"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happiest girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day. And I believe in miracles." - Audrey Hepburn
My husband emailed this to me, saying that he, "saw it, and was reminded of," me!
What a sweet reminder of how much I am loved!
Have a happy Saturday!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Daily Reflections
Andrew and I have been married just over a month now. It has been a wonderful month; full of ups and downs, and learning new things, and messing up, and starting over, etc., etc. Life as a married person thus far has brought so many new joys into my life, as well as new challenges. I am soaking up each moment, and falling more in love with Andrew, and with Jesus Christ, each day. Andrew is such a determined, hard worker. He is gone teaching during the day, and usually works three nights each week and weekend. He is exhausted. But he still makes being a wonderful, God-fearing husband his top priority. He remembers how important praying together is, even when I feel too tired. He remembers to kiss me on the cheek each night when he gets home from work, even if I am already asleep and do not even acknowledge that he is beside me. He shares my hopes and dreams with me, and encourages me to pursue those dreams, no matter how silly they may seem to anyone else in the universe (if, in fact, they were privy to my hopes and dreams, which they are not). He also bought me a dog. A perfect, 4.3 pound, 7 year old, toy chihuauah. Her name is Lady. She has an overbite. Due to the condition of her mouth, my dad calls her "Bucky." I think she is adorable. And precious. And sweet. And I love her.
There is an explanation for my absence from the blogging scene: We do not have internet access in our apartment. Due to this lack of internet access, I am a bit out of touch with the blogging world these days.
This being said, I did stumble upon something that is, at least in my mind, pretty neat. There are a lot of mornings when I dash out of the apartment so quickly that I do not read my Bible before I leave for work. And I can always tell the days that I do this, because those days just never seem to turn out quite right.
Here are daily reflections, scripture readings, and suggested prayers (for all those days when you simply do not know where to start on your own. I have lots of those.) The reflections and verses are usually short, but they are not usually "fluffy." In other words, despite their brevity, they are also substantial enough for you to ponder throughout the day.
The scripture posted for the reflection today is Psalm 14:2. They posted The Message version. Here is the NIV version of that same scripture: "The LORD looks down from heaven, on the sons of men, to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."
I do not always understand. Actually, the times and things that I understand are probably far outweighed by the times and things I do not understand. But when the Lord looks down from heaven (and how awesome is it that the LORD of the whole universe and everything in it cares enough to look down on us from heaven?!) I want Him to see me, and to thing, "OK. She is seeking me. She is searching and learning me. She is living a life that is focused on pursuing me."
Unfortunately, there are many days when, if God were to look down from heaven at me, He would not think that at all. He would probably think something more along the lines of, "Wow. Look at all those, silly, pointless things Logan is getting distracted by. Why in the world is she focusing on how messy the house is, why so-and-so does not seem to like her, what she should make for dinner, what time she needs to wake up in the morning, what she should do this weekend, or how she is going to make that payment? Does she now know that worrying about those things in futile? It is the devil's way of distracting her eyes and heart from me. LOGAN! PAY ATTENTION TO ME! DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?"
I often do not understand the depths of God's great love for me. His love should overshadow every fear, every worry, every worldly thought, every selfish ambition. In His compassion, He loves me through my misunderstanding. In His patience, He waits for me to return to Him.
My prayer for today? God, grant me understanding. Teach me to learn to trust in your ways, to focus on them always, and to walk in them each step of each day.
There is an explanation for my absence from the blogging scene: We do not have internet access in our apartment. Due to this lack of internet access, I am a bit out of touch with the blogging world these days.
This being said, I did stumble upon something that is, at least in my mind, pretty neat. There are a lot of mornings when I dash out of the apartment so quickly that I do not read my Bible before I leave for work. And I can always tell the days that I do this, because those days just never seem to turn out quite right.
Here are daily reflections, scripture readings, and suggested prayers (for all those days when you simply do not know where to start on your own. I have lots of those.) The reflections and verses are usually short, but they are not usually "fluffy." In other words, despite their brevity, they are also substantial enough for you to ponder throughout the day.
The scripture posted for the reflection today is Psalm 14:2. They posted The Message version. Here is the NIV version of that same scripture: "The LORD looks down from heaven, on the sons of men, to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."
I do not always understand. Actually, the times and things that I understand are probably far outweighed by the times and things I do not understand. But when the Lord looks down from heaven (and how awesome is it that the LORD of the whole universe and everything in it cares enough to look down on us from heaven?!) I want Him to see me, and to thing, "OK. She is seeking me. She is searching and learning me. She is living a life that is focused on pursuing me."
Unfortunately, there are many days when, if God were to look down from heaven at me, He would not think that at all. He would probably think something more along the lines of, "Wow. Look at all those, silly, pointless things Logan is getting distracted by. Why in the world is she focusing on how messy the house is, why so-and-so does not seem to like her, what she should make for dinner, what time she needs to wake up in the morning, what she should do this weekend, or how she is going to make that payment? Does she now know that worrying about those things in futile? It is the devil's way of distracting her eyes and heart from me. LOGAN! PAY ATTENTION TO ME! DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?"
I often do not understand the depths of God's great love for me. His love should overshadow every fear, every worry, every worldly thought, every selfish ambition. In His compassion, He loves me through my misunderstanding. In His patience, He waits for me to return to Him.
My prayer for today? God, grant me understanding. Teach me to learn to trust in your ways, to focus on them always, and to walk in them each step of each day.
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Big Day: Part 1
Chesley, the talented photographer who took our engagement pictures, also took photos during our wedding. She did a remarkable job. For more of her pictures of our wedding, go to her website. I cannot stop looking at the pictures she took, and I can't wait to see the rest!
This is precisely pre- Daddy-losing-it. Andrew's eyes were a little foggy too. It was precious! I, on the other hand, held it together quite well throughout the entire morning (we were marriage at 10am!)
This is a picture my cousin took during the ceremony.
Sean Cook, such a man of God, served Andrew and me communion, and prayed a prayer of blessing over our lives together. 
:)
My athleticism in action. Rehearsl and Rehearsal Dinner: Part 1
I am MARRIED now! And the whole wedding day could not have gone more perfectly. Everything and everyone was beautiful. My only dilemma now is what to do with my spare time since all the wedding planning is behind us! That being said though, I am glad the actual wedding is over so that I can begin my life with the man I love. I could not be happier.
Believe it or not, I took VERY few pictures on the actual wedding day; however, here are some shots that some friends took!
During the rehearsal dinner, people who wanted to stood up and said a few words... words of encouragement, blessing, or special memories of Andrew and/or me. This picture was taken when my sister was talking. Her speech was priceless. I was in shock that she actually stood up to say anything, but on top of that, what she was incredibly touching. I just lost it.
My sister was the maid of honor, but these girls were just as big of a help in the whole process. Jennifer (to my right) made the banners that we hung in the fellowship hall for the reception. She has been a dear friend since we met our freshman year of college. Calista and I traveled to Guatemala together. She and her husband, Alex, were just married in May. We are starting this journey together. Lucky for me, she had a little head start. I will need all the pointers on married life that I can come by!
My aunt took this picture after the rehearsal ended. I think Andrew was probably starving by this point, but he was a trooper, and posed rather willing for a final picture.
Daddy looks calm and collected here, but don't be fooled. Saturday morning was a different story. Real men cry. It's a fact. And I love it.
There are many more pictures where this came from, so stay tuned! :)
Believe it or not, I took VERY few pictures on the actual wedding day; however, here are some shots that some friends took!
During the rehearsal dinner, people who wanted to stood up and said a few words... words of encouragement, blessing, or special memories of Andrew and/or me. This picture was taken when my sister was talking. Her speech was priceless. I was in shock that she actually stood up to say anything, but on top of that, what she was incredibly touching. I just lost it.My sister was the maid of honor, but these girls were just as big of a help in the whole process. Jennifer (to my right) made the banners that we hung in the fellowship hall for the reception. She has been a dear friend since we met our freshman year of college. Calista and I traveled to Guatemala together. She and her husband, Alex, were just married in May. We are starting this journey together. Lucky for me, she had a little head start. I will need all the pointers on married life that I can come by! My aunt took this picture after the rehearsal ended. I think Andrew was probably starving by this point, but he was a trooper, and posed rather willing for a final picture. Daddy looks calm and collected here, but don't be fooled. Saturday morning was a different story. Real men cry. It's a fact. And I love it. There are many more pictures where this came from, so stay tuned! :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Favorites for the Week
I fell in love the moment I saw this picture. The bright colors are cheerful as can be. This is a really small space, yet there is so much going on in it, and it is incredibly multi-functional. Somehow, at the same time, the designer manages not to make the area look overly-cluttered, or too busy. There is extra seating, a great eating or writing surface, and awesome lighting, via the window (which is adorably curtained), and the lamp, which takes up virtually no space in the room at all.
Here is my source, as well as one of my favorite blogs!
This picture, from here, reminds me of Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Mama Bear's chair, Papa Bear's chair, and Baby Bear's chair! But what really caught my eye were the colorful tiles around the fireplace! Those little pops of color make all the difference. If you are curious to see what the rest of this house looks like, simply click here!
Without explanation, this picture seems random, I know. So, allow me to explain.
My dad has an odd affinity for Saltine crackers. I am not exactly sure why, but he generally likes to have a box on hand. My fiance (to whom I will be married in eight days) is obsessed with his pocket knife. He looks for any excuse to pull it out of his pocket (since he never goes anywhere without having it there) and show it off. Yes, I realize the knives in the picture are more butter knife-ish, and less pocket knife-ish, but, in my book, a knife is a knife. Finally, my mom and I have been collecting glass bottles for months, to be used in the wedding (Did I mention, by the way, that it is a mere ten days away now?) For these reasons, this picture struck a cord on my heartstrings this week.
Here is my source, as well as one of my favorite blogs!
This picture, from here, reminds me of Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Mama Bear's chair, Papa Bear's chair, and Baby Bear's chair! But what really caught my eye were the colorful tiles around the fireplace! Those little pops of color make all the difference. If you are curious to see what the rest of this house looks like, simply click here!
Without explanation, this picture seems random, I know. So, allow me to explain.
My dad has an odd affinity for Saltine crackers. I am not exactly sure why, but he generally likes to have a box on hand. My fiance (to whom I will be married in eight days) is obsessed with his pocket knife. He looks for any excuse to pull it out of his pocket (since he never goes anywhere without having it there) and show it off. Yes, I realize the knives in the picture are more butter knife-ish, and less pocket knife-ish, but, in my book, a knife is a knife. Finally, my mom and I have been collecting glass bottles for months, to be used in the wedding (Did I mention, by the way, that it is a mere ten days away now?) For these reasons, this picture struck a cord on my heartstrings this week.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Summer
Today was an exceptionally busy day. Between doctor's appointments, pharmacy visits, and client phone calls, a single word popped into my mind... A word that carries with it a whole host of emotions. The word?
Summer.
The word itself is loaded with nostalgia, ideals, expectations, hopes.
When I think of summer, I literally get giddy inside. I remember how I longed for summer as a little girl: family vacations, cookouts, pool (or lake) parties, evening boat rides, berry picking, riding in the bed of my dad's truck.
Summer possesses its own kind of sweetness, as do each of the other seasons. Fall is a time of excitement and preparation; of celebration and thanks. Winter is a time of hustle and bustle, of anticipation, of going and doing. Spring brings with it the sweetness of renewal after a long, cold winter season.
But summer's sweetness is extra special. It holds the promise of rest, of warmth, of sunshine. It is a sweet reminder of days gone by, of simpler times.
Of course, now that I am learning to be a grown up, and working full time, other than the weather and my morale, nothing much changes in the summer.
In fact, this summer has been exceptionally busy: graduating from college, starting a new job, moving into a new apartment, planning a wedding, and preparing for married life.
But the ideals of summer still remain.
And something about summertime is still exceptionally sweet.
Summer.
The word itself is loaded with nostalgia, ideals, expectations, hopes.
When I think of summer, I literally get giddy inside. I remember how I longed for summer as a little girl: family vacations, cookouts, pool (or lake) parties, evening boat rides, berry picking, riding in the bed of my dad's truck.
Summer possesses its own kind of sweetness, as do each of the other seasons. Fall is a time of excitement and preparation; of celebration and thanks. Winter is a time of hustle and bustle, of anticipation, of going and doing. Spring brings with it the sweetness of renewal after a long, cold winter season.
But summer's sweetness is extra special. It holds the promise of rest, of warmth, of sunshine. It is a sweet reminder of days gone by, of simpler times.
Of course, now that I am learning to be a grown up, and working full time, other than the weather and my morale, nothing much changes in the summer.
In fact, this summer has been exceptionally busy: graduating from college, starting a new job, moving into a new apartment, planning a wedding, and preparing for married life.
But the ideals of summer still remain.
And something about summertime is still exceptionally sweet.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Coupon Clipping Continues
As some of you may know, I have gone a little coupon crazy lately.
And the mania continues.
McDonald's has, of course, any size drink for one dollar. Andrew and I go there on days when we eat lunch together. We have actually developed a pretty neat little system. We pack our own lunches. We park in the McDonald's parking lot. He runs in and buys two large drinks (although, if you wanted to be really thrifty, you could buy one drink and share it between two people. But therein lies this problem: Andrew loves sweet tea; it makes me want to throw up.) We sit in our car, in the parking lot, and eat our packed lunches. Then, when we have finished our lunch, and before we leave the parking lot, Andrew goes back into McDonald's and gets refills for each of us. Cheating the system? Possibly. Slightly.
I say all of that to say this: This week, if you purchase a drink from McDonald's, there is a sticker attached to the cup. The sticker is good for either a free 12 oz fruit smoothie, or a free 12 oz frappe. Andrew and I each got a drink; thus, we received two coupons.
The deals do not stop there. I discovered a wonderful blog that offers free printable coupons. The author posts anywhere from two to ten or more coupons each day. I have discovered something about these coupons though. If you print and use coupons ONLY for things you would need to purchase anyway, with or without a coupon, then the coupons truly do save you money. But if you tend to purchase items simply because you have a coupon for those items, then this blog might be a deathtrap for you.
So, before clicking here, consider yourself warned.
Speaking of discovering new blogs, here are some photos from a blog that is new to me! I stumbled upon it recently, and love Kate's taste. She provides inspiration, tutorials on DIY projects, step- by- step pictures, and before and after shots!
Enjoy your Wednesday.
Have a smoothie.
And the mania continues.
McDonald's has, of course, any size drink for one dollar. Andrew and I go there on days when we eat lunch together. We have actually developed a pretty neat little system. We pack our own lunches. We park in the McDonald's parking lot. He runs in and buys two large drinks (although, if you wanted to be really thrifty, you could buy one drink and share it between two people. But therein lies this problem: Andrew loves sweet tea; it makes me want to throw up.) We sit in our car, in the parking lot, and eat our packed lunches. Then, when we have finished our lunch, and before we leave the parking lot, Andrew goes back into McDonald's and gets refills for each of us. Cheating the system? Possibly. Slightly.
I say all of that to say this: This week, if you purchase a drink from McDonald's, there is a sticker attached to the cup. The sticker is good for either a free 12 oz fruit smoothie, or a free 12 oz frappe. Andrew and I each got a drink; thus, we received two coupons.
The deals do not stop there. I discovered a wonderful blog that offers free printable coupons. The author posts anywhere from two to ten or more coupons each day. I have discovered something about these coupons though. If you print and use coupons ONLY for things you would need to purchase anyway, with or without a coupon, then the coupons truly do save you money. But if you tend to purchase items simply because you have a coupon for those items, then this blog might be a deathtrap for you.
So, before clicking here, consider yourself warned.
Speaking of discovering new blogs, here are some photos from a blog that is new to me! I stumbled upon it recently, and love Kate's taste. She provides inspiration, tutorials on DIY projects, step- by- step pictures, and before and after shots!
Enjoy your Wednesday.
Have a smoothie.
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