Truly His

My Mountains: Blue Ridge

2012-03-03T13:59:00.000-06:00

Ike and I had a cozy date at home last night.

I went to the library to return my books yesterday.

While I walked by the movie section, I saw one that caught my eye.

Cold Mountain
*Caution: Rated "R"*

with Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renee Zellweger

(Renee is one of my favorite actresses)

Have you seen it? I am late to getting to it, considering I was in high school when it came out.

I don't know if I would have loved it as much as I do now.

Considering I would have not known "the place" back in high school.

I loved this movie because it showed "my mountains":::

The Appalachians.

The Blue Ridge Mountains will always be near to my heart. It is where God brought us to further write our love story. We have hiked many miles in them, swam in the James River, and camped many nights under the stars. This movie portrays the beauty of Virginia and North Carolina and I could not help but fall in love with them all over.

The best of me <3

Have a great weekend, friends! :)

Family History Date: For You and Your Man

2012-02-28T16:21:00.003-06:00

I try to have a "big project" every summer or winter break.

Last summer I made a quilt.

This past winter I have been working on our family tree.

I say "our" because I added Isaac's family this time.

And let me tell you something - it was a blast.

Ike and I learned a lot of different things.

Things like...

1. Our Grandmas have the same middle name.

2. Some of our great, greats were born on the same day (two times this happened)

3. We can go back 7 generations on each side.

So, why not make a hot date out of it?

The ladies of The Dating Divas

(which are my new favorite people in the world)

show us how!

Check out this Family History Date Night idea for you and your man! You will thank me later ;)

I hope to post our final copy sometime for all of you. It is in the process of being framed. ;)

Happy Family History Researching! :)

90's Girls:: Best TV Shows of the 90's ;)

2012-02-27T16:37:00.001-06:00

To all of us "90's girls".

You know who you are.

The girls born in the late 80's.

The girls that thought we would be Mrs. JTT or Zack Morris.

The girls that envied Topanga for her wild hair.

The girls that owned very Mary-Kate and Ashley movie.

Yeah, yeah... you.

I am doing a throwback today, because nothing makes me happier than when I see one of these shows that I grew up watching on TGIF (yeah, remember??) or Saturday mornings... the golden years of television. Here lies some of my childhood\preteen memories that my sister & I would watch.

Throwback::::

Boy Meets World

The Proposal - why do I feel like this was yesteryday when I first say this??

Home Improvement (Hello JTT!)

California Dreams

Hang Time (I wanted to be the only girl on the men's varsity team too.)

City Guys (C-I-T-Y, You can see why...these guys...okay that is enough)

Of course, Saved by the Bell!

"Kelly" is still gorgeous.

Fresh Prince of Bel Air::: Will Smith at his funniest.

Family Matters::: still LOVE Laura.

Fully House::: One Name- Uncle Jesse.

My sister and my favorite.

I think it is safe to say...we LOVED Mk and Ashley.

Last but not least... lets sing this one together. ;)

Being a 90's kid is cool.

My Version of Jonah: A Love That Never Tires

2012-02-26T13:32:00.002-06:00

I remember the story of Jonah from Bible Club.

**sing with me**

"I don't wanna be a Jonah..."

Okay, enough of that. ;)

The main theme:: Don't run from God because if you do you will be swallowed by a big fish.

Years later I was at a point in my life where loving people - stunk.

It was hard. It was down right tiring.

My limited self love was wearing out and I began to cry out to God.

Well, wouldn't you know that God took me to the story of Jonah.

Jonah. Yes, the story about the big fish. The story about the worm and the plant. Why would God bring me here?

I honestly never knew that the story of Jonah would become one of my all time favorite Bible stories.

Why? Lets take a look.

**Lets stand to read the word of God, oh wait... you can just sit there on your couch.**

;)

Jonah 1:1-3

"Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah, the son of Amittai saying, 'ARISE! Go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it. For their is wickedness is come up before me.'

But, Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare and went down into it...from the presence of the Lord."

We begin to see a couple things from this passage:

1. God calls Jonah to Nineveh to "cry against it" meaning to proclaim doom.

2. Jonah flees unto Tarshish away from the Lord's presence (scary)

I paused and wondered... why did Jonah flee to go to Tarshish? Was he scared of casting boom to evil people? Why did he run?

We all know the Bible Club story...

Jonah runs.
A storm comes.
The men throw Jonah overboard.
He is swallowed by a big fish.
He prays.
The fish spits him out in three days.
God tells him again to go to Nineveh.
Jonah goes.

The next part of the story is fascinating. This is the part of the story I missed.

Jonah 3:2,3,4,5, 10

"Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days journey... Jonah entered the city and he cried... 'Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.'

So the people of Nineveh believed God and proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest of them even to the least... and God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."

Nineveh repents. God forgives.

You would think the story would end here and Jonah would be thrilled. He did what God asked, the people were saved. They love him and will not kill him because He saved them....Hooray! Right?

But, then Jonah goes and does something that makes me understand him in a whole new light...

Jonah 4: 1-3

"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord and said I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: For I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of evil... take my life, Lord for it is better for me to die than to live."

Basically, Jonah is saying "This is why I ran from you. I knew you would forgive them. Kill me, it is better for me to die than to see them saved."

Jonah ran from God because he hated the people he was called to serve.

Jonah was tired. He was angry. He did not have any love left in him. Maybe he was thinking thoughts like we do, "Oh, when I go.... I will love them..." "When I become a ..... I will really shine my light.." "No one can be a blessing in this place..." - and so on.

Why did he hate these people so much? I honestly do not know, but I do know that God speaks to him and tells him something that convicted my heart...

Jonah 4:4-11

"Then said the Lord, 'Do you have any reason to be angry? The Lord prepared a gourd, and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief... Jonah was happy about the gourd. But God prepared a worm to come and eat the gourd and it withered... and God made the heat rise and Jonah fainted...

and God said...

'Do you have any reason to be angry with this gourd? You have pity on the gourd, but you have done no laboring for it, you did not make it grow or plant it, it came up in a night and perished in a night. Should I not spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than six score thousand persons that cannot discern between their right and left hand?"

God has created all people. He made them. He watched them grow. He saw everything they have been through - good and bad. He saw them make their choices - good and bad. He loves His people. He is slow to anger, merciful.. yes.

Yet, God saw Nineveh, a great city, that could not discern between their right or left hand... and He pitied them.

Did Jonah? The book ends without answering that question, but the beauty of that story is not about a whale...

the beauty of the story of Jonah is God's love never tires. It never gives up on me, on you, on any person - no exception. Jonah's love tired. It weakened, like all of ours do, but Christ's loves keeps believing and trusting - it keeps loving even when we do not love Him.

Maybe there are people in your life that are hard to love. It is easy to want to love those that love us, but what about the ones that hurt us? annoy us? or just rub us the wrong way?

Ask God for a love that does not tire... a love that knows no bounds... His love!

Today we sang this song "One Thing Remains" in Church and I could not help but think of Jonah and how Jonah taught me that my love will always fail, but Christ's love will never give up.

I pray you will read Jonah this week and see God's love never tires and by Him living through us - we can be victorious!

Be You: Confidence

2012-02-25T18:39:00.001-06:00

Most of you do not know me, personally, we have just met through this vast blog world (and I am so happy we did). If you would be in a room with me, you would notice two things probably - friendly & talkative. I have been that way since I started forming words and love to be around people. There are so many other things about me that make me -"Libby".

Lovely Libby.

A soul that dreams, that soars... an avid reader... a courageous soul that loves challenges and believes poetry is the language of life.

My mom always tells a story about me when I was the age of four::

"You would just go into the grocery store and go up to everyone and say ,'Hi! I am Libby!' and smile real big. You always believed everyone loved you."

For many years, I believed that:: maybe I still do.

That was just me.

For many reasons it is hard to appreciate ourselves.

Maybe we do not like how we look, maybe we wished we were more talkative or the quiet one... maybe so many people have tried to be us that we have stopped wanting to be ourselves.

We wouldn't be human if we did not wish for some other things in our lives - maybe it was something as silly as small feet. Yet, God created us to be - us.

Not anyone else.

I was so lucky to have a mom that taught me about a beautiful, sexy word::: confidence.

Not arrogance or ignorance.

A Godly confidence.

A quiet confidence that makes you be - you. That makes you shine.

So many people will want to be you or you may want to be other people...

but the only person you can be that truly is beautiful is yourself.

Pity the ones that are fake.

Pity the ones that think outward means everything.

But, do not let them make you stumble to be YOU.

There is always someone that will be prettier than you.

There will always be someone more talented.. ya da ya da...

But there will be only ONE person that can be - YOU.

They can try, they can say what you say, do what you do.. but they will never be you.

So, walk in confidence... hold your head up high.

God created you to be just that - YOU.

You are beautiful, lovely, perfect.

Your story is your own. No one else.

The older I get, the more I see that people are not usually jealous of the ones that are the most beautiful or talented, but those that know who they are and live in the freedom and happiness of it.

Beautiful ladies, cherish your soul, your body, your mind...

for you only get one shot at life and you will only be the only one of its kind.

And let me tell you something::: you are a beautiful kind.

The one & only,

Elizabeth "Libby"

Snow Day Pictures: Trusting Jesus

2012-02-22T08:19:00.002-06:00

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Happy Wednesday, ya'll !:)

Personal Blog on Dreams - Ike's Track Injury

2012-02-21T18:56:00.003-06:00

Track has always been apart of our lives, our story.

Track has been a blessing to us in more ways than one - financially, spiritually, physically.

Track is part of us, as weird as it sounds - it is.

Isaac broke his foot a week and a half ago and I have been avoiding writing about it because honestly I don't know what to say.

I could write a post on disappointment.... I could write one on wondering what God is doing... Yes, I could write many things, but honestly, I have been wondering what to write about and then I was talking to a friend and she asked me a valid question,

"why stick it out a year instead of moving on?"

You see we have some questions to ask ourselves... big questions. Questions that are hard and sought with prayer and tears.

"Does Isaac red shirt and we stay another year?"

"Should he just graduate in May?"

"What if an injury happens again?"

"Can we put our life on hold again?"

But, while thinking about what to say to that great question... my heart burned for a dream. A dream we have shared for years.

Yes, it is not just Isaac's dream. It is our dream.

You see the dream started way before this post... way before the injury...way before these next picture I am going to post.

Here is a picture of a skinny (insert smile) freshmen winning the state mile for the first time back in 2005. The same skinny boy wins the mile for four start years - being the first in the state of Iowa from the past 108 years.

God runs through Isaac. He uses Him.

Ike's third XC state title celebration :)

The same skinny boy went on to win 14 state titles through track & cross country- all through Christ. He is one of the most highly decorated Iowa athletes of all times.

See Here

and of course has some records to his name.

Track is apart of our story.

I will never forget when Sports Illustrated called and wanted to do an article on Isaac in the "Faces of the Crowd". It was in the Brett Farve "Sportsman of the Year" issue. Isaac was a senior in high school. It was one of the most exciting times in our lives. I was so proud of him.

Look here.

Of course a huge moment of life for any athlete is where you going to sign your letter of intent to. Isaac was almost set on signing with the University of Minnesota until God changed his willing heart. He called Him to run at Liberty.

Read here. or here.

And now leads us to the present - our fourth year of Ike's collegiate career. A collegiate career with some records and great opportunities,

So, why does the injury happen now? Right when things are looking up?

Yet, why are we still willing to put life on hold? Why wait it out?

Because God planted a dream in our hearts. A dream that gives life, a dream that causes us to reach for more. Sometimes we wonder - why his senior year would this happen? Why now?

Our friend came into town a couple weeks ago and prayed over Isaac and said...

"the latter is going to be greater than the former."

(Haggai 2:9)

I have to believe it.

I know God has a plan. I know He planted the dream. I truly believe that.

Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who wait in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

(Isaiah 40)

So, we wait in faith... we wait to see what He wishes for us and we believe it is all for good.

The Journey: Trials & Friends

2012-02-21T17:08:00.000-06:00

Tonight I am sentimental, emotional...thankful.

Today I went to get coffee with one of my dearest friends, Lindsay.

Lindsay has been such a blessing in my life and I am so thankful for her. She has grown to become one of my best friends over the past year.

Ike and I are going through some hard decisions that only life can bring. I am sure you will hear about it on here sooner than later, but for right now I am remembering...

Remembering our "faith journey" out here - 1,100 miles away from family or friends.

1,100 miles to start new and our life together.

Our story is unique & no one can take away our memories here.

They are alive and vivid in our hearts.

I think of "the journey" these (almost) five years living out here on our own and think of the people that have come into our lives and I am so grateful.

I am so thankful for friends like Lindsay, like Laura.

Friends that are not just the ordinary friends, but life long friends that I love with my whole heart.

Or the blessing of living near family that miles use to separate. A bond that is so special - family, cousins...

Our journey has never been easy.

We know what it means to be flat broke.

We know what it means to be the "new ones" and try to find community, a church, and all things in-between.

We know what it is like looking for jobs and the burden of it.

We know what it means to solely trust in God and learn to lean on His hand.

We know what it is like to just simply TRUST when no signs or wonders come.

We know what it is like to walk in the desert with no water and wonder when the rain will come...

We know what it is like to solely live life on love and to follow a dream that is bigger than oneself.

It has been quite the journey. Not many have our story. Not many probably would want to move away from the comforts of home, but there is no greater joy than to know you are right where you are supposed to be and whether it rains or shines here... I am thankful, blessed, happy that God called us here whether it be for 1 more year or 20...no matter what I will praise Him, I will trust Him. I will say...

"Your will is good, Oh Lord, I will call on You in the desert and rely on Your promise all my days."

God's will is never the easy route, never the safest, but it is the most blessed and glorious. I know it. I have tasted it.

And I can't help but thank God for sending friends to me to show me His blessings - I couldn't have made it without them.

Lindsay and I at a pumpkin patch last fall :)

Laura Lynn and I at our birthday celebration - 22 & 23 :) We have celebrated our birthdays together for the last 3 years. :)

My cousins Christa & Nikki! Thanksgiving 2010 :)

Some pictures of our snow day I talked about :)

Of course I am so thankful for Isaac... the song that reminds me of us is "Just the two of us, we can make it if we try...just the two of us, you and I."

Rain or shine - we will praise.

Pain or Comfort - we will trust.

Joy or sorrow - we will believe.

Come what may,

We love you, Lord.

The Perfect Snow Day

2012-02-19T22:35:00.001-06:00

There is something magical about snow.

How it floats in the air with its puffy kiss layering the green earth - softly and slowly it moves like it pauses in mid air just to give you a look.

How it melts while meeting your hot tongue at the first touch.

How it sings its song of winter like the consistency of a heart beat - bum bum bum

There is something magical in it.

I love the mornings of snow days -warm fuzzy slippers on, pajamas that I wore the night before still warm on my chilly body, and of course the hot chocolate in my hand, as if I was a little girl again in my childhood watching it for the first time. Just floating in the air - free and clean. The snow keeps coming, but I am safe in my home feeling like that little girl so long ago - dreaming.

Snow days say...

"hold me longer"

"kiss me slowly"

"don't worry about tomorrow"

"enjoy today"

"pray longer"

"sit and watch that movie you have been waiting to see"

"write those letters to your friends - thanking them"

Today was our first snow day of winter.

We soaked in it, bathed in it, treasured it.

We slept in and let the covers be our home for the morning.

We indulged ourselves with delicious strawberry-banana pancakes.

We made hot chocolate and sipped the warmth right into our souls.

We watched a classic movie in honor of Whitney and told each other "I will always love you".

We wrote letters to our friends both far and near - thanking them for living life with us.

We stole snow from the ground and made yummy soft ice cream.

We enjoyed it.

We visited our neighbors and talked about "when they were our age"... old valentine's and their honeymoon box. What a special thing.

Snow days are magical for they say much. That life sometimes needs to just be about you and those you love - not work, school, busyness - just family, friends, & neighbors.

Snow days are good for the soul.
Tonight before we go to bed, we smile and remember our day with thankfulness, for who knows when we will get one again.

xoxo, Libby

Exciting News :) :)

2012-02-16T14:58:00.001-06:00

I have two pretty exciting things to share with you today - other than God is awesome and He totally knows what we desire and dream of...

I just received a job to be a head middle school volleyball coach. I am beyond excited for this amazing opportunity.

So, bascially I just got my first "big girl" job.

Whew.

The other news is - I am doing a Children's Book Exchange for my classroom. I am looking for some gals that want to join in on the fun. :)

The lovely Mateya Berg over at The Best is Yet to Come is trying to enlarge her library for her new bundle of joy coming in May! I am going to join her.

Here is what you do:

1. Send (only) 1 book to a child

2. Find 6 people to join the exchange.

3. Receive 36 books for your own library.

***Yes, you receive 36 books and you only send one!**

If you are interested in this Children's Book Exchange, comment and leave your e-mail address. I will be gladly to send you the information.

Have a lovely Thursday, ladies.

Xoxo.

Happy LOVE Day!

2012-02-14T22:29:00.000-06:00

love, love, love.

<3<3

____________________________________

Some of my favorite LOVE quotes:

"You come to find love, not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly." Sam Keen

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." - Emily Bronte

"Who, being loved, is poor?" Oscar Wilde

"At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet." -Plato

"For it was not into ears you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." -Judy Garland

"Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more." -Erica Jong

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." -Aristotle

Some of my favorite love stories:


Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)


Anne Elliott and Frederick Wentworth (Persuasion by Jane Austen)


Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blithe (Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery)


Elizabeth Barrett Browning & Robert Browning (Sonnets of the Portuguese)

Valentine's Day Photo Dump:

*******************************************************************************

**********************************************************************************

"love...it is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity." - Helen Hayes

Happy LOVE Day! :)

grace: home is where your heart is

2012-02-12T13:26:00.002-06:00

I am back in the wonderful USA.

I am beyond blessed by the trip and would love to write about so many things, but today I have been thinking of many different things to tell you - funny things, silly things... like how I "almost died" snorkeling at the coral reef or how I dreamt every night that I was lost at sea. Okay, maybe it was not every night, but you get my drift. :)

Yet, today admidst all the thoughts and things to do. I am reminded over and over again of this one, lovely word that saves my life...

grace.

I will never be good enough.

I will always fail.

No matter where I am, what I do...

my sins outweigh.

grace.

Yet, God in His infinite wisdom knew...

"He knows we are but dust."

"He knows our frame."

"He knows we are but dust."

"He knows our frame."

(repeat)

(PSALMS 103:14)

grace.

to feel the sand between your toes and believe He is good.

to taste the salt of the sea and know He is the creator of all.

to caress the arm of a loved one & smile b\c He knows our time, our years.

to bask in His sun and trust in His plan and timing.

to kiss the day with love and laughter knowing He reigns, no matter the circumstance.

grace.

grace outweighs.

no matter what, where, when, how -

grace outweighs.

grace.

to not create rules and guidelines, but to trust His grace covers all...

grace.

to kiss your love after a week apart and feel the warmth of his arms.

to cozy up to an afternoon full of movies, love and rest.

to embark on an adventure in a book.

to treasure the time of our life day by day.

grace.

we will never be good enough...

we never had to be.

grace.

Valentine's Day Link Up: Lovin', Lovin'

2012-02-07T09:10:00.000-06:00

Hey lovelies!

Today I am linking up with the hilarious, charming Becky @ From Mrs. to Mama

for a Valentine's Day link up! She is having her followers link up and fill out these fabulous questions she has created.

Let's begin. Shall we?

Taken Ladies
1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

7 years next month (3-27-05)
2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

Read this. :)
3. If married, how long have you been married?

2 years and 7 months! (June 27, 2009) ;)
4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?

We got married in our church growing up. My daddy's church!

BIG, BIG wedding. Over 400 guests!
5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

Beware we are a little boring when it comes to nicknames.

I call Isaac "Skippy, Skip, babe, Ike, and Michael"

Ike calls me "honey, babe, Lib, sweetie and the new one just to tease me - sport"

(he thinks he is so funny!)
6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

1. Integrity

2. Wisdom

3. His spontaneous spirit
7. Tell us how he proposed?

Well, my dream proposal was for it to be Christmas with family all around and he asked me and because Isaac didn't want me to know, he proposed the day after Christmas with our family all around and it was sweet, simple, and would have said "YES" to him anyway he would have done it.
8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Neither. We love spending our money on things to do together, so we usually save up to take a trip for a weekend!
9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

Sunset dinner on the beach, for sure! (Get me out of the house!)
10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

Well, we are planning a camping trip to the west right now. Hopefully make it out to Cali and through all the great western states together and stay at the national parks there. It is in the plans and we are shooting for July! Small goals right now ;)
11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

I actually have no idea because the hubs is planning it all -- a surprise! Ahhh! :)
12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

We both want a new camera!
13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

To always remember God brought you together and you are both on the same team and want the best for each other.... there is so many other things! It takes works, but it is so worth it. Invest into each others life and trust me - there is always something new you can learn about the other!
14. Show us a picture(s) of what love means to you.

Happy Valentine's Week!! :)

Love, love, love!

Goodbye:: On Vacation

2012-02-02T20:25:00.002-06:00

All my bags are backed and I'm ready to go...

So kiss me and smile for me.

Tell me you'll be there for me...

Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane.

I don't know when I'll be back again...

This lady is leaving!

Be Back Soon!

See ya later!!! :)

Appreciating our Husbands/Giveaway Winner Announced!

2012-01-30T10:13:00.001-06:00

I feel madly in love with this man - Isaac Michael.

He has been beside me for (almost) seven wonderful years now.

Our story is something I am proud of.

I believe in marriage.

I believe it is hard, it takes work, but it is so worth it.

I think about marriage a lot and I have a hidden passion for helping marriages (especially mine).

So, today I want to talk about something so close to my heart:::

understanding our husbands

After the fall of ~~man~~ Eve, God put a curse on women and man.

In Genesis 3, He says to Eve,

“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”

To Adam he said,

“Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree...

   “Cursed is the ground because of you;
   through painful toil you will eat food from it
   all the days of your life.
¹⁸ It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
   and you will eat the plants of the field.
¹⁹ By the sweat of your brow
   you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
   since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
   and to dust you will return.”

Okay, you are probably thinking, "Wow, Libby. Thank you for that." But, I have been thinking about the responsibility that God put on husbands, and men in general.

As women, we are called to be submissive to our husbands.

I don't know about you, but I know that my man ~~likes~~ loves to be the best. He is very competitive and whether it is on a track, field, or in the office - he wants to be successful. He is driven and feels appreciated when I let him know what a hard worker he is.

However, sometimes I think I forget about the stress and the burden of being "the leader" of the home. Just think the responsibility that God puts on husbands...

-leader of the home (spiritual, decisions)

-provider for his family (job, wife, kids)

-finances (kids, home, etc)

I have just named three things that are huge responsibilities for a man.

Just to let you all know - I believe that men and women are equal and trust me when I say I would have walked in the woman's suffrage. Yet, I believe that God ordained the man as the authority and although some men take that for granted and never step up to the plate, I however, know many great men that do and I want to try to appreciate them for their hard work and try to understand the burden they carry, especially for the sake of my own husband.

Men have to be a priest (spiritual leader), a prophet (visionary for your home), and a King (head of the home). It takes a lot of energy and wisdom to run a home. I honestly never thought about Isaac's duties as a man and always thought about myself. (shocker, I know)

I thought this way for awhile...

"Oh, I am done with school, so we can have a baby."

"He doesn't express himself a way a leader should"

"I think you should lead doing this, Isaac..."

I realized (soon) that I was stepping on my wonderful husband's "manhood". I was trying to take control and do things the way that I thought they should be done and not realizing that Isaac is the head of this house and although he does things different then me, it was okay.

Isaac is such an amazing man.

I am amazed at his leadership in our home and even on his team.

I am so proud of him, but were my actions showing that? Were my words lifting him up to be the man he was created to be?

When a man does something, he wants to be thanked, praised. Now that does not mean they are full of themselves or big headed. Actually, the contrary, maybe they just want to make sure that we are noticing their hard work or maybe even a little insecure about how they are doing it. IT takes courage to lead a home. They need our support as women, as wives, to back them 180%. We might think they should do things differently every once in awhile, but what matters is that they are taking up their cross and being the men, they were called to be.

Remember: there is more than one way to do something correctly.

Today I want to thank my husband. Thank him not only on blogger, but in my home. Thank him for working so hard for providing for us, for leading our home, for having prayer each night, and above all for taking up the cross to lead our home with faith, responsibility, and courage.

What can you do to thank your husband today? Let him be a man. Let him lead. Take his hand and thank him for having courage and faith to lead your home...

we have so much to be thankful for!

***************************************************************

And the winner is :::

Result: #15

Congratulations to the lovely :::

Breanna Veth

New Life, New Wife, Everyday Alabama

#15 - "Oh my.. good choice! That clutch is gorgeous!"

Congrats, Breanna! :) I hope you enjoy your new clutch. I will be getting in contact with you for your snail mail addy, lady. :) Thanks for being such a wonderful blogger and reader.

Giveaway, Giveaway!!

2012-01-26T19:13:00.000-06:00

Hello, Lovely Ladies! :)

Today I am doing something NEW on my blog. I am having my very first giveaway! I am very excited and hope you enjoy this because after all it is for YOU.

The reason::: because I have some A-mazing ladies following my blog and leaving me LOVE - so I want to do the something extra special for them.

Here is what you could win today....

A beautiful brand new clutch!

***Warning, I do not have a nice camera. I promise it looks even more gorgeous in person. The $80 buck camera, ain't doin' it!* Note to self::: buy new camera before next giveaway**

Color: Coffee

Brand: Trend N Styles

Style #: 442

Here is what you have to do to enter the giveaway!

Rules:::

1. Follow Truly His (if you already are doing so - no sweat!)

2. Comment telling me you want it!- If you do not comment you will not be entered into the giveaway so make sure you do. Even if you say "Hi." You got it.;)

And that is all you have to do!

Giveaway stops on Sunday, January 29th at midnight!

I will be drawing the winner by random.org next week sometime.

I hope you enjoy this giveaway and know that I love all of you and have found some great reads and laughs. :)

Traveling: My Top 5 Favorite Cities

2012-01-24T22:17:00.001-06:00

I just read the most hilarious post on the subject of,

"What you should do before having kids?"

I have never laughed that hard in a long time, but the author was saying you should do these things...

1. Sleep

2. Get really bored for no reason

3. Travel as much as possible

4. Go out to eat (daily)

Obviously, it was a sarcastic. So, moving along to my post today...

Isaac and I cannot wait to start a family and look forward to our parenting days and we are giving our desire to the Lord and trusting Him to do it in His time.

However, I got thinking about what Ike and I have been doing these last (almost) three years (child-free) and the tremendous opportunity God gave us to travel. Just this past year, Isaac and I traveled through seventeen states together. We have been so blessed to see so many different cultures and people. I believe every state has it's own culture and way of life. That is what I love about traveling (even in the U.S.) you get to

experience new, exciting things.

In the past three years, and over twenty-five states we have traveled together, I want to pick my top five favorite cities I have been to with my love. Where we stayed and "got away" and got to get a feel for the culture, the food, and my favorite part - the people. So, in no particular order, here are my top five favorite cities of our traveling, no-kids days...

___________________________________________________

5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Ike and I were able to stay at Myrtle Beach during our Spring Break last year for a track trip. We had a whole week of excitement. Ike had track practice in the morning, but our days were filled with walks on the beach, swimming, sea shell collecting, going to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, laying out, hanging out with the team, shopping, and eating some amazing food. (We had shark one night!) It honestly felt like our "second honeymoon".

Our condo was the tall white building on the far right of the picture

The Pier

View from our condo for the week!

Swimming at the indoor pool in our condo

What I loved about Myrtle Beach was all the different ages of people, you would find on the beach- young teenagers, young and middle-aged families, older retired couples, dog walkers, runners... the list could go on and on. It was an amazing trip and I cannot wait to go back.

4. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Isaac and I went out to Colorado Springs to visit his oldest brother, Noah. He is a hot shot out there. (Yes, that is his real job title) He fights fires in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I had been here before, but it was my first time being there with Isaac and we both loved it. I honestly could see us living there one day or at least visiting regularly. It feels like us. We got to go see the "night life" downtown with Noah at a great Restaurant and Bar area. They had a live band and it was fun, outside, and had twinkling lights. We got to tour Garden of the Gods, hiked "Devil's Playground", went to the movies, visited Noah's work, and of course Ike and Noah did "the incline" by Pike's Peak. I stayed in my hotel bed for that one. :) We also visited Focus on the Family and bought a couple great books. My favorite part of the whole trip was we got to go to a ~~real~~ legit rodeo and a square dance. My friend, Ashley, just happened to be living there during the summer and got to meet up with us at the rodeo. We had a great time dancing and watching the bulls.

Colorado Springs

Just arriving after the road trip

Pike's Peak

3. Charleston, South Carolina

I know I said "in no particular order", but this city is my favorite city. It has it all - history, culture, southern living and cooking, delicious sea food, the beach, and of course adorable cobblestone streets. Isaac had conference here a couple years back and I traveled down with my in-laws. We had a fabulous time spending the weekend there. We ate yummy sea food at Bubba Gumps on the beach, walking along the shore and docks, learning and seeing Fort Sumter, and one of my favorite parts, driving under the trees and vines.

The Bridge

The true beauty of Charleston... I love it!

Ike and I on the dock - happy to be there! :)

Lover's kisses

2. New York City, New York

I have wanted to go to NYC since Ike and I moved out east, but it just seemed like it never worked out. So, I dropped it and it just so happened, Isaac had a XC race in Manhattan, the day after my 23rd birthday. My beautiful friend, Michelle, drove up with me and we stayed at her home 30 miles outside the city in New Jersey. We rode the train really early that morning and traveled all around the city with Isaac. We went to Time Square, Central Park, Soho, Dash, 9\11 Memorial, and ate at a "whole in the wall" pizza place that was actually extremely great. When I first got off the train at Penn Station, we ordered food at a small cafe for breakfast and the waitress taking my order began yelling at the cook so bad that I thought it was my fault. Little did I know, she did that with everyone that ordered... I loved the fast pace, new faces, different cultures to this city. It was definitely a change from our country lifestyle. If you ever have the chance to go, you have to experience it!

Happy Birthday to me :)

Statute of Liberty and George Washington Bridge

Skyline

Time Square

1. Park City, Utah

The last city has a special place in my heart. Isaac and I honeymooned in Park City. It was our first time visiting there and we fell in love (not only with each other), but with the city. I never dreamed I would love this quaint town as much as I did. Ike and I picked our honeymoon spot because it had everything we wanted - Mountains, condo, drive through new states not visited, and country style. We live in the Appalachian Mountains, so wanted to experience the Rockies. We got to do some sight seeing - Olympic Park, we got to see the Olympians train for Vancouver, shopping in Salt Lake City, Ski Lift to the top of the mountain view, Ike (of course) got on the News that night at the Restaurant we ate at because it got voted "Best Restaurant in Town". We never got to see it on the air though! We had breakfast at this cute, quaint coffee shop a couple blocks from our condo because we were wanting to see our wedding pictures. Okay, maybe, I just wanted to see them.. :)

Downtown Park City

Outlooks

whenever we were driving, you just had to stop!

If you ever get the chance to visit these cities -- do it!

Thoughts? Comments? :) I would love to hear from YOU!

Randoms, TAG, Awards, & Photo Dump

2012-01-23T22:41:00.000-06:00

Breanna @ New Wife, New Life, Everyday Alabama

tagged me in the posting random things about myself.

Thanks, Breanna for the fun tag!

Okay, this is how we do it...

1. Post these rules
2. Post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
5. Go to their blog and tell them they are "tagged"
6. Tag 11 people

------------------

11 Randoms

(beware... it is late and I am writing whatever comes to my head... it is "randoms", right?)

1. I redecorate my house monthly.

2. I could never get a tatoo because I change my mind all. the. time. (Hence the decorating)

3. Green is my favorite color and when I wear it, I feel pretty.

4. I hate (as in will not eat it) any kind of fast food except Wendy's chili and baked potato. (I know...weird)

5. I graduated college in December and sometimes want to scream because I am so happy about it. :)

6. Isaac Michael is the sweetest human on this earth. (hands down)

7. Sundays are my favorite day of the week because of Church and afternoons with Ike.

8. Reading is a passion of mine.

9. I am a dreamer.

10. I am a "water baby" meaning I come alive near water.

11. I think my parents should have named me "Libby Travel"(cute?? Okay, that was dumb, but...)

It is my favorite thing to do.

Answer Breanna's Questions:

1. What would be your favorite place to live? Anywhere near the ocean with Ike.
2. What picks you up on a bad day? Chai tea, PJ's and delievery pizza :)

3. What was the last song you listened to? Sitting, Waiting, Wishing By Jack Johnson
4. What is the silliest prank you have ever pulled? Oh, geez.. I am so boring. Ike is the prankster...beware he pees in shampoo bottles. :\
5. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Emerald Green, easy!
6. Hug or handshake? Hugger
7. What is your dream car? New Jeep Wrangler
8. What is your favorite color of nail polish? Recently purple!
9. If you got a $1000 shopping spree to a store, which one would you chose? Jcrew! Jcrew! Jcrew!
10. Heels or flats? Depends...
11. What food can you not live without? Well, I was going to say pickles, but maybe I could live without them, but it would be a sad life. So, chicken?

Tag, You're It!

These are your questions, ladies...

1. What is your favorite book? (besides the Bible)

2. Are you one of those ~~werid~~ unique people that puts ranch on everything?

3. What is your greatest accomplishment?

4. If you could do anything in the world and be the best at it what would you be?

5. What characteristic trait do you wished you had more of?

6. What is your favorite thing about yourself? (Come on... you know it)

7. Do blondes or brunettes have more fun?

8. Coffee or tea?

9. City girl or Country girl?

10. What made you fall in love with your husband\fiance?

11. If you were to say your personality in one word, what word would it be?
*****************************************************

Chelsea @ Happy Bow Lucky gave me the Liebster Blog Award!

Thank you, Chelsea!

Check out her blog @ Happy Bow Lucky!

(Linked above)

the rules to this award are as follows:

#1. show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

#2. award the award to five of your favorite bloggers with less than 200 followers & link them.

#3. post the award on your blog.

#4. bask in the love from the most supportive people on the internet - other bloggers of course!

#5. and best of all - have fun & spread the LOVE.

Some of my favorite bloggers with less than 200 are...

Lindsay Frye @ A Happy Meal with Fryes

Shelley @ Frame of Mind

Paula @ Life's Little Lessons

Kate @ Dancing in the Minefields

Ruth Ann @ HaddyGrace Designs

Check them out --- I think you will love them like I do. :)

**********************************************************************************
Rainy Day Photo Dump:

Happy Tuesday, Ya'll! :)

Limiting God: That's ME!

2012-01-20T10:16:00.000-06:00

I am amazed at God's grace in my life.

I marvel at it.

He is so merciful to show me, to teach me...to trust me.

Isaac and I have been praying lately about some very specific things regarding our future.

It is just like God to hear our prayers, plans, and He just sits backs and like the old quote says, He laughs. I am sure He does. My mind just thinks about what I know now (keyword there) and what I think I will be doing.

Through my whole adult life (5 years now), God has lead through open doors. I do not even see them coming most of the time. Here are some open doors --- > Liberty, Myrtle Beach Trip, Ike's running, Peru, Club Volleyball Coaching, Tutoring, our apartment, our Church here... the list could go on and on. Those things just fell into my lap. I did not push, shove, fight... it just happened.

Yesterday, God opened another door for me, for us. One I did not see coming, but today more than ever... I am humbled. Why?

I limit God. I don't trust Him enough. I think that He has forgotten me if I don't see things clear 100% of the time, then God does something like this, just to say...

"Libby, don't you know, my plans are so much better than yours? My ways are so much higher? I am the GOD of wonder...the God that does wonderful things for my children...don't you remember what I have done for you?"

Before the door opened yesterday, I read this...

"Has the life of God's people reached the utmost limit of what GOD can do for them? Surely not! God has NEW places, and NEW developments, and NEW resources. He can do NEW things, unheard-of things, hidden things. Let us ENLARGE our hearts and not limit Him...the WONDER-DOING God must be the God of our confidence."

Oh, to not limit Him - to trust - to enlarge my heart and know He is the wonder-doing God and He is my confidence.

I hope to make an exciting announcement soon, so stay posted. :)

Yeah, I am about to board a cruise ship...YIKES!

2012-01-18T08:43:00.002-06:00

My life has always been hilarious. This week proves that.

I am going on a cruise in a little over in two weeks. I was honestly kind of scared to go on a cruise, very excited, but you know... a little scared. I told my mom (because who else do you go to when you are afraid?) I was a little scared and she said there was nothing to worry about.

Did anyone else notice that Tom Hank's Cast Away was on T.V. and like an idiot, I watched it hoping that would not be me in the next couple of weeks. So, I went to Isaac and he said, there is nothing to worry about.

So, I put my fear behind me and moved forward. I started a countdown to the cruise and was preparing to go.

Then one morning I turned the TV on...

...my face looked something like this, but a little more sleepy eyes.

After screaming for about an hour and hyperventilating....

...after wondering if God was trying to tell me something...

I was supposed to go shop for the cruise today, but I think instead I will go pray. Go and pray that the good God Almighty don't let my cruise ship goes down because I am not a survivor.

And let me tell you something if "our Captain" left the ship, I would chase him down like there was no tomorrow and....

Oh, people are reading this? Right...

Well, here I am, preparing for my cruise and hoping I didn't buy a ticket to the Titanic cause I am no Molly Brown...

Cheers to vacations!

To My Marmee: Unlikelies

2012-01-17T17:12:00.000-06:00

My mom as a little girl with her momma!

There is a bond that many cannot explain. It is the bond between a mother and a daughter. It is a bond that is so delicate that the very touch is frail, yet so strong that many waters cannot quench it. Many of you do not know my mom. My mom's name is Dixie and she is one of the finest women I know.

I honestly never understood my mom for a long time. I would always think that I was the problem. Yet, there is something that happens when you grow up, you start taking your eyes off yourself and on to others.

I never thought about my mom's childhood before until I left home. I remember hearing some things, but my curiosity got the best of me. I began talking to my mom and asking questions and very soon realized the pain...

I do not say any of this, but for this one reason - my mom was an unlikely. My mom didn't have a chance. She was not given a shot at chasing her dreams or someone to stand beside her, but God saw her and as my mom always says, He loves "unlikelies". My mom was taken out of her parent's home and placed to live with her grandparents. My mother's grandma loved her and showed her through a limited body, what an unconditional love was.

My mother with her Grandma smiling so proudly behind her.

Many people hope to see Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Mother Theresa or a Saint they admire when they enter heaven. Which there is nothing wrong with that. But, I want to meet my Great Grandma Holtz and thank her. Thank her for loving my mom and having an impact on her life. Thank her for cherishing her in her own way. Thank her for being simply her Grandma and taking care of her through those years.

I write all of this because today my mom was awarded a prestigious award and three of her songs got picked up to be demos for Gordon Mote. (Check him out!)

If you knew my mom's life story, this song would make sense, but please have a listen and remember...

He is the God of unlikelies.

I love you, Marmee. Thank you for loving me and showing me what true forgiveness and love looks like - denying yourself and loving. I love you forever.

Unlikelies by Dixie and Sharon Phillips
Burt Johnson

How Do You Know If He\She is "The One?"

2012-01-16T16:04:00.002-06:00

It was not long after we were married, I first got asked it. I wasn't surprised because I have heard many people get asked this question that were married and I happened to just be part of the conversation. However, this was the first time that the question was directed towards me.

"So, Libby, how did you know Isaac was "The One?" She asked nonchalantly. As if the question could be answered so quickly. I thought for a second and gave her the response I had heard so many others give.. "Oh, you just know." She looked at me with the same eyes I have seen so many times before, you know the look when someone is disappointed with your cliche' answer. The conversation dropped and I left work dwelling on that question.

How did I know? How did I know he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with? How did I know he was the one I wanted to call husband and father to my children? How did I know?

I will be honest with you, when Isaac and I first started going to together, I knew God was apart of it. It was as if He had brought it all to be and then some. It was wonderful, bliss, and pure love. We never fought and when we did it was over by fifteen minutes (because lets be honest, Ike is a softy when it comes to me.) ;) However, we never talked about marriage in high school and honestly it was probably the best thing for us. I knew God knew and had it all figured out.

I did not begin thinking about marriage until we were separated (physically) for a year. Those of you who have followed my blog probably know by now I went to school in Minneapolis, while Ike was back at home. I will never forget that year in the city. It was by far the hardest year of my life - hands down. My father was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure, my mother was terribly sick and hospilized after finding a tumor, and on top of all of that - I was away from home for the first time. I remember that is the first time I began asking God about marriage with Isaac and if that would be His Will.

I honestly believed he was the one, but deep down wondered... "how can you be so sure? How can you know who you are with at 20 is who you will want to be with at 40, 60, even 70?"

I do not remember where I was, but I will never forget when I knew.

It was when I read these words...

I knew. I knew that there is no one else I would rather be with in good times and bad, in sickness, and in health...I knew I would be happy with him when we were rich or poor. I knew there is no one else I would want to cherish, to love, and to live with all of my days.

So, now when people ask me, "Libby, how did you know?"

I simply say, I read the vows and thought about who I wanted to stand beside me through it all...

and I knew it was him.

Wifey Challenge: Coupon LOVE!

2012-01-13T09:27:00.003-06:00

Wifey Challenge: Coupon Love

I bought a coupon book this past summer for couples. I forgot about it and this past Christmas, when I was home, I found it back in my old room. I brought it 1200 miles and thankfully it is safe and on my counter. Ike and I began talking about how we could use this in our marriage and have some fun with it.
So here is our challenge.

1. Create or buy a coupon book.

2. Each spouse gets an envelope with their name on it. (Pictured Above)
3. Every Sunday a spouse puts one of the coupons in the other spouses envelope. They will have one week to redeem the coupon. Pick a day that works best for you. Sunday is our day.

Here are some examples of the coupons in the booklet:

It would be my pleasure today to do the one household chore you enjoy the least.

Redeem this coupon when we're together, you'll get a surprise gift.

Redeem this coupon for the massage of your choice: back, neck, foot, all of the above

A special dinner, just the two of us....coming your way.
4. Choose one that are the ones you know he will love (not you).
4. Stay faithful to this until the coupon book is out.

Those of you who would love to join us in this challenge. Please, join! I am writing this to stay accountable on my end as well. Do not be discouraged if you forget to do it one week or two. Keep at it. Let me know if you are joining (comment) and pass this challenge on! I am going to be seeing if it is a blessing in our marriage as well as having a little fun. :) Remember each week do something for him\her that they would want.

Aren't you so thankful that we have the opportunity to love someone?? :)
Who is in?? :)

A Few of My Favorite Things: 2012

2012-01-13T09:07:00.001-06:00

A Few of My Favorite Things: 2012

It is in the small things, ya'll.

I love getting new things. Honestly, I have not always been that way. Before Isaac and I got married "gifts" was not a love language of mine. However, once we got married, things began to change. I want to share some things in our home that have made me smile this new year.

***In no particular order***

1. Wall Words

Living Room Wall Words

Bedroom Wall Words

2. Vera Bradley Tote, Make-up Bad, Bare Minerals

Weekend Tote

Makeup Bag & Bare Minerals Makeup

3. Jewelry Case

Jewelry Case

Jewelry Case Opened

4. My Keyboard

Keyboard

5. Keurig Coffee Maker

Yummy! :)

6. Spice Rack

I know this one might be hilarious to some of you, but Ike and I never got a spice rack for a wedding gift and I never realized how important it was until I began trying to prove to Ike, I was a good cook. So, thankfully, we now have one and I will not have to try so hard. :)

7. Custom Made Name Heirloom

You might not be able to see the font (even though you can see me in the glare..) it says "Isaac - Libby - Rejoice as a strong man to run a race."

A special thanks to my lovely sister, Rachel, my sweet MIL, Cindy, my generous FIL, Lyle, my wacky, Auntie Lo, my beautiful Grandma, our great Uncle Jeff, and my precious, Marmee, for all these wonderful gifts to add to our home. :)

What are your favorite things for 2012?? Please share! :)

God's Plan: Hope

2012-01-11T14:38:00.002-06:00

I never have understood God's plan.

I have tried.

I have failed.

Every time when I think "Oh, this is what He is doing." or "Yes, that must be it!" I am thrown back in the dark wondering... "God, what are you doing?"

I have had many closed doors these past two days and frankly that is okay. It was not by accident that my devotional was "God leads by closed doors." So, with all the closed doors I say, "I'm moving on."

Yet, there is an ache in my soul... deep.

There are so many things I know.

I know...

God loves me.

God has a plan for me.

I am right where God wants me.

God has never forsaken me.

But the one I know, but have a hard time believing??

God is working out the plan... perfectly.

Yet, why are there so many bumps, detours, end roads?

The only thing I can believe is this...

God's ways are higher. God's way will never look the way I want them to, because in my limited mind, I will never be able to think like Christ. I may think I have wisdom or knowledge, but in fact...God only knows the best way. So, today I am putting aside my worries, I am putting down my concerns... I am waiting. I am waiting for God to work it out... perfectly. The way He does.

So, I surrender in my limited mind that is always filled with doubts and worries. I surrender that He is going to work it out...this time...for me.

Getting Organized: Empower & Morning\Nightly Routines

2012-01-09T19:36:00.003-06:00

We are home.

Let me say that again... we made it. Thanking the Lord for a safe, long travel back to our small apartment that I missed so much. We had a fabulous winter break and loved the down time with family and childhood friends. We are so thankful for our family and friends and though the miles separate us I know we carry their love with us through the distance.

**********************

This past weekend I went to Minneapolis with my sisters and some friends to the Empower Conference that my friend Ria Thurston put on. You might know her here ---> Life as a Wife

Ria and I were pen pals all through our teen years and I am so thankful for a friend like her! What a blessing the conference was. Here is a picture of my sister, Beka, and I with Ria at the Empower Conference! So fun! :)

The car ride to the conference was full of girl talk and my friend, Meghan inspired me to get a handle of our home and life style.

So, it got me thinking and today I present you with my NEW YEAR RESOLUTION:

To be wise with my time, my life, and my body.

This resolution is packed into one thing: wisdom. The Bible says,

"...through wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established."

It takes wisdom to take care of yourself, your home, and your family. I pray that I not only make great choices for our family but also for my body and health as well. That is just as important.

I have kept up with our home pretty well, but considering Ike and I do not have children yet, I am worried that once we have children the house will be a zoo. So, I am trying to start having better time management skills with healthy bed times and taking care of my body and home.

Tonight I created my morning and nightly routines. I am starting small and just created a routine from my former habits.

Morning Routine:

- Stretch

-Pray & Devotional/Writing Time

-Shower

-Make Bed.

-Check Laundry Stage

-Breakfast (fill up water bottle for day)

-Unload dishwasher

-Makeup\Hair

Nightly Routine:

-Pick up after dinner immediately

-Laundry during "TV times"

(do 15 minutes clean during commercials)

- Time with Ike

-Pamper Time (bath, make up time)

These routines are in no particular order and do not have to be done every morning to have a good morning, but just a guideline. I will let you know how this is going and show you how I am trying to stay accountable with this.

What do you think?? Do you use a routine schedule??

Going to go cuddle with the hubs... see you later!:)

2012: Open Doors

2012-01-01T19:22:00.002-06:00

2012.

It does not seem possible for me to write "2012" as the correct year. Honestly, it feels as if the days just keep sweeping by and I am left wondering --- when will time slow down? When will the days feel like months and months feel like years? Remember when you were a child and the days would go by so slowly with not a care in the world...

Yet, God is moving. God is working. This year, I believe, Isaac and I will know where we are supposed to be. Where God will want us to go. We have been here before, waiting for that "open door" and I believe in 2012, God will give us our open door for His glory. We have followed where He wanted us to go. It was a big step of faith and He never let us go. Truly, I have seen His hand provide, guide, take care of us...together. These four years of waiting and preparing for our "calling" has lead us closer to Jesus and truly has changed us for the better. No, we do not have it all together, but I am so thankful we still want Him like we did when we first started this journey years ago and for the grace to desire Him. I am so thankful that He stills wants us and beckons us to run His race. This journey is not at all what I thought it would be... it is better. It is better than I ever imagined, dreamed, and planned. God opened doors for us these past four years to travel, meet new, amazing people, labor and work for Him, and prepare for our vocations to bring Him glory. Yet, it is just the beginning. I know He is going to do more than we dare to think or dream. I am ready -ready for that open door, ready for our place in life. Yet, I will never forget these past four years. The best four years of my life - hands down. No, it has not been all sunny days, but there were many. No, it was not always easy, but it was worth it.

I know many people wonder what Isaac and I are going to do now that school is done and a new chapter is beginning. Will we move back home? Will we stay in VA? Where will God call us? I do not have the answers...yet.

But, what I do know, wherever He takes us - it will be the best place to be.

Whatever He says - we will do. We know Him faithful, kind, true.

Wherever we will be... we will serve and only for one thing...

For His Glory.

Here is to 2012 and open doors... cheers.

2011: A Year of His Kindness

2011-12-30T23:39:00.002-06:00

What a year.

A year full of travelling, graduating, busy schedules, ups, downs, love, and life. A year of waiting, hoping, dreaming... a year of His kindness and abundance. A year of excitement, achievement, and accomplishment.

The big things this year?

((((in no particular order)))))

1. Our trip to New York City for Isaac's race in the Bronx with my dear friend, Michelle. What a fabulous time touring Manhattan and seeing for the first time"the city that never sleeps".

Downtown NYC :)

2. Ike's Regional NCAA Race: Proud of him and love that we are chasing dreams...together.

Bloomington, Indiana - Right before the race!

4. Myrtle Beach:. Spending the week there with Ike was like a second honeymoon mixed in with track. It was a great time.

Add caption

5. Graduating College - After four years of working hard, I graduated with honors in Education.

2011 brought memories that will last forever...

2012, we are ready for you.

Merry Christmas, Friends :)

2011-12-23T18:18:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas! May God bless you with the warmth of family, friends, and loved ones this holiday season. He is the reason!

Ike & Lib

God Never Withholds: Mercy

2011-12-21T00:34:00.000-06:00

"God never witholds from His child that which His love and

wisdom call good. God's refusals are always merciful --

"severe mercies" at times but mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to give us something better.” - Elisabeth Elliot

Dear Friends,

God has the best for us. His refusals are not harsh, mean, or evil, but full of lovingkindness and mercy. His plans are for our good, to give us a future. If you want God's best -- He will bring it. You have to trust, wait, and hope. Do not lose heart. Do not give up. We may have to make tough decisions and turn away from things that are not God's best, but that is only to bring us to God's best. Let us trust His mercy and that a lifetime of holy happiness is greater than temporary happiness. Keep trusting, keep believing - He knows the plan He has for you, plans to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE.

I pray that this quote and letter find someone to uplift them to make the right decision. God's ways are higher than we could ever dream. I just got back from a friend's wedding, where she gave up her will for God's and though it was painful --- it was worth it. He proved Himself faithful and good. I pray this post finds you to lift you up and encourage you in His way.

Loving His,

Libby <3

My Hometown

2011-12-19T23:59:00.002-06:00

I was born in a small town. Three hundred and sixty-one people to be exact. I always wondered if that was counting pets, but never asked.

I left this town almost five years ago. It doesn't seem that long, yet at the same time it feels like I lived here a century ago and now just coming back. We visit for holidays and long stays during summer vacation, but the fact of being married and not living in your own home plays on my heart.

While driving back to Iowa, I had so many emotions. They were raw and ripped my heart. In high school, I would have told you that I would never have moved away from this place, yet at times it was the last place on earth I wanted to be. Do not get me wrong, I loved my town for many reasons, but sometimes small towns are just that --- to small.

I grew up with best friends that we had known since birth or elementary school that grew to be like sisters. I had so many families that took me in as their own, even though I had a healthy, vibrant family. We were more than friends, we were family. That's what I loved about Floyd. I can think of people that could be called my "second mothers" or fathers for that matter. We take each other in and love. That is the beauty of Floyd.

Floyd is where I spent my childhood and youth. It is where God became real to me and not just a story in a book. It is where I learned what love was and that true friends are jewels. It showed me the importance of family and that a small school can make a difference. I will forever be grateful for Floyd and "my history" there.

I do not know where we will end up in the next two years. If we will move back to our hometown and live among our family or if God has other plans, but all I know is that I will forever hold Floyd in my heart as a place of where I found God and have some amazing memories. It is a place where I can drive the backroads easily, a place where I can feel home and comfort, a place where I can stay up late with friends and be me... it a place I call home.

It may not look special with the small town sign or the three hundred and sixty-one population, but this is my town. This is my home. No matter where God leads or where life takes us, Floyd will be forever in our hearts, as a place of where our story began...

...and that makes me love it even more.

Tips For Brides-To-Be: From a June Bride

2011-12-08T20:39:00.001-06:00

It is Engagement Season. Isaac and I got engaged three years ago this December (26th). ***dreaming*** So, to all of you that might be getting a ring soon, here we go...

First of all, I loved everything about being engaged.

It could have been because we dated for 4 1\2 years and I loved going from title to title (girlfriend\fiance), but in all honesty I loved planning our wedding. I never had thought about my wedding before in great detail. Honestly, I never cared much about what my colors would be, my dress, or anything. I know, I am the "weird" girl that didn't start planning it at age six. Once we got engaged, the process of planning was fun, exciting, and totally new. I had two sisters get married the year prior (yes, us three sisters got married 11 months apart...poor dad). So, their weddings "helped" mine. I also had the best mother-in-law and mom in the world to help and show me new things. My Mother-In-Law was amazing. We saw things a lot alike and I loved seeing her help and plan. So, all of that to say is these are some tips I either did or wished I would have done...

Tips for the Brides-To-Be:

From a June Bride <3 Mrs. Wendland

Tip #1: New Perfume

I read in a magazine one time that you should wear a whole new perfume for the day of your wedding. That way when your man smells that smell (or you) - you will remember that day and no other memory. I did this and wore it during our wedding and honeymoon. I cannot believe how glad I was I did this. I just bought the perfume last month that I wore on our wedding for the first time and Isaac said "Babe, you smell like our honeymoon." It works. I advise doing this because there is something about smell that brings a memory back than anything else.

Tip #2: Relax! No, seriously...

This picture was taken the day before my wedding. It cracks me up. This was candid. I was very relaxed during my wedding week because of these reasons...

1. Organized: I had help.

I was not ashamed to ask. I had people that loved me, that loved Isaac, that loved us together. I knew I could not do this on my own. I gave everyone a job and they knew what they were to do. I printed out instructions and put them in folders for each person helping with the wedding and gave them the folder a week before. Everyone knew what to do and I felt confident that I communicated effectively.

2. Letting go

You have to let the little things go, but know when to speak up for what you want. There is a fine line and no one likes a bridezilla. However, one of my personal attendants gave me great advice. She said pick three things you really care about and focus on those three things because those things will matter to you in the end. For example, my three were... 1.Photography 2. Ceremony 3. Honeymoon

This is where we spent most of our money or concern. This helps you focus on the things you really care about instead of worrying about the small confetti pieces on the tables at the reception. ;)

Tip #3: Don't peek!

Almost everyone we knew saw eachother before the wedding. I don't know why, but since a little girl I never wanted to see my man before the wedding. Call me a traditionalist (because I am!) but I love to keep it old school. So, that is what we did. We waited to see eachother at the altar and by far the most memorable moment at our wedding. I was crying... happy, happy tears. Isaac's face was priceless... he did not know one thing about my dress. I have never kept a secret from him for that long and it was so worth it. I know a lot of people want to get pictures out of the way, but there was something about taking pictures after you say "I do". You are really husband and wife and the whole moment is precious. Do what you want to do, but I love when the bride and groom do not see eachother till the altar.

Tip #4: Get alone!

This is the one tip that I wished someone would have shared with me. Isaac and I had over 400 guests at our wedding. Yes, 400. It was wonderful and we loved it. It was us. However, no one ever told me "get alone with Isaac and take it all in". I do not remember one moment of that day when we were alone to "celebrate". It was a whirlwind after the ceremony and all I could think about was leaving for our honeymoon. I would advise you to GET ALONE. Just take five minutes in a room -alone- talking about the wedding, taking it all in, kissing, whatever. Take that time and make a memory.

Hope you all enjoyed!!! Anyother brides have some tips? I want hear them--- comment your tips!! :)

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words: Engagement

2011-11-30T21:24:00.001-06:00

Do you have a favorite picture of you and your man?

Maybe you are dressed up, maybe you are at the beach, maybe your wedding day?

I have a favorite picture of Isaac and I. It is actually not the most flattering picture of either of us. I am not wearing any makeup. Isaac doesn't even have a shirt on for crying out loud. It was way past midnight and we look a little tired, yet there is something so natural, so happy about the picture.

My best friend, Brittany, took the picture while we were getting stuff done for our wedding. You see the picture was taken the week of our wedding. I believe it just two days away before becoming Mrs. Isaac Michael Wendland. We were tying bows on the centerpieces, writing down the names for the seating arrangements, and of course trying to figure out where to have the wedding party stand during the ceremony. Yet, we paused in the rush and busyness of pre-wedding day chaos and took this picture. I love it because it reminds me of the moments of our engagement, the feelings I held, the excitement, the nervousness, the peace. I remember it all through this picture. Man, what a lucky girl I am. Thank you, God.

Do you have a picture you love of you and your man? What is it of? Why? :)

Fried Chicken Recipe

2011-11-30T20:52:00.001-06:00

I love fried chicken, but never have made it before.

I went shopping at Kroger and found these chicken drumsticks for a great price. What better way to learn how to fry chicken with them? The recipe was very easy and the chicken was delicious. If you want a good piece of fried chicken, check this out.

Ingredients

1 (4 pound) chicken, cut into pieces
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour for coating
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

Take your cut up chicken pieces and skin them if you prefer. Put the flour in a large bowl (let the amount of chicken you are cooking dictate the amount of flour you use). Season the flour with paprika, salt and pepper to taste (paprika helps to brown the chicken).
Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk then, a few at a time, put them in the bowl with the flour and roll. Place the coated chicken on a cookie sheet or tray, and cover with a clean dish towel or waxed paper. LET SIT UNTIL THE FLOUR IS OF A PASTE-LIKE CONSISTENCY. THIS IS CRUCIAL!

3. Fill a large skillet (cast iron is best) about 1/3 to 1/2 full with vegetable oil. Heat until VERY hot. Put in as many chicken pieces as the skillet can hold. Brown the chicken in HOT oil on both sides. When browned, reduce heat and cover skillet; let cook for 30 minutes (the chicken will be cooked through but not crispy). Remove cover, raise heat again and continue to fry until crispy.
4. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels. Depending on how much chicken you have, you may have to fry in a few shifts. Keep the finished chicken in a slightly warm oven while preparing the rest.

Hope you enjoy :)

I am having a Christmas Party with my girlfriends this Saturday, planning for that with my bestie Lindsay (find her here)...wish us luck :)

Traveling like Crazy

2011-11-27T17:29:00.001-06:00

To say we are travelers is an understatement this month.

Ike and I have been putting in the miles. We drove to Cincinnati for Isaac's regional XC race. We met up with my sister and her precious family. Here we are with my niece and nephew - Liv & Tristan. It was so great to spend time with them. I love them so dearly. I am so thankful for Beka, you all might know her ---> here. Yep, that is my sissy. :)

We can never be together enough!

My first nephew and the one who made me have the title "AUNT" for the first time. :)

Tristan loves "running" with Ike.

The next week was my 23rd birthday. Isaac just so happened to have a race in NYC. So, what better way to celebrate my 23rd birthday than in Manhattan? Yes, please.

Rockafeller Center

Time Square

I really do :)

The best feeling!

You would think we would have stopped there, but we actually went down to Charlotte to spend Thanksgiving with my mom's brother and his family. It was so wonderful and a great time to see the fam. :)

I hope everyone is doing great and getting ready for the Holiday Season. It is the best time of the year. Oh, yeah...did I tell you, we put up our tree?? Take a look!

Reaching His Dreams

2011-11-08T08:48:00.000-06:00

Ike and I were (physically) separated for a year. Those that have known us through our whole relationship (almost 7 years now) know the hardship I went through that year. It was by far the hardest year of my life. I was 18 in a new city, new friends, new everything. I was a freshmen at a University in Minneapolis and Isaac was back at home finishing high school. I played volleyball for the University that year and got injured the night before Regionals. It was not a practice, I got injured at a "fun scrimmage". I rolled my ankle so bad that I was on crutches for three weeks. Too make matters worst, Isaac was running at State for cross country that weekend and it would be the first "big race" of his life that I would not be able to attend. It crushed me. I was not only not playing at Regionals that day, but on crutches on the bench thinking of Isaac and his race. He was defending his two-time state title and after hours of watching college volleyball pass slowly, I got a call. He won. I was thrilled. He was thrilled. Then an emotion hit me. It was the kind of emotion I never want to feel again. The kind of feeling that you missed out. I wanted to be there for Isaac. I wanted to be the one cheering the loudest, the "proudest"...I wanted to be his #1 fan. I was in the shower after the game - crying. Yes, crying in the shower. While crying out to God about the disappointment, I had felt, I began to sing these words...

Can I help you reach your dreams for life?

Be the one to walk by your side?

When everyone else leaves, I will be the one to believe.

Can I help you, reach your dreams?

I wrote that song for Isaac, I wanted to be there when no one else was. I wanted to stand beside him in the good and bad. I am so happy that today I can go to each meet, cheer, rejoice, and even pray when he is disappointed. I know God has such a big calling on Isaac and his running that I know my job is to be his number 1 fan and help him reach his dreams...

Married and in College: My Point of View

2011-11-08T08:21:00.000-06:00

Four weeks.

That is all I have left of my undergraduate career. I know I "walked" in May, but realistically I had to do my student teaching this fall. My experience has been nothing but positive and that in itself makes me thankful.

Ike and I have been talking about how in four weeks, our lives will change drastically. No, we are not moving cross country again. No, we are not adding a baby to our family (yet). However, for the first time in our marriage, one of us will be out of college. Yes, we were those crazy "kids" that got married at twenty. I had 2.5 years left of school and Isaac was just starting to plug away at his degree the summer we said "I do". I wanted to share with you on being married in college from my point of view.

Morning of the wedding. Happiest day of my life - hands down.

Here is what I have learned these past 2 1\2 years of being married & in college...

*Staying home on a Friday night is better than going out.

*Late night runs to grocery stores for "study breaks" are needed.

*Two is better than one.

*Coming home to Isaac is better than coming home to four girl roommates any day.

*The people, God has placed in our lives will be friends for life. No questions asked.

*There has never been a non-eventful college roadtrip. Wanna go to Louisville tonight? Sure! Never will forget it.

*Dinner and a movie are wonderful norms.

*Marriage is wayyyy better than dating.

*Paychecks are non-exisitence, but when the school pays Ike for running, I feel like I am married to a professional. :)

*Speaking of money, there is no need to fight about it, since there is none. Easy enough.

*I love having a place I can call my home and feel settled.

*Cheap meals and trying to prove I am a good cook do not go together.

*Student discounts are nice.

*These have been some of the best days of our life, but I know the best is yet to come.

*We celebrate good grades, not promotions.

*We live for weekends, just to sleep in and be lazy.

*Isaac is the best roommate I have ever had.

*I chose long ago not to stress about Isaac's paper that he just started writing the night before it was due. How does the kid get A's?

*When parents come to town, food tastes better.

*You lean together and realize that you could be happy anywhere on earth as long as he is with you.

*Creepy apartments have funny memories. Cops, drugs, you name it.

________________________________________________

I know that Isaac and I will look back and remember the "creepy apartment", the late nights, early mornings, no structure life, and smile. I know we have created some memories to last forever. I am so thankful for "our story". It is "ours" and I could not have wrote it better myself. Thank you, God, for our life and what you are doing and what you are going to do. Here is to happy marriages near & far. Love you all!

Redefining Friendship

2011-10-29T15:35:00.000-05:00

It is four in the afternoon on a quiet Saturday. The wind is howling out my door and I have been in my PJs all day. I like to write only when I am "inspired" and this past week a word has been creeping to my mind. It is a word that is overused, misunderstood, and frankly not held on tight enough. The word is friendship. Friendship in the standard dictionary means "one who is a friend", yet what does being a friend really mean?

I have met many people attending two Universities, working numerous odd jobs, and attending many events per year, yet there is something so different when you meet a friend. You connect, you talk, you enjoy eachother, but also you want the better for the other. You will shut your mouth, give guidance, if asked... and even stay up way past your bedtime hours, just to "catch up". You make allowances for eachother and you drive eachother to be the best. Is that truly a friend? This is what I believe and this is the friend I strive to be...

- a friend will stay a friend even if miles separate you

-a friend wants the best for their friend.

-a friend will give you the truth even when it hurts.

-a friend will never gossip behind your back b\c they know the motives of your heart

-a friend will never tell a joke at your defense

-a friend will never be competitive with you or go after "your man"

-a friend will call you at any hour of the day just to make sure you are okay

-a friend does not knock on your door, but comes in knowing you care

-a friend will support you and be there for big events in life, if able

-a friend knows that it is a two-way street, not just one

-a friend is happy with you in the happy times and sad with you in the sad times

-a friend respects your husband

-a friend never steals your ideas for her own, but is proud of stating they are yours

-a friend is honest

-a friend is kind

-a friend is safe to be around

-a friend listens to everything and you know that that information will never be spread

-a friend is a counselor

-a friend is a confidant

But, above all... a friend is a friend. Truly. Honestly. Purely. A friend.

You are good.

2011-10-20T18:58:00.002-05:00

How great is THY GOODNESS, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men! (Psalms 31:19).

Lately, I have been thinking of the Lord's goodness. How blessed we truly are to be His people. How blessed to wake each morning to a new sunrise, a new day filled with mercies, JOY, peace. It truly is wonderful to see the Lord's goodness.

Sometimes we go through a season of life that doesn't seem to be like "our time". But, in every season of life - we can see His goodness, if we search for it. I don't know where you are at, what "season" you are in, maybe you are in a great one, maybe you are barely holding on, but I dare you, challenge you to look for God's goodness in that circumstance, that trial and I guarantee that He will prove himself to be GOOD, to be faithful, to be a friend like no friend has ever been, to be that mother you longed for as a child, that stability you needed in your teenage\college years and that love that maybe you wished you had from your mate. He will come and be that for you. Why?

Because He is GOOD.

Meeting Nicholas Sparks

2011-10-17T19:20:00.002-05:00

I have been MIA because of these things...

I met Nicholas Sparks this weekend.

I was at the salon. ;)

Have a fabulous night, bloggers! :)

Blabbing about my Husband....again. :)

2011-10-06T20:23:00.000-05:00

I got out my wedding pictures tonight. I spent hours - day dreaming, thinking, remembering... trying to remember everything about that day. It was a wonderful day. I remember being so nervous, so excited all in one. We were only twenty. I loved getting married at twenty. Doesn't that just sound like the "perfect age"? :) Too many it sounds so young, but it was our time, our moment. A moment I will never forget. Isaac has been my greatest gift. We have had the most beautiful relationship filled with joy, adventures, faith, promise, blessing, triumph, depth, and above all - LOVE. I am so forever grateful for the moments I have had with this man. A man that is the sweetest, most caring, loving man on earth. I hope I always remember that day - how nervous, how scared, how happy, how excited I was- because looking back I know, I will see that God delights in small beginnings. He blesses those that LEAN on Him. He takes those that want Him, that need Him to show the world that two is better than one and that He can give you more than you ever dreamed, ever imagined and above all better than you could ever hoped it would be.

Isaac Michael, thank you for choosing me. My answer always will be "YES!" Yes, one hundred times....I'm so thankful to be forever YOURS. For you, my love!! :) Thank you for being "home" to me.

P.S. Just listen to the lyrics, don't mind the random pics :)

October Challenge: Make Your HOME a Haven

2011-10-04T19:16:00.000-05:00

I am linking up with --- > Courtney from Women Living Well for the October Fall Challenge.

Here is the month's challenge list:

October 3 - Go buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home. I will be starting mine in the morning! But you can start yours at dinner time. Do what makes sense for your family. I will be placing mine in the kitchen – the main hub of my home. Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.

October 10 – Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Remind your family to avoid seething anger, tattling, criticism or back talk. As the wife/mother, work on gentleness this week.

October 17 – List a few of the spots in your home that make you visually stressed because of all the clutter.Now go buy something for that spot – like a basket to put it all in! Work on cleaning up clutter – throw things away and encourage the children and your hubby to do the same in their bedrooms or offices or work areas this week. While you’re at it – clean up some clutter in your spiritual life. What gets in the way of your peace spiritually?

October 24 -Keep the candle going, the music playing, and add some tender moments with your family. Have a pillow party in the family room and get out every blanket and pillow in the house and be cozy with the kids or your hubby! Even if you live alone you can do this. Enjoy a cozy evening of hot cider and caramel corn. Give a 5 minute back rub to every single person in your house…and for a double challenge- try to give one every day to each family member! During your tender moment with the family, ask them how they feel about this challenge. Are they enjoying it? Is it helpful? Is there anything they would change. Give your family listening ears. I think you will be blessed by the positive feedback you will receive!

October 31 – Focus on the kitchen, the heart of the home. Cook things with pleasant aromas. Pick a meal the family can cook together – include everyone in a task and take pictures so everyone can remember moments in the kitchen together – test tasting, being creative, laughing and loving. Remove discontentment with your home or family and give thanks to God for the home God has given you to in which to create a haven for your family.

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

Family: Forever and Always

2011-10-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

" I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich."

" You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

" And thank you for a house full of people I love. Amen."

I would never have thought when I was a little girl years ago, that someday I would get to live near my Mom's oldest brother and his kids and their kids. They are the closest family, Ike and I have out here and they have gone over the top to welcome us to the East Coast with letting me stay there for Fall Break, Thanksgiving, random weekend trips, going to Ike's races, and lets not forget letting me keep their four teenage girls for the weekend. :) They are my family and I could not love them more. Thank you to the Holtz, Muhammad, and Scott families for all their love and support!!!!! Ike and I love you from the bottom of our hearts!! :) We are so happy to call you family...Xoxo!

Fall Fashion Favorites

2011-09-29T18:26:00.000-05:00

I love fall. It is the perfect season, not only is the weather amazing, but the fashion is brilliant. So, I am showing you my favorite fall fashions that I have seen this season... Here we go! In no particular order...

#1: Hats.

Every girl looks "cute" in a hat. I love this chunky one!

2. I really want a pair of colored jeans for this fall season. Saving up my pennies to get some of these babies!

3. Lose, dark colors... Love the details in these pieces.

4. Tights! I love these colored tights. I have already brought my out for the season.

6. Stripes and solids... Loving this combo!!

What are some of your favorite fall fashions??

Crafty Day

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Do you love sayings? I do! I am obsessed with words and making great quotes, etc. I remember someone who had a quote book and loved reading all the great quotes that just put life in persepective. A couple weeks ago, I ran acrossed a saying on Pinterest that I loved. It read:

"In this house... we do real. We do mistakes. We do I'm sorry. We do second chances. We do fun. We do hugs. We do forgiveness. We do family. We do LOVE."

I immediately thought of what I had and how I could make it... So, I came up with this. It is not "my greatest work..." but every time I read it, I smile and I LOVE it! It is right in our entry way and someday I hope I will have a "legit" sign of this, but for now this is perfect. :)

On another note...

I ran acrossed this tonight...HOW ADORABLE. This is by far the cutest baby shower cake, I have ever seen and I hope I can use it sometime when we start having children...whenever that may be. :)

Hope you all have a great midweek day! Tonight I start my Bible study with older women who will mentor us newlyweds. I am looking forward to it. More on that later. ;)

Happy Wednesday, Bloggers!!

What sayings do you have in your home?! :)