The Williams Post

on this day

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000-06:00

I've been shown love

-------------------------------------------------

|by my husband|

|in more ways than I can count|

|by my God|

|in his plans and provision|

|by family and friends|

|1. A "Get Well" card and scripture notebook from Kerry @ My Life, His Mission. 2. Mail from Brooke @ Bnfunky (see Valentine's Day card below) addressed to "The Williams' Post" haha i love it! 3,4. Encouraging words from one of the people who knows me best in the world - my sister, Kristina.|

|I love this Valentine's Day card in lieu of a Holiday Card from Brooke!|

I really needed all of this love this week. Yesterday was a tough one for me. I was just ready to feel better! These little reminders were a really great pick-me-up!

Wanna see last year's Valentine's Day card? It's popular with the kids this year, thanks to Pinterest, but we are big kids at heart! Check it out, here!

::Happy Valentine's Day::

Patience

2012-02-13T12:03:00.000-06:00

Today I'm linking up with two awesome blogs for the first time: Monday Marriage Letters with The RunaMuck and Glass Half Full with Finding Beauty in the Ordinary.

Clutch Giveaway winner!

2012-02-11T16:14:00.000-06:00

And the winner is.... Chelsea at Live Laugh Lynae!

*winner chosen with Random.org generator*

ChelseaFeb 5, 2012 02:21 PM
"I tweeted!"
Reply

Chelsea shared that:

"God's been showing me His provision as I plan an event for our youth girls. I tend to stress out and get anxious when things don't come together in my timing. But I'm learning that His timing is perfect, and when we're following where He leads, He'll always provide!"

Me too sister! Except for me, it's during Mexico trips.

***

On a side note, I have been feeling awful! I spent the night with my head in the toilet, every hour, on the hour. I'm not nauseous today, but I'm weak and afraid to eat much. Not sure if it's the meds or what. Wade's just gone to pick up some homemade lasagna for our dinner. And I have to tell you, it has been so nice to not have to think about cooking since I got home. Friends and family have brought us every single meal since Thursday night. I have the best people in my life, seriously!

***

Chelsea I hope you love the clutch! Email me at thewilliamspost@gmail.com with your shipping address and I'll do my very best to send it out Monday!

Thank you to everyone to entered the giveaway and shared with me what God is doing in your lives! It was so fun and encouraging to read each and every entry!

Results.

2012-02-10T15:06:00.000-06:00

As I'm sure you all know, I had a laparoscopy done on Thursday morning to find out why my Fallopian tubes were blocked. To read about the journey that led me to this point, go here.

My husband, being the amazing man that he is, took me to a fancy hotel for the two nights prior to help me not feel anxious before the hospital visit. We shopped, ate out, and visited with some friends that live in that town. I really had such a wonderful early valentine's day getaway.

I recieved so many emails, text messages, facebook and twitter messages, and phone calls letting me know that people were praying for me this week and I want to say thank you to everyone who thought of me. It really means more than you could know. I even received some snail mail from my college roomie. I feel so incredibly loved.

So, we arrived at the Hospital at about 6:45am on Thursday and things got going right away. The Doctor came in and made some jokes about my upcoming "sex change" operation, which definitely helped ease the tension! Everyone was so nice and I really truly felt everyone's prayers. I was still nervous, especially when it came time to put in the IV, but I made it through.

Wade thought he should take a picture of me before surgery for all of my blog readers haha

Well, it turns out I did have a little bit of endometriosis, which can cause infertility, but unfortunately that is not what was blocking my tubes. They removed the endometriosis, but were unable to fix my Fallopian tubes. For some unknown reason, my tubes are closed from the inside out. We don't know why, and it's not something they can fix. They recommend IVF as the next step in having a pregnancy.

The news was hard to hear. We both cried. I think more than anything, it was just terribly shocking. We had no idea, and this was not one of the possibilities we had considered.

In fact, I think it's pretty rare.

Again, like in our miscarriage, God gave us such an amazing peace. We are not sad or down. If anything, we are extremely excited for the children God is going to pick out for us. We have always wanted to adopt, as I have mentioned before. We feel confident that this is what God has called us to do and these results just affirmed that for us. We didn't know when to start the adoption process, which is why I got checked out in the first place. I never expected to find out that my chances of having a baby (outside of IVF) were so slim, but I really believe that God prepared my heart for this in many ways. One of those ways is by giving me a desire to adopt so long ago. Another is allowing me to get pregnant in 2010 and experience seeing our baby's heart beat and get a picture. I have been pregnant. That experience is mine forever.

I'm not saying I'll never feel a moment of sadness over this news, I'm sure we both will. But God's glory outshines that. To know that He has picked us for the great responsibility and great honor of being a parent to the parentless is just amazing. Why us? I feel so unworthy.

So, friends, I ask you to continue to remember us in your prayers. And keep us on the forefronts of your minds if you ever come across a baby who needs a mother and a father. We are here, waiting. I also ask you to pray for us as we reach out among the many avenues of adoption, that God will give us wisdom and direction on this new journey.

Thank you all so much and I truly truly love you!

I find you.

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

words from Deci.

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

My friends Nick and Brandi were in Oregon last week visiting Wade's brother and our sister-in-law and our nieces, as well as the rest of The Crash team and I have to admit, I was a tad -- ok A WHOLE HONKIN' LOT -- jealous! But I love that they went because they sent us messages almost daily from our niece, Deci - either by facebook post or a sweet video like this!

She says, " Hey Kerrie and Wade! I want to tell you that I love you. I wanna come to your house and play Elmo, ok?" Followed by the most awesome "blown" kisses!!

(I may be known to dress in my adult sized Elmo costume
and have dance parties with Deci on occasion...)

Here's one of the facebook posts:

"qfsgshgasaustaysysshsjfasgsjhskadFDFUYDDJHGDJSGfdjuwLKWo;sldhldhdjhfjfodpdffijhuuhqwhxbvfdhfkjdlfyfuldufudliudfudifhfdkiurourfiufuiuftu6dydywkwydgdkyukdydyidydyiw7udyidiyydw12254uwy,873754k87r7rtegyjdmxytgj5tfgxi3uy4i673l83h0px3dryxtjuxwtuutxtsuiquysuttsiudywduitdidtieyxfiufcgouybiufyuit4iu4yifgufdddddyzatssrtyrysjuyrtesyyzyyy58o37i63o7574rrejtethetrteey6tuuuuutryrreyetryrwfyucdujhghccugtydvteyttyfwutftfetftferfdsgrehrthtedtedgrdbgdfgedffgeeeydfuyyffeyfjef;lf';efuewfiwfyyewfkyfkufykyfyfwkffkuywfhfewwethtyjtutfkrjnjyyyuteuyjyyuyuyuyie2iuyey3ukjfggkefgfjefghfgf jehfgjfhtdrblidfr[=rr04otedddteedtd Love, Deci"

And, I'm told, she made sure to tell everyone that Wade and I were her best friends :) Sometimes I think she considers me her best "girl friend" more than her Aunt, but I love it! In fact, I one time called her little sister "girl friend" and she corrected me that SHE was my "girl friend", not her sister. Hah! I taught her early on that "girls stick together", so when the choice is between siding with me or Wade, she consistently picks me -- which I love.. Wade, not so much.. :)

Anyways, this has so lifted my spirits and made my week so I wanted to share it with you guys. Remember to pray for us tomorrow morning while I have the laparoscopy! And pray for Wade when we get home, as I am a horrible patient!

Annnd.. the giveaway is still on until Friday night at midnight (Central Time!) so go over here and enter!

::Love you guys!::

Possibilities.

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I was planning to tell you all about my amazing hubby today - and I'm still going to do that - but after an anxiety-ridden moment, I'm going to share that too.

My husband is seriously amazing. My laparoscopy is scheduled for Thursday, and I always get anxiety before big moments - no matter what they are. He knows this about me and has come up with the most incredible "no-anxiety" solution for me.

A getaway!

(Isn't he the best?)

My hospital is an hour away and I have to be there at 6:45am. That would mean leaving our apartment at like 5:15am (for traffic purposes).

Well, instead of doing that, Wade booked us two nights at a really great hotel in the same town as my hospital -- a hotel that just happens to be at a towncenter with the BEST restaurants and lots of things to do. He knows how much I love hotels and eating out, and it just meant so much to me that he even thought of it. It will definitely help keep me from stressing the days prior.

So, that's the plan: to head out of town tonight, check into the hotel, walk around and eat great food, shop, watch movies, and basically do whatever, until my appointment on Thursday.

And that was the only plan, until mid-day on Monday when I checked the mail and received my "what to know before surgery" list. As I read through this list, my heart stopped. It said that I was not allowed to take ibuprofen for 7 days before surgery. And while I don't take much medicine, I just so happened to wake up Monday morning with a frustrating headache, so I took a few ibuprofen. I can't even believe this. I had no idea I wasn't supposed to as I received these instructions a mere 3 days before the surgery.

I called the doctors office in a mild panic and of course my nurse was off Monday! So I hung up the phone not knowing if I was still going to be having the surgery!

What's interesting is that last night I got a really encouraging phone call in response to my post about how this all started. The caller pointed out that I didn't need to worry about taking things into my own hands. If my desire is to remain in God's will, I will. "The God who created the earth in 6 days is not unable to close the door on a doctor's appointment (if He doesn't want you to have one)" I was so touched by the advice, and shared it with Wade, who agreed.

I'm not saying that's what was happening here. I'm just saying, it's true. And this was definitely a test of whether I really mean what I say about desiring God's will above all else.

To be honest, my first reaction was to cry. I didn't, but I definitely felt the urge. I was upset with myself for messing this up. I know, I know, how could I have known?

Well, I finally got a call back and the surgery is still on! I'm not really sure why I wasn't supposed to take the meds, so that makes me a tad nervous.

I just wanted to share this because it really put my words (that I want God's will above all, no matter what it is) to the test. Did my immediate reaction express those desires? Unfortunately, less than I would have liked them to. Man. God is teaching me SO MUCH through this.

So, while I will attempt to post again before the surgery, I'm going to fully enjoy my "romantic early Valentine's Getaway/Pre-surgery Stress Relief Getaway" with Wade!

**P.S. Don't forget about my giveaway

The Girl Behind the Blog - Vlog

2012-02-06T08:08:00.001-06:00

Today I'm linking up with Erin from Captivated by Grace and Ashley from 5ohWifey for "The Girl Behind the Blog" Vlog link-up part-ay!

Basically, Erin and Ashley thought it would be a great idea for anyone who wanted to participate to answer a few questions about their blog via video (ergo, a Vlog) and then everyone will link up over HERE and see if your favorite bloggers have the accent you've subconsciously given them in your head. You know you've done it!

Please note: Yes, my voice breaks in the first few words. I could blame it on the fact that I helped lead worship at church this morning and my throat's a little scratchy... but mostly it's because I was so nervous!

Also: after watching the other vlogs that kept the time-constraint, I want to say I'm so sorry I went over (ok doubled) the time allotment! I've learned that I talk slower than I realized haha.

*Blog posts by Wade, here.

**In the vlog, I didn't prepare my answers, and when asked what the most challenging part was, I answered that it was being transparent because I didn't want people to worry about me - that I am ok.
After some really Godly advice in both conversations and emails, etc, I want to honestly admit that having people worry about me is something that makes me uncomfortable. And that's why I try to avoid it. This is not a great quality in me. It is, in fact, a barrier.
This, is the biggest challenge for me.
And I want to work on it. God doesn't mold us "comfortably", ya know what I mean?

So, that being said, I want to say thank you to everyone who has ever worried about me -- to everyone who has ever cried for me, smiled for me, or prayed for me. I'm so lucky to have such amazing people to share my life with. And I have learned so much from you all these last few days.

So, now that you've seen and heard the real me, go enter my giveaway!
(click below)

::Ta Ta!::

Give(away) Thanks!

2012-02-05T06:37:00.000-06:00

Yous guys are just so amazingly awesome that I wanted to give you a present. And if it didn't take me 3 or 4 hours to hand-sew one of these bad boys, I'd give you ALL one. Really I would. But my hands are tired, so giveaway it is.

(please don't mind the little fuzzies on the bag. I had another sewing project sitting on top of it. I promise they came off! I just didn't want to take more pictures -- how lazy am I??)

I love an envelope clutch! I also made one for my blog swap partner in black with a navy blue lining and she said that several people asked her where she bought it. *I'm beaming over here!*

How to enter:

[1] Leave a comment telling me something God is doing in your life (cause I'd love to hear it!)
[bonus entry] Share this post/giveaway on twitter (link this blog post). Be sure to tag me @ker_williams. And leave a comment letting me know!

**Winner will be chosen by random.org**
**Giveaway ends Friday, 2/10 at midnight. Winner will be announced Saturday, 2/11.**

::Happy Sunday!::

Thank you

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for being so supportive! Thank you for the kind and encouraging comments, tweets, emails and facebook messages. God has shown his love for me again and again through each and every person that has prayed for me or reached out. I mean, look at this!

Umm.. REALLY AWESOME!

It was so hard to be that transparent, that vulnerable, and you were all just so great.

Its been a bit difficult to figure out how to transition to the next blog post after what I shared yesterday, but I'm not one to get a bit of bad news and stay down for long. I had a few good cries last week, but the knowledge that God's got me gives me a joy that can't be touched - not to mention my extremely amazing husband who gives me so much comfort. So, I figured to get things back on a happier note, I'd just go to the extreme with...

{My "It's funny 'cause it's true" Pin Board!}
via Pinterest

All of which depict me sooo well.

[source]

I'm the Pug.

[source]

Wade calls me out for this all the time.. as do a few select friends.

[source]

I wish I could be completely spontaneous! But I'm a girl who loves a plan.

[source]

It's my special super power.

[source]

While most of the time I really don't hear things, Wade can tell the difference when I use that kind of "What"... although he never changes what he said. The man don't play games, hunny. And I love him for it.

[source]

Every.Single.Day.

I hope you laughed as much as I did!
***

On another note, I spent several hours yesterday hand-sewing my "Thank you Followers" giveaway gift! Be sure to check it out tomorrow!!

peace, be still.

2012-02-03T09:09:00.000-06:00

I've spent a lot of time at the Lake this week -- walking, jogging, worshipping, sitting, and praying.

Its so easy to talk about God and how good He is on this blog.
Its easy to talk about missions and married life.

But to get really personal - really detailed - is sometimes hard. It's awkward.
I don't know when I'll ever feel like a grown up, but it's not today.
And it probably won't be tomorrow.

But here I am, in an grown-up situation.

I decided to share it on my blog, even though I haven't even talked about it much with the people in my every day life, for a few reasons:

[1] Because, for me, I think better when I write.
When I just talk, words come out before my brain processes and
I end up saying things that maybe I don't really feel or think.
Here, my friends, family, and strangers can see what's really on this mind of mine.

[2] Because I love a transparent blogger. It takes courage.
But at the moment, I don't feel very courageous!

I'm about to get really transparent here.
...

In 2010, when I felt in no way ready to have children, I discovered I was pregnant. It was the most shocking experience of my life. I was sure something was wrong, or that I had an ectopic pregnancy or something. I really have no idea how I got to that conclusion, but I called Wade in a panic and made him come straight home.

We went to the doctor and they couldn't see anything with the ultrasound. They told me that I had most likely had a chemical pregnancy, but that they were going to do some blood work to confirm.

It was horrible. We left feeling so confused.

A few days later, after hounding my doctor's office, they revealed that my blood work showed that I was indeed pregnant but they wanted me to come back in.

We did another ultra sound and this time they found the baby.
We got to hear it's heartbeat at just 6 weeks.

It was so surreal. I've always had a problem with feeling adult enough for situations and at that moment I felt like I was 12 years old on the doctor's table. I wish I could say it was so exciting in the moment, but mostly I was just shocked and scared.

looking back, I'm so glad we got to see the heart beat and get a sonogram picture. I treasure it.

As we left the doctor's, I finally let myself get a little excited and we told our friends and family.

A week later, I miscarried.
It was the worst experience in my life and I hate that so many women have to experience it.

What was amazing, though, was the level to which it took my relationship with Wade. We were in the hardest situation as a married couple we had been in. We were away from home, alone. God gave us such peace. I almost feel bad to say that about something so horrible, but I don't think we could have handled it otherwise. As I said in a previous post, I rested on the physical shoulder of my husband, and the proverbial shoulder of my God.

But that is not what's hard to talk about. I've had the time to process it and am fine to tell my story.

What's hard is what I've learned in the last few weeks.

In January 2011, Wade and I decided to start trying to have a baby. (Who knew you had to try, right? It's not as easy as you'd think!) I finally felt ready, adult enough, to take care of a child.

After a year with no success, I decided to talk with my doctor. He set me up for (I'm about to speak a different language to many of you) an HSG and a Progesterone test.

The HSG was not a good experience for me. In fact, when I came out and met Wade, my exact words were, "I think I failed the test". Come to find out, one of my fallopian tubes is mostly blocked and the other is completely blocked. My progesterone test came back with equally disappointing results as I was much much lower than they would want me to be.

It was upon hearing this news that I started my outings to the Lake. I needed to hear from God. We know we want to adopt, and wondered if this was God's way of confirming that path in our lives. In all honesty, I've always thought I'd be ok if I never got pregnant, as long as I can adopt. But the idea that I can't, that the choice isn't mine, is hard pill to swallow.

After much prayer and time spent away from the distractions of life, God gave me such a peace about the whole thing. I don't know what will happen and that's ok. I don't have to! What I do know is that if my utmost desire is to follow Him and glorify Him with my life, then that is exactly what is going to happen. (Hello 20 year plan!)

The thing I wasn't sure about though, was this conflict of being active in my faith, and taking things into my own hands. Where is the line? How do I know if I've crossed it? It was these questions that made the next part so hard.

The doctors have scheduled me for a diagnostic surgery to find out what is blocking the tubes. I was so conflicted over whether or not to do the laproscopy (where they will see what it is and may even be able to fix it). I had prayed for God to show me. And He told me to just trust Him and let Him lead the way.

After some confirmations, I've decided to do it. I am doing it because I think it is important to know what is going on medically with me, and also because if I have certain issues, it is likely my sisters will as well and I feel that it is important to gain that knowledge for us all.

I'm scared. I'm not gonna lie.
I'm scared of the surgery.
I'm scared of taking things out of God's hands.
I'm scared of what the doctors may say.

But once I stopped worrying about it, once I stopped calling the doctor every single day, things started to fall into place. I had nothing to do with scheduling this appointment. And it was while I was leaving my Lake time with the Lord that I got the call from the doctor.

I'll be having the procedure Thursday (like in a week!)
So, I ask you to pray for me and Wade.
Pray that I won't have anxiety.
Pray for peace.

Pray for us to remain in God's will, for His will in our lives to be done with each and every step. Please pray that! I don't want to go anywhere or do anything outside of it.
I'm diving in faith first, only God knows what's ahead
and we're going to remain open and excited to whatever it may be.

What do I know?

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

First off -- lemme just say

Y'all are AWESOME!
Yes, I realize you probably already knew that, but I had to say it anyways!
After nearly 3 years of blogging I've finally reached over 100 Followers (through GFC - I haven't forgotten you facebookers that I know in real life).

[took me long enough, right?]

I kid.. I kid.. but really, until this past January I kept my little blog to myself and some friends and maybe Facebook. Now I'm getting out there, linking up and takin' names! And it has been such a fun month. I have met so many amazing women who love Jesus and have incredible blogs. Why did I wait so long??

The hubs promised a celebration of some sort, so we shall see what we do for that next week sometime.
And, also, I'm thinking a hand-made gift (by me) giveaway is a great way to say thanks and show you all how much I appreciate you! More details later.

Meanwhile,
I'm over at The Life of the Wife today, talking about what I don't know!

About how my life has gone in a completely different direction than I had planned out, and how I'm so happy for it! So, be sure to head over and read all about it. And while you're there, give Jenna some love, will ya?

mid-week photo drop and beyond

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

I've discovered Quinoa! And I'm in love. Recipe: here.

If you haven't tried Brie, you NEED to. It's my favorite dessert/snack for a special occasion.
Just pop that bad boy in the oven on 350 degree for 7 minutes and eat with some sliced apples. YUM.

Date night with the hubs. FOR FREE - thanks to him winning a bet on the Alabama vs LSU football game.

"Why did the duck cross the road?" hardy-har-har.

random craving for chocolate milk in a jar. Oh yeah.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"

lunch date at The Garden District in Downtown.

Can you believe the size of this apple? No, i didn't buy it.
Yes, I thought about the poor soul who bought an apple that had my mouth this close to it. Eek.. sorry!

***
Also, I'm halfway looking forward to the Vlog linkup over at Erin's and Ashley's on Monday, and halfway nervous that y'all might think I'm the most boring person on the planet! But I'm going to do the Vlog link-up anyways and think you should ALL join in!

Click the button for more info!

***

Blogger Gift Exchange!

2012-01-31T07:30:00.000-06:00

I am so glad I joined the Blog party gift exchange!

"What's that" you ask? Well, its a gift exchange/link up party hosted by Casey Wiegand, Danielle @ Changing Lanes, and Alycia @ Crowley Party.

And if I hadn't joined up, I never would have met and been partnered up with the beautiful blogger of

I swear, whoever did the partnering did a GREAT job! Michelle at Texas Tanners not only has an awesome name - Michelle Tanner, like in Full House - but she also loves Jesus! She also happens to be an Alabama fan, so she has a lot in common with the hubs as well.

When Michelle asked some questions about to me to get some ideas for her side of the gift exchange, I told her I'd love for her to just pick whatever she likes! That way I could discover some new treasures. And boy did she hook me up!

even her daughter played a part ;)

Michelle really outdid herself! I couldn't believe how many of her favorite things she sent me! And I love them ALL!

I'm slightly obsessed with this necklace! Michelle has the same one, so now we're twinsies!

I've already started reading this and its all about taking this life God gave us - this gift - and enjoying every little piece of it.

More of Michelle's favorite/signature beauty products! Little did she know, I was totally thinking that I need to paint my nails (so I will stop biting them!) but didn't want to use a bold color because everyone would notice how short they are! PERFECT!

Don't judge my shorty nails! I'm working on it ;)
**update** I was asked the color and it is Made to Honor. Subtle and beautiful!

"Delight yourself in the Lord" -- SO THOUGHTFUL! I seriously need this reminder, everyday! (again, we're twins because she has this in her home as well!)

Wade and I had a little bit of fun taking pictures of me wearing my new owl necklace from Michelle.

Thank you Michelle! You are so sweet and I'm so glad we met and I'm even MORE glad that I know we will keep in touch from here on out! You have a beautiful soul and you made my WEEK when you told me how much you loved the gift I made you! Seriously.

So, friends, please please PLEASE head over to visit Michelle @ Texas Tanners and give her some love for me! Plus, you can see what I made her!

Church at the Barrel

2012-01-30T10:10:00.000-06:00

What a great weekend! I was overwhelmed at the 35+ people that showed up to go to Montgomery and hang out with the homeless on Saturday! We started by plating some meals and then headed over to the "church at the barrel", also known as "bird and the Word" because it usually consists of some chicken and Bible study.

We handed out the trailer-full of donations (thank you to everyone who donated!) in a Free Yardsale kinda way. There was even a grocery store section! It was like a free baby walmart. Then we all grabbed a stump and sat down for worship and a great message of how God reaches into the nastiness we place ourselves in - how Jesus got dirty (taking our sin upon himself) - and saves us from addiction, sin, and many times from ourselves!

Highlights of my day:

stump-hopping with Elijah
worshipping God together
praying with Ms. Vera
learning to play the jimbay... ok, failing to learn. but still.

I was reminded on this trip that the mission field is right in front of us. I was challenged to put myself in it. There is no such thing as "short-term missions". We live on a mission, day in and day out. And my time is not my own.

::Give it all away::

a quiet walk

2012-01-29T21:03:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I just need to get away and walk.

My thoughts get so jumbled up.

God's direction looks hazy, and I need time to think and pray.

I don't get away enough, but when I do, I come back feeling refreshed.

I may not come back with all of the answers to my questions,

but a sense of calm goes hand-in-hand with quiet time with God.

I really needed this time today.

There are some things (aren't there always) that I just don't understand.

I want to know answers, see the path ahead!

But I know God's ways are above my own.

I know God is all knowing, all powerful, and He is in charge.

And there is comfort in that!

So, thank you God for beautiful sunsets and for meeting me where I am.

You are too good to me!

"No eye has seen

no ear has heard

the depths of your love, Lord"

"No mind can fathom

the love you deserve,

how great you are!"

-- Rhythms of Grace, Hillsong

All this time He spends loving me - and He deserves the love. No mind can fathom the amount He deserves!

Well, hello sir!

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

I know I'm band-wagon hopper, but I love the mustache craze as much as the next Pinterester.

You see, I was driving down the road the other day, minding my own business, when this awesome mustache passed me by. It was black and gold (not your typical mustache color), but since it was on a car I guess it doesn't need to by typical.

Inspiration hit.

"I am going to STEAL that idea!"

So, I detoured my outing and hit up Walmart for supplies.

I chose the cheapest car tag I could find, which happened to be this plastic license plate cover, and some spray paint (for plastic surfaces).

And, well, the pictures are pretty self-explanatory...

For the 'stache, I used my handy-dandy Silhouette machine that has been ~~collecting dust~~ waiting patiently to be used. (Yes, I just did the taboo scratch-out-the-words-you-really-mean thing.)

And Voila! Mustache license plate awesomeness!

(I'm thinking if you don't have a vinyl cutter like a Silhouette or Cricket, you could just made a big stencil and spray paint the mustache)

The hard part was attaching this little bugger. But that's mostly my car's fault. Thanks to the hubs and the nice neighbor, it somehow got attached.

Now enjoy the cuteness and just wait, because everyone will ask you the significance of the mustache. I need to think of a clever answer for this, because the answer "there is none" doesn't seem to satisfy the masses. Any suggestions? Humorous ones appreciated.

*note - do not do what I did to finish this project off. I made the mistake of using my arch nemesis -- Modge Podge -- as a sealer, which gave it an undesired crackling effect. No Bueno.

***

**Pray for me and the group from my church who are spending today with the Homeless in Montgomery! Pray for needs to be met and lives to be changed -- both theirs and ours!

Wait, He said what?

2012-01-27T06:11:00.000-06:00

In the book of Genesis, God tells Adam and Eve, "you may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden -- except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die." (Gen 2:16-17)

Enter Satan. (and his tricky little ways)

"Did God really say that you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?"

"Of course not!" says Eve, "He just said we couldn't eat from that one tree over there.

If we eat from it or even touch it, we will die."

(Genesis 3, my translation)

Wait, huh? God never said they couldn't touch the tree -- just that they couldn't eat from it!

I wonder how many times I "quote" God incorrectly. How many times I put words in His mouth. How we can totally miss it, even if we spend each and every day walking in the garden with Him.

There's a phrase, we all know it, that has been brought to my attention again and again lately - that we use it like Scripture when it's really not.

It's this:
"God will never give you more than you can handle"
...
nope. It's not in there.
Although I'm sure we all wish it was! Wouldn't that make life easier?

The Bible does say that we are equipped to fight against any temptations (from sin) that we come across.

"The tempations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptations to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." (1 Cor.10:13)

But most people use this phrase (in reference to the above passage) when they are going through a hard time or situation.

And ya know what? He will give you (or allow) more than you can handle. He does! Because if he didn't, and we really could handle everything life throws at us, we wouldn't need Him would we?

And I need Him. Desperately.

Maybe we should rephrase this to "God will not give us more than HE can handle."

***
I'm challenged by Eve's mistake to really know the Word of God - to seek out the truth - and not allow Satan to trip me up.

*For my blog friends who don't know, I help lead worship on occasion at church. The idea of seeking brought my mind to a song I sing with the awesome, Stephanie. (fast forward to minute 11 or enjoy the whole worship service and message on GOD - who better?)*

1/22/12 from LifePoint Church on Vimeo.

"The more I seek You,

the more I find You.

The more I find You,

the more I love You.

I wanna sit at Your feet,

drink from the cup in Your hand,

lay back against You and breath,

feel Your heart beat.

This love is so deep,

it's more than I can stand.

I melt in You're peace.

It's overwhelming."

- Kari Jobe.

"Keep on seeking, and you will find." - Matt. 7:7

I'm Zip Tied

2012-01-26T09:14:00.000-06:00

So.. guess what?? I'm doing my first ever guest post today!

Crazy, nerve-wracking, and exciting!

Thanks Megan @ Zip Tied for [a.] loving missions and Jesus and [b.] asking me to guest post over at your place about what it looks like to live "life on a mission!"

Do me a favor and head over to check out her [blog] and leave a little love!

Be sure to check back tomorrow. God's been challenging me and I can't wait to share how!

::Yous guys are the best::

Mid-week Photo drop

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

[butterfinger cupcakes Wade brought home from work. Yum.]

[quickie sewing project - new phone case]

[my current go-to snack: chocolate rice cake with dark-chocolate peanut butter. Amazing and packed with protein/good calories]

[My awesome blog supporters! Wade promised a dinner-out celebration for 100 haha]

[Excitement over a beautifully warm day in the middle of January!]

[Sunset over Alabama]

[An encouraging little card I received yesterday from a woman at my church]

follow me on twitter! (if ya wanna)

::peace out my homies::

a simple picture

2012-01-24T07:37:00.000-06:00

I'm going through some serious Mexico withdrawls! It's been two months since I've set foot on the rocky streets of Reynosa, Mexico and I'm counting down the days until I go back -- which unfortunately is nearly two more months!

I used this photo on my post yesterday and was reminded of one of the precious moments had on the Canal that somehow I never shared.

And it needs to be shared.

A few trips ago, Francis asked me to take some pictures of his family. Francis is such a precious guy, who used to be a drug dealer and a hater of all things God-related. That is, until he saw groups just like us building homes for free in the village he moved to. He saw changes happening in his friends and The Lord started working on his heart. Frances started helping build the houses and gave his life to Jesus. Now he is enamored with God's word and is teaching us what it means to live life for Christ.

The first time I met him was when I was privileged enough to tell him he would be getting the next house, and that my group would be coming in just a few short days to build it. It was overwhelming to see his joy -- joy for a 12x24 house that any American would consider a nice shed for the backyard.

When I asked him what color he wanted us to paint it, he chose "The King's blue for the walls, and pink for the trim". While those don't seem like the obvious color choices to us, his reasons were so sweet. You see, he lives in a house full of girls. They wanted the house to be pink, so, like a good daddy, he compromised :)

Back to the story at hand. Francis asked me to take some photos of his family one day. We scheduled it and as I arrived, it was obvious they spent time getting ready for the pictures. I shot a few basic family photos - nothing fancy.

A few months later, I brought the photos back. I picked two (the one above and the one below) to frame as an 8x10.

Aren't these girls GORGEOUS?

They unwrapped the pictures (it was close to Christmas) very carefully so they could reuse the wrapping paper. And then Francis did something I didn't expect.

He started crying.

He told me it must have cost me so much to do this.

I was confused and thought, no not really - the frames were half-off at Hobby Lobby!

And then he told me that these were the only family photos they had. They had no pictures of their children. This was it. They say it costs them a lot of money to get someone to take a picture for them in this quality and have it framed.

Something that was so small to me - that I threw together one day after a trip to Hobby Lobby - was a treasure to them. At that moment I made a commitment to do family photos for them each year as a gift.

As we live this life on a mission, we start to see opportunities before us that may seem so insignificant to us, but may mean the world to someone else. If God tells you to do something, do it. Even if it's as simple as taking a picture.

Why "Life on a Mission?"

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Some of you may wonder why my blog is titled

The Williams' Post: life on a mission

Since the 3rd grade, all I ever wanted to be was a missionary.

Over time, and after a few mission trips, I came to the realization through Scripture that we are all missionaries.

Jesus commands his followers in Matthew 28:19

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

and in Acts 1:8

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

I've often asked God, "What is Your will for my life?"

Well, the answer may not be as complicated as the one I was looking for
- the twenty year plan -
but may be as simple as a single command.

Here, There, Everywhere!

So, whether I'm in Mexico, India, Africa, or Alabama -- I'm a missionary.

I want to turn away from the American Dream,

live radically for Jesus Christ, and be a servant - just like Him.

Feel the Liebster

2012-01-22T07:31:00.001-06:00

For those who don't know, Liebster is German for loved, beloved, dear, favorite, or something like that.
(Don't worry, I didn't know that either.)

And this little Liebster Blog Award was awarded me by the super sweet

Britt @ The Magnolia Pair.

The Liebster award is awarded to bloggers with less than 200 followers to bring attention to their blogs.

The rules to this award are very simple:

|One| Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

|Two| Award the award to five of your favorite bloggers with less than 200 followers & link them.

|Three| Post the award on your blog.

|Four| Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the internet -- other bloggers of course!

|Five| And best of all -- have fun & spread the love.

*it is so hard to pick five blogs, because I have found so many amazing blogs lately*

But, since the rules clearly state five, here they are:

Make sure you stop over and visit Britt @ The Magnolia Pair, too! Thanks again for the sweet award, sister!

::Happy Sunday::

red lipstick

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

Since I've been in town a lot lately (which is so not normal for me. It feels strange, actually. And awesome.) I've noticed my posts are less about what I'm doing or where I'm going, but more about the why, which is also awesome.

But, since it's Saturday, I figured I'd write a fluff post on... that's right.

Red Lipstick.

I'm not a big make-up person. Usually just moisturizer, a little powder under the eyes, and some eyeliner and mascara. Sometimes if I'm feelin' fancy I'll wear eye shadow.

But for some reason, maybe because I'm less than two years from 30,

{gasp! horror! I know.}

I've been playing around with lipstick a bit.

(I warned you this was a fluff piece!)

I honestly don't know if I'll ever wear it out of the house...

but I may have worn it around my apartment while Wade was at work a few nights.

Don't make fun of me!
...

Ok, you can.

p.s. Check out Erin over at Captivated by Grace. She's got a little blip about me as one of her January Sponsors. Plus she's awesome so you should check her out anyways.

Let Go.

2012-01-20T11:29:00.000-06:00

Let go.

Of fear.

Of insecurities.

Of the American dream.

Release.

The things of this world.

The worry.

Control.

Open your hands.

Let go of what it still grasped

Give it to God.

And watch in wonder.

the photos I took of my friend's sweet little boy make me feel poetic :) Such joy is found in releasing.

***************************************************

I want to say thank you to my readers. Just since the new year, things have changed so much in my blogging experience. The comments and emails mean so much to me. I really feel that God is using this venue for His glory. I have been so encouraged and blessed by you all. It's just crazy and I feel both humbled and exited.

So, thank you all so much for reading, emailing, and commenting. I seriously love you guys.

my person.

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Wade is my person.

God knew exactly what I needed when He gave me Wade.

The other day, Wade said something to me that I found odd.

He encouraged me to not get upset by little things that might get to me that day.

I was almost offended that he must think I'm some kind of nut-case or something that get's upset all the time!

But sure enough, the time came later in the day. As I cried in my car over something silly and small, I thought back to what Wade had said. It helped me realize the gravity of the situation -- which really had no weight at all.

Later, I told him how much I appreciated his advice and that I had needed it later that day.

He then told me he didn't know why he said it, just that he felt like he should.

Obviously God was speaking through him.

And he continues to encourage me still just when I need it.

As I wrote yesterday's post about Satan's lies that my faults won't change, that I'm not good enough, and my choosing to live in God's grace instead, I got this message from him via Facebook.

"You are such an incredible woman. Your inspiration spans nations! I love you."

Whoa. I so don't see it. But I'm glad he does.

::in awe::

faulty.

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

I'm faulty.

I'm bossy.

I open my big mouth when I shouldn't.

I'm overly-sensitive.

I assume the worst.

I get anxiety.

I stress.

I suck at delegating.

I don't like to be told what to do.

I judge.

I quietly criticize.

Some of these are sins, and some are just things I'd like to change.

It seems that lately these things keep being brought to my attention
either by God or by people in my life.

And it stings.

I don't want others to notice.

I can easily listen to Satan speak lies to me...
let him tell me I will never change...
keep me dwelling on the imperfections...
and get down on myself.

Or.

I can embrace the grace of Jesus.
without which I am nothing.

Kerrie Williams's Playlist 2 by Kerrie Williams on Grooveshark

Jesus, "Sweep me away, sweep me away in Your love,
Where nothing else matters.
Sweep me away, sweep me away in Your love,
Where nothing else matters.

You're grace, it covers me.
Your love, it covers me.
Oh God, you cover me!"

I need the grace of Jesus to cover me, to cover my faults.
Satan's right. I'll never measure up.
I.will.never.measure.up.
On my own.
But thanks to God I don't have to.
I'm so grateful to Jesus for measuring up for me.
His grace has the power to change.

::Covered in Grace::

advice for the bride-to-be

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned yesterday, I had one more bridal party project I wanted to share with you all!

This amazing backdrop and the advice word bubbles were inspired by Oh Happy Day.

The crazy thing about this project is that I could only find these giant sequins in England.

Yes. You heard me right.

The U.K.!

I had to pay in Euros and everything! Hah. Maybe I went a little overboard with this party, but I feel it was worth it... And I kept reminding myself of that fact as we tediously placed each and every individual sequins on the teeny-tiny sequins pins.

So fun! I'm thinking I should add this as a permanent fixture in my home. It takes so much work to put it up and take it down, and who doesn't want a shiny gold wall in their house for impromptu photo shoots?

Probably my husband.

::Shine On!::

Bridal Shower Decor

2012-01-16T09:47:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm back from Florida and I gotta say, the bridal shower vision came together better than I ever imagined! From the moment I stepped off the plane into the ocean air of Jacksonville, Florida, the work began. I had my family's help, and even had the old folks ;) glittering, well, everything!

PINK GLITTER

everywhere.

plywood scraps, modge podged with scrapbook paper, painted and staked into the ground for the entrance

banner made with 24" strips of spare fabric, doubled over and knotted onto a rope for the window banner. Table covered in 2 yards of burlap with lace fabric runner.

Cupcake inspo: here. Used D2 icing tip. White box cake, cream cheese icing recipe here, dyed pink. Cupcake wrapper from Bella Cupcake Couture. (Bought them with a coupon from Eversave.)

Cake inspo: here. Strawberry box cake with cream cheese icing, recipe here (use clear vanilla). D2 icing tip.

Cupcake inspo: here. Chocolate box cake with cream cheese icing, directions here. Recipe here. Dyed blue and purple. D2 icing tip and brown cupcake wrappers to look like dirt for the "hydrangeas"

Lucky for me, my sister had this amazing cake stand. All flowers purchased at dollar tree!

Glittered cutlery Inspo: here. Plastic silverware from Party City; glitter painted pink with Martha Stewart glitter paint, found at Michaels or Home Depot.

Inspo: here. Fake flowers and assorted vases from Dollar Tree, filled with water -- so easy and cheap!

Engagement pictures I took of the couple EVERYWHERE.

Crepe Paper Rose Pomanders inspo: here. Streamers (crepe paper) from Dollar Tree, foam balls from Hobby Lobby. One change I made from the inspo tutorial is I used push pins to hold the flowers to the foam balls instead of hot glue. This project took days! My suggestion: spend a little more and use real carnations to save time.

Inspo: here. (2nd picture taken with my phone, sorry!) Smalls ones could have been covered up better. Large lantern was red, which turned out to be great because the bare spots weren't as noticeable! Lanterns purchased at Party City.

Party favor "cake slices" filled with valentines candy.

What I loved most about the decor was how girly it all was! Pink punch, pink cake, pink plates, pink silverware and little hints of beige thrown in. Very petite and fresh. There was however, one more project I can't wait to share with you all!

Photo back drop inspo: here. But you'll have to wait till tomorrow to see how it turned out! Hint: awesome!

::Glad to be back!::

Almost Extinct

2012-01-12T07:31:00.000-06:00

In less that two months, these three Robertson girls will no longer exist. Two of us are Robertsons no more, and the last one will depart as well as she soon becomes a Baker! (The last name, not the profession)

Since I will be visiting my lovely sisters this weekend in Florida and throwing a Bridal Shower for the soon-to-be-Baker, I won't be spending much time around the blog.

I can't wait to share all of the DIY/Pinterest-y decor that will *hopefully* be featured!

Here's to a weekend of fun with my sistas!

::See you Monday!::

knit with a cause

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Notice anything these photos have in common?

What's that?

Amazingly cool and well-made knit headbands, you say?

You would be correct!

And guess what?? YOU can have one of these warm and fashionable headbands too! Just go over to my sister-in-law, Audrey's blog to see more.

And guess what else?

When you buy one of these lovelies, you won't just be getting an earwarmer, headband, or wristband.

Oh, no no no.

You will be sending a missionary to Africa.

You see, my SIL is making these knit products by hand to sell for our friend Aimee, to help her go to Rwanda this year on what I'm pretty sure is her very first foreign mission trip!

The prices are seriously low and I can attest to their great quality. Mine never stretches and I wear it all the time... especially when I haven't washed my hair. (Can you tell in the photos above? Me either!)

::purchase with a purpose::

You are for me

2012-01-10T10:07:00.001-06:00

Talking to and listening to God through song is one of my very favorite things. I love that music has been used to worship God since the earliest days in Scripture.

It's all over the book of Psalms.

Singing to the Lord is a beautiful way to express your heart to Him. And singing alongside other believers is a glimpse of what life will be like when we are one day in his physical presence.

I can't wait.

I especially love this song "You are for me" by Kari Jobe because of the message behind it:

In times when we allow Satan to tell us we aren't good enough, we aren't equipped enough, we are alone, or we'll never get it right -- we can claim the truth in the face of the lie and sing, "I know that you are for me. I know that you will never forsake me in my weaknesses."

I know that he is for me.

::God bless::

The Crash

2012-01-09T12:09:00.000-06:00

Today I want to share with you all a ministry that is near and dear to my heart:

The Crash

The Crash exists as a sort of church planting/mission focused group. The goal is to go to a most unchurched area, integrate into the community, and plant a church that is relevant to the culture and also Biblically sound.

They are currently in Eugene, Oregon where, back in January of 2011, my husband and I helped them move with a five day cross country drive. Check out that story here.

Founded by my brother-in-law, the Crash team includes many family members and friends of mine, so naturally I love to keep up with what they are up to. All which has been made very easy as of late, since three of it's members now have blogs!

Allow me to introduce you to my sister-in-law Audrey over at Q&A where she has most recently recounted their one year anniversary of the big move.

Breanna, over at A Day in the Life of a Crash Team Member who has just posted her very first blog post.

and my brother-in-law Q at Q Crashing who shares, transparently, the pressures of this ministry as well as the rewards.

One of the ways in which God has blessed me is by surrounding me with friends and family who take the Great Commission to heart, choosing to turn from the "American Dream" and follow God recklessly where ever He may lead. It takes a great deal of courage to place your future in His hands alone - but once you do, you wonder why you ever tried to hold on to it yourself.

::Therefore, go::

Here's What

2012-01-08T20:06:00.004-06:00

Jesus loves me.

this I know.

for the Bible tells me so.

little ones to Him belong

they are weak, but He is strong.

Yes Jesus loves me.

the Bible tells me so.

::sincerely::

on my heart

2012-01-06T12:36:00.000-06:00

"Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure."

Ephesians 1:4-5

"And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, 'Abba Father.'"

Galatians 4:6

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

James 1:27

As I mentioned, briefly, in a recent post about my desire to learn and do so many things, Wade and I have always had the desire to adopt on our hearts. Even before I met Wade, I knew that was something I wanted to do. We have done some research here and there, even getting to the point of making personal contact with an adoption agent. At that time, I discovered I was pregnant.

It was just a few weeks later when we lost the pregnancy.

Since then, I have looked around here and there, peering down the many roads of adoption. As I see so many barriers, I must realize that for it to be a God thing, it will be impossible for me to accomplish on my own.

This past Sunday we were challenged to think on two things:

1. What we are doing currently that we could not do without God.

That one was easy enough, because I am completely unequipped for my job in taking people on mission trips, evidenced by my immense anxiety as those times come around.

2. What is God telling us to do, that we would do if we knew we wouldn't fail?

As I thought about my answer to this, I wanted to write "move to Mexico" sooo badly. I wanted. As I've shared before, as much as I want that, I feel confident that it is not God's next step for us.

To my surprise, my hand wrote Adoption.

It's scary, reading through all of the requirements. It feels too hard. I feel too young and inexperienced for anyone to take me seriously. And to be honest, it is even hard writing this and even harder thinking about pushing the button that will post this for the world to see. But all the same, I know without a doubt that it is a task God is calling us to. And I feel that He is saying that the time is drawing nearer.

Today I was reading one of my favorite blogs, where Kelly Moore Clark has shared her adoption story through an amazing video. You will cry, laugh... you're heart will break and rejoice. I really encourage everyone to go over to her blog and watch this amazing documentary.

And please pray that we, like Kelly, will strive to follow God's will in our lives, always being available and sensitive to any opportunities He may put in our paths.

::with love::

a sign?

2012-01-05T12:58:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I mentioned that I really wanted to learn to play piano.

Well, just two short days later, this arrived at my front door!

Apparently, my MIL just so happened to have an amazing, practically untouched keyboard under a bed in her home. I could not be more excited! I need to get a stand, but I've already been playing around a bit. Youtube is an amazing thing, and I've been looking up lessons for beginners. How did I ever learn to do anything before Youtube, blogs, or Pinterest?

p.s. have you heard about my sponsor swap?

::excited to learn::

Sponsor Swap + Changes

2012-01-04T09:39:00.000-06:00

We all know that pictures speak a thousand words.

I created this blog with the hope of sharing our story, our love for missions, and to create a place to document our life together. Over the years it has grown and I have learned more and more about this world, this blogosphere, that I never knew existed.

One such thing is the idea of sponsoring a blog. I love the idea of promoting and supporting one another with a representative photo that links the reader to another blog. I don't desire to draw income from this blog and I don't have the money to spend on sponsoring someone else's blog, but I still want to support my fellow bloggers that I love to read and let others know all about them as well!

Enter Sponsor Swap.

The idea is this. I'll "sponsor" yours, if you "sponsor" mine!

For no charge, we will swap buttons (like mine below) to display on our blog sidebars in order to promote one another!

If interested, email me at thewilliamspost@gmail.com

As a side note, you may have noticed I've changed up the blog quite a bit. I wanted a clean, crisp page and felt like trying some new things on Photoshop (another one of those things I've been wanting to do but didn't trust myself to be able to accomplish.)

More changes to come!

::Let's Swap!::

better late than never.

2012-01-03T20:29:00.000-06:00

Source: lostintherenaissance.tumblr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

There are so many things I want to learn to do.
want to get better at.
or want to try just for the heck of it.

To play piano.
Learn more about my camera.
Sew Sew Sew.

Often times, as these desires cross my mind, this voice inside tells me I can't. I'll never be as good as what's already out there. I'm too old; it's too late to start now.

I'm 28, but according to some recent paperwork I filled out, I believe that I'm still 26 - which I wrote without a second thought. I've never felt my age. I still don't consider myself a woman or a Mrs. anything!

But in-spite of all that, I still believe these lies that it's too late to master or learn a new task. In fact, I hardly ever utter the desires aloud, sure that everyone else would agree that it is, in fact, too late.

For some reason I blurted out that I'd love to learn to play piano to my husband last night and to my surprise, he said I should do it! I thought for sure he'd laugh. He assured me that it wouldn't be easy and that I'd have to put a lot of time and effort into it, but he encouraged me to find a teacher to give me lessons.

I hope that this is not something that gets forgotten. I would love to be able to play the piano or keyboard to partner with my love for worshiping God through song.

Who knows what this year will bring, but maybe, just maybe, it will include a little tinkling of the ivories.

::never too old::

bridal shower prep

2012-01-02T12:18:00.000-06:00

With my eldest sister, Wendy's bridal shower less than two weeks away, I am in full-on bridal shower mode. I've been a "pinning" maniac and cannot wait to hit up Hobby Lobby and The Dollar Store to make these things happen!

{Pinterest inspo:}

::photobooth wall with chalkboard word bubbles for advice to the bride-to-be::

::cake cake and more cake::

::creative juices::

::glitter accents::

::flowers::

::girlish decor::

It is my goal to make this happen. Good thing I have another sister to enlist as my little helper :) To see sources for these amazing ideas, check out my Bridal Shower pinboard on Pinterest!

with love,

2011 Travel [B]log

2012-01-01T16:53:00.000-06:00

{January}

::the continental divide::

::the grand canyon::

::Napa Valley::

::San Francisco::

::The Oregon Coast::

{March}

::Caribbean Islands::

::Mexico::

{May}

::Seattle, WA::

::Oregon::

::The Appalachian Trail (NC)::

{June}

::Chattanooga, TN::

::Mexico::

{July}

::Mississippi::

{August}

::Mexico::

{October}

::Jacksonville, FL::

{November}

::Gatlinburg, TN::

::Mexico::

{December}

::Oregon::

::Seattle::

Looking back at all of this year's adventures, it a wonder we were ever home at all! As each year passes, we spend more and more of our time away from "home." And while this year was packed full, I expect we will be traveling even more in the year to come. Already we have trips planned to:

North Carolina
Montana
Mexico
Florida
Mississippi
India
Oregon
and more...

I hope you continue to join us in 2012 as we continue our goal to live life on a mission!

Johnson Family Portraits

2011-12-31T10:06:00.002-06:00

A few months back, I took some photos for my college roommate and her family. Joy has recently come back into my life after 5 years apart, moving to the same small town I moved to back in 2007. As she had her whole clan in town for the holidays, she asked if I would take some family portraits for them.

I'm always glad for the opportunity to learn more through times like these and learn or apply something new each time. This time I was able to (for the first time ever) take some (in my opinion) good indoor photos! Indoor photos are a pain. They entail so much attention to the camera and lighting and settings and it can just be overwhelming and oftentimes disappointing when you pull them up on the computer and see a grainy, orange, or blue-tinted photograph.

But, thanks to my amazing friend Zach Gideon, who taught me a thing or two about lighting recently, these first few photos turned out better than I could have hoped!

One of the best parts of this photo shoot was the reunion of it all. You see, in the photo below, I went to college with 5 out of the 9 (+2 kids) people you see! And I hadn't seen most of them since I graduated! I even stayed with Joy's parents in Miami one spring break, so really I knew everyone except her grandparents, who I gotta say were very good sports in all of this -- it was cold! I can't imagine how cold it must have felt to a bunch of Miami-ians!

these girls hit the gene-pool lottery, did they not?

What a fun way to spend the day after Christmas :) Besides getting to see some long-lost college friends, I had Wade with my on the shoot for the first time! He was a huge help in getting some successful, kids-looking-at-the-camera, photos! And I may have made him go to all of the locations with me earlier in the day and be my "model" while I practiced beforehand. Gotta love that man. (if you're lucky, maybe I'll post a few of his modeling-debut photos here in a few days. Hah. He'd love that.)

i love freebies.

2011-12-28T09:42:00.000-06:00

Especially when they are freebies for photoshop! I am editing photos and thought I'd use the opportunity to play around with this freebie from Jessica Drossin Textures! Her Free Lights Overlay creates a really fun texture to the photo, don't you think?

To achieve this look, I first sharpened/defogged the photo, pulled up the lower level, and applied the overlay (soft light). I then used the brush tool (100%) to remove the overlay from the subjects, and then again at 30% over the rest of the photo to make the overlay less harsh. I finished by raising the curves just a hair.

It's too bad Christmas is over, because with this freebie, I think you could make some really great Christmas cards! Be sure to "like" her on facebook and get her freebies! This one won't be there much longer!

:linking up with:

Today...

2011-12-27T14:58:00.001-06:00

... I joined the youth group and youth leaders as they made sausage biscuits, collected clothes, and drove an hour away to a homeless "tent city" to hand them out and share the love of Christ with the people. All the while, we met great people with intriguing stories, my favorite being "Wild Bill" who had a little shank knife, rolled his own cigarettes, and kept pretty quite as he sat with the radio playing Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," which I found quite fitting.

Man In The Mirror [Remastered Version] by Michael Jackson on Grooveshark

"I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere To Go
That's Why I Want You To Know

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change

That's a good day if you ask me.

Merry Christmas, in pictures.

2011-12-25T19:38:00.000-06:00

1. Merry Christmas from the Williams'!

2. fake snow made of marshmallows and fishing wire

3.. my stocking stuffer - the cutest little sewing machine there ever was (I can't wait to give it a go!) 4. my favorite Christmas candle

5. Wade's stocking stuffer - made lovingly by moi with my Silhouette

Today marks the first Christmas for the next 6 YEARS that Wade doesn't have to work! We started the day at church, hit up Shoneys (just about the only thing open) with the father-in-law for lunch, and I spent the rest of the day singing and dancing along to Zooey Deschanel's new Christmas album while cooking my first full Christmas meal from scratch - Turkey, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sausage dressing, and green bean casserole. I'm so proud because everything made it to the table except for the gravy, and that's pretty good for me!

Christmas Day by She & Him on Grooveshark

I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas. Happy Birthday to the most important man in my life, Jesus! I love you so much!

Just Elf Yourself!

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's a tradition around here that every Christmas I make an "Elf Yourself" video of me and Wade from Office Max. So, enjoy, and make one for yourself! They are hillarious!

I stayed up until midnight making our first ever stockings last night! I'm so excited! Finally my stocking holders aren't empty (yes I put them up each year, stockingless). I love how they turned out! For a great pattern, go here. I just used the pattern and figured the rest out myself.

And on a more serious note, if you missed it, check out my post from yesterday I've spent the past two weeks reflecting on it and talking with God about the restlessness inside of me. I'd love to share with you the things God has revealed to me.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Restless

2011-12-23T12:11:00.000-06:00

A few Sundays ago, just a few days after returning from Mexico, I recieved an email from someone who loves and cares about me, concerned that I seemed restless.

It struck me. This email caused me to get into conversation with God about my restlessness. She's right, I am restless. And the more I spoke with God about it, the more I realized that being restless is a good thing.

So often in America, as I'm sure you notice this time of year, life becomes about us. I want, I need, I. I. I.

As Christians, we are in constant battle with the American dream, which was pushed on us at a young age by the world we live in. We want comfort. We want privacy. We want easy.

The morning I received this email, I was wearing this shirt. It's a new shirt and I didn't think much of it until later when I realized what the picture really was:
A man with the World on his back.

This was me. Restless. Carrying the world on my back. The heaviness of it weighing me down. All of these people: lost, following false gods, dying and going to Hell.

It's hard to come back from a mission trip, where 100% of every day is spent serving God, sharing His love, enriched in His presence without the distractions of "life" and just jump right back into the world you left behind. As I've said before, when I get back, I am only half here - part of myself reflecting in God's glory that was shown the week prior.

My brain is wracked with the need to continue. The need to NOT go back to a comfortable life - a life where I so easily go days without being solely in God's presence.

I'm so thankful for this email because it really caused me to reflect on what that means - to be restless - and how I don't want to be anything but.

It "just so happened" that the message that day was about the urgency of the Gospel. I truly believe God was teaching me a lesson through all of this - to not forget God's will in my life, which, btw isn't to live in a nice house, have a good job, and spend all my time with family, but is to respond to the urgent need of the Good News of Jesus Christ to be spread here in my country and around the world.

Please, play this hour long video as you do stuff around the house today. I had the honor of helping lead worship and sharing at the end of the message (on the Urgency of the Gospel) about what I do at Lifepoint church as the missions coordinator and just WHO I think is called to missions and WHERE I think they should go.

12/11/11 from LifePoint Church on Vimeo.

I leave you with lyrics to a song by John Mayer

"Waiting on the World to Change"

Now we see everything that's going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it

So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting Waiting on the world to change

{I'm done waiting. Are you?}

linking up with

Our final days in the great state of Washington

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

were spent making sure we saw all of the popular landmarks that make Seattle memorable.

The girls loved the Science museam (and so did we). Check out this huge Rubik's cube!

I laughed so hard when I saw Wade standing like this. Like I said, we liked it just as much as the girls did!

And of course I loved the butterfly room... except when they landed on me. I don't like that.

From there we went on to the space needle where I was honored to be Deci's personal tour guide :) I love my nieces so much, I sure do miss them!

We even got the awesome opportunity to see some friends who had moved to Seattle a few years ago and their adopted son Luke, who I'd only seen via Skype! What a sweetheart!

And we found the best book at the Space Needle, "Larry get's lost in Seattle." Deci sat me down in the middle of the gift shop (on the floor) so she could read it to me. It was such a neat book because it had all of the places we visited in it, which Deci thought was really cool. Needless to say we bought the book -- what an awesome souvenir to remember the trip!

this was the actual street our hotel was on!

While reading the book, Audrey noticed a landmark we hadn't seen yet -- The Fremont Troll! Of course that meant we had to go see it!

Officially one of the coolest cities ever.

Thanks for coming along as I shared my vacation with you :) It was so much fun reliving it.

Onward to Seattle!

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Like I was saying (yesterday that is), we then took our vacation to Seattle! Wade and I have been before, but it was Q and Audrey and the girls' first time.

By the time we arrived, the sun had set. Seriously, it was down by like 4pm! And I thought the sun set early in Alabama.

The next day we walked all over Seattle; Wade and I couldn't wait to revisit some of our favorite spots, like the Pike Place Market where we of course watched the guys throwing fish again! (To see my fish picture from our last trip, click here!)

And then Deci enjoyed a very cute gingerbread men.

"Run run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man!" -- or so Deci tells me...

We also stopped for Beecher's Mac-n-Cheese (MY FAVORITE!)...

yes, they make the cheese RIGHT THERE!

and of course, the original Starbucks for a Salted Caramel Mocha and some Eggnog lattes!

After that we went to my favorite place in all of Seattle (well, it's tied with Beechers):

THE GUM WALL!

I know! I could hardly believe it myself when we first found it. I NEED a gum wall in my house. It's so colorful and pretty and fun! Ok. Maybe not in my house.

wanna know a secret? I don't even like gum. Can't stand to chew it. But twice this year (and that's seriously probably the only times all year) I chewed a piece JUST so I could add to the art work!

Below is the view from our window (so is the 2nd picture on this post). It was gorgeous and you could see Mt. Rainer on a clear day. We were so lucky with the weather, again!

We spent the evening walking around Pioneer Square and Bellmont, led by this gorgeous gal, our step sister, Michelle, who is basically a local.

We definitely got our miles in! Q has a phone app that tracks miles walked and it said something like 8 miles. And that was before I realized I left my phone at a restaurant a mile away and Wade and I had to walk there to get it and then walk back to meet up with the others. Oops!

Ps. my sister-in-law, Audrey, made my awesome earwarmer/hat/headband thing and I LOVE IT! She is selling them to help one of our friends raise money for a mission trip to Rwanda. It's warm and cute and I can wear it to cover up the fact that I didn't wash my hair that day. For real.

To be continued...

Christmas with the nieces

2011-12-20T17:44:00.000-06:00

Our first days of vacation were spent in Oregon, and I can't wait to show off my gorgeous nieces to you all! They are some of the few people we buy presents for, and we love watching them open their gifts - which, by the way, takes all of about three seconds haha.

We even got a gift from them this year! Homemade cookies and candies by Deci.

With all of the extra luggage space we had after we gave out the gifts, we thought it might be a good idea to take the girls back with us in their place ;)

Ok.. I've thought long and hard about sharing this video of us playing Wii's Just Dance. And I've decided to do it. I may regret this tomorrow! There are many embarrassing moments in this video (like my awful dancing, and my attempt to sound cool at the end) and also many hilarious things about this video (the aforementioned, and Deci getting hit in the head and crying and neither me or Quinton seeming to notice). What? We were in the zone!

And, since I can't just embarrass myself, I feel it necessary to post this one of Wade as well (please excuse the thick southern drawl. I'm trying to work on it hah)

After a few days visiting in Eugene, OR, we all packed up and headed to Seattle! It's mine and Wade's second trip. Check back tomorrow to see more!

JUST DANCE!

why so silent, you ask?

2011-12-19T23:22:00.000-06:00

Well, that would be because I've been enjoying every second of every day for the last week with these beautiful girls, as well as with their parents -- Wade's brother and our sister-in-law. Check out their blog, here, where Audrey is sharing our trip, day-by-day!

We got home late last night. I spent most of the day doing laundry and buying last minute Christmas gifts. Tomorrow I work, gym, spend time with the hubs, so this is all ya get until Wednesday. But be sure to come back, because I can't wait to tell you all about our trip to Oregon and Washington! We had so much fun!

Christmas is upon us

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

And that means my house is decorated with reindeer....

nativity scenes...

All, of course, complimented by the Christmas tree!

And our newest addition to our yearly Christmas ornament!

With Christmas comes family time, and Wade and I are spending this week in Oregon to visit Quinton and Audrey and the girls! I haven't seen them since the summer, outside of Skype, and I cannot wait!

I know, I know, we are constantly on the go. It's crazy but I love it. I am, however, really looking forward to February when we will be spending an ENTIRE month at home without traveling ANYWHERE! I'm not sure what we'll do with ourselves!

tongue & cheek

2011-12-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

The past five years have been a time of growth. I met my husband five years ago. I went to Mexico for the first time five years ago.

In 2006, I went once.
In 07 and 08, twice.
In 09 and 2010, three times.
This year, 4 times.
And next year, I have 5 trips planned.

Its unbelievable, the amount of time God is allowing me to be in this place. The longest I'll go, in 2012, without being in Mexico is 2 months.

And although I've been 13 times, this trip had a few firsts.

It was the first time the group slept in Mexico instead of Texas. And the first time I've had dinner like this!

the bullet hole

those are the tongues! the best part!

Yep. That would be Barbacoa.... a.k.a. Cow tongue and cheek.

It wasn't my first time to eat Barbacoa. In fact, it's one of mine and Wade's favorites. But I've never seen it cooked like this! With teeth and all! And I'm proud to say most of the group tried it. And only one got sick ;)

Here's to being adventurous!

the best gift...

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

is giving.

As I shared in a recent post, Wade and I don't buy Christmas gifts for one another. Instead,we do something with our money for someone else. This year, we bought Christmas gifts for some families in Mexico with whom we're closest.

One of the families is one I have shared with you before. Merlan's family. Merlan is from an abusive background and her sister, Andrea, is physically and mentally handicapped because of that. As you can read, here, her life has turned around drastically, praise God!

The best part of this particular day was watching Andrea receive her gift. It's one of those dogs that barks and walks around. Her smile was unforgettable. I just wish I had thought to video it!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what Christmas is all about :)

Feliz Navidad!

phone case winner!

2011-12-09T10:32:00.001-06:00

Wow. It's 10:30am and I seriously just woke up. But it's not my fault. I took a phenergan (sp?) last night and those things knock.me.out! Ok.. so maybe me taking medicine is my fault.. Anywho, I'm up now and excited to share who won My Very First Giveaway for this handmade phone case awesomeness!

Without further ado... the winner is.....

1.BREANNA!

breanna said...
I wanna enter! :)
December 6, 2011 8:54 PM

Well, enter you shall, and win you shall too!
Winner was chosen with Random.org.

I couldn't believe the very first entry won! Congratulations Breanna! I'm so glad you won, because I know you IRL and don't have to pay shipping ;)

Enjoy your Friday! I know I will, as I'll be pinteresting it up with some DIY Christmas gifts :) I've been hand sewing for days and I can't wait to show you what I'm working on!

a home for baby Jesus

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Could it be more appropriate that the home we built this holiday season in Mexico was for this sweet little baby, named Jesus? And what's even MORE incredible is that this is the SAME BABY whose life was saved by the Medical team we took down in August. He had a horrible case of undiagnosed Pneumonia, and thanks to God for bringing our team at just that time, he is happy and healthy!

And now, no-longer homeless.

Until last week, they were living with their elderly parents, but to give you an idea of the area, I thought I'd show these photos of their road and the house next door.

So, we got to work painting and building...

That's my dad! I love that he loves Mexico as much as I do :)

And let the kids get involved as well.. although their parents might be mad when they realize this is stain... not paint. Oops!

and, in less than two days, finished the house.

Before the house dedication, we covered the home in scripture and some of the team made these beautiful crosses to place by the door.

We always do a dedication ceremony, and I must say, this one was my favorite! There was prayer, washing of feet, worship, gifts, and tears. It was beautiful.

Ben washing feet

The group gathered around the home for the dedication

We talked a lot during the week about being obedient to God. God told Ben to wash their feet and although it might have been uncomfortable for him, he knew he had to be obedient. After the feet washing, the local missionary, Roy, said that God told him I was to sing a song of worship over the house. And although my flesh felt embarrassed and nervous, I knew that obedience to God was necessary. I get anxiety singing on stage as well as off of it. I nervously asked the group what we should sing and they chose a song I've been blessed to lead at Lifepoint church over the last year. The words are what make this song:

"Lead me to the cross where your love poured out. Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to you. Lead me, lead me to the cross."

When the dedication was over, baby Jesus' mother was in tears. She thanked God for her home and then they invited us to eat dinner with them. These, who had so little, not even a home to call their own, had sacrificed their finances and cooked an amazing meal for this group. It was humbling, to say the least.

/13/11 from LifePoint Church on Vimeo.

to hear me sing the song the group was led to sing over the house, play this video at 00:11:00 minutes.

ps. today is last day to enter my first giveaway! Be sure to enter by midnight and check back tomorrow to find out who is the winner!

La Boda

2011-12-07T11:00:00.000-06:00

I had the amazing honor of not only attending, but participating in the wedding of my dear friends, Erika and Rafael, in Mexico last week.

How did I participate, you ask?

Well, I was the ring bearer of course!

In weddings in Mexico, it is traditional for people to sign up for and provide certain items that are part of the wedding ceremony. Wade and I signed up for the rings, which meant that we picked them out, bought them, and then presented them during the ceremony. I love these rings, don't you?

I loved celebrating this occasion with some of my favorite people in Mexico. I was so happy that they planned the wedding for the week we would be there! The changes that have taken place over the last five years are truly amazing. I mean, check out these gorgeous women below! They were just kids when I first met them! Check out my post on Julyssa, Katia, y Rey to see what I'm talking about!

The wedding was beautiful. Here are a few more snapshots from their memorable day.

In the village where we work, it is common for a family to be unmarried. As missionaries have gone and invested in their lives, we have seen God take these lovely couples and unite them in marriage. This was my second wedding on the canal (and I've participated in both). I can't wait to see where else God takes us in our relationships on the canal over the next five years!

p.s. check out my very first giveaway over here! It closes Thursday at midnight!

my very first giveaway

2011-12-06T15:29:00.001-06:00

You may remember the DIY faux leather phone case I made last month.

I recently upgraded my phone to a larger phone and sadly can't use the case anymore. I think I used it twice before I upgraded :( But, my loss is your gain because...

I'm doing my first giveaway!

That's right, this beauty can be yours!

*fits most smart phones -- iPhones, Droid incredible, Droid, Droid incredible 2, etc.* Measurements: 5"x3.2"

Here are a few ways you can enter (leave a separate comment for each):
1. Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect (find it on my side bar)!
2. Follow this blog on Bloglovin'!
3. Follow me on twitter and mention this giveaway with a link back to this post!
4. Or, just leave me a comment letting me know you'd like to win it!

That's four separate ways to enter the giveaway. I don't just have a million followers, so you're chances are pretty good :)

Giveaway ends Thursday Dec 8th at midnight (central time) and I will announce the winner on Friday!
*winner will be chosen with random.org*

here & there

2011-12-05T10:30:00.001-06:00

I'm back, but not completely present.

I got back from my mission trip to Mexico on Saturday, and per usual have been half here, half there since I got home. It's always a strange adjustment to return. One of the ladies on my team (her 2nd trip) shared similar sentiments and when I agreed (my 13th? trip) we realized that not matter how many times you go, that part doesn't change.

I find myself not wanting to talk much about it. Not because I don't want to share, but because I'm still there and not quite ready to come back yet! All I want to do is look at everyone's pictures and play the memories in my head over and over again.

But I am looking forward to sharing my trip with all of you. It just may take a few days until I'm here enough to do so.

I will, however, leave you with a photo with hopes that these cute faces will bring you back for more in the coming week :)

Today I will spend the rest of my time editing more photos from Mexico, doing loads of laundry, and finally putting up my Christmas tree!

Mexico Spotlight: Merlan

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

*Each day this week, while we are in Mexico, I will be spotlighting a person or family who we've known and loved the last 5 years*

Last but not least, I want to tell you about Merlan - who, if you've been reading my blog, you probably know all about.

I met this baby on my very first trip to Mexico. This poor child was black and blue up and down her back. We quickly learned that her dad was a drunk and frequently took out his anger on his children. In fact, Merlan's older sister suffers with mental and physical handicaps because of her father.

Mad doesn't begin to describe my feelings in those moments. Anger turned to hope as people gathered around this baby, laying hands on her, and prayed over her little body that her father would meet Jesus and change and that this little innocent child would be safe and have a happy life.

I can happily say that the Lord answered our prayers. Merlan's dad recieved Christ through the constant groups who continuously shared the Gospel with him. He is a new man, doesn't drink at all, but unfortunately lives in guilt over his former life as he sees the effects he had on his children.

Despite their rough start, Merlan and her sisters are some of the happiest children I know.

(Merlan and her sisters had to get their heads shaved because they had such a bad case of lice)

One thing I love about Merlan: She is learning English and will copy everything I say. She tells me "I lobe you" :) I have dreams all the time where she is speaking fluent English and I really believe that one day she will.

I have soooo many more pictures of his angel than I've shown today, but I don't know that Blogger could hold them all! I miss Merlan every day and find myself wishing that I could bring her across with me to stay for the summer so I could spoil her rotten!

We start our journey home today, which always saddens me. But what I love so much about this mission trip is that I know I will be back, again and again, throughout my life. Thank you Jesus for this place.

Mexico Spotlight: Sylvia

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

*Each day this week, while we are in Mexico, I will be spotlighting a person or family who we've known and loved the last 5 years*

Sylvia is so special to us. She lives next door to the Mission house we built for groups to use and has taken it upon herself to be our honorary Grandmother. She won't let a day go by without feeding me and Wade, even if we're not hungry!

In fact, on the medical trip where Wade was too busy to come down to her house to eat, she would get onto him for not coming down, roll her eyes, tsk tsk tsk, and then bring him a plate where he was working. :)

Her food is delicious. Her and her husband run a small store on the canal and don't make much money but no matter how hard we try, she will not accept our money. We've even resorted to hiding money in her store when she's not looking!

I met Sylvia on my second trip when I sat with her and tried my best to explain Thanksgiving. The closest I could get in my broken Spanish was that it was a "Dia de Gracias" haha. I'm still not sure she understood why we ate a Turkey to celebrate.

Mexico Spotlight: Manny

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

*Each day this week, while we are in Mexico, I will be spotlighting a person or family who we've known and loved the last 5 years*

We love Manny. In fact, we love Manny so much, we've tossed around the idea of naming our son (if we ever have one) after him.

Manny is one of the sweetest children I've ever met. Sometimes this is hard for him, because the older, rougher boys will make fun of him. He is a habitual thumb sucker, hand holder, and I'll never forget when we was just a little tyke (like below) and out of all the toys he could choose from, he picked Minnie Mouse.

Not only do we love Manny and his family, but Wade's mom is very close to them as well. She met his sister, Dalia when she went to Mexico in 2007 and has never forgotten her, frequently sending pictures and gifts (like this bike) with us to give her. Dalia's mom, Sarah always sends letters to Wade's mom and prayers for her. This picture below is when we brought a bike from Regina. Sarah is saying a very moving prayer for her.

Now Dalia and Manny are much more grown.

Manny loves to pose for a picture, but I promise he is not this serious in real life. The only time he doesn't smile is during a picture!

Mexico Spotlight: Myra y familia

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

*Each day this week, while we are in Mexico, I will be spotlighting a person or family who we've known and loved the last 5 years*

Mayra is a mother of 5 (soon to be 6!) who is close to my age. Ever since I met her, she has been as much of a missionary as the groups coming from America. She is always looking for ways to serve the teams in return.

One neat fact about Mayra: She gives her children the most precious names - Benjamin, Rosa ("pink"), Christian, Dulce ("sweet, candy"), and Jireh (like in the Bible).

Mayra (back then)

Rosa (back then)

Dulce (back then)

A few years ago, we were able to be a part of Mayra and Mauricio's wedding :)

Families in Mexico don't always do church weddings, but are starting to now, even if they have been together for years and years.

Mayra and baby Jireh (now)

Rosa (now)

Dulce (now)

me and Dulce (now)

Jireh (now)

There are two additional boys, who are very smart (and one who is VERY rowdy) but I don't have photos right now. There will soon be three, as Mayra is currently pregnant with another boy! Can you image 6 children at around 30 years old? She is one heck of a woman.

Mexico Spotlight: Cynthia

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

*Each day this week, while we are in Mexico, I will be spotlighting a person or family who we've known and loved the last 5 years*

Cynthia was one of my first little friends on the Canal in Mexico. She was just 4 or 5 years old when we met. We were attached all week long and nothing changed 6 months later when I visited again.

What broke my heart: One day while I was visiting with Cynthia's mom and grandparents, they asked me to please take Cynthia back home with me. They weren't kidding. That was so hard. I still feel sad about it. looking back, i know God didn't want me to take her because I see how much her family loves her and would miss her in their lives.

After my first two trips, I returned again expecting to reunite with my amiga, only to find that she had left with her family. I didn't know where she had gone and I didn't get to say goodbye.

Four years passed and one day, upon arrival at the Canal, a beautiful, familiar face was there before me. Cynthia called out to me by name and we hugged; were just so happy to see each other again! We then built her family a new home to live in :)

Nothing has changed between us, in fact, our friendship is stronger having survived such a long separation. This last trip, Cynthia asked me for a Bible and I was able to give it to her as a gift at her school graduation, which I also was able to attend! I love being a part of such huge milestones in her life :)