The Olympics......

.... I'm not watching them.   You can go ahead an hate me.  :)

If you know me, you know I am not big on current events.  I know some basics from things I hear from others or what I might hear on the radio on my way to work, but that's it.  I don't watch the news, I don't follow any celebrity, and I hate politics (sorry dad).  So there ya go, the Olympics fall into this category of things I might watch if I have time but overall I'm not very interested in.

So what's on my mind right now?  Well, a lot actually.

Please pray for my husband, as two weekends ago he seriously injured his knee.  Surgery is coming.... someday.  We are trying to have him rest as much as possible and try to figure out how to manage these new unforeseen expenses (he has no insurance.... *gulp*).  On that note, isn't it ALWAYS when you have no money for incidentals that incidentals arise?!  We are trusting that God is going to provide, open opportunities and help us figure it all out somehow, but your prayers are definitely needed and appreciated!

The other thing on my mind right now is that we just moved into our own place! Everyday I'm there is like a breath of new fresh air in my heart and mind.  I've never felt so at home so quickly.  I really hope we can somehow stay there until we "outgrow" it (i.e. kids).

These pictures are really a "before" post of the empty apartment the day we got the keys.  Once we're done organizing I'll do an after post so you can see it how we see it!  Thanks to my HUBS for these panoramic photos!

Here's the living room from both sides.  I love that there's a blue accent wall - it could not have been a more perfect color for us!

The kitchen (and me as a blur)

If I were on MTV's Cribs I would say "Now we'll look in the bedroom.... where the magic happens". ;)

 I LOVE how much light we get from our windows!

Abby checking out the new place...

And my favorite feature of the apartment iiiiiissssssssss..... (drum roll please.......)

THE WASHER AND DRYER!!!! Yeah!

We often do our laundry late at night or in the middle of the night, and so it's nice to be able to have our own to use whenever we want.  I don't have to make sure I start and finish my laundry by 8pm or something because let's get real, that doesn't happen in the Thresher Casa.

Also, I am a spoiled washer and dryer user, and my main concern about apartment living was having to cart our laundry down to a facility, especially because Brandon and I hang dry most of our clothes which means I throw them in the dryer for about 5 minutes to remove wrinkles and then hang them up.  

I know, rich people problems.  

So anyway, this is a huge blessing to me and a rare find around these parts unless you want to pay more money for a place!

Did I mention we got this place $150 below what they usually rent for, plus we're not paying pet rent, plus they gave us $500 off move in?!  Yahoo!  Praise God for giving us such a nice place in a safe area that wasn't crazy expensive.  It's so nice to be on our own again!

It's July?!

Hey there, I'm back again!

This week is packed full of things to prepare for our show at the dance studio on Saturday.  It feels good having last years show under my belt - I feel like I made some changes for the better in planning and running things, so I feel a peace about this year verses last year.  My nerves aren't as high, and I know things can run smoothly because they have before.  That's a good feeling!  So now it's just the last minute things to do, a dress rehearsal Friday and the "curtain goes up" on Saturday!  :)

Lately I feel like the Lord has been trying to expand my ability to trust him with outcomes of things.  There is a particular situation right now life that effects my husband more directly than me.  Which basically means I can't do anything about it without overstepping him, which of course I do not want to do.  

For a long time this has left me saying all the things I wish I could say or do in my head, and sometimes out loud.  When what I REALLY want to do is get out there and fight a battle that is not mine but my husbands to fight..... Hmm.... this must be part of what Eve's curse was talking about.  Wanting to take over, smack a few heads, say a few words.... all things I shouldn't do.  :)

Then a few weeks ago God got my attention with this:

GENTLENESS

One of those good ol' Fruits of the Spirit.... one I was not really walking in.... what makes me sad is that means I was hindering the Spirit.  I wasn't fully living in Him because I was allowing bitterness, frustration and anger to live where gentleness should have.  *Lift up hand, smack forehead*

The Bible has so much to say about gentleness, but here are a few nuggets that have stuck out to me.  I have bolded (is that a word?) things that especially spoke to me.

Philippians 4:4-6

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness 
be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything,  
but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 
present your requests to God. 

"The Lord is near" hit me like a brick - why am I getting so huffy?  He is near - He is right next to me.  Oh, how I wish I could see Him beside me at all times.  I know my walk would be so different.  I guess that's what perfecting our faith is all about.  In every situation, including this frustrating one, I must be thankful and diligently present my request to God instead of daydreaming about everything I'd like to do.

Ephesians 4:1-3

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the 
calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, 
bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the 
unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Peace is not some lofty goal that we all somehow attain by thinking about butterflies and rainbows, it starts in me. In you.  In our hearts.  We must choose peace in our hearts so that it becomes and outward manifestation to the world.  In this situation I need to choose peace and patience.  So hard, but ultimately worth it for the sake of God's kingdom. I also think it's interesting that Paul writes "every effort".  I think that's because peace can be hard work sometimes.  If it said "a smidgen of effort" than imagine where we'd all be!

So now, I am doing my best to be gentle, even though sometimes it's with clenched teeth or the faint smell of smoke exiting my ears.  "Gentle, heart, gentle.  Remember, of great worth in God's eye" (1 Peter 3:4)  If you think of me, I'd love for your prayers in this area - for gentleness for me and also some change in the situation itself.

Thank you so much for reading!  God bless you! 

p.s. Interested in the dance studio?  Visit our Facebook page here!