Temporary Break

Things in the Hubbert household are shifting!
Too much to blog about and not enough time.

I'll be starting up again after the new year with a whole new look
both for the blog & my belly(;

Until then, you'll find me snacking on crackers and sprite to help with the nausea!

Yes, Baby Hubbert is on the way!


Blogging will resume after the New Year, folks --
taking time off to spend with the family for the holidays,
and to soak up this exciting time in our lives.
Love.

"Let Me Be A Woman"

That's the name of the book I've been reading lately.
It's very eye opening. I recommend it to every woman, especially those of you who long to embrace that simplistic, housewife/momma lifestyle.




It's written by Elisabeth Elliot in the form of letters written to her daughter before her daughter's marriage. She explains finding true joy in being a woman of God, whether single, married, or widowed. She wrote it during the "feminist" movement when women were venturing out into the corporate world to take on the "man's role" in search of contentment and leaving the place of raising a family.

And for those who watched the movie "End of the Spear," she was the wife of the man that movie was made about. Jim Elliot was her first husband who was killed by a tribe he was reaching out to in Ecuador. She eventually went back, after his death, and shared Christ with the very ones who murdered her husband.

This is an amazing book!
Here is a little piece from her book to give insight behind the tittle:

"What sort of world might it have been if Eve had refused the Serpent's offer and had said to him instead, 'Let me not be like God. Let me be what I was made to be - Let me be a woman'?"

You can find it here for only $6.99


I highly recommend this read and I'm only halfway through it!

It will change you - at least, it has me.

Today I

I haven't been posting so much lately. With Thanksgiving and all going on, it's been a tad busy. Not to mention, my ultimate lack-of-blog excuse, "School" ... which I only have 2 weeks left of for the semester.

Today I :

• practiced yoga early in the morning hours. This is something I enjoy so much! Here's an article the NY Times did on Christian Yoga a while back. It's well written and worth reading.

source

• paid thorough attention and took detailed notes in biology -- 'tis a rare thing.
  
• skipped politics class to do a Zumba class instead (not a smart move, I know)
  
• received tickets to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas show. I'm going with Scott & my sisters. It's December 16th and it will be a blast!
• ordered Laya (oh by the way, we Hubbert's have a new pup!) a name tag from here.
  

She's a one year old Great White Pyreneese and she's so sweet! (and absolutely MASSIVE) I'll take better ones of her when we've had her for more than 2 days.

• sang very loudly to the original Worship Band - Red Album on the way to Hamilton. It was weird to think of all the times when I was in high school that I listened to that while praying or interceding, and now I'm married to the bass player of it (: Funny how God works things out sometimes.
• bought new deodorant and cleaning products (Swiffer juice for wood floors works magic)
  
• ate oreos for lunch, which counter-acted all that dancing
• found old pics of when I got my first tattoo

• also got a new camera in. So, maybe that will motivate me to post a little more? Yes, maybe.
  
• worked at the music store while husband gave lessons. Can I call this the most annoying job ever? Okay, so maybe I can't/shouldn't ... but these creeps are beyond words.
  
• ate Arby's for dinner. Market fresh sandwiches are heavenly, as far as food goes. And we had a coupon to buy one get one free. You better believe Scott and I cut that one out!
  
• did more yoga for yummy sleep. So peaceful~

source

I hope you guys are having nice days as well.

And that the weather isn't being too harsh ... 'Cause it sure is here ):

Burrrrr -- or as they say in the South "'Ooshie" (;

A Thanksgiving Question

Do you see yourself more as a Pilgrim or an Indian?
Not genetically, not like who are your ancestors, but which do you see more of in your personality?






-OR-

Yoga, New Shoes, the Doctor, & Thanksgiving Week

Even though I really should be writing a paper on why I'm against personality testing in middle/high school, I'm just going to attempt to document some happenings of this past week instead.

This week Scott & I have done a little bit of shopping... to say the least...

One of our Hubbert Christmas traditions is participating in the Christmas Angel project that the mall sponsors every year. This is wear DHR collects the names of families who can't afford to buy their children gifts this season and they write their ages, sizes, and a toy that each child asked for on a paper angel and they hang it on a Christmas tree. The community is supposed to pick one, buy the child gifts, and turn them in to the health department to be distributed to the child you bought for.
It's so much fun! And this year, Scott picked a 7 year old boy who wanted a "tool set that works for big boys" and I picked a 4 year old girl who wanted "dress up clothes" -- Can't you already tell how precious these kids are?! We went WAY overboard buying clothes, a coat, shoes, and toys for these 2 random babes. And we enjoy every single minute of it.
I sent my dad an email telling how much fun it was to us and how it made us look forward to having Christmas with our own kids one day. I told him that I didn't just want to buy them presents, I wanted them to come live with me, have Christmas with my families, and let me teach them about Christ. Hahaha ~ but for now, the gifts will have to do ~





This week I got a brand new yoga mat in my favorite color - Green! And it works wonderfully.
Sometimes you just need something to look forward to, to give you that extra push sometimes required to wake up early and exercise. And a mat in your favorite color seems to do just that!
It also helps to use the Holy Yoga technique and meditate on Bible verses and the goodness of the Lord rather than just "working out"!





Which means I'm one step closer to the capability of holding this pose ... Right?!













And ...
allow me to introduce,

2009 Nike Airmax with Flywire

These are my new running / Zumba / anything-exercise-related shoes. So far, they are the most amazing and comfortable shoes on the planet. I'm serious! I highly recommend them. They are worth every penny put out for them. They offer GREAT stability for Zumba and other dance/cardio classes.

My husband even noticed how much I stopped complaining about foot & lower back pain after I got these new kicks, so he bought him the manly version of the ones shown above. He plays bass at Ramp conferences every other weekend and that usually requires him to stand on his feet with a huge ol' bass guitar draped over him for hours at a time (seriously- between 2-5 hours) so it wears his feet out. Not with these guys! He loves the way they help him out. (And he LOVES all the compliments and questions he gets on them.) Plus, he even has knee problems left over from the toll of high school sports, these help him immensely!

I also ordered these beauties today. I was so excited about the braided leather that I put them on 1-2 day shipping. HA! And I rarely EVER do that in hopes of saving some extra $. I'm excited to have them in time for Thanksgiving celebrations (:


I also stocked up on some organic cotton yoga pants, tanks, and pullovers at Burk's Outlet. (It was my first time in that store. Do any of you shop there?) I didn't buy as much of it as I wanted to because I also found the neatest antique looking hat box that I'm dying to use for ... well, something!? (:
I plan on going in there sometime this week and getting a few more yoga pants.
I just didn't want Scott asking questions about such a large receipt. (Maybe he won't notice so much if I split up the purchases?) Haha -- just kidding (: Love you hun~



On another note, I was VERY sick this week. The Doc said it was fluid built up behind my ear. I don't EVER remember being in pain like that (of course, I've never broken a bone either). I even went to my car one day during classes, held my head, and just cried cause I couldn't make it stop. The doctor gave me 3 different prescriptions (I rarely ever even take tylenol), a shot in the "hip" (that is NOT my hip), and I had to pee in a cup (which always disgusts me). Scott is such a sweety though! Geesh! He totally babies me when I feel bad and I'm totally THANKFUL for that. Especially since my dad's in Afghanistan and he's usually the one who checks on me/calls the doctor (I have a VERY caring father. Which is rare in society these days - another thing I'm very THANKFUL for).
And THANK God for my mom, who brought over soup, gatorade, and apple juice. She always nurses me back to health (and prays for me)! And my wonderful mother-in-law who called throughout the day making sure I was okay. I'm very thankful for her. Sheesh -- i have the best family EVER~

So this week classes are canceled in celebration of the very first pilgrim's feast with the Indian's. (Note the highlighted "thankful" words above :)
I'm determined to get an EXTRA lot of housework and organizing done that I've been procrastinating the past few weeks. Scott is probably excited about this too, as he is probably tired of washing his own clothes.








Happy Thanksgiving Week Blogworld!

Question for my blog friends: Scott and I are thinking about doing a body cleanse. We're leaning towards the one that Arbonne sells. We want something that might knock off a few pounds during the process as well. Any of you have any experience with these things?

Pioneer

Here is something that was said by someone who Scott and I respect very highly. Dutch spoke this during a Ramp conference a long time ago and it still speaks to me. Maybe some of you will get something from it as well:

"You are here because God marked you.
You want to be a difference maker.
There is something in your DNA that can’t accept status quo.
You will never fit in the box marked normal.
Deep in your heart you know you are called to change things.
You love God but hate religion.
When you taste Him, it makes you hungry for more.
You crave His presence but hate the average church service.
You refuse to let the world around you shape you or define you.
When you dream, it is about the impossible.
When you see pain, you know you are called to heal it.
When you face adversity, you don’t care because you measure it against your God.
You wonder why you’re so strange, so different.
When others want to party, you want to pray.
When they laugh, you weep. When they dance, you mourn.
You will never fit into the typical societal niche because you are a reformer.
You don’t live for fame,
you would never lower your goal to being rich and famous.
You’re an Abraham.
A Joshua.
An Esther.
A David.
A Wilberforce.
A Lincoln.
A Lou Engle.
Bullets don’t scare you, mediocrity scares you.
Indifference scares you.
Losing your life doesn’t scare you, wasting it does.
You’ve already died, so you are free."

— Dutch Sheets

And the song "Pioneer" by Rick Pino speaks the same message:

So Finished!

I'm just going to go ahead and finish this because I've got to start blogging about other things. It was fun though.

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.

I believe homosexuality is specifically spoken against in the Bible. However, I do not "hate" homosexuals. I, personally, can't judge anyone for anything. I can only love them. But I do know what I believe and why I believe it. E-mail me if you have something to discuss in more depth on this issue.

Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

"Religion" is such a manipulated word. It has so many definitions, but my favorite (from Webster's) is this one: " a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith "
But what I have between my Savior and myself is more than that. It's not simply a 'cause' (although it is that), and it's not just a 'system of beliefs' (although that goes along with it as well). What I have is a relationship with the God of the universe, the One who created everything, He who came as a man to redeem every human who will ever exist, and the same One who listens to me when I cry to Him. I have a relationship with Him -- not just religion. I'm so madly in love with Him. I want Him to be my first thought every morning and my last meditation as I lay down to sleep. I want have his Holy Spirit with me every step, every thought throughout my day.
What I have goes so much deeper than a principle. Although I live by principles He established in His Word, I don't live FOR principle, I don't live For religion. I LIVE for the One who saved my soul. I find my purpose through His words, both spoken directly to me and those in my Bible. In His presence I find my peace, my joy, my strength to carry on. He's all I ever want to have.
"Things of this world grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.

I don't want any.

Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

I really don't fight with my best friend. But if anybody was to wreck, I'd go to wherever they are, and probably pray with them.

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

I don't want to live for this world or what it says it has for me. I want to always press toward the calling of Christ.

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.

I have alot of things I want to do in my life ... Like get OUT of school!

Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

No. Because I'm trying to finish this very quickly and I don't have time for that (:

Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

To glorify my Redeemer -- the only contentment I'll ever have.

Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

I have, but then I have to make myself go read the Bible and it always speaks to me.

Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?

I know I'm sounding redundant... but it really is my life: Jesus. Jesus is the only good thing about me.

Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

If I was pregnant... I don't want to think about that right now...

Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

I want to be a better wife, daughter, sister, friend, confidant, christian, you know ...

Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

No. No. No.
I just can't because I want to be done with this so muchly!

Little Bit Behind

Time to play catch up.


Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.

Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Jesus Christ -- He came as the ultimate sacrifice for my sin. He died so that I could have life. When someone does that, it's hard to not want to spend your life loving them. Jesus forgives me for my sin and makes my life worth living.


Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

I don't live in the past. [Refer to Day 7's answer] If God forgave me for all the nasty, selfish things I've done. How could I have any right to hold a grudge against anyone? I'm not saying I'm perfect, or even good at letting offenses go, but I know Who is. And I know that He's closer than a brother. He'll help me get through any hurt, and He can help YOU too!


Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

We moved around a bunch when I was little, so of course there are people I grew close to and some I wish so much that I could reconnect with. Mostly, my cousins!They all live in such far off places in the world though, so I rarely see them ): But my face always hurts from laughing so much when the family does get together (:


Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Nobody I can think of ...


Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

my eyes

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.

my laugh, it's horribly annoying.

Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.

Jason Upton! I quote his lyrics to the Lord almost daily to get through bad situations & circumstances. I remember being in middle school and laying in my bedroom floor crying out to God during tough family times with the "Faith" CD playing. Late night prayer meetings, intercession for other countries, and just riding in my car praying along with his lyrics. They're Holy Spirit inspired!

Day 14: A hero that has let you down.

I can't honestly say that I've too much faith in any one person.


Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

I couldn't live without my husband now that I've gotten so used to him (; He keeps me together and on time!

Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.

I could live without complaining so much. I've really been working on that one lately. It's a tuffy!

Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

Pretty much anytime I open my Bible, it speaks to me and changes my mind on something or another. Even if it's just something small. It never fails.
Also, Compelled by Love (Heidi Baker). This book is amazing! I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone remotely interested in adoption, missions, traveling, or just love in general. It. Is. AMAZING. I can't say that enough!
Envy (Bob Sorge) really exposed a lot of not-good-stuff inside of me and how I viewed myself. Everyone and anyone who interacts within ANY kind of ministry should read this.

I could go on and on about books...

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

"Count Your Blessings"

Today has been quiet a day, but instead of listing everything and fueling the negative side of this blog, I'm going to do what Grandma Hubbert tells Scott to do when he starts complaining, "Count your blessings" ...

1. I'm thankful for Veterans (which includes the majority of my family) and the day we set aside to remember them, which is tomorrow
   
2. I'm thankful friends who love to talk on the phone and help boring, hour-long drives go by quicker.
3. I'm thankful for Chick-fil-a salads and the yummy sunflower seeds they serve with them.
4. I'm thankful for a family business that allows me time to study and keep up with my dad's business while he's in Afghanistan (refer to blessing #1).
5. I'm thankful for the most beautiful, amazing, and gifted music man of a husband who wakes me up each morning (I'm NOT a morning person), makes coffee, and then wakes me up again reminding me that now I have only 30 minutes to get to class (: THE best!
6. I'm thankful for best friends who are pregnant so that I can have an excuse to buy cute baby stuff without the whole 10-month process. Hahah, I love pregnant people in general, ... usually.
7. I'm thankful for the ONLY fresh produce market in Hamilton and how they had sweet potatoes on sale for 3lbs/$1 today!
8. I'm thankful that I'm able to work in a music store, although sometimes it's a headache =/
9. I'm thankful that my college now has a coffee shop in the student center! "Phi Kuppa Java" -- HA! What a corny name?! But they have fresh fruit, so...
10. I'm thankful that I have purpose in life through following Jesus Christ. I love that so much!

Happy Wednesday, Folks!

Random Monday

Thought I'd share a few happies since it's Monday and all.

If I had a style icon, it'd be Mrs. Hepburn. Who agrees? Oh, everyone? ... I thought so (:

And a quote that made me smile:

I found this on another lady's blog and it spoke to me so dearly.









Happy Monday, friends!

Sunday Mornings & Some Truth

I love Sunday mornings: being lazy with husband, listening to Eisley, and heading to be with Scott's family later on. I love wearing Scott's old tees, being snuggled up under blankets, reading my blog friends posts from the past week while S watches espn. I love that this is the one day a week I have time to read what I want rather than what school tells me to. And music. And prayer. And conversations. And recovering. And preparing.


Here are some Sunday morning images (via Google) to make us all wish we weren't staring at a computer screen right now ...

And here's a quickie for Day 6: Something I hope I never have to do.

I have 2 things I really hope I never have to do:

1. I hope I never become normal. I hope my family never settles for the "American-Dream". I know there is more to live for than what we're taught in society and I want people to know that. I want to teach my kids to live for eternity. I want to always have the Father on my mind and I want His will to guide my thoughts, actions, and steps. That will NEVER be considered normal.
   

2. And I hope I never have to bury my husband. I don't think I could handle it.

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Prep Time for Date Night

curling my freshly trimmed(well a week past freshly trimmed) hair in preparation for a date with lovey. i'm consistently laughing at myself while dancing in the mirror in between typing this and holding an iron. Oh, and the fact that this week has been so typical "chase-the-american-dream"ish that I'm curling my hair just to go to a backwoods restaurant favorite of ours, J's Country Squire. I love time with my husband, especially weekend time when he's not selling, conferencing, or teaching. I'm halfway through the curls and I've asked myself about 20 times already why I'm dolling up just for dinner in Sulligent, Alabama? Because I want to, I reply to silence my thoughts and focus on the insanely awesome Eisley pandora station I've cultivated over the past month. Isn't it funny how curls, a dab of lip colour, and a dress with boots and a scarf can make a frustrating, ugly week amazingly okay? yes, my friends, it most absolutely is.

Let's all take one deep breath, release, and bring in the weekend.

A List of Somethings I Hope to do in my Life

• I want to explore New Zeland, Israel, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Indonesia, India, ... You know (:
• I want to finish my degree.
• I want to write a book.
• I want to learn to tattoo.
• I want to move to Hubbertville, plant an orchard, and spend more time riding the horses.
• I want to spend my life caring for others.
• I want to love, because that's what Jesus is.

I know I've fallen behind on this project. But I'm going to keep with it still.

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Forgiveness

It's been awhile since I've posted, but hey, I'm almost done with the semester. I have only a little over a month to go! And any of you who have some form of college classes under your belt know that these few weeks are where professors have to go back and completely remove any thought that might still be in your head of them having any shred of humanity.
In other words, they pile on assignments! Some that make no sense at all and some you thought you wouldn't encounter until grad school.

Sheesh.

But on a lighter note, the second location of Jerry's Music opened in the Jasper mall this week. (No musical pun intended)
My step-dad owns these stores and Scott works for him and also gives lessons. He's running the mall location now though, and he absolutely lOVES it! He acted like a kid starting kindergarten on the morning of the store's first day open. He's a cutie. So for now, I'm working again here too. Which means less study time, and more headaches from all the wishful guitar shredders coming in to try things out =/

Okay, back to this:

Forgiveness
(I'm going to combine two since I'm so behind)

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."
Ephesians 1:7

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4:16



Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Mark 11:25

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. "
Colossians 3:13

"Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you."
Proverbs 20:22

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Something I Love About Myself

Day 2: Something you love about yourself.

• I love that I'm loved by God. I love that He's with me everyday. I love that joy I have through laying down my life for his purpose. I love the grace He gives me every morning.

• I love being a wife! I love washing Scott's clothes. I love cooking dinner as he walks through the door. I love knowing that every night I get to climb into bed with him.
  

• I love that I'm good at/interested in my studies. I love that the Lord is showing what He wants to do with my life.

• I love that I developed a hobby of exercising. From Running, to Pilates, to Zumba, to Holy Yoga. I enjoy it so.

• I love that I'm gifted at designing tattoos. (I did mine.) And I LOVE that several friends have my artwork on them.

• Finally, I absolutely love that I'm apart of such a wonderful, Jesus-loving, diverse family. From my immediate family, to my in-loves (in-laws as most refer to them), to my church family, and even my Ramp community. These people all make life so beautiful!
  

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Something I Hate About Myself

I'm going to join in on this thing called 30 Days of Truth.

click the picture for more info



It's a list of 30 blogging topics. The topics are supposed to be answered in 30 consecutive days, but I doubt that will happen seeing how school is so inconsistently, overwhelmingly filling my life with unwanted stress.

However, here is Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.

Hate is such a strong word. And I consider myself to be created by the creator, Yahweh, so hating anything about myself or anyone else would be hating against the One who contains eternity -- Not Cool!
I do have things about myself that have taken me a while to come to terms with (and honestly, I'm still learning to cope with those things now too).

• I'll never be a size 2 again. I remember in junior high when I could fit into zeros & 2s, but since then I received such a blessing as that of 'womanly curves' and I haven't found that pair of size 2 fitting jeans since.
  

I was devastated when I started 'filling out' (as my mother so grossly phrased it). I felt like everything was changing and I had no control over it. Nothing she told me, no compliment from anyone could make me feel any better about myself. I was no longer the smallest girl in my class and for some reason that I can't explain, I started absolutely hating myself, my body, and even my personality because of that. It took me down a dark path of self-loathing which included little nutritional intake on my part, and many trips of dragging me to the doctor on my mother's part. I would cry over how I looked and I would beg God to change me. I had no clue at that point in my life, that me saying that probably broke God's heart. He created me. He Loves me. He sent his son to die for me. I had to accept that. It was truth. Jesus really does love me. I had to let go of my earthly way of thinking and embrace His way. I had to let go of everything society had taught me about beauty and embrace the Biblical definition of beauty.

[See Proverbs 31 for more on that]

When I started to see things differently: life, my body, who I was as a female, I changed. I'm in no way perfect, but His mercies are new every morning and there's a Grace to live holy, to live simply, to live virtuously if you'll accept it. (And I like to think that in our particular society there's extra grace for that.)

Looking back, I see how going through that at such a young age has made me so much stronger in my faith. It showed me who I am to God. It allows me to understand and identify with girls who experience that feeling and to reach out to them. And it will allow me to steer my future children away from that path as well.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."

-Proverbs 31:30

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

from best friends to vows

Scott & I were wed in October of 2009. We had a simple ceremony at a local lake and were blessed to have our reception at The Ramp. It was so very 'us'
Besides giving my heart to the Lord, marrying Scott was the best and most fun thing I've ever done!

We knew each other for years before we became close. Scott learned to play guitar when he was 14 and soon after (okay, not really 'so soon,' but that's another story in itself) he began playing at our church. Although I knew this Scott boy was the music man from church, that's about all I knew about him. Around this same time Scott got involved with the Grace Place band, which eventually on down the road became The RAMP worship band (thanks to Joshua Scott).



And even though I frequented services there as well, still no connection with him. What's even crazier was that all of his friends were the older siblings/friends-of-older siblings of my friends. Yet, still no dialogue was ever started between us.



Until one Fall night in 2007 after a New Life service let out, a friend of mine and I were heading to get some food. I had just put down the top on my '99 Mustang convertible when out of nowhere this boy jumps into my car and begins talking to the girl that was with me. Oddly enough, I didn't find it strange since he knew her pretty well, so I just told him where we were going and he came along.




A special friendship grew between us, a very unique one to say the least. And a few months after that, in early November, I simultaneously received a text from Scott and a text from this other friend who was with us a bunch. Scott's read: Can you meet me at the church when you get out of school. And girl's read: I think Scott likes you. So a very nervous me met Scott and we had about a 2 hour talk about feelings and mushy stuff like that.

woah.

Fast forward a year and a half later, we're engaged. Me, 19 years old. Scott, 22 years old.
Absolutely everyone in this beautiful small town assumed I was with child. I was not -- Just in love.
5 months later, we were married in October of 2009 and headed to a south-of-the-boarder honeymoon!


Jesus is faithful.



And that was one year ago today! That's right, folks! Today's our official one year anniversary.

Purpose

"to the pregnant mothers who do not want their children, give them to me."
-mother theresa

I want this to be what I live by.
Scott and I are in no way ready to raise a family,
but I know that one day we will be.
I want my family to love Jesus more than anything.
I want my family to know that loving others is one of the best ways to love Jesus.
I want my house to be full of children, young and old, running around playing and being happy.
I want to take in the unwanted ones.
I want them to find their eternal home at the cross,
and their earthly home with Scott and I.
I want the older children that have been looked over,
and I want the babies just the same.
I want the ones with disabilities and disorders.
I want to teach them.
I want to understand them.
I want to love them.

I want this to be what my life is devoted to.

This is my mission.

Lack of blogs = Much study time

I'm still so new to the blogging world, thus I haven't gotten into a routine of daily (or even weekly) blogging. My posts are sporadic and random, but maybe with time I'll figure out the technique.

Well my best excuse for no blogging would have to be, the classic, "school". I've been so busy with my studies and papers and readings that I've had absolutely zero time to read anything of my choosing, no time for Zumba or my newly discovered interest in Holy Yoga (thanks to sweet, sweet Mandy), and zippo time to just sit outside in my hammock and enjoy this beautiful weather that Jesus sends to the South during this time of year.
This past week has been very stressful. I had two major tests and a midterm! (My mind is numb thanks to the intense study hours.)
However, before embarking upon the writing of this very post, I mustered up the courage to go to my school email and discovered that... (cue drum rolls pleeeeease...)

I made A's on all 3 of those above mentioned tests!
& I have the highest average in my psy 210 class (:
[insert HUGE "Praise Jesus" with uplifted hands here]

In other news, my amazing music man's birthday is tomorrow and I have quite a line up for him! Including (but not limited to): gifts, homemade cake, a home-cooked french toast breakfast (his request),
and to top it all off, he's getting the night off of his usual sunday night service gig to go play with our much missed best friends at a church here in town (which means no hour long drive)!

It just couldn't have worked out more perfectly.

Umm, so now I can't take the 'bold' function off. Seriously, it won't go away, I've tried everything.
So from this point on, let boldness have no effect on how this is read.
It's not there by my choice.

I'm really wanting to go with my sister on a mission trip to Costa Rica to work with children this spring break. Yes Lord -- I'm praying very hard on this.
Apparently (through word of my sister), a man whose children are apart of our Ramp community (and may even be interns? I'm not sure) is from Costa Rica himself and coordinates several trips there yearly. He said, "when you first arrive the children run to you and that they smell so badly, but that by the time your trip is over the smell of them running to you becomes so wonderful cause it's filled with love and you can't wait to come back and experience it again."

... I long to experience this with everything in me! My heart swells to ten times its size when I think about it. My eyes tear up with tears of excitement, happiness, and passion. My skin gets chill bumps. I dream of holding orphaned babies. I pray daily that the Lord uses my hands to care for those He loves. I want nothing more than to be apart of His Love and showing it to children who have never experienced "love" in their life. I want to hide myself in His love so deeply that I'm no longer seen, but Christ is seen through me.
This is truly what I was born for.


[I had to change the font color to take away from the distracting boldness that WILL NOT go away.]

I'm going to say this reddish color is in celebration of FALL, or should I say, AUTUMN! (my name)

I love fall so much. I think it comes from my mom always making such a big deal over every single holiday and especially fall. It's her favorite, thus the naming of her first daughter after it.

I'm at the music store 'helping' Scott since he's the only one working today, and we have the Alabama & South Carolina game on the tv, so it's pretty loud and so so hard to concentrate. This will have to be where I end at for this post.
Hopefully I'll be able to post more this week than the last few.

Love to everyone who reads this!

favorite things about fall

1. coffee is now an all day option.
2. layering is comfortable: cardigans, sweaters, hats, scarves, & gloves.
3. I'm a big fan of dropping $ on some new boots.
4. fall scented candles are the best.
5. thoughts are shifting towards Christmas.
6. pumpkin spice lattes are in season.
7. it's tour season. our lineup thus far including Eisley & Trans Siberian Orchestra.
8. ASO performs several outdoor events. (this may be considered as listed in #7)
9. leaves change color & lessons of appreciating change are renewed in us.
10. oh, and the hay bells in the field across from our house.

What are your favorite things about fall?