Day 16: Dream House

When I first skimmed through the subjects for the blogging challenge, one of the subjects I was most excited about was today's post. It is an area I have put a lot of thought into.

We live in a small, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home. When we first moved in I had the mindset that this home would "do for a while" until we could move up to a bigger home. These days, however, as my priorities have changed, my mindset has too. First I analyzed why I was wanting to live here only a short time and then move to a bigger house. My realization? I was just following the flow of culture and trying to "keep up with the Jones". As I questioned my motives, God got a hold of my heart and Dave Ramsey got a hold of my logic. Instead of thinking we will move out of this house as soon as we can, I now look at it in a "how many kids can we fit in this house" mentality. Staying in a smaller house means we can afford for me to be a stay at home mom, and that is something I wouldn't trade for anything in the world, not even a mansion. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it is wrong to live in a large house, I just think as humans we need to constantly be examining and reexamining our motives and priorities. If we have to sacrifice time with our families or deal with huge amounts of stress in order to live in these nice homes, is it really worth it?

Now that I have accepted my humble abode, it has become my dream house. I love interior design and I am constantly trying to make my world a more beautiful place. Things that make my house my dream home are whimsy, charm, character, romance and color. I play with these elements daily and have enjoyed the journey of personalizing our home. We may one day live in a larger house, but until then I am fully content with our cozy little love nest!

Day 15: Favorite Bible Verse

It is tough to narrow this down as I am head over heels in love with God's word as a whole, but I have managed to pick one. This particular verse is one that I actually had tattooed on me when I was 19 because it resonated with me so deeply.

Proverbs 31:30
"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Growing up in a very visual and appearance focused culture is so hard on women. We observe time and time again how important looks are to this world. Attractive people even earn 12% more in the work place than "unattractive people"(see www.independent.co.uk). And it just gets worse from there. Plainly put, to this world, looks matter.

To God, beauty is very important. He wants us to have beautiful hearts full of compassion and kindness. I struggled growing up with not feeling "pretty enough", and I am positive I am not the only woman who has ever felt this way. It is hard to shut the world out and focus on what God thinks, but that is why I so love this verse. External beauty is here today and gone tomorrow. A women who worships and fears the one true God, she is who really deserves praise in this backwards culture we live in!

Day 14: A picture of you from last year and how you have changed

This blogging challenge is starting to make me feel a little narcissistic! I am looking forward to the days of the blogging challenge that are a little less self focused, but until then I will be a good sport and play along.

This is a picture of me last March.



Oh wait, that's Posh Spice. I'm always confusing myself with her, probably because my husband looks like David Beckham. Okay, here I am last Easter. Really no change this year except for my hair is finally getting longer again. Brooke has changed though, she is twice the size!

Day 13: Something that means a lot to me

MY FAITH
This is an old note that I had posted on facebook almost a year and a half ago. I am reposting it here because it talks about the things that matter most to me in this life; kindness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and most of all, LOVE.

You know, I really don't care for "religion" in a legalistic sense. Christianity is not so much a religion either. Not for me. It’s a way of life, and Christianity (living in a Christ like way) looks a lot of different ways for a lot of different people. Of course Christians should all be kind, forgiving, humble, gentle...but as far as how we worship, what we look like, our attitudes and even our beliefs, we vary. We don't all have gray hair, glasses, a long skirt, and drive around in a mini van saying "God bless you". That is what's beautiful; we are all so very different, but all united through LOVE.

I have heard plenty of people give the popular argument that Christians are hypocrites, and that's true (sometimes). BUT the difference between Christians and non Christians is that we are simply striving to be like Christ. Let me make one thing clear; WE FALL SHORT. We will disappoint ourselves, our friends, and our God. Even so, our God loves us and accepts that we are flawed as mankind.

I work with some people who know I'm a Christian and yet hear me when I slip up and say something bad about a customer or know about some huge mistakes I've made. I hope by working with me they see not that Christians are hypocrites, but that we are simply like every one else, just trying to do right in an imperfect world.

Since my beautiful baby girl was born three and a half months ago I have learned so much about God's love for us. His love is unconditional. Sure, I knew that because I had heard it in church a lot. However, I didn't know what unconditional love was. I didn't even love my husband unconditionally because when he would make me mad I would treat him horribly. (He is much better at unconditional love than I am!) Now I am trying to love him unconditionally in the same way I love my daughter and in the same way our God loves us. Nothing my daughter does, not anything, could ever make me stop loving her. She could become a prostitute, a murderer, a thief, wouldn't matter...my love for her would not change. I would be disappointed in her, sure, BUT only because I want happiness for her and I know those particular life choices would only lead to heartbreak. That is, I believe, the same way God feels about us.

I try to encourage my coworkers, friends, and family with being positive, kind, humble, and gentle, but in reality I fall so very short on most days. I know that since I am claiming the title of being a Christian, I need to work very, very hard to properly represent my loving Father. I suck at this, representing God that is. But but but, I’m striving.

I watched Angels and Demons last night and there was a quote I really liked, "Religion is flawed because man is flawed". And this is true. Religion is flawed, God is not.

So as Christians it is not our place to judge the world or the people in it. It is not our job to fix the world either (although I wish I could). Our job is simply to live in a broken world and show others what God's grace looks like. One day I hope when people look at me, He is all they see

Day 10: What are you afraid of?

God's word tells us to 'fear not' on many occasions. Here are just a few examples:

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?


Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.


And although we know He tells us not to be afraid, this world is still a very scary place. Most of us struggle with some kind of fear or another. For me, as childish as it may seem to some, I am scared of the dark. I hate, almost more than anything, to be alone in a pitch black room. I still sleep with some kind of night light on, even if it is just the light given off by a bright digital clock. I'm not sure what I think will happen in the dark, I just don't like not being able to see. In a more metaphorical sense, I also fear being in a spiritual or emotional dark place.



There have been times in my past when I've encountered some pretty black places. Quite fortunately, I am aware that God's word is the light that will lead me out of any present darkness.

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

Day 9: A picture of someone you could not imagine your life without

The first person who comes to mind is this little lovely. Brooke has taught me more about life in 18 months than I've learned on my own in 23 years. I am still in awe that I brought this little unique and astounding individual into the world and I thank God for her every single day.




I could also not imagine my life without my two closest friends; Sarah and Elizabeth.

Sarah came into my life at just the right time and we became best friends almost overnight. We worked together for three years at the bank. We've talked about anything and everything you could ever imagine. Life would be empty without my besty!



Elizabeth and I met at North Point Church and I have been in her small group for the past few years. We are now accountability partners and, let me tell you, it is so amazing what a good accountability partner can do for one's spiritual life! I am going to tell you a secret just for reading my blog. Are you ready? If you have been wondering who super woman is, wonder no more...it's Elizabeth!

Day 8: A pace you've traveled to

I am not a well traveled girl, but in 2008 I got the chance to go to London with my friend Sandy. We also went to Paris for a few days which is when I got the picture of the rainbow under the Eiffel. Hoping to travel abroad a bit more with Thomas someday, but not until our kids are much older!

Sandy and I-first time on the streets in London

Day 7: Favorite Movies

I really enjoy movies. Thomas and I rent a red-box at least once a weekend (although lately I have discovered you can check out movies for FREE from the library!)Below are my top 12, from all different genre's. If there is a movie on this list that you have not seen, I strongly recommend watching it!

1. Invictus
2. Fireproof
3. Madea's Family Reunion
4. Anchorman
5. The Devil Wears Prada
6. Despicable Me
7. Memento
8. Up
9. Avatar
10.Spanglish
11. Lady in the Water
12. Gran Torino

Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy

This is a picture from when I got to visit France in 2008 and see the Eiffel Tower. If you look closely under the tower, you will see there was actually a rainbow! I felt like God was telling me that it doesn't matter where on this earth I travel to, He is still God and He is always near. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20

Day 4: My Parents

This cute little blonde is my mom. She taught elementary school in Sparta for over twenty years. A couple of years ago she retired and has become a full time Nana to her three grand daughters. She is always willing to help us when we need a babysitter, or help us in any other way she can. She is very generous and has a wonderful heart. I think she has a little feisty streak too. If you ask me one would have to in order to spend their whole life working around small children. Now that I'm a mom, I of course have a whole new respect for my mom. It is the hardest job in the world and she did a wonderful job raising my sister and I (a lot of the time time as a single mom). I love you mom!

My dad is a free spirit and a rolling stone. He is incredibly talented musically and sings folk music. He has a very big heart and a hilarious sense of humor. He also looks like Mario from Nintendo brothers a little. Although him and my mom have been split since I was little, he was still able to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. When we are able to spend time with him we really appreciate his unique and genuine heart. I can honestly say there is absolutely no one in the world like my dad!

Day 3: First Love

The question for day 3 asks who my first love was. That's hard to answer mainly because love has a lot of different operational definitions. However, for the purpose of this question I am going way back to kindergarten. His name was Zach Irby and all I remember was that he had jet black hair, tan skin, and would sometimes wear gold chains to school with his parachute pants. In my little five year old brain, he was perfect. Of course, I am aware now that he was simply my first crush and I have luckily been able to experience the difference between a crush and true love since then. It's also safe to say that when I was growing up I gave my heart away too easily. It doesn't really matter who my first real love was, all that matters is that I am married to my love now! This warrants another picture of my hot husband doing something manly.



I probably won't be keeping up with the challenge over the weekend, but I plan to pick back up on Monday. Have a great weekend every one!

Blogging Challenge Day 1

Things have been super crazy with Brooke and school lately, so what better time to take a challenge that requires me to spend more time blogging? Actually, doing something enjoyable for ten to twenty minutes every day is a great way to reduce stress; therefor it only makes sense that I should take this blogging challenge to reward myself for the long hours I put in studying and diaper changing. Here are the rules if you would like to also take the challenge! I may not do it every day, but I will try. (Thanks for passing this along Suzannah!)

Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts
Day 2: Something you want to do before you die
Day 3: Your first love
Day 4: Your parents
Day 5: A song to match your mood
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7: Favorite movies
Day 8: A place you've traveled to
Day 9: A favorite picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 10: Something you're afraid of
Day 11: Favorite tv shows
Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without
Day 13: Something that means a lot to you
Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?
Day 15: Bible verse
Day 16: Dream house
Day 17: Something you're looking forward to
Day 18: Favorite food
Day 19: Something you miss
Day 20: Picture that always makes you smile
Day 21: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why?
Day 22: What's in your purse?
Day 23: Favorite Movie
Day 24: Something you've learned
Day 25: Picture of your favorite band/artist
Day 26: Your Dream Wedding
Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in
Day 28: Pet Peeves
Day 29: 3 Wishes
Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge


Day 1: I have already introduced myself via the "about me" section. Here is a picture of me giving Ms. Brooke some loving.



15 interesting facts seem like a LOT. I'll do 7.
1. I love interior design almost as much as I love Psychology.
2. I have four tattoos, all small and discretely placed.
3. I love our church home, North Point Church, and am so glad to have found a place where believers seem to be genuinely living out love.
4. My husband proposed after only 3 months of dating.
5. I used to want to move to a big city, but now I'm honestly happy right where I'm at.
6. Life isn't about me, and I didn't truly know what joy was until I figured that out.
7. I tried out for the NPC Worship Team and have a second audition coming up next week. Whatever happens, I am just excited that I sang on stage by myself- it was way out of my comfort zone!