Some Weekend Fun

 

You guys!!

It RAINED Saturday night while we were sleeping! Well, we weren't sleeping the whole time, because it actually stormed really hard and woke us up, but we didn't care, because it RAINED! So Ryan was able to sleep in a little bit on Sunday morning and didn't have to do a three hour watering fest before church. We were so grateful. 

But we also had some fun this weekend, so we thought we'd tell you about it! :) 

Saturday was supposed to be the day our small group got together, but everyone had other obligations, so our friends Jonathan and Julie came over to have a fondue night with us! 

I'd gotten Ryan a fondue pot a few years ago for our anniversary, and we don't often have a good excuse to pull it out and be fancy. But Saturday was our day! Jonathan and Julie brought pizza dip and a veggie tray, and I put together a dessert board for our fondue. I thought it turned out pretty stinkin' cute, considering I've never made one before and had no idea what I was doing. 

We had the best time. We appreciated that they were willing to come to us so we could keep Lexi involved in the night and water the yard throughout the evening!

And then yesterday, after church, we went to our first Sunday School class party with our new class. They were so very welcoming, and it was fun to get to know some of them outside of class. (And they are GREAT cooks!!!)

I didn't take a ton of pictures because I haven't established myself as the Bekahrazzi with them yet, but I did grab this one of Ryan and me. (It was CRAZY humid and actually drizzling at the time, so just overlook my hair.)

We were grateful for a good weekend. And so was this girly girl.

(She was eyeing my snack.)

Sunday Sentiments

 

Here in a few days, I'll tell you more about the writing exercises I've been doing throughout the month of June. They're based on writing prompts created by others, and I've had quite the interesting (in a good way!) month with them.

I do two prompts every day, and one day this week, the first prompt was to describe a scene outside my window. I wrote about our struggling yard, and then the second prompt was to write a prayer for God to take a worry from me. Ha! I kept writing about the yard.

I wanted to share with you part of what I wrote in that second prompt. It was based on Matthew 6:30-33, which says "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Ironic to visit these verses after that last writing prompt, in which I described a scene outside my window. Because, You know, what's outside my window is a property filled with worry. The grass of the field, to be exact.

We waited so patiently for them to come seed our yard. We waited through piles of mud that were entirely unsightly. We waited through not being able to go outside to enjoy spring evenings. And then the literal minute they planted our yard, a heat wave and drought descended, and we have struggled to grow what they planted. 

It feels like failure. The yard was part of what was promised when we bought the house. We've never before purchased a home with a yard yet to be designed. And we stare out there and see only brown with little specks of green here and there. And really, they are only "here and there" if you stare long and hard. I told Ryan it felt like one of those optical illusion paintings, where you have to stare intensely to make out what's hiding in the cracks and crevices. 

Our cracks and crevices are wide. Deep rivets in the dirt that threaten to swallow the few blades of grass that look healthy.

It's a silly thing to worry about. So many people in so many places are praying for rain for survival. They have nothing to live on. Nothing to drink or bathe in or use for cooking. And we're just here praying for grass. 

But it's an investment for us - of time, financial resources, and yes, even prayer.

And it's still empty and void and dead-looking. 

Help me to remember, God, that You are the One who clothes the fields. This is our field. It needs clothed, and we are doing everything we can to make sure it happens. We can't do any more than we are right now. Allow us to see the grass clothe the dirt that taunts us. 

We watched yesterday as the radar showed green flowing over our town right in that exact minute. It never rained a drop in real life. 

We've had to make peace with knowing that it may take a year or two to complete just a simple yard of grass. But the One who clothes the fields knows our needs and hears our prayers. He asks us to trust. This girl is sure trying! 

The Saturday Six

I don't have a theme this week. I have true randomness for you, which pretty much sums up my brain for this week!

One.

My friend and WillowBridge co-worker, Cordin, posted on social media this week about her newest hobby of growing a cutting garden outside her house! What she had done (both in growing and bouquet arranging) was truly impressive. So I may or may not have gone down a rabbit trail of reading about cutting gardens. SO PRETTY! Here's one of the articles I found with some great tips on what/when to plant! 

Two.

I think it's pretty clear I'm not an expert on style, but I did enjoy reading this article about simple things you can do to make your style a little on the classier side. I was very happy to see I wasn't doing anything on the no-no list, but I did like seeing the comparisons of the standard to the more polished styles. 

Three.

As you know, we just moved, so we are getting to know our new neighbors. This applies not just to those whose yards touch ours, but those around the neighborhood as well! This article had some great tips for connecting with your neighbors - whether or not you are new to each other geographically. May I also suggest the following: get a dog (everyone wants to talk to you if you have a dog!), plant a yard (you'll spend lots of time in it to get to know people, and help with projects! Ryan just helped our neighbor install a mini-split in his workshop this week, and it was a great time for him. Oh! And go to bat for your neighbors. That helps too. Lexi and I were attacked (we are okay) by a dog in the neighborhood this week and when our neighbor found out, she marched over to the house to talk to the dog's owners. (I did not know where the dog came from. I had never seen it before and it was not at its home when it got us.) Going to bat for your neighbors wins their loyalty to you quickly! 

Four.

I don't know if I've shared this one before on the Saturday Six or not. It seems like something I would have shared if I saw it before. But even if so, it's worth sharing again. An adorable small house that isn't too tiny, but packs a powerful punch on the fullness of living with less. It's beautiful. 

Five.

If the cost of life is keeping you closer to home this summer, here are some fun games to play with family or friends. These are Minute-to-Win-It style games that might create more laughter than anything, but we could all use more of that, right?

Six.

And finally, since it is garage sale season, here are some tips for a successful sale - and printable price tags! (No more running out of the price you need after all the stores have closed!) Anyone going sale shopping this weekend?

Those Were Some Good Memories

 

Though I'm sure I don't know how, it has now been ten years since I took my final single-girl road trip! I had no idea, of course, at the time, that it would be my last single-girl trip, but it was, and yesterday I looked back at the pictures and stories with much fondness. Want to reminisce with me today? 

Here are some of the things that popped out at me as I looked back over my trip:

* Apparently this was the first time I had taken off work (in multiple days) since I started working at WBCL. It had been almost one full year since I started that job, so you can tell how dearly I loved it. When you can make it a year without a vacation and be more than okay...you have a good job!

* This was the first and last time I have ever rented a car! What!? Back then, I was driving the little Bekah-mobile, which was a Ford Focus that was ten years old. Fun fact: it was injured and I didn't know it. It had been hit (while it was parked in a friend's driveway, and said friend was the one who backed into it - going about 5 miles an hour) and I took it in for repairs. There was a hidden injury they didn't see, and as I look back now, I am so grateful God prompted me to rent a car for this trip. I drove through mountains and was hundreds of miles from home, and having my car stall would really have put a damper on the trip! I actually did get caught in a jam that would have been the very kind of thing that would have made it overheat. God went ahead of me, and that boosts my faith, even today! Anyway, I rented a Honda Civic that I named Sammy. I loved that car. It was so much fun to drive. 

* I drove through mountains, which was a huge step in bravery for me. I have never been a confident driver and actually still dislike driving to this very day! This trip was a huge moment for my self-confidence, my faith, and my story. I am so, so grateful for what God helped me do on this trip!

* One of our first stops was to see the Biltmore. Neither of us had ever been there, and it was a JOY to behold. I was exceedingly sad that they had a ban on indoor photography, but we enjoyed our outdoor pictures! I had no idea I would be back in a few years...in the winter...with a husband! I fell in love with the Biltmore that day. What a gift! (I threw in some memories from both trips here, just for fun.)

* We also drove part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and now I have it on my someday-list to travel the whole thing. I had never even heard of it before this trip. This may have been where my love for actual road trips began. And now...I want to drive back and forth, up and down, all over the country!

That last picture makes me want to do that road trip RIGHT NOW.

This was such a fun trip. I loved being with Lynnette and loved the freedom and confidence I found in my travels. I had no clue that before the year's end, I'd be traveling and standing beside her again, but this time she would be my matron of honor at our beach wedding!

Life Updates

 I thought today would be a good day to catch you up on a few work-related things in our world! 

Last week, one of my Facebook friends sent me a message to say she was so confused about what was happening in our lives. We were in Kokomo, and then we left there for ministry and now we're where? Doing what? 

It IS confusing, I'm sure, on the outside looking in. Like I shared here a few weeks ago in a post, we feel a little like Abraham right now. We're following the Lord where He leads, and yes, in the last couple of years, the leading has involved a lot of transition. Transition in work, in homes, and even towns. None of it has been a mistake. None of it has been in vain. All of it has been purposeful. But we do acknowledge that from the outside, it can appear chaotic and confusing. 

When we moved to our current home and city, we didn't know for sure where we would be working. We had some leads, but nothing was for sure. None of the leads we had panned out, and then we learned about the job at Love INC. We went together to talk to the retiring director, and both of us felt completely drawn to the ministry. Ultimately, Ryan was the one who applied for the job, and as you know, they offered it to him. 

Meanwhile, I kept looking and applying. In truth, I was surprised to be turned down so often. I don't say that because I think I'm anything amazing, but when there are jobs everywhere, and I do have a decent level of marketable skills, I didn't think it would be that hard to find a job.

Wrong!

I was turned down for every single job I applied for, and that brought a whole series of conversations with God about what in the world was happening! I had some rocky days of questioning pretty much everything about my personality and skill set, but the Lord surrounded me with encouraging people and filled me with HIS truth about who I am, and for the most part, I think I have worked through the hurts brought on by all the closed doors. 

As Ryan began his work at Love INC, went through trainings with the national office, and began to see the day-to-day operations, he told me he needed me. There are many changes and refinements required to grow and effectively meet the needs around us, and it's more than one person can shoulder. (He does have an office manager, too, but the work is more than even two people can shoulder, honestly.)

So after a few weeks of praying, crunching numbers, figuring out a long-term plan, and seeking counsel, we have arrived at a decision - at least until/unless God leads differently!

I am going to serve with Ryan at Love INC. At this time, my work will be volunteer, until the local affiliate can grow and support more staff members. I have already been working behind the scenes on several social media/design/writing-related tasks, and that will continue, but I'll be adding some other responsibilities along the way. (I would love to tell you what they are. I know my title, but I can't confidently explain to you what it means yet, so I'll save that for another post at a later time.)

For the time being, this work will allow me to serve some from home, so I can also continue to be a homemaker, which is really important to both of us. As we go along, I will probably start keeping at least part-time office hours, so I can be present and involved in the day-to-day operations at Love INC. 

I'm really excited about this. No, it's not a paying job right now, but we both feel confident that this is where the Lord wants me. And Ryan is adamant that my skills are necessary and helpful in this role, which really helps after all the closed doors on jobs. 

We are living in a state of trust that the Lord will provide for our needs, as He has already been doing in really tangible and faith-boosting ways that have blessed us tremendously.

So that's our update! Once I know how to explain specifically what I'll be doing, I'll come back and tell you all about it. (I have some upcoming trainings to attend myself, so that will help me learn!)

I know some of you have been praying for us in this time of transition, and we are really thankful for your support in that way. We have devoted a lot of prayer to this, seeking God's face and will for our lives in this season. We are at peace with how He is leading!

Little Updates

 

A few days ago, I told you about some of my goals for updating our home from now until the end of the year. Would you believe we already tackled one of them? :)

Goal #8 was to finish decorating Lexi's corner of her bedroom. I mentioned in my post that I had a picture I wanted to order in a canvas, but the place I intended to order from had such high shipping costs that it just wasn't worth the order. Heather suggested Walgreens, and I actually hadn't thought of that! I always order my prints from there, but I hadn't ordered anything else from their photo department before. 

Happily, a couple of days after I posted about that, we found a 75% off coupon code at Walgreens! I was able to order the canvas very affordably, and I was so impressed with the quality! 

A couple of nights ago, Ryan hung the canvas and the sign I found for just over $5.00 at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago. we put them both above her crate, and I think it looks absolutely adorable. 

Then Ryan did an unexpected update that has turned out to be one of my most favorite things!

We have an office, you know, and I really love working in it. As I've said, it's my favorite office we've had. But I also sometimes work at our dining room table - especially in the evenings when Ryan is home and I want to be with the family. 

We have a gorgeous chandelier over our dining room table. I love it so much and am ridiculously glad whoever picked it out chose that one. It's perfect. But OH MY WORD, the light is so bright. Ryan says he can install a dimmer switch so we can bring it down a notch or two. There is a time and place for a bright light, but when I'm eating dinner or trying to do some evening work, I really don't want the brightest of all the lights shining down over me. 

So Ryan brought in one of the spare floor lamps sitting in the garage and put it in the corner of the dining room. It is a game-changer in there! I can't believe how perfectly pretty the soft light is in the evenings, and I can't believe I didn't think to try it before! I'm so glad he came up with the idea. Even if/when he does put in the dimmer switch, the lamp is staying. It's meant to be there.

He said it was cozy.

After we hung up Lexi's wall art and put the lamp in the dining room, we crashed on the couch to watch one of our shows, and Ryan said, "Our home is so cozy."

I don't know that he could have given me any greater compliment than that. I have worked so hard to make this house an inviting, comfortable, cozy home. I think it's all those things, but to know he thinks so too is such a gift. 

We still have nine projects left on our list. And then, of course, the biggest project of all: growing a yard in the hottest, driest summer we've had in a while. Fun opportunity, right?? :) 

If the Wedding Took Place in 2022...

I was sorting and organizing some files on my new computer yesterday, and that sent me down a whole memory-lane journey of seeing our wedding pictures. I hope I never get tired of looking at them and appreciating all the love and joy that day brought to my heart. 

I still love the dress I wore at our wedding. As I've shared before, I'd seen the dress online and loved it, but I never imagined it would work in real life. But it did! Even better, they had one in my size in stock, which was pretty much necessary, since we had such a short engagement.

Here are some of my favorite pictures that feature the things I love most about my wedding dress:

It's been almost ten years since I found my dream dress, and this one is no longer in the rotation at David's Bridal, which is where I purchased it. So just for fun, I went to see what dress I might like this year if we had waited a decade (HA!) to get married. 

* I chose this one for a couple of reasons. One...it has the same sort of belted waist and flowing skirt as the dress I wore for the WillowBridge fundraiser back in January. I loved how that looked and felt on me, so this seemed a similar good choice. I also love the detail work on the bodice and the halter-style neck, which was a feature in the dress I actually wore. 

* I like the back of this one better than the front, but I chose it because of the detail work and the tulle. Some of the lines of fabric on the bodice also remind me of the dress I actually wore, and I loved those too, so maybe that helped me like this one. 

And...that was it! That was all I found that I liked. So what it told me was that it was good I married a decade ago and it was good that this dress was sitting in that store waiting for me.

And because I'm all reminiscent now, how about a few more throwback pictures? 

First...the first time I tried on the dress. That was such a fun night. 

Saying yes to the dress!

My entourage:

Leaving the store with a VERY important part of the wedding!

Fast forward to the wedding day! My girls did a great job of helping me be ready for the first look!

And then there was MY first look. I couldn't believe it was really happening!

First look with Ryan:

And a handful from the wedding!

And...the reception.

The perfect dress for the perfect day. I'm glad the wedding took place in 2012. :)