Don't Quit

     Living away from home has brought on several challenges. One of the biggest has been finding a church. We have looked on the Internet, and visited so many churches over the past few weeks. I guess we also have very high standards because our church back home is the best you will find. I have been there all my life, so coming here and finding a new church has been very difficult for me especially.We had a guest preacher and he preached a very encouraging message.

I have heard these verses and even the words he said over 1000 times, but this time was different. God used his word to speak in a completely different way. He read Galatians 6:7-9- Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

He talked about how as Christians, we have a job to do. We have a job to go and spread the gospel to others. We also are called to be servants and to do what the Lord called us to do. He said we are not called to quit or give up on God. Even though we don't feel like He is there or is working, He is, because His word said He is!

It is so easy to get discouraged when we feel like what we are doing is useless. We pray and seek and hope, and it feels like God is not intervening with our problems. The pastor often reminded us in his message that the harvest is in Gods hands. Our job is to plant the seeds, and then leave the rest to the Lord.

The most profound things that he said that has stuck with me is a story that he told about a farmer. He said every year he gets ready to for the harvest. He sows with handfuls, but reaps with truckloads. 


I'm so thankful that God's word always has new things to say. He is a great God, and His word is full of truth. I am so grateful for His timing and encouragement when I need it the most.

Remember...Don't quit...your work is not in vain! 

Decoration!

My parents came down for a visit last week! It was great having them here! They were able to see our new place and spend some time with me and Jordyn!! While they were here they helped us put some finishing touches on our apartment!

We added a picture above the couch! I have so much wall space it was hard to find one that was big enough! This one matches my rug, so it was a winner!

 

 

A closer view

This is my favorite area! We put the scripture on the wall (vinyl lettering) and my mom made our beautiful centerpiece!!

     

I'm really not sure what to call this area.  My mom calls it the Olive Garden area because it looks like something you would see in an Italian restaurant. Again, my mom used her creativity to make something to fill this space!!

This is the hallway!  I love this picture. I have been looking at it for weeks! My parents purchased it for me when they were here! I have to say they still spoil me! I'm still waiting to get my pictures to fill it up! I can't wait til its done!

 

 

 

  Thanks again Mom and Daddy for all your help! You helped make our place look more like a home (temporary home)!!

My Big Day!

Well....one month later I decided it would be a good time to post about my wedding:) My wedding was everything I imagined plus even more (with the exception of rain). I have been truly blessed with so many people who made this experience in my life even more special. My mom, mother in law, and many other of my sweet friends and family members helped to decorate the church. Everything was lit up, and was very elegant. My bridesmaids looked stunning in their black dresses (not to mention about as skinny as a rail :)) The guys didn't look too bad either! My wedding was very simple, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way! The best way to describe this day is to let you see it for yourself. All these pictures were taken by Calla-Lilly Photography.

 To set my wedding apart, I decided to sing to my husband. I love to sing, but struggled with this decision because I tend to be a little emotional. To keep this top secret only the people that had to know about it knew. My brother is so talented and is able to play several instruments. He lives about 6 hours away from me so finding a time to practice was impossible until a few days before the wedding. We started the Thursday before staying up til about 2am practicing this song. It turned out to be so beautiful. My brother, Matt, played the piano while I sang a song called Forever and Ever I Do. I was strong until about the second line when it hit Jordyn that I was singing to him and started sobbing. I did my best to hold it together, and I made it all the way through! I don't get to surprise him often-but this one was GREAT!

 

We also had a wonderful wedding party! Each one is so dear to our hearts. This is my favorite picture of all of us! We had so much fun!

 

And of course...we couldn't have made it through smoothly without our wedding director! Thanks Deidre for all your help!! I love you so much! 

And if course our parents....We love our parents so much. They have done SOOO much for us, especially throughout our engagement. We cannot express how blessed we are to have such amazing families. We truly love them with ALL our hearts!

We have been happily married for a month now! God has been so good to the both of us, has answered so many prayers already. We are so excited to see what all he will do in the days ahead!