I thought in honor of my birthday tomorrow, I would share a little bit more about myself…and by a little bit, I mean 36 facts since I am turning 36. Yes I’m old. Let’s just agree to pretend I’m not. Mmmkay? Good. Now that we got that out of the way….haha. I’m sure if you have followed along for awhile on my Instagram, you already know the basics, like I can’t go a day without Jesus and Coffee! But did you know…. Continue reading →
I caught myself looking up towards the ceiling again, asking “Why, God?!” when another day began with another headache. I think it is probably safe to assume that at one time or another, you too have asked, “Why?” to God. It’s sadly almost second nature to us, when something goes awry, to call out to Him in frustration asking, “WHY?!” “Why did He let________happen.” Maybe you asked Him why your loved one passed away. Or why He let your relationship fall apart, or why the test results came back positive for an incurable disease. One thing I have learned through out the years of my pain and trials, is that sometimes, God allows us to experience the deep, dark, worldly pain because He wants us to be able to experience and understand His unconditional, heavenly love and strength. Continue reading →
Dutch Apple Pie is my love language. Sorry coffee. You are my first love, but Dutch Apple Pie comes in second for sure. Now I’m not just talking about your every day apple pie. I am talking about the sweet and delicious, crispy, crumbly topping making it thee best dessert ever! If you know me, then you know that every year on my birthday {October 27th} I say, no thank you to birthday cake and yes please to Dutch Apple Pie and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.
I have a super simple pie recipe for anyone who is in the mood to start their Autumn baking off on a high note. Pie can seem intimidating, but don’t let it be. Start out simple with an already made pie crust if you’ve never made a crust from scratch before and then work your way up to making your own. You’ll be a professional before you know it. ;) Continue reading →
On the other side of fear is FREEDOM. I have been telling myself this saying a lot lately. If you’ve followed along with me for awhile, you may have noticed I talk often about anxiety and fear. The reason I do is to bring it to light so that someone else that may be struggling with these things knows that they are not alone. I know that when I am knee deep in fear, it is easy to feel like you are drowning and there is no lifeguard on duty. BUT that is exactly where the enemy wants you to be. So don’t let that happen. Take control of your thoughts and surrender them all to Christ. He is our lifeguard when the waves come crashing in on us. Continue reading →
“Sometimes God calms the storms and sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child….” Life has thrown me a curveball the last few years regarding my health. Up until about five years ago I was living with very minimal pain. I got the occasional migraine which would knock me down shortly, but I was able to go the majority of the month pain free. Most days lately however, I find it hard to keep my head above water. To say I get overwhelmed with the constant pain would be quite the understatement. There are days where I am completely taken over with anxiety and depression from my daily pain. The past several months have been a whirlwind of different physical health issues ranging from migraines that last days at a time, to my back going out and not being able to walk. Even though I spend most days in very heart felt prayer, I have not been really working on strengthening my relationship with the Lord. Most days if I am being honest, my prayers are very specific to my pain and sometimes, all I ask for a healing from it. Continue reading →
Simplifying is not always my strong suit. I am not by nature someone who is a “minimalist.” If we’re being honest, I have found myself to be someone who says,” If I like it; I should buy it in every color.” I am learning that simplifying certain things in your life truly is rewarding and brings you so much peace of mind. When you get into your new intentional habits you will quickly find joy in the simple things. Continue reading →
Happily Ever After….The best ending to a book or movie in my opinion but is Happily Ever After really how they portray it?….Imagine for a minute that everything in your life was “perfect.” What are you imagining? Money? New car? More toned body? Baby that sleeps through the night? Were you thinking about any of these? Maybe all of them? Now let me ask you this; when I asked you to imagine a “perfect life” did you imagine having a stronger, more meaningful relationship with God? Truth be told, most of us probably don’t think of that at first when we stomp our feet and whine about our daily struggles and how life isn’t “fair.” We sit and think about how our life isn’t the way we had always dreamed of and imagined but perhaps, this is the moment for which you were created. {Esther 4:14} Perhaps this very life you are living is exactly what God wants for you. Continue reading →
Another year has come and gone. I am so thankful for each day that God blessed me with as Alexander’s mom and Adam’s wife. But if we are being honest I cant say that I am sad to see 2016 go. It was a hard year to say the least. Starting out the year with emergency gallbladder surgery was rough, but God walked me through it and brought me to the other side of a long struggle with worry and anxiety. Though every day was not always sunshine and rainbows, life is a beautiful gift that we get to unwrap each and every day! Continue reading →
Gingerbread cookies are definitely one of my family’s favorite Christmas cookies! Not only are they delicious, but the smell of all the spices just warms up the house and makes it feel so Christmas-y! I like to add a little extra kick with candied ginger, but you can omit this ingredient if you’re making these for little kids who might not like the extra spice. Alexander’s favorite part is decorating them, so don’t forget to whip up a batch of Royal Icing to decorate these. Get creative and have fun! They don’t have to just be “gingerbread men.” I like to switch it up with gingerbread angels along with the typical gingerbread men.
Can you believe it’s the end of November already? Maybe you’re on top of things and have already bought and wrapped your presents this year. {overachiever. haha just kidding!} BUT, maybe you are like me, and are way behind on Christmas shopping. Ok, Ok….I’ll level with you. I haven’t even started! But in my defense, I do my best work under pressure. hehe ;) So for all of you who haven’t finished (or started) here are a few things I think would make a perfect gift for any women in your life. Your friends, your sister, your hair stylist, your mom or hey….maybe your favorite blogger ;) wink-wink. I am especially loving my JORD watch this season! See that mint beauty, smack dab in the middle. It is totally adding a pop of color and fun to my holiday outfits! Want to win one? Of course you do!