A Daughter's Blessings!

On this Mother's day I wanted to write a quick post to express how lucky and blessed I am. I am not only a lucky daughter of one wonderful mom but TWO.   

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful mother who I also consider a close friend. She has been there for me through so many ups and downs and has always been a constant support. She has seen me at my best and has loved me at my worst. Besides my husband and father she is the only one that knows everything about me. Even though she has been through a lot in her years, she is still such a caring and loving person. She is a constant example of strength and endurance. Even though she is a thousand miles away she is never far from my heart. There is not a day that I don't think about her and know she is only but a phone call away. I am so thankful that she is always here for not only me but my husband as well. She has taken him in as another son and I am so blessed for that. Today I pray for her as I know it is hard that I am away and that my brother is no longer here. But I hope that she knows that we are never far away in spirit. I love you mommy. Thank you for making me the person I am today.

I am equally as blessed to say that I have a wonderful mother-in-law who I also consider a close friend. I never thought I would be so blessed with such a wonderful person as my second mother. I could never thank her enough for raising such a wonderful son that I am so blessed to be married to. I pray that my future children will be lucky enough to have such a wonderful relationship with their in-laws.  I will never know how it is to have a "monster-in-law" or anything of that sort. Only a person who I not only love but admire. A person who is a wonderful example of a Godly woman. I thank God that He has put such a constant support in my life. I always look forward to time spending time with her and find comfort in her company.   

I can only hope that when Morgan and I have kids that they have the same love and respect that I have for these two women. They both make me a better person and I know that one day they will help me become a wonderful mother like they are. :)

Happy Mother's Day! Love you!

Today's Verses:

 Keep your love for one another at full strength, because love covers a multitude of sins. ~I Peter 4:8

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life. ~Ephesians 6:1-3 

A Blessed Year!

     So I realize I have neglected my blog for more than three months. This I am sorry for and I have made it one of my resolutions for the new year. This post is to reflect on the past year and why it was such a blessing.

January- I was still living in Texas with my parents. Eagerly awaiting our wedding and trying to plan for the wedding. I don't have any pictures of this month because we decided to get married five months sooner than we had originally planned and I was busy trying to figure out all the detail. Needless to say it was a hectic month. I do have a post that I made on new years eve last year, You can read that here.

February- My new favorite month! It consisted of last minute preparations and then the most amazing day of my life. It is also the month I moved away from my home of twenty years in Texas to my new home of almost a year in Georgia. I have tons of pictures for this month but I will post a few of my favorites. I have two posts that I made that month. You can read them here or here.

March- My birthday month! Although I turned Twenty-One, there was nothing extravagant that went on. Seeing that I don't drink, we ended up going to a birthday lunch at olive garden and then had a ice cream cake from DQ! I also started working with my husband at Chick-fil-a this month. I also have a post talking about what was going on during March.

                                 

April- Easter month and the first month we visited my family since I moved to Georgia ! It is also the month we adopted Vinny, our sweet baby boy from a family! I am so very blessed for him and the constant joy he brings us. 

May- I don't have too much memory of this month. I know we started packing stuff for our move that was coming up in June. We did take a trip to one of my favorite places Beaufort! The only other picture I have is  of the root beer we made that month. It ended up tasting horrible and we will never try doing that again. 

June- The month we moved from a apartment filled with guys to our own home. Needless to say I was thrilled. We also had a wedding shower that the wonderful people at our church threw us. We are so thankful for them and we now have a furnished home because of it. We were also blessed with having my brother-in-law stay with us for the summer to work and keep us company.

July- I have no pictures nor do I have any big moments in this month. I am pretty sure it was filled with work and spending time with Morgan and my brother-in-law Alec. I do however have post that I made from that month and if you would like to read it I have linked it here.

August- My dear husband's birthday month! Our second birthday of his that we have celebrated together. We spent the day together making steaks and having cold stone. We also made another trip to my other home Beaufort for my wonderful mother-in-law's birthday. August also marked our six month anniversary. You can read about that here.

September- We went to our first braves game together. Even though I am a raised Texas Ranger fan. I will now also be rooting for the Braves and hopefully end up going to more games next year. I also have a picture of some beautiful flowers that Morgan brought home and surprised me with that month. This month I posted about the struggles I was going through and how I made it through.

              

October- A somber but also a wonderful month. If you are wondering why it was somber you can read that here. It was wonderful because we were able to visit my family back in Texas for the first time in six months. We also enjoyed the cold weather by starting our first fire.

November- My family from Beaufort visited. We celebrated our first Thanksgiving together and decided to stay home instead of travel. We had a wonderful day filled with quality time and TONS of food. I also voted for the first time!

  December- It was filled with tons of memories and events. Our first Christmas married!!! We bought an eight foot tree, decorated our home, and spent a whole week with my family back in Texas. I am so very blessed to have spent so much time with the ones I love!!

I am so blessed for the past year! I am so thankful for my amazing husband and my wonderful family. I look forward to what the next year holds!

Todays Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:2

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God

Today my heart is aching...

            Today my heart is aching but in a way it is a peaceful ache...
   One year ago today my dear older brother passed away...he was thirty-seven almost thirty-eight. He was young, but his life had still been filled with many hardships. He was a kind man and would do anything for someone else. I still remember the day I found out. It was a few days after the tragic accident that ended his life. I was in Georgia, visiting my now husband. We were on our way home from shopping when I got a call from my parents. It was a normal chat but I could tell there was something off in my mothers voice. Then she asked to talk to Morgan which was a little out of usual but didn't really catch me off guard. I heard a few "alrights" and a "when did this happen?", which I was not paying much attention to it, then a goodbye. I asked what it was about and Morgan said we would talk about it when we got home which would be in just a couple of minutes. We went into the apartment and he asked to take a walk outside...at this point I was starting to get a little worried. Never has Morgan not right away told me something. He slowly stopped and turned to me then explained that my brother had passed. The first few minutes I was in complete shock and I couldn't even register what he was saying....then it hit me. I asked what seemed to be a million questions while we walked inside. We sat down and I bawled on his shoulder...I cried for the loss, I cried for my family, and I cried because he never met my wonderful soon to be husband. I just keep saying you never were able to see what a wonderful brother he was. At that moment I was at a loss but at the same time I felt ok because I had such a wonderful person by my side to comfort me. I called my parents and they explained that it was probably the best for me to stay in Georgia at the moment. The nature of his death meant that he would have to be cremated and he was living in Oklahoma at the time so it would take some time to transfer his body to Texas. They also knew I was in good hands and that I needed to be here. I stayed for the remainder of my trip and then Morgan and I drove back. The funeral was a beautiful ceremony and I will never forget the wonderful people that were there to support us. My father and I wrote speeches that we shared in front of them and I would like to share it here as well...

         Being the youngest of four children and having the age gap of 12-18 years, it was hard to connect to my siblings. While I was going off to Kindergarten, my siblings where off to their adult lives. But as I grew older I became closer to each and every one of them. Keith, the Big brother that always wants to protect me but deep down would do anything and everything for his family. Katrina, The smart, beautiful, and kind hearted soul that always gave good “girl advice” and then Shawn, the sweet and gentle soul that always knew how to say the right things at the right time to make you feel better.  Who loved God and would do anything to make you happy even if it was his last penny.

         There was never a time that I walked into a room where Shawn was and that he didn’t smile and say “Hey beautiful” or “Hello gorgeous.” He would always compliment me and every time I left the room to go somewhere he would never forget to say I love you. I know Shawn had his struggles along the way and that sometimes life wasn’t easy for him but never did I see vengeance in his eyes or anger in his heart. The only thing I ever saw was love and compassion.

I look back at the last time I saw Shawn. He had come to stay with us for a couple weeks. At that particular time I was going through some struggles of my own. I remember the talks we had sitting on the couch or the many times he wanted me to take him to Sonic to get his Snickers Blast that he loved so much.  He always gave me the sweetest advice always ending with everything will work out and I love you!  After he left my heart ached and deep inside I wish I could have made him stay but I told myself I will see him again sometime. As I heard the news of my brothers passing, shock overcame me and sadness was a big part of my next few days. I didn’t understand how something so horrible could happen to my family and how such a wonderful person could be taken.

 They always say to cherish life because you never know what you have till it’s gone. That’s more than an understatement for me now. As the weeks went by after his passing I questioned my thoughts on life and how fragile it truly is. I felt empty and flustered. I didn’t know where to turn. I finally turned to my Bible and turned to my favorite passage, Psalm 23. As I read the words “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
 It hit me… God didn’t want Shawn to suffer anymore and even though the path that he had gone down was full of obstacles, that God has a plan for each and every one of us. Sometimes we don’t understand or even believe He is there doing what is best for us but God is always faithful and only wants us to live our lives to glorify Him and His name. 
I know it is hard to let my dear brother go but I have a peace that he will always be looking down on us and smiling. Death is never easy and nothing will ever change that but I know that God gives us trials to grow closer to him and that he never makes a mistake. I can only look back and remember the memories that I shared with Shawn and be thankful for the presence that I now feel. I know that Shawn is with me and there is never a day that now passes that I don’t sit down and have a chat with him in spirit and because of him I will never go into a room without hearing “Hello Gorgeous!” 

His death was painful and I wish that he was still here but I have a sense of peace. Peace in knowing that he is no longer having hardships and suffering. Just because he isn't here in person doesn't mean he isn't with me.  I talk with him daily and I know I always have an angel looking down on me. I know he was with me on our wedding and I know he will always be by my side.. I love him with everything I have. He will always be  part of my life. Today may be a reminder of his death but it is also a reminder of the peace that resounds in my heart. Wow that was a long post and if you made it through it I applaud you.

Today scripture: Matthew 11: 28-30
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Home is where the heart is...

   If home is where the heart is then I consider myself to have a few different homes. I was married in February and moved from my hometown of Leander, Texas all the way to Atlanta, Georgia. Since then I have been asked by multiple people if Georgia really felt like HOME. I will be honest the first few months of marriage I would have kindly responded " Yes, it is not much different from Texas." That would be my answer but deep down inside I knew it was a lie. Georgia did not feel like my home and the only life I have ever known was back in Texas. I didn't have my family, I was in a different place with no friends. I felt somewhat alone.
 
   Now I don't want you to think I was miserable and that I was regretting getting married and moving a thousand miles away from my family. Marrying my husband was the GREATEST decision of my life. I was more than willing to sacrifice my life in Texas for the opportunities that were ahead in Georgia. But part of me was still empty from the family that was missing. If you know me, you know that my family is everything to me. Up until I was married, I lived with my parents and my parents were my best friends. My siblings were a big part of my life and my niece and nephews were a light in my life. The greatest joy in my life was watching my baby nephew grow up. With moving, I lost this and it was the hardest thing I have ever dealt with in my life. If you ask my husband he would tell you of the many nights I would stay up crying wanting to go back home. I would sometimes plead to go back and several times we made plans to move back.

   The plans always fell through and I was always left wondering "Why would God let me be so far away from my family, when it hurt so much?" He must have a reason why and a plan for all of this. After many prayers and conversations with my husband and family; I came to a realization. God's plan was not only to make me stronger but also to make my relationship with Him and my husband stronger. I was completely reliant on God and my husband. I finally gave up my worries and gave them to God. I gave my complete trust into Him that He was doing the best that was for me.

   After a few months of praying and giving my all to the good Lord. I saw a change and a big one at that. I was no longer crying and pleading to go home. I had a sense of peace in my heart that this is where  I belong. I now feel like I am HOME. Even though Texas will always have a piece of my heart and I will always miss my family with everything that I have. I feel like this is where I need to be. Now when people ask me if Georgia feels like home I can look at them and give them a "Yes" without hesitation. I know that if one day God wants me to go back to Texas then He will make it happen. I have many homes now but this is "Our Home" and a beginning to a very happy chapter.

Todays Verse: Genesis 2:24 - 
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Six Months of Marital Blessings!

   I can't believe I am sitting here writing that Morgan and I have been married for six whole months. It seems like just yesterday that we were planning a wedding and a move a thousand miles away. It hasn't been easy but it has been a wonderful and fun journey so far. We have had our many obstacles and have learned the true meaning of our vows.

   For better or worse... I can't really say there has been more "worse"  than better but we definitely have had our trials. From the beginning it has been hard to be away from my family and I have had to ask God daily for guidance and strength and it has also been hard for me to feel like I fit in my new life but I wouldn't call it worse I only call it character building. I have had my hard times and my times where I have questioned if I am doing the right thing but I feel God is only putting us in these situations to help us grow stronger and build our marriage.

   For richer and poorer...we have been up and down on this aspect. From dishing out money for bills and our endless debt to having to furbish our new apartment. Then having no a/c to the many hospital trips We definitely haven't had an abundence of money but what we have has is an overflow of love and happiness for being together. What I feel God is teaching us is to be lucky for what we do have and to also work hard for what we want. Not everyone is as lucky as us and we should look at our blessings and not our "debts".

   In sickness and in health...In a way I giggle at this one. You may think I am crazy but all I can do is laugh because God has given us our share of sickness. One month after we were married Morgan broke his ankle and then a month after that I sprained mine. Morgan had an allergic reaction on his face and then I ended up sick for a month ending with a 5 hour hospital stay with gastric problems. It seems every time we get over an issue God hands us another one but again I only laugh because I know he is only shaping us. It may not be a fun shaping but I know in the end you can only praise God.

   To love and to cherish...This is one thing we have or never will have a problem with. I love him more and more each day and all these troubles only make it stronger. I never imagined marriage to be this way...it is so so much more than I ever dreamed and even with all the problems I wouldn't trade it for the world. Not one second and it will be that was TIL DEATH DO US PART.

Todays verse: Mark 10: 6-9
6 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 7 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

God is good. Will you rejoice??

   I have realized that I haven't posted in quite awhile and I figured this was the best time to post something. With all the controversy and hate that has been going on lately I felt that I would speak out. But I am not going to speak out on what I think is right or wrong and why my points are valued. To do so would be pointless and I am sure I would just start some debate that would get me no where. Instead I am going to speak out on how blessed I am and break the norm of complaining and instead praise God because I am more than thankful. I see people fighting and flinging hateful words around but where is that really getting all of us. I believe we all have our right to make our own choices and to express them freely, so why is everyone getting so heated over what we have earned as a country. I am so happy that I live in a county that we are free but I am not proud of how the people of this country act. I am so very blessed to have the life that God has made for me. So, I am going to list just some of the reasons why I am so blessed and hope that for the people that read this realize they should be looking at the positives in their life and not what is wrong and negative.
 
   First, I want to say that I am thankful for God. My Lord and Savior. Without Him I would be absolutely nothing. He is the giver of life and has blessed me with such a wonderful life at that. He is the reason I get through each and every day with a smile on my face. I will continue to praise Him for his glory and thank Him for his blessing. I not only give him my heart but I give him my life.

   Second, I want to state how thankful and blessed I am for my wonderful Husband. I am sure you have heard me say time and time again how amazing and blessed I am to have him but words could never express the depths of how I feel. He is my support system, my safety, and most of all my best friend. Without him this life would be boring to say the least. Each and every day he gets up and works his tail off. He deals with more than I could ever expect him to and he still comes home and takes care of me. I could not tell you how I am each and every day to call myself his wife. Before I met him I dreamed of having a Husband and what that would be like for me but he has exceeded my expectations each and every moment of every day. Marriage has been nothing short of a blessing to me and it has definitely made me a better person. I would give my life before I would give up my marriage and I truly wish deep down inside more people would view it this way. I fall in love with him more each and every day and I expect it to continue down that path. I love you Morgan Guse more than you know.

   Next, I would like to say how thankful I am for my family back in Texas. My love for them is endless and even though they are far away in person they have never left my heart. I am equally blessed for the family I married into. If I could have pick a family to be my in-laws I couldn't have picked a better one. I truly feel as if I have known them my whole life and consider them blood. I am so blessed for the time I have with them. No matter how little that may be at times. I am so happy to be part of such a wonderful, caring, and loving family. That are truly what the good life is all about.

   Last, I would like to mention how thankful I am for my work and the experiences it has brought me. I know that in these times work is hard to come by and I not only have a job but a extra family that comes with it. I am also blessed that I am able to work side by side with my husband. Giving me even more time with him. I am so blessed to work with such a wonderful group of people that not only make work fun but a gift.

   In these times I realize that there will always be bad and negative things but I also realize God gives us these things to become closer to him. We should always see what God is teaching us from these horrible things instead of cursing him for them. I will rejoice in the fact that I have an overflow of blessings and I will rejoice even more for trials I will face for I know through Christ anything is possible. So the next time you are about to complain about the hard times in your life remember to rejoice in the good things no matter how small. For in a matter of seconds it can be taken away. No matter your race, gender, or beliefs there is still good in this world. You just have to open you eyes and see it. So today will you rejoice or complain??


Todays Verse: There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoicein everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 12:7

March Madness..

I can't believe that March is already here and to think that 3 weeks ago I married  my sweet Husband! Then in 5 days I will be turning 21, not that I drink or anything but I guess it is still a milestone birthday! March is a big month and my favorite month at that. So many things have happened in the last month. New name, new address, new family members and I am hoping soon a new job. God has blessed me so abundantly and I just pray he can also bless me with a new job. I wanna thank my dear Husband for working so hard lately to support both of us. I don't know where life is going to take us but I know with him we can make it through anything. As for plans for the rest of the year...School, hopefully work, and trying to decide if we are moving when our lease is done in June or if we will just stay in the same place. I wanna Thank everyone for praying for us and being such a wonderful support system! I pray that God blesses each and everyone of you!

Todays Scripture:
Psalm 95:2
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.