Project Weekend

Josh had a weekend in Fayetteville with the guys so I decided I would work on some projects. 

First off, I don't know if I have mentioned it before but every single time Josh is gone overnight it rains. Every. Single. Time. This time wasn't any different. 

Saturday I started the day out going peach picking with some friends. The peaches are still a bit small, but I got a good amount and have enjoyed eating a couple of them already. 

The afternoon was reserved for projects. Project #1 was sanding down some picture frames I found at a local flea market for CHEAP and spray painting them. I added in a bucket we have had in the garage and a glass dish that was an ugly green.

These items will be going in our bedroom (once the renovation is done). Their purpose will remain a mystery, I can say, I am super excited about how they turned out using them. 

Project #2 was building a providence bench for the front porch. I was able to make all the cuts on my own but had to wait for Josh to get home for help with 2 things. 1- I had never done 'pocket hole screws' before, I needed his guidance on that and 2- I needed his hands to hold the pieces while I put the bench together. All in all I am quite proud I made this bench 95% on my own. I am still deciding whether I should stain or paint the bench.. If I paint it I am not sure what color to go with....

(please ignore our ridiculously long grass)

Tonight I am planning on making some Banana Oatmeal Muffins for this weeks breakfasts. They have no flour or sugar, I'll let you know how they turn out. 

Till next time....

~LIFE~

In case you are not aware, I love music, I love singing, I can't get enough of it. I feel the way God and I really connect is through music. I can read the Bible all day long (which I like to do) but if you put God's word into a song...I am hooked. It puts a smile on my face and at the same time can completely break down my walls. 

Sidenote: just another cool thing about God. He speaks to and works in each of us differently, love it!

I have a couple new favorite songs at the moment (see below). Both of these songs speak to where I have come from over the last 3 years thus why I love them so much. Over the last 3 years I've struggled with loving who I am. I have questioned God, carried burdens I didn't need to on my own, and felt defeated. Some people might say, 'yea, that happens to everyone' but this was all at once, constant and the biggest struggle I have ever gone through. Through LOTS of prayer, seeking, and trusting God to guide me I can confidently say, I have broken through to the other side. I am no longer struggling through life. I know His promises more than ever before and know that I am His beloved child, treasure, and friend. I am not saying everything in my life is prefect because yes, like anyone else in the this world I make mistakes. What is different now is my reaction and attitude toward those mistakes.

I remember crying to Josh several times, "I am so tired of doing this" and thinking things would never change. Sometimes we have to walk around that same old mountain several  a couple times before we really understand and learn what God has for us. 

I think when you are in the middle of a battle it is hard to remember what 'normal' life is like anymore and as I said above you become tired. Don't give up, keep pushing through. My heart is filled with so much joy, happiness and strength now because I fought for and accepted it.

"YOU'RE AN OVERCOMER 

STAY IN THE FIGHT TILL THE FINAL ROUND

YOU'RE NOT GOING UNDER 

CAUSE

GOD IS HOLDING YOU RIGHT NOW"

and 

"WHY DO I TRY TO WORK OUTSIDE OF YOU?

KNOCKING DOWN DOORS I SHOULDN'T BE GOING THROUGH

WELL, I'M SO TIRED

I'M SO TIRED

YOU TAKE MY BURDENS OFF OF MY SHOULDERS

YOU BREAK THE LIES THAT HOLD ME BACK"

~ Enjoy the songs ~

Starts With Me - Tim Timmons 

Overcomer - Mandisa 

Of course I have to give a shout out to my amazingly patient and caring husband - Thanks for all your prayers and guidance!

HARSTAD WEDDING

June 22nd my baby sister, Andrea got married. It was a beautiful and love filled day! I cannot say enough about how happy I am for her and Brandon. Brandon is a fun guy, fits in well with our family, is more than perfect for Andrea and is a great new brother. Enjoy a couple of the pictures below.

These are from the grooms dinner. We had cakes made for Josh (birthday June 22nd) and Lisa and Michael (5th wedding anniversary June 21st). Thanks for sharing your special days!

~SISTERS~

~ Good looking bridal party ~

~ CONGRATULATIONS ANDREA & BRANDON ~

Jenny from Lane studio took the wedding pictures and wedding/reception were are The Vintage Garden. 

SMUDGIES

Looking for a yummy, yet healthy sweet treat to enjoy this summer? Try making smudgies! 

Really how can one go wrong with the 3 simple (and delicious) ingredients of banana, peanut butter and graham crackers?!?! Plus each one is only 100 calories! 

ENJOY