A Few Things...

1. I love my husband. He's a good man--super supportive, encouraging, and my best friend. I am really thankful for him.
2. Several life changing events happened within two weeks here. Please pray for us.
3. God has a plan for my life. It is a good plan even if I don't know what it is at this moment.
4. I can count my blessings. I can be thankful for the good things God has done for me rather than worry.
   
5. I'm not in control but I've got an in with the One who is. :-)
   

poor strung along blog....

You get so neglected. I never mean to leave you for such long stretches of time but it always ends up being the case.

You deserve better than that faithful, lonely blog.

So I'll try...but please know this might end in heartache yet again--life is awfully busy for this newlywed/churchlady!

We're On A Wedding Blog

Our Wedding is on a blog! It's one of the "Top 10 Weddings of 2010" which blows my mind! You can check it out here. You can see the original post here.

AND hopefully today I will have a much longer post about married life....because I've got to tell you, I love being Chris' wife!

Newlywed

I love being married. It is fantastic!

I've been married just over a month now & I can't tell you how incredibly thankful I am for my husband. I can't tell you how incredibly thankful I am for our apartment. I can't tell you how incredibly blessed I feel. I know I won't be able to effectively communicate how my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving.

God has been extremely gracious to us. We are filled with joy.

On October 30th we headed out from Lovefield to fabulous Las Vegas. We tied up lose ends (marriage license, tux rental) on our last day of singlehood. My beautiful friend Connie drove over from Cali to be with me. I can't even tell you what a TREMENDOUS BLESSING it was to have her there! Our immediate families also flew out.

On October 31st we were married in a hot air balloon....and it was amazing. Our first steps as a married couple were on air.

On November 5th we celebrated with a reception at a flight museum...and delicious cake balls.

Now we're still unpacking (but our pile of items is so small!) and trying to catch up on thank you cards. And I've decided I miss blogging. I want to write up our adventurous journey from singlehood to married life. So stay tuned...pictures & more posts are coming!

I'm six days out from being a married lady.

WHOA.

Let that sink in for just a minute. I'm six days away from my life changing.

Absolutely amazing.

I get to marry the man God made for me in six days. In a hot air balloon. In Las Vegas. At 7 in the morning.

I am so thankful! When I start to think about how God orchestrated our relationship, how God has guided/strengthened/grew us into the couple we are now, and how God has fantastic things in store for us that are even better than we can imagine, my eyes water. I am so humbled by this incredible blessing in my life.

6 days & counting!

video

The Proposal Video!

31 days

I'm getting married in 31 days...how stinkin' fast is that?

The plan: get married in Las Vegas in a hot air balloon on Halloween. It's fun. It's quirky. It's us. Plus it doesn't allow me time to stress out and turn into bridezilla....which actually (i'm sorry to say) is an actual concern. Plus it gives us a moment that's just ours.

We're planning on having a reception in November. We'll show the engagement & the ceremony to our guests, have cake, and celebrate. Those details aren't hammered out just yet but should be finalized by this weekend....which would mean I could send out invitations next week.

I can't wait!

The Ring!

I didn't think the pictures I took of it did the ring justice so please enjoy the short video. :-)

BEST. BIRTHDAY. EVER!

28.

I'm 28 years old today & I can't believe how much God has already blessed me on this day!

I woke up this morning, put on my adorable new birthday cardigan (thanks Wade!) & headed out to Starbucks. The morning was beautiful & I couldn't help but just thank Jesus for such a great day! I got a scone & a pumpkin spice latte (thanks Mom!) before heading into work.

I was able to visit with a volunteer, update my weekend rosters, and was feeling a little nervous for the weekend. I really needed about 35 more slots filled so I started praying God would provide.

I went to birthday lunch at one of my favorite places in dfw: La Hacienda Ranch. It's yummy but the over the top decor is what really draws me in. I love that it's crazy ranch decorations & that they have such delicious tortillas. It was a huge blessing to have so many friends able to make it.

I come back & start work. I see an email from our pastor's wife saying a local bakery had donated cupcakes for our staff & they would be delivered at 3. SCORE! I get a text from PT our director for our children's curriculum asking me if I can be an extra in the video shoot. This day keeps getting better & better!

I get a delicious chocolate cupcake (so good!) before heading up to the shoot. I get my mic on & am so thankful I get to be a part of this shoot. It's a Christmas themed shoot so it's really an amazing set! My role was to shop in the candy section until a store clerk took me to another part of the store. This was to be a cut away shot for different transitions. Easy enough! After all, I'd probably be shopping in the candy section anyway....ahhh Candy!

With all four cameras rolling, Chris (in a horse costume) taps me on the shoulder as I'm shopping in the candy section. I don't think anything weird about a horse working in the shop since he had been in an earlier scene. He leads me to the middle of the stage, takes off his horse costume, and he's in a tuxedo. Chris says, "You've had a pretty great day today. I was wondering if you could help me have a really great day too. Will you marry me?" My response: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSS!!!!

I turn & friends and family are there to congratulate us! I can't believe it! I was totally surprised! I should be able to post a video of it before too long too which just blows me away!

This is truly my best birthday ever & I can't believe it!

Sprouts (a love letter)

Dear Sprouts,
I have a history of making bad food choices. It starts with a cup of coffee then a pop tart then before you know I'm spiraling out of control due to all of the crazy sugar and preservatives I've eaten. The problem is that I love junk food. I do. I grew up on it--it takes me to my happy place. It feels like home....
Then one day I was introduced to you. You and your organic farmer's market produce, bakery, deli, and ready to eat meals. It was love at first taste! Whenever I go to get groceries, you enable me to make good choices! You make me not miss Taco Bell and that is a feat that has never been done.
I love you! Thank you for your premade meals too! I am currently enjoy a pork chop with stuffing and fresh vegetables. It is delightful! I also bought a snack: fresh organic mixed nuts & blackberries.
I feel myself getting healthier all because of you! Could you make a version of Mountain Dew? Then my diet would be perfect!
Yours,
Sarah Beth

advertising works...at least on me

I was so excited about working out today I woke up myself at 4:45. When I realized what time it was, I slept for about an hour and a half. I don't know how I slept during the next 90 minutes, but I must have slept roughly. I woke up with a crazy pain in the middle of the right side of my back. I got up to work out thinking it would work itself out. Not so much...

I tried doing the warm up and it was PAINFUL. So I decided I would work out tonight. I laid back down with extra pillows for a little while thinking that would help...I was wrong. When I got up to take a shower, I let the hot water hit my back knowing this would solve the problem. For a third time in a very short span of time, I was wrong.

I got ready for work. I stopped by to pick up an icy hot back patch. I've seen Shaq with one on his back in numerous commercials. I went to a drug store first but they didn't have icy hot. They did have other brands but I wanted the icy hot brand. It's what Shaq used & if it looked big on his back, I knew it would definitely cover my pained area.

So I went to another store, found my icy hot patches and picked up some dunkin' donuts coffee (so good!). In my car, I discretely put the patch on....and I felt relief almost instantly. Thanks Shaq. I owe you one!

New Movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This movie is about a HUGE event that happens in my hometown every year. I grew up about 2 miles from it & it was always the weekend before my birthday.

I don't even know what to do right now. I'm so excited to see what all they have to say!

Sermon Notes * Details by Ed Young

I have a little notebook from our 2009 Children's Conference. I take it to each small group & weekend service to take notes. I'm an old school note-taker. I had to stop & reread my notes from the January 9, 2010 sermon Pastor Ed shared. This sermon was over manners. I'd never heard a sermon over manners & it really struck me so I wanted to share some of the points from my notes.

In our culture, the mood is rude.

Ignorance + Arrogance = Rudeness
Knowledge + Humility = Respect

1. Manners are deep. Philippians 2:3-4
2. Manners aren't general; thy are specific.
3. Manners aren't selective; they're standard. EVERYONE MATTERS TO GOD.
4. Manners aren't about you; they're about others.

10 Things for 2010
1. I will take responsibility for honors, respect, & manners.
2. I will gladly welcome correction. (read Proverbs...)
3. I will deal with people honestly & without hostility.
4. I will look at (not through) people.
5. I will look my best because I represent the best.
6. I will expect respect in all of my relationships.
7. I will incorporate the power words in my life: Yes sir; No ma'am; please; thank you.
8. I will make hospitality happen.
9. I will live in prayer mode. (pray for everyone I see/meet)
10. I will fast to make it last. (awake21.0rg)

PS You can check out the podcast on itunes or you can listen to it here.

bad ideas...

My next door neighbors are a really nice family. The parents (Tasi & Linda) are from South Africa & both work for Fed Ex. Their two children (Michaela & Nick) are really good. Whenever Linda has to go to Tennessee for work, I help out with the kids while Tasi is at work. It's really simple: I come over early, early, early in the a.m. so Tasi can go to work. I get the kids up & take them to either school or childcare (depending on the time of year), head to work, pick up the kids from school or childcare after work, then chill out wiht them until Tasi gets home. It's really simple & the kids are so good, I enjoy the time we spend together.

Tonight was our last night together since Linda returns tomorrow afternoon. I wanted to make tonight special so I told the kids we could cook anything they wanted for dinner. I was surprised when they told me they wanted Spaghetti Tacos. Essentially you make spaghetti, bake some taco shells, then place the noodles in the shell, and you top it off with either marinara or alfredo sauce. If you think this sounds like not your type of meal, you & I would have something in common. I was surprised to see Nick eat three & Michaela eat two. I was really thankful I was able to eat one.... No. I won't be doing that again anytime soon.

After dinner I thought we could ride around the neighborhood. Michaela would ride her bike, Nick would ride his scooter, and I would use my roller skates. Michaela opted to walk. My roller skates did not do well on the sidewalk. I didn't want to set a bad example by skating in the street so I tried to power through on the sidewalk. After almost tripping 7 times, we headed back to the house. I put on my vibrams. Nick put up his scooter & took his bike out. Michaela & I walked behind him. So not quite the fun outing I thought it would be.

I thought ice cream would make the evening better. We went to Braums...oh Braums how I love you! We had a much better experience with Braums. :-)

To cap off the night we played a game of Nintendo Monopoly. I used Link's boots for my token. :-) The kids did not quite grasp what were good purchases & what weren't.

Thankfully the kids all had really good attitudes. :-) And next time I babysit, I'll think through things a little more before I agree to things like spaghetti tacos.

This and That

My goodness it's been a while....

Then again, I have a pattern of consistently writing then sporadically writing then no writing at all. So I really shouldn't be as surprised as the first sentence shows....I don't know, I think I always have great plans of writing more. Writing often. Writing to release.

Life has been busy with lots of change lately. My work responsibilities grew. I now get to manage my regular team of greeters for the preschool and the toddler hall. I keep wanting to yell out, "I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies!" but it's not quite applicable. I don't have to deliver any babies, I just have to care for them once they start walking. It's been a great time of growth. I am learning a lot about toddlers and my diaper changing skills are on a whole 'nother level. I'm really looking forward to learning more about how to be a shepherd for my volunteers. It's a tricky business, caring for souls.

I went to Allaso Ranch for a week. I loved teaching Bible study. I forgot just how much I missed teaching. Yes, every week I lead a devotional with my volunteers but teaching is so different! It was nice to get to teach again. I typically get to teach a lesson or two of our small group examples for the curriculum we produce. In other words, I'm trying to keep my teaching skills from getting rusty.

My baby niece had an excellent time! She was selected to be camper of the day on Monday too! She got to zipline & blob. She was able to make friends, have fun, and most importantly learn more about the mission God has for her precious life.

In Ring Watch 2010 news, Chris & I tried on some rings the other day. I didn't find the ring though. It's funny how you see a ring, appreciate its beauty, try it on, and realize this isn't the ring for you. Chris said we'd look at a few other places too. I'll keep you posted as news develops. ;-)

Chris is absolutely wonderful. I am so thankful for him!

Muse has been my ear candy for the last week.

I'm doing my Insanity workouts again. Shaun T (the fitness instructor) said that he isn't doing this to hurt me but to make me stronger....I think it might actually be a little of both. ;-) It's good to get back into a routine. I did miss working out. Plus the sweet sense of accomplishment from living after you finish a session can't have a price put on it.

I was really excited to find out my dear, wonderful, lovely friend Connie is getting married in December! I'm also really excited that I get to attend the wedding in California! I've never been to California so I'm looking forward to it. I hear very good things about it. Plus to share in Connie's big day is wonderful. I got a sneak peek of her dress & it's killer!

Mountain Dew Throwback is on shelves again. I fear I will be hoarding it since I only have about 5 cans left from the original hoard. Dr. Pepper has a made with real sugar variety out now too...soda will surely be the death of me. Why does sugar & caffeine have to be so delicious?

I'm almost finished with Beth Moore's study on John. I'm really bummed I only have 10 more days of it. I've always like John the most out of the disciples (I would call myself the beloved disciple too so we've always has a bit of a connection).

I bought a CS Lewis collection of books. I'm rather intimidated to read it...but I know I'll learn a lot from it. I'm also reading my pastor's book The Creative Leader. I am really enjoying it. My leaders are going to start studying it with me too. I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes out of it. :-)

My desk is currently drowning in a sea of papers. I need to figure out a better organizational system.

My friend, Carolyn, lent me her plaque. It's a nice edition to my already eclectic desk. Her plaque is pink with white polka dots and proudly says: Put on your BIG GIRL Panties and deal with it! With all of the change, this is a nice reminder.

My fashion sense is off as of late....I don't know why but lately it seems like I have nothing to wear. When I put on something, I'm not too excited about it. I don't know what the clothes funk is all about.

I don't have skin cancer! I celebrated by buying two new outfits....including a great pair of mustard peep toe wedges.

And that's a little bit of what's been going on lately...

Music in the Office

It's not a secret: I love music. Not just because I was a choir kid. Not just because I wanted to sing "Vision of Love" on Star Search & would practice for hours on end. I love the way music sets the atmosphere. I just love it!

A few months ago, I moved over to the preschool from the elementary office. In the preschool, a couple of the ladies will listen to their music all day...without ear phones. Unfortunately, I had left my ear phones at home & didn't have a spare pair in my desk. No offense to the sweet ladies or their choice in music but after a while, I was ready to not hear their music.

So today, I made sure to bring my ear phones. Currently Mae is helping me tune out everything else in the office.I feel like now I'm ready to go! Now I'm ready to be productive. No more hearing the same five songs on loop for me....

ahhh....productivity here I come!

2nd Anniversary

I love him!

Planning ahead

I'm wearing my "I < 3 Dinos" t-shirt today. Yes, the 'i"s are shaped like bones and yes inside of the heart is the silhouette of a t-rex. This is a shirt that I will probably want to wear in an engagement picture session.

No, I'm not engaged...yet. It's coming. I know it. I can feel it! I don't know when or how but I know soon I will get to ecstatically scream YES!!!! I'll get to retell the story so much so that my mom ends up doing a cross stitch of it. Oh it will be a beautiful event!

Then we'll get to take pictures. Yes, engagement lovey dovey pictures! And I will wear my dinosaur shirt in at least one of them. Sure I'll have the exceptional dress/shoe combo rockin but why not take a picture or two with a random t-shirt and my vibrams.

I know I did a post not too long ago on the whole not putting the cart before the horse thing. I'm just trying to be proactive. Yesterday I changed what I was wearing four times before heading into work. 4 times. That's ridiculous. I often find that I have nothing to wear despite the amount of clothes I own. It's ridiculous. On picture day, I need to have a plan of action. No indecisiveness. Just a dinosaur t-shirt, some vibrams, and my wonderful Chris.

love it!

I have come to the realization that I am not made for a job that has the same tasks to do daily. Nor am I really made for a desk. I am definitely not a candidate for corporate America.

Being a church lady absolutely makes me smile. I love the various roles I get to have. Sometimes I get to proof our children's curriculum. I get to be in video shoots teaching how to lead small group activities! I've been in song videos. I get to make my areas homey and really pursue hospitality in all aspects of my job. I get to minister to my volunteers. I get to welcome first time families. I get to help plan events. I get to write Bible studies for camp. I get to teach at camp. I get to read. I get to meet with my leadership team each week. I get to be goofy with them while showing the love of Christ. I get to do some amazing things.

It's humbling.

I never in a million years thought I would be a church lady. I thought I might marry a minister but never be one. I thought surely I would be a missionary. It's amazing how God wired me for this position.

Not that it's easy. I'm definitely stretched. I get presented with new opportunities that teach me how much I still have to learn and grow. I'm incredibly thankful for it.

update on Life Style Change

• The first week of insanity work outs went really well. I made four out of the five (I missed one due to gathering supplies for the weekend which took longer than expected). That Friday night I played in 3 softball games. Good stuff.
• The second week of insanity work outs went really not well. I made one out of the five. Yep. One. I feel like I got pretty ok workout at mini-camp. I played softball on Friday.
• This is the third week of insanity. I made the work out yesterday. Today my hammies feel like they're on fire. That's my tip off that I'm getting back into the groove of things. Plus I have a double header for softball this weekend.
• I'm drinking a ton of water daily & fewer sodas. I'm not even missing Mountain Dew. This blows my mind just a tad.
• Food choices still aren't the best but they aren't the worst. It's a slow but steady process I think.
  
• I did buy five candy bars while in line at Target the other day....and I've eaten two of them. I'm proud to say I ate the two of them on separate days.
  
• I can tell a difference in my muscle tone despite the lackluster commitment to work outs. Yay Insanity!