menu

Image Map
Showing posts with label About. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Here {I Am}, Send Me


Talk about knocking the dust off this 'ole here blog! I became swept up in reading all of the old posts, seeing God's faithfulness through the lens of being on the other side, and quietly thanking Him for new mercies every single day. Can I get an amen?!

The last post to grace the feed of this blog was August 2, 2017. My mind was instantly taken back to where we were in our adventures during that time....

... Miscarriage and infertility...
... Should we start the adoption process now or wait...
... Hunter's dad had been diagnosed with cancer...

Tears instantly prick the backs of my eyes because, MAN, those were some hard days. Shoot, months. Heck, let's go with years. So hard that I in fact decided to walk away from blogging. The writing, the story-telling, the sharing of Hope and Joy because other things needed my attention in those moments. One of the greatest followers of my blog and avid readers was Hunter's dad. It is because of him that I have decided to come back here today and resume my passion of writing, but more importantly, writing to glorify God.

In a world that is so dark and loud and evil, we are called to be light to others around us, to share the message of Hope and Joy and Peace, regardless of the humanly suffering we may face. 

So, a bit of an update if you will...

... Miscarriage and infertility are still part of our story. And it's a beautiful one. The women (and men) that we have been fortunate enough to meet and walk alongside in their journeys, in ministering to them, has been indescribably humbling and joyful.
... We started the adoption process May 2018. We waited 3.5 years to bring the most precious little boy home, and the journey for that is something I will absolutely be sharing in this space. His adoption story is a testimony at just how utterly amazing God is. We also want to encourage other families in their adoption process and to bring a sense of community for them.


... Hunter's daddy went to be with Jesus on May 20, 2019. His long-suffering and battle with cancer may have won on this side of heaven, but his heavenly healing ultimately won. Praise God for that! I see Ros every single day in his son, Hunter. From his laugh to his kindness to his sassy attitude, Hunter exemplifies his father. Ros would've loved his grandson.

Many more adventures have begun between now and then, and others have ended. Through it all, our eyes have been on the One who has held us up. No matter where God has us on this journey, our response to His callings strive to be, "Here I am, send me." Sometimes easier said, than done. But nevertheless, let it be me, God. 

Ros, I'm picking up the "pen" to begin writing again. This is for you.

Image Map

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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!



Image Map

Friday, February 27, 2015

Let's sing our ABC's

I've seen this little gem floating around the blog world and love the idea of it. What better way for people to get to know you a little better! So without further ado...
 
a | animal// My sweet boys
 
 
b | beauty product// It's A 10 hair products. They make my hair so easy to manage when I need to brush it or style it. Also, dry shampoo is my jam. Did ya'll see Cassie's post about different dry shampoos?
 
c | color// Hmm... what color am I coveting right now? Right now I'm loving anything minty green. Maybe I'm just trying to channel the Spring season.
 
d | drink// Ya'll should know the answer to this. I'll give you a minute to guess... Sweet tea!
 
e | exercise// HA! Ya'll are so funny! Okay okay, I'm trying (read: failing) to get back into running. I swear my life moves a million miles a minute so I'm having a bit of a struggle trying to find the time to do said running. Pray for me.
 
f | flower// Sunflowers
 
 
g | game// I like Catch Phrase or Bananograms.
 
h | human// Jesus. Then Hunter. But mostly Jesus.
 
i | instrument// I wish! Learning how to play the piano is on my bucket list to do before I die.
 
Here's a major flashback of Hunter playing the guitar
 
j | job// What can I say, I love my job!
 
k | karaoke song// Ha! I don't do karaoke. I wouldn't want people's ears to bleed.
 
l | lunch// Is it lunch time yet?! I love me some good ole Chick-Fil-A - yummy!
 
m | movie// I have lots of favorites! I love a good action movie or comedy or RomCom. Every now and then I can watch war movies (they're just so sad to me) but I absolutely cannot do scary movies. I will have nightmares for days people!
 
n | number// I'm going to go with number 77 because I'm special like that.
 
o | object// Would this be my favorite object? Can I pick 2? I would say my bible and my wedding rings. Both mean so much to me and are items that I treasure daily.
 
p | picture// I would say this describes me perfectly...
 
 
 q | quote// "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalms 139:14
 
 
r | restaurant// I'm a lover of anything Italian so I would have to say our local Italian restaurant, Village Pizza.

s | season// I used to be all about that summer. Then I became all about that fall/winter. Now I'm all about that spring. So I think it's safe to say, I like them all for their different reasons!

t | trend// I'm not a huge trend follower - I'm all about being comfortable in my own style. I will have to say, I love a good pair of jeans and cowboy boots with a ball cap. That's my go-to comfortable outfit.

u | underwear// That's for my husband to know and for ya'll to never find out...

v | vacation// Right now we're saving up for a couple of things - this summer we'll be traveling with our youth students to a camp retreat. Then later in the year, we're going to Disney World with another couple. I'm honestly so excited I could just pee my underwear that ya'll will never know about (see letter "u" if you're confused)!

w | writer// Mmmm now that is tough. I have a lot of favorite writers in all different genres.

x | x-tra favorite// Anything dipped in chocolate - bananas, strawberries, marshmallows, my fingers....

y | year// This year! I'm trying to live in the present and enjoy each moment as they come.

z | zodiac sign// I'll give you a couple of hints: My sign lives in the ocean, is the fourth astrological sign, and unfortunately, a disease.

I hope ya'll have a fun, warm weekend!

Image Map

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Liebie Liebster Award

Yep, I just totes baby talked in the title of this post. The sweetest gal on the face of this earth nominated me for the Liebster Award! I know some people don't like getting these things because oh my gosh it takes time out of my busy schedule, but me on the other hand, I love the fact that this little ole bloggy has had an impact on somebody else's life. Enough for that person to think of me. So Rebecca, thank you!

I've decided to answer her questions first because hey, I'm a rebel like that. The facts will follow shortly thereafter.
 
one: What topic do you enjoy blogging about the most, and why?
 
Honestly? Faith and the daily struggles and triumphs that are packaged with that. Second to that though, mine and the hubs adventures! 
 
two: What is your favorite meal to cook / treat to bake? 
 
Well because I've got me a strapping country boy that loves his meat, I would have to say a meal is always in order. We specifically love venison steaks with bacon wrapped around, twice baked potatoes, and a good hearty salad.
 
three: If you work outside of blogging, what do you do, and what do you enjoy most about it? 
 
I work for the Office of Senate Secretary for the state of Florida. I'm specifically a journal writer and researcher. Basically, it means lots of writing, reading, and staying on top of legislative rules. We also construct and publish the Journals for Sessions, and work with Senators on a daily basis. I truly love everything about my job! Did I ever expect to be in the political realm? Heck no, but I wouldn't change a thing.
 
four: What was the worst date you've ever been on?
 
Oh man, it's been awhile ha! Let's see, I was in high school and I went on a date to the movies with a guy a couple years older than me. I had met him through my brothers playing baseball because he used to umpire some of the games. Such a sweetheart, honestly. On the date, I found out he had dropped out of high school, was a HUGE pot head, and couldn't hold a conversation for more than a minute (I'm not kidding, it was probably because of said pot). And I had to pick him up for the date because he didn't have his driver's license (found out why during the date, it was because of said pot). Needless to say, there was NEVER a second date.
 
five: What goals do you have for the next 5 years, both blogging and personal? 
 
You sure do have me picking the depths of my brain contents Rebecca ha! In 5 years, I'll be 31 (eek!) so as for personal: still married to my hottie, moved into the little house we're trying to get now and it'll be oh-so-cute, possibly a kid or a bun in the oven or we've adopted a beautiful child, a fully renovated bathroom and kitchen in said little house that we'll hopefully get, and that Jep has calmed down significantly (that's our Blue Tick Hound for those that are wondering who Jep is....). Bloggy wise, the only goal I have is that it will continue to provide hope and faith to those that take the time to read it. And maybe some laughs too.
 
six: What is a Christmas song that truly rings in the season for you? 
 
I love Christmas like a kid loves candy (if you didn't like candy as a kid, you're weird. I'm kidding). Silent Night sung by Amy Grant is what brings that holiday season into a nice little packaged gift for me. Just something about the melody is soothing and reminds me of the beauty of Christmas.
 
seven: Do you have any pet peeves? 
 
Liars and people who fake their way through relationships. Seriously, get over yourself and just tell the truth. The person on the receiving end may not like it but at least it's out there. Another big pet peeve of mine: people who refuse to be transparent, which I guess ties into lying and faking their way. Just be real - we're all sinful, horrible heathens.
 
eight: How does a typical day begin for you? 
 
Chaotic. I am not a morning person in any way, shape, or form. Coffee. It's what saves me from myself most days. I always applaud those people who can get up at o'dark-thirty and make gourmet breakfasts, do blog things or whatever else, and can manage to look fabuloso by the time they walk out of the house. Look, ya'll are lucky if I remembered to put underwear and deodorant on. True story: I showed up to work one day in leggings and a sweater, parked in my usual spot in the parking garage at work, and proceeded to get into my dress for work. Don't worry - I had a tank on underneath my sweater so nobody saw the goods.
 
nine: Is there anything you don't think you would ever blog about?
 
Politics. I work in it daily so I will NEVER share that on a public forum. Sorry, certain things are to be kept between me a God. Also, I will NEVER discuss any personal issues that involves my husband. If you want to have a hen party, go find that junk somewhere else. Kind of like politics, certain things are just meant to be between you and God.
 
ten: What three things can you not live without? 
 
In a non-materialistic sense: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. In a materialistic sense: coffee, coffee, Hunter.
 
eleven: What's on your Christmas wishlist this year? 
 
 I actually don't have a Christmas wish list. I'm a weird person and I don't like getting gifts. I'm serious (no Hunter, this isn't a test)! That goes for birthday's, anniversaries, Christmas, definitely Valentine's Day... I will always say, "Just spend time with me." I'd rather have the memories and experiences than the physical gift because it'll probably end up in Goodwill in a couple of years #truthhurts.

Just a few fun facts about me:

+ I just did the whole gel nails thing for my wedding and I can honestly say I will never do that mess again. The polish absolutely destroyed my real nails. And I had pretty nails to begin with!

+ Ya'll, don't laugh. I cannot clean bathrooms without gagging. I have this weird thing with hair being on shower walls and sinks... It grosses me out. Even though it's my hair, I just don't like it. Hunter thinks it's hilarious.

+ I found my time capsule the other day from when I was a freshman in high school (cue oldies music) and I saw where I said I wanted to be a pediatrician. Just bless your heart, young self.

+ I've never played a team sport. I rode horses all throughout elementary, middle, high school, and parts of college. Team playing just sounds awful to me. Ha!

+ Sarcasm is my native tongue. Except when it's serious time, then I can be serious. But otherwise, my words are usually dripping with sarcasm.

+ I'm one of those people who will tell ya like it is. You will know by my facial expressions alone if you're irritating me. And then I'll tell ya. I will say this, I am working on being more graceful with my words rather than them being like acid. It's a process, ya'll.

+ I'm too lazy to put pictures in this post because honestly, yesterday was a super busy (and long) day at work thus the reason for this coming out a wee bit later in the morning. Work with me!

There ya have it! A little bit about me, myself, and I. I hope ya'll have a beautiful week - this is the day the Lord has made!



Image Map

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Some tidbits

Last week, Rebecca with The Adventures of Bug and Boo tagged me for some random bits of information to share with ya'll. I love sharing (and hearing) all about the different things that makes each one of us unique. So here it goes!
 
one: I'm 26 years old and the oldest of 4 kids: my 2 biological brothers and then my adopted sister. If ya'll check back in here on Friday, I'll have all things blackmail loving about my sweet sister who is turning 16!
 
look at that sass!
 
two: Never have I ever... smoked a cigarette or done any form of drugs. Call me miss goody goody but that stuff just never appealed to me. Plus, I had to grow up very young and knew I had A LOT to lose if I decided to test the legal limits.
 
three: I actually cannot stand people who claim to be holy-art-thou Christians. Hear me out... From my experience, those type of folks are typically the most judgmental, hateful, hypocritical, and just downright not living the example they should. It's like I've said to some of these folks (yes, to their face), no wonder people hate Christians! I love the people who claim to be broken, sinners, and human, yet they rely on a God much greater and stronger than they ever will be. Long story short: be transparent people.
 
four: In the summer months, I love love an ice cold beer. In the winter months, jack and coke are my good friends.
 
five: I realized the other day all the new and different things I have tried since I started dating my adorable redneck:
  • deer meat
  • gizzards
  • liver
  • Vienna sausages (I'm sorry, that's just straight cat food)
  • wild hog
  • shooting a gun
  • hunting (and actually liking it)
  • not worrying what others think about you.
six: Very rarely will you ever see me drink hot coffee. If I order hot coffee, a lot of times I will let it just sit and get to room temperature. I'm weird, I know.
 
seven: Hunter and I both very much want to be parents someday. Both to our own biological children and to adopted children. If we aren't able to conceive, ain't nothin but a thang. We'll just adopt all of our children. Once our kids are grown and the majority of them out of the house, I would love to be foster parents.
 
 
 
eight: I am exactly 17 days away from marrying my absolute best friend. 





Image Map

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Liebster Award

Every time I'm nominated for an award or appreciation of any kind, I'm beyond humbled, flattered, blushing the whole time, just all smiles at the love given. The good Lord knows I never ever thought I would really impact anybody through this blog.

I merely just thought this little space of the interwebs would be my journal so to speak. And a place for my mom to keep up with my daily doings... Hey mom!

So when I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Sweet, Sassy Southern Belle, I just couldn't contain the excitement. Thank you so much for the love!

There are varying versions of rules for this award but I'm going to stick to 11 random facts about me since SoKo has acquired a few newbies in the last couple of weeks - love all of my new bloggy friends!

1: First and foremost, if you're not aware that I'm getting married in October of this year, you must be under a rock. I honestly think I've beat this topic to death. Oh well... I've still got plenty more where that came from.


2: I have a God-awful fear of spiders. Like if there's a spider in the shower with me, I will jump out of there in my birthday suit, screaming like I'm being murdered which then causes one of my brothers to come running in to check on me, and sees me naked with no care in the world that all my goods are on display. Not that that's ever happened before....

3: I absolutely insist on being outside when and where I can. I work in an office all day, so being in the sunshine just makes me happy happy happy.

 
4: Yes, those last 3 words above were a Duck Dynasty reference. Don't hate. And if you think that those kinds of folks don't exist, bless your little heart. You just come on down to my neck of the woods to meet my family and you'll have your mind changed in no time.

5: I am the oldest of 4 kids: I have a 23 year old brother, a 20 year old brother, and an almost 16 year old sister. Both of my brothers are biological brothers and my sister is adopted from China. I love her more than my brothers but don't tell them I said that... #joking #loveallmysibs

6: I still live in the town I was born and raised in and I'm not in the least bit ashamed by it. I love that I love my roots and can still be successful and not the typical "oh you never left home to experience life" kind of person. Newsflash, life is what you make it no matter where you are.

7: Hunter (my fiance) and I are youth leaders to middle school and high school kids/teens in our church and we absolutely love it!! Yes, they're weird. But you were weird once too.

 
8: Sweet tea is my drug.

9: I hunt and fish and still manage to clean up good. I hate the stereotype that hunters/huntresses get - we're not all hicks. Maybe a few, but not all of us.

 
10: I'm hearing impaired (as well as one of my brothers, our mother and one of her brothers, and my deceased grandfather) and have been since I was born. I wear hearing aids in both ears and have no shame in it at all. It always cracks me up when people feel like they need to talk really slow and loud for me to comprehend! I can hear without the aids, but they just help clarify certain sounds and tones that I have difficulties with. It's a syndrome that runs on my mother's side of the family, and mine and Hunter's children have a 50/50 chance of getting this syndrome. Bring on the batteries!

11: Last but not least, I have been told by many (and I can believe it) that you will know exactly what I'm thinking based on my facial expressions. I have a very hard time hiding my excitement/wonder/irritation. It's something I'm learning how to control, especially when it comes to my irritation face...

I hope ya'll enjoyed these fun little facts about me and do me a favor... Go check out the lovely Sweet, Sassy Southern Belle. She's a hoot and such a sweetheart.

Have a fab weekend and I'll see ya'll Monday! I'll be doing my first (and probably only) fashion post.... Bless my heart, I know.

Just because he's presh to me



Thursday, June 12, 2014

Throwback Thursday Link-Up

It's another Throwback Thursday ya'll! Each week, me and a couple of other wonderful southern gals are getting together to reminisce on times in each of our lives, and sharing them with ya'll. All the deets are below to join in on the fun!

This week, I'm kicking back to my very first blog post. Talk about awk-sauce!! Hey, I was new to the whole blog thing. What can I say? I've learned quite a bit as this here bloggy has grown over the last few months.

I bring to you... My first post ever:

A peek inside my life
Anytime I come across a blog, I immediately refer to the "About" tab of that blogger to see if we have similar interests or if they could be someone that I can relate to {{we could become BBFF's- Blogger Best Friends Forever}}. As I'm sure that I'm the only one that does that (note sarcasm), here are some tidbits, if you will, about me.
1. Where are you from?
I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL and currently reside here now. Not many people can say that they have lived in one place their entire lives (and enjoyed it), and I'm proud to be part of the small statistic that says they have. Granted, I have noticed lately that Tallahassee seems to be getting "a little too big for me" so I may be moving to the outskirts of Tallahassee. I'm a small town girl at heart!
 
2. What do you do for fun?
Oh goodness, what do I do?! Ha! I love spending time with my family and friends (I truly have some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for - then again, I'm biased). I also enjoy spending time with my boyfriend. We have been together for quite some time now and he truly is the peanut butter to my jelly. I also love to craft (you will be seeing A LOT of DIY home projects on my blog), cook, hunt, shop, and just living each day like the blessing it is. I also help with our middle school and high school youth groups in my church. I LOVE my kids! Teenagers are at such an awkward stage and it's so fun to help mentor them into leading positive, godly lives.

Want to read the rest? To keep on reading, follow this link...

--------------------------------------------------------
Welcome back to the 3 Southern Gals Throwback Thursday Link Up Party.  We are thrilled you have joined us.  Thank you to those who linked up last week, we had a great turn out!!  If this is your first time linking up, leave a comment letting us know. We are looking forward to what y'all will share today.  Lets all have fun and reminisce!!



 If you already had something else planned for today, no worries, just link and share an older blog post. Remember anyone can link up, we just ask that you follow the link up rules below.   Thanks y'all!!



Now lets get this party started:


Rules of the party:


  • Link up your Throwback Thursday Post (including either throwback pictures or an old blog post Prior to last week. Please no giveaways, shops or other linkups as these would not apply to a throwback post );
  • Make sure you follow each of the THREE SOUTHERN GALS;

Cat @ Yes DEER :   Bloglovin / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook



  • Don't just link up and run...check out some other great throwback post;
  • Add our party button and/or link back to our party in your post; and 
  • HAVE FUN!



3 Southern Gals TBT

{If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.}




 "Y'all come back now ya hear"





Image Map






Image Map
The Grits Blog

Monday, December 9, 2013

A peek inside my life

Anytime I come across a blog, I immediately refer to the "About" tab of that blogger to see if we have similar interests or if they could be someone that I can relate to {{we could become BBFF's- Blogger Best Friends Forever}}. As I'm sure that I'm the only one that does that (note sarcasm), here are some tidbits, if you will, about me.
 
1. Where are you from?
 
I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL and currently reside here now. Not many people can say that they have lived in one place their entire lives (and enjoyed it), and I'm proud to be part of the small statistic that says they have. Granted, I have noticed lately that Tallahassee seems to be getting "a little too big for me" so I may be moving to the outskirts of Tallahassee. I'm a small town girl at heart!
 
2. What do you do for fun?
 
Oh goodness, what do I do?! Ha! I love spending time with my family and friends (I truly have some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for - then again, I'm biased). I also enjoy spending time with my boyfriend. We have been together for quite some time now and he truly is the peanut butter to my jelly. I also love to craft (you will be seeing A LOT of DIY home projects on my blog), cook, hunt, shop, and just living each day like the blessing it is. I also help with our middle school and high school youth groups in my church. I LOVE my kids! Teenagers are at such an awkward stage and it's so fun to help mentor them into leading positive, godly lives.
 
My boyfriend Hunter and I

 
3. How many animals do you have?
 
I currently have a rescued Pit Bull named Manny. I LOVE THIS DOG! He truly puts a smile on my face every single day. I also own a horse named Daisy - yes, her name came from the old movie "Driving Miss Daisy"- and a cat named Tabby. We are quite the little family of misfits but miraculously I somehow manage to keep us all alive and well!
 


4. Why blog?

I have always had a passion for writing and sharing new ideas or things that I have found. What better way to share with other readers than through a blog. I love trying new things, whether it's a DIY craft, a new beauty product, or cooking a new recipe... I love a challenge! I feel like we are all bestowed gifts by our awesome Maker... why not use them to His great advantage.

Side note:

I am also a guest writer for my friend Ashley's blog, The Grits Blog. Go show my girl some love and check it out!

Enough about me... Let's connect! If you do have any more questions though, please don't hesitate to leave them in the comments box and I will answer them accordingly. Welcome to Southern Komfort Blog and stay beautiful friends!

xoxo
Kelly