New Series Introduction: WWJD

It's April friends, which means fresh new flowers, sunshine, and warmer weather! (*insert praise Jesus hands here*) This also means that I am introducing a new series here on Simply Faithful. I've known for awhile that through my blog I wanted to share so much more. I want to capture the simplicity of Christ and who He is and can be in our lives. We have such an amazing God, and we can learn so much from Him, especially through His word!

So what's the name of the series, you ask... it's What Would Jesus Do. Aka, WWJD.

So here is what I want with this new series, What Would Jesus Do. I want to share what either I or a guest writer (I have some wonderful ladies that will be writing some of their experiences) has been struggling with or had struggled with in the past... and then in return what Jesus taught through that experience/struggle and how they/I grew through it all. I also want to reference what the Bible and how we can and should use Gods word that He has given us to help us through hard times and know/learn how to seek His wisdom that He has given us in His word. Hopefully that was easy to understand, and if it wasn't, well just check back for the WWJD posts that will be coming.

I really pray that the Lord uses me and anyone who may be writing to meet you all wherever you may be at, to show you His grace and love. To show you how He can turn your life around and give you far more than you ever thought possible, or even thought you deserved.

These posts will be coming from our hearts and will most likely be hard for us to share. So I pray that you also give grace and encouraging words to the ladies who will be sharing with you all what the Lord has been teaching/taught them. We all know that life isn't easy and we (as women) definitely need to be more encouraging to each other. I'm sure we are all going through the same thing, or at least have in the past.

So, ladies, I am excited to encourage you all and share all of the things that the Lord has taught me through different experiences I have had so far in my life. I will be praying for each of you, and would love to get to know you all even more throughout these topics that get brought up.

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

-Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

-Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

The Blogtember Challenge: Days 19, 20, 21

Hi friends, here is the second post to my catching up on Blogtember. I definitely think that this post includes some fun topics/ideas. And I cannot wait to share them with you all!! 

Monday, Sept. 19: A list of your favorite blog posts you've written.

1. Exciting News (Here) 

2. Living in the Kingdom Era (Here)

3. 6 Things I Have Learned in 6 Years (Here)

4. An Amazing Two Months (Here) 

5. Monday Morning Realizations (Here) 

6. Answered Prayers (Here) 

7. All of my Wedding Picture Posts- Pre-Ceremony, First Look, Ceremony, Reception

How couldn't these posts be my favorite?! I loved sharing with you all about the best day of my life! And I loved getting to go through all of the pictures again. Pictures are just so special to me, and I know I'll have them to look back on for years to come and so with my children and grandchildren. 

8. Blogtember Challenge: Day 9- World Travel (Here)

What are your favorite posts? What makes these posts your favorite??

Tuesday, Sept. 20- Something you wish more people knew or believed.

I wish that people knew/believed... how important it is to care about people. To not judge people based on how they may have treated you or their attitude. You truly never know what others are going through. I try, when I go into stores/restaurants, to be the nicest I can be to the workers. I know that retail/food are not easy jobs to have due to the customers and how everyone is so demanding. People should stop for a second to take time to thank or share their gratitude with those who are making it possible for them to go to Target, get their PSLs, or eat at their favorite restaurants. Life isn't easy, everyone knows that. But constantly nagging people because you want something better isn't the way to share love with the world. We need to share love with everyone around us, all around the world. Jesus shared his love with us. He shared his love by dying on a cross to save us. Thats what we need to share with the people around us, especially if they don't know Jesus Christ! That's what I want people to know and to realize. WE NEED JESUS, because all other and greater things can come through Him. He will show us how to have Peace on Earth!

What do you wish people knew or believed??

Wednesday, Sept. 21- If you were a flavor of ice cream, which flavor would you be and why?

Picture Credit

If I were a flavor of ice cream, I would be... Double Chocolate Chip (from Graeters)!

To be honest, I probably wasn't a true American around like 2 years ago cause I really didn't like ice cream - weird, I know! But I married into a family who LOVES and is ADDICTED to ice cream! Lol So I kinda had to give in and try to like it. Needless to say, I have come to like it, but me being me has become picky and I only truly like Graeters Ice cream. My favorite go-to flavors are Double Chocolate Chip and Black Raspberry Chip.

What are your favorite flavors of ice cream??

Thanks for sticking with me through these past two posts while I catch up! 

Now onto todays post... :)

Friday No. 1

Hello friends! It has been forever since I've posted anything on here, so I decided to start back into it with a Friday post.

No. 1
I cannot believe how fast this year and this summer is going. As August nears, I definitely get more and more anxious. The biggest thing that is going on in my life right now is trying to find a teaching job. Where I live in Kentucky, it couldn't be more difficult. It seems as though you have to know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone... which can be real frustrating when I don't know too many people. I will definitely be sharing more with this journey. But please be praying for me to trust in the Lord and his goodness in my life.

No. 2
About a month ago I decided to finally start putting effort into bringing healthy back into my life. Since being married we haven't truly been caring about making sure we each the healthiest of things, or more importantly using portion control! So since it's summer and I've had more time on my hands I started to eat healthier, more controlled portions for my meals. I also started doing some workout videos that I found on YouTube since right now we can't afford to go to a gym (and I tend to feel uncomfortable working out at the gym all alone). I've found someone who I really like and am capable of doing the workouts- her name is Love Sweat Fitness. There are also other people who've been really encouraging, like Rachel from Oh Simple Joys. Rachel has also been working on her health and glorifying the Lord with how she treats her body. She has an amazing instagram and website, Whole and Free, that have been so so encouraging lately. Go show her some love :)

No. 3
On June 26th, Reese and I celebrated our 1 Year Anniversary! I cannot believe that we've already been married for a year. It truly has been an amazing, growing year for us. Reese has been so supportive of me through this year season in my life of not finding a teaching job, etc. I've always heard that the first year of marriage is hard, but for us I believe that it was so so sweet. I will definitely make a whole post about what I learned during our first year of marriage. I also need to post the rest of our wedding pictures (whoops... just a year late!)

No. 4
Speaking of our anniversary, we were able to take a little trip down to Charleston, South Carolina. It was so nice to get away. In a way, I felt like this was our first planned trip together. I know that we've had our honeymoon, but everyone goes on a honeymoon. Lol Idk, it was just so sweet and fun to plan a trip together! I can't wait to share with you all what we did and all the pictures.

Looks like I have quite a few blog posts to be writing! 

Hope you all have a fabulous, blessed weekend!

Wedding Pictures: Getting Ready

Hey y'all, it has been quite awhile since I've posted anything! If you didn't know, I got married this summer on June 26. It has been a day that has been coming for quite awhile now, and it is crazy that it has already come and gone! That day was definitely the most special day I have ever had in my life, and I absolutely love looking back at all the pictures that were taken. Since I have not posted in quite awhile, I thought that I would share some wedding pictures for my first post back!

Here are pictures from us getting ready!

Photographer: Dei Gratia Photography

I absolutely love these pictures and cannot wait to share our first look with you all! And I will also be back soon with more posts about what has been going on in life lately! Hope everyone is doing well! 

An Amazing Two Months

Getting on my blog and seeing that the last time I posted was two months ago definitely makes me feel bad... but boy has it been an awesome two months! So much has happened! :)

That calendar has everything I had to do in the 5 weeks I was at the school.

In the middle of October I started practicum, which is basically student teaching except it is only 5 weeks long. I was placed in a 4th grade classroom and thought that I would hate it, but I ended up absolutely loving it! those 5 weeks were a great experience for me and I seriously cannot believe that they are over. I just have this week and next week and then I am done with classes for my undergrad degree! SO EXCITING! And then I start student teaching in the beginning of January. I will spend half of my time with a 5th grade class and the other half with a kindergarten class... talk about complete opposites! But it will be an awesome learning experience, and one step closer to having my own classroom!

The day after practicum was over was the MOST exciting day of my life! I GOT ENGAGED! :D After almost 6 and a half years of dating, Reese and I are finally engaged! It is so exciting and I really cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with this guy! Tonight I have been working on how I am going to ask my bridesmaids and tomorrow I am going to look at two venues! :D

And now it is time to finish up some projects to get through these last two weeks of classes. I truly am so blessed for everything that has happened in my life! This next year is going to be a whirlwind of changes and adventures, but it is going to be so exciting!

I most likely will not do anything like "Wedding Wednesday" or just much wedding updates... it is hard enough to actually do them and I will be very busy the next few months, but I will update when I can. And hopefully I can get back into posting!

Hope everyone is doing well and had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Time for the best month of the year!

The Blog-Tember Challenge: Current Relationship Status

Yesterdays (the 13th) prompt: What is your current relationship status? If dating/married give us a glimpse of your story. If single, share about this special season.

I am currently in a relationship, and have been for 6 years. Reese was truly a gift from God. He has become my best friend and has made me who I am today. 

Our story: 

The summer before my sophomore year of high school I was texting someone back and forth. My reply never went to the person, and instead went to Reese in a different city and area code. I did not know that this had happened and so when Reese asked who I was I was confused as to who this random person was texting me, and in return asked who he was. From there we started talking and from then on we were in love and (kind of) inseparable. We dated long distance for two years, which was definitely the hardest two years of my life. Then he came to UK for college which us in the same city as me. His first year of college was an adjustment for both of us and was definitely hard. He was getting used to college, a new city and school, while I was still in high school. We were at two different stages in our life. But we managed to continue on, and here we are 6 years later and about to graduate from college!

I'd have to say that the past two years has been our strongest and where we have grown the most. I have even come to be more independent rather dependent on him, which really is a blessing. And we have also grown closer to God, which in return means closer together.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

and He will make straight your paths."

-Proverbs 3:5-6

Throughout the past year I have learned to rely on God who truly can give me all that I need. Where I go to school, someone is always getting engaged and it is also just the season for engagements and weddings. These people, some of them, haven't had to date someone for 6 years. And so I get confused as to why they get to start their lives together and I am still over here waiting for my chance. But I have come to realize and learn, even though it is still extremely hard, that God is using this time for me to grow closer to Him and to rely on Him for my happiness and know that He is in control. And I have actually come to truly realize these things and I go day to day with this truth in mind. I truly believe without a doubt that Reese and I are meant for each other and I do know that our day will come, but I would be lying if I said it was easy seeing all these pictures of engagements and weddings, etc. But for now, I continue to grow closer to the Lord and lean on Him in all circumstances. I know that in the future I will look back on this time and be grateful for the growth that I had in Him.

So my prayer for you if you are in a season of singleness or are eagerly waiting for that ring is this...

"Lord, I give you these girls heart. I pray that you take each of them and draw them closer to you and they learn how much you love them, first. I pray that they learn about you Lord and grow closer to you so that they may be secure in their relationship with you. I pray that you reveal to them what is important in a future husband and that He needs to be saved in your grace to be able to have God filled marriage. I pray that even though it may be a tough season in their life, no matter single or anxiously/impatiently waiting to be proposed to that they bring everything to You, Lord. Jesus, I pray that girls all around the world have a relationship with You that is better than any earthly relationship, but one that they want to their future marriage to be like. I pray that no woman gives herself to a man, in any sense, before she gives herself to You Lord. I thank you for your love and grace that you have given us. And I thank you for your son, who died for each of us." -Amen.

The Blog-tember Challenge: My Passion

This is the 5th day of The Blog-tember Challenge and I am proud to say that I have kept up with it. I have never blogged everyday before, so this is a bit of a challenge for me, especially while going to class, work, bible study, and having homework/readings, but I have truly been enjoying it. I also think that this has been challenging me to think more, take more time into preparing/writing my posts, and just getting to talk with other bloggers... which is exactly what I wanted my second year of blogging (you can read that post here) to be about, growing closer with fellow bloggers and this blogging community. So thanks for sticking around and reading my posts and I cannot wait to the next 25 days!

Todays prompt: I am passionate about... 

Passionate- (adj.) 

having, showing, or expressing strong emotions or beliefs.

So what do I have strong emotions or beliefs about, you ask? 

-Jesus. 

-Family. 

-Kids. 

-Love/caring for others.

-Teaching.

These things mentioned above are always going to be my main passions, things that truly define who I am and will give me a drive during my days. But I want to take this post and write what my passions are right now.

one // two // three // four // five

I have a passion for loving others deeply. For nurturing young students to think further than they think they can and to truly experience the world. To explore a new city. To follow the plan that Jesus has for my life, even if it may be scary. To do something far beyond what I could have ever imagined. To be more because of Jesus and what He did for me. To travel and do missions. To be a wife who supports, respects, and is loyal to her husband. To be a stay at home mom with my future precious kids. To adopt kids from a family that cannot take care of them and show them the love of the real father. To become a prayer warrior. To have a deep relationship with God.

These are all of my passions right now, and I cannot wait to see where The Lord leads me with each and every one of them. What are you passionate about right now? What gets you excited and daydreaming?

My Heart is Craving...

My heart is craving something new. Somewhere new. Yet at the same time I love my home. Kentucky exemplifies Jesus. I could not imagine living somewhere else, yet I long for the adventure of another place to set roots in. Being in Colorado this past weekend made me want to explore another city, and make it my home, but that is out of my "comfort box." I've also thought of moving to Haiti because I loved it so much, but never in my wildest dreams would I do that... right?! And to think in less than 11 months I will have graduated from college. Then there will be plenty of new things. I could be in charge of 20+ students, I could have my own classroom, I could have a home that I get to decorate. I long and crave for all of this... but this is always what I have wanted, I long for something different than I ever have before. I've always been excited to graduate from college and be done with school (sort of, silly masters...) but school is all I have known my entire life, what's next? I know what I want to happen next because that is what I have been preparing for my entire life, but say it does, am I just done with any adventures?!

I feel my heart (aka GOD) tugging me in a direction that I haven't seemed to figured out yet. He is funny in that way. He loves to put just a hint of something into your heart, but He wants you to draw near to Him to figure out the rest. He wants you to put your whole faith and trust into Him and then He will do the impossible with your life. I also crave to know Him more. I crave for Him to be the one I go to in all my worries and all my praises. I have so far to go in my faith, yet I feel like I've already come so far. Could I be craving Him more because He is preparing me for something? An adventure? A new life? A new direction? I know that it will all eventually come out into clear view for me to see, but I pray that I keep my eyes, ears, and heart open for what The Lord may be calling me to. I pray that I don't live this life comfortably and that I preach His word to those who may not know it and live in a community who encourages me to become closer to God. Y'all, I feel change coming, and I am excited to see where God may be leading my life once I am done with this thing called school.

Where has the Lord called you to lately? What have you experienced?

6 Things I Have Learned in 6 Years

Since I just celebrated my 6th dating anniversary with Reese last week, I decided to share with you all six things that I have learned during the last six years. It has definitely been a long journey to get where we are but we have both grown together and separately in this life that God has given us together. I am so blessed to have him and cannot wait to learn more during our lives together.

1 // It is better with Jesus
Reese has always been going to church and worshipping Jesus. We have always gone to church together. But we had never really had deep conversations about Jesus, this life he has given us, beliefs we have, or anything else until maybe one & a half to two years ago. Reese and I have read the bible together, have gone to bible studies together, and have truly turned our relationship over to Him. And it has been so great since we have! We still have our hard times, temptation is still real, and we may take steps back from reading both together and separately but the Lord has our relationship in His hands and had definitely blessed us more than I ever thought He could. Jesus needs to become #1 in your relationship, even over your significant other. If He is, you will have a far better relationship than you would have without Him. Going through hard times with Jesus is so much easier because you can give it all to Him together and pray together. I thank Jesus everyday for the relationship and the godly man He has given me.

2 // Compromise
There is so many things that I would rather do than sit through a football game, basketball game... lets just face it sports in general, but I do it all be I love my man and it makes him happy. I have watched many shows I don't like and listened to a lot of his music, that doesn't appeal to me.. but I do it all for him. Compromise is such a big component of having a great relationship. You cannot always have what you want or make your boyfriend/girlfriend watch the movies you like. You have to be able and willing to go do things that don't appeal to you and might not be fun, but you do it all for love and to make your person happy. It shows that they want to be with you and are willing to do your favorite things with you.

3 // Communication
This is a hard thing for us girls, we believe that a man should just know what is on our mind.. but most of the time they have no idea that something is even wrong. Rather sitting there pouting or being mad/annoyed from something that your boyfriend may have said/done, it is a lot easier to just be open and talk to them about the problem. It can cause a whole lot less stress, tension, and fights in the relationship. It also lets him know that he can open up if he needs to talk about anything. A simple conversation can keep from a whole lot of arguments.

4 // Support
Girls, I cannot begin to explain to y'all how important it is to support your man. In the past I have always pouted or made Reese feel more bad than I have feel like he has my support. It is important that they know that we are aware of his/their accomplishments and hard times in life. A "good job" or an "I'm proud of you" could mean all the world to them because it lets them know that what they do gets acknowledged and isn't put aside or looked over. I have learned that letting Reese know that I see that he has worked hard and has done well is very important and can make his day when I notice.

5 // It is not all about you
This goes along with compromising in your relationship. Some days you need to sit down and be completely there for your significant other. You need to listen to them and help them through hard situations. Other times you need them there for you, to listen to you and to be able to lay your head on their shoulder. I have learned that I a lot of times talk so much about my problems and fears, and I am unaware of what he is going through or his needs. Ladies, being there for your boyfriend/husband is a huge thing because even though they are supposed to be big strong men (at least thats how Hollywood makes them out to be) they can be sad or down sometimes and need our ears. You do not always get to watch what you want or do what you want.

6 // You both need your independence
At the beginning, Reese and I were an hour away from each other, so every chance we got we wanted to see each other and spend quality time together. That, for me, was during high school and most girls my age were not in serious relationships, but were out with their girlfriends making memories. I loved that I got to make so many memories with Reese, ones that I will always have and am so grateful for, but there came a time when we did want our independence and were not always together (around when he started college) and I needed my girlfriends. I have come to find that being able to go out with your girlfriends and have a great night or go on vacation with them will only strengthen your relationship with your boyfriend. You need others in your life to be able to talk to and grow from. Don't get me wrong, I would spend everyday with Reese if I could, but being able to go to dinner with a friend is also very important to me too. Reese is definitely my best friend and the one who I go to for pretty much everything, but there are some things that only girls understand and that is definitely healthy.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; 

it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; 

it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, 

but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, 

hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

-1 Corinthians 13:4-8

It's a good day when...

A few days ago one of my favorite bloggers, Megan over at Simply Meg wrote this post. And she inspired me to do one myself! Thanks, Megan! Another one of my favorite bloggers, Brittany at Happy Is A Choice started this link up, so thank you Brittany for helping me to remember the positives in a negative world. :) 

So, it's a good day when...

You don't wake up late or leave your phone at home causing you to have to turn around and then been late to nanny. When the boys you nanny are just as tired as you, so they aren't crazy and just want to cuddle all day. When you have coffee in the morning, not Starbucks, but homemade. When you have figured out how you like your homemade coffee, and you enjoy it. When you get to continue discovering how much you enjoy to paint. When you get off work fairly early and can go browse through Target. Then when your aunt calls you asking if you want to go get a manicure and pedicure. When she has Chick-fil-a sweet tea in the car for you. When you don't have to spend money later this week on a mani/pedi because she offered to take you. When you get quality time with your aunt. When your uncle picks up good bbq on his way home in Owensboro (love me some country, southern food). When the bachelorette comes on- yes I do watch it. I'm the type of person who when they start a show has to go with it through the end! When you're one day closer to have 5 days off. When you get to see your boyfriends family from out of town and have a big party for the 4th in just 3 short days. Yup, it's a good day when all of this happens. 

This post was much needed. Made me reflect over my day, and even though it was not the most spectacular Monday I've ever had, I still found the positives and things that I am thankful for! I would recommend you do this link up, it'll help you find the positives in a day full of possible negatives!

2013 Recap: Part 4

Here is the final 3 months of my 2013 recap. I cannot believe that it is over. It has been such a great year and I cannot wait to see what next year brings me. :) 

October:

October was such a busy month, and I mentioned that in a post at the beginning of that month. But I got accepted in the Teacher Education Program, which was such a relief. Then we had a lot of UK games that we went to. I had family in town and a few projects to do. And of course, I went on an amazing mission trip to Haiti {yes I know I haven't talked about it yet, I will get there eventually..}

November:

November was a simple month getting back into the swing of school and finishing up a lot of projects. The main thing I pretty much did was Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for all of the Thanksgivings and other holidays that I have gotten to spend with Reese, and can't wait for many more. 

December: 

Before I finished up fall semester of junior year I got to fulfill a dream of mine... SEEING KEITH URBAN IN CONCERT! It was one of the best nights I've ever had, and I am so thankful that I finally got to see him. He was SO laid back. Reese and I had some fun pictures in the snow. I've also celebrated Christmas. I am so blessed to have not only my own family but also Reeses family to celebrate our Saviors birth with. We also had a fun family outing at the shooting range. And I celebrated the end of the year today with a UK basketball win against UoL.. our rival school! It was such an amazing game to attend; the crowd definitely showed up!

I hope that you all had as great of a year as I did. I hope that you all had a great Christmas and have a wonderful New Year. :)