My Sanctuary of Thoughts

Our Baby

2011-01-17T17:58:00.008-05:00

Well after yet another long pause I am back, for how long who knows...

but I had to let blogland know about our newest addition!!!!

We had a BOY!!!

After being pregnant for 42 weeks, he finally came via c-section on December 14th of 2010

We named him:

Gideon Jabriel

He is perfect in every sense of the word ;]

He weighed 8 lbs 14 oz and was 21 inches long, I'm completely smitten with him.

We are so thankful that God has answered our prayers and our family has begun to grow.

Fill our quiver Lord!!!

Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and great start to your New Year!

Blessings as you take off on your new adventures :)

Much Love,

Still Here

2010-09-29T12:02:00.004-04:00

I did not fall off the face of the earth although it may have seemed that way. lol

I was busy having a fabulous trip with family up north. So fun! They threw me an amazing baby shower and all around we just had a great time catching up and enjoying one another's company.

Now I'm settling down in Cedar Hill, TX [a suburb of Dallas] with my hubby - finally! Things are progressing nicely and the Lord is SO faithful it's just mind blowing!

I'll post more later but I just wanted to touch base - 31 weeks pregnant, not too much longer to go now! =]

Blessings to you,

Chinese Gender Predictor

2010-08-26T18:52:00.002-04:00

This morning had my 26 week visit to the midwife - she said everything looks great, and I seem to be having a very normal pregnancy - WAHOO!!!

I did get my blood drawn for my glucose tolerance test and will find out tomorrow or Monday if I passed - hehe It's important that I have good results so that I can have our precious little one at the birthing center like I've dreamed. =]

Baby's heartbeat was in the 150's midwife said that her guess based on that - is it's a girl. Which brings me to todays blog focus - the "chinese gender chart" complete hoax or is there some truth to it...

I've been wondering just for the fun of it how many people actually look at the chinese gender predictor when they are pregnant - and just HOW accurate it really is. For fun I have posted the link below and want you to tell me if it's accurate or not in your case...

http://www.thebump.com/calculators/ChineseGenderChart.aspx

It is said to have over a 90% accuracy rate! lol
All you need to know is your age at conception and what month you conceived in!

Can't wait to get the feedback - I see it as a fun part in the game of not knowing what we are having, how fun all the speculating is. ;]

Blessings,

Pregnancy Brain

2010-08-17T17:21:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I went to put my toaster away - I opened up my fridge and there was no room for this big object in my hand and I was trying to figure out what needed to move so there would be room when I realized that it was in fact my toaster in my hand and it DID NOT belong in the fridge. - that is probably by far my favorite pregnancy brain moment so far.

There have been other smaller things but not nearly as funny - today we are 25 weeks pregnant. It's funny how that first trimester seriously dragged on and on and now the second trimester is almost over within the the blink of an eye.

Staying with my Rents although a huge blessing sometimes is stressful simply for the fact that today for instance I woke up thinking about organizing the baby's room and remembered that the baby's room is in Texas while I am still in Florida.

I get concerned with how much there will be left to do when I get there - and how little time will be left before our Baby's Grand Aquatic Debut, and I have to just take a breath and realize that it all WILL get done. When it comes to projects like this - they rarely take me a long time b/c of my excitment and need to finish. If I were there now - I would have nothing to organize really since we have no furniture yet...and so I would probably feel more helpless being there. God knows what He's doing in ALL circumstances as uncomfortable as it seems at times.

So I guess that's it for now - tomorrow I seriously NEED to do some crafting so hopefully there will be some items adding to my etsy shop by the end of the day. Don't forget to stop by and show me some love.

Have a Happy Tuesday everyone!
Blessings,

Floodgates of Heaven

2010-08-09T18:07:00.005-04:00

So a ton of GREAT things are going on - I'm just overflowing with excitement!

First off - we were told originally that some money would be taken out of our deposit for the blinds that were broken in our apartment - and I found out last week that b/c of how clean it was they decided to give us our WHOLE deposit back!!! WAHOOO!!!!

Then Nate called Geico to transfer our insurance over to Texas - and b/c of that it turns out we've overpaid and now for the rest of the year we only owe somewhere around $100 so a $4 bill in October and 2 $50 bills and we are good for the year!! WHAD up!

Then he calls the Electric company to find out what sort of deposit we need - NO DEPOSIT!!! Praise God!

Oh wait - there's more! We are going over the budget and figuring out how much my plane ticket up north is going to cost with taxes and the tickets that have been $80 the last week that I've been looking at them were $20 yesterday!!! So with taxes it was $43 for my ticket!!!

And there's more! Nate is moving into our new place this weekend, which is a praise report in itself - but he didn't have anything to sleep on - his parents called last night and said they are sending us an air mattress as a house warming present!!! Praise God!!!

Every need fullfilled - and I give God ALL of the glory. I'm grateful that He gives us our needs and not our wants...b/c who knows where I would be if He gave into my every whim. What a love that is beyond words. I'm truly blessed, He is opening up the floodgates of Heaven and pouring out on us, for what we've sown - OH, I love this part of the process!

Here is me at 23 weeks - Baby Papaya Bernock

This is the last picture of me in my 5th month - tomorrow marks the 6 month mark!! Wowzer - and there is SO much left for us to do!!! But I'm thrilled and just so ready. My Sister In Law sent us some baby clothes and a stuffed giraffe with a rattle in the butt...oh it was so cute. I thought it was funny that the first thing I wanted to do was wash them and hang them up...and then I could see a picture in my head of my husband asking me what I was doing - as I washed them yet again and again - b/c
IWANT THEMFRESH FORWHEN THE BABY IS HERE!!! lol

So anyway - busy craftin away - I'm going to be adding new products by the end of the week so keep your eyes out for an announcement.

Leave me some comment love and I'll be sure to return the favor!

Bloggin - Sellin - Bakin

2010-08-05T17:15:00.012-04:00

So - where to begin? I'm almost 6 months pregnant Wowzer! time flies and then crawls at the same time. lol

My hubby is in Texas, and has been getting his socks blessed off by our new church. I love it when Christ followers actually step up to the plate when someone is in need - I would like to consider myself someone who steps to the plate and we now have a family of people that do as well. =] ::happy sigh::

God does have a way of working it all out, doesn't HE? I wish I didn't doubt Him so much - but I'm getting there, life is all about the process, I keep reminding myself. ;]

So we are stashing our pennies away for the sum needed to get that moving truck to get all our stuff out there. Meanwhile I'm chillin with my Rents and have a lot of free time! So far I've read 5 books out the Love Comes Softly Series by Janette Oke, in a week. haha And after some chatting with my hubby have opened up an Etsy shop online to sell some things. Currently I have some pictures up for sale [mat included] and my first set of earrings!

I've always wanted to have my own business and sell things from home - I think it pairs up perfectly with being a stay at home mom and worship leader. So now I'm just starting with little projects and hoping I can sell some things and keep it going! I have a "trial" period of this...a certain time period and if I don't sell anything then I have to get a part time job - so if you have a minute and some money to invest in a dreamer stop on by my shop and show me some support ;] Here's the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/soaringonwings

Thought I would share some Baby things that I just adore...

This would read of course "a Nate and Sarah production" I love this b/c of how much we love movies and just how cute it is - I don't think you can argue with that. ;]

This is a baby anklet, it's a Cambodian custom I guess...but I think it's awesome. When they start crawling you hear the little jingle every time they move - they have Mommy and Me sets and I SO want one if we have a girl - think they are so dainty and pretty and definitely something to be cherished years to come.

I finally found a pack n' play that I really like - it has hanging stars! Nate and I LOVE stars, and there was a matching swing so although it doesn't go with my living room like I had hoped I'm still very pleased that I found something pretty simple and cute.

AND the biggest thing baby wise that we decided, is that we are going the cloth diaper route. I'm super excited about it - I found a decently priced diaper cleaning service in the area we are moving and couldn't be more thrilled. The picture here is the diaper we chose it's the new Flip diaper by Bumgenius [I just love all the cute names they have for cloth diaper companies] I love it b/c they have disposable inserts for when I'm out and about I don't have to worry about toting along poopy diapers. lol I definitely am sold on the fact that it really is a great investment - especially in the long run with many babies to come! =]

So I suppose that's enough for now just wanted to share in some of my excitement - I can't wait to have stuff in our new home and start setting up the nursery with all the baby things...awwww... My shower is coming up in September and I'm just busting at the seams with excitement! =]

Blessings to you all,

All Things July

2010-07-26T19:32:00.005-04:00

And so things go crazy - they bend and sway twirl around me endlessly and I find myself exhausted just from thinking some days.

Today unfortuantely is no exeption.

My love left for Dallas on the 4th of July, so it's been three weeks. What a new experience, the longest we've been apart since we've been married. I'm proud of myself most days at how well I handle and then I turn around and just lose it all. lol I honestly think that just all the uncertainty in our situation is just getting to me - have to be moved out by the end of the week and I'm moving in with the Rents, putting all our stuff that makes a home feel like mine gets to hold residence at Uncle Bob's Storage down the road for a few weeks, while we pray that Nate sells more cars and makes the money needed to move us into our new home and come pick me our kitties and belongings all up and take us there.

Before he left on the 4th we visit Ryan and Katie Gracie and their newest addition Noah who was born on July 1st! Oh this little guy was my buddy for the afternoon - I was addicted to holding him, completely smitten and SO ready for the day [that's approaching quickly] that I won't have to give him/her back because it will be my VERY OWN!!! It felt more natural holding a baby had ever felt, and I've held quite a few babies - He was so tiny and soft and perfectly content just being held...oh it was lovely. Here is a picture of us...

So anyway being apart from Nate has been something I was kind of glad we were able to do - I mean it totally sucks being apart don't get me wrong, but with our hoping of him still joining the army, being apart is just going to be part of the gig and I wanted to know how well we would handle it. I find it hardest when I talk to him or see him - which means or at least I'm hoping it means that when he if off at Basic Training it's not going to be so bad. Very limited contact if any...and it will be about as long as we are going right now...I'm glad that I'm passing the test - most days.

So onto Baby News...everyone either thinks I'm having twins or that "that's gonna be a big baby!" I don't mind, big strong healthy baby - yep sign me up. ;] Two of them - even better. I want what the Lord knows I can handle. The second trimest is proving to be WAY better - sickness has subsided for the most part - I get bigger spurts of energy most days - but am exhausted a LOT. I have another apt tomorrow - hearing that heartbeat is always such a relaxing moment - everything is okay! and then there is a sigh and relief that surprises me sometimes and yet I'm expecting it tomorrow and welcoming, I've been so stressed and I know how bad that is for little Baby Bernock - trying to find peace but with hormones raging like mine oh is it hard to find peace. I feel awesome and great and then the tiniest thing puts me into tears that on the one hand just feel so good...but then I feel plain ridiculous for crying yet again...I really am trying to not be so hard on myself...never really been good at that. bummer.

So here is the recent belly pic - it's funny how you sometimes don't see your growth and then you put on a pre-pregnancy shirt like the one below and can barely get it buttoned...let's just say this one will be retired till after our little bundle arrives!

21 weeks - Baby Banana Bernock

So I suppose that's all for now...I will have to post pictures from our Eclipse adventure another day...I really want to stay up to date with my blogging, maybe I'll post some of things we've picked out and put on our registry...what a crazy that whole ordeal is!

Well until then - be blessed dear friends,

Summer Onion Fun

2010-06-25T18:47:00.002-04:00

17 weeks - Baby Bernock Onion

That bump is showing quite nicely...in some outfits more than others. =]

Had my first class at the birthing center last night "Healthy Pregnancy" was the title - just things to stay away from, what your body does as it grows and so on...a lot of good information - some cooky perspectives, and some peace.

One of the big things is - since I've been pregnant I'm the MOST comfortable sleeping on my back...I've heard this bad for you to do because it can cut off the blood flow to your baby. Well apparently although this is the case - for normal people [like myself, lol] if your body is not getting the blood flow it needs it will wake you up so that you roll over - the same happens with your baby, if he/she needs more blood flow your body will wake you up! Praise God!!!

Chelle gets in next week - SO pumped for her visit. We all got shirts to wear to the Midnite show of Eclipse on the IMAX!!! It's going to be epic for sure! Then after her visit one more week of work until our move and our anniversary.

Nate actually sold a car to someone who works at the Sheraton Riverwalk hotel in Tampa...and she comped us a room for two nights for the occasion. SO amazing since every last penny is going to the move. Praying that God will come through with some more pennies if you know what I mean - but He is certainly faithful and good. Nate got his transfer to the store he wanted which is a praise report and now we are just trying to get approved at the place we are hoping to live - with bad credit this makes the situation look tough but my God is bigger than any situation! He will provide I'm sure of it.

Other than that just resting and packing and spending time with my Popa before I leave.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Blessings to you,

In Other News...

2010-06-16T20:08:00.003-04:00

15 Weeks - Baby Naval Orange.

Yesterday we heard that precious baby heartbeat again - oh it was lovely. Louder than last time and just wonderful. =]
The midwife said based on the heartbeat she would guess it's a boy.
We've decided to officially wait to find out what we are having though - to add even more to the experience, since Nate will be "catching" the baby he will also be able to announce what it is and just the thought of that melts my heart...God is so amazing in the way that he creates life and expands family. ::happy sigh::

In other news - WE ARE MOVING! Yep you read that right - we are moving back to Dallas, TX. We have friends there anxiously awaiting our arrival. But there is a reason for the move other than friends. 5 years ago God told me to go to CFNI and I knew based on things He had told me before that I was to pursue worship ministry. I didn't. and I didn't even finish. So fast forward through - meeting the man of my dreams - dropping out of school - becoming bitter with the school - a year or so of partying and running from God - a year or so of healing...and now we are at my church two Sundays ago with guest worship leaders. I've already been accepted into a Photography Program for a completely different school and am working out the remaining kinks of financial aid and I have this AMAZING heart warming/breaking worship service and I realize how empty I actually feel...how far I've gotten from what I know my purpose is...and I start realizing how much I've sold out, settled yet again and how much time I've wasted. But I also realize [with the help of my husband] that all hope has not been lost. And I just simply asked him in all seriousness - how do I stop coming back to the realization that I need to do something with music? How do I stop having these light bulb moments of clarity and then forget them a week later? And he said funny you should say that b/c I was just talking with one my friends about this and he was saying that you know when you feel lost in life in any way go back to the last thing God told you to do - did you finish it? and it all became SO clear to me. I felt as certain as I did when I went there in the first place, and Nathan felt the same so after a week of research and heavy duty prayer - we are going.

Are all the details worked out? Yep. Do I know all the details? Nope. But I'm amazed at the peace I have. For one we found a place that's not an apartment that has an extra bedroom and bathroom from what we have now AND a washer and dryer for the same rent. Our friends have already talked about how they can help us move and are ranting and raving about their church. Nate is chatting with his bosses about transferring - which we are believing is all going to work. But we just aren't worried.
Oh and I found a GORGEOUS birth center there too - I'm head over heels.

Although I'll miss my family - even the presence of family does not fill the void that not following and fulfilling your purpose leaves in you. So that's what's new with us!

Thanks for the prayers as we embark on this new exciting adventerous new season of life!
Blessings to you all,

2010-06-01T19:16:00.001-04:00

Sunday May 30th 13 weeks [almost 14] - our little Baby Peach Bernock is growing so fast!

2010-05-26T10:35:00.002-04:00

So our trip to Arizona was nothing short of AMAZING! Neither one of us had ever been and we were able to see SO much while we were there - busy busy busy but SO worth the exhaustion when we got home. =] This picture is all of us on top of South Mountain...not the very top but topish lol We were climbing around on rocks and having a blast!

We saw Tempe, Scottsdale, West Gate, The Mystery Castle, lots of card playing, oogling at baby things, visited their church which we really liked. It was just really great - drama free and hopefully the first of many lovely visits. Sharing such great memories really does amazing things for the walls of misconceptions to be overcome. Praise God for His goodness!

So other than that - I'm now 13 weeks pregnant! Our baby is the size of a peach! How amazing it is how fast they grow, that's something I'm sure I will be saying the rest of my life. I've been trying to enjoy pregnancy as much as possible, but I've been pretty sick. However the end of that is in sight! I had my first appointment with my midwife last week - we heard the heartbeat! What an amazing moment, I wish I had good pictures...but alas I do not I might post some of the bad ones...but that will take some convincing. lol Anyway - the midwife said that in a couple of weeks if I'm still getting sick and feeling like crap they'll get me a script for something so either it will go away on its own or I'll make it go away! =] I want to feel better.

We started planning the nursery, my mom is in full swing shower planning so most days things are just baby baby baby around here. BUT also I've applied for school! I've been accepted and all my financial aid papers are in accept for one and so I'm awaiting approval and with God's favor I will start July 11th attending the Art Institute of Pitsburg [Online Division] although all my classes are online it is a fully accredited program and will not read that it was online on my diploma. It's a Bachelors Program for Photography and I'm just beyond thrilled. There are so many things I want to do with my life and I can only do SO many things if I start with one. My brother has found some people to write me music - and I've found an online school that I work at my own pace for the most part - making it possible to finish with a baby - or wherever I am in the world!

I'm also seriously considering joining a business that I can run from home and do as much and or as little as I want with that - I'll share more about that later.

But there is just so much going on in a good way. This is my last month at work ending with my visit from my bestest friend Michelle - who will arrive within hours of the Eclipse debut! This year seems to be a crazy one - but surely an exciting one FILLED to the brim with adventure which I've always loved for my life to be - adventurous.

Blessings to you all,

Come Fly With Me...

2010-05-05T10:21:00.002-04:00

So things have been progressing nicely - it's crazy how much anticipation you get for midwife appointments. How much concern rises up in you! Am I making this up in my head? Is the baby okay? The list really goes on and on...but my Nathan is helping me stay sane for the most part.

Holding my hair back for me while I hurl and grabbing me water and banana Popsicles whenever I need them. He is so sweet.

At work we are back to normal NOT tax season hours. What a relief, we were both just so tired and missing each other. It sucks seeing one another and yet having no time together. So things should be getting better, and I'm able to get more sleep since I'm back to part time! WAHOO!

For the first time like ever I'm already mostly packed up and ready to go for our trip tomorrow - we are going to Arizona!! To visit the BRents [Nate's folks] it will be fun since we've a] never seen their house b] never been to AZ and, c] never visited them without a reason - first time I was meeting them for the first time and we had a wedding to attend after that were the shower visits, the wedding, two funerals, our nephew's christening...that was actually the last time we flew anywhere so we are excited to be in a big metal bird again too! So fun on so many levels. =]

It's fun getting ready for baby - dreaming of what the nursery will look like and like I mentioned last post how it will feel to have that precious bundle in my arms and call it mine. ::happy sigh:: I think I might just burst when it happens because just thinking about it is SO overwhelming, in a good way of course. =]

My Mum is all excited and already talking with my aunts about my shower. I actually had the idea for the theme...lol I love planning parties. But it's going to be a Willy Wonka theme! It's going to be so much fun, my Mum has been showing me some of the ideas she found online and I just can't wait it's going to be a blast! I must say I've even more excited to see my family, some of which I haven't seen since my wedding or even before that - at my bridal shower. I've really been missing family lately. =[ Gotta love all those hormones, I mean I thought I was emotional before....yeah I'm hoping everything calms down a bit for the second trimester - which is in sight Praise God! only a few more weeks WAHOO!!!

Other than baby stuff, working, and our trip nothing really new going on. I'll fill you in on the trip when I return, have a blessed weekend!

Expecting

2010-04-21T20:24:00.002-04:00

Yep that's right....We're Having a Baby!

Lots of time, lots of back and forth, indecision, doubts, certainties....and so on and the time has come!

It's funny how things work, last post I was telling you how Nate was working on losing weight to join the army, I was thinking about going back to school, recording, maybe starting a home based business...we were on a different track and getting comfortable with the fact that maybe kids were a couple years off yet.

Then some lovin' and some gas pain later and we find out we are pregnant! Wowzer!
Really throws you for a loop, I figure it's God's way of letting us know, we have to rely on Him, we aren't going to always have a nice neat plan for our lives, the house will sometimes be messy, and things are just gonna turn out differently than what you may have pictured, it's about going along for the ride and trusting in Him. ::deep breath::

So details details....

I'm 8 weeks.
Due date is November 30th 2010
Currently, I do NOT want to find out what we are having and Nate was wanting to...but maybe wavering. Who knows when the time comes, I'll probably have convinced him to NOT find out and he will have convinced me TO find out.
I found a nice birthing center about 6-7 minutes away from house where I can have a water birth as long as everything is low risk - which I'm praying and believing for.
I'm throwing up about once a day - the days that I don't I almost wish I just would rather than running to the toilet and dry heaving...tmi - so sorry.
I've already bought two pairs of maternity pants, not necessarily b/c I'm showing but b/c I'm so bloated none of my pants are fitting me anymore. :o]
I'm not able to eat much b/c NOTHING really sounds good, some things that have sounded good for brief moments have been: cucumbers, frozen yogurt, pancakes, chicken flavored rice, watermelon, cantelope, carrots, broccoli - you see this may seem like a lot but I eat a little bit of it and it starts feeling gross....it really sucks I have heartburn b/c I'm so hungry and water is beginning to even taste gross. And although it's miserable feeling so crummy pretty much 24/7 [except for some brief windows of time God gives me to help me stay sane] I just cuddle up with my amazing body pillow, keep taking my vitamins and then I close my eyes and imagine a soft baby in my arms that has Nathan's beautiful eyes and curvy top lip, my button like nose and cute stubby toes and such a joy overwhelms me, such a eagerness for fall to come, and yet a willingness to wait it out so we can both be healthy. What a stunning array of emotions, excitment, sometimes a little worry leaks in but is quickly pushed out, I just can't believe it's happening...to us, right now, it's not dreaming anymore it's reality and a lot of the time it doesn't feel like it. How amazing God is. =]

So anyway, Nate is still working on losing weight, but we are also looking into another road to the military that may take a itsy bit longer but mean more money and safety in the end. I'm getting laid off of my job this June/July and so am thinking about applying for a job doing retail again but just part time.

Lots of stuff going on, lots of possibilities, lots of reminders that there is time and we just have to take it one day at a time, it will in fact ALL work out as long as we trust Him to guide us and we listen to His gentle loving voice.

Blessings,

A New Season

2010-02-09T20:13:00.003-05:00

Time does fly when life is going on.

I can't believe it's been over 2 months since my last post!

We had a visit from Nate's Mom mid december after we celebrated my birthday. The visit was great, it mended a few things, not everything of course what relationship has EVERYTHING worked out? But it provided hope and I know we would like to think in our house that it was a new beginning.

Family relationships are a hard thing to navigate through, especially when you are used to doing things one way and then you decide to change. So we have a ways to go with other relationships but unfortunately that has all really taken a back seat for now...

Our car broke down. I know it sounds like something that happens to everyone, but we went from us both having full time jobs and sharing a car to both having full time jobs to having no car.
It's been quite the situation. God has provided us rides currently but the car hunting has been anything but fun. With bad credit and no savings...you don't get very far. But we are seeing the harvest slowly increasing into our lives and so we have not lost hope that our tomorrows WILL in fact be brighter.

I love listening to the song by Casting Crowns - The Voice of Truth when I start to lose sight of things or get discouraged. Sometimes when you are faced with just crummy circumstances you have to DECIDE to listen to the voice of truth, it usually tells you a different story then what you've been choosing to hear. I love God for that, patiently whispering until I finally listen.

Our biggest news I suppose is that Nate has decided to join the army. Again I just love how God works things out. Over the summer we were looking into joining the Air Force, we talked with Nate's cousin and his wife about it...asked a bazillion questions. Nate talked with a recruiter that was less than half interested in him...lost a lot of weight only to find out that because of his bad credit and age it was pretty near impossible to join. We had told ourselves throughout the process even if this doesn't happen we are getting some discipline and focus in our life and that will be for something! Nate then joined Drivetime and I did a few months after that. We were slowly getting caught up and enjoying the company when...one day Nate was fixing the car and our neighbor upstairs who we had never met randomly came down and asked if Nate wanted any help. Through some conversation we found out that he was joining the army and we ended up talking to him all about it...the next week Nate talked with a recruiter who wasn't pushy or over zealous but interested in talking with Nate. Well fast forward to present day and Nate has taken his ASVAB and passed it with flying colors, not only that but he only took half time given him AND when he took the pre-test the recruiter said he did so good he didn't need to study and since we didn't have money for the book anyway we decided to believe him, so Nate didn't study. When he was read his results the guy asked Nate if he was a genius. I thought it was awesome and have been calling him a suuuuPER Genius ever since. =]

Yesterday he went in so they could get his fingerprints on file and he is in the middle of losing the remaining weight or inches and filling out the mountains of paper work. He found a job that seems to be right up his alley and when talking with a recruiter found out with that job even if he is deployed he will MOST likely be in what they call a green zone which is safe. =] That makes me happy!

So with all that going on I'm focusing on enjoying as much time as we can grab together, he just had his day off switched so Sundays are our only day together all day. And since it's busy season at work he's working over 60 hours a week...so needless to say after sleeping in tomorrow I'm cleaning the house. haha We are excited about this new season in our lives and although it's a bit scary I honestly can say I don't think I've seen Nate this lit up about something in a VERY long time if ever aside from getting married. =]

I've got some plans in the works too as to what I will be doing with all that extra time...don't want to share until I have some more definate plans but I can tell you that it involves music. We are both going after our dreams and although that means some time apart I honestly believe that our time together is going to be all that much better because of it!

I will try and give you more updates more frequently. Still using someone elses comp so...patiently awaiting my own so I can blog to my hearts content. lol

Hope all is well with you out there in blogland.
May this year be a truly blessed one for you and your families.
muah
Sarah

Catch Up

2009-12-02T14:13:00.009-05:00

So where have I been!?!? Well we haven't and still don't have internet but I made some time today to catch up so I won't be extremely behind when we finally do get back online.

We went to the New Moon midnight showing because my husband is amazing and we've been looking forward to it since last year....we LOVED it. =]

Then our church did an event called Table in the Wilderness, they provided 1,000 turkeys and boxes of food to the community. This is us after we helped bag the turkeys and I walked them out to their cars while Nate kept everything stocked up to distribute we prayed with people, it was an AMAZING event. In this picture we are headed to lunch between that event and decorating the church for Christmas with a handful of other people from choir. I tell you about this because I would encourage EVERYONE to take an afternoon and find a way to help those you can...it blessed others, it blesses you, and it blesses God you can't beat that! Also I know that for us being part of a bigger church it was an awesome opportunity to serve with our church family and make new relationships while strengthening the ones we already had! I love being connected, it's refreshing and reviving to our spirits and attitudes. =]

The weekend before Thanksgiving we had a visit from Ryan and Katie [I finally snagged a cute pic of them] it was so nice chatting and getting closer. They are expecting their second child in July and we are so excited for them!

This is Nate with Gracie she is such a cutie pie. She kept bringing me my coasters one by one and then took some time to crawl under the coffee table over and over again, and we had a giggle bash right before they left...we were all just laughing and laughing...so fun, she is a blessing to us.

Nate and I Thanksgiving day morning. Me and my Mum did all the prep work the day before so all I had to do was my stuffing...so I was busy but not overwhelmed and it was nice. =] We had a ton off food, experienced our first Thanksgiving without my brother, talked with family on the phone, watched Miracle on 34th Street and even got all our Christmas decorating done by the end of the night [except for outside lights] We are so thankful for so much, I love having a day dedicated to just being thankful.

We also had our friends Otto and Michelle over later on and we chatted then taught them how to play Settlers of Catan, which Michelle won and Otto LOVED at church on Sunday he was telling us all about how many versions and extensions of the game he found online...lol we had fun. =]

Here we are trimming the tree. Ready for the Christmas season, a new perspective, and the end of a rough year. I praise God for sustaining us, for His patience, for His love, for my husband, my family and for a fresh new year around the corner!

I pray that you all are finding the joy in the this season, are counting your blessings and realizing they are many and are finding rest in God's arms that are filled with love and peace.

Blessings to your family - Merry Christmas

Sarah

Our Grandmas

2009-11-13T15:57:00.002-05:00

I stole a few minutes to blog on my rents comp to ask you guys to pray for our grandmas. It seems that everytime we get a call letting us know that Nate's grandma is in the hospital, without fail a few days later we get a call that mine is as well.

So last week was no different, Saturday we were contacted that Nathan's grandma had gotten up to fast from picking something up, got dizzy and ended up falling over in a crazy amount of pain she was then taken to the hospital. Praise God nothing was broken, but she has a lot of bruising and said that something new aches every day, so please keep her in your prayers, for healing of her back and whole body.

A few days later, my Grandma was at a doc appointment and was told that she did not have enough blood in her and needed a transfusion. 2 units of blood later she started having chest pain and was kept overnight to be monitored. The next day they released her, however she needs a miracle because the last time she was in the hospital we found out that her pacemaker is doing ALL the work and the one she has is not meant to work as hard as it is, they gave her new meds to try to make her heart work on its own...anyway she needs complete resoration of her heart.

Anyway if you could keep both these ladies lifted up, their names are Ann and Shirley. I know God is faithful to answer the prayers of His people, especially when two or more gather together, so thank you for joining with me, and hopefully I will be back in blogland real soon. =]

Blessings,
Sarah

Happy Birthday, My Nathan

2009-10-14T13:58:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday to my Nathan [yesterday] 27! Wowzer! Life will fly by you if you don't keep an eye out won't it!?!? Even then it probably still does. lol We had a great day celebrating yesterday, and....I figured out that my camera has video recording on it, how fun. =] Here are a couple from yesterday...I have to learn to talk normal when on video because it's almost like when someone is sick and you talk their deaf, you don't know why you do it, it just happens sometimes. That was what happened in the first video...I'm talking super high pitched and like, I'm talking to a child...that's a bummer. Good thing I noticed and changed it for the rest of them! That's all you can do, learn from your experiences.

This one I labeled Feel with Your Fingers

Laugh Til She Cries

It was a fabulous day all in all, We went to see Couple's Retreat, I made Sacilian Supper [one of those meals that is not good for you at all so you just eat on special occasions] we had caramel apple cider, brownies with cream cheese frosting from scratch [he likes brownies more than cake] hand and foot with the rents [cards] Biggest Loser [Tracy...grrr] then ended the day with a hockey movie - Miracle. It was a GREAT day, which just shows, you don't have to have tons of money or bundles of gifts to celebrate someone.

I also wanted to share with you the card I got him, because it was my favorite card I've bought him EVER!

To My Husband

WITH LOVE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

I will love you forever.

I will love you

on days when you are perfect in my eyes,

and on days when I wonder why you do the things you do.

I will love you

when you are the strong center

that calms my fear,

and when you want to rest

in the comfort of my embrace.

I will love you when you are confident

and proud of everything that you stand for,

and when you need me

to remind you how far you've come,

and that there is no limit

to how far you can go.

Now and always,
come what may,

just as you are -

I will love you.

Happy Birthday

The card unfolded out to pretty long, it had pictures of couples on it...but the message was priceless, and worded perfectly, I LOVED it and so did he. YAY for celebrating husbands. =]

It's a Love Story, I'm Glad I Said Yes!

2009-10-09T16:57:00.002-04:00

One of the things I love about my hubby is how sentimental he is. A while back he posted some videos on my facebook page of Taylor Swift songs...I never heard them before, since I don't consider myself much of a country fan however, I really do love this song and I love that he thought of me and sent it to me...My Husband Totally Rocks.

Love Story @ Yahoo! Video

Love Story - Taylor Swift
We were both young when i first saw you
I closed my eyes
And the flashback starts
I'm standing there
On the balcony in summer air

See the lights
See the party, the ball gowns
I see you make your way through the crowd And say hello, little did i know

That you were romeo,you were throwing
pebbles
And my daddy said to stay away from juliet
And i was crying on the staircase
Begging you please don't go, and i said

Romeo take me somewhere where we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and i'll be the princess
It's a love story baby just say yes

Romeo save me there trying to tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it's real
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story baby just say yes
Oh Oh

I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around
My faith in you was fading
When i met you on the outskirts of town, and i said

Romeo save me i've been feelling so alone
I keep waiting for you but you never come
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think
He kelt to the ground and pulled out a ring

And said, marry me juliet
You'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all i really know
I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress
It's a love story baby just say yes

Oh Oh, Oh Oh
'Cause we were both young when i first saw you...

I'm glad that I said yes when he asked me to be a part of his life forever...best decision I ever made. Having your prince find you and not let you go, fight for you, love you past yourself, not care what others think when he expresses his love for you....is one of the biggest blessings in the whole world. I believe in Happily Ever Afters, because of him.

Wintery Day Wishes

2009-10-07T18:53:00.003-04:00

I wish it were snowing where I'm at right now. That there was a batch of cookies intoxicating my house with their yummy smell, that I was wearing slippers sipping hot apple cider cuddling with my honey watching a Christmas or wintery movie with the snow blowing like crazy outside our window, sending a chill down me just looking at it.

93 degrees and sunny isn't really anywhere close, but a girl can dream can't she? It's so crazy how antsy I get at this time of year to be up north. I am beyond excited for the day when God gives me that GREEN LIGHT to move. Until then, I'm keeping my house around 68 baking bread and watching Christmas movies, isn't Elf the most hilarious movie ever!?!?! well maybe not ever but pretty darn close! I'm just praising Him for where I'm at and where He's taking me. In March it will be so much easier to be content, but who said life was supposed to be easy right?

Hope everyone is having a happy Wednesday and enjoys the rest of their week.

Talk to you soon,

Just Got to Be Me & I Choose Life

2009-10-05T12:39:00.009-04:00

Reading. Sewing. Cramping. Blogging. Smiling.

Today is a good day, because I choose it to be.

Yesterday was an AMAZING day. Church was awesome...please please please listen to the podcast, it will blow you away. He continued on with our story of David and Goliath and the next battle was Saul, when he went to Saul and told him his testimony of everything he already overcome Saul said okay David, you can do this and "I know just how!" he put on David all his armor and we can only imagine that as he was putting this piece on and that piece on that he was telling David just how to attack and be victorious. David stopped and said, alright I'm glad this worked for you, but I JUST GOT TO BE ME! and he had to take off what Saul had put on him. He didn't say no Saul this isn't going to work take this stuff off of me, he had to take off what was put on him. Sometimes we run to people in our trials or with our ideas and they tell us just how to succeed, or you know how you do that is this....or the only way that will work is if you do this...whatever it may be people "put stuff on us" and yesterday's sermon was all about just being you. Taking those things off and being yourself.

He talked about the two things we need to be: 1.] Humble - which means that we are teachable and reachable to people. Although we need to understand that sometimes we will be alone, and we have to learn how to deal with that we also need to be reachable by people. Love them, even if you don't take on you what they are saying, or have to let them go because you have to guard your ear gate.

Something he said that really helped me was, you have to guard your ear gate if you are constantly hanging out talking to someone that you've allowed to affect your feelings which then affects your attitude and makes that much harder to stand for what you know is right for you, you need to separate. It's important to surround yourself with people that encourage and build and you aren't always having to struggle with. Guard your ear gate, not out of selfishness but because you want to be able to hear God over all others, it's not about you, it's about Him and accomplishing HIS will.

2.] Strong willed -you need to be strong enough to face those who oppose you, and stand strong. Standing on principle is important. We love the people not the sin. It's not about condemnation, it's about standing for what's right and loving everyone. Not accepting everyone. I know that sounds bad, but those who refuse to see what God says is wrong as wrong...is not someone you should be letting near your ear gate. God's word is more important than people. We have to stop living for people. If we put our life into them, they will let us down, and most likely turn on you it's human nature...if we lose them we will lose everything...if that is where we've put our dependence.

Again, I paraphrase and may not say things all the way correctly the point is be yourself live for God and stop living on the opinions of others. The last point he made was that it's important to know what our talents and gifts are, but it's critical to know what our anointing is. Talents and gifts are of God but can be humanity driven a lot of times, our anointing is all about God. When it all boils down to it, really it IS all about Him. =]

So after church we were able to participate in a "Life Chain" we all grabbed signs and stood out on the main road here in Lakeland for an hour, not talking, waving, or condemning just praying and standing for a purpose. To speak out for those who can not. To show hope to someone who may feel there is no other choice. A woman body is not her own, but Christ's and the life that is in her is just as valuable as her own. I love standing for what God says is right. It's not a gray area topic it's black and white it's about life.

According to http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html

Why women have abortions

1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).

According to http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html

The reasons women give for having an abortion underscore their understanding of the responsibilities of parenthood and family life. Three-fourths of women cite concern for or responsibility to other individuals; three-fourths say they cannot afford a child; three-fourths say that having a baby would interfere with work, school or the ability to care for dependents; and half say they do not want to be a single parent or are having problems with their husband or partner.[8]

According to http://www.buzzle.com/articles/abortion-facts-and-statistics.html

In the United States, there are almost 3700 abortions per day. 1.37 million abortions were recorded in 1996. Those in the age group 20-24 make up for 32%, teenagers accrue to 20% and girls under 15 form 1.2% of the women undergoing abortions. 18.4% abortions are carried out on married women, 9.4% on divorced women and 64.4% on never-married woman. 1% of the abortions are due to rape or incest, 6% due to potential health problems of mother or child and 93% due to social reasons eg. child is unwanted. 52% abortions take place in the 9th week, 25% in the 9th and 10th week, 12% in the 11th and 12th week, 6% in the 13th to 15th week, 4% between the 16th to 20th week and 1% after the 20th week.

I really could go on, the facts are that only 1% of abortions are because of rape only 6% due to health issues...people support the woman's choice because of these two reasons and they don't even make up the majority of the people who get them. We need to start standing against something that is just plain wrong...look up the facts about children when they are conceived heart beats, and development, it doesn't matter how far along you are it's still a life.

If you agree and you know that life is in important no matter who it is, how old they are, how they were conceived please pass this message on, to anyone. Let's stop the passivity, let's stop being silent, let's defend those who can't defend themselves. Please keep praying and keep standing for what's right.

Choosing life,

Our Weekly Update [lol]

2009-09-29T15:41:00.003-04:00

So I waited a little too long to have my same zeal about this weeks sermon as I did last week. It was amazing...but it really always is. It just blesses my heart to be where God wants me to be. He's talking to me a bit lately about some crazy stuff...so pray that I can have the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and trust Him with my future.

This week, our car is getting fixed, YAY Go God!
My Mum gets home, from Indiana! YAY, I missed her something awful.
Nate has another appointment with one of our Pastors.
It's always good to get an outside Godly opinion to back you up, especially when tough decisions are needing to be made. I will talk more about that at a later time. This Pastor though, is our Pastor's dad, and he has been a pastor for EVER and came to work at our church within the last few years, he is just a hoot. Since him and Nate talked to us last time, he lights up everytime he sees us, this week I walked in the door and he called me by name. I know that doesn't seem like a big deal, some of you may go to smaller churches where everyone knows everyone but there are over 3,000 people at our church for him to remember our names is just really nice to say the least. =]

I made my first batch of apple bread for the year this last weekend...three loaves. I forget how therapeutic baking is, for me. I made brownies too! I could have kept going but I held back so I could finish cleaning up the house. Our friends came over and we taught them hand and foot [a card game] which they loved. It's so nice to have good friends that we can just be real with.

So yeah nothing really new, missing my nephew a bit lately...=[ I had a dream about him the other night...Nate and I were playing with him outside swinging him around and laughing...it was glorious.

But for now we are just chilling and letting God do the driving, it's about His will not ours and it looks like some things will have to remain dreams for a time. ::sigh::

Have a great week everyone,

My Husband Rocks, He is Kind

2009-09-25T11:22:00.004-04:00

I just back from having coffee with my daddy. I love that guy, quality time together is just AMAZING! =]

But today is Friday...which means I get to tell you why MY husband totally ROCKS! This week started a bit rough, just like the enemy to try and kick you when you are all pumped up on the word. Stupid devil. ha! So our car was towed from Disney to Lakeland because, quite frankly the tire felt like it was going to fall off. That's a bummer. Praise God my dad has AAA and free tows up to 100 miles YAY! but not so yay that we had 1 car between the three of us, God made it work though which just shows HOW amazing He really is! [like I didn't already know hehe]....Nate started his new job this week and is more excited then I've seen him in awhile,

he is SO pumped up and he got his cubicle and there was a little piece of paper from a fortune cookie that the last person had apparently taped there and left behind...it said "Your success will astonish everyone." How cool is that! I'm believing that will be the case!

So back to the car being towed. We had issue with AAA but ended up getting the tow to not count as one of the 3 my dad gets because of all the time and confusion and I ended up not paying for gas for the trip home and I got to ride in the air conditioning, not too shabby. =] So I'm talking with the two truck guy and Nate calls me, he says "I know you are probably chatting up a storm with the tow truck guy so I won't keep you, just wanted to know how far away from home you are?" I laughed, I LOVE how well he knows me.

Then when we get home, he comes outside with two bottles of water, one for me and one for the truck driver. THAT is MY husband! I know it's simple and little, but it's loving others and I LOVE that about him. So my husband rocks. Because finds the smallest opportunities to show others kindness.

So today I get to rest it on up, watching America's Next Top Model marathon on tv...LOVE that show. Tomorrow the car goes into get fixed. Michelle and Otto come over for dinner and we are teaching them how to play hand and foot. So exciting! Although things may seem like a struggle, I'm keeping my eyes open for the opportunity to break the cycle and praising Him for my victory in life that will come sooner than I think, I just know it!

Also just a couple of prayers requests, My uncle was just diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer. They said they found it early enough to remove it...there are a few ways to do that so wisdome to make the right decisions and for a quick recovery. My other uncle just had surgery and has been dealing with chest pains, healing for his body and a quick recovery. My Gran just had heart surgery a couple of weeks ago, unexpected and my Papa is having a lot of issues with his knee that the medicines will do what they are supposed to do in both of them, that they will receive healing and that we will be able to get up there soon to see them. I MISS them.

Alrighty, I think that's it, guys have a great weekend! Be blessed...and I'm sure I'll be writing soon about Sunday's word so get ready! =]

Muah,

Make Your Faith Fight

2009-09-20T16:23:00.004-04:00

Some people with think I'm arrogant, prideful, and controlling.

I have to stop being run by others opinions, especially when they don't know where I've come from, and what I've come through.

We as Christians need to start rising up and standing up for what's right. Guess what!?!? That means people are not going to like you. They are going to be upset with you because they don't want to hear the truth that sometimes they already know. We need to start being confident in Christ, in His truth.

In church we are learning about David and Goliath. Pretty basic story you would think, at least I did. He's little, God gives Him strength to overcome the Giant that no one else wants to face...can I tell you right now David's first battle wasn't the giant on that day. Yeah he had killed a lion and a bear but there was still 3 battles between that and the giant. That is what this series right now is all about...
The 1st battle, was the battle against peoples words.
When he showed up everyone tried to put fear into him. Was what they were saying false? No. But were they seeing the situation through a faithfilled filter? No. David heard all those words of the giants size and his threats and he had to overcome fear itself. He had to choose to believe HIS God's words and promises, instead.

The 2nd battle, was against people that didn't believe in him. In David's case his family.
His brothers started second guessing him telling him he shouldn't do it. Telling him to go back home to what he knew. These were people he looked up to, his own flesh and blood. The people who matter SO much...and yet he had to leave them behind. He had to choose to live by God's words and not peoples. He still loved them sure, but they couldn't see the world through his eyes...you have to keep going up pressing on and and growing your faith people in your life that aren't helping you build need to be let go. The battle is to serious to keep people in your circle that aren't for the cause per say.

The 3rd battle, was against his own insecurity.
He had to not only convince himself he could do it, but the king as well. How did he do that? He told the king his testimony, which in turn built up his courage...No one else saw him kill that lion or bear only him and God and yet his testimony of the events made all the difference. What are the things going on in your life...on the backside of the mountain, behind closed doors, what have you overcome that few know about? That's your testimony and power! Let people know where God's brought you from, not to make you look good, but to show the Power of Christ in your life, for your own renewal of courage and strength.

So many times we let ourselves get distracted by things along the sides instead of keeping our eyes on the giant. The devil knows that if we conquer that giant we will get the spoils and he doesn't want us to even have that chance...what? who? is in your life right now distracting you from the bigger picture? the giant in your life? I encourage you to rise up. Take action. Refocus on what God is calling you to focus on. Grab hold of the word and press on, don't worry about people misunderstanding you, attacking you, people think they have a right to be in your life, that you won't survive without them, it's not true. You have to answer to God, we need to start living in a spiritual life and not a natural one. It's ALL about Him, every day every second...am I sold out? Am I a fanatic? You know I am! Some may think I'm too extreme...but I think others aren't extreme enough. We've let people roll up into our lives and speak all kinds of negative in our lives and we think because we love them we have to put up with it, we don't. Take control of your life!

Obviously this is just scratching the surface of some GREAT word so if you have the time I would LOVE for you to listen to the messages of last week and this week...if you have time for one listen to todays. Be open to the word and I have no doubt that if you want to hear God you will be blessed.

The Title is: Make Your Faith Fight http://web.mac.com/withoutwallscentral/Without_Walls_Central/Central_Podcast/Central_Podcast.html

I would love to hear if you listen and are blessed. =]
Have a GREAT week everyone and take control of your life!
Muah

This Week...

2009-09-16T14:43:00.006-04:00

Sunday we had Ryan, Katie and Gracie over it was SO much fun. I made this amazing spaghetti not to brag or anything but it was AWESOME! hehe We've LOVE that Ronzoni pasta with extra fiber it tastes so yummy! I cut up a bunch of green pepper and red onions [which for some reason I'm totally addicted to at the moment] put a bunch of mushrooms and garlic. Used Turkey instead of Hamburger all in the sauce. Oh it was chunky and awesome. =]

We had so much fun hanging out with them all. The cats got their first real encounter with a child. haha Mowgali was terrified after Gracie chased him around the room a bit. Crosby kept moving but Gracie kept following him. She petted him and he was curious about her! haha Only one bat from his declawed little paw the whole afternoon and we recovered from it quickly. Thank God!

Gracie is just a total riot...I taught her to do this...haha isn't she a cutie!?!?

The wonders of a coffee table. hehe

We love her.

So yeah great times. Worked the last two days...Justin leaves tonight. =[ Nate has his last day at the Olive Garden on Saturday. Yay for new seasons in life.

Nothing else really going on, just working and loving life. Oh, and Sunday's sermon was amazing, he talked about the armor of God...God gives us army b/c we have to fight He will not always swoop in and take care of everything, we have a HUGE part to play. He talked about how the first battle David had to fight was NOT Goliath. He had to fight the fear that all the other soldiers tried to put in him. We have to be careful what we allow ourselves to hear, in David's case he didn't want to hear any of it. He won the first battle, sometimes the enemy tries to keep you from your biggest enemy b/c he knows the spoils you will gain when conquering him. So he tries to distract you with smaller battles...we have to identify these and press on, quickly. =] Anyway GREAT word as always, I LOVE being part of a home church. Some interesting ministry opportunities look like they be opening up and we are beyond excited with where God is taking us!

Have a great rest of the week all. =]

Muah

Typhoon Lagoon...Lagooney Goon Goon

2009-09-12T13:17:00.006-04:00

From now until February I get into the water parks free as does my father. Which means that the 4 free passes we have were able to get my hubby and mum in for free as well! So we took the opportunity yesterday to enjoy the lovely weather and each others company. How fun!

Nate dancing to the Beach Boys...he's the cutest thing ever!

The rents pretending to be pirates...I love them.

Me and My love pretending to be pirates...can you hear us saying arggghhh!?!?! =]

I love our family [bummer that Justin doesn't like water parks]

Me and My lover.

Oh and total praise report, I was able to get a new bathing suit! Mine were all falling apart and such, I went to JCPenny and got a $76 bathing suit for $10! Yay for deals! =]

Lovely Friday, today I'm about to finish cleaning my house which isn't too messy because I've really been staying on top of it for the most part, which makes me so happy! It's rainy today, which I LOVE so I'm going to be cuddling up with a book real soon.

Tomorrow Ryan, Katie, and Gracie are coming over for dinner...I'm just so excited with life right now! This is Nate's last week at the OG, my bro is moving this week which is sad, BUT we are buying his bed from him for cheap! Which I'm so pumped about...you have no idea! I'm getting overtime this week at work which will be a nice check for next week. I'm just happy, and I know it, so maybe I'll clap my hands. =] hehe

Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend.

Muah,

Celebrating Gracie

2009-09-09T18:43:00.005-04:00

Our "adopted" niece had her first birthday party on Labor Day. She was adorable as usual. =] I just love being around friends and babies and people. Nate had to work and I was only able to drop by on my way to work but I took pictures of course. lol Just call me Mrs Shutterbug. hehe

Here is Ry giving her something to drink, while Grandma holds her.

Mommy [Katie] and Baby

Proud Auntie [me] with Gracie

Ryan and Katie - the happy and proud parents

Since we weren't able to attend the party in entirity, they are coming over Sunday for lunch and I couldn't be more excited! Friends truly are the family you choose, and they have been such a blessing through all our transition. I'm SO glad, our friendship is back "in season" lol

I'm enjoying work SO much, and Nate is counting down the days till he starts his new one. I'm so excited for him, he's so cute...he's going to have a desk job now and he says to me "Sarah, I'm just so excited to go to the store and buy brand new pens!" haha I was giggled, he was going off about putting my picture on his desk, having an organizer...this truly is a stretching, learning, new, exciting experience. I'm happy for him, he's wanted a desk job for awhile, he's wanted Sundays off for awhile and he put in his time and hard work, and now will have all Sundays off all holidays, will get some great pay, insurance...I'm excited for everything that will be achieved because of this job. Obviously, nothing is certain as we've learned from experience, but we are praying, and we are believing that this is the beginning of that light at the end of the tunnel for us.

Other than that, working tomorrow, Friday we are all going to the waterpark together, cast members for Disney get in free till February and I have free passes on top of that so I can get Nate in...nothing like a free day of fun in the water and sun...soaking in rays and enjoying a day off together. ::happy sigh:: My rents are coming too! I love spending time with them, they are such a blessing to our family.

Hope everyone had an awesome Labor Day weekend celebrating the exit of summer and the beginning of fall. [my favorite!]

Blessings to you,

Birthday Celebrations & Victories

2009-09-05T16:04:00.020-04:00

For my brother's 21st Birthday we took him to a Tiger's Baseball game. It was SO much fun!

[it was my first mlb game]

Me, Dad, and Mum in the backseat on the way to St. Petersburg

Nate and Justin

Our FABULOUS first baseman!

Mum Dad

Smooches at the game

Me and the Fella I want to experience life with, for all of time.

Our Family - I love these people ::happy sigh::

Me and my Bubby laughing it up

My husband is such a character...

Yummy hot dog! [all beef, the best!]

It's not about winning...but it feels great when you do!

Us celebrating our victory....

Justin too!

Me and two of my favorite fellas. I love them dearly...

Experiencing life with family is the best gift of all...I'm truly blessed. You never know when life will change, when the opportunities will lessen, I'm appreciating it so much especially right now as Justin is moving back to Michigan in a couple of weeks. I'm SO excited for him, he is being obedient to God and following his dreams, I will miss him SO much, but I know we will all be happier when we are where God wants us, if we allow ourselves to be. So I'm praying blessings on him as he embarks on the next chapter of his life! WAHOO!

Hope you all have a fabulous Labor Day Weekend!

Today, the Anticipation

2009-09-02T17:50:00.003-04:00

Trying to overcome my major headache.

Loving my big comfy Stewart family reunion sweatshirt my bubby had designed.

Missing my hubby, [he's working a double today]

Looking for inexpensive plane tickets.

Trying to remain calm about my assessment tomorrow. [I know deep down I'll do alright]

Bursting with excitement for Friday!!! [wanna know why? then ask me!]

A little bummed, [I'm cramping]

Getting things in order.

I'm not gonna lie...it's difficult having a blog right now, there are a few out there that I have met through blogland, which keep me wanting to press on, open up and continue writing. However, there are boundaries that I must have with others that read this blog and therefore, I have to practice constraint and be a LOT more mysterious then I tend to be. Thanks for understanding.

I'm missing all my family, my friends, and I haven't seen to much of Nate this week, just enough to make me miss him a LOT more.

Life has definitely thrown us a lot of curves these last couple of years, from trying to get into school, to different jobs, looking for churches, trips we thought we could take and ended up not being able to, relationships, marriage ups and downs, friends, it's just been a ride. We've made a lot of screwed up decisions, and we've made a lot of good decisions, we are learning and growing and not giving up and so looking back, I'm not disappointed in myself or us, if we didn't learn anything from all of it, then I would be. So right now we are approaching a crossroads, we have two very big opportunities available to us, and so we are praying MAJORLY for direction, peace, and discernment. Most of the times we get excited about one thing and put all our eggs in that basket, we aren't doing that this time. We set out with a goal, and reminded ourselves that just the journey of getting to that goal would be life changing and maybe we wouldn't end up doing it...now another opportunity has arose and decision time she comes. It's thrilling, exciting, a little nerve racking, we are being cautious...but this time it REALLY does feel like we are on the brink of a new season. HOPEFULLY we've finally passed the test and can move out of this awful cycle we have been in! Now we are just waiting to find out...

Sorry it's vague, but hopefully it made SOME sense. Either way, thanks for your support and prayers. Have a GREAT end to your week,

Umbrella

2009-08-30T16:57:00.004-04:00

This is us Friday night before our double date. =] I love my husband. Enough said.

I like this picture of me...unfortunately Nate's head didn't all make it into the frame...
that sucks. =[

Although things are shaping up at the moment...this song is for Nathan,

Umbrella - Rihanna

You have my heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
Maybe in magazines
But you'll still be my star

Baby 'cause in the dark
You can't see shiny cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share
Because

When the sun shines, we'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath, I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella

(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh, eh eh eh)

These fancy things, will never come in between
You're part of my entity, here for infinity
When the war has took it's part
When the world has dealt it's cards
If the hand is hard, together we'll mend your heart
Because

Here's to a busy week, full of blessings and beginnings,

Together for the Good

2009-08-27T10:21:00.002-04:00

So funny that I used that reference to Romans 8:28 at the end of my post yesterday, because when I got to church last night, that was what the sermon was about! How cool right? Well it was cool but probably not in the way most of you might think.

God DOES work everything together for the good, just like His word says, but that doesn't necessarily mean you are going to be all rosy, happy, and fullfilled. It doesn't mean that you are going to end up getting everything you've ever wanted. It means that God has a purpose and a plan, and he takes EVERYTHING all the crap, loss, loneliness, hurt, happiness, joy, peace, etc and he works it all together into the bigger picture to create balance and to make His will be done. IF you aren't in His will, guess what you aren't going to be partaking of that good he talks about. It's not Him being mean, it's us being disobedient.

He talked about knives last night. Isn't it SO annoying going to use a knife and finding out it's dull? You have to work twice as hard to get the job done and sometimes you even end up cutting the wrong thing, LIKE YOUR FINGER! EEK! See God knows better than to use a dull knife so when He goes to use us in a situation and we are dull, we get put on the whetting stone. Yep yep, that's the block that sharpens knives. It grinds away the dull edges, let's just say it's not all butterflies and candy...it's pretty painful when all our crap is being grinded away, but it's necessary so that we can be sharpened, to cut through life like we are supposed to!

How do we become dull? Well just by every day use, the more we reach out to people, act nicely, achieve breakthrough etc...the quicker we become dull. The word says do not become weary in well doing...that's telling us that we need to be sharpening ourselves on a consistant basis so that we don't get dull! That's where quiet time comes in, going to church, bible studies, etc... How else can we get dull? The enemy presses hard on us and makes us dull quicker. Keep in the word! To prevent this. And the last reason you become dull is if you use your blade for the wrong task, like using it as a can opener, or to cut through something you shouldn't, it will make your blade defective. How can we use our blade in the wrong ways? Being People Pleasers. It is NOT our jobs to please people, it's our jobs to love people. Those are two VERY different things that people think are the same thing. Loving people is sometimes making decisions you know they won't understand, but are the best. It's being truthful when shoving it under a rug would just be SO much easier. Do not let people run your life! Listen to God and follow His commands...it may not make sense and sometimes it may hurt b/c He is using those circumstances to sharpen you either way when you are obedient, it works together for your good!

We need to stop looking around us and feeling like victims! Have you said to yourself recently, I just feel like I should be through this already, I'm ready for the next step? Why is my life one big cycle of crappy times and windows of sunshine? Well...the thing is God goes to sharpen us, and having that wonderful free will we can free ourselves from that whetting stone, that grinding, that painful circumstance, BUT the test still comes even if you skip class and when He goes to use His knife [you] and you are still dull, you get put right back in that same place to re-learn the whole lesson. When tough situations arise in our lives, we need to stop feeling the vicitim and realize that we are recipients, of situations that we can pass and move to the next step or fail and have to retake. The point is IT'S OUR CHOICE! It's not God sitting above us laughing, He wants us to succeed and He knows what we need to overcome in order to do it. One of the things Pastor Scott said last night that really caught me was, if you are obeying God than any negative circumstance becomes your employee in your life. You have authority over it, to do it's job in creating balance in your life but not to destroy you or overcome you! WAHOO for victory!

The best analogy he used was this. He has a son in highschool all summer his son has been getting up early every day going to the field and reporting to someone called coach. He comes home, he's bruised, cut, sore, tired, hungry...they feed him, give him some medicine, put him to bed early and the next morning he's up and ready to do it again! Why would someone desire to go through such pain!?!? You want to know why?....Because He knows it's not always going to be practice, one day there WILL be a game. He wants to know how to his part perfectly when that time comes.

Our lives are not always going to be practices. A lot of us are going through tough stuff, with relationships, jobs [or lack there of], houses, cars, buying groceries, our kids, whatever it may be look at your circumstance and don't look at it as something that has "happened to you" but something God is using to sharpen you with for what is to come. Because the opportunity to show off your skills will soon come, will you be ready? Or need a retake?

Currently they don't have the message posted but I'll keep looking and let you know. =]
Be blessed everyone,

Husband Brag

2009-08-26T11:14:00.004-04:00

I know that it's all I've been talking about..it's really one of the only things I can talk about at this point though. Blogland is super controversial, so I've taken to writing in my journal more. =] More people know about this blog than I was aware...and I don't want to be creating even more issues there are plenty already. SO Nate is looking AMAZING! Losing a steady 3 lbs a week, I'm so proud of him! Last night we went over to our friends [Otto and Michelle] house, and the way this shirt fit him really just blew me away...I mean I notice he is losing weight but sometimes it's a LOT more visible than others. This was one of those times, I told him I'd find a pic of him in this shirt before and then he could see why I was so overcome with excitement for him. I love him no matter his size, weight, hair cut, clothes...but the fact that he set out to do something and has followed through with the dedication to accomplish it, makes me SUPER proud of him. One of those things I always knew was in him, and it finally came out! GO NATE!!! =]
Dec 08' Aug 09'

Thanks for the prayers everyone, I think things might actually be coming together for us, FINALLY! And Nate has been chatting with his dad and getting a lot of clarity about things. God is truly working things together for good and in his perfect timing. =]

Blessings to you,

The Blessing of Friends

2009-08-22T20:25:00.005-04:00

"Friends are the family you choose"

We were SO blessed to have some friends we had in Texas come and visit us! Robert and Tara. Tara worked with Nate at the OG and Robert was able to come to Nate's graduation from CFNI! We've kept in pretty good touch with them, but hanging out again made us miss them SO much.
It was a LONG night filled with laughter!

Nate [looking a little like Peter Pan] and Robert laughing at my comment about Nate looking like Peter Pan...lol

Tara and Me

All of us

Robert and Tara

Also, God has totally brought a couple from church into our lives...Michelle and Otto.

She is in choir with me and Otto plays the guitar in the band. They are as loud as us, [which is hard to imagine] theylove God, and want to be parents just as much as we do, and have those same struggles with it just not happening. It's rare to find couples married for a few years without kids, so it's nice to have that bond.

God is so good and is filling in those empty places. Sending us people that know our hearts, are on our same page, that we can learn from and help out as well. It makes getting through the rough spots a little easier with people backing you up.

Also, just wanted to let those of you who prayed for Nate last week about his meeting with the Pastor. It really helped! God really revealed some stuff to us, and it was different than what I expected. Sometimes we need rebuke but sometimes we need to be validated, encouraged and backed up! I'm thankful that God knows when we need what and provides for us exactly what we need. We are definately finding that peace and I'm SO grateful for it.

Blessings to you, your friendships, and your families,

The Climb

2009-08-22T00:40:00.001-04:00

The Climb

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

2009-08-11T14:27:00.003-04:00

So nothing super new to report. Nate finally put my shelves up on the walls so our house is looking more homey. YAY for hubby's!

We have really picked up our exercise schedule, and I'm just SO proud of us! I've been doing 6 miles 4-5 times a week. Nate has been doing at least 9 miles 5 times a week. We also have been going to bed and getting up earlier. Who would've thought that me miss night owl would be going to sleep at 10pm and 11pm! So our progress...Nate lost 4 inches and 2 lbs last week I maintained my weight and lost 3 inches from my waist 1/2 inch from my bust and gained a lb in my hips..which is actually good, b/c as I gained weight my butt vanished and now it's getting all round and cute again. =] My weight is redistributing and I feel fabulous.

This week we are focusing on portion control and I started this morning getting up with him in the morning to exercise as well. Add in there all the push-ups, crunches, reverse crunches, bench dips, hip rolls and so on our lives are pretty much eat, sleep, exercise. Oh! but we decided that if we could be disciplined in our physical fitness we also wanted to get disciplined spiritually. So we have a plan to get through the Bible together in 2 months. Since we are eating smaller portions our time for eating has decreased and we are reading roughly 20 chapters a day together. That at least is the goal. I'm excited yesterday was our first day....and it was really exciting to re-read through things, see new things we hadn't seen before and most of all just dedicating some of our quality time to God just felt amazing. We gotta keep praising even when things are rough. So we are feeling a ton better, to say the least.

This week is pretty busy, we have a few visitors from Texas coming to see us. Which is so fun! We haven't seen them since we've moved so I'm sure we will be roaring with laughter and there will be lots of chatting and hugging and what not, I can't wait!

Nate also has a meeting with one of our pastors this week, if you could pray for them. That Nate's heart would be understood and receptive to the counsel he receives. And that we as a couple would make the right decisions reguarding certain relationships in our lives.

So I guess that's it for now. Oh one more thing, lol one of my goals for this year was to read a book every month. Although I did it the first month I had a hard time for a little while, well now I found this series that I LOVE and have read through each book in like 2 days. They are based off of quilts, which sounds boring but it's all the stories about the people, their struggles, their victories...well it's just amazing so I wanted to let everyone know that I'm getting somewhere with my resolutions. Maybe I should have a resolutions update soon. =] How about yours?

Blessings to you as you finish your week.

1974

2009-08-05T19:48:00.002-04:00

So trying to distract myself from all the crap that is going on right now and found this...it's too funny.

This apparently is what I would look like in 1974:

lol too funny! Hope you needed a laugh as much as I did today...I'll most more later, just wanted to touch base.

muah

The Gift of Friendship

2009-08-01T17:36:00.009-04:00

So I started out writing an angry venting blog about all the emotional crap we have been dealing with lately. How much my heart breaks for my husband...and all that jazz and although Nate told me "this is your blog, write how you feel, don't worry about other people." I just can't help thinking it wouldn't be one of my wisest decisions. So I decided to blog about friends that make us happy!
When we first moved here, we lived with Nate's best friend and his wife. Let's just say things did not go well AT all. Moving to another state and not having your own space and living with people you don't know well...let's just say we parted on non speaking terms. We didn't talk for about a year.
Then Nate and Ryan had a lunch chatted about things, realized where all the emotion came from and their relationship was off to recovery. However the wives, being happy for the husbands weren't quite sure how it would all work out.
A few months later, I wrote an email apologizing and explaining a little...letting her know I didn't expect anything from her I just wanted to apologize for the hurt I had caused and I hoped one day we could be friends but even if not, I would love to at least get along so our husbands could get together more often. Some time later, I did a reply from her. Accepting my apology and apologizing herself. She even said she was sorry it took so long...I told her, I really meant it when I said take your time. In the letter I even said a month, a week a year whatever you need...everyone works through things at different speeds it's selfish to expect them to get through things as fast as you might. Later on, you will appreciate the time you gave them if you need it yourself! =]
So anyway as a start to the year they invited us over...it went well but was still awkward and we were kind of thinking that it might just not ever happen. Well after some texting and facebook wall writing out of the blue a couple of weeks ago they texted us and asked what we were up to. So a spur of the moment trip to the Brooks house happen. We had dinner, played euchre at a starbucks, walked around a small pond/lake thing, went back to their house and played Wii, but mostly we just talked & talked & talked. Things weren't awkward...everyone was relaxed it was amazing. So then we chatted a bit after that, and just went over again this last Thursday as well. So we are trying to get together more often, it's a lot more relaxed and we've talked through some of the things...apologized some more, but mostly we are just thankful to have that relationship restored, two years later but it is restored. =] So anyway they have a beautiful daughter, who is of course our adopted niece and we just adore her and she loves us as well. We are quickly bonding. Here are some pictures!

Uncle Nate tickling!

Gracie was sharing her dolls with me.

Getting her hooked on Dasani...lol

Sharing a nectarine with Auntie Sarah

Beautiful Gracie

Too cute

Us girls.

Next time I'll take some better pictures of Ryan and Katie. =]
What a blessing friendship is. God is so good and faithful, I'm truly grateful that He works all things together for good.

Blessings to you in your friendships,

The Move, An Anniversary, and Progress

2009-07-28T13:38:00.010-04:00

So we moved to Lakeland and are now slowly unpacking and settling in. This is a picture of us the day before the actual move our on our porch.

After loading and unloading the truck and a weekend to rest a bit Tuesday we went to Disney to celebrate our anniversary. [it's so nice getting in for free!]
Here is us at the beginning of the day with our anniversary pins.

Here we are at the petting zoo at Animal Kingdom...that there is Joe.

Then the next day we had a chill day...then cut the small cake we had like we do every year and this year we smeared it on our faces like the day we got married. =] It was fun, and the cake was yummy!

It's crazy that 3 years has gone by. I look at all that we have gone through and am just so happy that we have had each other through it all. Especially now as we are embarking on a new big adventure, I know there is no one else I would want next to me in this journey called life.
I've been hearing a quote lately that I like a lot, "Love isn't finding someone you can live with, it's finding someone you can't live without." I just love that.

So although my soundtrack of love was not finished I thought I would leave you with a couple more important songs as a wrap up, and in honor of our anniversary.

This song was our first dance as husband and wife. =]

Come Away With Me
by: Norah Jones

Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song

Come away with me on a bus
Come away where they can't tempt us
With their lies

And I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high
So won't you try to come?

Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I'll never stop loving you

And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me

This second song, is probably one of my favorites. It was Nathan's ringtone on my phone during our whole engagement, and one of my favorite songs to slow dance and sing to him in the living room by candle light. ::happy sigh::

Love of My Life
by: Brian Mcknight

First, first, time I looked into your eyes
I saw heaven, oh, heaven in your eyes
Everything I did before you, wasn't worth my while
It should've been you all the time
I do anything, and everything to please you
You know how much I need you
You're always, always, on my mind

Chorus:
You're more than wonderful
More than amazing
Irreplaceable, love, love, in my life
You're so incredible, here in these arms tonight
The irreplaceable, love, love, of my life

Always, seems like reality
Forever, don't seem so far away
All I wanna do, all I wanna feel, all I wanna be is close to you
Everyday, in my lucky day
All I wanna do, is love you
I place no one above you
I'll tell you why

Chorus

Baby you now, you know you're my one (and only)
(all I wanna do is be together)
Sugar you know, I'll never leave you lonely
In your eyes, in your eyes I see forever
Ahhhh, ohhhh, ohhhh, ohhhh
Ahhhh, ohhhhhh, ohhhh,

The last one is a more fun song, and we kind of call it our theme song...haha. It's by one of our favorite bands, that we both loved before we even met each other and that's Relient K.

Must of Done Something Right
by Relient K

We should get jerseys cause we make a great team
But yours would look better than mine, cause you're outta my league
And I know that it's so cliche to tell you that everyday
I spend with you is the new best day of my life
Everyone watching us just turns away with disgust
It's Jealously, they can see that we've got it going on

And I'm racking my brain for a new improved way
To let you know your more to me than what I know how to say
You're OK with the way this is going to be
This is going to be the best thing we've ever seen

[Chorus]
If anyone can make me a better person you could
All I gotta say is I musta done something good
I came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I musta done something right
I musta done something right

Maybe I'm just lucky cause it's hard to believe
Believe that somebody like you'd end up with someone like me
And I know that it's so cliche to talk about you this way
But I'll push all my inhibitions aside
It's so very obvious to everyone watching us
That we have got something real good going on

And I'm racking my brain for a new improved way
To let you know your more to me than what I know how to say
You're OK with the way this is going to be
This is going to be the best thing we've ever seen

If anyone can make me a better person you could
All I gotta say is I musta done something good
I came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I musta done something right
I musta done something right

So that's all for now folks. Now just trying to get things organized and settled in, preparing for what's to come. Oh and as a quick brag to everyone about my hubby, he has lost over 30lbs this year...has few pants that fit him and it feeling a lot healthier and looking mighty fine! I've lost about 15lbs [he's been doing more exercising than me] and yesterday I slid a pair of my shorts off without unbuttoning them, what a nice feeling to be fitting into clothes that I did when I got married. Nate has already been fitting into clothes he wore on our honeymoon and they are getting to big on him as well...it is a BIG accomplishment to be getting into shape! Our frig is filled with healthy foods, maybe I'll take a picture so you can see. =] haha Anyway wanted to throw that out there to brag. Here are some pictures so you can see the progress he has made.
Before, at Christmas time: After, half way through July:

Great Job Nate, I'm more proud of you than words!

Blessings to you all.

Absence

2009-07-08T19:29:00.003-04:00

So the big moving day is tomorrow and that is why I slacked off on my songs for each day, no one was commenting anyway so I'm almost positive no one noticed my absence. However this is just to let anyone know that may stumble across this that I won't be here for awhile...like I said we move tomorrow and well I don't know when we plan to get the internet hooked up at our new place. Here are some pictures of today...

this move is a little bittersweet in that we loved this apartment a LOT, but we are excited for what God has in our future for us! As always I will try and keep you updated. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts as we go through this transition.

Blessings to you and your family,

Track 5, Chasing Cars

2009-07-04T20:25:00.007-04:00

I LOVE Snow Patrol, I introduced them to Nathan when we met and when we first were married, Chasing Cars was almost a theme song in our home. We moved away from all our family and were there in Texas by ourselves.

This song enpowered us and encouraged us, that we could do it ourselves, not in a we don't need anyone kind of way but in a we are our own family now and we can do it, kind of way, whether people stick by us, abandon us, or we just change paths we can do it ourselves with God's strength and guidance. It reminded us to find an escape from our thoughts when laying in each others arms, to not just say I love you but to show it in our actions as well, that the grace we give each other helps us to find our own grace for others and ourselves, and last but not least that we see each other for who we were and are and will be and still love each other unconditionally. What a GREAT song! Here's the link to the video as always:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_gnmBtM49U

Chasing Cars
Snow Patrol

We'll do it all
Everything
On our own

We don't need
Anything
Or anyone

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel

Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden
That's bursting into life

Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden
That's bursting into life

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes
They're all I can see

I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things
Will never change for us at all

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

Laying with him,

Track 4, L-O-V-E

2009-07-04T19:41:00.002-04:00

First of all I want to wish you all a Happy Independence Day! I hope you are all enjoying your fireworks and family time and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the pictures!

Nathan and I both worked, mine is past tense his is present and we are celebrating tomorrow. I'm so pumped, we are doing the same thing we did last year and loved and that is going to the drive-in and grilling. Except this year we are also going to swim at my rents house after church and we are obviously seeing a different movie this year...TRANSFORMERS!!!! I'm pumped. I also just love how much my hubby loves this holiday and in honor of that love I was able to pick up a couple of $5 t-shirts so we can be a little more festive tomorrow like he likes to be. =]

So today is track 4 and it has a bit of a story with it...I've always loved older music. Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, oh I could go on...I LOVE that kind of music. One of my favorite love songs is L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. We danced to it at our wedding...b/c we practically danced the whole night. But I love that song. Well like you may have heard me say before, Nate is not too much of a singer, he's got the heart of one alright but when it comes down to it, usually it's not that great he's acknowledges this and will admit it BUT he does sing older songs a bit better. One of my favorite memories of him was when we lived back in Texas, we had been married almost a year and some people from my work invited me to go to this mexican karoake restaraunt and so we decided to go. I jokingly asked him if he was going to sing something and he replied if I do will you? I was like sure, if you sing something I'll sing something. =] So he got up and in front of a decently populated restaurant sang to me L-O-V-E proclaiming his love for me...it touched my heart more than I could explain and even if no one else thought it sounded good, I thought it sounded like heaven, there is no question that this man loves me. The owners of the restaurant even took pictures of us while we were singing to each other...to put on their walls it was sooo cool! What a great memory, of me and my Nathan.

L-O-V-E
Nat King Cole

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Love is all that I can give to you
Love is more than just a game for two
Two in love can make it
Take my heart and please dont break it
Love was made for me and you

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Love is all that I can give to you
Love is more than just a game for two
Two in love can make it
Take my heart and please dont break it
Love was made for me and you
Love was made for me and you
Love was made for me and you

The Link for the video so you can hear it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JErVP6xLZwg

Made For Him,

Track 3, Song of Love

2009-07-03T15:37:00.005-04:00

This next song is just plain beautiful...I actually re-recorded it and walked down the aisle to it. My dad and I sang along while he walked and it was a very special and emotional moment.

It's originally done by Rebecca St. James, here is a link of her video for it.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuWneEsHERI
[I include them so you can hear them if you want, not for the actual video just as fyi :) hehe]

Song of Love

Jesus, King of my heart
Father, my peace and my light
Spirit, the joy of my soul You are

Jesus, to you none compare
Father, I rest in Your care
Spirit, the hope of my heart You are

CHORUS:
The heavens declare You are God
And the mountains rejoice
The oceans cry Alleluia
As we worship You Lord
For this is our Song of Love

Jesus, You save my soul
I'll thank You forevermore
Jesus, the love of my life You are

CHORUS

Jesus, I am in awe
Of the love that You have shown
Jesus, how precious You are to me

CHORUS

Forever Inlove,

Track 2, More Than Words

2009-07-02T20:17:00.006-04:00

So as our relationship progressed, we got close to that l word but couldn't quite spit it out and we flew to Michigan to meet his family and go to one of his good friend's weddings, so I could meet all the friends as well.

Their wedding favor was a cd and so between wedding and reception we popped that cd in and that is where we got our next song, which turned out being the song we played when we were washing each others feet at our wedding.

It's not always about the saying I love you, it's about how you treat each other, it's about serving one another, it's about not being selfish, it's just...

...More Than Words.

Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you
Its not that I want you
Not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldnt have to say that you love me
Cos Id already know

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldnt make things new
Just by saying I love you

More than words

Now Ive tried to talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is close your eyes
And just reach out your hands and touch me
Hold me close dont ever let me go
More than words is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldnt have to say that you love me
Cos Id already know

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldnt make things new
Just by saying I love you

More than words.

Truly His,

Soundtrack of Our Love

2009-07-01T10:21:00.004-04:00

Happy July everyone! I decided to try for all my posts this month to include a song that would be in Nathan and My soundtrack of love. Since it is our wedding anniversary month. So sorry to those sick of hearing me gloat about my husband, but I just can't help it when you are blessed this much it just overflows out of you without warning sometimes. =]

Before I start this fun though a prayer request, my good friend that I went to school with back in Texas who got married shortly after Nathan and I has moved out and filed for divorce. Her husband has gotten a huge wake up call as to things he has done wrong and is now trying redeem himself, showing her that he HAS realized he has treated her wrong and yet loves her deeply. She has allowed hurt to overtake her and is VERY set on being divorced, and unfortunately her family thinks this is acceptable and are encouraging her. I'm praying that her ears would be closed to lies, and her heart healed and softened to hear the truth. Please agree with me for the restoration of their marriage. I'm sure most of us married folks can understand the hard times we go through, where we feel misunderstood and distant I myself have just come out of such hard times in my own marriage these few months have been even better now that we have gone through that rough patch I pray the same happens for them, that their love would grow and be even more fullfilling after this tough time. Thanks a ton!

Okay now to the fun stuff...one of the first "songs" Nathan and I ever had was I Got You Babe - by Sonny and Cher haha yep cheesy & cute for sure this was before the I love you's at the beginning of what would become an amazing relationship.

HER: They say we're young and we don't know We won't find out until we grow
HIM: Well I don't know if all that's true'Cause you got me, and baby I got you
HIM: Babe
BOTH: I got you babe I got you babe
HER: They say our love won't pay the rent Before it's earned, our money's all been spent
HIM: I guess that's so, we don't have a pot But at least I'm sure of all the things we got
HIM: Babe
BOTH: I got you babeI got you babe
HIM: I got flowers in the spring I got you to wear my ring
HER: And when I'm sad, you're a clown And if I get scared, you're always around
HER: Don't let them say your hair's too long'Cause I don't care, with you I can't go wrong
HIM: Then put your little hand in mine There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb
HIM: Babe
BOTH: I got you babeI got you babe
HIM: I got you to hold my hand
HER: I got you to understand
HIM: I got you to walk with me
HER: I got you to talk with meI got you to kiss goodnight I got you to hold me tightI got you, I won't let goI got you to love me so
BOTH: I got you babeI got you babeI got you babe I got you babeI got you babe

Here's a link to the video, so cute!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzW_7ANnHZI

Forever Nathan's,

My Best Friend's Wedding

2009-06-28T16:31:00.010-04:00

One of my best friends, Brandi got married this weekend and I was blessed to be one of her bridesmaids. It was unorganized, chaotic and random but a complete blast of course!
Brandi getting ready to get married

Me and Noel getting ready for the big event! =]

The Beautiful Bride

Happy Couple

Me and Noel waiting to get pictures taken

Me in the car on the way to the reception

Nate breaking it down with Brandi for the dollar dance

Nate and Me

At the end of the day there was a beautiful bride, an excited new husband, happy family and friends dancing and it all brought me back to my wedding day, before all the drama that would soon follow there was Nate and I...unbelievably happy to have each other forever. Astounded by God's grace that He should choose us for each other, not perfect, but perfect for each other. We danced the night away last night just as we did on our special day, and I welcomed the reminder of such an amazing day and an amazing love that has brought us through so much in such a little time and I was just blessed all over again. I guess you could say I love weddings. hehe

CONGRATS to my dear friend [even though she does not read this blog] I'm so happy for her and her new husband, and pray that they have lovely weather for their honeymoon cruise in Jamaicain waters this week, that their life would be a blessed one together, and that their love would never die.

To everyone else that may be married, I challenge you to think back to your wedding day [if it was pleasant] and remember how you felt during your first dance, in your brand new husband's arms, feeling more inlove than you ever thought possible, knowing that you could mold your future into ANYTHING you wanted, having the security of forever along the side of an amazing man, and feeling certain you would never feel anything different. Sometimes in our busyness we forget that passionate love we felt for our husbands during those first few hours, days, months and even years...I know I'm going to try and never forget and if I do, I hope I attend a wedding and remember all over again. =]

Blessings to you this wedding season!

2009-06-22T13:59:00.002-04:00

Things have been okay. I wonder if my heart will ever be less fragile. I wonder if life will ever truly come together and not just look like it for weeks at a time and then fall apart.

Some things I know,

God IS good & faithful.
My husband is amazing, faithful, strong, inspiring and kind.
I have a great family.

& I know I must keep hold of hope or I won't survive.

Guess this isn't so happy, but that's just me...sometimes happy sometimes down but always real.

An Attempt & a Mountaintop

2009-06-16T20:08:00.003-04:00

So although it's not Friday I want to praise my husband for just being the love of my life. If ever two people were made for each other it was He and I. I could never put into words how much I love him, but I promised I would spend the rest of my life trying and here is yet another attempt...

As the first few years in newlyweds lives usually are pretty hard, we have followed suit in most ways. Financially we are finally getting control back after bad decisions or learning opportunities, as far as communication we have traveled miles, he uses more words and I walk away less often and have calmed my loud voice b/c he has started listening more, as for an organized household, yeah I'm much more of an organized mess kind of gal and he leans toward the OCD neat freak we are finding middle ground and it feels just as good as I thought it would be if not better...life is good simply because I have Nathan by my side. He is faithful to me, and loves me unconditionally and unashamedly...it does a lot to me to hear the nice things he says about when I'm not around and when it really doesn't matter...I would never know what he talked about at work if it weren't for all his co-workers wanting to meet me "b/c Nate just talks about you all the time!" it makes me blush and I tell him to make sure he doesn't annoy anyone...lol but it blesses me in a way I could never explain to have someone be so proud of me that isn't a parent...my heart swells with happiness.

So as I was saying things have been pretty rough, but we have been making leaps and bounds spiritually this year, rekindling that fire in us for God that was there when we first met and we allowed to slip away and our focus changed to surviving, our focus switched to the storm outside our plane called life and we are finally focusing on the right things and it's making SUCH a difference in our life I can't even begin to tell you!

We are moving next month to Lakeland, found an apartment that is the same size as ours but with more windows for like $250 less than what we pay now! I got a job down there and started this week, it's amazing AND it's doing something I LOVE take pictures! It's so inspiring and thrilling to start doing something you love. Then this last Sunday I met up with a gal at church that I found on facebook, anyway we were talking about her kids and she mentioned her daughter played soccer I immediately lit up, I LOVE soccer. I told her and was like yeah I was captain of my team when I was in high school I totally love it! She said OH! our high school is looking for a girls coach! I laughed...but am actually thinking about it! Can you imagine me getting out of retail taking pictures, coaching soccer, and singing in choir! Doing all the things I love!?!? Wow. Just the fact that the opportunities are there makes me smile at God. Sigh a big sigh of relief and thank him that my mountaintop is coming. I'm ready, boy am I ready.

Meanwhile Nate and I put into to transfer to part time and to the same location at Disney so we could work together, I'm excited about that, I think it would be a LOT of fun. He just put in his application for his transfer with the OG today, and it's literally within walking distance from our apartments, it's amazing how much gas we are going to save, b/c we are right across the street from church and my work as well! YAY!!! Making our one car workable yet again.

So I will part with a song by my girl Avril whom I love [and share a wedding anniversary with hehe]It is for my husband, to encourage him in his current endevours and for anyone else out there that needs a little pep talk!

Keep Holding On

If things are rough right now in your life, keep holding on, know that you aren't alone, and your mountaintop is coming, but only if you keep hiking, keep pressing, keep holding on!

You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No I won't give in

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late, this could all disappear
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Yeah, yeah

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
[Keep Holding On lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Hear me when I say, when I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

La da da da
La da da da
La da da da da da da da da

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Keep holding on
Keep holding on

There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

I hope this blesses and encourages you! Have a blessed week!

Cancer, Provision, and a Rockin Hubby

2009-06-12T20:43:00.005-04:00

It's so strange to me how many people around my age are being diagnosed with cancer, or are having surgeries to remove lumps and bumps that could possibly be cancer...or are finding out if they have cancer it just seems like it's all around me lately. Time to start kicking the prayer up a notch!

Today specifically a good friend found out she has thyroid cancer. Please pray for her. It's just unbelievable, they told her the bump wasn't cancerous, took it out tested it more and found out it was and they have to remove one of her thyroids now.

Another friend just had lumps removed from her breast, supposedly benign, I pray the story stays that way. The thing that creeps me out is THEY ARE MY AGE! If not just a couple years older...I'm coming against fear. =]

So today I got ANOTHER job! I'm now a paid professional photographer! I'm so pumped, I start this week. So busy week ahead, three days at new job, one day at Urban, wedding in Ft. Myers tomorrow, church Sunday, we have free tickets to Blizzard Beach so we are thinking about maybe going on Wednesday [my one day off], then Saturday I have a bridal shower and bachelorette party, not to mention choir practice Thursday night...and trying to find time somewhere to continue packing which might take place of Blizzard Beach...but keeping fun in your life is important too so who knows! It will be a week where a lot is accomplished and I'm excited!
OH! and MY husband rocks this week because he went running! AND completely organized our desk so it's all clean and tidy! YAY for him stepping up and helping me bring more order to our home! He has some OCD tendancies, that I honestly really appreciated when we first met, some are a little much but with balance I knew he would be able to help me be a neater person like I desire to be, things kind of went the other way on that one and this week we had a nice chat about how I would love for him to help me be more organized and he got really excited! So YAY for him like I said stepping up and letting something he's naturally good at benefit our home!

Here are a couple pics of us from this week, feeling good about ourselves and being healthier! =]

I guess that would be about it! I mean there is plenty more going on but not ready to share yet.

Hope you all have a FABULOUS weekend!
,a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank">

Blessings and Boxes

2009-06-08T21:00:00.010-04:00

So things are...crazy and yet awesome. Yesterday church was AMAZING! Oh, it is every Sunday and I just love how much God is speaking to me, and then reaffirming me on Sunday. Pastor Scott talked about being the Top Gun Pilot of your life. He talked about how when you are a pilot you have to stay on the runway for awhile running and running...but you need that resistance you get to be able to fly. Then when you get into the air and come into the clouds, you can't see anything you have to rely on your instruments to know where you are and where you are heading, those instruments in our life is the Word of God. Although they're may be a storm outside your window, focusing on it won't help you, you have to keep your eye on the instruments! He even dressed up in a flight suit...

one of the key lines of the sermon was, "going to church can give you direction, but obedience is going to give you stability." You can be heading the right way and still be up and down and all over the place, I want a smoother ride, I want to be obedient. What a challenge but one that is surely rewarding!

As always you can listen to the pod casts at http://www.withoutwallscentral.org/

So after church we had a nice lunch with my rents, Nate and I were looking mighty swell, clothes aren't as tight anymore, I've lost a total of 14lbs since the beginning of the year, Nate is gaining muscle so going by weight isn't that encouraging but he went down to a size large in his shirt and is down a belt hole or two, he's looking NICE meow!

Today Nate went to work, and I sorted, condensed, packed, and cleaned. It was a VERY productive day! Nathan is going to be SO excited he has been bumming out because he couldn't find his pc study Bible so he could put it on our computer [it was on our old computer and the laptop that crashed] well today I found it!!! It's already installed and everything, he is going to be SOOO excited! I also found some pictures I can't wait to go through with him, and I found the sweetest note from his Grandma, it said "Hi Nathan Will you be my valentine? Love Grandma E xo" it is just the sweetest thing, I think it will definately bring a smile to his face. I just love going through boxes and remembering times in my life, reading through journals, looking at pictures it takes me forever to get through a box but it's still SO much fun! So anyway I took a few pictures of myself with things I found while sorting and condensing. =]

This is me and Nathan's Ewok - Wicket

This is me in a shirt that I found in one of Nate's boxes, I believe it was his Grandma E's it says "I'm OK God Doesn't Make JUNK" I love it...

Me with the bear Nate won for me on our First Anniversary. ::happy sigh::

Me in a random hat from one of Nate's boxes

So I suppose that is it, been missing his family a bit lately...desiring to be close to your inlaws and having to wait for it to work out in God's timing is a hard place to be in. So please pray for me and Nate.

Been listening to Kirk Franklin today...Oh How I love the Name Jesus, oh you must listen to it if you have a minute, allow yourself to be inspired and touched by the Spirit of God it really does have a way of melting everything away! Thank you Jesus!

Blessings to you all.

A Posse of Pictures

2009-06-01T14:11:00.012-04:00

Mom right after church

Nate right after church

Me in the car on the way back to Orlando
[my new sunglasses! Which are a total blessing, I haven't had any for over a year and the ones I like finally went on sale for only $10! YAY Go God!]

My Mum and Me at City Walk I love this lady.

Some of my favorite fellas.

My Popa! What a handsome happy guy!

Nate and Me on the moving sidewalk.

My amazing husband!

Us Happy Together

My Beautiful Mother

Happy Rents

So there you have it, pictures of yesterday as promised! It was an amazing day, not any pics of Justin b/c he wasn't in a getting his picture mood. =] I love him anyway! Hope you all are having a happy Monday and remembering all the blessings you have, even the smallest ones. Because He is a good God!

Lessons Learned

2009-05-31T20:19:00.003-04:00

So I haven't written in awhile...thought about it a couple times, and alas chose not to.

I'm learning a lot lately, I think learning might come in waves in this season of my life. One moment I'm enjoying all the lessons I just learned and I turn the corner and have a whole new wave of things to learn, grasp, and adapt to. It's tiring, exciting, emotional...needless to say it takes a lot of my time and energy.

Nathan and I have been watching Joyce Meyer online every morning now for two weeks. It's been SO amazing, just teaching us and showing us things...like I said before I never was a huge fan of hers, but God is really just using her at this time in my life to speak to me and Nathan it's really awesome. I can't talk about it enough.

So today is Pentecost Sunday. I think I had heard the phrase before briefly at church growing up, but at our new church they really went into what it meant, it's SO cool learning new things. Our pastor has a passion for Hebrew translation and Greek he's always doing a lot of studying and teaching us new ways to look at scripture I can't tell you how exciting it really is.

One thing that I've been really grabbing hold of lately is making sure that I pray before I speak or make decisions, instead of speaking or making a decision then asking God if it was the correct thing to do. I've always known this was the right way to do it but God has really been impressing it upon me and showing me situations where I can should have done this and pointing out in advance where I can. =] Gotta love the process, and in that process I've learned that I'm no longer applying for the team lead position. Some other doors might be opening for me though so I'm pumped to see what God DOES have in store for me in the new future!

Also for those who may have been following me about what's going on with us and Nate's family, I wanted to just say that I hope no one has thought ill of them because of me. My main purpose of writing anything about that situation was just to outlet some frustration on what I could do better. I thought maybe someone who had been through this could give me advice maybe or someone who might be going through as I am could be encouraged that they aren't alone. Either way, I hurt some feelings and so I wanted to make sure it was clear to those who don't know me which is honestly most of you, that it wasn't my intention to speak badly of anyone.

And in closing on to today...we hung out with the family a little and went to see Night at the Museum 2 I'll post pics tomorrow but it was really funny and just nice to be all together. Church was rockin' this morning. And now off to a night of Settlers and a Movie with my favorite person in the world. Oh and that fella rocks this week b/c he sang to me. Yes my favorite song that he sings, is When a Man Loves a Woman. Because he sings very dramatic and out of key and it's probably one of the cutest things you could ever see. He amazes me and makes me smile and I couldn't be more blessed.

My Husband Rocks and Memorial Weekend

2009-05-22T20:41:00.003-04:00

My husband rocks this week because LAST week before we it rained for 7 days straight...I was missing the rain. I posted it as my status on facebook that I hoped it was raining when I got out of work. Which it totally wasn't...but when Nathan picked me up from work he was dressed all nice...and made me wait at the door while he ducked inside real quick when he opened the door there were candles EVERYWHERE, classical music playing in the background, our dvd fireplace was going, AND he has a cd of the rain and he had that playing as well. It sounds like it might have been noisy but it totally wasn't. It was so great, he had taken time and made an effort to love me. It was GREAT!
We have been trying to eat healthier so he had made a salad, and some stuffed chicken breasts, a little wine it was awesome, and funny b/c we looked at each other after we were done eating and were like I'm still hungry. So we ordered pizza and watched a movie snuggled on the couch. It was an amazing well thought out night just to bless me. Something I hadn't realized I needed, but he knew and fullfilled that need. What an AMAZING husband I have. I'm so blessed.

Hope you guys all have an awesome holiday weekend! We are working working working all weekend...awesome praise report, I'm not usually available to work on Mondays but one of the gals that I work with really needed someone to cover her shift and my manager asked me if I would take it. Well since Nathan had already told it should be busy and he was going to be working a double I was like sure! Well today I found out I'm going to get holiday pay for working it! So what may have started out as kind of a bummer I was working is totally turning out to be a BIG blessing, and I truly believe it is because God sees that I'm trying! He's so faithful and I'm so grateful!
Guess that's it for now! Talk to you later!

Finding the Way

2009-05-21T15:10:00.007-04:00

This last week in the Bernock house...things have been FABULOUS! A couple of highlights though...as to not get too detailed and write a book:

Nate started back at Disney last Saturday...he's liking that it's just a shift here or there, not full time and he can just get a little extra money and have fun. AND a few of the CP's [college program] people he worked with before are coming back for the summer so he's pumped.

As for me I just applied for a promotion with Urban and will find out when my interview is sometime in the next week. My department manager though REALLY loves me so I'm praying for just more favor so that I will get this position. It will allow me to help out more because it will be full time!

As for everything else...well I'll fill you in later, when I'm certain I can word it correctly. God is doing a work in us though that's for sure. He is good and faithful, and I'm just amazed with Him and His love for me. =] Hope you all are experiencing that blessing of knowing Him and His goodness!

Love and blessings to you.

My Husband Rocks

2009-05-15T18:36:00.005-04:00

I guess I should have waited for yesterdays post to put it as a My Husband Rocks post, I've been a little scatterbrained lately with everything going on. lol But there are so many things that rock about my husband I don't mind postnig about how amazing he is twice in a row.

He rocks this week b/c of his discipline. He has exercised every day this week...and today even without me there helping to push him! [which he asked me to do] He has a pretty steep goal and is trying to lose it before our reunion. I'm proud of him, for just being peaceful this week, for being confident, for making a plan and following through on it, for letting me watch what I wanted to watch this week movie wise. He just amazes me, and as our Anniversary peers at us from around the corner I'm realizing how much we have changed since we first got married, in such amazing ways too! Understanding one another better, communicating better, loving each other better, it's just so amazing to have Nathan in my life. He is a man that is a blessing to those around him, not just me. I'm proud to be married to such a funny, smart, gentle, God seeking, strong husband...He rocks! =]

Here are a couple pictures of us yesterday... =]

Out walking.

Off to work and choir practice.

Blessings to you.

So Happy Together

2009-05-14T00:38:00.003-04:00

So lately Nathan and I have had a lot of time to spend together, we've been eating healthy exercising together and both feel SO GREAT! Here are a couple pics of us this week. =]

On our way to work yesterday. [Tuesday]

After a dip in the pool today. [wednesday]

On Our way to work...Saturday I believe. =]

Thanks for reading! Have a blessed end of your week!

Touched, Moved, and Beyond Blessed

2009-05-10T16:40:00.004-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!
I pray that all you mothers out there reading this are having or had an amazing day celebrating you! You deserve it! What a precious blessing you are, far beyond what words could express.
For those of you out there like me, waiting patiently to become a mother...and that just hasn't happened for you yet, I pray peace joy and comfort for you especially today and wanted to just give you a shout out so you knew you were in fact not alone. God is good and our time is coming! Blessings to you all.

These are a few songs that have really been touching my heart recently and so I decided to share. The Lord truly is continuing His work in me and I'm so grateful.

You can click on the link to see music videos that people have put together, I also posted the words, you might just open the video up so you can hear the song and then follow along with the words, whatever you'd like, I just hope it blesses you, where you are at today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU
Bring the Rain - Mercyme
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

This song is amazing for so many reasons, but one of which I learned recently. It has been drilled into my head that God is a good God, He only does whats best for me and so on...not undermine that teaching at all b/c it's great teaching especially for those who think God is just waiting to zap them. However what we've been learning recently at church is that sometimes things happen in our life that seem like an attack of the enemy, when really it's just how God's working out the bigger picture...losing a job isn't always a bad thing, I mean it's not pleasant but our pastor said, what if God is trying to get your attention, He wants you to hear His voice again...just because you've been going to church for years doesn't mean you have to stop working at pursuing Christ, He will take care of your needs for sure, and He won't come into your life without permission He's a gentleman like that, but if you are asking for His will and begging that He move in your life...don't think He's abandoned you if something that seems bad in your eyes happens. We have to start realizing that we are mostly spiritual people and we need to start seeing the world through spiritual eyes...so that's why this song amazes me, if all I need is a little rain in my life to truly praise You God, then bring the rain...b/c my desire is to serve you, and you know what I need in my life to make that happen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU
By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away
Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

'Cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life(Chorus 2x)
Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go(Chorus 2x)

This song Nathan came home and told me about...it just really puts things in perspective, in short God is trying to take care of me and I need to stop trying to solve things in my way...stop trying to be accepted by others, although I tend to drum to my own beat deep inside me I look for acceptance from others I need to only find in Christ...I need to stop striving and stop fighting the hands that are trying to hold me through the storm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTNjM3UnX3I
I Will Run - Freddie Rodriguez & Michael Gungor

Yeah Hallelujah
If your ready to run after God today
Only Glory...
Only your grace x2 Only you can, set me free,
Only your love, has capture my heart,
I hear you calling come, come, come.... S
o I will run, forever I will run unto you oh God
now you have my heart so I will, I will run,
forever I will run, run to you oh God
where else can I go, Forever I will run

Only your love, has captured my heart
I hear you calling come, come, come....
So I will run forever I will run,
unto you oh God now you have my heart,
so I will, I will run, forever I will run, run to you oh God
where else can I go Forever I will run
come, come, come, x4
I hear you calling come, come, come, I
hear you calling x3
So I will run forever I will run, unto you oh God
now you have my heart, so I will, I will run,
forever I will run, run to you oh God
where else can I go Forever I will run
come, come, come, I hear you calling x3

the first two I've been hearing on the radio a lot, this last one we sang in church last week and I've been listening to it over and over again at home...and it turns out it was co-written by my old worship leader...too cool.

I hope you were truly blessed, and that you have a marvelous week!

Hodge Podge Update

2009-05-07T14:17:00.002-04:00

Nathan is taking a nap, after applying for a million jobs today. I'm so proud of him.

We rearranged the living room.

I'm headed to hang out with my folks for a little while then off to choir practice.

One of our friends is having an extreme issue with his knee and is on disability, if you could be praying for his healing and for his wife who is having a hard time b/c the doctors don't know what's exactly wrong. Thanks.

I've been listening to music like crazy, it's helping.

I applied for a couple jobs as well, full time work here I come, Lord willing. Concerned a tad about sharing a car while we both work full time...but it will work somehow, God is faithful.

Family issues, well...I think I might just talk about that later. There is a ton of emotion and I'm trying not to be distracted from what I need to be focused on, God and my husband. Family has to come third, and right now the first two need my attention.

So awesome, I went for an interview a couple weeks ago and met this awesome chick in the waiting room. Neither one of us ended up getting the job, BUT I saw her at church on Sunday, she hugged me like 5 times and gave me her number...it was really cool. She seems like a sweetie and that is just another friend I've made at church. The other one is Liz and we met her and her hubby at the Passover Seder, we had been missing each other at church but saw each other on Sunday! She is coming to choir tonight b/c it's a special mother's day choir all ladies and she was so excited to be coming and to meet up again. Apparently her & her husband [Ray] love football and so we have people to get together with and watch the games this season! Nate is thrilled!

Trying to keep our chins up, you know how I said we were so close to being debt free and everytime we get to that place something sets us back...yeah it happened again. So like I said determined to make it happen before we move, at the end of July. We are not doing anything special for our anniversary...so we can celebrate in Michigan a couple weeks later. ::fingers crossed and praying::

So this is my little everywhere update. Just wanted to stop in and say hey.

Talk to you later.

Clarity, Time, Inspiration and a Lion

2009-05-05T16:41:00.003-04:00

So I'm reading this amazing book Making Marriage Work, I started reading it at the beginning of the year and have just been gradually making my way through it. It's been helping identify some amazing things that I can do to help myself change. So many times I feel we are presented with issues where a fault is made clear and we are left standing there going...now what? How do I be that woman I've always strived to be, that woman I know God wants me to be. I feel like I pick one thing up in life to work on and then inevitably something is forgotten, but in any case this book has been amazing not only in my marriage but in relationships in general. I find that Joyce and I have a lot in common personality wise, spunky, outspoken, passionate...just to name a few. All I think can be great qualities at times but self control is needed many times as well.

Anyway through all the growing, yesterday I hit chapter 11 and it was about confrontation. Wow talk about perfect God timing there. It was awesome how she just pointed out the simpliest things that I already knew and yet they seemed revolutionary, that's God. =] I learned another thing I can do to help be understood correctly, and that is prefacing things. You see I know that I mess up just as much as the next person [maybe even more] I know I have flaws and faults, I can be snappy and easy offended at times, I'm not always as gentle as I would like, sometimes I'm selfish I really could go on. When confronting someone I need to make it more evident then I felt I had in the past that I don't think myself superior. I don't think myself better than anyone that I confront with an issue, I honestly feel like I'm trying to help them, whether to understand my emotions or someone else's...I don't know the point is, I need to point out at the beginning how I too have flaws and do not always act correctly.

Second and probably even more important than the first is I tend to be more like a lion than a lamb. I tend to see a problem, I try and figure it out, evaluate if I have done wrong and then I confront it. Well, I need to make sure I'm waiting for the go ahead from the Holy Spirit. Because even if what I have to say is truth if the Holy Spirit hasn't prepared the heart of the person I'm confronting it can end up a big mess, like the one I'm in now. Timing. It all boils down to timing, as soon as I got off the phone I knew it had not been the right timing, I shouldn't have gone there, it was my bad, I had the opportunity to kick myself repeatedly and I remembered one of my favorite Superchick songs that I have really been quoting a lot, if I get up I might fall back down again, so let's get up come on...the harder I fall the higher I've climbed...it cheered me up, b/c I recogonize my flaw and find rest that I would try and do better next time. But the way Joyce put it in her book just really worded it properly for me, gave me the little missing piece that I needed to actually be able to correct my fault and change in the future, how exciting it is to figure out how to change! I think the most important thing about this is that I don't need to stop being a lion completely b/c Jesus didn't. He was a lion and a lamb, he went from turning over tables in a church to not uttering a single word in his defense. He was in tune with God, He had proper timing. It seems contradictory but it's not. There is a right time and a wrong time. I'm sick of being in the wrong "time zone" I want to sychronize my watch with God's and learn to be more patient and demonstrate more self control. So there are a couple things you can pray for me about. =] And I will appreciate it!

Lots has been going on like I've said mostly, church stuff, lots of church stuff going on this month, and with Nathan only working one job now we will be able to go and do more stuff together! Praise God! and He is able to come to church with me every Sunday now! It's so amazing! We are focusing on the good, determined to overcome. I forgot to post the sermon that I promised but I'm kind of glad I waited b/c it turned out to be a series of 3 sermons...it really was amazing. If you have the time to give it, and would like to open your heart up for an amazing God given word I would encourage you to listen go ahead and click on this link:

http://web.mac.com/withoutwallscentral/Without_Walls_Central/Central_Podcast/Central_Podcast.html

the three are currently the last three titled [in order]

Living in the Bright Side Part 1 of Let the Rooster Crow

Make Some Noise Anyhow Part 2 of Let the Rooster Crow

Convinced in the Dark Part 3 of Let the Rooster Crow

Be prepared Pastor Scott gets super excited and passionate, he speaks truth and is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. We have been SO blessed by his messages there hasn't been one week where I haven't wanted to buy the cd and send it to people AND keep one for myself to listen to again later! It's annointed and spirit filled, and may not be for you, everyone has different seasons so don't feel obligated or bad if you don't like it after you listen. He's talking to us about what we need to be talked to about and it's good for us that's all I know! =]

Anyway, maybe some progress made in my singing career so excited about opportunity there as well. Found out our lease is an extra month so we will be here till the end of July. Which is okay, gives us a little extra time to come up with money for a deposit, and we have been going on walks every day around our ponds, in the complex. All the pretty birds and ducks and turtles come out it's a lot of fun and I'm getting that quality time I need from my hubby, so I'm feeling super loved. Yesterday we even barbequed! Here's a picture for you. =]

Thanks for being there, for reading, for praying, for understanding.

Love to you.

My Husband RocksThrough Tough Weeks

2009-05-01T18:18:00.003-04:00

My Husband Rocks this week...because he just does. He has handled everything thrown at us in the last week remarkably well. He truly is someone I admire love and respect beyond anything I ever imagined. He truly amazes me and gives me strength. Something that came to my attention is his automatic signature to his emails, it just makes him that much more respectable to me it says:
Honesty is simply following the facts
and truthfully speaking from your heart.
May honesty guide you today and forever.
God bless you.

I love it. I love him. End of story.

We went to see Wolverine last night at midnight, IT WAS EPIC! I loved it, Hugh Jackman is so hunky. ;] It was fun, Justin, Nate and Me. It helped a ton!

Things with family are continually getting worse...which like I said before it just sucks. I was informed by my husband though that I am to keep blogging about what I want, I'm not being disrespectful and it is an outlet that none of my friends and only a couple of Nate's family members know about, it creates a nice escape, however I'm not sure how well it will work...I don't want to be stirring things up, even if I don't think I'm wrong in this, I honestly want to be part of the solution. Thanks for your encouraging words though and help with me trying to figure out how to handle things properly, although I haven't completely figured it out, it was helpful to know I'm not the only one out there having issues with inlaws.

So anyway, on to other things. Choir is going well, lots of planning for our reunion trip that we are really determined to go on, we decided to combine a couple of things together, our alone camping trip I was talking about, we are planning on doing after the reunion up in the UP, we plan on visiting friends we haven't seen in ions, hopefully trips to the Coca Cola factory, Cedar Point and Graceland. Also the Woodward Dream Cruise...I've never been and desperately want to be a part of something Nathan did before I met him, I think it's so much fun experiencing those things together.

I guess that's all for now, I'm feeling tired after going to that movie and then working first thing this morning. I'm gonna go cuddle up with a cat, eat something and watch a movie. Thanks for the prayers, we can feel them and appreciate it sooo much!

Blessings to you,

Birthday Pictures and Update

2009-04-29T13:52:00.007-04:00

So here are the pictures from my mums birthday...it truly was an amazing day! My mom was sooo happy and the day was filled with laughter and picture taking. =]

Our family in front of the Castle.

Kristin [my cousin] and Bob [her boyfriend]

My extremely Happy and Attractive Husband, spinning me and mum on the tea cup ride.

Nate, Me, and Justin @ Epcot

Me and My Mum on the Splash Mountain Ride

Me and My Daddy

Beautiful Birthday Girl

Other than that, Nathan talked with his parents on Sunday and we officially are on a break. Nathan in turn has felt a tremendous relief, which I pray I will soon feel as well. Something encouraging, was the difference in the conversations, they seemed a lot more understanding this week, Nathan is concerned though that it might be because I wasn't there involved in the conversation. I pray this is not the case, it's just a crummy situation all together. It sucks b/c my words seem worthless and Nathan has a hard time portraying how he feels a lot, it makes communication very hard...I know a few people responded to my last post and encouraged me greatly! Thank you! If I could ask a question...How do you explain to someone that they haven't accepted you into their family? I mean clearly there have been a number of times I've been accepted...but they are mostly holidays which clearly I wouldn't be left out of and things I've specifically spoken up about to say I want to be included...I wonder if I will never be accepted in the way I wish, and need to just realize that they are accepting me in the way they think is acceptable...should there be a striving to meet in the middle, to explain why I feel unaccepted, or just let it go and be content with what I have. One thing I do know, is that the words every and never, are not helpful in disagreements...everyone in their faults has times where they do things correctly it's the habit that's the issue...

I'm doing a lot of praying and Nathan has been chatting a lot with my dad who has had similar problems in the past with his own family, my dad has been sharing what things he learned, the advice he received from a pastor, and so on...that's one thing I love about my dad as well and something that he has instilled in me, is always looking at things from both sides asking questions to bring out the root of issues the motives for actions...it's been quite helpful, we do not want to act improperly, we want to take responsibility for our part, we want to have peace, what want most of all is just to have resolution.

Thanks for listening to me blather on, a lot of changes have taken place recently, so please be praying for provision, wisdom and continued hope on the grayer days!

Blessings to you and your families.

Happy Birthday Mum

2009-04-22T22:41:00.005-04:00

Celebrating my Mum's birthday tomorrow! So I have to head to bed pretty quick here after a yummy bowl of Strawberry Cheesecake Ice-Cream [with half the fat supposedly] and a quick glimpse at the movie Big Business while falling into sweet slumber.

Tomorrow it worked out fantastic for our whole family to have the day off, we didn't even ask for it off! Nate just had the day off and so did I! God is so good! =] So we are spending the whole day at Disney [my mum's favorite place in the whole world] and then having dinner at a place called Ohana's [which means family] it's Hawaiin themed as well which is another favorite of hers. Not only are we going to be there but my brother as well AND my cousin and her new beau, whom I've never met so it should be a fabulous day! I'm very excited, a day with my family is always a good day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!!!

We love you dearly...

Me and my Mum

Nathan and Mum

Have a great day everyone! Remember to celebrate the ones you love!

Believing for Peace

2009-04-21T11:42:00.002-04:00

My heart is a bit sad today. There are so many amazing things going on in our life right now. God is just clearly opening up doors and making a way for us that is beyond exciting. We are feeling so alive, so in harmony, our marriage is just amazing, our house is cleaner, we are more calm, more peaceful everything is amazing except for one thing.

Our sermon on Sunday was very eye opening to me, I was talking with my mom about sometimes it's hard for me working at the job I have because there is little understanding or respect for my Christianity. I told my boss that I needed Thursday nights off, because I have choir practice and she said oh b/c of some church crap. I was surprised that I wasn't offended or even hurt, it just made my heart sad for her. The joy and fullfillment I find in Christ is just so beyond words that anyone not partaking that I feel is missing out!

Well I was talking with her also about, finding lines, I don't ever want someone to feel like I'm pushing something on them, but I also don't want to endorse things that the Bible is clear about being sin/wrong. I don't consider myself a judgemental person, and I have been confirmed in this by quite a few people, christian and unchristian alike. It's something I personally strive for, that is to not be judgemental. However, I know that as a Christian, the Bible tells me the world will hate me, because the world hated Jesus, truth does not rub the world the right way. [that's a quote from my pastor] I need to not be trying to make everyone feel better about their sin, b/c I have fear of being perceived as judgemental. I can't not say something just because I have stuff in my own life that needs changing, that's the beauty of fellowship you help one another out with your stuff. I tend to be a little too accepting I think of sin in others lives b/c I don't want them to be hurt by yet another Christian. It's tough when Jesus is so amazing and so many Christians are unloving and judgemental. In an effort to not be that though some end up accepting everything! Which is not the way of Christ, yes we are to LOVE EVERYONE, but sometimes that love is a tough love. It's saying what you don't want to say, it's speaking truth. [this was all the sermon on Sunday] He spoke of the fact that the church has lost it's conviction. And the fact is, God is very clear about things being right or wrong, yes approach in love, but stand for what's correct and just. The worst part of it all, we will be misunderstood, and misjudged...people will call us judgemental, which is where we double examine our hearts to make sure we are not, but then we have to find peace in Christ, we have to allow Him to be our defender. When we don't word things correctly, we need to get back up and try again, God knows my heart, he knows I have a love for people, I need to stop being wishy washy, I need to stop looking to certain people in my life for justification, my justification is in Christ. I am on this earth for His purposes and His plans, and how He wants to fullfill those in my life, I need to be open to that.

Things sadly are not going well my husbands family and us. It truly breaks my heart, and I think what hurts even more is it would appear, things will not be resolved anytime soon. We have been perceived in a certain way for so long...and we are taking a breath, remembering that we are not perfect, finding that rest I've been talking about, and letting God do our defending. It's tough, I want to rise up and defend myself, I want acceptence, I want justification in who I am, as does Nathan. However we are learning to rely on God for those things, and not family. It's tough, because family can play such an amazing role in your life, but it can also play such a harmful one, in this time of growth and eye opening, learning and so on...it's important that we keep focused on God and not get distracted. I explained it to my mom in this way: Nathan and I are growing so much, I see God working in both of us in amazing ways, if family is going to be a hindrance to that then we need to break away from that for a time, so that we can focus on God and not be consistantly challenged with keeping our joy. It was awesome b/c I used to word hindrance and one of the verses she had found in her quiet time that morning was Joel 2:12 amplified version: ..."says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hinderance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored.]"
Our broken fellowship with the Lord is the most important thing for us to repair at this point in our lives, we are learning and are sure to make mistakes, but the point is not to dwell on the mistakes but the growth. So if you could just pray for us, to continue having that peace, being misunderstood is such a hard thing for me, and I need to get over it, especially in this situation. ::BIG SIGH::

Would so appreciate it if anyone has encouragement! Hope you are all having a FABULOUS week! I pray blessings for anyone who reads this.

2009-04-16T22:53:00.015-04:00

Just back from an AMAZING choir practice! I'm singing on stage this Sunday! WOWZER I'm a little nervous but SUPER excited God is good! and I'm learning SO much, and finding SO much rest it's amazing. I haven't felt so peaceful in so long and it's amazing I can't describe it any other way.

Nate and I had an amazing Easter! Everything was amazing and better than we expected and the time we got together was amazing. I can't even begin to tell you the blessing it is to me that Nathan and my family meld so well together. It's like he's been a part of my family forever and it warms my heart. Here are some pictures like I promised... =]

Us before Good Friday Service

This was a completely candid and accidental picture that is awesome and sahows such brotherly love...haha =]

Flowers for both us from Nathan [what a good hubby I have!]

After the Passover Seder

Us at the Sunrise Service 6:30am It was GREAT!

Us on our way to church, Happy Easter!

At Church

Nate and His Church Mama, Druscilla

Nathan's grandma used to make lamb EVERY Easter, and so this year I decided to make it for him in rememberance of that tradition and the beginning/keeping on of that tradition in our family, he was VERY excited and everyone loved it! [I was happy since I never made it before!]

Me and the first Trifle I've ever made

Justin Taking a ridiculously large bite of potatoes

Lemon Blueberry Trifle it was my pride and the lamb was my joy! =]

So there is a mini update, it takes so long to upload pictures on here I tell you! =] Things are good with us though, we were able to repack some boxes and reorganize things so things won't be so hectic when we move, that makes me feel a TON better. Especially since the next couple of months are kind of busy with birthdays, a couple weddings and mothers day and then church events and possible new jobs [again lol] so I'm not sure how well I will be at updating but please keep us in your prayers! God is good!

Till next time be Blessed!

Amazing Sunday

2009-04-06T14:46:00.003-04:00

I know it's not Friday but my husband melts my heart and I just wanted to share the text he just sent me! This is our text convo!

Me: Can't wait to see you! Listened to part 1 of yesterdays sermons, it's raining! Awesome1 Bout to grab a book do load of whites and eat something can't wait 2 c u!

Nate: I luv you more than a storm & a good book, more than hot chocolate on a snowy day, & more than a million dollars a day for the rest of my life! I luv you more!

Me: Awww....lover you amaze me and take my breath away

Nate: Only because I'm in awe of u every single day. I am captured by ur spirit & ur face is the beautiful bow on a perfect gift given to me by our creator and king!

Me: :o) thanks baby, I needed that!

What a sweetie eh? I love him so much. We had an amazing day yesterday, church was beyond amazing! Went to membership class yesterday with rents. We actually become members in a month or so I guess, they only accept members 4 times a year, and they announce it a couple weeks in advance so...pumped for that when it happens! We got a ton more info about getting involved and a program they run through the church for college credit, interning in every ministry for a month, it's pretty amazing. The sermon was amazing he talked about the rules of engagement! The spirit was present like whoa! I was truly blessed and got some couped up tears out. Nathan and I both went up for the alter call and cried together. It was an amazing moment. It was encouraging and hopeful b/c it was an alter call for people who were tired of being where they are and believe that God has got something coming. It was for people that feel attacked, and opposed all the time and need refreshing...anyway when they post it online I'll post the link so you can go check it out b/c it blew us away! I talked with the choir director about joining choir and will hopefully start the process next week! =] I love being where I'm supposed to be! I love being in Florida, I love being married to Nathan, I love the time I have with my parents, I just am loving life right now, and I'm deciding to love life from now on. Circumstances will constantly come and try to take our joy, we must not let them win.
I wasn't able to do the craft...it ended up being a little more expensive then expected so maybe next year! Still excited about this coming weekend, we are going to a good friday service at noon too! And Saturday Nathan and I are going to the beach just the two of us. [I got a new suit too! it was on sale from $150 to $30 God is good!]
It was a great Sunday and this week is pretty low key, just cleaning up the mess that became when I was sick, it's not actually that bad, Nate's a good helper and I was stubborn some days and cleaned even thouh I felt like crap. haha
Have a great week ladies! Be blessed!

My Husband Rocks and A Praise Report!

2009-04-03T21:53:00.003-04:00

In our home, we have specifically been focused on being happy for others when good things happen. When so and so gets a new car, or another couple is pregnant, their buying a house, so and so got a promotion...sometimes we feel a bit looked over, left out and behind, but what an amazing feeling to TRULY be happy for someone in their successes!?!? Well the other day a friend of ours from CFNI chatted with me a bit online and told me that he just got offered the job he has been praying for over in Germany. They are paying for all of his stuff to be moved paying the temaining payments for his laser eye surgery and he gets to be by this girl he has been talking with and hopefully start a relationship! How good is God! I was overjoyed for him, truly and utterly overjoyed and then I was overjoyed that I was so excited for him and didn't think at all about my situation and didn't start thinking about what was missing from my life. I was just happy. It not only made me happy but it encouraged me and I left the conversation feeling uplifted and hopeful. I brought this to my husband's attention when I told him another couple from CFNI we know is pregnant. He let out a sigh and I told him about the amazing feeling I had when I released my desire to be a mom. I found rest, that I've been talking about, and I found it with this too. I can only do so much and I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself about things I can not change or help anymore than what I've already done!
This afternoon Nathan got home and was all excited to tell me about how he was excited with a guy at work today about something and how I was right it was such an amazing feeling. My husband rocks because he's learning to be truly happy for others. He listened to me and let me be a helper, and well he is just an amazing husband all around.
Our marriage just continues to blossom and it brings joy to my heart.

Something amazing that happened after all this, is we got a call from our insurance guy, about the car accident claim we filed. Well what happened was the cop at the scene suggested a certain amount, that sounded nice to us! Then we had the evaluation and the quote was a bit less then what the cop had said but was still better then nothing, well today like I said the insurance guy called and told us how much they are giving us and its a bit more than what the cop suggested! How exciting is that! AND what is soooo exciting about that is that with this money, we will only be a few hundred dollars from being debt free [not including school loans] isn't that EXCITING!!! =] I'm soooo pumped!!!! Debt free is an amazing thought and there have been many times we thought we were close and then we seemed to take a step back now it finally seems within grasp and it is really the most amazing feeling ever.

So besides that, things are amazing. I had dinner today at the house with a friend I used to work with at Michaels, which was nice. Looking forward to Sunday all day with my hubby, and now I'm about to watch Grease have an amazing new popsicle that my hubby picked me up at the store Mango Pomegrante...another reason why my husband rocks! He knows how much I love pomegrante and picked them up for me b/c he thought I'd like them and he loves me. =] What a blessed woman I am. Even when I don't see it, I truly am blessed.

Talk to you later everyone, thanks for the get well wishes! My ear finally unplugged and I feel a ton better, planning on getting on top of blogland after Easter craziness! =]

Infection

2009-03-31T16:51:00.004-04:00

So I'm sorry that I haven't been commenting a lot lately...I really haven't felt very well, and have been zoning out.

Last night Nate got home from work and decided he was taking me to Urgent Care because I have been sick for over a week and my ear plugged up Sunday and was still plugged yesterday. So come to find out, I have my very first ear infection I've ever had. Which has made my congestion not go away...anyway I'm wonderful antibiotics, but when we got in the car to go to Urgent Care the car wouldn't start. It wasn't even turning over, so needless to say, we are blessed beyond words that my parents are within driving distance and they came, my dad helped Nate fix the car [which ended up getting a new battery] and my mom went with me to Urgent Care. So I got medicine the car is running nicer with a new battery and all is settled in the Bernock household again. God certainly is good.

Today I bought a new dress, [with my awesome gift card I got for a contest at work] for the Passover Seder it's purple and can be dressed up or down. I plan on saving a little and buying this fabulous scarf to go with it, and hopefully will find a nice cover up sweater type thing. It's floor length and gorgeous I'm so excited. Also some tights I've been wanting went down to $3.99 and a shirt I have been wanting to get Nathan since it came in got marked down to $9.99 it was so cool b/c there was only one more of my size dress left, the only one left of the shirt was Nathan's size and there was only one pair of tights left, an amazing shopping day it was! So off to rest, my friend Brandi is coming over tomorrow for a couple of hours to catch up and resting the rest of tomorrow. =] Hopefully next week I will be able to catch up on all your blogs I've missed and until then know I'm thinking about you.

MUAH

Easter Preperations

2009-03-28T16:34:00.005-04:00

So April is knocking and I'm astounded at how time is just flying! This year has been a year of getting back on our feet, making tough decisions, within and reguarding others. It's a tough thing standing up for what you know is right when those whom you love don't understand, and yet it still must be done. So you look forward and focus on the good things like Easter!

I've never been a huge Easter celebrater, which may surprise some of you. However, I was always super thankful for Jesus and His sacrifice, I just never got into decorations very much on my own and after my Aunt died, well we didn't really do anything huge in our family about it...since she died shortly after Easter. I suppose maybe it was something inside of me that still felt guilty about the last time I saw my aunt...[on Easter] who knows! But I've moved past it whatever it was and am more excited about Easter than ever before! I think a lot has to do with the church we are going to, like I said before they are having a Passover Seder, which is a huge feast like the one that Jesus had when He announced His death to His disciples. Nathan and I bought tickets already, we get to dress up, and although we were hoping the whole family would be able to go, it's not really looking like that's a possibility due to the price, but I'm excited for us to go either way. Then we are also going to a Sunrise service on Easter morning! I'm sooo pumped! There are two different ones we have to choose between, our radio station is having one at Sea World and after we heard about that one we found out our church was having one as well. So we are deciding. My mom and I are making a big dinner, we invited my cousin and her boyfriend, and my mom's friend Beth...anyway it's going to be great!

I also get the magazine Country Living and I found an inexpensive craft I going to do, so I can start adding to my Easter decorations! It's a Almond Joy Wreath they called it...I'm very excited to make it! I love wreaths! So I will have to take plenty of pictures and show you my creation and how it all turns out!

Meanwhile, other than Easter decorations and fighting sickness, we have been looking at houses a lot lately, we are praying for favor so we can buy one! I'm excited to have a garden and have something we can add on to, paint and that will be ours. Something we won't be flushing rent down the drain with. =] So any prayers you want to throw at us for that would be greatly appreciated!

So any fun Eater projects going on in your homes? Hope to hear about them!
Have a blessed end of March and a Fabulous Beginning to your April!

Learning

2009-03-25T14:44:00.002-04:00

Hey there. Still sick here. Stayed over at my rents house Sunday and Monday night. Went to ladies night on Monday with my mum...didn't care if I felt like crap and it was worth it. Sunday's sermon was amazing and was about excuses.

Our new church is amazing because it acknowledges the power the enemy has but it also acknowledges the responsibility we have for our own lives and I love that, the getting a little kick on the butt on Sunday morning is what I want, b/c I want to grow! I learned this weekend that always focusing on my flaws and how I need to change is still thinking about myself all the time and I need to be thinking about others! Wowzer, if you stop and think about that for a sec it will hit you too. So yeah Sunday was about excuses. You can go on vacations if you save money for them, you can do this or that...it's just about what's important to you. It was really amazing to say the least.

I also realized that I just need to step back from my relationships with my inlaws take a breath a break and start over. So much of our relationship I feel is built on bad first impressions. So I personally am focused on trying to get that picture out of my head and trying to prove that I'm not that person they have a first picture about, instead of just being myself. God is my defender. So I need to step away from the mess...that I have helped create and just breathe and start over again. I'm determined for this to work and I need a new approach. Please pray for me that it all works out. It's so hard standing up for what you know is the right thing when you know you will be misunderstood. I hate being misunderstood but I have to realize and accept that it's going to happen and I will just have to work my way through it. I can't betray myself.

So anyway got to jet b/c I think I got what Nathan had a couple of weeks ago and I seem to be getting worse instead of better...I was instructed to rest rest and rest some more. =] So good nite folks talk to you soon.

-Sarah

A Little Catchup

2009-03-20T20:37:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to check in and let you all know I'm still alive...I've been really bad about blogging lately, a lot of drama that I'm trying to clean up and out of my life. It's tough making decisions telling the truth and standing for what you believe in, trying not to be judgemental, but still not just turning a blind eye...it's even harder when you are misunderstood, or when you start blaming yourself for ALL of it hoping that will make it all better. But the truth is sometimes you are meant to walk away with the other person unhappy with you, misunderstanding...and you have to continue to work on yourself, hear God's voice and let Him do your defending for you.

So I'm not feeling well...fighting off getting sick so I'm about to zonk myself out with some Nyquil after I'm done writing this and have a bowl of soup.

Nate and I are doing fabulous in our marriage...which is such a success story since we were really hitting some rough patches there for awhile. We are finding rest in life. Choosing not worry about how things will end up, focusing on today! We've been walking together! Which has been amazing, because it's cheering me up a ton, a lot of people are noticing that I've lost weight now, and we get that quality time even if it's just for 15 minutes between Nate's jobs...he's giving me that time while the sun is still up and it means the world to me.

You know how I've been wanting a puppy? Well I found some a little more inexpensive and still the kind I want....so I'm praying that shortly after our move I can get one! =]

Tomorrow I have work. Sunday, I'm dropping Nate off at work, heading to church with the rents, registering for the Passover Sader!!! oh yeah...and hanging out with the fam till I go pick Nate up and we get to hang out in the evening. Then Monday, I head back out to Lakeland for the women's night at church, Nate told me I need to go, and I'm dragging my mom along. We are going to have a great time, stepping a tad bit out of our comfort zone. I always tend to hate the before part...a couple of days before I'm supposed to hang out with someone or go somewhere I find reasons why I shouldn't go, or just completely dread it, but after I get there, I flourish, making friends with every person that steps in my path, I leave feeling refreshed and fullfilled I need to remind myself of that on Sunday...but so far so good, I'm excited. Probably because Nate and my dad have now been to two Men's nights and simply gush about them afterwards. =] I'll let you know how it goes.

Oh and for those of you who were praying for my friends Steve and Kim. I'm sorry to let you know that Steve did pass away, on March 8th. His wife his obviously having a hard time with it, being in a house all on her own now with so much more life to live. So if you could just please keep lifting her up. She is so much stronger than I have ever seen a woman. Rejoicing in the gain of her husband, to be in heaven. But now is the time where things are really hitting her so to speak and she needs some extra strength. Thank you friends.

Talk to you more later.

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-18T12:56:00.004-04:00

So after I wore green all day, ate some cornbeef and had some Guiness...Nathan and I wanted to know where all this hoop-la began about St. Patrick's Day, I'm sure I've heard it before but I looked it up and thought you might find it interesting. I found this information on: http://wilstar.com/holidays/patrick.htm

The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn, and he almost didn't get the job of bishop of Ireland because he lacked the required scholarship.

Far from being a saint, until he was 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. During his captivity, he became closer to God.

He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for a period of twelve years. During his training he became aware that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity.

His wishes were to return to Ireland, to convert the native pagans to Christianity. But his superiors instead appointed St. Palladius. But two years later, Palladius transferred to Scotland. Patrick, having adopted that Christian name earlier, was then appointed as second bishop to Ireland.

Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.

His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.

Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Not much of it is actually substantiated.

Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday.

One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. And this stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.

The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in this country, in Boston.

Today, people celebrate the day with parades, wearing of the green, and drinking beer. One reason St. Patrick's Day might have become so popular is that it takes place just a few days before the first day of spring. One might say it has become the first green of spring.

Pretty neat eh? I thought so. Hope you all had a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

An Amazing Church Family

2009-03-16T13:16:00.002-04:00

I just can't say enough how much I love life right now! =] Things are amazing!
Although I can't share all of them right now, I would love to gush about our church. We are having the most amazing time! We went bowling with them on Friday night, which was a blast. Last night we went to a special Sunday night service, Christians United with Israel a night to honor Israel it was AMAZING! We saw John Hagee speak and General Consulate of Israel in Miami...yeah it was really cool. The choir even did a song in Hebrew, which was very impressive.

The thing I most excited about though, is Good Friday, apparently they do a Passover Sader, an actual Passover feast, it's a five course meal, they have dancing and it provides a better understanding of communion. Anyway we are SOOOO pumped to go! Lord willing we will go as a family, as my brother has agreed to go and we will sign up on Sunday! =]

Also in the month of April there are a few other things like young adults group we are going to go to it's called uncut, we are excited to meet other people our age, we already have connected with a few people through facebook that we met at the bowling night. This really is the most amazing thing, b/c Nathan and I have never had a home church together, we have visited churches and have stayed for awhile, but never anything like this, it's really an amazing feeling.

Like I said there are a lot more fun things going on in life right now, and I will be sure to tell you all, when I know more. =]

Blessings to you.

A Visit from a Friend

2009-03-12T14:03:00.006-04:00

So these are just a couple of pictures from the hundreds...it was an AMAZING week! So many things to do, so many things happening for Nathan and me...life is good and I'm truly finding that place of rest inside of myself. Thank God, for hope.

Me laying on Cocoa Beach

Michelle at Busch Gardens with the Stiltwalkers.

Michelle and Me at Clearwater Beach

Us at Universal City Walk

I'll try and post more pictures later...sorry I was gone for so long. Tomorrow, I have a doctor appointment and we are going bowling with our church! It's going to be a blast...the whole day with my hubby! Tonight I have to work then we are watching Heroes before hitting the hay. Life is so good, and something amazing has happened that I never thought would, I like living in Florida. [wowzer!] It is SO amazing loving where you are at in life...and right now life is just getting better and better.

Talk to you later!

Raspberry Kamikaze Sexiness

2009-03-03T13:06:00.004-05:00

So...The Bachelor was a major disappointment. Saturday I met Amanda from the last season of the Bachelor and she had told me that this was going to happen. Grrr....the Jimmy Kimmel interview helped me a lot though, b/c turns out he had to break up with her on tv because of the contract they had...that's a bummer and I felt bad for him, but only a little b/c I liked Melissa WAY more than I liked Molly but I really do hope that he gets his happily ever after ending.

Meanwhile, I went tanning yesterday, the first time in years! It was amazing and free, which always makes it better. The first three visits are free...how awesome is that. =] It made me miss the days I tanned on a regular basis, being tan just makes me feel so much more sexy that and I lost ANOTHER pound! I am on a roll! Losing weight, doing crunches, tanning, and....I put some color in my hair...Raspberry Kamikaze. It looks amazing! Here are the pictures:

My Mom let me put some in her hair too! She is so awesome!

Now I'm just getting ready for a BUSY week with my friend Michelle who gets in tomorrow and trying to nurse my husband back to health, yucky tummy and a fever is no fun!

Please forgive my absence if I'm not back on here until next week! =]

My Husband Rocks, even when we are apart.

2009-02-27T19:54:00.002-05:00

Today I was having an I miss my husband day...those always suck. You feel crummy unproductive and maybe even a little weepy. That was my day today...Nate has been texting me all day...encouraging me and trying to cheer me up, then he calls me in between his shifts and says I sent you something that should help you feel a little better. I was like oh yeah? What is it?Well he did tell me...and he had called the chinese place that I love so much and order me some lunch/dinner and had them deliver it to me! Is he not the sweetest!?!?! It's the simple things like that, that are what really show me the love. Just his texts alone were uplifting...but adding that extra something special, well it was beyond words and that is why my husband rocks this week! He has been busting his butt, to show me how much he cares, and I can see it paying off, slowly but surely we are getting there, and that makes my heart happy! =]

Also the fact that I got on the scale today, and have lost 8lbs...yeah that helped brighten my day as well. God is sooo good!

Back to the Future Excitement

2009-02-26T22:05:00.002-05:00

Today was great! I slept half of it away...must have needed it. I went to bed with a throbbing headache and woke up at 1pm feeling MUCH better. Sometimes sleep is all you need, and I'd rather that then getting sick for a week, especially since a week from yesterday my friend will be here! I'm soooo pumped!

Anyway, shortly after I got up, I chatted with my dad a bit, he's having a hard time right now getting a job that does exist but for some reason isn't coming together as smoothly as expected, it's a long story but he's camping out at a friends house in Jacksonville waiting for things to work themselves out. So I chatted with him, which was nice, I love my poppa! Then I got a call shortly after from my bubby [brother] saying that he and my mom were at the theater right down the street and they were playing all three Back to the Future movies today and you only had to pay for one at matinee price even! So at first I wasn't going to...but then I thought you only live once right??!?!! And we all need a little more spontenaity in our life, here it was knocking on my door and I almost turned it down! So I went and watched them all...shared some popcorn, some great laughs, and saying the lines of the movie along with the actors. It was great the only thing missing was Nathan, but it still was great. I took some pics with my bubby's camera...so whenever he uploads them I will share them with all you great folk! =]

Now I'm catching up on facebook, and researching dogs. I want to be a mom more than anything in my life...it's something I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. Sure I have a whole slough full of other aspirations and goals, but personally having a house full of children grow up and love us and God would be accomplishment enough for me...because of that great passion and desire in me...it's hard for me to not catch Baby fever...wow does it just creep in and take over. I sometimes take a breather for a couple of months, I pack it away for at least a year...and two months later, pregnant woman seem to be everywhere I go! haha In an effort to ward off this "disease" I've been begging for a puppy. Something a little more interactive and more work than the kitties that we have. Something that will go for walks with me, and even add a little more security for when I'm home by myself. So as those of you who follow along with my blogs know, I desperately want a great dane...yes a blue one, they are so handsome when they are grown...but they are quite expensive. So I agreed to do some research and find another type of dog for now...and put off the great dane for awhile...I don't know if I'll find something, but I'm hoping to! I don't know when we will actually get it either...I'm thinking probably for our anniversary, once we move into something on the first floor or a house...and maybe even a yard ::fingers crossed:: So that's the excitement of my life for now! Hope everyone is doing fabulous, don't forget to leave me some comment love! =]

Wordless Wednesday is all about Jamming

2009-02-25T10:58:00.004-05:00

The Blogging Slacker Returns from wherever she was...

2009-02-23T18:28:00.007-05:00

What a blogging slacker I am! So sorry!

It's been a busy time lately, lots of decisions, and activity. Besides working the little bit that I do, we managed to watch 2 full seasons of Hero just short of two weeks. =] Now we are completely addicted.

Then Friday night and Saturday morning I went to the Joyce Meyer conference that was in town, I went with my parents, saw Matt Redman lead worship and was revived spiritually beyond words. I had never been a huge fan of Joyce but really liked the teaching I received over the weekend and am looking into trying to go to her women's conference in September that she has every year in St. Louis. I LOVE conferences, they are so energetic so freeing and life bringing, you gain perspective you are encourage and renewed and I just can't get enough!

She talked about how we need to trust God and rest in Him. The things that He has put on your heart to accomplish will be accomplished if we rely on Him. We need to stop worrying about how things will work out, how we will get there, how, but where, but what about this, NO! Just stop yourself, calm yourself, breath in deeply for a minute and let your soul go on vacation. Let God work out the details, let God open up the doors, Remember the things you know in your heart and believe in them, truly believe in them so they go beyond words, and they become action! =] Phew! It was even more amazing then that but I'll stop there.

Then yesterday we went to our friends church to see their precious little girl, get dedicated. We went to a barbeque afterwards, it was so wonderful being able to wear shorts and having a little too much sunshine in February. What a blessing! I am really becoming more and more content with being in Florida, although I know this is not where I want to settle I know that we are here now and I need to stop focusing on what the next step is, and just appreciate where I'm at right now for what it is.

This is Gracie! [she is just so pretty!]

Nathan is trying to get a youth internship currently. We are looking for a house to rent. Resting in the fact that God knows what's on our hearts, He wants us to have the desires of our hearts [as long as they match up with His word, which they do!] and so He will accomplish them in His perfect timing, for now, we need to be looking for what we are to accomplish while we are here...and although I have my theories...I'll save that for another post.

Blessings to you all, I pray that your eyes will be completely open to the blessings around you.

Oh and as a last thought and update. Awhile back, [about a month or so] I asked for you all to pray for a couple I know, Kim and Steve. As a recap, Kim has just come out of multiple surgeries that have made her cancer free and after her last surgery [a hysterectomy] they found out that her husband, Steve has stage 4 cancer and with chemo would have roughly a year, without it 5 months...well it would seem that things are progressing much faster than that, I talked to my friend Megan [b/c the couple are her in-laws] and she said he looks MUCH worse than he did even 3 weeks ago. He can no longer up and down the stairs, his skin has turned yellow, and he sleeps most of the time b/c of the pain. We are truly praying for a miracle, as their family prepares to let go of a beloved member of their family. He has started to say his good byes already...and so as you can imagine this is a very emotional time for them all. Megan's husband, Steve's son is in the navy and so they are praying for favor that he would be able to make it home one last time to see his dad if a miracle is not going to happen. So if you could just continue to put him [and his family] on your prayer lists, I would greatly appreciate it!

Alright, love to you all.

Valentine's Day Recap

2009-02-16T14:10:00.007-05:00

So we are totally celebrating Valentine's Day like all week...we are still sleeping in the tent...and Thursday we are getting boneless wings and hanging out ALL day long. We are completely addicted to Heroes now, we are watching them on DVD and are about half way through season two thanks to my bubby for lending them to us. =] So here are a couple of pics from the Sunday evening celebration. We simply exchanged cards.

Nathan and Me

Yummy Smores on the front porch

Nathan having smores for the very first time! [he's always just eaten the marshmallows] He liked them! YAY!!!

Laughing in the tent

Sparkling red grape juice to toast with...our 4th Valentine's Day together. awww...

That's all for now...more later guys.

Past and Present Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T15:08:00.008-05:00

Since my husband is a waiter, we tend to celebrate Valentine's Day on a different day then the actual 14th of February. I think the only Valentine's Day that we actually spent with each other was our very first.

Nathan made me a riddle that I had to figure out to know where we were going it was so cool, and that's how I found out he was taking me to the Dallas zoo...[which was mostly under construction, poor fella] But we enjoyed some hand holding and some picture taking, it was a lot of fun looking at all those birds, buying a little flamingo water bottle [that I still have], and just being together. After the zoo and some lunch he dropped me off at my dorm so I could get ready for the night...I made him dinner, brought some candels and had a friend drop me off at the park that Nathan I always went to. So when he was all ready he called me and I had forgotten matched to light the candels so I said alright pull out of the parking lot and stop at the closest gas station and buy a lighter or candels...he was SO confused but he did it, then I said get back on the highway and just drive...I had remembered the number of the exit instead of the street hoping he wouldn't know right away...and it worked! So anyway he ended up pulling into the park with me just sitting there with this nice dinner and candels and a couple of presents, he was floored. He ate and exchanged presents, he bought me a book by Max Lacado that I had wanted, I bought him a stuffed monkey he had mentioned was his favorite [at least one of them] and some cologne. I think he got me something else but I honestly can not remember...that's a bummer I'm sure it's in one of my journals somewhere...hold on sec...::insert jeopardy theme music here:: okay! It was a beautiful card, a box of chocolates and the book. He is very romantic. After we finished with dinner we went to the movies and saw Something New...which was a nice movie. It was a great first Valentines together.

The next year was our first Married Valentines day!!! We didn't celebrate on the exact day b/c we had family in town and Nathan was working...I think we might have even split it up into two different days...but we went bowling, ate at Spaghetti Warehouse, and went to the Aquarium. It was a fabulous day[s] as well.

Last year, well...Nathan found a Fazoli's down here [one my fav places to eat when I lived back in Michigan]...I typed up a letter for him...I rememer I was kind of sad that day for some reason, so I'm pretty sure we just came home and had some chinese and watched some movies together. Pretty low key. =]

AND Now this year...Nathan worked a double yesterday. I stayed at home, my parents came over to help around the house b/c I'm still pretty darn sore. We chatted a lot, soaked in the hot tub watched a movie. I had my dad hang up Nathan's punching bag so he could get rid of some of his agression in a healthy way, guys need that...an outlet of sorts. We had gotten in a fight the night before [me and Nate] and had continued to fight via text most of the day, which really sucked. BUT He called and said that he was sorry and that we should talk when he got home, b/c he had been selfish and he doesn't want to be that person anymore and I had already had my dad hang up the punching bag and I put a note on it that simply said Happy Valentines Day Monster. [heart]B. I peeked through the blinds when I heard him open up the screen door...and he was just standing there staring. He stood out there for a good couple of minutes and finally came inside and said, thank you. I don't deserve it, but thank you. We hugged and kissed and talked some more stuff out. He shared with me his frustration of not being able to come up with things to do for me that don't cost money. He said I want to do stuff for you all the time but everything I think of costs money and we don't have any to spare at the moment. I told him I understood and I was just pleased that he liked it. =] So today we are actually celebrating...I think it's going to be half today and half on Thursday. He's making dinner...the same yumminess we had for my birthday and I...set up our tent that we got for our wedding...that had not been opened yet...yeah I put it up all by myself in our living room...boy was I sweating when I was done...it says right in the instructions that you need two people, I prayed for favor and got it all up and put together...

before he comes home...I'll probably slip into something cute, put the fire on the tv...we have one of those fireplace dvd's [so cool] and maybe even the rainforest cd that Nate likes so much...I hope he likes it, I'm sure he will. Although we are going through some rough times right now in our reltationship, I'm just glad that we aren't the quitting types...we are in this forever, and I know that God is going to help us come out of everything much stronger. =]

[I'll post a picture of us later]

Hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T13:21:00.002-05:00

This will be short since it's quite uncomfortable to type...I was in a tiny little car accident on Tuesday, the car is fine, it wasn't our fault so we didn't get a ticket or anything...but after I went home and took a nap and got back up my neck was very sore, I thought I just slept on it wrong...but the next morning it was a lot worse...well it continued in this pattern throughout the day Tylenol not even touching it, so Nate took me to Urgent Care, x-ray came back normal they gave me a muscle relaxer and a pain killer both did not really even touch the pain...neither did heat...so I added some Tylenol in there and a couple of hot showers...I'm a little better today but last night was AWFUL! I sneezed and my whole back tensed up and now half my back is swollen. It almost feels like someone shoved a rod down my spine and anytime I move it causes pain. Anyway I should wrap this up...but just wanted to explain my absence in bloggy land!

Talk to you soon.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T13:20:00.009-05:00

Lovely Sundays

2009-02-09T01:51:00.004-05:00

Went to church with the rents this morning. Very nice.

Ate chili dogs afterwards.

Chatted about child rearing, marital roles, inner desires to become the people we want to be, being creative & other people not seeing that, the possibility of me getting a perm, the fact that my mom needs to get back into sewing & crafts...the chat was really fabulous.

Then we played a full game of clue, that I [the winner of almost every game I play] did not win one single round in, and was a complete good sport about. YAY for me! We had a really good time laughing and just goofing around.

Gave my dad a much needed haircut.

Nate & I jetted home after that...a couple bites of pizza, a shower b/c my hair felt gross and I couldn't get over it, a quick video chat [skype] with the B-Rents then off to City Walk.

Starbucks was the next stop, me and my yummy usual [caramel frappacino extra caramel] and Nathan with his usual [Caramel Macchiato with a little hazelnut]. We chatted and made a step in the right direction relationship wise...we are really growing right now, learning, and truly coming out of the newly wed phase they call it, and into the choosing to always be in the newly wed phase, phase. [sorry if that doesn't make any sense, maybe some day I'll explain] Anyway the chat was really good and we made some progress.

Then we went to see He's Just Not That Into You, which I think has made it's way into my favorites list now, and Nathan agrees. I won't go off about it, but it was a great time together, lots of laughs, lots of happy sighs, some hand holding and even a lovely intimate kiss...which was simply divine.

Now we are at home, Nathan has fallen asleep to Stomp the Yard, I'm catching you lovely folk up on my day as I hear some lovely wine and my pj's calling my name.

Hope you are having a fabulous morning! [or afternoon/evening depending on when you read this]

More talk about my hair soon. [see last post]

love love love

Saturday Ponderings

2009-02-07T19:21:00.003-05:00

I love her hair, and I want it...but is this possible I wonder???

Had a fabulous night last night with my friend Brandi, we went and saw He's Just Not That Into You...it has a cast full of people you would know and I liked it. I wrote a review about it on my other blog. [go check it out and leave me some comment love]

Other than that I relaxed today watched Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice online OH MY GOSH!! I can see the downward spiral coming...is it weird that my first reaction is to pray for people in television programs? haha

Tomorrow hanging out with the rents after going to church with them, Nate FINALLY has a Sunday off, then we are heading back for a little alone time/date night. =] Should be swell. See you on Monday...or tomorrow night if we get done early, don't wait up though! ;o)

My Husband Rocks

2009-02-07T02:10:00.004-05:00

2. Tell the story of a memory about your husband that brings you a smile and a giggle every time you think about it!

As newlyweds, one day we were having a conversation about roasting marshmallows over candles and how romantic that would be and from there we somehow ended up talking about the game played in many youth groups and is called "chubby bunny" well if you are unfamilar let me teach you...one marshmallow at a time you put them in your mouth and say chubby bunny and whoever can get the most mashamallows in there mouth and still say chubby bunny wins...apparently some places stopped playing this game b/c lots of people puke and well some I guess choke, but nevertheless us braveless souls partook of playing this game in our kitchen and EVEN managed to get a picture, it makes me giggle EVERY time. [I LOVE spontaneity.]

Here is the picture for your enjoyment.

Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday, Superbowl Sunday Recap

2009-02-04T02:16:00.006-05:00

Apron Love

2009-02-03T15:25:00.005-05:00

This is the first time I've ever entered a giveaway, whole heartedly that is...but I really do LOVE aprons, I'm constantly pointing out aprons to my hubby while browsing through Williams and Sonoma. hehe [they have real cute ones] Well on Mama's Losin It Blog: http://mamakatslosinit.blogspot.com/2009/02/carolyns-kitchen.html
she is having a giveaway...and it's an apron! This is the one I like:

it even has a matching garter and gloves how cool, i like the garter maybe not the gloves though...anyway I'm posting it her to share with all my fellow apron lovers, so you can head on over there and sign up too!
This link is for the site so you can see all the ones they have...the sweetheart ones are adorable as well it really was hard to choose just one!
http://www.carolynskitchenonline.com/Apron1.html

Have fun!

Getting There

2009-02-02T02:28:00.004-05:00

So nothing really new going on around here, other than my new addiction for Mafia Wars on Facebook...lol I only joined b/c my friend asked me to, to help him out and well somehow I was sucked in. =]

Looking forward to the Bachelor tonight! I simply adore, Jillian, Stephanie, and Melissa. I probably won't watch it till tomorrow though, I like watching it online. So today, after I go to sleep and get up again, will watch True Beauty, Private Practice, and Grey's Anatomy from last week. Pajamas and snuggling with my kitties sounds like a purrrfect way to spend the day!

Was a little bummed about the Superbowl, but what an AMAZING game. I played euchre with my family, helped my mom figure out what to do with her during her "growing it out" stage...had some chili, wings, chips...yeah stocked up on all that healthy stuff.

However stuck with my no pop resolution! I can proudly say I made it through the first month of the year, eating NO fast food and drinking NO pop! Yay! I also did pretty good with my quiet time resolution of having quiet time at least four times a week...there was a week I think I only did it 3 times, but I've made up index cards now with people's names on them and then on the back what I want to pray for them for. It's really great, b/c whenever I pass by the stack I just grab one and start praying for them, either while I'm chilling on the couch or while cleaning, whatever I'm doing. It's really helped me with talking to God more, like I'm used to, getting back in the swing of things after a dry season, and boy is it REFRESHING! I wanted to read one book a month and I finished Captivating early in the month...been having a hard time finding another one, so that will be my challenge of the month. =] I also wanted to memorize at least one scripture a month and I did that! 1 Peter 1:22 "Now that you have purified yourself, by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brother, love one another deeply, from the heart." So all in all a good start to the year I think!

Something that everyone is doing on facebook, that I thought might be cool to do on here since not very many people know me, was a list of 25 Random Facts about me. Hope you enjoy!
1. I love God with my whole heart and always will. I have a hard time telling people I'm a Christian sometimes, just b/c of the stereotype they have been given b/c of all the non-loving judgemental people that call themselves Christians...[that doesnt' get me worked up or anything lol]
2. My husband calles me button, and I adore it. I call him monster, and he adores that.
3. Singing is the same as breathing for me, necessary and vital.
4. Movies are my favorite escape.
5. I LOVE tattoos, I have 2 and know of at least 3 more I'm getting...plenty more ideas though. 6. Crosby and Mowgali, are honestly the best cats ever. [so was Sinatra, who passed away, boo!]7. I want to travel the world, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Italy, Greece, Japan...you name it!
8. I was the captain of my soccer team in highschool.
9. Journaling is so freeing.
10. I'm not like normal girls, I don't spend a lot of money on shoes, I hate purses, and my idea of a great meal is a steak, potatoes and a beer. =] no salad for me! haha
11. However, I enjoy being feminine. I love perfume, flowers, candles, and lingerie.
12. I absolutely LOVE dying my hair.
13. I have the cutest nephew in the whole world, whom I've nicknamed Mai Ty.
14. Even though I live in Orlando and even worked there, I still have a love for Disney.
15. I prefer rainy days to sunny ones. [most of the time] and prefer scarves and sweaters, to shorts and flip flops. [although I love flip flops]
16. I LOVE children and hope to have at LEAST 5 of my own some day, but maybe closer to 10. =] [and yes my husband wants the same amount]
17. Concerts bring me utter happiness.
18. I take WAY more pictures then needed, b/c I want to remember EVERYTHING!
19. I have a fascination with stars.
20. I'm left handed
21. I love being outdoors, camping, canoeing, hiking...you get the idea.
22. My husband is perfect...for me. I'm still and always am trying to be the woman and wife God wants me to be.
23. I love going to the dentist.
24. I love to bake, but do not love sweets, I usually just give them away.
25. I'm blunt, stubborn, passionate, caring and open.

oh and as a 26. I love making lists. =]

Have a GREAT week everyone! and a fabulous beginning to your month!

2009-01-31T10:40:00.002-05:00

This is Tuesday.

She went to heaven last night.

She was 2 years old and had stage 4 cancer.

She was a trooper.

Her life, inspired me.

I do not want her to be forgotten.

I have always hated cancer, had some kind of passion in me, waiting to be fully awakened.

I feel like that is happening...more and more.

The more I knew about her story, the more I got angry at that disease and who put it there.

My God is a healer!

Right now, my heart is sad.

My prayers are for her Parents, twin sister, and two brothers.

Please join with me.

Praying that God would comfort their hearts, and help them heal and lean on each other during this difficult time.

As for me, I'll get back to you on what I want to do about this anger against cancer.

There is no question though, I need to get more involved to help find a cure, because that passion is there for a reason!

Thanks everyone!

My Husband Rocks, The Moment

2009-01-30T18:25:00.004-05:00

So this week I am supposed to tell you, that moment or circumstance when I knew Nathan was going to be my husband!

I would have to say there are two things that got me to that place,

#1. He had told me loved me, he wanted to court me, he knew I wasn't at that place yet, but he would wait for me. [that wasn't even the good part] I remember he looked me in the eyes in the parking lot out front of my dorm, and said, I want to help guard your heart, Sarah. I seriously want to just cry thinking of that moment, never had I known someone so concerned for someone else. Usually in relationships, you put all you have out there, hoping not to get hurt, and his concern was for ME! That is an awesome man of God right there.

#2. We were in the common area of the men's dorm building [GLT] and there were a bunch of us all chatting up a storm, someone said something that made me BUST out in laughter. For those who have not met me, know this, I have a LOUD laugh! It leaves quite the impression on people, or so I've been told by others through the years. Well, I had become a little self conscious in the few years before this incident, and so immediately clapped my hand over my mouth, almost in horror as I looked over at Nathan to wait for his reaction. He got a HUGE smile on his face, and told everyone in the room "that's my girl"...that's how I knew he loved me for me. =]

My husband rocks, because he has been putting forth an effort this whole week, to paying attention to what I'm saying. Really listening to me, and putting me before all the "stuff" that swamps his brain in the evening that sometimes robs me of him. He is doing great, he made me a little puzzle out of index cards that had a nice little love note on it...he left a note in my lunch today...that just said I love you, and he spent time with me, with no agenda no pressing conversation that needed to be had, no talk of money, just loving being around me, and it fulfilled a need that I have...and I'm just thankful that he realized it. He truly is an amazing man, I can't say that enough.

A Splash of Color

2009-01-29T02:32:00.010-05:00

Due to the fact that I have an awesome job that lets me have hair any color I want, AND I finally found someone that can dye it for a decent price, I hopefully will be getting my hair dyed in the next couple weeks, here are some fun pictures I found when looking for colors...

So I really want something different, not sure about the last two really, I just thought they were really cool, maybe something along those lines though, definately digging the yellow and pink, I also like the dark underneath, and it would probably be pretty regular colors on top and the color will be all in between, since I have quite a few layers...this is me currently just so you have an idea of a before picture...

Let me know what you think, and have an open mind lol! I like to be crazy! =] Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-28T17:43:00.004-05:00

Musical Monday

2009-01-26T14:06:00.006-05:00

So today felt like a musical monday...not sure if I'll do it every week, but today I'm joining in! =]
I am a music FREAK, I mean I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, from praise and worship, to hip hop, to an instrumental, to rock and roll and I can't believe I'm saying it but even a country song from time to time will touch my heart, and let's not forget a little punk too! I love it all. Different days, different styles, I could make this blog completely about music...which may have just sparked an idea for a different blog, but anyway today I present you with Leigh Nash, a woman with one of those dainty, angelic voices singing My Idea of Heaven...it's a love song, oh yes. When it all boils down, my three passions are God, my husband, and music. So today we have two of them in this song, music and my love.

My favorite line so you can wait for it is "How in God's name did you find the Lonestar's loneliest girl..." When my husband found me, I had just gotten out of a very serious relationship, that was about two and a half years long, I didn't know if I could find love, if any guy would actually take hold of my heart...I had moved across the country from Michigan to Texas, and was going to school. God loved me so much that He sent Nathan from Michigan to Texas as well...and that's where he found me, in the lonestar state, and the loneliest girl...this song just touches so many parts of my heart, when I played it for my folks my dad said, did you write this? with a chuckle...I hope you all enjoy it.

The music video almost made me cry, at the end. B/c I know that 70 years from now, I'll say the same thing, I would do it all over again, with Nathan by my side. What a blessing to find that kind of love.

Hope you all have a fabulous week!

Important Prayer Request

2009-01-24T23:29:00.003-05:00

Steve and Kim

This is a couple from back home that played a big part in a lot of my highschool mission trips. They are also one of my good friends in-laws.
The last few months have been a HUGE roller coaster for them. From first finding out that she had breast cancer, which led to a double mastectomy. Then after that a hysterectomy, which had complications...anyway it's been quite the road. She is recovering well, and her faith in God has been astounding, and just an amazing example to follow.

Well, they just found out yesterday that after her husband drove himself to the ER due to stomach pains that he has stage 4 cancer, that is on his liver and pancrease and I think somewhere else, they are tumors and well without treatment they are giving him 4-6 months to live and with treatment they are saying a year. It's said to be incurable. The heartbreak she must be feeling at this moment I'm sure is beyond words, and yet her faith is still intact. Realizing more than ever that EVERY day is precious, every hello, kiss, snore, conversation...all things so easily taken for granted. She has such courage saying that they will fight this disease until God tells them to stop, and if He does that she is excited for Steve that he will go to heaven. Some may not understand that, some of you may not even pray...but if you do, could you PLEASE lift up a prayer for this couple. For peace, for healing, and that God's will would be done!

I will keep you guys updated, thanks for caring.

My Husband Rocks on Saturday this week...lol

2009-01-24T20:26:00.007-05:00

So my husband rocks, I had such a busy day yesterday I didn't get to write about it though! So here it is Saturday and I have some time.

First off let me tell you about my day b/c the reason my husband rocks this week is b/c of last night. So my beautiful Brandi is getting married in June and I'm going to be in her wedding! =] We went yesterday to try on dresses, b/c we get to each pick our own they just are all going to be the same color. It was SO much fun. My mom drove up and hung out with me in the afternoon, I got a haircut, and bought a pair of jeans for only $15 oh yeah! and then we went to David's Bridal for dress shopping...

All of us after we were done. Noel, Me, Tina, Brandi [the bride], Melissa, and Nikki

This is Me and the bride...I'm wearing the dress I chose! [it has pockets! and won't be navy]

Yeah we had a blast we were all laughing SOOO hard! Then we went over to Melissa's house and hung out for bit while we were waiting for Nate to get out of work.

After Nate got out of work, I went to my very first party! I went b/c a girl at work that I get along with very well is moving and it was a going away party. It was a LOT of fun, probably too much fun. The subject of drinking is so controversial to me, I have so many feelings and emotions, especially with wanting to go into ministry, it just makes everything that much more complicated. So I'm praying a lot about it, b/c it's so important to me to believe what I believe b/c I believe it not b/c other people have told me this is it. It's just that the Bible can be interpreted in many ways, and I want to make sure I get the same thing out of what the Bible says about drinking that everyone else has. Many people have many different opinions, some people you should stay away all together, some people think you can drink as long as you don't get drunk, some people think you can drink and even get drunk but not as a lifestyle such as being a drunkard. I'm curious only b/c there are stories in the Bible where people that we strive to be like or look up to were indeed drunk...what does that mean. So as of this moment, I don't know where I fall, but last night I drank too much, yep. It was a lot of fun at first, I wasn't nervous anymore, everyone thought I was hilarious, Nathan was there not drinking so he could drive me home, I talked with SO many people about God it was really weird how He comes up in my conversations so much. It was really cool to hear what other people thought, and why they did. I even explained to them my confusion about whether or not drinking was wrong, it was a lot of fun, but for those of you who do drink...they say you are supposed to drink "liquor before beer and you are in the clear", "beer before liquor will make you sicker" well I never puke EVER. Not even when I'm sick and feel like I could just puke I would feel SO much better. Yeah never. Last night my dear dear husband is driving me home, at I think it was 4:30 am [we didn't get there till after midnite] and I say to him, I think I have to puke, he says do you need me to pull over, I say no I'm fine and like 3 minutes later out of nowhere I got sick. Oh it was awful. Nathan pulled the car over took care of me, carried me up some stairs helped me up the others and got me into bed. He took care of me so well, brought me home some Tylenol after he went to work at 9am and left me a card telling me he missed me and would see me soon. So that is why my husband rocks this week. Whether you think drinking/getting drunk is wrong or not my husband deserves credit for taking care of me through it all, he even talked to people about God as well...they all thought he was super cool, he said he had never really experienced being around people that aren't saved and being cool even though he's a Christian so it was really cool for him. I'm just glad I got to go and say good bye to my friend, and I got home safely.

Me and Dina

As for my drinking decision...well let's just say I'm leaning towards the not getting drunk side of the road, but either way. I'm glad that getting drunk is NOT something I do on a regular basis, the next day isn't as fun. to say the least.

Thanks for walking along with me and listening to me sort through my stuff. Learning things myself sometimes is so much more beneficial b/c I actually "get it" in my head.

Love to you all.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T23:41:00.002-05:00

Old Friends

2009-01-20T16:37:00.003-05:00

It so amazing how things all intertwine. Nathan took me to see Bride Wars on Sunday, so funny! I love both those gals so I was bound to be a fan...I left the theater though feeling a tad bit down. Because I have wanted a friendship like theirs for the longest time...it's a very sore spot. Many people find that their husbands are their best friend and they don't need another one, and so I suppose I thought that Nate would be "enough" and that longing would go away, but it never did. In reading Captivating [haha] I was validated in desiring that friendship...girl friends are important to a woman, a friendship with a woman is so different and offers something different than your relationship with your husband, and even a friendship with a guy it's just completely different. My husband fullfills all the needs he is meant to fill, but he can not fill that need for a good girl friend, because he's not supposed to.

Well, anyway on facebook [I'm so addicted] some people from my middleschool started a group on there for alumni. It's so fun to see all these people from middleschool! See I was popular in middle school, not in high school, no no not in high school, I had a handful of "friends" but no one that actual ever liked me for me, I only keep in touch with one person from highschool, that I can think of at the moment and she was my friend in middle school first! So anyway, we have all been catching up and posting pictures...it's been very nice.

It reminds me of old friends that I miss, guys that would have been amazing friends still had we not dated...that sucks. Wishing you could go back and just stay friends, never taking that next step. Although I learned so much from those relationships and experiences, I can't help but miss their friendship some days...if only things could be different and we could overcome the awfulness of breakups, and be friends again, maybe just maybe you never know. I'm glad that my husband is cool with it, if it ever does in fact happen, but for now I just am thankful for the time we did have.

I wonder if anyone understands...

Write more later,

Politics...

2009-01-18T14:46:00.007-05:00

Can I talk about politics? If you don't like this topic...I won't feel bad if you pass this one up, I understand! =]

I just want to say that it doesn't matter who you voted for, where you allegiance is democrat or republican or even independent, at the end of the day, we should have allegiance to this country, no matter who is president.

I was on my facebook account reading people's comments on why or why not they would be watching the inauguration on Tuesday...and people are still slamming each other, Obama, Bush and even McCain...it saddens me, irritates me, angers me, and then saddens me again.

First off I didn't vote for Obama, I have my reasons, and it doesn't matter what they are at this point, because Barack Obama is going to be our president whether I like it or not, whether I complain about it or don't, I had my chance to vote, I did, and now it's over. There have been presidents before that we haven't liked that have done good, some not so good, but we can vote again next time and either way, this can not be changed.

In our household we are grabbing hold of the good things, praying that some things that were said will change, we are praying for wisdom for this man, and will be watching the inauguration b/c history is being made! Whether it's fair or he's the right man for the job these things that people are choosing to dwell on...it just doesn't matter. This is a moment in our country's history that our children will read about in books. How amazing is that?!?!?

I feel like it's most important to embrace this new president and back him up with prayer and respect, b/c I expected it from people for the guy I liked. It broke my heart to see how disrespectful people were toward a man that is damned if he does and damned if doesn't. He did the best he could. I believe he tried his very best and stuck to his morals the best way he could. I'm sure he made mistakes and fell along the way, but when you've never been a president before who isn't going to make mistakes?!?! I believe this country is a media run country, we grab tid bits of information and run with them...we judge and we are quick to hate. Obama is amazing and great and in 4 or 8 years, I'm sure people will be disrespecting him the same they did with Bush and Clinton and so many before them...why can't we understand that we don't have all the facts, that we don't know the half of it, that one man does not determine the outcome of an entire country. He is mostly a face of our country that can say no to a lot of things, beyond that...it's the people that half of us don't even bother to vote for, that do most of the deciding. I'm not claiming to know everything and I certainly don't want a debate with anyone, and I will not feel bad for deleting negative comments. I'm just saying that whoever is in office, we should be praying for him whole heartily, and not verbally smacking him, even if we don't like them. As the president they deserve our respect.

Let's have some class, and lose or win this one gracefully.

Thank you President Bush for all your hard work, blessings to you and your family as you enter your next chapter of life.

Welcome President Obama, may God give you wisdom to handle the upcoming trials correctly, that you won't lose your vision for our country and that God would help you bring the "change" to this country that it needs.

My Husband Rocks

2009-01-16T18:08:00.005-05:00

My Husband Rocks this week like every other. Like I mentioned before, I just finished reading the book Captivating, AMAZING book! Very eye opening, helpful, encouraging, healing...I really could go on. At the same time, my husband was reading Wild at Heart which is written by the same guy, except Captivating is co-written with his wife. We learned a LOT. I don't think very many people could have sat down and chatted with us in the last month without this book coming up! We were changed!

Last night I was having an emotional night, like so many of my nights have been lately unfortunately. My husband used his strength to comfort me, holding me close as I cried. Praying over that I would find a purpose for the day, coming against the enemy, and he just spoke life into my weary soul.

He never ceases to amaze me, he is constantly growing and becoming that man of God he was made to be. He rocks for putting up with me! =]

I didn't realize this week we are supposed to also add a generous wife tip, "it can be on any subject - anything that you do or would like to do more often to make your husband feel loved and respected!"...I always like to text him poetic things that show my love, or even goofy things, today's was: "I love you more than Cheez Its love cheese...the really BIG ones!" I also like to pick up cards at the store and then randomly leave them places for him, last night I left one in the bathroom for him, thanking him for showing me his strength, which helped me find rest, which allowed my beauty to be seen. He said it meant a lot to him. Encouraging my husband as often as I can is something I find joy in, letting him know I'm thankful for all of his hardwork, I think means more to him then I really will ever understand, but I'm glad I can help! because after all that was what I was made for!