My Happy Heart

The last 4-5 months have been... tough. I've been unsettled. Unsure. Dampened in spirit. Don't get me wrong, there have been a ton of fun moments and happy days but always the reoccurring feeling of unease. Oh, peace and calm, how I missed you. 

In the last month or so (since we got back from Kansas City really), the unsettledness is lifting and content is settling in. Content, I've missed you, please don't leave me again. When I'm not having what I call "pregnancy nerves" and I'm feeling "normal" I feel content and at peace. Thank you God for your peace. Oh, what peace and stillness He has shown.

Today after work, I went to see Mike (the hubs). I'm so grateful I can pop in and see him when he's on his 56 hour shift. I'm thankful for this man who is able to keep me calm (and push all my buttons) and make me giggle. I can still hardly believe we will be welcoming a little Ressegue in 6.5 months (wait... what?! That can't be!). Oh, peace and calm, I'm sure I'll miss you again but in a different way.

Sure, the fact that's it's Christmas time could have to do with my happy heart but it started getting happy before that. But that doesn't discount the power of the season! I sang my heart out to Christmas songs on the way home, made dinner, finished work, and started laundry. I even had time to enjoy the Christmas tree(s). Oh, what peace and stillness that brings.

{My ocean themed tree [we have 2 trees]. Please don't judge my unfinished space.}

I also thought I would share these 2 videos with you. One of them is fun and silly and the other is beautiful and gives me chills every time. Hallelujah!

Enjoy your night. Enjoy your family. I know this time of year can be so hard for some but my hope and prayer is that you can find the joy and peace that comes with Christ-mas.

{via}

~Emily~

A Refreshing Flood

Jesus Culture. Sure, that's what I hope our culture can become. But it's also a band. A worship band. And they rock. 

This song is so true of Jesus. His love is a refreshing flood. He takes away all blemishes and washes us clean. Thank you Jesus for loving us!

Hope fills my soul

The love that You've shown

Brings refreshing like the rain

Peace floods my heart

I've known nothing apart,

Apart from Your goodness, God.

You are glorious

You are holy, holy

The heavens shout

You are worthy, worthy

Your love frees my soul

And fear has no hold

For You have broken the chains

Now joy fills my life

Your spirit, Your light

I'm undone by the kindness of Christ 

You are glorious

You are holy, holy

The heavens shout

You are worthy, worthy

My soul cries out

You are holy, holy

The nations will shout

You are worthy, worthy

At the sound of Your name

The heavens will shake 

And the earth will move."

A little of this and a little of that

I have a lot going on in my head, mostly good, that I just feel like jotting down. If you want to know what's been on my mind a little more, then go ahead and read. If not, I won't be offended. ;) I suppose this is a "for me" post.

1) I live near a pumpkin patch. I live near a pumpkin patch. I LIVE NEAR A PUMPKIN PATCH. I love it. :) I know, I know. A lot of people live near pumpkin patches but how did I not realize it until now?! Yay fall! :)

2) My brain is spinning with ideas for Spotted Poppy (mine and my mom's side business). I have no idea where to start. And these are both good and bad things. I need to start getting all of these thoughts on paper.

3) George (Kristyn and Andrew's new siamese/himalayan kitty) is too cute. I'm thankful for the 3 little companion animals that are in this house!

4) When people ask me what I "do", as in work, I now say house wife. And that's ok. At first I was hating that thought because well, I wasn't sure why. I think I was hating it because society tells us our value is in what we do for a living. But that's not true. My value is in Christ (thank God)!

5) Our tomatoes are FINALLY turning red. It's taken forever!

6) Mike just worked 6 days. When he got home last night I immediately had a smile (more like goofy grin), and lasted until I went to sleep. I guess I'm still in love. ;)

7) I really want a mid west style thunderstorm. Here's to dreaming!

8) Mike and I are going to Kansas City in October. It will be almost 1 year since we left. Crazy! Some days I think, "How cool would it be if we wound up back there some day." then I realize, it will probably never happen. God is good always!

Those are a few things swimming through my head. What kind of stuff has been going throw your head? Are you enjoying the season of life you're in? Are you too busy to even try enjoying it?

~Emily~

High Five for Friday

High Five for Friday!!!

Linking up with Lauren

ONE. Dentist Appointment. 

I'm not sure how many people would call it a "high" but when your teeth have been bothering you as long as mine have (1 year or more), it's really really really a high. The not so "high" part is the amount of money it's going to cost to get things back to where they should be. When you need 2-3 root canals 6-7 crowns and some fillings to top it off, it's not going to be inexpensive! Luckily we have a discount plan with Cigna for wellness things so it's at least %35 off of the normal price if not more.

TWO. Getting to know you!

We are getting to know people in our current church more. Most of them are college kids, which isn't bad (however we would love to get to know some people that are in similar places in life). We stayed late for after the Monday night bible study and it was a good time to get to know others a bit more. Then on Tuesday after I had some serious cry time and good time with the hubby about the dentist, read life the my dentist appointment we ran into two of our new friends at the thrift store. Cody and Garrett are fun to be around and enjoy thrifting as much as Mike and I do! We found some fun things...

{antlers at the thrift store}

{thrift store finds. love that chair.}

{surfboards for VBS at our current church.}

THREE. River.

On Saturday, Mike and I decided we needed to go swimming at about 7:30PM. At first I was nervous because dark water freaks me out. I have an over active imagination, ok?! Anyway, we had so much fun and the water wasn't as cold as it seemed.

FOUR. Getting in the groove. Moving on. Planning.

We are finally getting into a bit of a groove in our new home. Mike and I cooked together this week, did housey/husband-wife/team things, hung out, and just figured out more things for the home life. 

It's nice to be able to say that after 6+ months of our lives being all over the place. I'm finally able to let go of Missouri a little bit. I don't feel like crying anymore every time I think about the friends, family, and home we had to leave. And it's refreshing. Thank you God.

Even though we don't know God's plan for our lives (uh... read the above number), we still have to plan but be flexible. Being able to plan things with my husband is great when we've been living by the seat of our pants since last October! haha. Oh, talking about babies, vacation, cars, finances, and goals is so fun! I'm weird... I know.

FIVE. Friends that turn into family.

Riley, Hailey and I have been friends for 20 years. 20 years folks! They are definitely my sisters. I'm thankful for their friendship.

{eye pallet from Riley. I've had for a while but I love it.}

{me, Hailey, and Riley}

~Emily~

When it rains...

Man oh man does it pour...

But you know what? It's OK. God is good. He is faithful.

It's hard to look around at the you love and they are struggling. I know that it's part of life and I know that things always work out in the end but in the right now, it's hard. 

However, I take refuge in Jesus. 

His promises are true. 

His love endures forever and that's more than enough for me.

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"I will give thanks to you forever for what you have done. In the presence of your godly people, I will wait with hope in your good name." - Psalm 52:9

~Emily~

High Five for Friday

Hive Five for Friday!!!!

Man, it's been a while since I've done this series, but it's time I get back to it.

ONE. Big Life Decisions

Mike and I made the final decision to move back to California. I'm very excited, very calm, and a little nervous. Our families are out there and we have missed them so. I can't wait to spend precious time with them!

TWO. Support

I have been so blessed by the out pouring of support from friends, family and acquaintances. You all rock! After I was fired and you all found out, BOOM!, texts, messages, comments, phone calls and personal visits. And then, after Mike and I decided to move back to Cali, BOOM!, all of you making sure we are being reasonable and then stepping up to offer help with the whole moving process. You ROCK and we LOVE you!

THREE. Possible Job Opportunities

Mike is already moving forward in the application process with a company in Cali. I am supposed to have an interview via Skype at some point.

FOUR. Leisure Time

With not working this last week comes slow mornings to spend with coffee and Jesus. Perfection.

FIVE. Cooking

I haven't really gotten to cook on a semi regular basis in quite some time. I have really enjoyed being able to cook and find recipes on Pinterest. Yummy!

I'm linking up with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk. You should link up too!

~Emily!

California

Friends... a LOT has gone down in the last 5 days.

1) I was "let go" from work. I was super upset (and I'm still a little confused..). 

I loved working there and had no idea it was coming.

2) I have an awesome husband, family and crew of friends. They are all so encouraging.

 I can't tell you how blessed and humbled I feel with the amount of 

emails, texts, comments and phone calls I received. 

You all ROCK.

3) Mike and I realized neither of us have committed jobs here. We don't have a house. Our rent is set up in such a way that we can break our lease with minimal financial penalty (we did that should have to move this year). We have been thinking, discussing and praying about the distance between us and our families for a while. There are more Paramedic jobs open in California than there are here (I know, I was shocked too). 

4) Pray pray pray pray, think, talk, repeat.

5) Decision to move is in place. 

Mike and I will be moving back to Cali on the 19th or 20th.

We are feeling the push and we're taking the step!

I know this is all written in a whirlwind. But man, this life itself is a whirlwind. Enjoy it! 

~Emily~

Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”

FYI... We are selling some things on Craigslist. Check out the links below!!

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/fuo/3313980424.html

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/fuo/3313816128.html

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/hsh/3312253438.html

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/vgm/3312229989.html

Mean... Why you gotta be so mean?

Why do people feel called to be mean? 

What's the point? 

Do some people really feel better when they pick on others? 

The times that I have done or said something that hurt somebody emotionally I've felt horrible. 

I can't imagine saying something to purposefully hurt them. 

I'm not talking about the times where you have to confront someone or tell them the truth about something. 

I'm talking about the times that people bully, pick on or are just plain mean to people. 

We are called to build each other up and to love on each other! 

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29

  Go out and encourage one another today.

Here are some ways to encourage each other...

• Write an encouraging note. It could be a nice long letter or something as simple as a post-it note saying that they rock!
• Phone a friend.
• Compliment a stranger.
• Offer to help someone (at the grocery store, your neighbor or family member).
• Celebrate each other's victories. Large and small.
• When you introduce someone, add words of praise to the introduction.

Can you think of any other ways to encourage one another? 

Because, seriously... Why you gotta be so mean?

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11


"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:23-25


"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:"
1 Peter 4:8-10


"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 4:29

  
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. " 1 Thessalonians 5:14

 

High Five for Friday!

Happy Friday Friends!

I’m linking up with Lauren over at from my grey desk!

For me it feels like Tuesday… Thursday was my Monday this week but Friday is my Friday. 

Woot Woot!

1) Beaver Lake

We went down to Beaver Lake from Friday night to Wednesday.

 It. Was. Wonderful. 

I enjoyed spending time with family, playing in the lake, crafting and watching the stars.

 I can’t wait until my mom and her siblings are able to build down there.

P.S. Thanks Houseworth cousin’s for welcoming us with open arms! We love you!

 {family}

 {bus stop ice cream}

 2) Tea Party

Wednesday night was the last night of the Juicy Fruit Girl’s Bible study. 

We threw a tea party and a modesty fashion show. 

Oh, and I forgot to take pics with my own camera so I’m working on getting some. The girls LOVED it! 

The space turned out wonderful and the girls looked cute in their thought out outfits and braided hair. 

Most importantly, Jesus was the focus!

I’m thinking I need a whole separate post for this…

 {tissue paper flowers}

3) Girl Time

My mom and sister have been in town for quite some time.

 Yay for lots of shopping, crafting and hair doing!

{pin curl completion}

4) Surprises

My mom and sis were supposed to go home yesterday. 

They are staying until Tuesday!

5) Opportunity

My dad had/has important business meetings yesterday and today.

 Mike has a phone interview with (what appears) to be a better employer next week. 

Please pray these things go well!

What fun things are going on in your life? 

How is your summer?

I love when conversations get started on here so feel free to jump in!

~Emily~

High Five for Friday

I'm linking up with Lauren today because it's FRIDAY!

ONE. Thrifting

I went shopping at thrift stores with my mom and hubby.

We always find crazy things... and super cute things!

I got a new vase, silver slip on shoes (true story, and their awesome!), and two new shirts!

{creepy eye found thrifting}

TWO. Juicy Fruit

I have loved doing the 5th and 6th grade girls Juicy Fruit bible study.

They are so fun!

This coming Wednesday is our last day together. :(

THREE. Riley's hair cut

I'm sure it seems odd that I want to even mention someone else's hair cut... 
but I have been wait for this day for soo long!!! 
Doesn't she look GREAT?!

{photo via her boyfriend's fb}

FOUR. Rainbows

You want to know what the true symbolism of a rainbow is?

It is God's promise, and a beautiful one it is.
Genesis 9:8-17

I saw an amazing rainbow at about 6:45am on my way to work.

Our God is amazing and His creation is my favorite.

FIVE. Air Conditioning

It's been 103+ for the last week and that's continuing until...???

Need I say more?

{ew}

How was your week?

Fantastic I hope!

Love you all!

~Emily~

"Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin hath left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow"

Lyrics by Elvina Hall.

Please visit this website for the lyrics and other goodies.

Today we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. 

He has defeated death! 

Death has been defeated by love. 

I'm so blessed to have a relationship with God. 

Know Jesus, Know Peace. 

I wish you all a lovely Easter.

Pinteresting Pins

Yay for pinterest!

Feel free to link up!

Here are top pins for the week.

This bathing suit. Adorable. Pinned here.

Veggie humor. Pinned here.

Such truth! Pinned here.

Casual, comfy, cute. Pinned here.

I would love to have this. Pinned here.

Awesome fish bowl. Pinned here.

I will go here someday. Where is here? Sanibel Island, FL
Pinned here.

I die. Pinned here.

Classy, fun, feminine. Pinned here.

Sweetness. Etsy. Pinned here.

What is your favorite?

Happy pinning and be sure to link up!

Love you friends!!