A New Season: Necessary Pruning {Part 1}

We finally did it!

We moved from our home in Dallas, Texas to our new home in Lincoln, Nebraska.

To some, this move might have seemed very sudden, maybe even impulsive.

To us, this was an answer to years of prayer & waiting.

I’ve been trying to figure out how best to sum up the last 5-6 years. The only thing I can come up with is that it was a time of pruning. There is a quote that I read a few months ago which I found as an encouragement during such a difficult season:

 “God prunes us when He is about to take us into 
a new season of growth & expansion.” 
- Christine Caine

So, what is pruning anyways?

Pruning - to trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, esp. to increase fruitfulness and growth.

Not a comfortable process, for sure. But did you notice the end result? "to increase fruitfulness and growth". It  is a necessary process that God uses at different times in life in order to grow us. Even though it is hard, and it can be very painful, I have learned that God is doing it for my good and that it is NOT a punishment. My tendency is to think that there must be something I'm doing to displease God, and that is why things are not going the way I want them to. It's not true folks! It's not! The good news of the Gospel says that God loves me, despite of the sin in my heart. I mean, He gave His only son up for me + my messiness so that I can be reconciled to Him. Beautiful, right? And because He loves me so much, He does not let me sit where I am at...He pushes me into the uncomfortable, which helps me to remember my desperate need for a Savior -- for the One that gives me hope, guidance, and wisdom.

I would have never learned these lessons (& many more) had God not brought us through the hard, the good, and the oh so ugly. Because of all of what went down the last 5 years -- I have a much richer relationship with Jesus, a deeper understanding of His great love for me, and a desire to know Him more. During all of this he brought a wonderful church and amazing people into our lives -- people that loved us, challenged us, and supported us. And those are friendships that will last a lifetime. That, my friends, makes it all worth it.

So, how in the world did we end up in Lincoln, NE? 

stay tuned for part 2......

{Christmas Favorites}

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Smell: Real Christmas trees, the smell of fireplaces when walking outside, the smell of cold (yes, that smell exists)

Tradition: Tim and I always go to the store (usually Target) and each purchase at least one ornament for our tree. Then I usually write the year we purchased it on each ornament (somewhere inconspicuous).

I also make homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas Day (yummmmm)

Movie: Elf! I have seen this movie a gazillion and one times, but I never get tired of it! We have it on every year when we decorate our home for Christmas.

Hymn: O' Holy Night -- my all time favorite. The lyrics are full of richness and bring glory to the Lord. I can't get through the song without crying. It is beautiful. 

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, 

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. 

Long lay the world in sin and error pining. 

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. 

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! 

O night divine, the night when Christ was born; 

O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! 

O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!  

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, 

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. 

O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, 

Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land. 

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; 

In all our trials born to be our friends. 

He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! 

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!  

Truly He taught us to love one another, 

His law is love and His gospel is peace. 

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. 

And in his name all oppression shall cease. 

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, 

With all our hearts we praise His holy name. 

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we

His power and glory ever more proclaim! 

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Christmas Album: Sufjan Stevens - Songs for Christmas

Gift: A few Christmas' ago, my parents started to gift us parts of the Willow Tree Nativity set. Each year since they have continued to add on to it. I am so thankful for this set. It is beautiful and I love setting it out every year.

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Sight: I love looking at Christmas lights and looking for that 'Griswold' home! I also love sitting in my living room, turning off all the lights except for the lights on the Christmas tree. I love our tree and looking at all of our special ornaments.

Dislikes: Crazy stores & full parking lots, elf on the shelf, the terrible drivers that seem to come out this time of year, Texas winters (thankfully it is cold today! But it's been spring like the past few weeks); I want some sweater weather!

Feel free to comment and tell me some of your favorite things at Christmas time!

{30 Days of Thankfulness} Day 15: 3 Gifts Golden

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Golden Christmas Decor

Twinkle lights. Ornaments. Tinsel. Sparkly, gold snowflakes. Wrapping paper. Ribbons. Adds a warmth to the season!

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Golden Sunsets
Simply gorgeous. 

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Golden Butternut Squash Soup
Warm. Creamy. Yummy. Homey. 

{30 Days of Thankfulness} Day 14: 3 Gifts Silent

Rather than try and make up for the last 10 days, I am deciding to just move on. Life happens, right? 

Thank you for understanding.

Saturday Mornings

One of my favorite times of the week. I wake up (usually before the hubs) and the first thing I do when I leave the bedroom is open the blinds in the living room to let all the beautiful morning light in. I start the coffee, feed the starving kitties, make myself a little breakfast (usually scrambled eggs & toast), and then sit on the couch with my bible, journal, and pen. It is so quiet. It's a time when I can just be. I don't have anywhere to go for awhile. I can sit, soak in God's word, pray, journal and be silent. It is my mini Sabbath. It truly is glorious. The best rest I receive all week long!

A Look

You know that look. That look you get from your spouse, a best friend, a family member. That look where you understand exactly what they are trying to communicate without having to say a word. There is something so special about having a close relationship like that where you know exactly what the other person is feeling or thinking by just a look. I love that. And I am thankful to have relationships like that.

Silent Prayer

This truly is a gift. I love that no matter where I am, no matter what I'm doing, I can always be in communion my Heavenly Father. He hears us even when we're silent. 

{30 Days of Thankfulness} Days 2 & 3 Smooshed

My goodness -- it has been one crazy weekend! I knew it would happen that I'd end up smooshing days together this month. I have good intentions to blog daily.....really, I do. I took Friday off from work so I could spend the day with Tim and his family. Tim turned the big 3-4 yesterday! I'm so thankful that his parents were in town so that the whole family could get together to celebrate! That rarely happens. And today I went to my high school alma mater, which was hosting their annual marching band invitational. Two of my nieces were competing! It brought back so many memories of when I was in marching band. OH, the good ol' days. Now I'm home, exhausted from the weekend (and it's only Saturday night...) and ready to chill with da hubs and watch 'The Office'. So, without further adieu.....

{Day 2} 3 Gifts Worn
1. My engagement & wedding bands -- such a precious reminder of the covenant I have made with Tim and God. And they're gorgeous too ;)

(Via)

2. A Smile -- smiling is such a wonderful gift! Turns a not so good day, into a better day in my opinion.

(Via)

3. Comfy, cozy sweaters in the fall/winter (of course, not when it's still 80 degrees in Nov...oh TX...)


{Day 3} 3 Gifts that start with 'N'

1. Neighbors -- we are truly blessed with great neighbors on either side of us.

(Via)

2. Nebraska -- Family. Slower pace of life. Great memories. My second home.

(Via)

3. November -- one of my favorite months. Color changes in the leaves, cooler weather (sometimes), Thanksgiving, yummy seasonal Starbucks coffee flavors, Pumpkins, etc.