Time To Get Crafty!

TGIF! It is time to get crafty! I hope this post find each of you ending your week on a good note. I am not too sure about you, but I love a Friday more than any other day of the week, and I especially love a Friday followed by a long weekend! Typically I use the afternoon to clean, iron, or catch up on things that have been neglected due to the fact that I devote much of the weekday afternoons to schoolwork and studying. If you read my blog often you are aware that I am a lover of all things FALL!!! Also, I am a huge fan of seasonal decor. Put the two together and I like to get creative! Today's post will be short and sweet. I will share a few creations that are cheap to find and simple to make.

 

 

This is a glittered pumpkin that I found at Hobby Lobby for less than $3. I used wrapping ribbon and made a messy look for the top. It makes  for a cute table centerpiece. (PS- I was in Michael's on Thursday and saw something similar for $40!)

 

This is a baby pumpkin that I bought at a local grocery store for under $5 (I cannot remember the specific price I paid). I painted it white and used a round brush to add polka dots. I also added the wrapping paper ribbon to the top to create that messy look as seen with the glitter pumpkin. Remember, when using real pumpkins be sure to notice if it begins to smell or change shape- It could be rotting.

Both of these decor pieces can easily be made with  items sitting in drawers around your home. If you are a lover of all things fall spruce up your decor this season with budget friendly crafts! Until next time, happy blogging!

Until Death Do Us Part

Hello everyone! Happy hump day! Are you shocked.... Multiple posts during the week? I am a little shocked myself, but I heard an amazing song today by John Waller called The Marriage Prayer and felt compelled to share instead of waiting. If you are a married believer and love to pray for your better half, crush, boyfriend or Husband this would be a perfect component to include each day as you walk with the Lord. A sweet mentor encouraged me to start a devotion for my Husband while we were engaged. So, I am currently reading Stormie Omartian's The Power of a Praying Wife. Each devotion ends with a prayer dedicated on my Husband's behalf and I plan to include this song from now on, too. Not only is this song beautifully written, but it has such a great worship effect and I think it will correlate well. We all know that prayer is powerful, however couples who not only pray together but also pray for each other can do mighty works as servants in the Lord's Kingdom. What might God do if every married person prayed for their spouse every day? 

I want to dedicate this song to all the married or dating couples, and to those who dream of getting married one day. My prayer is for us to strive to put the Lord first in all our endeavors. May we seek to love our spouses in the same way that the Lord loves the Church, His Bride.

Tony and I have been together almost seven years this coming month, and we have been married for 67 days! Woohoo! As I have said before, I truly believe marriage is the best blessing and challenge the Lord can bestow upon a dating couple ready to tackle the next chapter in life and love. Although Tony and I thought we knew everything about each other before starting our marriage, I can say we have learned so much about each other and about ourselves in the past two months. Living together does not change who you are or what you represent as a couple, but it does change how you work together and support each other during different situations. Every single day he is there for me in so many ways, and I cannot even begin to describe how awesome it is to be with each other day in and day out. Being married definitely beats a long distance relationship any day.
 
I absolutely adore my Husband. He has a precious heart and is compassionate, smart, funny, and so handsome! It is truly remarkable to think of how far we have grown in the past seven years. However, it is even more awesome that the Lord knows Tony and me better than we know each other or ourselves. Jesus knew that Tony and I would become marriage partners even when we did not. During a devotion called Every Young Woman's Battle I began to think about dating and what would be associated. With the thoughts of dating running wild in my mind, of course marriage follows. During the devotion an old friend and I read I Kissed Dating Goodbye and And The Bride Wore White which encourages young christian girls to pray for their future spouse. From then on, our devotion leader challenged us to only date guys that we could see ourselves marrying. I can remember making a list and praying for my future Husband every day. I even prayed for my future Husband throughout my high school relationship with Tony not knowing that he and I would make this far. It is not that I did not trust our relationship, I honestly just thought it was another spell of high school love. It is almost crazy to think about how much the Lord has impacted our relationship over time, but He has known exactly what He was doing from day 1. The Lord is committed through the ups and the downs! I cannot imagine life without my precious Husband. I certainly cannot even imagine life and love without the Lord leading my path, and for that I am so thankful. From one blessing to another, the Lord continues to provide and I look forward to sharing the next 67 years with Tony Harper tackling the ups and downs of life and love.  

I thank my God every time I remember you. -Philippians 1:3

 

Father, I said till

Death do us part

I want to mean it

With all of my heart

Help me to love you

More than I love her

Then I know I can

Love her more

Than anyone else

And bring her in

Your presence today

Make her what

You want her to be

I pray to hear her heart

I pray she'll love you more

I pray to cherish and serve her

And we'll bring you glory today, I pray

Father, I said till

Death do us part

I want to mean it

With all of my heart

Help me to love you

More than I love him

Then I know I can

Love him more

Than anyone else

And bring him in

Your presence today

Make him what

You want him to be

Lord, help me love her

As you love the church, your bride

Help me submit to him

As I submit to you, my life

 

This is my prayer Amen

 

Tony and I have always loved Matthew West's When I Say I Do, but I think we may come to associate with Mark Waller's song more often. I cannot wait for my Husband to get home so he can listen! I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon! Until next time, happy blogging!

The Calm Before The Storm

Hello friends and family! I just wanted to jot a few thoughts about Tropical Storm Issac before things get too crazy this evening and tomorrow (as if they are not already in some areas of the south). I am not sure how many of you reading were affected by Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Katrina a few years ago, but each has completely changed the way many people view the effects of Mother Nature and natural disasters. I lost my father the day Ivan hit land in September of 2004. My family and I were not able to travel to Louisiana as quickly to be with family because of power outages. When remembering the effects of Katrina in August of 2005, I think of friends I have met in the course of my three years attending LSU and SELU. These friends were forced to relocate and start their lives over in more ways than one. During Ivan and Katrina I was living with my parents and little sister, and with each storm we stayed home and rode it out. As most of you know since my Husband and I recently married, we are now on our own and responsible for taking care of ourselves. We are in control of our safety and the outcome of what may turn out to be an unclear situation in the midst of weather disruptions. I think now that I am older and more aware of what is happening in the world around me I felt the need to take some initiative to write this post.  Despite the way Ivan and Katrina have affected my family or friends, Issac will leave an impact on many people regardless of how the storm affects everyone over the course of the next few days.

I would like to encourage everyone to please remember to take proper precautions to stay safe. Although we may not be hit directly by the storm in certain parts of the south that may be inland, everyone will receive large amounts of rain and anything can transpire- wind, flooding, tornadoes, ect. Also as you watch the weather, buy supplies, or head to fuel up remember everyone is in the same boat. Just as you are taking precaution to take care of your family, so are the many other people in line in front of or behind you. If you are waiting in line for gas for long periods of time at least be thankful you have money to fill up your vehicle. If you have to go to three different stores to buy water, be thankful others have already thought ahead and bought their case. Life will go on even if you have a bad experience for a few minutes during this trying, stressful time. Try to remember to act in the same manner as "the calm before the storm." I have seen this reference in posts on Facebook and Twitter and thought it was extremely fitting.

As Tony and I were picking up the essentials last night we could tell that Walmart was very bare, however we noticed that many in our area of  Birmingham have taken proper precaution. So, to all of my sweet friends at LSU and SELU, and to those family members in Zachary, Vacherie, and Bogalusa- Take care of yourself. Know that we are praying for you. May God bless and keep you. We love you.

As always, until next time- Happy blogging!

http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/atlantic-depression-storm-nine-20120817

Seasons of Change

Good morning! What a glorious day the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it! Today is Tony's birthday so I woke up a little earlier than normal to prepare a few decorations and to bring out his gift before he got up. In the process I went outside to water the flowers and I noticed the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It may be because Issac is making its way to land, but I would like to think that it is because of the change of season around the corner. As I was on the patio I realize that the month of September starts Saturday! Fall is coming, y'all!

Seasons come and go in our lives. It is the one thing that will always be a consistent factor even though it is one of the hardest things we adapt to comfortably. The way we embrace and manage change will affect our outcome in many situations. The upcoming season can be a time of tremendous growth if we allow it to take its course even when the changes between each season are bittersweet. The start of each season brings hope and excitement for the future, yet with a twinge of regret or longing for what has passed. I am not sure about you but I love this time of year most and am beyond ready for all things fall- cooler weather, time change, sweatshirts, watching the trees change color, chi lattes and flavored creamers, holidays, and of course football. With this change of season, so comes change in life!

If we take a deep look at our lives and our surroundings during this season of change we will find that change is everywhere for everyone. Personally, I am currently in a huge season of change. My studies at UAB are going well, but classes are extremely different from what I am accustom to which requires me to contribute a lot more time and effort to school work. Married life is also different from that of single life because I no longer have to worry about myself but my Husband, as well. Also, I was recently approached about a job position that I did not apply for, however I so desperately am in need of the experience. I can only assume that the Lord's hand was dominate in this particular situation. It took me forever to gain the courage and will power to make the call back to the employer simply because I had not sought the position, the position found me. In the midst of confusion and chaos I was extremely fearful and doubtful that I was the best match for the position. I was also not sure that I could continue to be the best student and wife that I should if I was never home. So, adding a job into my season of change is a scary and intimidating thought. I have such joy in my heart for the possible opportunity and I am so thankful that the Lord knows best even when I am in doubt or confused. It has taken me almost a week to feel comfortable and content with the decision I made to call the employer back, but I can now rest assured knowing that the Lord's will shall be done, regardless of having a job or not in my near future.  

Using nature’s seasons is a metaphor for approaching change. Keep in mind as each season presents itself we will face many obstacles that will result in opposition or opportunity to help us evolve and grow. Some changes will be easier to manage than others. Whereas some shifts in life may require a time of replenishing and reflection depending upon the situation. Perhaps you must acquire new skills that you did not realize you needed for a particular job position or class in school. Some of you reading today may be personally ill or recently affected by a death of a family member or friend. Regardless of the situation, sometimes change is not easily embraced and can be a very difficult transition depending upon the situation. When an event occurs and change is inevitable, we are forced out of our comfort zone and must adapt or learn new coping skills. However, it is human to default to established behaviors or habits because they are comfortable and familiar. Know that you can choose to move quickly or slowly through this process of change. Ultimately, it is your choice.

I think one of the hardest things we seem to have to do as humans is embrace change because it is ever present in our world. We are stubborn, headstrong and for the most part set in our ways. We are creatures of habit and sometimes not very open to change once we have our minds set on something. Ecclesiastes 3 says, "There is a season and time for everything..." I have come to the conclusion that I can either grow or get left behind and scoff at those I see moving ahead regardless of the type of change present and what it represents in my life in this very moment. I am in the slow process of change, which I believe will be continual in the years to come if I truly continue down the path of following my professional dreams. I do know that I do not want to regret anything and I want to successfully fulfill my potential in all endeavors sought. There are four months left in this year and I am going to accept change despite the challenge or fear that is associated along with it. Dear friends, you can embrace change now to set yourself up for a great 2013, too! Pray about it, plan ahead, write it down, and go after it! The season of change is here and waiting for us to respond! Make the choice today to make a difference in your life or in the life of another. Happy Sunday to you and until next time, happy blogging!

 

 

I did the whole birthday cake hoopla last night with him because I wanted to make it special without us being rushed today. Happy Birthday, Tony Harper! I love you and am so thankful you are my Husband! You are the best of the best and I cannot wait to share year 24 with you as your Bride :) 

 

Life As We Know It

Hello Everyone! Happy Saturday! How does life become busy so fast?! I am so sorry to those family members and close friends who dedicate their time checking the blog even when I do not update it on a regular basis. I cannot remember all the exact details that have been going on in Newlywed life since my last post but I will do my best to bring you all up to speed. So, here goes...

The Lord has been faithful to provide us with everything we need and more these last few months. This past week we celebrated the sweetest two months of marriage! Things may be difficult at times, but we love being together all of the time. Marriage is one of the best blessings the Lord could bestow upon couples. It will teach you so much you never knew about yourself or your partner, and each day is so much more worth the day before. Even though Tony and I have been together almost seven years we are learning more about each other with each day.

 

 

 

For the little bit of free time we have together in the evenings or weekends, we are a bit obsessed with Oak Mountain. We love to go especially after it rains. It is so peaceful and beautiful!

I recently began classes at UAB and it has been a roller coaster since day one. I am still an Elementary Education major, but am involved with two different minor programs. The School of Education at UAB is so different when comparing it to the School of Education at LSU simply because of state curriculum and instruction requirements. I hate to even admit this knowing how much money and time went towards my three years at LSU, but.... I have learned more at UAB by attending two classes a week in one month versus what I learned in an entire semester at LSU. Crazy? Yes! Honestly, I understand that I am right where I need to be and it feels so good knowing that I am professional making progress towards the goals I set so long ago. Regardless of time or money that it will take to obtain my degrees, it feels great to finally be intellectually challenged in order to become an effective, committed educator. I have hope for future success and am so encouraged for the opportunities waiting.

Tony Harper is super busy at work on different projects within the company. I absolutely adore seeing his face when he first walks in the door each afternoon. Without saying anything I know he is thankful to be home. He loves being an engineer, but he also loves time which allows him to unwind from a long day to relax in the comfort of our home. Tony is such a go-getter, and it is so awesome to listen to how hard he works. He will go above and beyond on his assigned job, and will dedicate himself to work on another’s job just to get a project accomplished in time. He is so dedicated it is unreal, but when you love what you do and are happy you will exhaust yourself and your resources to all ends, right? I am an extremely proud wife and I look forward to seeing him accomplish so much more academically and professionally within the company.  

This weekend Tony is not feeling too well so we are catching up on rest, homework, researching more churches to visit, and celebrating his 24th year of life! I am pretty sure I am more excited than he is that it is his birthday weekend, but I do not like the thought of us becoming older. Although we are not even close, you would think we are almost to year 30 with the hatred I have for age. I had a problem turning 20 two years ago so I obviously do not like the whole aging process. I do enjoy birthdays so I guess I will have to learn to embrace age (Maybe, it comes with time?).

To those family members and friends who have sent us recipes to try- Thank You! God Bless You! We have tried them and I am still continuing the learning process in the kitchen. I actually tried to make Pioneer Woman’s Red Velvet cake last night and it took me three trips to Wal-Mart, five hours, and after all was said and done at 1:30 this morning I had one perfect layer with icing. The other layer was all over the counter and floor. I guess it is what it is, right?   

For those prayer warriors out there- please continue to lift us up as we visit another church on Sunday morning. Within the past few weeks we have figured out where we do not want to continue to visit and are praying to find a church home soon.

For those of you reading today- I hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend! I had a little trouble adding pictures to this post today, so if you are interested in more photo ops from Oak Mountain and we are Facebook friends you can check out the album from there. Hopefully it will not take me as long to post updates within the coming weeks. I cannot make any promises, though. Until next time, happy blogging!        

The Sweet Life of a Wife!

I must admit, the sweet life of a wife is pretty sweet! I am not too sure how many days I have to remind myself that Tony and I have actually made it to this point in our relationship, but WE MADE IT! Even though he and I talked about marriage as a dating couple, each day it is so surreal to actually wake up and live this new chapter of life. As cliché as it sounds, I have to remind myself that this life I live is not a fairytale but it is real. I recently have had time to start exploring my creative genes a bit more since most of our post-wedding hoopla has slowed down. My life is by far from interesting, but I decided to dedicate today's blog to tell you about the sweet life of a wife and to also share a few of my latest creations.


I love being an education major. I look forward to the days of bulletin boards and standing in my classroom teaching little children 2+2=4. However, I have many other dream jobs. Tony has asked me on numerous occasions if I was majoring in what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Of course I want to be an educator but I have also always longed to be a photographer, owner of a bakery, and interior designer. Shoot for the stars, right?! I do not think there is one major for all three of those dreams so for now I think I will become an educator.  If the Lord chooses to bless my life with many more years, maybe after retirement I can dabble in the other three and explore. Anyway, lately I have had the opportunity to take hold of those three dreams in different ways in our home while trying to figure out what the role of a wife truly encompasses. So, on to those things that makes the life of a wife so sweet!

First off, I absolutely love to bake and I do not mind cleaning the kitchen afterwards, but the truth is I cannot cook for anything (As precious and loving as Tony is, he may tell you I can!). Plus, I got lucky and married a picky eater so my work is cut out for me. :) My mom used to joke that we would survive on Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball and Brownie Delight, but unfortunately we certainly cannot live off of baked goods. Since we are saving to buy a home in the near future we try not to go out to eat much. So, I have been attempting to cook new types of foods all thanks to my Pioneer Woman and Betty Crocker cookbooks we received as wedding gifts. Anything from burgers, chicken, pork, pasta, rice, dips, or sides.... you name it, we probably have tried it or are planning to try it in the new future. If you have a good, simple recipe for starters like me send it our way! We would be very appreciative and will certainly try it! For now, I a plan to continue channeling my inner Julia Child!


Secondly, pinterest DIY and craft projects are everywhere in our home! 'Tis so sweet to have your own space to decorate! Obviously, I am a lover of pinterest and I also am extremely old fashion when it comes to buying things that make you go gaga in Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or JoAnn’s, so if I can make it or use a coupon, it will be done! I have been able to get my interior design kick by creating our house a home. One of the biggest projects I have done lately is make tons of wreaths! I have them everywhere... our front door, patio and in the study. Some hold far more special places in my heart simply because they were somehow used in our wedding, while others I have seen in a store or Etsy and decided to mimic it with a bit of my style added.

This is a Christmas wreath I wanted to make to look like a peppermint. It did not look as well as I had hoped so I added snowflakes and branches everywhere to create more of a winter wonderland effect. The white and red material is part of the decor my in-laws used at our rehearsal dinner.

The three wreaths with moss covered initials above were part of our wedding decor. The burlap bows were part of our pew decor made by two friends. I added the fall floral decor and these were gifts given to my in-laws.

I know I am late for the 4th of July, but we were traveling from St. Lucia to Alabama at the time, so... this "God Bless America" wreath was inspired by the Olympics and will stay on the door until football season! The best part is that I made it for less than $10! :) Go USA! 

These last two wreaths are made from coffee filters, believe it or not! One of my Bridesmaids made a wreath similar to these for my LSU-Baton Rouge Kitchen Shower and everyone went crazy over it. I made two and spiced both up a bit differently.

Lastly, I have turned into this person with a weird crave for plants and flowers!? I guess you can say I have a case of the green thumb. I do not really understand this new sensation since we purely do not have the living area for plants or flowers, but I am making it work. I am pretty sure I mentioned flowers so many times within the last two months Tony figured he better do something or I would not shut up, so he patiently waited with me in Home Depot while I spent almost an hour and a half picking out two pots. I was not too sure about flowers once I saw what was offered, but I did pick out some plants that I hope will last! I guess we will have to wait and see. (Plants do not come with instructions like a box of brownie mix, so I assume I cannot hurt them much!)

The life of a wife can make you feel so weird at times. Before marriage I might have wanted a new outfit or pair of shoes for a certain event. Now, all I want to do is cook things that my Husband will actually eat and have potted plants to sit with while I drink coffee in the morning. Just call me a grandma in the making! Many people have asked us if marriage is recognizably different from dating and my answer is “Oh, yeah!” When I think about how much life has changed within the past few months it is funny to realize that your desires have changed, too. Not only do you consult with your other half on certain issues, but as an individual you change and material items become almost non existent. As I live this new life of a wife, I like to think of it as a growing process. Life is not always going to be perfect. The adventures within marraige are not always going to be perfect, but I am learning to make the best of each situation. Life is not always suppose to be perfect because it would be boring. I think times like these are when you truly learn the most. Whether, cooking new recipes, attempting pinterest inspired projects, or trying not to kill plants... who knows what will be next in the sweet life of a wife? Until then, happy blogging!

Lead Your Heart, Not Follow

Hello Monday! It is a new week again! I hope those of you reading have had a great day and continue to have a great week! I know I have been slacking on the blog posts these past few days, but we have been busy. School is right around the corner and you can tell everywhere you look here in Birmingham. The clothing stores and school supply section of Wal-Mart is packed with people each time I go into town to run my daily errands. On our end, I have been scrambling around trying to find books and get things ready for class to start at UAB, while a work schedule for Tony is finally in full swing. As Newlyweds, we are starting to find our groove in Birmingham. This weekend we took off to explore Oak Mountain, and on Sunday moved Tony's younger brother into his college apartment. Regardless of where we went, because of instinct we knew to follow the crowd. Whether hiking trails in the middle of the woods or looking for apartment decor in Tuscaloosa people were absolutely everywhere. Although it was tax free weekend in Alabama, I assume Oak Mountain was packed because families were trying to get in those last few minutes of summer vacation. However, Tuscaloosa is a college town so there are always people everywhere anyway.


As we were hiking to Peavine Falls there were a few other families along the trail. Once we got to the bottom of the waterfall there was a pool you could stand under to cool off but you had to wait your turn since the area of water was small. The water was gorgeous, crystal clear and extremely cold! So, since it was hot we attempted to set out and find water that came up past our ankles. Tony and I decided to be adventurous and follow the flow of water thinking there would be a pool waist deep somewhere. Instead of following the crowd of other families, we took off on our own and did finally find a pool of water that was beyond our expectations! As cliché as it may sound, it was simply stunning to see and hear the wonders of the woods and water in the peace and quiet. We didn’t have to follow others to find it; we simply allowed the water flow to lead us.

When we were in Wal-Mart looking for items for Jordan’s apartment, things were bit of a different story. If you have never been a college freshman or have had a college freshman in your family to participate in move-in weekend, let me paint you a picture. Move-in weekend is one of those times where you either do not participate while waiting for the madness to die down and Wal-Mart to restock, or go big and get all up in the cluttered aisles of buggies, freshman, and their Momma’s! We went in to only grab a few items, but I noticed if you were pushing a buggy you were basically forced to: 1) Follow whoever was in front of you with their buggy 2) Dart across an aisle in hopes of not hitting someone with your buggy 3) Hit somebody with your buggy or have them hit you with theirs in an attempt to get where you needed to go. So, the lesson of the day was “A buggy would make or break your shopping trip.” Anyway, my point of describing all of this is to say that it was basically a game of follow the leader. It was not a quick “run in, run out” trip leading your freshman up and down each aisle while contently picking out décor. It was more like a “wait your turn in this aisle to get to the next aisle” trip.


So, you may be sitting there thinking, “What does this have to do what leading your heart instead of following it?” Last night as Tony and I are reading in the book Dare to Love: Love Dare, I was completely taken back when a passage spoke of leading your heart, not following it. As a little girl I was always told to follow my heart’s desires, but to have a book contradict that statement was truly a thought to ponder for me. I was confused, too. As I think back to those little girl days, following my heart might have been just fine, however as an adult I must have guidance because I am not able do things on my own. In today’s world, many people are told to follow their heart but if you are not leading it, someone or something else will. Regardless of the situations or circumstances found in life or love, as Christians, if we choose to follow our heart and not rely on God to lead our heart we are headed down the road of destruction with the devil in tow. Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is more deceitful than all else and it will always pursue that which feels right only at the moment. According to Matthew 15:19, out of the heart comes only evil thoughts. Thinking back, I only wanted to follow my heart to the good things for the moment. I certainly did not want to follow my heart to evil. However, when I allow Jesus to lead my heart I know I can face the good days and the bad days with courage to pursue life and love. My goal this week is to think differently- - choosing instead to allow Christ to lead my heart toward that which is best in the long run, not what I feel is best for the moment. This week I am clinging to Proverbs 3:5-7-

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from all evil.”

If there are any prayer warriors reading today, I ask that you please say a special prayer for Tony and me this week as we begin the process of finding a church home and getting plugged in somewhere new. This weekend is the first weekend since our wedding that we do not have to travel somewhere to do something (Ah, hallelujah!!!). Pray we allow the Lord to lead us to the right church family in which we will serve Him and our community. We are relying heavily on guidance given to us by two sweet friends, but we want to allow the Lord to lead us to the church where we belong. Until next time, happy blogging to you and yours!     

Free to Be...

Like many others, I am sure if you are reading today you are aware that yesterday was August 1. Not only was it the first day of the month, but it was also “Chick-fil-AAppreciation Day,” which I am sure you are aware of as well. Recently in popular media the Chick-fil-A CEO, Dan Cathy, made comments in which he affirmed his view that the Biblical view of marriage should be upheld. The Cathy family, led by Chick fil-A founder Truett Cathy, is a wonderful Christian family who are committed to operating the company based on Biblical principles and whose story is the true American success story.

over 1600stores. At 91, he is still active in the company, but his son Dan runs it dayto day as CEO.It's a great American story that is being smeared by vicious hatespeech and intolerant bigotry from the leThe controversy came about after an interview with the restaurant chain’spresident, Dan Cathy, who appeared in The Baptist Press and weighed in with hisviews on family. “We are very much supportive of the family—the biblical definition of the family unit,” Cathy said. “We are a family owned business, a family led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give thanks to God for that.” over 1600 stores. At 91,he is still active in the company, but his son Dan runs it day to day asCEO.It's a great American story that is being smeared by vicious hate speechand intolerant bigotry from the A agjhvjhjk By facebook requests, many were invited by their friends to simply join together in a non threatening fashion, without making signs, speeches, or to openly demonstrate productions, but to take a firm standI ask you to join me in speaking out on Wednesday,August 1 "Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day.” No one is being asked to makesigns, speeches, or openly demonstrate. The goal is simple: Let's affirm abusiness that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willingto take a stand for the Godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eatingat Chick Fil-A on Wednesday, August 1. Too often, those on the left makecorporate statements to show support for same sex marriage, abortion, orprofanity, but if Christians affirm
traditional values, we're considered homophobic, fundamentalists, hate-mongers,and intolerant.I ask you to join me in speaking out on Wednesday, August 1"Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day.” No one is being asked to make signs, speeches,or openly demonstrate. The goal is simple: Let's affirm a business thatoperates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take astand for the Godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eating at ChickFil-A on Wednesday, August 1. Too often, those on the left make corporatestatements to show support for same sex marriage, abortion, or profanity, butif Christians affirm
traditional values, we're considered homophobic, fundamentalists, hate-mongers,and intoler. That goal was to affirm a business that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take a public stand for the glory of Godly values by simply showing up to eat at Chick-fil-A. Personally, I believe this goal was met just by the outpouring of facebook posts, tweets, news articles and instgram photos found all over the internet. Also, just by running about doing my daily errands I could not help but sit in traffic because of those who were heading towards the nearest Chick-fil-A on Hwy 280.Even though it is obvious there was a public stance made, I am not sure the response was the same in each part of the nation, nor do I believe that every single person participated for the same reasons. It seems the Chick-fil-A firestorm has taken on a different meaning for different people. For some, it harks to the days of intolerance and segregation. For others, it is about religious views of marriage. But, for most people it is about free speech.

 Yes, my Husband and I dined at Chick-fil-A for dinner, not because we are against same sex marriage, but because we are Christians who joined together with other Christians in support of our beliefs. As Christians and American citizens, we could freely go to a public restaurant without protesting, but in support of another Christian who has taken a stand for himself, his family, and family operated business because he believes in the Bible and what it stands for. Luckily, as Americans we have the freedom to be uniquely different. If everyone was the exact same, our world would be boring. I am not too sure about you, but I am extremely thankful for the freedoms we have as Americans. Whether big or small, there are so many freedoms that get over looked each day. I know I am guilty! If you look around where ever you are sitting at this very moment, I am pretty sure there is something you realize you are thankful for. If not, watch the world news this evening and then you should be inspired! But, despite the differences that others may profess, the Bible teaches us to love another regardless of race, skin color,age, or political and religious beliefs. And, while Jesus teaches we must loveothers, we do not have to love other’s sins. I believe Mike Huckabee says it best- “We are for the freedom of Americans to speak their mind and practice their faith. There is no need to lower ourselves into childish name-calling and screaming. That is what people do when they can't defend or explain their point of view.”

 I would like to admit that our experience yesterday was one of total encouragement. Even though the drive-thru wrapped around the store twice and inside customers stood shoulder to shoulder, workers, participating helpers and customers alike were extremely patience, smiling, and exhibited common courtesy. I feel so blessed to be able to say that I was part of a movement that impacted so many! Regardless of what other's opinions are on all the drama related Chick-fil-A recently, it truly has boiled down to showing respect. As an American, I could take a stand for something I believe in, however I also stood to respect another's opinion. Here is the challenge though: I wonder what Sunday morning would look like if all Christians took a stand for the Lord in His Church? Do you think there would be a line out the door? If you don’t take astand for something, you will fall for anything. I hope you have a great day and God bless! Until next time, Happy blogging! Eat Mor Chicken, Yall!

Bloom Where You're Planted- Sweet Home Alabama!

Happy hump day, everyone! It’s official! I guess you can say I am an Alabamian again! All I have to do now is start learning how to say “Roll Tide!” Yea right, I am only kidding. Even though I lived in Alabama for 17 years before we moved to Baton Rouge in 2009, I do not think yelling “Roll Tide” will be a trait I pick up on so quickly. My Husband did convince me to marry him and move back home to my roots; however I will draw a fine line between being a Tiger Fan in Saban Nation. As of early this morning Tony and I are officially finished with making our marriage/move to Birmingham/transition into adulthood complete. And, I am just going to say, IT FEELS FANTASTIC TO BE HOME!!! I may have been born in Louisiana to Louisiana native parents, but my roots are and always will be in Alabama.  I loved Alabama when my family first moved here in 1993. As a child, I always dreamed of what it would be like to live in Louisiana, and I actually had the opportunity to experience Bayou life for three years at LSU. Honestly, Louisiana living just did not compare to Sweet Home Alabama! I may be a Tiger fan, but I am a total Bama girl at heart.

So, this morning as we were standing in line at the Shelby County License Office waiting our turn many thoughts were running through my mind-

"...Oh my word, it is already August 1. Where does time go?" "...Once we sign this little sheet of paper for our title transfers and vehicle registrations, we are completely on our own as adults!?" "…Is this real? This certainly isn’t a weekend visit, Kalyn. I am home for good!" "…It’s time to bloom where I’m planted!”

Although being an adult, paying OUR bills, doing OUR grocery shopping, making OUR house a home, and going to school and work each day is a bit scary to think about at times, our families have been so helpful to get us to this point in our lives. Each step of the way they have explained the process of establishing car insurance, 401K, and how to make healthy choices when cooking certain recipes. Although our parents will always be our parents and they will be there whenever we need them, Tony and I are offically completely responsible for everything we own and are officially on OUR own. BIG THOUGHT. BIG STEP. It feels as though we have taken baby steps into this new chapter of life each step of the way thus far. However, the last step we took this morning feels HUGE. (Almost like we completed a chapter successfully... I am not sure if I am feeling relief or shock that this point in life is finally here?) But, whatever it is, I do know we have jumped into the deep end full force and Tony and I are ready to tackle life head on.

Regardless of adult transitions, that last thought is what has captivated me the most. “Bloom where you are planted.” (1 Corinthians 7:17-24) I have seen this quote many times before on plaques, cards, signs and more. I have always loved it and been especially challenged by it in the last few weeks to grow where I am planted. I think that growing has a very conscious element to it. We have the ability to choose to enjoy the here and now, to grow in relationships, delight in our circumstances and grow in our faith... or the counter of these, to be a hermit, to wallow in doubt or pity and to be complacent in our relationship with others and with Christ.

I am home. I made it back to my Alabama roots. My Husband and I have finished rooting our marriage in this new chapter of life and love. Even though some parts of our future are not exactly figured out just yet, I want to grow, right where I am at, in this very moment and within these exact circumstances. I am so thankful for the life I live, all of it… the figured out parts and the not yet clear parts. I am ready to bloom where I am planted! Are you?