Knowing November

Someone please tell me where October went.

I feel like my world is in fast forward and I can't slow down to think or write. I've been spending a lot of time talking to God about what this month is going to have. I'm so over feeling busy with things that aren't really in my control and I've been seeking for what he is trying to teach me.

With this new month coming on, the Lord has given me a plan to understand more of what he is trying to teach me. He has told me to post everyday about what I am thankful for...whatever seems to hit me each day in the next month, to take it and write about it. So, I am obeying and interested to see what he is going to show me. So, I welcome you to join me on this adventure and see what the Lord is going to do, because I believe he will show and teach me something.

So, welcome November!

Answers or Answering

I was talking with a friend yesterday and we were discussing my current season of life. Single, no kids, no career worthy of this world, and not exactly sure where I want to move with my life. I was telling him about what I've been praying for and he looked at me with a sort of puzzled look. He then asked me the most profound question: "Abbey, what if instead of asking God to answer your prayers, you ask him to make you the answer to someone else's prayer?"

I've been praying for direction, and guidance, for a way to encourage young girls, and for (I know it sounds silly) my husband. I know in my heart that God will answer these, but maybe there's a man out there praying for a woman like me. Maybe there's a company needing someone like me. Maybe there's a little girl I know who is just dying for someone to love her like I can.

That one question has caused me to completely changed my thought process concerning some of my prayers. Thank you, Jayme, for making me really think about what I am asking from the Lord.

Showering Amber

I think all my friends have gotten married before me so I can see exactly how I want to do things if I am ever married. Putting together a shower is a definite job, but Lacy and I teamed up and put on a shower that, I think, was absolutely beautiful.

There were a lot of personal touches that just made me smile.

 The food was absolutely wonderful.

 The flowers and cake were amazing,...

...and the amount of purple BB&B boxes just made me laugh.

It was wonderful to celebrate the love of two amazing people and their marriage. 

Amber, I love you.

I am so happy that you and Jason have found one another. 

You both deserve the best.

Even with a mouth full of bubble gum.

A day like today

On a day like today, I'd like to be tucked under a little hut...

...looking out at the beautiful sea...

reading the newest best seller on my kindle.

Instead I'm sitting in my local coffee house, sipping on a latte, 

writing in my journal.

A girl can dream.

Pretty Painting

I can remember a day where I was able to sit and paint all day,....but due to growing up and the ride of life it's rare to find a lot of extra time to paint. Lately I've been blessed to be able to paint quite a bit for some great people.

The first one was a little baby gift for my college pastor. They are having a baby girl next month and I was excited to paint their daughter, Clare, a pretty picture for her room.

 Another painting was for my friends, Lacy, birthday. It was hard to figure out what to paint for her, but I know how much she loves her hubby and wanted something to hang in her home, so I chose her last name and added the year they were married. I don't have a picture, but the edges are painted dark grey like the polka dots.

These last two are extra special to me. They are both for my dear friend, Amber. She had a shower recently (post to come) and I knew I wanted to paint her something extra special. I sent her and her fiance and email asking their favorite things about the other. I used the colors of her living room and kitchen, and put his favorite things about her on the 'she' canvas, and vice versa on the 'he.'

For her birthday, I painted her a little canvas for her new classroom and her soon-to-be new last name.

Oh, the joys of painting for people I love.

If you need something, shoot me an email. 

It's something I love to do.

He's Home

 Yes, he's here!

Bandaged and bruised, but he's home. And I'll take it.

I don't think I was prepared for what was to come when Matt arrived home. I walked in and instantly gave him the biggest hug. Our time apart felt some much more distant as I saw that face again. It was the best feeling to see him. 

Most of his first night home looked like this...

 Matt telling us stories...some I could live without.

Showing us his awards, badges, and books.

Sharing his memories, friends and experiences.

I'm just glad my army brother is home.

Now it's back to this.

3, it's a magic number.

Here's to the Crazy ones...

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."

-Steve Jobs

You will be missed, Steve.