Decidedly Thankful

I got this great idea from my friend Melissa's blog.  I am stealing it because it's great, and I need to learn to be more positive and follow this verse:

Things I wish I had time for right now:

1. Writing consistently each day.
2. Working out at the YMCA because they have awesome classes.
3. Meeting with more girls one-on-one, especially my small group girls.
4. Reading my lovely Christian Romance books.
5. Cleaning and organizing more efficiently.

Things I am thankful for right now:

1. The opportunity to meet with the girls I do meet with and how much God's teaching me.
2. My husband and his laid back attitude that balances me when I'm not-so-relaxed or even not-so-nice.
3. The classes I'm taking that are increasing my knowledge about writing.
4. My mom, who has become more of a best friend and confidant than ever before.
5. The ability and opportunity to do any ministry, even if it does take up our time.  It's amazing to pour out and empty yourself and even be weak enough to lean on God.  He is strongest then.

Thanks, Melissa, for this great idea!

Also, any South Carolinian readers, please enter Alexa Chloe's giveaway!  

Anyone would be lucky to do an awesome photoshoot with her!

Happy Snickers Day + My Friend Alexa!

This morning, my sweet husband left me a note and a Snickers on my bedside table.  He remembered the Snickers Day!

If you see a slight tear, it's because I already ate it!

There are still 6 hours left!  Eat a Snickers!  Enjoy!

+

Also, for all of you that are in South Carolina, my friend has an AWESOME giveaway.  

She is a photographer and she will do a free session with you if you win.  I have already entered, and you should, too!  Go visit and enter at her blog here!  She did our engagement pictures and some on our wedding day.  Here are some of my favorite examples:

Also, just because she's awesome, you should vote for her on a contest she's in.  

Go to youngfreesc.com and vote for Alexa Chloe! 

Accessorize

Since I am on Spring Break, I thought that I would go shopping today!  I am doing a little bit of my lovely Shakespeare take-home midterm this morning, and then eating lunch with my awesome husband!
Anyway, I think I'm going to shop for accessories.  You know, makeup, jewelry, belts, scarves, sunglasses - those kinds of things.  I don't know why, but sometimes I like shopping for those things better than I like shopping for clothes.  I don't have to try them on and you can spend less money and just feel so fresh and cute!
For example, I found this awesome belt at Ann Taylor LOFT, and sometimes I even wear it as a headband:

Am I the only one that just loves to accessorize?  What are your favorite accessories?

Also, one of my favorite bloggers, Jennifer, from I'm Just a Girl gave me a super cute award!  She is a great blogger and I feel like we have a lot in common, first being our love for God.  I have to say, meeting all of these blog friends have been great.  Maybe someday I'll meet some of them in real life!

Thanks, Jennifer!

I'm passing it along to:

Sam's Life is Beautiful

Chelsie Denson

Camille's Studio

Melissa Baur

Cali at Passion Bird

Some of these girls I know in real life, and they really do bring sunshine in their blogs and in their lives.  The others just have awesome blogs!  

Happy Spring with a smile from my favorite little girl:

(photo by Alexa Chloe)

A Birthday Tribute

Some of my favorite people in the world are Mandy and Filipe Santos.  I have known them for so many years and they have changed my life.  Someday, I hope to see them more often!
Well, yesterday was Mandy's birthday, so this is one day late.  But, I thought I'd list the great things I remember about Mandy.  Someday I hope to be as great of a wife and mom and leader.
Anyway, here are some memories/characteristics/things that are awesome about my friend:

1. One year she let me spend Valentine's Day at her house because her husband was out of town and well, I had no date.  We watched a girly movie and I was so grateful to not spend another Valentine's day alone.
2. She and her husband talked and walked me through one of the weirdest and most awful situations in my life.  That alone equals hero status.  
3. Whenever I call, even if not often, she's got the greatest advice, and she makes sure she sticks to the Scriptures.
4. She's got a lot of integrity.  She honors her husband and I hope I can honor Billy like she honors Filipe.
5. I remember some times that I wanted to quit or duck out of responsibilities, and she was there to let me know that I needed to push through - and I'm thankful I did.
6. She is a great mom to some adorable kids - I'm sure the third one is just beautiful.  I can't wait to see him.
7. She leads small groups amazingly.  I know so many people here are touched by her, and I can't imagine the people she's touched where she's at now.
8. She came all the way across the country for my wedding, and made me feel super special.
9. She planned my bachelorette party and made it really personal (and not awkward!) and I will always remember it!  
10. She probably has no idea how awesome she is!  That makes her even more awesome!

Anyway, Mandy, happy late birthday!  Hope this reminds you how special you are!

On another subject, I won a blog giveaway!  Amy at Ha ha. Wait. What? just gave away a super-cute ring and I WON!  I'm super excited and I can't wait to get it!  Go check out her blog, it's awesome! 

Single Sentence Sunday

Yay!  It's back!  Remember to comment with your link if you do one!  No McLinky this week - I'm waiting to see if it even grows!

Today's Sentence:

Sometimes, the more you give, the more full you become.

I can't wait to hear all of yours!