A Display of Faith

I know I've been missing on this blog forever, but I just had to break the silence. You all just need to hear the story I'm about to tell, because it's blessed me so much.. I know it will bless you.

My twin sisters are senior starters for their varsity basketball team. They love the game immensely, such as is common in this "neck of the woods". The area in which we live pretty much LIVES for high school basketball during the winter. This year, their team went into the tournaments in the number one spot. They had the full potential to win states.



Twice this past season they made a decision that our family is all too familiar with. They chose not to play in a game because of religious convictions. We believe in keeping the Sabbath, outlined in the Bible as the time from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. During this time, we abstain from work and set our attention on worship, building our faith, and encouraging others. My sisters and I all made the decision when we were young not to play competitive sports during the Sabbath. Over time, we've had to make some tough decisions because of this belief, but none as tough as my sisters made this last weekend.



In the tournament, they had won their quarterfinal and semifinal games and were advancing to the Eastern Maine Finals. The only game after that is the State Championship. The finals were scheduled for 9am Saturday morning. My sisters didn't just decide not to play that day. They had already made that decision a long time ago. But that didn't make it easy.

Thursday night, after they won their semifinal game, we were all pretty much in tears because we knew it would be their last game. The community knew as well.. and every member of our family was incessantly asked questions. The press took note as well, and their story has since been featured in several newsprints and online editorials.

We were sad, but not because they "couldn't" play.. because the game was on that day. They didn't regret their convictions for a second, even though they knew that their presence on the court on Saturday could have meant a win.



Saturday morning came and we anxiously waited for a phone call on our way to church. We got the news just after the game ended. We had been defeated.

Defeated in a game, but not in faith and conscience. I've never been more proud of my little sisters. The coach of the opposing team in the finals summed it up better than I could ever:

"This is just a game of basketball. Theirs is a game of life and they're the champions for making that decision and following that."

I couldn't agree more.

Opportunity

Today at work I received a call from our church's Women's Ministry director for Northern New England. They're organizing a women's retreat for early this fall. It's basically a weekend away for women and young ladies to get refreshed and reconnect with God. There's a program for the teen girls every year, aside from the seminars and activites the women attend. Two years ago I was the presenter for the teen track, and it was an amazing experience. Today when she called me, she invited me to be this fall's presenter as well. I am so excited, yet so humbled. There are so many days when I don't even feel worthy of my Savior's love, let alone fit to share it with so many girls in such a public setting. I told her that I would give it some prayer and get back to her tomorrow. I'm most likely going to accept the offer.. not because I think I have anything to say to those girls that is of importance, but because I choose to be always willing when God asks me to let Him speak through me. I have no idea what He's going to give me to speak about, but I'm trusting him to do a miracle. If even one girl becomes closer to the Lord as a result, it will all be worth it. Your prayers would be very appreciated. Not just for my presenting, but for God's leading, and the open hearts of the girls that will be attending the weekend.

People

A couple weeks ago I had somewhat of an epiphany on the ride to church. I was just reflecting on what I've done over the past year, and what kind of an impact I've made. Every once in a while I go into a super introspective moment.. and this was one of them. Since I'm pretty focused on my decorating career right now, I tend to get a little wrapped up in material things. I'm constantly reminding myself that, well, it's all gonna burn! Seriously though, the ONLY thing that lasts in the end is other lives. How many lives have you impacted? Whew! Heavy stuff!

Kind of makes me step back and re-evaluate. Makes me write that hand-written note, smile at that grumpy co-worker, take some time and listen to a peer. So while most people are making new years resolutions.. I'm just going to change my focus. My goal is to THINK about every single thing I do. Why am I doing it? Is it selfish, or am I looking for a way to impact someone else?

Anyway, I won't keep expounding on that, but I just wanted to share. I figure if it hit me like a ton of bricks, it might get through to you too. :)

Merry Christmas!

Hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas with your families! We've had quite the eventful day here. This morning Z surprised me with a scavenger hunt around the house AND garage to find my Christmas present from him... a new diamond ring. Girls' best friends, I tell you. ;) When we got engaged we were pretty focused on some business goals, and all our $$ was going to that. Therefore, my ring was pretty.. conservative. Don't get me wrong, I still think it was beautiful, and I still loved it. Z had always told me that he wanted to upgrade it for me though, I just never thought it would be this soon. It's a beautiful 3-stone setting.. I attempted to take a picture of it, but I need to try again when it's not dark outside. It's quite a bit more to look at when I'm doing things, and I find myself just staring at it sparkle a lot. Ultimately though, I think it's big for Z. I think it's his way of telling me I'm worth it. That no business amibitions or anything come before each other anymore. Once you're engaged, and then married, the "can I see your ring"? questions never stop. He told me he feels much more proud showing people the ring he gave me now. Proud, in a good way (this is in no way an ego-thing for either of us- we're just not that type).

It was so great being back with family this year. I truly count it a blessing to be here. Oh, and did I mention we have 2 FEET of snow? Ridiculous! But, it'll make the skiing and snow-sledding much more enjoyable! Z got outfitted with a new snowboard, boots, bindings, goggles, season pass to the mountain in our backyard, and new boarding pants and coat. Let's just say.. no one in our families had to think too hard about what to get him this year. He plans on heading out to try everything out on Sunday.

Right now we're watching the old classic, White Christmas. It's kind of a tradition with Z's family, so we're adopting it. :) Any of you have a Christmas movie you watch every year?

Thanks for letting me share a little of our Christmas with you! I'll be posting about some of my fave gifts on Project Pretty this weekend, so pop over there if you're interested!

Just Saying..

K so I know I haven't blogged since Thanksgiving. Terrible blogger? Yes. For those of you who don't follow Project Pretty, that's where I spend most of my time. So really, I've been blogging, just not here. :) But anyway, since Christmas is right around the corner, I had to share these photos of my little nephew... Seriously, I believe I have the most ADORABLE nephew EVER.



..just saying. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hope you all are enjoying a wonderful holiday with your families today! We all ate a ton of food, and there's a major Wii tournament going on right now.

I'm still trying to decide if I'll brave the black Friday shoppers tomorrow. My gift certificate to the mall is making me think it could be worth it.. :)

In other news, Z and I will be celebrating our first anniversary on Sunday. We're taking off for the weekend to a sweet little bed and breakfast on the coast of Maine. Sooo looking forward to it!


This is also post number 200 for Wedded Whims, and just the other day we celebrated 100 posts over at Project Pretty. Swing by if you want to get in on the giveaway action! I'm so happy to have met all of you through blogging. Thanks for all your encouragement and support!

Stress

Readers, thanks for sticking with me. I have been physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted lately. When I took this new job, I had no idea it would be the way it is. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely a blessing. And I do believe it's where God wants me right now. But, it's been very, very stressful.

If I didn't tell you before, I'm the financial coordinator for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We do everything from wisdom teeth extractions to botox and face lifts. I'm pretty sure I'm the only Christian working there, so that makes it a little tough. The language is pretty rough. Okay, really rough. The pressure is on me pretty thick to be bringing in $$$. So, on weeks where the numbers are low, the stress really gets to me.

I've been pulling a lot of 10 hour days, going home with little to no energy. I've been dreaming about balancing accounts and fighting insurance companies almost every night. It's not a job I can leave my office and forget about. I'm constantly trying to think about ways I can bring my AR numbers down or prove my work ethic more.

I'm also having issues with stress-eating. I constantly get the urge to munch. I have pretty much been inhaling life savers. Thankfully, my thighs aren't showing the results of that too much yet. I'm trying to stock my desk with clementines, apples, and bananas instead. So far, that has helped. Next week I'm going on a sugar-candy fast. After my mom's lecture about how excess sugar weakens the immune system (yes, she's an RN), I've decided to cut down. H1N1 is EVERYWHERE now. 12 % of the local high school was out sick a couple weeks ago. I'm just grateful to be healthy right now.

Anyway.. that would be the reason for my lack of posting. I've just been feeling drained, consumed with work. And since I don't want to bore you everyday with my rambling about numbers, I haven't been posting. I sure would appreciate your prayers. I know it'll get better eventually. It has already started to. My numbers last week were much, much better. God is giving me patience and strength and is starting to reward all my hard work. Despite the circumstances, He is faithful!

I think I'm starting to get used to it, and I'm sure I'll get into a routine that works for me soon. I've missed you all like crazy!! I've been keeping up with your blogs, and even when I don't have time to comment, know that my prayers are with you guys! :)

And, just to make this not a totally pictureless post, here are a few from a recent family hike:

{gorgeous, eh? :)}

{haha, it's hunting season..}

{my goofball sister..}

{the whole fam}

3 Blind Mice

Last Saturday night my sisters wanted to dress up for Halloween. Personally, I'm not into Halloween at all.. but I'm always up for dressing up & having fun. So.. long story short- their friend who was going to dress up with them bailed and they needed another "mouse" to complete the group costume. Z and I were planning on going on a date that night, but he decided he'd take all 3 sisters out instead. So.. being the good sport that I am (wink..) I not only made the "ear hats" and tails, but wore them too.

{can you tell which one's which?? ..yeah, if it weren't for my more *ahem* mature features, no one could've either}

{caught mid-hip swing.. lol check out that tail!}

{getting a little cozy with the hubby.. (no, he didn't dress up)}

{gangster mice}

{walking into street lamps.. cause we're blind, of course}

{so glad to be back together again!}

Simple Pleasures

I LOVE having my own bathroom attached to my office at work.

Why?

Because I can sit on the seat without worry.

It's all in the simple things. :)

This land is your land... this land is my land..

Sorry for the lack of posting lately, guys. I'm just in a bit of a slump. I'm stresssssseeedddd with work, so when I get home I feel like doing nothing but snuggling with the hubby or watching hgtv. I've been there for a week now, and I'm just telling myself that it will get better soon. I'm feeling like "the little engine that could".. chugging up the mountain.. just waiting for it to level off. So.. it'll get better soon.. I promise. Or, I'll end up checking myself into a spa for like a week straight.

Wouldn't that be nice? :)

Anyway.. things are chugging along with the land. Want to see what it looks like?

It's pretty dead right now since all our pretty leaves have fallen, but it's truly a beautiful spot.

{nearly 1400 ft. of road frontage}

{pretty view of mountain}

The trees that you see would be a tiny portion of the 30 acres of forest.. the open fields are 19 acres of potential. I'm starting to have fun with the whole idea of designing my own home. I just need to work on the whole patience part.. :)

Happy Birthday to Us!

Today is a special day for my mom and I- we share a birthday! Unfortunately, we both work all day.. but we're looking forward to celebrating together sometime soon.



And.. while I was too busy to blog a couple days ago.. my dad had his birthday. Yep, all 3 of us within 4 days of each other. :) So, happy birthday to you to, dad!! :)

Poll: White Coats

I've been having THE HARDEST time picking out a ski jacket. I've narrowed it down to a few criteria: North Face, no arm pit zips, 3-in-1 that zips together, and must have white & grey. I found one I love, and the store is holding it for me.. but there's just one issue- it's mostly white with a little grey.

I know, I know, that's what I said I wanted. But I'm starting to wonder how practical white is going to be. How easily will it get dirty? How hard will it be to keep it white??

So.. that's where you all come in.. anyone own a white ski jacket? How do you keep it clean? Are you happy with the white or would you go back & switch if you could?



Thanks in advance for your feedback. I need to decide soon!

Land..

We're signing a contract right now. The sellers accepted our offer and we have an agreement. Provided all the technicalities go well, we'll be the owners of 49 acres of beautiful land very soon.

So why am I not jumping up and down and super excited?

#1- My house / property hunting emotions are drained. I think I just stopped getting excited or sad. I'm just kinda of okay with whatever. It's too exhausting to commit to the journey 100%.

#2- We will have land. Not a house. Which means we will continue to live in my parents' "basement apartment" until we have a house. Living with the parents? Really much better than I thought it would be.. but still. We're not out on our own technically. Sure, we could get a separate apartment.. but we're saving fantastic amounts of money by staying here.. so we're torn. It's super smart financially, but I don't know.. maybe it's a pride issue. Probably.

#3- Building our own house is a LONG process. No, we're not just hiring a contractor to do the entire thing. We're acting as self-contractors. Another smart financial decision. Why, oh why do the smart ones have to be so.....difficult?



I think I'll be excited when I see the foundation getting poured. Although, in reality, that might be like another year and a half. We're limited by seasons around here. And the budget of course. So we might have the land in November, and the driveway, septic, well, power lines, and other details done this summer.. but realistically.. it might be the summer of 2011 til we have the finished house. Ugh. I'm trying to be positive because in the end we'll have a gorgeous, brand spanking new house.. but right now it's a little tough.

Happenings :)

So remember how we've been house hunting for like the past year? Well, we might have come to a different decision. We were just about to put an offer in on a house we really liked, but Z had another idea. He thought we should build instead. To be honest, I was mad. Right now, I just want to settle down after so many ups and downs the past two years. But, I've been praying for an open mind, and for God's guidance.

We looked at a couple properties on Sunday. The first was 49 acres and the second was 98. Obviously, the 98 is a little bigger than we want (my dad is actually thinking about buying it as an investment). But, the 49 seems just about right. It's a beautiful lot with a large amount of road frontage, a big hilly knoll perfect for a house on top (with a great view), a big area of beautiful forest, and borders a pretty little pond with a view of the ski mountain. It's 5-10 minutes from the ski mountain, a couple minutes from the little town (grocery store, etc.), and about 15 minutes from work for both of us. We put in an offer on it today.

So.. your prayers would be appreciated! I'll be fine no matter what happens- if nothing else, I've learned that God's way is best. If he opens the doors for us to get this property and build, then I'll be happy. If not, I'll know he has something better for us.

My new job is going pretty well. It's been rather stressful so far. We're just so busy that I haven't really gotten the training I need, therefore causing me to get behind. And when I'm behind.. I'm stressed. The girl that was there before me left things very undone, and I'm having a hard time figuring out where she left off, and what things she did wrong that I need to correct.

Z's currently working with my uncle building homes (hence the decision to build our own), but he'll be starting a new position at the beginning of November. He's been working a LOT, and driving long hours back and forth, so we're only getting an hour or two per night together. Thank goodness I have my family right here.

My dad's birthday is Thursday, and my mom and I share a birthday next Monday. My sister and her boyfriend made us this fun cake the other night:


Cute, right? We were pretty impressed!

Sorry for the lack of posting lately! It's been a little crazy! It'll get better soon! Love you all!

New England Runs on Dunkin'

So usually ad campaigns exaggerate the truth a wee bit. I'm sure most of you have seen the whole "America runs on Dunkin'" campaign from Dunkin' Donuts. I don't know how true it is that America runs on Dunkin.. however, I'm beginning to believe that New England truly does.

I'm going to need my NE (New England) girls to back me up on this one.. Where we used to live in Ohio, I knew of MAYBE one DD's in like a 100 mile radius. And, we were pretty close to some major cities. But here?? There's a DD's on pretty much EVERY interstate exit.. and then some. Pretty much anywhere you go you can find yourself some Dunkin. Though not everyone's as hardcore committed, we've got some straight up faithfuls.

I never realized it growing up here. But coming back after a few years away with a midwestern hubby, it really stands out. He couldn't believe how many Dunkin Donuts there were on our trip up here. Funny thing is, I think Z has officially been won over. He's on his way to being a true New Englander.. drinking a Dunkin' coffee almost everyday. Now, there's just one more point I need to get him to commit to...

Fab News!

God is SOOOO good you guys! Let me preface this by saying when we moved up here (a more rural area) I figured I'd have to "downgrade" in job professionalism. I figured there would be less positions and even less good ones. So, I responded to an ad in the newspaper for an administrative assistant. I got a call for an interview and found out they also had a position for a financial manager open. So.. feeling that I was well qualified, I expressed my interest in that one. I got a call today for a second interview. I went in & met with 4 people (including the CFO) and walked out with a job!! WAhooo!!!!! How amazing is that? We've barely been here for a week and I already have a job- I start Monday. All of these blessings just make me feel like we made the right decision in moving here.

*happy*

It's so good to be back, you guys. I never realized how much I loved it here until I left. Nor realized that I'm a bit of a complex person.. lol. See, I've tried it all- country life, city life, suburban life.. And really.. I feel like I fit in each place.

Part of me LOVES the city- I love the energy, the constant buzz, the opportunity, the convenience & proximity of shopping options, the fashion, the design, etc. I enjoy it so much. I lived almost a year in the city. The only part I didn't like was the dirtiness, the bums, & lack of SPACE.

I spent almost a year in midwest suburbia, development-land, whatever you want to call it, as well. And really, I loved it there too. I loved the neighbors, the cute little neighborhoods, the perfectly manicured lawns and bushes, the beautiful bike path, & my running route. And, I'll admit- I kind of liked the stupid status-y stigma. However, I still felt like my wings were clipped.

I never would have told you I loved the country 5 years ago. Uh-uh, no way. I wanted out. And I got out... and came skipping back last week. :) Oh my gosh, this place is beautiful. I LOVVVEEE New England. I don't care if we have cold snowy winters, or if Cracker Barrell hasn't made it's way into Maine yet. This place is gorgeous, and I'm so thankful to be here. If I ever forget that, would you all remind me please??

Anyway.. call me a chameleon.. I can learn to love it just about anywhere. I think that's what God's taught me these past few years. I've gone through periods when I hated where I was.. only to lose precious time I could have been enjoying my surroundings. So seriously, if you don't like where you're at right now, learn to okay?? God puts us in places to stretch us sometimes. And I believe that if we learn to appreciate where we're at, it enables him to bless us through it. I missed out on several blessings I'm sure while I was in high school and hating northern Maine. Now that I'm back and my eyes are open.. God is blessing me abundantly. Just tonight he sent me a little message in the form of beauty:

This is the view from my parents' front yard. Gorgeous, eh? Oh, and Canada's on the other side of that mountain. We'll blame the "eh's" on that, okay? :)

Here's a quick rundown of what's going on: My parents have made their basement into somewhat of an apartment for us for right now. We're house hunting at the moment, and will buy as soon as God leads us to the right one. Z's got a job and starts monday. I've had two interviews since I got here, and I felt pretty confident about both of them (I'm a bit over-qualified for them..). I should know about both of them by Friday. I've said the same prayer before each- just that God would bless my words, and that I would be hired where HE wants me, not where I want. Sure takes the stress out of interviewing. I do my best, and if it's where he wants me, I'll get it. Simple enough. My dad's in Louisville on business and my mom and sisters left to visit a college in TN today, so Z and I are alone in this big house for a week. I plan to get lots of cleaning and fall decorating done for my mom while they're gone. I'm just feeling super blessed right now, even though things are in a big transition stage. Anyone else able to relate??

Oh, and a BIG shoutout to my fellow New England bloggers! Glad to be back with ya, ladies!! :)

We made it!

We've landed in Maine!! I'll be back with updates later, but finally, after 36 hours, we're here!

Burried in Boxes

I haven't blogged in almost a week and I have a billion things to update you guys on, but I only have a quick second to thank you all for your support lately. Your comments on my last post truly touched my heart, and proved again what I've known for a while: I have some of the best blog friends ever.

It's 9:30pm right now, and I probably have a good 3 hours of packing ahead of me before I can even think about laying down to sleep.. in a sleeping bag.. Because I washed our sheets and packed them. Oh boy..

This moving thing is rough. It's my 6th time in a little over 2 years doing this.. but I do believe this time is the hardest. We're not just moving to a different suburb.. we're moving 1200 miles away with a ton of stuff.

Anyway, I've got oodles to do and a back that isn't going to hold up much longer, so I'll have to catch you all later. I'm working on catching up and commenting on all your blogs.. but I'm afraid it's hard to keep up when I have so many things to do here. It'll get better soon, I promise. Until then, I love you guys!! :)

S.O.S.

So leah had a post titled this the other day, and I had to follow suit. For the same reason as her.. and then some.

Guys... I'm exhausted. My apartment is an absolute disaster. There are boxes literally taking over every room. Disorganization stresses me out. I've been staying up late trying to get everything done.

And what's worse... I don't even dare to talk about online. Let's just say I found out some information (that was no doubt meant to be hidden from me) today at work. I feel hurt, cheated, lied to, and downright furious. This would never have happened if my other boss were still here. I miss him so much... and now that he's gone, things just aren't the same.

I have never been more ready for a change in my life. What I found out today at work just put me at my wit's end. I wish I could just tell you all... and I wish I could have taken action today.. but I can't do either of those things because I can't risk it getting back to the wrong people and hurting me down the road.

I am trying so hard to give my anger and resentment over to the Lord.. but at this point, I feel I'm failing miserably.

I learned a hard lesson today... sometimes those you trust and admire will not only let you down, but be the ones that deceive and hurt you. And... as painful and infuriating as it can be, you can't say a word or do a single stinking thing about it.


I also learned that a full body exfoliating scrub is NOT for the timid.. but more on that later...