Monthly Recap // January 2018

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➵ Prayed in the New Year with a Bible study group + then had a grand fireworks show!

➵ Had a special New Year's Day prayer date with Dan at a local church's public space known as the Prayer Tower.  We prayed for 2018 + God's will & blessings in it.  It's one of my favorite dates from this month!

➵ Completed 2 500 piece puzzles!  Wintertime + January always equals jigsaw puzzle time for me.

➵ Went to the Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens & witnessed the "birth" of a butterfly!

➵ Watched Paddington 2 at the movies with Dan.  It might have started a bit slow, but in the end it was so sweet + adorable + every bit as good as the 1st!

➵ Woke up to my 1st real snow day way down here in Georgia!  Work was canceled for the both of us + we took a nice long walk + played out in the snow on the empty playground at our apartment complex {see our video here} & sipped lots of hot coffee {Dan} & hot chocolate {me}.

➵ Read my 1st book of 2018, Littler Women: A Modern Retelling by Laura Schaefer.  I gave it ★★★★★ + highly recommend if you like young adult fiction + the Louisa May Alcott classic.

➵ Celebrated the 7th birthday of one of our flower girls from our wedding.  Her winter theme party was the cutest thing ever + Dan built himself an edible snowman out of powdered donuts & pretzels.

➵ Ate lunch out with friends + introduced them to one of our newest faves, Newk's.

➵ Reconnected with a sweet friend over dinner.  It felt like I hadn't seen her in ages & we had a lot of catching up to do that evening!

➵ Dan's mom made it safely through a knee replacement surgery + we celebrated his dad's birthday!

➵ Dan & I started hunting/hiding painted rocks around town again.

➵ Traveled over to Opelika + Auburn, Alabama {my 1st time / Dan's been there lots}.  We shopped around a bit, ate at yummy Niffer's Place {where Dan gobbled down the Niffasaurus Jr.}, made a Krispy Kreme stop for dessert donuts, & played in their mall's sweet little toy store.

➵ Met my crazy goal of blogging every day this month!  I can't believe I made it!  Scroll through 'em all here.

Beauty Begins Book Review

Every woman out there knows that beauty is a struggling thing.  The desire to be beautiful is something that seems innate & God-given, but paired with the world's unattainable airbrushed, starved, & surgically-rendered standards it's a sad + broken mess.  The enemy comes in stealthily & whispers loud our every insecurity & un-beautiful-ness, & we begin to believe the lie that our appearance, not our souls, is where our true worth lies.  The question bubbles up deep down inside, like fizzy soda pop, Am I beautiful? + Am I beautiful enough? ...Again & again...  

I've felt it in my own heart too many times.

❤

Beauty Begins, by mother-daughter duo Chris Shook & Megan Shook Alpha, is written to answer that question that fizzes & pops in our souls.  The book is divided into three sections, which contain three chapters each.  Scripture is sprinkled throughout + each chapter ends with reflection questions {+ space to write} & a prayer.  The last chapter of the book is entitled, "A Challenge to Men," & was written specifically for the guys. {After reading it, my husband said it truly encouraged him to remember what he needed to do as a husband to make his wife feel loved & beautiful & special.  All the heart-eyes forever!} 

Sometimes we just need to see what we already know deep down inside in black & white to reiterate it to our minds + hearts, & Beauty Begins provides that beautifully with truths that dispel the enemy's lies.  The different perspectives & experiences from both Chris & Megan provide many "me, too" moments & the interactive-ness of the reflection sections help you question & think through your thoughts + God's thoughts {via scripture} on who you are + what makes you beautiful.  And, dear girl, the most beautiful thing, truly, is who you are in Christ.

My Rating: ★★★★☆

{I received this book free of charge from the publisher - through the Blogging for Books program - in exchange for my honest review.}

❤

P.S.: You are so very beautiful, sister!

"Charm is deceptive, & beauty is fleeting; but a woman 

who fears the LORD is to be praised."

-Proverbs 31:30

My Current {6 Product} Skin Care Routine

My skin has always been kinda so-so.  I wish I could say I left pimples back in high school {along with my Lisa Frank stationary}, but they still make their presence known every now & then {especially during that time of the month} + around the chin area mostly.  Now that I'm in my early 30s even more changes are happening in the skin department.  Here's my skin care routine that I'm pretty darn happy with currently...

Step 1: Cleanse

AM & PM // Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Facial Cleanser - This is nothing fancy whatsoever, but it gets the job done for me + it's less than $5 on Amazon!  Even though salicylic acid is thought to be the standard in fighting breakouts, I tend to find my skin does a whole lot better when it's not present in my facial cleanser, which is another reason I love this Clean & Clear option.  I also always use a little soft silicone face scrubber to wash my face nowadays {it seems to get my face cleaner than just using my fingertips}.

PM // Philosophy Purity Made Simple Micellar Cleansing Water - I use this nightly as a toner + eye makeup remover & it works fantastically.  I just swipe it over my face + eyelid area with a cotton ball.

Twice Weekly // Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Exfoliating Clay Mask - The buzz on this product has been enormously great, so I visited my local Ulta & purchased the travel-sized option.  I've used it a total of twice, so far, & I don't feel any negativity towards it, but I also feel like I need more data on it to give my solid opinion.  So, so far, so good, but I'll review more in depth in the coming weeks after I've conducted more research. 😉

Step 2: Moisturize

AM // Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief - This makes my skin feel so soft + is perfect for the drier winter season.  I find a little goes a long way.

AM // No7 Beautiful Skin Oil Free Skin Protector - Because I use a retinol product at night {which can make skin more susceptible to the sun's harmful rays}, I like a bit of extra protection during the day.  This lightweight sunscreen with vitamin E fits the bill nicely.

PM // Body Merry Retinol Surge Moisturizer - I love the ingredients in this one {green tea, plant derived hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, E, + B5} + it's a great overall value via Amazon. It's only been about a month since I started using this one, but so far I have nothing but good to say.  It can be used both day & night, but I tend to stick to pretty much the PM, because my skin tends to be on the sensitive side & I haven't used retinol formulas much.  More in depth review to come after I've used it a bit longer.

January Snapshots

Click here to watch our January snow day video!  ❄  ❄  ❄

Oh the {Disney} Cuteness!

I thought your weekend could use a cuteness boost via Claire Crosby!

Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Faves

I think it's pretty unanimous that we all want our homes to permeate that stylized-farmhouse-chic that Joanna Gaines makes look so effortless.  In fact, who doesn't want to hear Chip + Joanna smile wide as Texas skies & ask {as if they need to ask}, "Are you ready to see your fixer-upper?"  While only a select few will ever hear those magical words, we can all take home a bit of that Magnolia style with the Hearth & Hand line at Target!

Here's a few of my favorites from the collection...

candle - $19.99

storage bin {medium size} - $29.99

glass candle holder - $24.99

floor pillow - $49.99
napkin {4 pack} - $9.99
ribbon {clearance item} - $2.98

desk caddy - $11.99
nesting houses {set of 3} - $16.99
footed trays {3 sizes available} - $12.99 - $19.99

pitcher - $19.99

salt + pepper houses {2 piece} - $5.99

spoon rest - $2.99

What are some of your favorites from Hearth & Hand?

Psalm 90:12 {+ Free Printable}

Let's face it, sometimes in this crazy/hectic world our days roll together like the Tasmanian Devil let loose from Looney Tunes {complete with all his disturbing incoherent noises + spittle}.  We don't mean for it to happen, but it does.  Enter Psalm 90:12, a verse that seems to be asking us to slow it down a bit & make our days count, after all, tomorrow today will be gone.

It may look like revisiting the calendar & planner & saying "no" to a few things.  It may look like putting your phone away & plugging instead into your people.  It may look like making time daily to dig into the Bible & talk to your Maker.  It may look like a lot of things that the world just won't "get," but if it gets you & me closer to Him & closer to living out Psalm 90:12, then I am certain beyond certain it will be so beautifully worth it - for what's more beautiful than someone living out their faith in this crazy in between place where we've been instructed to make good use of all our days?

Anybody else ready to "number our days" & make our days count this year?

P.S.: To snag the free printable {perfect for a planner or as wall art}, simply click on the verse, right click & save to your computer {or copy & paste it into a Word document}, resize it if you wish, & print it out as a daily reminder.

CONDITIONS OF USE:

My printables are free for personal use only.  Feel free to share them via Pinterest provided you link back to the blog {The Wildflower Journals @ http://thewildflowerjournals.blogspot.com}.  If you want to blog about this printable, or share a project you created using it, that would be amazing, just be sure to credit + link back to the blog {The Wildflower Journals @ http://thewildflowerjournals.blogspot.com}.  Please don't share the actual printable on your site - just add a link to it.  Thanks & enjoy!

Random Free Things That Make Me Happy!

▲ public libraries + a library card, of course {I've always been a library fan, way before I started my 1st paying gig at one shelving books & such.  Nowadays, public libraries offer so much more than just books... movies, music, classes, events, & sometimes even free state park & local museum passes.  Check out your library & see what it has to offer.}

▲ the Revive Our Hearts podcasts {You can find literally over 15 years worth here.  The Biblical teachings + real world applications tailored to a woman's heart have always majorly blessed my soul.}

▲ free fonts {DaFont & Font Squirrel are 2 of my favorite sites to find free fonts to add to my collection + use in projects.  This one & this one are a couple of my current faves.}

▲ adorable hot tea printable gift packaging {This sweet little printable packaging from Oh Happy Day is perfect for the tea lover in your life + it works great for Valentine's Day, too!}

▲ 2018 printable calendars {It's not too late to find a snazzy calendar for this year!  Click here to browse 20 free printable ones + choose the one you like best!}

▲ desktop + phone wallpapers {Click here for some beauties from Thorn + Sparrow.  This one is my current favorite.}

▲ My Panera Card {Sign-up is free & earning rewards is simple.  Right now, you can redeem one free bagel a day for the month of January!}

Gifts // Vol. 21

1,437. flowers

1,439. Cracker Barrel date + happy chatter

1,441. seeing the "birth" of a butterfly as it emerged from its chrysalis

1,446. walking around the large pond + in the woods at the park in Alabama

1,447. the love note left on the table for me

1,460. Jesus + blue skies

1,462. Margherita pizza - my favorite

1,465. playing on the empty playground together in the snow

1,470. loving me, dear Jesus, in spite of it all

1,473. how he brought me a strawberry bar + a whole box for us to share

Random Rambles {01.22.2018}

▶ It seems crazy that it went from snow to the upper 60s / low 70s in less than a week here.

▶ Walmart has their own brand of salted caramel oatmeal & it is my new favorite breakfast treat.  It has actual yummy pieces of caramel in it, people, + it's good for you!

▶ I'm in the middle of reading Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, & some of the words seem so telling & sad, almost foreshadowing the future, in this book written before her divorce {which she had Biblical grounds for}.  The enemy is certainly against godly marriages.  My heart breaks for Lysa.

▶ I watched one of my long-time faves the other day {it's currently on Netflix} & it just reiterated how endearing it is to my heart + it might have made me shed some tears.  I ❤ While You Were Sleeping.  Have you seen it?

▶ I'm not expecting at the moment, but this little unicorn baby romper is the sweetest thing!

▶ It's not easy subbing right now with flu germs running wild everywhere.  I'm gonna say an extra prayer & just trust the Lord to take good care of me wherever I go... which is what I always need to do anyhow.  He's so good to me!

True Tunes // January 2018

These songs are on repeat lately for me.  I hope they bless you, too!

"God Help Me" by Plumb

"Joy" by Tori Harper


"Here" by Jamie Grace


"If I Don't Have You" by Love & the Outcome

On Marrying Your Best Friend {& Other Smart Stuff}

I thought we both knew.  This shot was our funny face pose.  He didn't get the memo.  Instead he flashed one of his sweetest/most-handsomest smiles ever - & me & my crazy ruined it...  But, I don't know... it kinda works.  We kinda balance each other, the way best friends do, which is what I decided to label across the print of this photo that now hangs on our apartment wall with little gray scrapbook letter stickers: best friends forever.  Strangely enough, it's become one of my favorites of us.

I married my best friend.  If you gotta stick with a person for richer or poorer & in the good & bad & all the yings & yangs of life, than it better be with your best friend.

Dan + Laura = BFFs

No, it's not perfect math, 'cause this is the real world after all {not to mention we're imperfect people}, but it beautifully works when God is in the equation {& especially when He's your top bestie}.

Another thing the so-called smarties do {at least in my book} is dare to not compare.  Don't compare your relationship with others' & where you are at with where they are at.  Hello, they aren't you!  You aren't them!  Get over it!  Okay, so I tried to tough love it & make it all sound so easy, but... yeah, we know it's not.  But, in the end, comparison truly robs you of joy.  Remember that Theodore Roosevelt quote?  "Comparison is the thief of joy."  Yep, it is.  And, while we're on the subject, every day of your married life is not going to yield an Instagram-able moment & it will not always be roses & sunshine.  Neither was your single life - neither will be your marriage.  This is reality here, my dear, but don't forget beauty & blessings are always available to those who have the eyes to see them. {Side Note: I must confess that Instagram often makes me compare, so I'm kicking it to the curb.  It's just not good for me & my heart.  Not that I think it's innately evil or anything like that, but for me it's something that has led to sin in my life, & a girl's gotta guard her heart.}  Forgive me for my rambles please.  What was this post supposed to be about again? 😊

P.S.: Another smart thing, don't put your socks on until you are extremely certain {beyond the shadow of a doubt} that your toenail polish has dried.  

P.P.S.: I learned the hard way.

Dollar Store Upcycle // String Art

Upcycling dollar store finds is one of my favorite things.  I snagged this string art {see below} the other day at my local Dollar Tree, & while it's nice, it's not really me.  So, I'm going to work some easy-peasy upcycling magic to make it more my style.  Here's how...  

Step 1: Get rid of the string + add some fresh paint.  You will likely need several coats to cover. {Extra tip: Don't forget to paint the edges (if that's important to you)!  I forgot to paint them & had mixed my own gray paint color & used it all up, & wasn't about to try & match it up again, so I ended up putting a simple washi tape on the edges (which works, too).}

Step 2: Add some new string. {Extra tip: Add a drop or 2 of hot glue to secure the ends.}

Step 3 {Optional}: Personalize it further with some embellishments, letter stickers/stamps or a painted phrase, or keep it minimalist - it's up to you!  At 1st, I was sure I was going to add a phrase like "Dan + Laura" or write "love" across the bottom in scrolly script, but now I'm thinking of just keeping it simple & sweet & leaving it as is.  Any thoughts?

4 {New to Me} Blogs I Heart

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

1. Thorn + Sparrow - This godly girl has a flair for illustration & design {+ a sweet online shop}, not to mention some wise words!

2. Sunshine to the Square Inch - Bekah {another amazing godly girl - you'll find there's a theme going here} blogs about life, faith, travel, & adventures with her husband.  Her beautiful blog always brightens my day!

3. Taz + Belly -  The lovely face behind one of my favorite link-ups, Little Letters, has her own unique space on the Web where you'll find lots of fun stuff - including book reviews, life with her family, other link-ups, & more sundry goodness!

4. Meet the Shaneyfelts - This fellow-teacher, fellow-southern girl, loves Jesus.  Her honesty as she blogs about life is so refreshing!

Have any fantastic blogs you can recommend?

Snow Day 2018! // Vlog

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Prayers were answered & we got the snow day of our dreams way down here in Georgia today!  Take a peek at some of our antics!

10 Photos that Shaped My Year // 2017

NOTE: I 1st saw this idea from Amanda's blog {who actually snagged it from Beka - at least I think it was Beka.}  Hmmm, it's beginning to feel like an old fashioned game of telephone here.  Anyhow, whoever had this amazing idea, I thank you.

Find a photo from the year's greatest adventure - big or small.

Our greatest adventure {outside of marriage itself}, was celebrating our 1st anniversary out in Arizona.  Here we are at the Grand Canyon {with a grand kiss}!

Find a photo of a significant moment.

We sent up a patriotic floating lantern for our 1st 4th of July + I prayed in my heart for a secret wish as it floated out of sight.

What photo makes you feel most alive?

This was our 1st full day in Arizona {not too mention our actual anniversary date}, & we had been driving around when we decided to stop & breathe in the beauty of God's creation... it took my breath away + {incidentally} I've never felt more alive.

Pick your favorite photo of you & the people you love.

You + Me

Search for a photo of a morning you want to remember.

Summer found us out early, trying to beat the heat, as we hiked for miles & miles on Pine Mountain.  Our longest hike was over 4 miles!

Find a photo that represents joy.

It had been over a year since I had worn this dress when I finally put it on again & went down to that magical piece of railroad track & captured the memories I'd always been hoping to.

Locate a photo of the people who shaped your year.

Me + You

Find a photo of you trying something new.

Our 1st married summer together was full of 1sts.  This was our 1st trip to Oxbow Meadows + our 1st time on their treetop walk.

Identify an image of something you are proud of.

How we've stuck together {like an Oreo cookie (which was our costume this fall)} through the challenges & adjustments of newlywed life & bringing our 2 lives together into 1 is definitely a  God thing.  Without Him, we just couldn't have done it. {I love you to  the moon, Dan.} {And back.} {Times infinity.} {Okay, there.  I said it.} ❤

What is a photo you'll want to pass down to future generations?

I want our children to see the love in their mom & dad's marriage + Jesus, always 1st & foremost.

That Faith Step {+ Free Printable}

Sometimes you just gotta take that first scary step into the unknown, trusting God will be with you.  It isn't easy, but if you seek after His path for your life, it will be more than okay.  It will.

This all makes me think of the scene in Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade where Indiana must take that "leap of faith."  Take a look...

To snag this free printable quote click on the image & then right click & save to your computer {or copy & paste it where you'd like} + print it out.

CONDITIONS OF USE:

My printables are free for personal use only.  Feel free to share them via Pinterest provided you link back to the blog {The Wildflower Journals @ http://thewildflowerjournals.blogspot.com}.  If you want to blog about this printable, or share a project you created using it, that would be amazing, just be sure to credit + link back to the blog {The Wildflower Journals @ http://thewildflowerjournals.blogspot.com}.  Please don't share the actual printable on your site - just add a link to it.  Thanks & enjoy!

A Little Wisdom for Your Sunday

"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

-Colossians 1:27

When God Made Butterflies...

Last weekend found us wandering in awe around the Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  The glass conservatory that always remains a balmy temp because of the flora + fauna was an inviting respite from the January cold.  There was fluttering of wings everywhere you looked!  It wasn't our 1st or even 2nd visit, but it always remains special & new to me.  There's just something about butterflies...

Maybe it's that they illustrate so beautifully transformation - specifically the transformation that takes place when a sinner finds the Savior, & the ordinary gives way to the magnificent, the ugliness of sin to the beauty of a new soul made whole in Jesus.  As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17,

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"  

That verse has always reminded me of butterflies.  The somewhat grubby, belly crawling caterpillar, seemingly ho-hum & nothing extraordinary, builds a chrysalis & disappears inside for an appointed time {I wonder if it knows what is going to happen next}...  Eventually, it breaks forth as something wholly different & new & full of beauty & free to fly.  That's like you & me with Jesus. 

Dan & I had the unique blessing of viewing the "birth" of a butterfly as it emerged from its cocoon on our last trip to Callaway & I will never forget it & the symbolism it so beautifully portrayed.  When God made butterflies, I think He just might have been thinking of you & me + Jesus.

Little Letters // January 2018

Dear January,

I love you, but somehow I always try to make you {cough*cough: me} perfect when you roll around at the dawn of each year.  Like unattainable perfect.  Like meeting all my goals & being the most angelic wife & the cutest dresser & the fit exerciser {instead of the crazy hormonal consume pretty much the entire bag chocolate eater girl that I have been}.  I admit, I messed up + then felt so rotten afterwards {& for way too long}.  I gotta give us some grace!  It's not you - it's most definitely me.  I'm sorry.

Love + grace to you!

Laura

✉ ⏩

Dear Dan,

Thanks for leaving that love note.  Oh, how I love you!!!

XOXO,
Your Wife

✉ ⏩

Dear Jigsaw Puzzles,

I am your fan girl! {Does that make me a grandma?} {I don't think so.}  You are so quiet & serene & unplugged & slow-paced in this crazy rat race of 21st century living.  I love how your little pieces all fit together + make something beautiful.  It's kind of like life... it's crazy at 1st to think all these small, insignificant-looking pieces will actually come together & create something worthwhile - & it does take time - but God is working 'em into an incredible thing + every piece is necessary.

❤,
Laura

✉ ⏩

Dear Bible Journaling,

You are one of my new favorites this year.  While I may do you differently than many {'cause I don't fancy myself much of a water colorist or drawing star}, you make me happy to use the gifts of creativity my heavenly Creator blessed me with to dig into the Holy Word.  I'm grateful you're in my life now.

Love,
Laura

✉ ⏩

Never Have I Ever...

Remember this game?

Here's a few things that make my list...

⦸   ⦸   ⦸

Never have I ever... kissed any other man except my husband. {Can you believe he was my 1st kiss?!}

Never have I ever... eaten sushi, lobster, or shrimp.

Never have I ever... been to my high school prom.

Never have I ever... drank a drop of alcohol.

Never have I ever... learned to whistle.

Never have I ever... been anywhere south of the border.

Never have I ever... had my ears pierced.
Never have I ever... learned to drive a stick shift.
Never have I ever... gotten a drink at Starbucks. {It's true!}
Never have I ever... gotten tired of looking at the stars + butterflies + waterfalls + babies. {Isn't God the best artist?}

⦸   ⦸   ⦸

What have you never ever done?

My Top Favorite Beautyish Products for Winter

Johnson's Baby Oil {Aloe Vera + Vitamin E} - Don't let the name fool ya, this body oil isn't just for babies.  I lather this stuff on my legs after I shave 'em + shower & it really & truly locks in the moisture. {Extra tip: Apply the oil while your skin is still damp from the shower/bath & then pull on a pair of leggings or tights {or even skinny jeans} to help keep the moisture in + make your legs feel silkier even longer!}

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash {Cinnamon Spice} - I'll be the 1st to admit I am not the best at applying {& reapplying} lotion as much as is necessary in the winter months where dry skin is rampant.  Thankfully, this ultra hydrating body wash from Olay literally lives my skin feeling like I've just soaked up some rich {but not sticky} body lotion after I step out of the shower.  Yep, it's a game changer, you guys.

Bath & Body Works PocketBac Sanitizer - Keep those icky cold & flu germs at bay with a handy pocket-sized hand sanitizer.  The added bonus is these smell great!

Lip Smacker Lip Balm - I know it sounds crazy that this tween staple would make the list, but it actually is my go-to lip moisturizer.  I've tried loads of other brands & varieties, & I just always come back to the old Bonne Bell Lip Smacker.  It works best for me + the flavors are fun.  I think the key to most any lip moisturizer is application, application, application - you gotta reapply it several times each day {I make sure to put it on before bed, too}.

I'm Going to Trust You

The other night things were reeling in my mind & unraveling in front of me & I was in a place of just plain struggle. I clicked open the little private file where I journal the hard truths out for my sanity... about to open my heart real honest + complain about my circumstances {honestly, guys}.  I was about to, that is, until I scanned the last entry before...

11/19/2017

I’m going to trust You, Lord, about my desire for a baby.

I’m going to trust You, Lord, about my husband.

I’m going to trust You, Lord, about my true beauty in You.

I’m going to trust You, Lord, to be my fulfillment of joy & truest love.

I’m going to trust You, Lord, for my genuine purpose & the adventures (& misadventures) You have for me.

I’m going to trust You, Lord, with every burden, worry, heartache, & care cast upon You, because You care so for this girl who belongs to You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I couldn't write what I had planned to.  Because, well... writing it down wasn't really any kind of sign of real trust in the Lord, like I had professed.  In fact, it was kind of the opposite.  Now, what I did type up that night, wasn't much better, but it was honest...

1/4/2018

I came here to write something else, but then I read the above... I don’t seem to know how to hold on to trust.

Sometimes trust can be slippery & hard to hold like grasping at soft serve ice cream.  Maybe it's not something to hold onto at all, but more like a remembering the One to hold to - & that's always gonna be Jesus.  Am I sounding like a Hallmark card, here?  Sorry.  I think one thing I'm relearning, because it is head-knowledge, just maybe not heart-&-soul-knowledge {or maybe it's vice versa}, but trust is a choice & it isn't just made once for all time.  It has to be chosen again & again.  And again.  And not just for one day, but each day, & more likely each moment.  

So today, & precisely for this moment, I'm choosing to trust You, Lord, with all the above & all the messy in between.  

Oh, how I need You.  And, oh, how I trust You are there.

Gifts // Vol. 20

1,300. a beautifully full moon

1,303. the old basket with the carved bird on top

1,330. perhaps the most beautiful morning sky I've ever seen

1,336. food + fellowship

1,346. that I can give it all to You

1,383. You {Jesus} + me + heart-to-hearts in the closet

1,407. a rolled ice cream date

1,411. how patient You are {oh, my, yes}

1,431. fireworks

1,432. praying in the New Year

10 Quotes That Bear Repeating

"Comparison is the thief of joy." -Theodore Roosevelt

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

-Lucy Maud Montgomery

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.  The fears are paper tigers."

-Amelia Earhart

"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart." -Jane Austen

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt

"Life is an exciting business, & most exciting when it is lived for others."

-Helen Keller

"We never know what God has up His sleeve.  You never know what might happen; you only know what you have to do now."
-Elisabeth Elliot

"Gratitude for the seemingly insignificant - a seed - this plants the giant miracle."
-Ann Voskamp

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
-Robert Louis Stevenson

"We should regret our mistakes & learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us."
-Lucy Maud Montgomery

Our 1 Year Bucket List // 2018

Last January, Dan & I started the tradition of creating a 1 year bucket list of things we wanted to accomplish as a couple during the next 365... & we're doing it again this year!  We were actually able to accomplish all our 2017 goals {even though our "camping" trip ended up being in a tent in our living room in late December}.  Here's what's on our list this year...

Laura & Dan's Big Adventure: 2018
☐ Find new ways to serve Christ together.
☑ Pay off the last of our credit card debt!
☐ Go camping in the great outdoors together.
☐ Check off at least one item from each of our personal bucket lists.
☑ Have a yard sale + sell stuff on eBay.
☐ Be more intentional with our date nights + have at least 3 a month.
☑ Visit a new state. {We're counting Washington D.C.}
☑ Go to the beach for the 1st time together! {We went to Panama City Beach, FL in February.}

Getting Into Bible Journaling

I know you've likely seen it popping up all over the place for awhile now...  Bible journaling, the art of decorating in your Bible with paint, pencils, embellishments... - there's really no wrong way to do it!  I just wonder, when did Bible journaling become a thing?  Because, if you're anything like me {+ have worked in both a public & elementary school library 😉}, you kinda have to unlearn what you've already learned about books {i.e.: You shouldn't write in them!  Let alone in the Holy God-breathed Word!}.  But, once that's done, you're pretty much ready!

Anywho, I asked Dan for a journaling Bible this past Christmas & I unwrapped this little treasure underneath the tree last month...

Now, I'm getting into it in my own little way!  I've found after the 1st attempt of actually drawing in my Bible that it is totally nerve-wracking for me + something I'm probably going to avoid {the fear of messing up (which I actually did the 1st time, but miraculously fixed with some strategically placed stickers + washi tape) is too great for my ticker}.  I think I'll stick to drawing/writing on separate embellishments & then adding them in.

{The one above in Song of Songs is my current favorite. ❤}

My go-to supplies so far seem to revolve around cutout embellishments, gold staples, ribbon, & stickers + this is where to find the NIV Bible I use.

This is becoming a new way to creatively get into God's Word & hide scripture in my heart.  While it doesn't replace my actual Bible reading time {still gotta have that (most of all)}, it is a beautiful creative thing & I'm kinda giddy over it!