On the Radio

I was driving to work last week when I tuned into a song on the radio. It was a beautiful song, but I didn't think anything of it. I continued on my day, and I got back into my car just a few hours later to run an errand. Again, the same song was on the radio. I chuckled a little to myself thinking about how the radio stations in my town seem to play the same song over and over again until you are completely sick of it! I went back to my day..busy testing kids, pulling data, and gathering curriculum materials. I jumped into my car at the end of the day, a bit exhausted and ready to crash on the couch when I got home. I turned on the car, and it hit me. The exact same song I had listened to twice already that day. I sat in the parking lot and pulled up the song on my phone so I could read the lyrics. I figured if I would have to listen to the song three times in one day, I might as well learn it so I can jam out to it {don't judge…you know you rock out in your car too}.  As I read the words, I got goose-bumps on my arms. Now, I am a pretty emotional person. I cry during previews of movies, so it wasn't a big surprise that I got goose-bumps. But I continued to read the song, and I began to realize there was a reason I heard it each time I got into my car. God was talking to me. I laugh a little at this because I often think it would be so much easier if we could just pick up the phone and call God to ask His advice. Wouldn't it be great to text Him? {I'm pretty sure God is the type to use emojis!} But I think when we open ourselves up, we realize He does talk to us throughout the day. He just uses His resources wisely. So I thought I would share this song with you today. Listen to the chorus. Let it sink in that our God is so powerful that He can rise the dead from their graves. He can move mountains just by speaking. He can calm the sea. And yet, we have the audacity to worry. All I can say is don't worry. God's got this.

Hearing God's Voice

I wrote this post about a year ago. At the time, I had wanted to start a blog as an outlet for a lot of anxiety and stress I was going through. I wrote a lot of posts, but I never actually published anything. I was reading through some of the old ones, and this post really hit me hard. I look back at the last year, and I realize that even when I didn't know it, God was working in my life. He put me where I needed to be, and he placed people into my life that I needed. Like I said, I wrote it a year ago, but I will explain the significance below!

I have had a year of growing pains. A year filled with tears, anger,  disappointments while at the same time filled with laughter, mercy, and joy. I feel like I am in that awkward stage of my life where I am struggling to find my place. To find my way. To figure out where I want to go and who I want to be.

Just last week, I got the awful call from a superintendent telling me they had given my dream job to someone else. I was filled immediately overcome with disappointment. I mean I had nailed that interview, and I deserved this job. I have put in my dues as a substitute teacher. I have spent countless hours making contacts, building my resume, and having people write me letters of recommendations.

My disappointment was soon transferred into anger. Anger at my college for not preparing me enough to get a job. Anger at myself for not getting an elementary degree. Anger at God for not answering my earnest prayers to provide me with a job.

It was in that moment when I was steaming over with anger, embarrassment, and disappointment that God’s unwavering voice could be heard. I remember laying in my bed that night lashing out at God for His unwillingness to answer my prayer, but His response was showered with love and grace. It was almost as if I could hear Him saying to me, “My child, this door was closed in order to open the right one for you.”

You see, God doesn’t close doors simply because he has the power to do so. Instead, He opens and closes doors to produce growth in our lives. Like I said earlier, I have had a year of growing pains. I look back, and I realize that I never want to live many of those moments again, but then again, I look back and realize that through those moments God was molding me into his image.  Through the ups and downs, I have come to rely on God as my rock. I have learned to fight my battles on my knees in prayers. I have come to truly appreciate my daily Bible reading and devotions.

People always say we never learn to appreciate the sun until we experience the rain. I agree. We can’t appreciate the beauty of life until we overcome the moments of darkness that God uses to sharpen, mold, and grow us into the people he intends us to be. 

Shortly after I wrote this post, I received a job offer from an unlikely source. I had subbed at a school a few days in a row. I then received a call from the principal who asked me to fill in as their school secretary for a few weeks. I gladly accepted the position, and I am now a year later still working for the same principal. She has become one of my closest friends and confidantes. I am so blessed that God placed her in my life. We both had some huge family changes happen this summer, and I look back and realize God knew exactly what He was doing when He closed the door to that first job. Sure, He opened the door up to a new job, but more importantly, He opened up my life to some amazing people.

Friday Favorites #2

I am back for another Friday Favorites! I love the chance to look back on the week and remember all the little things that made it great. I am linking up with Erika from A Little Bit of Everything.

Favorite Post
I have been following The Daily Tay for awhile now. She is hilarious, and I absolutely loved this post she did on Thursday! She loves her dog, Harlow, just as much as I love my two dogs, Bella & Cori, so I totally find this post relatable! Go check her out….and just for fun, here is a pic of my two dogs :)

Favorite Blog

I just found Caitlin's blog, Cait's Cozy Corner, the other day, but I already love it! She is starting up a book club next month, and I can't wait to join. Make sure to show her some love and tell her I sent you!

Favorite Quote

My younger sister, Ashton, is full of hilarious quotes. I try and document them as much as possible because she really comes up with some bizarre things. We were looking back at my Facebook posts the other day, and I realized most of them are just quoting here. I thought I would share some of the funny ones below!

Favorite Activity

Packing!! I know that sounds strange, but I am so beyond excited to move into my 1st home this weekend! I have been slowly packing things over the last few months, but I have had to really kick it into gear in order to get everything ready to go. I have already taken a few trips to Goodwill {I am amazed at how much junk I have accumulated over the last few years!} 

Favorite New Puppy

My mom got a German Shepard puppy the day before Christmas! Winston Charles is going to be a great companion for her when I move out. He is quite possibly the fluffiest and cutest puppy I have met.

Favorite Workout

I was doing the 21 Day Fix Piyo workout the other day, and I turned around to this view. Cori, the black lab, is attempting her own version of Child's Pose while my two sisters are laying around in the background. At one point Jackson was participating, but when we looked back at him he was sitting against the wall on his phone. Guess they don't find find Piyo as exciting as me :)

Well those are my favorites for this Friday. Tell me below, what are your favorites from the week?

Thinking Out Loud #1

Today I am linking up with Amanda from the Running with Spoons blog. I am also linking up with Annie from Home of Malones and Natalie from East Coast Chic. They both have fun link-ups on Thursdays that are all about sharing what is on your mind! I love the idea of just sharing all the random things that run around in my head…believe me there is a lot!!




1. I read this story in my local newspaper this week, and I just about lost it! This little girl was awarded a Make-A-Wish foundation wish, and she chose to go to an orphanage in India! How cool is that?!?! In the midst of battling cancer, this little girl made the decision to bless others rather than focus on herself. I strive to be more like her :)

2. In just a few short weeks, I am headed on my first cruise with my family! I am so excited to sit out in the sun especially after the cold front that has hit our little town the last few days. I have so much to do before we go….get a new swimsuit, buy sunscreen, pull out all my summer clothes, workout :)

3. I am so excited for Fuller House on Nextflix. Full House was one of my favorite shows growing up, and once in awhile I will catch it playing on Nickelodeon! I can't wait to see the story line and to have all the old cast members pop in!

If you are a fan of Full House, you have to check out the Fuller House Instagram! 

4. Speaking of remakes, I was really disappointed in the remake of Boy Meets World…now called Girl Meets World. It follows Cory and Topanga's daughter Riley and her best friend. My little sister was watching it the other day so I watched a couple of episodes with her. While there were lots of appearances by old cast members (Shawn Hunter, Mr. Feeney, Minkus), it just wasn't the same as the old show! I loved Boy Meets World back in the day.

5. I need to get my butt in gear! I have been slacking on my workouts lately. I have been working through the 21 Day Fix, and I love the workouts. They are only 30 minutes long, and I can do them in my living room. However, I have just been plain lazy! Well, I am also trying to pack up to move this weekend so that always throws a wrench into any plans!

6. Speaking of packing, I AM MOVING INTO MY NEW HOME THIS WEEKEND!!! I am just a little excited if you can't tell. I feel bad for my family and co-workers because that is honestly all I have talked about the last few days :) I can't wait to share pictures when it is all decorated!

I think that is all for this lovely {freezing} Thursday!!

Waiting for God in 2016

I just recently started listening to a new radio station on my daily commute to and from work. It is a Christian station called K-Love. I am sure many of you have heard of it, but I was in the dark about it until just a week or so ago. They often talk about a 30 Day Challenge where they challenge you to listen to only Christian music for 30 days. At that point, you should look back on the last few weeks to see if you notice any differences.

I have been listening to strictly Christian music for the last week or so, and I already notice a difference. There is just something about positive, encouraging music focused on God that starts my day off on the right foot. I come into work with a better attitude, more excited to get started, and I genuinely feel closer to God. Best part is…the songs are so fun and upbeat that I can still jam out in the car!! :)

While recently listening to the station, I heard a quote from an author about waiting on God's will for his life. While I don't remember the specific quote, I am going to attempt to paraphrase. The author said that he was praying constantly for God to reveal what path he should take. He was worried he wouldn't be able to hear what God wanted for his life. However, as he started reading his Bible, he realized that maybe we wait to hear God's voice rather than doing what he has already told us to do.

I started thinking about this. I often pray that God will show me the path He wants me to take. I pray that I have the wisdom and understanding to make the best choices. This conversation I heard on the radio made me think that maybe God doesn't necessarily care which path we take, as long as we are living our lives for Him. Sometimes we are faced with a decision, and we aren't sure what we should do. I truly believe that we should pray for wisdom, but I also think that if we are living out what God has told us to do, the decision isn't nearly as important as our actions.

I don't know if I can quite get it into words what I am saying so I am going to give you an example. I was faced with a situation in which I was offered two different teaching positions last year. I was stressed out because I didn't know where God would wanted me to be. I prayed and prayed, but I just didn't feel like He was leading me in a specific direction. I remember saying to my mom that I wish God would have just written in the Bible somewhere what job I should take.

But God doesn't have it written in the Bible. He doesn't answer every single question that we have. But he does provide us with a guidebook that has many directions. He tells us to worry about nothing. He tells us to pray without ceasing. He tells us to love our neighbors. So while He doesn't give us direct answers to many of our questions, He does give us a lot of guidance.

I have decided that I am going to create a list of all the directions God has given me. I have a few written down, and as I come across them in my readings I will add them to my list. I think I will check in next week with my list so far.

I encourage you to think about what we can be doing in the midst of our praying. Sometimes God wants us to continue living for Him, and through our actions, He will reveal His path for us!

New Year's Resolutions

I am a little late on the New Year's Resolutions bandwagon, but I love the idea of setting some goals for the year. I always seem to have some of the same goals every year, and I never seem to completely finish them. But I just keep putting them down as my resolution the next year…kind of become a habit :)

I have seen a lot of people talk about how they don't like New Year's resolutions because they think we shouldn't wait until a new year to try and become a better person. While I completely agree that we don't need to wait until January 1st to change for the better, I also think it is important to set yearly goals. I think that the new year provides an opportunity for us to self-reflect and look back on the previous year. There are a lot of things that I have done for the better this last year, but I also think there is is always room for improvement.

The last few weeks I have thought about my resolutions, but I think tonight I am going to sit down and write some bigger goals…things I want to accomplish within the next 5 and even 10 years. While I know life throws a lot of curve balls, I also know it is so important to have a focus and a purpose for the next few years.

Below are a few of my resolutions!

1) Be more assertive. I have read a lot of people who talk about having a "word" to focus on for the year. If I were to do that, I would say my word is assertive. I tend to be someone who sort of shies away from any conflict or confrontation. I hate being rude to people to the point where I will let them get away with being extremely rude and disrespectful to me. This year I want to focus on standing up for myself, and also just being assertive in a positive way.

2) Exercise more and drink less. By drink, I mean caffeine and soda :) I really want to quit drinking soda because I know just how horrible it is for my body. It is just a bad habit I just can't seem to quit! I do know though that I feel better, I sleep better, and I am just all around better when I get my sweat on and not drink soda!

3) Spend more time acknowledging people. I work with young girls each week at my church's Awana program. I want to spend more time this year really acknowledging these girls for their successes but also for their character. This can be as simple as making a comment to them or sending them a quick note in the mail to let them know I am proud of them.

4) Worry less; pray more. Not a whole lot more I can say on this one :)

5) Get my first teaching job!! I am finishing up my second teaching certificate in Elementary Education, and I am going to start applying for jobs in February! I have been working over the last few months to revamp my resume, letters of recommendations, and I think I am ready to apply for jobs. I would love to get my first teaching job and start making a difference in this world!

Tell me below: What are some of your resolutions for the New Year? Do you set resolutions or do you just try and make positive changes all throughout the year?

Have a great Tuesday!

I'm linking up with Michelle for Tuesday Talks!

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My First Home

I am so excited to be moving into my first home in just a few days! The plan is to start moving this weekend, and I can't wait!! I wanted to share a little bit about my journey in buying my first home!

I started looking at house this summer. I felt like I was finally in a secure job with enough savings to start looking at houses. I had an amazing realtor who was helpful, encouraging, and willing to go to quite a few houses with me. I just couldn't find anything in my price range that I truly loved. To be honest, a lot of the houses were old and needed a lot of updates. Or they were in less desirable areas of town. I was beginning to be a bit discouraged, but I didn't want to buy a house just to buy one.

My dad actually approached me in August with a proposal. My uncle had offered to build a house for me. They found a lot in town that was a great price. My uncle has built several houses, and he was excited to have a new project after just recently retiring. I obviously jumped at the chance, and I am so blessed to have two amazing uncles and a dad who were willing to work so hard to make this house possible! I will definitely share pictures after I move in and all the decorations are up!

I really had a great experience, and I wanted to share some tips and tricks that I learned along the way!

1) Don't settle. I almost put an offer in on a house that I sort of liked because I was just anxious and ready to have my own house. I am so glad that I took a step back and realized that it didn't have everything I wanted. While there are times where you have to compromise, I also think you have to wait and be patient.

2) Find a realtor you really trust. I really thing this is an important part of the journey. I don't think there is anything wrong with parting ways with a realtor who just isn't working for you. Find someone who really listens to your needs and is willing to work within your budget. Don't let them push you into a bigger or more expensive house. Also find someone who is willing to show you a million houses until you find the perfect one.

3) Talk to your banker about first time homebuyer programs. I found a grant that provides a loan for $25,000 for the down payment and closing costs at 0% interest for 15 years. This program is through a local non-profit and the Board of Housing. Do your research about programs like this is your area. Talk to your local banker, and they should have lots of information for you!

4) Go to a First Time Homebuyer's Class. I went to one back in the fall, and I really enjoyed it. While it was a full day of listening, I did learn a lot of information. I learned about mortgages, insurance, and even inspections. Definitely worth the time and small investment!

5) When looking at houses, consider the entire investment. Like I said above, I almost put an offer into a house. However, I realized it didn't have a fenced yard for my dogs. It had an extensive yard that would require a lot of time and money to upkeep. The insurance on the house would have been a lot more because of some of the building elements. While the asking price was less than my budget, I realized all these factors wouldcost more in the long run.

6) Have fun! I think that people get stressed out and overwhelmed when purchasing a house. It is easy to get stressed out, but I think you have to make it fun! It's a new house after all!! Don't let all the details bog you down!

I can't wait to get into my new house, and I know it will be just perfect for me and my two pups! Here are some sneak peeks into the house :)

Recipe Round-Up

I though I would share with you a few of my favorite recipes. I have been doing the 21 Day Fix, and with that, I have been trying new recipes! I use to think that making "clean" meals was going to be boring and tasteless, but I have found there are so many great seasonings and flavors that can be added to make delicious meals!

My advice to you…Don't be afraid to try something new! There have definitely been some flops, but I have also found a ton of great new meals.

1) Garlic Roasted Broccoli found here. This so full of flavor that you forget how healthy broccoli is! I find that adding garlic is a healthy way to add a punch of flavor!

2) Buffalo Chicken Bowl found here. I am pro-Mexican food. I could eat it all day long. This is a great way to get tons of flavor, and believe me, this will fill you up! Avocados are a great way to add healthy fats. Black beans add protein! Wouldn't this be a great lunch on a busy day at work?!?

3) Chicken Salad found here. This is my go to lunch at work. I usually add low-sugar craisins rather than grapes simply because I don't often have grapes to put in! I love the twist of using the honey mustard dressing rather than just mayo or greek yogurt that is often used.

4) Broccoli Salad found here. Yum!! I love a good broccoli salad, and this one definitely fits the bill! I used turkey bacon instead of bacon. The dressing is probably not the healthiest, but it still is pretty good! You could probably use Greek Yogurt instead of the mayo in the dressing to make it a little more healthy.

5) Crockpot Minestrone Soup found here. I love crockpot meals! Put everything into the bowl in the morning and come home after work to a kitchen that smells wonderful and a meal ready to go!! Soup is great in the crockpot, and I love having leftovers for a few days! This is a great recipe because you can really make it your own. Throw in any veggies you need to use up. I added corn!

6) Breakfast Burrito found here. These are great! Full of flavor, protein, veggies, and a little bit of carbs! Great way to start the day, and we all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day!!

7) Cobb Salad. There really isn't a recipe for this one. I took it for lunch the other day. I kept everything separate until I put it all together at lunch. Full of flavor, healthy fats, proteins, and veggies! I added a hard-boiled egg, 2 strips of turkey bacon, shredded chicken, lettuce, 1/2 an avocado, blue cheese, and shredded carrots. I don't like tomatoes, but you could easily add it!

8) Mustard Herb Crusted Chicken found here. I haven't actually tried this recipe yet, but it is on my to-do list! I think it sounds amazing, and I love finding new ways to make chicken!

Do you have any go-to recipes that you love?! I would love for you to share them below! 

Friday Favorites

I have been inspired by Bri over at School in Our Slippers to link up for my Friday Favorites! This is a fun link where you share some of our favorites from the week.

Favorite Workout … This week I have been working through the 21 Day Fix. My absolute favorite is the Upper Body Fix. In the past, I haven't spent a lot of time training my upper body, but I love feeling burn! I do hate the fact that the next day it is miserable trying to wash my hair :)

Favorite Song … Give me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath. This is a song I just recently discovered through K-Love Radio. My sister introduced me to this radio station, and it is the only station I have been listening to all week! I enjoy the encouraging, positive songs it plays.

Favorite Purchase … Everything for my new house!! I am closing on my first house next week, and I can't wait to move in. I just recently purchased this shower curtain from Target, and I am in love!

Favorite Pin … This is the inspiration for my guest room/office in my new house. The room is smaller so I am going to have a twin bed in their for guests (meaning my two little sisters), and I will also put my desk in there. I am loving the gold and hot pink colors, but I was also thinking of adding in mint green!

Favorite Recipe … This slow cooker chicken is amazing! I made it at the beginning of the week, and I was able to store it in the fridge and use it for all kinds of recipes. I used it on top of my cobb salad. I made it into chicken fajitas by adding taco seasoning. I even make chicken salad with it (celery, crasins, salt, pepper, and some greek yogurt). It has great flavor, and the chicken was so moist! Find the recipe here.

Favorite Quote … I heard Natalie Grant speaking on the radio this morning, and I loved what she had to say. This isn't word for word, but it gets the general idea across!

"If you know Jesus, you have everything you need to make a difference. God isn't looking for perfection, he is looking for someone who is available."

I love the idea that God is willing to use us exactly where we are on this walk. He doesn't expect us to be perfect (because we aren't), but we also can't use our faults as an excuse not to shine for Him.

I hope you enjoyed these Friday Favorites. I might have to make this a weekly post :)

Tell me…what is one of your favorites from this week?

21 Day Fix

Welcome 2016!!! I am so excited to see what you have to bring. I have a feeling this is going to be the best year yet!!

This new year brings me a lot of firsts. I will become a first time homebuyer in just a few weeks!! Check back tomorrow for details on my new home :)

This will will also bring my first niece who is due in April.

It also brings me my first cruise!! My family and I are heading to the Caribbean in February for a seven day excursion.

With that being said, I realized that in order to fully enjoy my cruise, I would like to be in better shape (and lose a few pounds too if I am being honest). Now, I have tried every program out there, and I haven't been successful. I am all gung-ho for the first few days, but then I start to fizzle out. Mostly because I love Dr. Pepper…and chips.

Just a few weeks ago, I actually started a new program. I was skeptical at first, but I really truly love it! It is the Beachbody 21 Day Fix. This is a workout and nutrition program that is specific to 21 days, but it can be used on a daily basis!

What I love about the 21 Day Fix:
1. It is an old-fashion exercise and nutrition program. No pills to take or crazy concotions to drink. There is a daily shake called Shakeology, and it is hands down the best shake I have ever taken!

2. It gives you practical advice, tips, and meal plan. I hate those programs where you have to eat these crazy meals. The 21 Day Fix Meal Plan is simply real, clean food.

3. The meal plan comes with food containers so it is teaches you portion control. You get to eat pretty much everything but just within reason. The plan includes containers for proteins, fruits, veggies, carbs, nuts and dressings, and cheese.

4. There are a million recipes out there that taste delicious! You could serve it to your whole family, and I think everyone would love it even if they aren't doing the program.

5. The workout program is fun! There are 7 different workouts, and they only last 30 minutes. I can do them from the comfort of my own home (even in my PJs if I want!).

6. I have never gone hungry on this program!! I feel like I am eating a ton, but it is just all clean, healthy foods!


I really find myself being successful on this program. I will definitely be doing some updates on this program, but I would love to chat with you if you are interested in the program.

Tell me below… What is your favorite workout program?
Would you rather workout at home or in a gym?
Do you have any New Year's Resolutions?