brighten up your thursday

It's one of those weeks where we have been so busy, it's hard to take time to reflect and be inspired to write or blog. Andrew's on the verge of something new, and I am blazing through the days trying to get in an application asap. Please pray for us! In the mean time, before I hunker down, I visited Pinterest for some pretty "pin"spiration ;)

                                     

Image Sources: // 1. Simple Feather // 2. Half-Up Braid // 3. Beautiful World // 4. Floral Centerpiece // 5. Iced Coffee // 6. Potatoes & Thyme // 7. Anarstarpi, Iceland //

are you a negative person?

Negativity is an interesting thing. It is alluring; we are drawn to it, perhaps because it is easier, or less vulnerable, or it seems less maintenance. It seems unconventional, alternative, and cool. It seems intelligent. Others are drawn towards it, too. It seems to unite people together through humorous sarcasm and confident protest. But it pushes people away, as well… at least, the people you actually would want and need to be around. Negativity is a poor friend, and a poor substitute for joy and satisfaction. It tricks you by trapping you and forcing you to put up walls and harden yourself, and before you know it, it's the only way you can see and understand things, and it closes you off to opportunities to change.

But! What God offers is truly unconventional, because it goes against this natural desire in us all to be critical and closed off. He gives us the opportunity to be reborn to love. To be "cleansed from the essential unforgiving bitterness of the self-centered life" and to have within "something of the forgiving and sacrificial love of God" (William Barclay). Surround yourself with positive thoughts by surrounding yourself both with gratitude, and with positive, uplifting people. Refuse to give in to letting negativity have a place in your life. Are you up for the challenge of allowing yourself to be cleansed from negativity? 

"… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you…" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). In ALL circumstances. When you're unemployed, when you're employed but hate it, when you're depressed or anxious, when you're lonely, when you're overwhelmed, when you're tired… and it's not just His hope for you, but it is His will. Direct yourself to live in accordance to His will.

"Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily." (Jesus Calling)

xo

P.S. Here is a great sermon on positive thinking (#72), and a book that teaches how to have positive thoughts. 

Image found here //

two decades later...

Happiest of birthdays to this stud, who turns 20 today…

You are one of my best and most loyal friends, and you make me laugh and fill my heart with joy!

There'd be a hole in my life without you, my brother!

xoxo

All, have a wonderful weekend.. enjoy this lovely weather :)

lamb loves fox

Check out this darling blog I stumbled upon recently. She takes the most beautiful photographs of her children, as she documents a year in their lives- or at least, that was the original plan. It seems she has decided to carry on the habit even now that the year has ended :) So sweet! But when every photograph is this amazing, how does she ever chose which ones to print & frame?! 

P.S. I'm obsessed with her daughter's blonde curls… what a beauty!!

xo

faith continues to rejoice in Him

I read this scripture this morning and felt it connected to yesterday's post. God is our joy, our salvation, our strength, and our hope no matter our circumstance- even when all signs point to loss and discouragement. He is the constant merciful and loving Father. 

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, there there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:17-19

xo

Image via here //

an honest look at faith

Faith is frustrating… and honestly, sometimes a little annoying.
I always thought I understood what faith is- believing in something even if you don't have tangible proof for it. However, after this past year, I am starting to see that while this may be part of it, "faith" has a much deeper and more dynamic definition.

have a smoochy weekend xo

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether or not you have someone special, I hope you still feel loved (because you are) and full of love (because you have so much to give). Call your mother and tell her you love her :) Hope your weekend is full of lots of sweet smooches! In the mean time, here are some fun links to inspire you...

Homemade Valentine's Day cards for some last minute inspiration.

A Pinterest board full of cute Valentine's ideas.

How often do you say "I love you"? (I found the readers' comments very interesting!)

One of my dear friends, Kathryn, recently started a blog with an emphasis on recipes (she's a great chef!).

Love this DIY book I received for my birthday.

A little bit of history and fun facts about Valentine's Day.

Andrew and I watched this movie last night and really enjoyed it. Very sweet and meaningful, and hysterical- I haven't laughed that hard during a movie in ages. (and an interview with the real-life Phillippe)

love love love to you all

xoxo

hugs and kisses and lots of warmth

Do you have any plans for Valentine's Day tomorrow? With all the snow and ice this week, we are hoping to be able to get out for a little bit at least. I received this postcard from my friend, Marilisa, this week, and I thought it was the sweetest gesture. I have never been super into Valentine's day- a day made up to promote sales and celebrate romance that is already celebrated with many other holidays, plus my birthday is only 10 days before… but, it seems so much more special to really see it as a day to show appreciation and love to everyone you care for, not just romantically. Everyone can use a little love :)

xoxo

how are you handling the ice?

Anyone with cabin fever yet? We are gearing up for ice storm Pax, with extra blankets, extra batteries, and extra ice cream :) Hoping everyone is staying warm and safe out there xo

second image unknown source, via Twitter // 

a seat to sit

As we get closer (hopefully) to making our next move, my mind is also set on something a bit bigger than prints and wall decor: furniture. Specifically, couches. I passed mine and Andrew's old college couches onto my brother, and do not wish to ever have those back in my home again. Instead, I'd love to find something new to bring our new home a fresh, mature look. I love white, but I'm not sure I could convince Andrew (he's way more into darker colors). This grey couch (photo above) seems like a nice compromise. A little bit of color, but still softens and brightens the room without making it too overwhelming.

I also think this little bench from World Market is a nice alternative to a love seat. So elegant but still functional. 

And, of course, I'd absolutely love a good, dark leather chair (who doesn't?)- so cozy.

What about you? Any tips or suggestions on where to find good, inexpensive couches and chairs? Spill your secrets :)

xo

what's your birthday tradition?

Do you have a go-to birthday celebration? We tend to celebrate a lot of birthdays (and any event in general) at an Athens local Pub & Restaurant, Trapeze. Andrew "surprised" me with a dinner there along with several of our close young married friends. 

Now that we no longer live in Athens, we treasure time spent with these people! It was great to swap funny stories and just be a part of the group once again. 

Three of the girls all gave me gifts from the local shop, Frontier! I always find myself wondering around in there, admiring all the little trinkets and handmade jewelry by local artists. I realized I have never bought anything for myself there, because, as Marilisa puts it, it's the perfect place to buy gifts for other people. So I am glad to have been on the receiving end this time :) (p.s. isn't Alise's baby bump just too precious?!)

I also got a dramatic hair cut, and it is now the shortest it has been since probably middle school! I'm kind of wishing I went shorter though… now that I'm not so attached to my once-Rapunzel length hair, it's fun to mix it up ;)

Thank you to all friends and family for a great 25th celebration! 

have a relaxing weekend xo

birthday scripture love

I got an idea from a good friend, who, each year on her birthday, reads the chapter and verse of each book in the Bible of the month and day she was born on. For example, my birthday is 02/04, so I would read the 2nd chapter and 4th verse in each book. Isn't this a cute and fun idea? It feels like each scripture was hand-picked for you and your special day, and you get to read it and think about why it was chosen. Though I've done it before, yesterday while I was reading, many of the scriptures were so moving. It was special for me to read so many powerful scriptures in one sitting, and to be reminded of the stories and the character of God. Here are a few that stood out to me...

celebrating 25 years

On this day, exactly a quarter of a century ago, these two young people became parents! Since then, they have been the most loyal and supportive people to all 4 (+1) of their children. I love you, mom and dad. Happy "We Became Parents" Day to Y-O-U!!! Thank you for teaching and loving me throughout my 25 years. Thank you, especially, for holding that hair bow in place with maple syrup, because now I have a weird story to go with this awkward family photo. It seems you've also filled my life with humor and unforgettable memories :)

I loved you with your big hair, and I will love you when you have no hair :) … and all the time in between.

you're the best xoxo