Sunday Worship Song

Strong

I heard this song today for the first time, and it brought tears to my eyes as I thought about my husband and my daddy. (I'll blame the hormones ;) Anyways, I just thought I'd share it with you guys as my presence on the blog has been pretty absent lately. When I found out we were having a baby, I thought that I would blog all the time, but I have found the opposite to be true. After working with eight two year olds all day, and being in my third trimester now, I find that all my down time goes to sitting in the recliner watching a good episode of Little House on The Prairie. I know that sounds boring, but hey, it's just a show that I happen to really enjoy! 

Sunday Worship Song

Sunday Worship Song

Sunday Worship Song

I love this song by Love & The Outcome! When it comes on the radio I blast it and sing it at the top of my lungs :) Oh, how I have soooo much to share with you all. I always have the best of intentions, but the days are short and ever so busy. I really do have a couple of things I would love to post this week...but we'll just have to wait and see. I am embracing the blessing of being pregnant and have been spending any extra time reading and singing to Jensen, and praying like crazy over him. (Yes, it's a BOY!!!!) I'm definitely wearing my heart on my sleeve these days, and man, oh, man, how this little one has brought out some serious prayer in me. I feel like I now understand just how much my own earthly parents love me, and the deep, deep love my Heavenly Father has for me. And, to think that His love for me is even much more than my love for my child...amazing and unbelievable. I'll be 23 weeks on Wednesday and every time I feel him move (which praise the Lord is A LOT!!!) I am so humbled and thank God that He is perfectly knitting this sweet little boy together in my womb. Being pregnant is by far one of the most amazing, incredible, and humbling things that I've ever experienced in my life. I am one blessed mama! Well, that will be all for tonight. I got a burst of energy earlier and went on a short cleaning frenzy, and needless to say it's caught up with me. Hope you all have a restful and blessed Sunday :)

Sunday Worship Song

Sunday Worship Song

Guess What's Only 5 Months Away...

That's right....Christmas!!!!! As you all know I absolutely looovvvvveeee Christmas :) And, we have even more to look forward to this year as our due date is Dec.18th. I still can't believe that in just five short months, we are going to be a Mommy and Daddy. Very surreal, but oh so exciting! Here are just a few of my favorite Christmas things...

How cute is this newborn pic? I can't wait :)

Christmas cookies! Oh, how I do love to bake...especially during this jolly time of year!

 

Wrapping presents :) I really got into fancy wrapping last year, and just love the looks of these little pretties! So simple, yet so elegant.

 

And, last but not least...Christmas music!

Merry Christmas in July!!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Whew! Another Wednesday down, which means only 2 more days to the weekend!!!! This pregnant girl truly does love her weekends :) Anyhow, just a quick catch up of some things I've been loving lately...

1.) The Praise Baby Collection! My mom bought me my first CD about a month ago, and I just love to sing along to our little one. I hope to have all the CDs/DVDs soon :)


2.) I'm loving that I've been feeling our sweet baby move/kick for over 3 weeks now!!! What an amazing feeling and oh, how I praise the Lord everyday for this little blessing He is perfectly knitting together. I cannot even begin to express with words how incredibly thankful I am! Keep kicking, little one...your Mommy loves it :)


3.) Okay, so I know I'm looking a little ahead, but basically I think I can get through the rest of the summer without having to buy new clothes (thanks to my dresses ;), but as for my fall/winter wardrobe...we're going to have to add a few new pieces! Ha! Here are a couple of my fav's so far...


I really like the comfy/casual look of this outfit. Not to mention, how cute is her bump with that belt?!

(Nevermind the strange, out of place pic of the girl...so random.) I love the sweater and jeans with the TOMS. Ooo, and the purse, earrings, and bracelets are super cute, too!

4.) I'm loving this song by All Sons and Daughters. Motherhood is such a high calling, and I am so grateful that He has called me higher.



5.) And, as always, I'm loving my awesome husband who brought me home a chocolate explosion blizzard, and who loves talking to our little one in my belly. It melts my heart when he prays for our baby, and kisses them good morning/night! So sweet, indeed :) I can't wait for our Ikea trip on Saturday to get some items for the nursery!

That's all for tonight. I just might surprise y'all with yet another post tomorrow...

Sunday Worship Song(s)

Be Thou my Vision is one of my all time favorite hymns, and I love the twist on this version from Rend Collective Experiment. If you've never checked these guys out before, I would highly encourage you to. And, since I like them so much I've decided to post 2 songs of theirs! Hope you enjoy :)

Sunday Worship Song

We started singing this worship song at church a few weeks ago, and I can't get enough of it. I am fully aware that my blogging presence has been very scarce lately, and I'm hoping to get back into the habit of posting at least 2 times a week. I've just had so much on my heart that I'm not even sure where to begin. I journal letters to our baby on a very regular basis, but that's about as far as my writing has been going these days. Perhaps you'll hear from me at some other point this week...so stay tuned :) Have a blessed Sunday!

Sunday Worship Song

In honor of our 6th Anniversary, I thought I would post the first song we danced to as husband and wife. My wedding day was one of the best days of my life, and I am so thankful for the wonderful man that I have the blessing of calling my husband.




We have so much to celebrate as God is calling us to a new season in our lives...



Yes...we're going to be a Mommy and Daddy! We are so grateful for this little blessing that God is knitting together, and have been relishing in the fact that this sweet baby is growing in my belly! God is truly the giver of ALL good gifts :)

Sunday Worship Song

Sunday Worship Song

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.- James 1:17

We ARE Beautiful

This is such a powerful video, and one that I feel like all women need to see. As women, we can be so hard on ourselves and forget that we are perfectly created in the image of God. We are His beloved and beautiful child. The lies that Satan throws at us surround us each day...You're not thin enough. You're not tone enough. You're hair is not silky enough. You're getting wrinkles. You need a tan. You're chest is too big/small. You're bottom is too big/small...the whispers of the enemy never seem to stop. But, there's also another voice that never stops speaking to us. And, this voice is one that can never lie, does not accuse, and only speaks in love...the voice of our Sweet, Sweet Savior- Jesus...You are so beautiful. You are created uniquely in my image, and there is no other like you. I knit you together in your mother's womb, and my finger prints cover you. I know every hair on your beautiful head, and I know the deepest parts of you. You are my beloved. This voice is the voice of truth. So, I ask, which one are you going to listen to and choose to believe? In today's society it can be so easy to buy into the lies and try with our own strength to "make ourselves better." However, this is why we are to take every thought captive and heed the word of God and what He has to say about us. Oh, friends, there is such freedom to be found when we silence the enemy and listen to His voice, instead. Listen close...for He is always speaking.

Sunday Worship Song

For Jeff

Pray for Boston

 

 

 

The events that unfolded in Boston on Monday were devastating; but, I am convinced that what Satan has intended for evil, God will use for His good and His glory. Please be in prayer for those who lost family members, and for those who were injured. 

Sunday Worship Song

⁴ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (Emphasis mine.)

Sunday Worship Song

I love this worship song, and wanted to also share it with you all. Most of all, my prayer is that you would experience His amazing grace and unfailing love in your own life as well. God is so good, friends! Worship Him for who He is.

Ultimate Blog Party

 

 

 

Hello, "Ultimate Blog Party" participants!!! If this is your first time visiting my blog, thanks for stopping by!

 

 

My name is Ashley, and I am a 25 year old girl who has been saved by the redeeming grace of God. I am married to my amazing and loving husband Jeff, a mom to our sweet boxer named Starbuck, and a toddler teacher at an Early Head Start center. I started this blog in September of 2011 as a way to share my testimony, my love for God, my love for writing, marriage tips, recipes, craft ideas, and many other things as well. God has done immeasurably more for me than I could have ever imagined and I am forever grateful to Him for all of the many blessings that He has given me. Here are a few things about me, my blog, and my crazy beautiful life...

 

 

 



My amazing, sweet husband Jeff. I love this man more than words could ever express. I met him at the young age of 17, became engaged to him at 18, and married him at 19. We will be celebrating 6 years of marriage this year. Jeff is not only my husband, but is also my best friend. I could not have asked for a better husband than him, and I thank God for him everyday. Sometimes I sit back and am just amazed at this undeserved gift the Lord has given me through him. I am also very passionate about marriage and will do all I can to stand for the sacred institution.

 

 

Praying the Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage: Day 1

 

 

Praying the Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage: Day 2

 

 

Praying the Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage: Day 3

 

 

Praying the Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage: Day 4

 

 

Praying the Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage: Day 5

 

 

Praying the Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage: Day 6

 

 

Praying the Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage: Day 7

 

 

 

My domestic side: I love all things homemaking, and am honored to fulfill this role in my home. I really enjoy baking, decorating, cleaning, (Yes, I really do enjoy this!) and cooking.

 

 

As for Me and My House: Week 1

 

 As for Me and My House: Week 2

 

 As for Me and My House: Week 3

 

 As for Me and My House: Week 4

 

 

My love for Music: I love music and find that I experience God the most through praise and worship. I feel like for me personally, music allows my soul to say to God what my brain doesn't know how to. Here are a few of my favorite songs by my favorite artists...

 

 

Christy Nockels

 

Bethany Dillon

 

Shane and Shane

 

For King and Country

 

Kari Jobe

 

Fellowship Church

 

Hillsong

 

 

 

The Reason Behind it All: I was raised in a Christian home, but never experienced a personal relationship with Jesus until 2005. I was living a life of sin and was in the deepest, darkest pit that I have ever been in. I am so thankful that God reached down and lifted me up out of the miry clay and shed new light upon my life. I was so undeserving and am forever humbled by the way He chose to save me. I strive to live for Him daily and want more than anything to do His will. I was once only a fan of Jesus, but because of His great love and mercy, I am now a completely committed follower.

 

 

My Testimony

 

The Space Between

 

31 to be Exact

 

Not Home Yet

 

The Firm Foundation

 

Before the Morning

 

Hallelujah, He is Risen!

 

 

 

Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my blog and were encouraged. Please feel free to follow along on this beautiful journey called life with me!  Also, I would love for you to check out my Pinterest Page! Happy Blogging :)







 



Hallelujah, He has Risen!

Happy Easter, everyone! I hope you have a great day, and take some time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter...Jesus, and the empty tomb! I can only imagine the overwhelming joy that was felt when Mary Magdalene discovered that He had risen from dead, and overcome the grave. How amazing! Now, we can say along with the apostle Paul, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor. 15:55) For Jesus died once and for all, so that we may not perish, but have everlasting life. Praise the Lord! Friday was not a good Friday for Jesus, but it was a great Friday for us. Aren't you so thankful that on that Friday he wore a crown of thorns, but is now sitting at the right hand of God wearing the victor's crown?! His death was not the end- but rather an end of the beginning..the beginning of life! Praise Him today, friends!``

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said..." (Matthew 28:1-6)

Before the Morning

Oh, goodness, friends...it's been far too long. In all honesty, I just haven't had the motivation to pour my heart on a page, and lots of things have been happening over the last few weeks. I've had three family members who have had health issues, friends that are broken hearted, and a personal issue of my own. Thus, the reason I haven't been blogging. What I've really been focused on over the last month or so, is just dwelling in the presence of God to pray and worship. One song in particular that I've been loving is, Before the Morning, by Josh Wilson. I love the truth in the song, that weeping may last for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) How precious it is that we serve a God who specializes in turning our mourning into dancing. Even when we're walking through the valley, God already knows the ending, and is preparing for us the highest mountain top that we've ever experienced. Sometimes we just have to experience the dark, before the morning; and, take heart, friends, because the morning is coming and is bringing with it joy like never before.

Sunday Worship Song

I heard this new song by Francesca Battistelli this morning, and I feel like it pretty much sums up the season of life I'm in right now. For the last three months I feel like I've been analyzing every little thing in my life- Am I making the right decisions? Is this God's will? Could I be interfering with God's will?I wonder what the next year is going to bring?...I could go on and on. The other day I was listening to Beth Moore, and she said something like, "Sometimes I feel like there are 14 people living in my head, and I just want to say, WILL YOU ALL JUST PLEASE SIT DOWN!!!!" I can totally relate. However, what I've learned to be true is that when I tune out all the questions, all the noise, all the daily distractions, and when I begin to focus on the goodness of His glory, His infinite wisdom, and His unfailing love- all my worries, all my questions, all my fears, begin to grow strangely dim. Praise be to God for His peace that passes all understanding. Today I would encourage you to turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and see just how quickly the things of  this earth begin to fade.

Sunday Worship Song

I heard this song on our way to church this morning, and am so excited to share it with you. I've been dealing with a personal issue lately, and woke up to yet another disappointment, so this song couldn't have came on at a better time. I know that God's timing, and His alone is perfect. Not what I think should happen, or when it should happen, but when He wants it to happen. Therefore, I will remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord. He is my strength and my song. My light and my salvation. My refuge and strong tower. He is my everything, and I put my hope in Him and Him alone. I hope this song speaks to you and encourages you in the way it did me, today.

Sunday Worship Song

As I was listening to some older worship CD's this afternoon, this song by Phil Wickham came on, and it was as if God met me right I where I was and said, "Ashley, I'm still pursuing you. I haven't left you, I will never forsake you, and my love for you has most certainly not grown cold. I'm here with you, and I love you love more than you could ever imagine. I have wonderful plans for you. Please just let go and trust me." I cannot even begin to tell you how refreshing and comforting those words were to me. And, as a result all I could do was lift my hands in worship to Him. I feel like I am currently in a season of complete trust and dependence on God, and I don't know about you, but I am so thankful for a God who richly and relentlessly pursues us with a divine romance. Give Him the praise He deserves today, friends.

Tasty Tuesday

So, if you're anything like me, you love a good pasta every now and then, right? Well, honestly, I could probably eat pasta everyday, but that wouldn't be the healthiest choice in the world, would it? Anyways, I was so glad when I came across this recipe, and I would like to think that it is somewhat healthy, considering the whole-wheat pasta and spinach. Jeff and I really enjoyed this dish, and hopefully you will, too :)

                                                                   Pesto Chicken


Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips

2 cups fresh spinach leaves

1 (4.5 ounce) package dry Alfredo sauce mix

2 tablespoons Pesto

1 (8 ounce) package Penne pasta (I used whole wheat)

1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (I just used an Italian blend)

Directions:

1.) Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, saute for 1 minute; then add chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. When chicken is close to being cooked through, add spinach and saute all together for 3 to 4 minutes.

2.) Meanwhile, prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions. When finished, stir in 2 tablespoons pesto; set aside.

3.) Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

4.) Add chicken/spinach mixture to pasta, then stir in pesto/Alfredo sauce. Mix well, top with cheese and serve.

Enjoy!

Sunday Worship Song

My Valentine's Playlist for My Husband

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!! I wanted to do a little something special for Jeff, so I decided to put together a Valentine's playlist for him. Yes, you could call me one of those sappy romantic types, but I just call it being in love. He is more than I could have ever asked for, and I feel so blessed to be on this life journey with him. Jeff,  I love you, and thank you so much for all that you do for me. You're the best!

Tasty Tuesday

Hey, everyone! Welcome to another edition of Tasty Tuesday. Today's recipe comes from Clare at Peak 313 Fitness. Jeff and I both love tilapia, so I was really excited when I found this. It kind of changes up the same ol' tilapia fillets with herbs and spices that we usually have; and, the end result was actually really good. I loved the bread crumbs and cheese. If you are a fan of fish, I would highly recommend this. I served mine with a spinach and strawberry salad, topped with raspberry vinaigrette. Yum!

Ingredients:

4 whole Tilapia Fillets

½ cups Plain Yogurt

½ cups Parmesan Cheese, Shredded

¼ cups Bread Crumbs

1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

⅛ teaspoons Onion Powder

⅛ teaspoons Garlic Powder

⅛ teaspoons Dried Oregano

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil then spray with cooking spray.

Place tilapia fillets onto baking sheet.

In medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients then divide evenly on top of tilapia. Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes, then turn on broiler and cook until top is bubbly and golden, about 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy!

Sunday Worship Song

We sang this song at church today, and I have to say that it is probably my new favorite worship song. We are beginning a series on Heaven, and this song is so powerful when you put it in context with what Heaven is going to be like. It is going to be such a beautiful place, friends-more than words could ever say. I love the chorus in this song and the truth that it proclaims. In Heaven, there will be no more pain, no more sadness, no more sickness. There will only be everlasting peace, unending love, and eternal joy. Oh, how I long for this place. I can't wait to look upon His beautiful face, touch the nail pierced hands of our wonderful Savior, and walk upon the streets of gold. It is going to be amazing. As you listen to this song, I would encourage you to listen to it with a Heavenly mind-set, and rejoice in the fact that one glorious day, we will be with Him in His presence. Only then will we truly be home, friends. And with that I say, "Come quickly, Lord. Come quickly."




Everlasting
While earthly ages fade
In mercy
Our God Your kingdom reigns

Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet

In the Savior
Injustice brought to right
For Your glory
That Your name be lifted high

Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet

The lost are found
The blind will see
The lame will walk
The dead will live
And You are God
Forever You will reign

Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet

The lost are found
The blind will see
The lame will walk
The dead will live
And You are God
Forever You will reign

Tasty Tuesday

Hello, friends! Whew...it's been too long. To be honest I've just had a lot on my mind lately, and haven't really been in the mood to write. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things-so just please bare with me. In the meantime, I wanted to begin a new weekly series called Tasty Tuesday. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Jeff and I are being very purposeful about eating healthy, and I wanted to share some very tasty recipes with you. First up...

 

 

 

Cheesy Italian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers

 

 

And, the best part- you can make them in your crock pot :) The recipe comes from Fitness Magazine, and let me tell you, they are delicious. I served mine with Italian bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and spices. (Olive oil, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning.) Here's the recipe...

 

Ingredients:

 

1/4 instant brown rice

1/2 pound lean ground turkey

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 cups reduced-sodium shredded mozzarella

4 red bell peppers, tops removed, cored and seeded

Nonstick cooking spray

 

Directions:

 

1.) Cook rice according to package directions, omitting any fat or salt.

 

2.) In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, turkey, Italian seasoning, onion, Parmesan, 1/4 cup tomatoes and 1 cup mozzarella. Fill peppers with rice mixture.

 

3.) Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray and place filled peppers upright in cooker. Spoon remaining tomatoes over and between peppers; top each pepper with 1/4 cup mozzarella. Cook on low for 8 hours. (I cooked mine on high for 4 hours.)

 

And that's it! It's that easy :) Try them for yourself, and I promise you won't be disappointed. Happy eating!

 

 





Sunday Worship Song

This is a new worship song we've been singing at church, and I was so excited when I found this video to share with you all. The things of this life are fleeting, friends. Nothing that we hold to in this life, on this side of heaven, is a guarantee. Jobs are lost, homes are foreclosed, back accounts are emptied..the list goes on and on. But, of this one thing we can cling to...our salvation through Jesus Christ. That is a wonderful gift, my friends, that can be never be lost or taken from us. Praise God for that! My favorite part of this song is, O Father, use my ransomed life in any way You choose. That is my prayer. It's a prayer of trust and obedience and one that I hope you will pray as well. Have a blessed Sunday!




I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Chorus
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
O Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

Sunday Worship Song

I love this fun, upbeat song by Britt Nicole, and the truth within the lyrics. As women, (and men) it can really easy to let society shape us and tell us how we "should look." But the truth is, we are all beautiful and worth more than gold in His sight. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image and our beauty goes far beyond outside appearances. Happy Sunday!

Back on the Bandwagon

As with every new year, one of the things I really want to focus on this year is eating right and exercising. I know that sounds so cliche, but the reality hit me around one week before Christmas, when I was sick, yet again, with a nasty stomach virus. You see, it seems I get this virus at least twice a year, sometimes three, and I had a very bad case in September that lasted nearly a week. As you could guess, I was shocked when I got it again only a few months later. Then, my husband so graciously reminded me that it's probably due to the fact that I didn't exactly have the healthiest diet. He asked me how many fruits I eat in a day, and my answer was, "Some days, none." Sad, I know, but I'm just being honest :(  So, in hopes of taking better taking care and nourishing my body, I've decided that things have got to change. I've been making sure that I eat at least three servings of fruit a day (still not enough, I know, but it's a start) and the same goes for vegetables. One way I've been doing this is by making these delicious Green Monster Smoothies...

Source: Money Saving Mom

 

 

Yes, you heard me right, I said delicious! I have to modify the recipe a bit, simply due to the fact that I have only a single serve blender, and cannot fit all the ingredients in one cup by following the measurements given. (Oh, and I also use regular vanilla yogurt and almond milk-not unsweetened.) But, if you have a regular blender then the recipe below would be fine for you to follow...

 

Ingredients:

1 frozen sliced banana
1 Tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt
1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other kind of milk)
4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Nutritional stats:
350 calories, 10g fiber, 21g protein
Source: Iowa Girl Eats

Now, for the working out part...

I have found that I really enjoy workouts that involve lots of cardio, strength training and plyometrics (jumping, hopping, etc.) That is why I was so excited to come across Claire's blog, at Peak 313 Fitness! And, bonus- she is a very Godly woman. Since I am a very visual learner, I love the fact that she has instructional videos that she also posts. Here are a few of my fav's so far...



I did a few of these last night, and am starting to feel it!




Haven't tried this one yet...but it's coming!




I'm going to try this one this weekend.



Do you think my neighbors will think I'm crazy when they see me doing this one?! Oh, well, let them think what they want! Haha!

She has many more videos, but these are just a few that I really enjoyed. When I really get into a routine of working out, I enjoy it so much. And, let's be honest, seeing the results of your hard work is also exciting, right? Believe it or not, but I secretly would love to become a personal trainer one day, and this woman inspires me so much. I hope you are encouraged as well and will try some of these workouts.

Sunday Worship Song

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”-John 8:12

2013 Craft Projects

Can you all believe that it's already 2013?! I know I can't. I am so excited about these craft projects and hope to complete them throughout the year.




First up...this super cute Valentines wreath. You know I love my yarn wreaths :)




I think it would be really cute to make something like this for spring/summer decor.


 
I love this burlap flower arrangement and the fact that you could display it for multiple seasons by changing out a few colors.



And, of course, my list wouldn't be complete without a Christmas craft ;) This Christmas Light Topiary would be a perfect addition!


Well, there it is...my list of projects for 2013. I plan to get started on the Valentines wreath this weekend, so hopefully that will mean I'm off to a good start :) Here are a few of my favorite projects from 2012. (I apologize for the lighting in some of them. I'm determined to get a DSLR camera one of these days!)

 

My very first canvas! The words come from a David Crowder song, and if you can't tell it reads, Yet will He bring dark to light, and, yet will He bring day from night.

 

 

 

 

The chair re-do! I wish I would have taken a before picture, but to give you a visual, it was a really ugly and worn out plain black office chair. I was so pleased with the final product! (Thanks to my husband for helping me take it apart and put it back together.)

 

 

 

 

 

A baby girl yarn wreath for my best friends little one! She is so precious :)

 



And, last but not least...our chicken coop! (Not really a craft, I know, but it was a huge project and Jeff and I are really pleased with the outcome.) This was by far the most challenging, but completely worth it!

 

(I also made a super cute interchangeable burlap wreath, but for some strange reason I can't upload the picture of it. Ugh! Gotta love technology, sometimes. )

 

Happy crafting :)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, friends! I pray that it's a blessed one!