be smart enough to teach 3rd graders but now I'm getting more and more excited about the upcoming year. It's still really scary but I know that I can do ALL things through Christ!!
My husband also has a job at the same school as the middle school band and strings teacher and two more of my friends got jobs!! (Martha got 4th grade at Blowing Rock and my friend Danielle will be teaching either 3rd, 4th, or 6th in Jacksonville, NC)
Since Monday I've spent as much time as possible in my own classroom rearranging and trying to get organized. I've also helped my friend Christi paint her kindergarten classroom, went to watch my dad play bluegrass at Carolina Barbeque, and went to the Dierks Bentley concert. Oh and did I mention that I worked almost 40 hours at Hound Ears on top of all that? I guess that explains my "month-long" week.
This week I am looking forward to seeing my very-missed friend Kira Cardwell and getting in my classroom to do some more work. I'm so thankful for my teacher friends who have already given me ideas and are going to be helping me this week! Can I just say "THANK YOU JESUS!!!" I'm so excited. :)
On a different note. I just have to say again how wonderful my husband is. This has been an exhausting week for me and I haven't always been the most cheery person to be around. I'm so thankful that he still loves me and does his best to make things better when I'm feeling down or frustrated. I came home tonight to clean laundry. That just about says it all.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A lot can happen in less than a week
So my emotions have been a little up and down since my last post the day before my birthday! Looking back on my confidence and excitement last Thursday, it's hard for me to be so sure of my comment about "not being depressed if I don't get the job." Ok, that's a little dramatic. I admit it. I'm DEFINITELY not depressed. I actually found out that my amazing friend Christi Mercer DID get one of the jobs. It was totally God's timing and I'm so excited that she's about to live out her dream!! But let's get real, it's hard to hear a no when you want a yes. I'll be the first to admit it.
These past few days I've started to realize that sometimes you just have to do the acting until your heart catches up. I'm not talking about being fake, but there are certain things that God calls us to do that sometimes you just don't feel like doing. Like God calls us to worship and to believe that He works all things for our good. Just being honest, but for me, it was really hard for me to be ready to believe that God is going to work something out when I had just been believing as hard as I could that He was going to work the last thing out. I know they say that your faith isn't tested until you go through the hard stuff but I've been learning what it really means to activate that. It's way harder to believe you're going to get a job when you've just been told no. And it's also hard to worship and retain your joy in your salvation when you're bummed that your good enough wasn't good enough. Not trying to have a pity party here, actually looking back it sounds pretty pathetic, but in the moment, I was a baby. I cried over the spilled milk and found it hard to see the good. But I'm here to say that worshiping God through it all is worth it. Even if I never get the chance to be a teacher (yeah right!) then I will still choose to worship Him. Cause He is good.
Why is it so hard to remember how blessed you are when you're pouting? I guess your focus is just in the wrong place.
FREEZE. Just now got the call. I have another interview. I'm laughing right now. God is good. I kind of knew that interview call was coming because Brandon and I both met with a principal today about teaching jobs and band jobs but it's still exciting to hear that I really have one. I'm ready to knock it out. And to worship and trust and be joyful even if I hear another no.
So that's my life. It's just the truth. Sometimes I'm sad and grumpy and pouty and I'm just thankful that God still loves me through it. And I'm thankful that He's taught me how to do the right things until my heart realizes that it really IS the right thing (that way I don't go regretting saying or doing silly things.) Thank you to my husband who listens to it all and is willing to learn how to love me best. He really does do a great job. BTW Brandon has an interview WEDNESDAY. That's two days! Pray for him. I know he'd do such a good job!
And lastly, CONGRATULATIONS to my awesome, wonderful friend Christi. You're going to be the BEST teacher. Thanks for reading this blog. I know you will even without me telling you I posted something. I feel like the last few months we've gotten so much closer and I'm so excited about getting to enjoy this next season with you. And I'm excited about all the mutual breaks we will have. I see ski trips and vacations and lake dates in our future! Love you so much!!!
These past few days I've started to realize that sometimes you just have to do the acting until your heart catches up. I'm not talking about being fake, but there are certain things that God calls us to do that sometimes you just don't feel like doing. Like God calls us to worship and to believe that He works all things for our good. Just being honest, but for me, it was really hard for me to be ready to believe that God is going to work something out when I had just been believing as hard as I could that He was going to work the last thing out. I know they say that your faith isn't tested until you go through the hard stuff but I've been learning what it really means to activate that. It's way harder to believe you're going to get a job when you've just been told no. And it's also hard to worship and retain your joy in your salvation when you're bummed that your good enough wasn't good enough. Not trying to have a pity party here, actually looking back it sounds pretty pathetic, but in the moment, I was a baby. I cried over the spilled milk and found it hard to see the good. But I'm here to say that worshiping God through it all is worth it. Even if I never get the chance to be a teacher (yeah right!) then I will still choose to worship Him. Cause He is good.
Why is it so hard to remember how blessed you are when you're pouting? I guess your focus is just in the wrong place.
FREEZE. Just now got the call. I have another interview. I'm laughing right now. God is good. I kind of knew that interview call was coming because Brandon and I both met with a principal today about teaching jobs and band jobs but it's still exciting to hear that I really have one. I'm ready to knock it out. And to worship and trust and be joyful even if I hear another no.
So that's my life. It's just the truth. Sometimes I'm sad and grumpy and pouty and I'm just thankful that God still loves me through it. And I'm thankful that He's taught me how to do the right things until my heart realizes that it really IS the right thing (that way I don't go regretting saying or doing silly things.) Thank you to my husband who listens to it all and is willing to learn how to love me best. He really does do a great job. BTW Brandon has an interview WEDNESDAY. That's two days! Pray for him. I know he'd do such a good job!
And lastly, CONGRATULATIONS to my awesome, wonderful friend Christi. You're going to be the BEST teacher. Thanks for reading this blog. I know you will even without me telling you I posted something. I feel like the last few months we've gotten so much closer and I'm so excited about getting to enjoy this next season with you. And I'm excited about all the mutual breaks we will have. I see ski trips and vacations and lake dates in our future! Love you so much!!!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
My 23rd Birthday!
Well I'm only an hour away from my 23rd birthday!! Where has the year gone? It went so fast but yet it seems like I was 22 for a long time. It's been a GREAT year I must say. I was married to my husband at 22, got to work some awesome jobs in Watauga County, and I have grown a tremendous amount spiritually! I have grown in my friendships with people and have seen friends go through exciting changes in their lives as well.
And here I am, about to turn 23. The biggest year yet. I'm believing for a job in Watauga County Schools for my 23rd year. I'm also thinking that this may be the year I get pregnant... BIG GASP!! Obviously it would be at the very END of my 23rd year, but it's definitely in the realm of possibilities! In the meantime, my 23rd year will be spent getting excited about my awesome friends Joy and Perry having their baby. There's a chance I am in the top 5 of the most excited people about that baby! 23 will probably also bring a new tattoo and maybe plans to build a garage apartment? I'm sure there is also lots more to come that I don't even know about yet, but I'm believing for GREAT things.
Although birthdays are not the hype that they are when you're younger, they are still special. I can't wait to spend time with friends and family. It's nice to be celebrated and loved. I absolutely know how much I am loved, birthday or not, but it's still fun to have a birthday.
Thank you to everyone who sent me texts or called today or sent facebook messages encouraging me in my interview. It means the world to me to know that my church family has my back. You are such a blessing and I hope to get to love you back in the ways that you always love me.
The interview went really well and I didn't leave with any regrets. That was my biggest prayer... that I wouldn't leave thinking "I wish I would've said this" or "I forgot that." And it was ANSWERED. Now it's all up to the Lord and I know that he has only good for me. I will not be depressed if He chooses that this is not the job for me but He knows that I hope that He says YES and I get the best phone call of all tomorrow.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! :) :) :)
And here I am, about to turn 23. The biggest year yet. I'm believing for a job in Watauga County Schools for my 23rd year. I'm also thinking that this may be the year I get pregnant... BIG GASP!! Obviously it would be at the very END of my 23rd year, but it's definitely in the realm of possibilities! In the meantime, my 23rd year will be spent getting excited about my awesome friends Joy and Perry having their baby. There's a chance I am in the top 5 of the most excited people about that baby! 23 will probably also bring a new tattoo and maybe plans to build a garage apartment? I'm sure there is also lots more to come that I don't even know about yet, but I'm believing for GREAT things.
Although birthdays are not the hype that they are when you're younger, they are still special. I can't wait to spend time with friends and family. It's nice to be celebrated and loved. I absolutely know how much I am loved, birthday or not, but it's still fun to have a birthday.
Thank you to everyone who sent me texts or called today or sent facebook messages encouraging me in my interview. It means the world to me to know that my church family has my back. You are such a blessing and I hope to get to love you back in the ways that you always love me.
The interview went really well and I didn't leave with any regrets. That was my biggest prayer... that I wouldn't leave thinking "I wish I would've said this" or "I forgot that." And it was ANSWERED. Now it's all up to the Lord and I know that he has only good for me. I will not be depressed if He chooses that this is not the job for me but He knows that I hope that He says YES and I get the best phone call of all tomorrow.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! :) :) :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thoughts on Marriage
It's Summertime!
Can't believe how the time has flown. Wedding season is UPON us. I had the MOST fun weekend celebrating Meagan Crawford (almost Lancaster) a couple weeks ago and now, in 2 DAYS, they will be married. Can't believe it. So excited.
Anyways, wedding season has really got me thinking about our marriage. Brandon and I celebrated our one year not that long ago and we truly have been so blessed. Some people say you're first year is so hard and you'll go through some times where you really have to remember why you love each other and such, but I just want to say, that does NOT have to be true. Brandon and I have had an AMAZING first year. God has provided for us and I'm amazed as I look back at where we were a year ago. I would say finances were the hardest thing for us but even that wasn't THAT hard.....
Our first summer being married, we started having to pay for all our bills on our own and Brandon even went on a mission trip to MEXICO but I don't even remember it being hard to pay for everything. Then Brandon student taught an HOUR away from Boone and I was the only one making money while we had to spend a bunch of money in gas but God still provided! Then I needed a new car but God provided with Brandon a new job (not his dream job - but a good job) and we had the extra money we needed for a car payment. I just have to remind myself of all these things because I do have to say that money is tight right now. It's like we just get settled and start dreaming about saving to build a house and then it's summertime and my income is cut in half because I'm working a part time summer job rather than my awesome teaching assistant job and we're traveling a ton for weddings and we want to invest in our friend's marriages - but it really does get hard. We have to prioritize and make some cuts - but ultimately I know that God will provide. It makes me thankful that we have enough to still give back to God and even though I know you don't give to get back, I know that since we have not stopped giving to Him, He's not going to let us go hungry. I mean, seriously - sometimes I act like we're starving on the streets - but really we have an awesome place to live, amazing parents and church family and we live the most blessed life!
Which brings me back to our first year. Can I just tell you how much I love my husband? I really do highly recommend marriage when it is founded in the Lord. I love Brandon more now than I ever have and I'm so grateful for a first year of memories. We never had those big fights where one of us would be sent to sleep on the couch or one of us stormed out the door. We have never ever not even once even given a THOUGHT to not being together for the rest of our lives. We went through job changes and broken cars and travel and honestly none of it was ever unbearably hard. Yes, marriage is an investment and it takes time and commitment but I really don't think it has to be a struggle. I know I talked a lot about finances (it is one of the bigger stressers in a marriage for sure) but it's really not all about that either. It's about loving each other and celebrating all the little things that life brings. It's about learning HOW to love each other. Yes, there are times when I get frustrated that things aren't cleaned up or one of us has not spent our money where we should have but we still really love each other. Brandon loves me by making up the bed when he doesn't want to and praying with me in the mornings. He loves me by writing me songs and dreaming about our future. He loves me by kissing me goodnight and letting me enjoy a girl's night once a week. I just feel so blessed. I know that our friends are going to love marriage just as much as we do. Congratulations to Frankie and Meagan and Nic and Kira. I can't wait to see how you guys grow in your first year. We serve such an awesome God who has blessed us with life's best.. marriage.
Now I'm off to work. I'm choosing to be thankful for the job that God has given me and an amazing boss who had been super awesome in giving me the time off I need for all our wedding adventures rather than being sad about missing church tonight. I do love my church though and wish I could be there. I will be praying for an awesome service and listening to the message as soon after as I can!!
Then, tomorrow morning I'm off start the celebration of Frankie and Meagan. It's going to be the most AMAZING two days. I could almost cry just thinking about it. Get ready!!!!
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