Sweet Encouragement

I always considered myself one who enjoyed research.  In high school I participated in speech and debate competitions, which I thought was "research based."  While there was a good amount of searching and time spent reading, that was very different from what I am doing right now.  What I did in high school was perusing newspaper and news sites to stay updated on current events, while that did serve to spark my love for reading the Economist and Aljazeera, it was not close to the type of research I am absorbed in right now.

Over the past month I have read more peer-reviewed journal articles, learned more about the strength of studies, and printed more trees than I would ever have hoped to.  To say I dislike research feels like a huge understatement right now! 

 

I am not blogging this to whine to the world, more to remind myself 6 months from now when I say "it wasn't that bad" that "YES, it was that bad" :P

 

Anyways, all of that being said, I came across this blog on tumblr over Christmas break, which has offered such encouragement and challenged me to live joyfully, despite the craziness/stress.

 

I absolutely loved this challenge to trust the Lord's timing.  It was such a "just keep pushing forward" affirmation for me this morning, but also a challenge that it is not up to me to "save the day".

 

"The vision is yet for an appointed time…”
(Habakkuk 2:3, NKJV)

The scripture says, “The vision is for an appointed time.” That means there is a specific time already determined for the fulfillment of the desires God has placed in your heart. The appointed time is the best time! We have to trust that God can see the big picture for our lives. He knows what’s up ahead. He knows what we’re going to need, who we’re going to need, and when they need to show up. If God did everything we ask on our timetable, it would limit us because sometimes, what we’re asking for is too small. Sometimes the person we think we can’t live without, God knows in ten years they’re not going to be good for us. So He is closing the door right now. Sometimes the promotion we want so badly, if God gave it to us right now, He knows it would keep us from a much bigger promotion that He has three years down the road.

 

Remember, God has the advantage of seeing it all. The longer I live, the more I trust Him. The more I see His hand of faithfulness, the more I know that His plan is better than my plan. Today, trust that He knows what He’s doing. Trust that He has an appointed time, and it is the best time to bring to pass His promises in your life!

 

I hope that encourages you today! 

Happy Thursday :)



A Very Belated Christmas Post

I figured I have the pictures why not share them :)

I had some fun decorating for Christmas this year, kept things simple, but still wanted to share.

We had planned on getting a real tree, but I was real sick after Thanksgiving and was playing catch up until the end of finals, so we avoided the hassle and went artificial for one more year.

Because we were going to be in Atlanta for Christmas, we decided to do presents and our Christmas dinner at home before my sisters came to visit.  Any excuse to use all of our fancy table settings :)  I made my first flank steak, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli and it all actually turned out well, so we were both super excited :)

On a thrifting note:

I picked up those napkin rings while thrifting, (they were absolutely horrendous) spray painted them gold, and they looked awesome with the gold on our china.  Love it!

I made some puppy  chow and decorated some old salsa jars we had accumulated. I love gift giving and making presents pretty, so needless to say, I had a lot of fun. 

I tried making pretzel bark first, but could not get the carmel to work, so "master caramel making" is still on my to do list.

As expected, Peyton was pretty much a permanent ornament next to the tree, due to his love for keeping an eye on the neighborhood.  Cutie pa-toot!

Then my sisters got here, we laughed and talked A LOT and made some killer Gluten Free Meat Loaf!  I will be sure to blog all about it next time we make it :)

On that note, I am off to a wings date with DJ!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)

It's 2013, and about time for an update :)

It really happened, I actually used this blog for the purpose I intended it for.

I looked at a post I made a year ago.

Asked DJ "Can you believe that this time last year we were searching for a car for me?"

His response "That wasn't just a year ago, was it???"

Needless to say, we were both surprised how quickly the time begins to blend together, seemingly flying and creeping forward all at the same time. Crazy!

 

That being said, I want to make an effort to intentionally update more often, because an update every six months is not much to look back on :) 

So...

 

1. We spent Christmas with DJ's family this year.  That was really hard for me, lots of growing up happened, and is still taking place.

There were lots of people.  It was the first time all of the kids and families had been in the same place at the same time for about 10 years.

 

2. Lindsey and Audrey came to visit for a few days before all of the Christmas craziness, and I was blessed by some much needed sister time!  SO encouraging :)

This was us on Thanksgiving, which we spent in Atlanta with my famjam :)

 

3. The Spring 2013 semester starts Monday.  I am excited about the classes, but our research proposal is scheduled for the end of March, so I am sure that will be the all consuming factor of this semester.  I am SUPER excited to have that moving forward quickly though!

4. DJ is starting classes full time Monday while still working full time.  So for the first time in our married life, I will be the one with the simple schedule, which will definitely give me a great opportunity to serve him better.

5. I am training for the Rock and Roll Marathon in Nashville at the end of April.  First marathon, but after how well the half went, I figured why not try?

Atlanta Half Marathon - Thanksgiving Day

6. I have been listening to books on tape while running.  Right now I am in the middle of Princess Diana's biography.  I have definitely been inspired by her desire to get to know everyone and her ability to show love.

7. Final point on running, spent most of my break reading this, and feel so much better prepared to try for the marathon now!

 

8. Peyton is still Peyton.  He is healthy and well and still making people smile all around :)

Showing off his new leash and collar and probably wondering how long he will have to sit still before he gets to go outside :)

 

9.  This past fall I participated in a study of A Woman's High Calling by Elizabeth George, which I am hoping to continue into the Spring.  DJ is still in the REAL Men study at church going through The Resolution for Men book :)  We have both loved learning about the Lord and strengthening relationships with friends through it.
 

10. I am still thrifty as usual, simplifying our apartment by selling as much on ebay as I can. Thirt store shopping combined with running help me manage my stress.
 

11. I have been trying to consciously cover everything in prayer.  This has definitely helped me with my never ending battle with needing more self control in so many areas!
 

12. Our in town family is relocating to Thailand in a week.  We continue to become more aware of how much we will miss them being so close.  Words can not describe.

We will miss regularly seeing every last one of those smiles!

 

13. I am trying to use my bike more often.  We live about a mile from campus, it really does make sense for me to bike, it is just a new idea that I am sure I will adjust to.  With my class schedule less demanding this semester I'd at least like to try :)

 

Anyways, that is us in a nutshell, simple, yet completely not at all, but loving it :)

Happy New Year!  I hope so far you are enjoying 2013!