Happy Birthday Joe!

Today is my oldest of my 2 brother's birthday! Lord have mercy, he's turning a whopping 24 years old. Please stop growing little siblings of mine?! In honor of this kid's birthday, I wanted to share some memories of our years growing up:

 

 

one// Remember that one time we were little and making mud pies (where the pond is now) and I almost had you convinced that mud pies are actually really food. You were quite the smart little guy, weren't you?

 

two// All our Disney trips that we took as a family, picking on each other standing in line, and taking turns on who would actually get to press the buttons in the elevator. Joe's most favorite Disney ride growing up was the "big ball" at Epcot. To this day, I still think it's his favorite.

 

 

 

three// On rainy days in the summer, me and my two brothers (our youngest sister wasn't around yet) would make forts in the linen closet of our house. Now bear in mind, this linen closet is tiny as you would imagine. When I go to the linen closet now, I'm reminded of all those adventures we would create in that closet... and wonder how the hell we fit in there?!

 

four// Our yard always grew wild berries that were apparently poisonous. I almost had you convinced that those berries were yum yum yum... But dad caught me telling those lies. Dadgummit!

 

five// On mine and Hunter's wedding night at the reception, you came up to me and gave me the biggest hug and told me how much you love me. I'm pretty certain you had had a few drinks, but you'll never know how much that meant to me.

 

Happy birthday Joe! I hope your day is full of DMB music (Dave Matthews Band, le duh people), skim boarding at the beach, and love from all those around you. Love you to pieces, baby Joe!

 



Now taking number: 4

I've seen these little gems all over the blog world so I decided to join in on the fun because, le duh, what else is better than a fun little game. Thanks to Erin for the inspiration!

 

4 Jobs I've Had
1. Executive Assistant

2. Retail salesperson

3. Billing with a surgery center

4. Journal Writer/Researcher

 

4 Movies I've Watched More Than Once

1. The Notebook

2. Avengers

3. Miss Congeniality

4. Harry Potter
 

 

4 Books I Would Recommend
1. The Bible (duh)

2. The Shack

3. 5 Love Languages

4. my brain has stopped thinking of books...

 

4 Places I Have Been

1. Cozumel, Mexico

2. parts of Honduras

3. Bahamas

4. several different states in the US

 

4 TV Shows I Watch (On Netflix)
1. We don't have Netflix

2. I know, the horror

3. Would it help if I said we're thinking about getting it

4. Please still love me

 

4 Things I'm Always Saying

1. "Hunnnaaa!!" (Hunter, when I'm trying to get his attention)

2. Shut the front door

3. I'm hungry

4. Le duh

 

4 Things I'm Looking Forward to This Year (2015)
1. Spending lots of time with my hot hubs

2. Celebrating 1 year of marriage (can ya'll believe we're already past 7 months??)

3. Disney World - the hubs made a promise I intend to see through

4. Lots of marriages this year. And babies, lots and lots of babies (not mine).
 

 

Four things about my appearance

1. Blue eyes

2. Skinny-Minnie

3. My crooked smile that I love

4. I'm all legs

 

 

Four things in my purse
1. Calendar (I'm sorry, it's not one of those blogger calendars)

2. Wallet

3. Wedding picture disc - I need to get an album made (oops)

4. Kindle because I'm a reading fanatic

 

Four posts of mine you should check out
1. A Love Letter
2. Real Talk: Youth Leader Myths
3. Grateful Monday + Cardboard Testimonies
4. How we are becoming DEBT FREE

Four things I couldn't live without
1. Jesus
2. Food - I have an extreme love for food
3. Laughter - I fully believe it's the best medicine
4. Hunter - he makes my days so much brighter



Wait... What?

Ya'll know what day it is, I don't even have to spell it out. We're getting a long weekend so I'm looking forward to that extra day of being with family and the hot hubs. For those who know me, know that I'm truly random. So true to fashion, here's some randomies:

 

one// These humans mean the world to me. The time we get to spend with them: priceless

 

 

two// Hunter and I are traveling to Georgia to see this wonderful woman and spend some time with family. Please pray for safe travels and strength. Seeing my grandma in this shape is not easy for me.

 

three// Have you ever just said, "Enough is enough!"? I had that moment yesterday actually. I was tired of making excuses for not being more proactive in certain areas of my life (read: time spent one-on-one with God, working out, etc.) and I got tired of hearing excuses from people around me for their lack of proactive attitudes, so I stepped up to the plate and decided to change it. I went out and bought myself some new tennies, a new Bible, and God provided me with a new attitude. Watch out world!
 

 

 four// This article I found on fb yesterday... *mind blown* - well not for me really. More like mind-blowing for those who find this article "rude"... Ha! Hey, you don't want to be part of the revolution that changes the world, then hop on out of the way ;)

 

five// Dinner with this goon on Saturday night! We absolutely love Gus Gus and the time we get to spend with him.

 

 

six// And certainly last but not in the very least, 3 of our youth students are graduating this weekend. We're so proud of both of these gals and cannot wait to see what God has in store for them. Love them tremendously!

Happiest of Friday's to ya'll and Happy Memorial Day weekend!

 

A love letter

My dearest 18-year-old-self,

 

Happiest of birthday's to you on this warm July 19th day! You're 18 now and so excited to tackle the world as an adult. My oh my, the things you will soon learn. As you've discovered, being 4.5 hours away from home at a huge university just isn't your cup of tea. Those tears that you cry every Sunday on your drive back to Orlando will eventually subside because soon you will be moving back home to attend the local community college. It'll be okay, sweet child.

 

In about a week from now, you're going to meet a guy that you thought was your forever. Trust me when I say this: he will not be your forever and that's a good thing! You're going to experience mountains and valleys of emotions when you're with this person. Just hold on, you're going to be in this bumpy relationship for awhile. Family and friends are going to judge you, have concern for you, and some will leave you. It's going to be a painful time in your life but again, trust me. It's only going to get better. God is shaping you into a strong, independent woman with time.

 

Unfortunately, you're going to experience depression. You won't know it at the time but in hindsight, you'll see it. Just like you didn't see the abuse at the time, you'll look back and see what it was. You will pull through the depression eventually, but not without the thoughts of wondering if your life is really even worth it anymore. Beautiful girl, your life is worth everything and more! God has HUGE plans for you! You don't see it now, but you're going to become so on fire for the Lord that you could just bust at the seams. So on those dark days, and in those moments of questioning your existence, know that you're worth every.damn.breath.

 

As you go through the next few years 18-year-old-self, you'll develop an independence unlike any other. You will discover that you are worth so much more and you're going to find a man that embraces every part of you and your personality. And no, it's not the fool that you're going to meet in about a week. But! He is a stepping stone in your journey that God has you on. Trust the process.

 

Let's talk about this man that's going to embrace you in the future (and eventually become your hot husband): He is kind, loving, and everything that you would hope to find in a man. However, know this, God is going to bring you both together and break you both down individually. The both of you are going to grow in your walk with the Lord individually, and together. You'll think you're in love with this guy but just wait - when he becomes a true, God-fearing man, whoa baby. You'll experience a love so deep that you didn't know you had it in you! Oh and that list of qualities you want in a man, he's going to surpass every single one of them and more.

 

18-year-old-self, you are beautiful in every way. You are kind and your heart is at full capacity when you are giving back to others. But remember to give to yourself sometimes. You deserve that pedicure, an awesome hair cut and color, an education in whatever you please, a life worth living. I wish I could go back and tell you all those things, to save you from the immense heartache that you're about to experience. But I can't, and I won't. See, it's those moments that have made you who you are today and will continue to shape you for the rest of your years.

 

Love you 18-year-old-self. God has some awesome things coming your way!

It's in these moments...

Happiest of Monday's to ya! How was your weekend? Our weekend pretty much revolved around our youth and it was so fun. Between fundraising events, girls night with my youth girls, and taking time to recognize our graduating seniors during church, it's safe to say we had a teen-filled weekend.

 

I'm so grateful for the opportunities that God has placed in our lives. The doors He's opened, the windows He has cracked, little things and big things to get us where we are today. I couldn't help but reflect on the last 1.5 years in our ministry. It's funny how God works isn't it?

I posted the above picture yesterday to my facebook. That tiny country church and the people that fill the pews are just part of the reason why we do what we do, and love it. The other reason we're on fire for the Gospel? The people outside of the church. The people who are searching for something to fill their souls. The people who need some Jesus. With this photo, I attached these lyrics from a song that really speaks volumes and I fully encourage you to use today, and every day, to seize those opportunities that God has placed before you:

Holy Spirit you are welcome here
Flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord

 

 

 

Let's get happy

Today definitely doesn't feel like a Friday. It might be because I took off yesterday from work to catch up on things around the house and youth stuff. It was glorious! So today certainly feels like a Monday for me. Mind games, people. Mind games.

 

Have ya'll had a wonderful week? Mine has flown so fast, #whatsnew? Today I want to focus on a special lady in my life - my grandma. She's always been a huge source of inspiration for me. Her independence, kind soul, and loving heart have always driven me to be like her. I've always said, "If I can be half as awesome as that woman when I'm her age, then I'm doing alright."

 

Grandma,

 

Thank you for loving me, despite my flaws. Your ability to see something beautiful in everybody is truly humbling. I wish there were more people like you in this world. These last few weeks haven't been the best for you. Despite that, you're still fighting and you will up into the very end. It's in your nature, you don't know any different. Thank you for raising some pretty awesome kids - they're the best aunts/uncle/father I could ever imagine. You taught them how to work hard for what you want in life, how to show others the kindness of Christ, and how to save every.last.little.item! Oh wait, just my dad does that...?

 

When I visited you in the hospital, I'm not going to lie. That was hard. I don't like seeing the woman I have so much respect for suffering. But I'm glad I got to see you, reminisce on things, and talk about how dad's "getting too big." Ha! I left that hospital that day with a full heart.

 

I love you grandma. I know you're going to fight until the very end. And when God is ready for you, I pray that He takes you swiftly and without any pain. I am so jealous of you because you're going to get to see Paw Paw again. You're going to get to see Jesus face to face, and dance to the "Chattahoochee" by Alan Jackson. You're going to be healthy and without ailments. You're going to be whole again. Give em hell for me :)

 

Love you always,

Kelly aka Darlin'

Wherever you would call me

Have you ever reached that season in your life where you're looking around at everybody and realizing you're on a completely different wavelength than they are? And I'm not talking about intelligence, per se. And no, being on different wavelengths isn't necessarily a bad thing.

 

I'm at that point in my life. I have been at that point in my life for some time.

 

I feel like I'm at that point where I'm looking around and I feel like I'm absorbed into an entirely different mindset than many of those around me... And I can't seem to let it go.

 

Allow me to elaborate and humor you. I would describe myself as having a servant heart and nature. I thrive on helping others. I love seeing my labors turn into fruits. I am constantly craving for more. With that being said, it's safe to say I have a "missionary mindset."

 

I want to help people in all ways.

 

I want to serve others and share the love of Christ with them.

 

I want God to use me in all ways and purposes to further His kingdom and glory

 

Sometimes I feel so completely and utterly alone in my passion to serve others. I'll be the first to admit it - it is so dadgummit hard sometimes to stay on fire for the Gospel. I absolutely go through seasons of faith but surprisingly, my passion to serve others never wanes.

 

All Christ followers are called to serve others and make disciples. Think I'm lying? Read Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-47, John 20:21, plus so much more. So it's pretty clear what is being said here, no questions asked. Then why aren't more Christ followers doing just that?! It's something that has utterly baffled me and the million dollar question that I would LOVE to know the answer to.

 

Honestly, I think it comes down to this: Believers have become some comfortable with their faith that ya know what, I'll let somebody else take care of reaching others. It's the simple fact that because we are allowed to believe what we want to believe without serious repercussions (unlike several other countries) that we have allowed ourselves to become lazy and disobedient in the command to make disciples.

 

I'll be completely honest: A believer's disinterest in fulfilling the Great Commission absolutely irks me to my very core. How can you experience the love that Christ has shown you and not share that with others who haven't experienced that love? As a matter of fact, how dare you deny somebody of that love?!

 

What I'm getting at is this - if you are a Christ follower, seriously take up your cross and stop allowing the world to pass you by without a single thought of sharing the gospel. Stop being lazy because honestly, that's where the devil wants you. As long as you're not sharing the Gospel, then you're doing exactly what he wants you to do. It doesn't mean you have to travel to the ends of the earth to help somebody. It doesn't mean you have to go to great lengths to become an eloquent preacher. All it means is loving on others, building relationships with people of all walks of life, and showing them the glory of the Gospel.

 

It's. Really. Not. That. Hard.

 

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever you would call me

 

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith would be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior..."

Coffee + Fishing

Happy Monday friends! And happy almost-mid-May... Yep. You read that right. Let's get to the things I'm grateful for today on this almost-mid-May:

 

one// coffee... Or some kind of caffeine to kick start my mornings. If you want me to function properly, I'll need it.

 

two// Wedding showers and seeing friends that I don't get to see too often.

 

three// Sprinklers and pools for our hot summer days. Our coonhound particularly loves the sprinkler and insists on screaming the entire time he runs through it. Yes, our dog screams.

 

four// Time spent with both my family and my in-laws. I love that they like spending time together!

 

five// Fishing trips for the hubs. He was able to go fishing this past Saturday and I think it's safe to say it did his soul some good.

 

 

What all are ya'll grateful for?

 

 



Friday Fluff

So the last couple of weeks have pretty much passed me by in the blink of an eye. No, seriously. I blinked and it's May 8, almost the middle of May. Like, what?

 

In honor of a beautiful Friday, some Friday fluff for you lovelies...

 

ONE// When you're married to a forester, your life pretty much revolves around "burn season." Hunter's work does prescribed burns starting in about January/February through July sometimes. So when your husband comes home and says, "No work this weekend" you get all sorts of giddy like a schoolgirl who was just promposed to. Feel all the feels!!
 

 

TWO// We're celebrating a couple of love birds' marriage next month with a shower tomorrow. Oh how it brings back the memories...

 

THREE// Guys, It's going to be 95 degrees tomorrow #sweattherapy. I'm not really sure if I'm ready for this much heat in one day!

 

FOUR// Hunter and I are pretty dang sure that Jep is finally reaching the chill mode. 1.5 years old with a little bit of snippage at a young age has finally paid off. Granted, the pup still needs to run some but overall, he's been a huge blessing. It makes me a little less anxious for our move in July to a much smaller yard.

 

FIVE// Speaking of moving, I've been in purge mode - less things to move with, the better. See, here's the thing, we're moving in July. At the end of July to be specific. If you're not aware, that's the hottest freakin time of the year here in Florida. Blessed Jesus, what was I thinking?!

 

Happy Friday my peeps! Don't forget to hug your momma, grandmomma, MIL, a woman on Mother's Day this Sunday!

Welcome to the world Abel

I absolutely love showers - baby showers, wedding showers, showers just to shower somebody... They're so much fun! To me, the theme is what I always have the most fun with because you can associate so much around that one, simple theme.

 

A few weeks ago, some galfriends and I all got together to put on an epic baby shower for some awesome sauce friends and their sweet newborn, Abel. Thank you to Jen for the pictures and allowing me to steal borrow them!

 

 

Welcome to the world Abel! You are loved by so many people!



Testing testing. Is this thing on?

Why hello ya'll! It's been quite some time since I've graced this here blog space... And it's so good to be back! So much has happened in the last week and a half, and it's been amazing. Just a few things to catch ya'll up...

 

.... 2015 Florida Legislature Regular Session has completed its course. I was pretty dang excited to come to work this morning in business casual clothes.

 

..... Hunter and I built a kitchen table. We have a couple more things to do to it like stain it and build braces along the bottom of it but we're pretty proud of ourselves!

 

 

 

.... Hunter is picking up guitar again! He said it's been about 6 years since he's touched one but he is beyond excited to get back into it. I'm so excited for him and let'zbehonest..... I'm swooning over my husband serenading me with a guitar and his deep voice.

 

 

 

.... Life with youth students has been glorious! We had 4 baptisms yesterday, 3 of them being teenagers. God is working some awesome wonders in our community. Glory be to God always!

 

Today I'm so grateful for that break that I took. Sometimes in life, you need to slow down and drink in the moments as they happen. I'm learning how to slow down, enjoy my experiences, and never wish today away. Tell me, what in the world have ya'll been up to?!