A Year in Review

On my old blog, I did a post at the end of each year highlighting what I had done in the previous year. Really, it's just a nice way to be able to quickly look back at what has been going on. Since I don't keep many traditions from my old blog, I decided I'd implement this one.

• 2012 IN REVIEW •

January:

In January, I had the bright idea to cut off all my hair. In case you've forgotten, my hair used to be incredibly long. In October of 2011, I decided to cut off a little (8 inches). Since that wasn't as traumatic as it could have been, I decided to go the extra mile and chop it all off. It was undoubtedly the second-worst hair idea I'd ever had. The first being the bowl cut era.

February:

Though still mourning the loss of my beloved hair, I did my best to make it work for our first Valentine's Day as a married couple. Needless to say, it was all kinds of wonderful. My new husband knows me so well, and he planned a much-needed getaway for us. Also, I started this blog!

March:

This month started out pretty epicly, when my Great White macbook started to die. My ever-loving and Apple-supporting husband insisted that we get me a new computer. But, one trip to the Cool Springs Apple Store later and we're both the owners of brand new iPads (because hello, that's cheaper than one computer for me!). My precious husband spoils me so much! Also during the month of March, we had our annual gospel meeting at EH and I got to know an amazing speaker, brother Jimmy Clark! We also started taping three new programs for the Gospel Broadcasting Network, and that meant that I got to meet/know a little better two amazing, godly men: Cliff Goodwin & Chris Clevenger. From the moment they were introduced to mine and Robert's life on a regular basis, it has truly made all of the difference.

April:

April was one of my favorite months of this past year because, after 8 long months apart, my best friend traveled all the way from Florida to come see me!! Alyssa and I had a wonderful week together, filled with the OTH finale, sparkling grape juice, Nutella to go packs, Ferrero eggs, and REAL European Nutella. It was remarkable.

May:

May brought a little bit of sadness, as two of my dear friends had their first little boy--and he had some difficulties. They spent a lot of time in Vanderbilt, and I spent a lot of time in prayer. Thankfully (and praise God for this!) little Cullin responded well to the surgeries and treatments, and has developed into the perfect and most precious little boy of all time. And while I would never wish this kind of fate upon anyone, I know that the trial that Jake and Shea were placed in helped us all; it helped my prayer life and my faith in God, and no doubt it helped theirs. *This photo is from December because that's the first time I got to meet Cullin, but isn't he the most precious!?*

June:

June was a wonderful month, filled with all kinds of kid-centered things. For the entire month (8 sessions) we had Summer Bible School, so that kept us pretty busy every Tuesday and Thursday. But, one of my favorite kids in the entire universe, my precious niece Jenna, had her first birthday! We definitely enjoyed being a part of that day (since Robert is now a full-fledged uncle!).

July:

How could July not be an incredible month, as it marked a pretty huge milestone for us: our one year anniversary! It was a tumultuous and crazy year, but it was the best I've ever had! Being married is just awesome.

August:

This month brought our yearly spiritual recharge in the form of PTP (Polishing the Pulpit). We got to spend lots of time listening to amazing sermons, as well as lots of dinner times around amazing Christian people (such as Paul & LaDon, Joe & Pam, Tim & his dad and brother, Brandon & Jade, and my grandmother). It was a much-needed, amazing time. Already looking forward to another year should God give us that time.

September:

Just when you thought your year couldn't get any more exciting, we bought OUR FIRST HOUSE! September was a crazy time of packing, cleaning, moving, unpacking, arranging, cleaning, rearranging, losing things, and finally getting settled. It was wonderful, and everyday I am still so thankful that God blessed us with such a wonderful place to call home.

October:

October may have been one of my favorite months of 2012. After a month of home-buying/moving stress, we took a 5 day vacation with Robert's family to Florida, and it was a well-timed getaway for sure! On the heels of that trip, though, came the Ironaton campaign that we filmed in Talledega, AL. It was another much-needed week, in that we got to spend some quality time

November:

Again, another month of awesome stuff happening. Obviously everyone loves Thanksgiving, and we spent that in Pulaski this year. It was a wonderful, fattening day followed by the annual putting up of the Christmas tree....and the now annual going to the store to get more lights. The following week, I went to Miss Mary BoBo's for the first time with Robert's family for his grandmother's 81st birthday. It was absolutely fantastic, and I would recommend it to anyone who has never eaten off of a lazy Susan*. Finally, to cap off this wonderful month, my podcast released on TLN's website, marking the beginning of exciting times ahead for sure!

December:

And now, December is upon us. This year has been crazy-packed with tons of epicness, and I'm sad to see it go. But, this month definitely portrayed exactly what the rest of the year was like: pure and unadulterated awesome sauce. To start, we had a food giveaway at East Hill and we helped to show God's love to over 500 families. It was a beautiful thing to behold, and I was so blessed to be a part of it--not to mention how blessed I am to be working under the oversight of such amazing elders!! The very next weekend one of my dearest college friends got married, and that was just fun times all around!

Obviously this year has been incredible. I would like to give a huge shout-out to the followers I have of this blog, because you are what keeps me going. I would also like to give a big thanks to my supporters/faithful readers who come here via Facebook. You are all such an encouragement to me and I thank you so much for strengthening me as I try to strengthen my own faith.

May you have an amazingly blessed 2013.And, in case you were curious, you can check out my previous years in review here and here.

*Also, don't you just feel bad for the lady that the lazy Susan was named after?

Must-Tell Monday: Husband Edition

I feel that this post has been a long time coming, and if you aren't in the mood for sappy or gushy or the like, you should probably abort this post immediately. =)

For nearly a year a half, I have been married to the most remarkable man in the universe. Every single day of that year and a half I have been more proud of him than I ever thought possible, and instead of simply telling him about it in the same old ways all of the time, I thought I would share some of those ways with you.

1: Robert is incredibly passionate. He has often remarked to me that 'if you can do something other than preach, you should'. I am so thankful that he can't do anything but preach (not that he doesn't have talents--we'll get to that later). There is no other occupation that Robert would rather have, because he loves serving our God more than anything. From the outside looking in, people often ask us if we spend enough time together or if he takes enough time off or if he rests, etc. etc. But I know my husband, and I know that he works as much as he does and as hard as he does because he is oh-so-passionate. I am ok with not being his first love, because I want him to love God more than he loves me. And one of the things I love most about him is that he has such a zeal and a light in his eye when he talks about doing the Lord's work. I am so blessed to be married to a man who loves God so much and is so dedicated to serving Him.

2: He loves me so well. Don't get crazy thinking that Robert doesn't spend enough time with me because he's so passionate about his work. He is always making sure that I am taken care of, that my needs are met, and that I have anything and everything my heart desires. He is so good about making sure I'm not left home alone too much or that I don't have to do all the work around the house by myself. He is always looking out for me and putting my needs above his own. I know there are days when he'd rather just kick back and relax, but he'll come right in and take the trash out for me or ask me if he can help with supper. He also urges me to buy things that I want--even if it's just a fleeting 'that'd be nice'. He wants me to be happy, and he wants to make that happen in any possible way (though he must not realize just being married to him is enough!).

3: He is so amazingly talented. The idea for The Light Network came from Robert, and subsequently all of the tech-y stuff that goes along with podcasting has fallen on his shoulders. He has set up our home office to be a studio for my podcast--complete with all kinds of mixers and wires and microphones. He has set up his own office as a complete studio with more technology than I can innumerate upon. He does all of it himself, too, because he just gets it. TLN would not be possible if it weren't for his tech talents, though I know he would never want to toot his own horn.

It isn't just TLN, though! Robert does a lot of the tech stuff for the congregation here at East Hill, and has even done work for the Memphis School of Preaching, the Ironaton congregation, and tons of work for GBN! He has so many talents, and he is using them for God's glory. I could not be more proud of the man I married!*

4: He is a wonderful teacher. In relation to the last point, I wouldn't have my video editing job if it weren't for Robert. He taught me everything I need to know about video editing, and continues to teach me on a regular basis! I wouldn't be able to do my podcast on TLN if it weren't for him, wouldn't have a job that I love if it weren't for him, and therefore wouldn't be able to serve God like I am if it weren't for him! I am only able to do what I do because of Robert and the amazing way he teaches. BUT, it isn't just about tech stuff. This year, Robert has been teaching the Wednesday night Bible class at the East Hill congregation, and I have learned more from that class than probably any other (and I'm not the only one who says that!). We have been studying through the Bible (starting in Jan. at Genesis and ending Jan. 2nd in Revelation), and it has been a remarkable, eye-opening study. He has challenged us and opened our eyes to so many things, and that's because he's such a great teacher! He's relatable and knowledgeable, and we are just so blessed to have him!

5: He is such a good friend. While I can't speak for all of his friends, I do know how much time and effort he puts into relationships. I know that he really tries to be there for people and really invests in them. I know that he cares deeply for others and doesn't simply put on a front. I know that he is willing to put a lot into other people, and even sacrifices his schedule to make things work. He is one of those wonderful people who is willing to do anything for you, and he's so personable that it makes you want to open up to him and be close to him. I am so blessed to be not only his wife, but his friend.

Recently, one of our (unmarried) friends said that they didn't like husbands/wives calling each other their "best friend" because the term "husband" or "fiance" or something else sounds more formal and means more. I, for one, am so thankful that I am married to my best friend...and that he's been that way from the beginning. Mine and Robert's relationship started on the best friend playing field. Actually, we were so nervous about dating because we were such good friends already. But our best friendship (aka sharing every detail of our lives) turned into something much more beautiful than I could ever imagine, and yet, we have retained our best friendship throughout the taking on of new roles. And I love that about us. I love that Robert is the person who makes me laugh the hardest. I love that he is the one who knows exactly what to say or what face to make to get me to crack up. I love that he makes road trips so enjoyable, and makes the tensest moments bearable. I love that we don't have to speak to know what the other is thinking, and that just one glance from across the room can lead to tons of laughter.

As soon as Robert and I started becoming friends, I knew that he was the best I was going to have. He has always been so easy to open up to, so caring, and so accommodating. While I may be a bit biased, I know that others think he's a good friend, too, and I'm so proud of him for being the type of person that people want to be friends with.

As you can see, I am so blessed to be able to call Robert mine. And while this post doesn't have a devotional thought, or maybe any point at all for any of you who may still be reading, I think it's important to share it, because I want my husband to know, every day, that I am so proud of him and that I love him more than anyone else in this world.

Must-Tell Monday: Anniversary Edition

I just love my husband so much! We had a very low key, perfectly wonderful anniversary. It was absolutely everything I could have possibly wanted and then some! We had so much fun together. Nothing too out of the ordinary--nope, just enjoying each other and celebrating the love that's gotten us this far.

For your viewing pleasure, I've included a few (phone) photos from our weekend. Enjoy!

Thank you, dear stranger, for asking if you could take a pic of us. It is always a nice gesture, though it kind of makes me nervous to hand my phone to a complete stranger. Also, when they make the picture blurry, I can't say "Oh, can you just take one more?" I'm completely incapable of doing that. 

The view from our hotel. Beautiful downtown Nashville in the background. What you can't see is the GiGi's just a block away. 

Enjoying a night up on the patio of the hotel.

Hanging out in front of the biggest bronze doors in the western world--aka hanging out at the Parthenon in Nashville, which just happens to be where we got engaged. 

The now-annual anniversary pic! Where we were a year ago. 

And also, I would like to take this time to let Robert know that I WAS correct, and our top tier should have been significantly smaller than it was because this is how our year-old cake tasted....

It was a good time, though. Best July 8th we've had so far! 

Must-Tell Monday: Recipe Edition

I love Pinterest. Unfortunately, a lot of the recipes require a lot of ingredients or a lot of time or a lot of money or, let's be real here, a lot more expertise in the kitchen than I have.

Every now and then, though, you find a super simple recipe and you get ridiculously excited about it. That was me with this yogurt cake.

I went on an on about this cake (just ask Robert) before I'd even made it because I was so curious. Yesterday afternoon, I hit the ground running. The original recipe came from this site, but I've modified it just a bit.

Ingredients:
1 box devils food cake mix
2 packages of Dannon Greek nonfat vanilla yogurt (5oz package I think)
1 cup water
1 container cool whip (lite)

Directions:
In a large bowl mix (by hand--I whisked) water, yogurt and cake mix. It will be difficult, but you're just working off some calories so it's no big deal. The mixture ends up looking like a weird pudding-icing hybrid, but that's how it's supposed to look.

Put into a 9x13 inch baking pan (I used dark not glass) and bake on 350 for 20 mins or until the knife comes out clean.

Let cool, then top with cool whip and enjoy the yummy moistness.

*If you like mint flavoring, I recommend getting some junior mints and placing them on the cake IMMEDIATELY after you get the cake out of the oven. When they melt, spread around like a thin layer of icing, then top with whipped cream once cooled. If you have some left over, top the cool whip with the rest of your mints. Or don't. I tried it both ways, and just plain is fabulous.

**Also, the best part of this recipe (to me) was being able to lick the bowl/spoon/whisk with no shame! No raw eggs, no nasty oily taste. Just cake batter flavored yogurt. Yummy! I may just put some of that in the fridge instead of baking it and pretend I'm eating yogurt all the time. You may see a quazi-healthy cake yogurt post soon. =)

Must-Tell Monday: Musings

There are just some things I don't understand. Ok, there are a lot of things I don't understand, but today I'm choosing to put those into blog format. Maybe you can help me with the answers.

1: Why are women's pants so against pockets? Do designers think women don't need pockets, or that they don't enjoy putting their hands in their pockets? On nearly every single pair of jeans/dress pants that I own, there are either no pockets, faux pockets, or pockets that are sewn-up, and when you tear out the stitch, there's not even room for you to place enough change to get a Diet Coke at McDonald's.

I like pockets. I think lots of women like pockets, otherwise putting pockets in dresses wouldn't be such a big hit. So here's a thought: let's put real pockets on women's pants. Okthanks.

2: Why did Allegra have to go over-the-counter?

During my junior year at Freed-Hardeman, I came down with some ridiculously painful headaches. The on-campus doctor thought I was having migraines, and gave me some medicine in hopes of curing my ailment. They didn't work. So, I went to my hometown doctor and he told me that I had chronic allergies. Actually, he made me feel like an idiot: "You have chronic allergies. How could you not know you have allergies?" Ok, so maybe he didn't say it just like that, but that's about how it felt. Regardless, I've been taking allergy medicine once a day since then. I think it has something to do with life in Tennessee. It hates my sinuses.

After going through Zyrtec and Claratin and realizing that they didn't work even the least little bit, I switched to Allegra. Fortunately, the generic brand was available and so I only paid about $5 for a month's supply. NOW? Now that they've so graciously decided to make Allegra over-the-counter? It's 14.99 for the off-brand, $24 for a 30 day supply of actual Allegra. Ridiculous I say!

3: Why does Diet Coke taste different depending on what form it is in? For instance, Diet Coke out of a can tastes remarkably different from Diet Coke out of a 2 liter. Nothing can compare to a Diet Coke from the fountain at McDonald's--yet Burger King's fountain Diet Coke is mildly repulsive. It's all Diet Coke! Why doesn't it all taste amazing??

4: Why do the signs at malls reserve parking spots for "expectant moms"? I think the sign should say "Reserved for those at least 6 months pregnant", otherwise people will just take advantage. I mean, I'm not pregnant, but I expect to be a mom one day. Can I park there?

5: Why is there a "next" button on Hanging With Friends but not on Words With Friends? It drives me crazy about every day.

6: Why do people feel the need to pull out in front of you and then immediately turn? It's like, "Hey! I'm your dose of patience today!"

7: How did I grow up saying Reese-y's piece-y's instead of Reese's pieces and why didn't someone tell me otherwise??

8: Why is running so awful?

9: Why haven't you started listening to Mindy Gledhill yet???

10: Why don't you comment already? I need answers!!

Must-Tell Monday: Flashback Edition

One year ago today, I was the happiest I'd ever been. Looking back, I didn't even know what happiness was. One year ago, my best friend proposed to me. I could recount the entire story to you, but I've already written about it once, so you can just reread that!

Now, why would I say that I didn't even know what happiness was on that glorious spring day a year ago? Well, because I only thought I was happy when Robert proposed, but after nearly ten months of marriage I can tell you that I was just barely scratching the surface of true happiness. True happiness doesn't come in the form of a ring or a question. True happiness comes from the day to day, routine life things.

True happiness comes from waking up beside your best friend day after day. True happiness comes from knowing what a person is thinking simply by a glance or a squeeze of the hand. True happiness comes from the insight marriage gives you into the other person. True happiness is building a life together.

You see, true happiness isn't just the based on the happy, exciting times in your life. True happiness isn't about stringing together lots of wonderful memories and happy times. No, true happiness is going through the grime of life together, clawing your way through drama and craziness together, hand in hand. True happiness comes from the times that would be so hard to go through alone, but knowing you never have to again. True happiness is having your best friend there, always; in the good, the bad, the ugly, the terrible, and everything in between.

I'll be honest, it hasn't been 12 months of smooth-sailing. It has, however, been 12 months of growing closer together, leaning on one another, and loving each other more than we ever thought possible. Right now, a year later, I am telling you yet again that I am the happiest I've ever been. I cannot wait to see where another year with my best friend will take me. I look forward to whatever happiness is in my life a year from now. And with a heavenly Father like the one I have, I know that blessings will abound.

Must-tell Monday picture edition

Must-Tell Monday: Best Friend Edition

Today is Monday. Since today is Monday, I must tell you something: I will probably be on a blogging hiatus (yes again) until next Tuesday (or let's be real--Thursday). Why? Well, I have a reallllllllly good, exciting reason. ALYSSA IS COMING!!!!

I cannot contain my excitement over this. The reason is threefold. 1: She is my best friend and who doesn't love spending time with their bff? 2: She lives in FL so I never, ever, ever get to see her and it's been nine months so I've been having serious withdrawals. 3: We have so many amazing things to do together that no one else really understands. That being said, Alyssa will be here starting tomorrow until the next Tuesday. That's right people: 7 full days with my bff. You should probably pray for Robert during this time, since he'll be overrun with girlness at the (2 bedroom) apartment.

In honor of Alyssa coming, I have decided to tell you a few things about her that I love more than anything. They are, in no particular order:

1: Our random texts that would make about zero sense to anyone else and yet perfectly describe us.

2: Our nearly daily FB messages chronicling the most random of things about our lives.

3: Our identical taste in music.

4: Our shared passion for things like Nutella, Paris, Diet Coke, Rosie's/Cruisers, OTH, Parenthood, tennis, and Rosi Golan.

5: Her ridiculously hilarious laugh.

6: The way she doesn't and hasn't ever judged me, regardless of knowing me/befriending me at some pretty low moments.

7: Every Europe memory we created together.

8: The way she knows everything about me and reads my blog anyway =P

9: How amazing of a person she is. Strong, resilient, inspirational, wonderful.

10: Everything else about her.

I don't need to tell you (again) how excited I am, but let's be honest, I can't stop. The next week is going to be incredibly amazing. So I'm not really sorry that I won't be blogging. Don't worry though, I'll be sure to update you on the next Must-Tell Monday (you know, two weeks from now).

Also, the reason I said Thursday instead of next Tuesday is because I am now doing a devotional at East Hill that Thursday night so I won't have any time to blog because I'll be studying. In which case, see you in a couple of weeks!

Must-Tell Monday: Marriage

Facebook is an interesting creature. Without even meaning to sometimes, you peer into people's lives that  otherwise you wouldn't necessarily know anything about. I say sometimes because I know there are those moments when we purposefully "creep" on people that we only semi-know, or that we don't know at all but our "friends" know, but sometimes it really is by accident. Something will pop up on your news feed about one of your friends' new houses or new jobs or new baby or new ____. That happened to me recently and it made me reflect.

There are a lot of people my age that are getting new houses and new jobs and new this and new that. There are people my age getting nice cars and nice furniture and nice vacations. I'm happy for them, and glad that they get to enjoy those luxuries, but the thing is, I'm not jealous at all.

From the outside looking in, my life might not seem very glamorous or exciting. My week usually consists of, well, nothing. My weeks don't have a usual. As a preacher's wife, my life is always sort of unplanned. One week there might be a gospel meeting, the next a summer series, the next a hospital visit in a nearby town, the next an out of town lectureship, and a whole bunch of local events in between. There are no fancy vacations or big promotions. There are no extravagant parties or over-the-top amenities. Instead, it's just me and my new husband, living exactly the life we want to be living.

Sometimes I stop and think how different life could be. I think about what it must be like for some of those people with all the nice things. I quickly stop myself, because I don't want any of that. I don't want anything other than what I have: a wonderful marriage to the man of my dreams.

I am so thankful for everything that is in my life. I know that God has blessed me far beyond what I could ever deserve. I have an amazing, Godly husband that I get to be with nearly 24 hours a day, who never ceases to make me laugh. We have so much fun together in our rented apartment. The memories that we're making now are going to last me a lifetime, and I am so thankful for that.

All of my life I've heard that choosing your mate is the most important thing: not where you live, what you have, but who you're with. That couldn't be more true. I could have all the luxurious amenities in the world, but if I didn't have Robert, I wouldn't want any of it. More than that, though, I could have everything in the whole world INCLUDING Robert, and if I didn't have a relationship with Jesus I would have nothing. I am so thankful for my Robert and my Savior.

Life is good.