Our Bow and Bow Tie Gender Reveal

The moment I saw two sparkling pink lines on our pregnancy test, my mind started running a mile a minute.  With overwhelming emotions, I couldn't wait to find out the gender of our little "oven-ed bun."  

I'm not a traditional girl and I knew I didn't want our reveal to have the traditional blue and pink--after all our wedding colors were neutral, our home decor is neutral, and my favorite outfits are neutral!  I hope this isn't a fad because I'm so in love with shades of white and brown.  

To keep with the non-traditional theme, I wanted this reveal to be very shabby chic, neutral, and pinteresting. 

We started with a photobooth station.  The pennant banner reads, "It's a ..."  And no, the three dots were not meant to be a hint at the gender!  

 

For props we went with bows and bow ties.  It was precious to see the guys put a bow to their head :)

I really wanted to make the food display stand out.  My sister helped me big time with this part.  We played around with several ideas and props and decided on picnic baskets and luggage to give different  height dimensions.  

This pennant banner reads, "Cravings."  We used a lot of different materials and textures on the table.  I adore the results.  Everything I envisioned came to life...and surpassed my expectations.  

For the drink station, my sister so cleverly brought out a "Made in Texas" box to hold the napkins and silverware.  I love the subtlety of it. Of course, we couldn't resist using mason jars with brown and ivory chevron straws.  And, for an added touch, my sister made tags for the sweet and unsweet tea.  

We had a game set up for people to guess old wives' tales before we did the big reveal.  

And then it was time!!! 

I was shaking with nervous excitement and anticipation.  I couldn't wait to see everyone's reaction.  We made DIY poppers and had everyone gather in the living room.  We counted to three and let 'er rip! 

Though I wanted a picture with confetti flying in the air, seeing everyone's reaction was so perfect!  From my dad's overjoyed expression to my husband's sweet smile, these pictures were everything I wanted to remember this moment!

*Side note: My husband didn't want to find out with everyone else so we had the doctor write it on a piece of paper and we took it immediately to the baker!  They made us a simple cake and we had a special dinner for just the two of us.  Finding out the gender of our baby was the best moment of my life! I was truly overwhelmed with emotions.  Ohh, I could go on and on...I just love my sweet baby.*

And, as you can see in the reveal reactions, we are thrilled to be having a ...    

Finally, we brought out the Hershey's for everyone to enjoy!  (The tree has all of the Facebook votes on it--instead of using a chalkboard tally)

Once everything was revealed and we indulged in chocolate and pies we did a final group photo with our bow ties :)

We had such a great day with everyone! We realize more each day how blessed we are :)

Dear Baby

To my fellow friends,

Months have pass by and, though my thoughts were constantly writing new stories, I let life advance without transcribing it's events.

I'm back with big news--my husband and I are expecting our first child <3

I am 15 weeks and a couple of days and our little dear is progressing quite nicely.  Measuring ahead of schedule and notifying our doctor of his/her gender, I am anxiously awaiting the day I know if I will have a son or daughter!

What a thought...

I've seen such a beautifully executed method of parenting from my mom--grace when I was rebellious, unconditional and sacrificial love when it was so undeserved, and comfort when I was hurting--to name a few.

To think that now I take on the mom role is both exhilarating and terrifying.  I know that it will all work out for the good, but, boy, are my hormones battling me on a minute by minute basis! *Crying in the booth at Cheesecake Factory because they didn't have the dessert I had been craving for a month?! Oh yes, it happened.* 

And while I am adjusting to the responsibility that lies ahead--
The formative years my child will go through--me teaching my child to take on each and every single fruit of the spirit, leading by example.
The growing years--when they are learning and developing and questioning and wondering--my husband being the pastor of our home, us boosting our child's confidence, fostering a peaceful environment, reflecting Christ, and keeping open communication.
The teenage years--can I skip this one??? I think the Lord will guide us to parent as we learn our child, their personality, weaknesses, and strengths.

The moment I laid eyes on that incredibly dark pink line at week three, it hit me.  Every action, every word, everything I do is a method of teaching for my child.  This sweet baby will learn from my husband and me.  We are now teachers, mentors, pastors, counselors, disciplinarians, and so much more.

I can't get past how huge of a responsibility this is. 

But it is an extreme honor and blessing.  I am a dear.  I am His dear, I am my beloved's dear, and, now I anticipate my little dear.



 

Life, Lyrics, and Love

If you've ever seen Hope Floats, which happens to be my all-time favorite movie, the expression, "I just don't want to be known as Bernice Matisse," means something to you.   

I've always loved the actress that plays Bernice, who is about eight or nine in the film.  If you've never seen it, the scene where she's sobbing for her father will undoubtedly bring you to tears!  It's just a good old-fashioned tear jerker.

But toward the end of the movie, Sandra Bullock, who's name in the film is Birdie, reflects on her mom's words and tells Bernice, "Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome.  That's what momma always says.  She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most.  Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning.  Just give hope a chance to float up.  And it will, too..."

The first time I watched Hope Floats was with my grandma, which contributes to it being my favorite.  Boy, do I miss her.

But, I promise, I have a point to make.

Last night, the message in church was about feeling misplaced.  And, though it was meant for our beautiful youth students who have entered this awkwardly interesting stage of life, I found myself soaking up every word.  Every time the speaker and I made eye contact, my soul screamed, "Hey, this is for me! Tell me what to do.  How do I get where I'm going?"

Ever had those days?

My husband and I ventured on a new beginning almost six months ago.  Can I sidetrack for just a minute--please?

I've found that when you're 10 years old, you just want to be a teenager.  Then, you daydream about being 16 and independent.  Then, it's 18 and moving off to college.  Then, it's getting married, having a career, and starting a family.

I guess new beginnings and human longings never end.  Oh, that the Lord would help me to not say things because I am in need, but help me to learn to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil. 4:11). 

We are closing in on six months of marriage.  I am stuck in the middle with my husband--a little lyric humor for anyone?

Yet, if we can just give hope a chance, we will find that the ending will not be sad, but beautifully orchestrated by the Maker. 

Beginnings can be exciting, unknown, intimidating, or scary.  The middle can seem stagnant, unmoving, filled with tough lessons, misplaced.  But, God knows the plans he has for each of us.  Plans to prosper us and not to harm us.  Plans to give us a hope and a future.  I'd say that's a pretty good ending.

Joy From Hatred

Lately I have been pondering several topics that are most definitely controversial.  However, I feel freedom in this community of bloggers as I might should feel in other social networks. I must say that I commend the blogging network on their acceptance of the open forum concept.

Sigh.

I think I will jump right in--

In light of the Starbucks debacle, I've seen so much unfold.  From the uncanny thirst for a Starbucks drink, I see that this entire situation has probably boosted their market.  That's my business mind.  But my spiritual mind is working hard to find truth and resolution--after all, I've already admitted my desire for control.

Here is my concern-Christians in America.  I preach to no one here.  I know the saying, "judge not lest you be judged."  But hear my observations, if you will.

It is the Christians who are deeply concerned about homosexuality overtaking our nation.  It is Christians who desire for the American nation to be under God.  It is Christians who want conservative morals and principles as the foundation of this great nation.  But is it not Christians whose actions, despite their words, in more ways than one (except, of course, the most obvious 10 commandments) reflect those of the rest of the world?

What are Christians doing to see to it that this nation remains under God's leadership.  How many Christians will forgo the luxuries of this first world?  How many Christians are against homosexuality, but justify their addiction to Starbucks with excuses.

If Christians want a change in America, if seeing Biblical principles is an absolute must, why is it that no one is willing to fight for it?  Why is it that there are too few who will boycott Google for having Caesar Chavez as their doodle on Easter?  Why is it that stores that give their proceeds to foundations that are so anti-Christian in their ethics are the very stores that Christians shop at?

Remember, I'm not preaching. And if I was, it might possibly be to the choir.

Here is my point, if not already made.  Christians are getting comfortable in this world that is not their own.  Doesn't the Bible say that Christians are to be in this world but not of this world?  So participating in the music of the world, the television shows/movies, the drinking, the language, the list goes on and on...participating in those activities is what?  A witness, a way to connect with people of this world?

Sounds like missionary living.  You know, like missionary dating--dating someone with a different belief system for the sake of conversion.  Ever seen the chair analogy?  Most often, the missionary gets pulled down to the level of the person being witnessed to.

 I digress.

It's a simple call.  Either nothing changes or everything changes.  There are no cheat days.  There's no supporting with the mouth but not with the actions.  Faith alone is not enough.  Faith without works is dead.  Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.

It's painful, it's grueling.  Living every single day surrounded by the most "innocent" temptations.  A secular song with a catchy hook, a friend that's constantly spewing curse words, a glass of wine that does the heart good.  Where is the line?  Don't Christians believe that Satan will take a foothold wherever he can?  Aren't Christians supposed to be set apart?

Separation of church and state?  Politics are important.  Ignorance is not bliss.  And those who refuse to educate themselves on political and social issues, those who refuse to involve themselves in standing up for Christian morals...Maybe it's only going to get worse before the Son of Man comes.  But oh to be before the Judgement Seat and be asked what role I played in being the salt and light to this world. 

"What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man.  When that happens, be happy!  Yes, leap for joy!  For a great reward awaits you in heaven."  Luke 6:22-23a

Strength for Silence

With so many topics roaming the halls of my mind, it’s difficult to form a complete thought.  While I want to expose the inner workings of my soul, I find myself waiting for permission to hit the “enter” key. 

For now, I simply wait for the right words in the right order to form before me. 

In its rarest form, my actions are anything but Heaven-bound.  With humanity composing my physical body, I cling to the Holy Spirit and pray for His direction.  My humanity is constantly playing tug-of-war with what I know to be true.

Here is my dilemma.  In my raw and human form, my flesh desires to lash out.  I hear, I see, I judge.  Yet, judgment is not mine to give.  My flesh and my spirit are at war.  For I know the good I ought to do, but I do not do it.  I know the bad I ought not to do and yet, here I am, watching my hands type.  Then, conviction washes over me and the erase key is firmly pressed.

Am I alone here?  I must find myself in this situation on a daily basis.  My words are not my own.  They belong to the Father.  And yet, my flesh craves to be heard, to be the voice of reason and conviction. 

Be still my fleshly humanity, the Spirit is in control.  To say it in its most simple form, my body and spirit are constantly warring for control.  Will I publicly blast my strong opinion or will the Holy Spirit’s peace and poise wash over me? 

My heart is constantly conflicted.  The war never eases.  Yet as of late, the Lord is bringing about breakthrough.  I believe it and claim it in my life, in my marriage, and in the church.  Friends, the war is not easy.  But the testing develops perseverance.  My humanity is a lover of control, a lover of order and justice.  But humanity is not fair or just. 

And in that realization, I surrender my spirit to God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 

Oh, all-consuming fire, come baptize us.

In the battle of the flesh and spirit—and friends, the two are so real and so very active—remember that we, as Christians, are not to conform to the ways of the world.  Because I want to live a life above reproach, because I know that all things are permissible, but not all are beneficial, because I know the good I ought to do, I clothe myself in God’s armor and fight to develop perseverance.

It’s not easy, it’s excruciating, and yet, it’s my request—to be broken and molded into who God has me to be, to go through growth and find a new depth in my relationship with Christ.

No, the promise is not that the road will be easy, that the burden will be light.  The promise is much greater.  And so I call upon the name of the Lord, I bring my humanity, my filthy rags, to Him, I surrender, and I walk away free, cleansed, and ready to face tomorrow.

Cleaning my Cup

While I can read the chants of a million high school and college students and teachers, I can't get past the notion that, for the first time, I must forgo the sun-filled week of Spring Break.Though in my heart I know I've turned a corner, grown to be a professional, I can't help but feel tormented each shopping excursion I seem to stumble into.  I find myself swimming through the racks of bathing suits that I cannot wear.  It's as if each and every store lures me in and scoffs at me.  

Yes, Spring Break is mere days away.  And while half of Texas will travel South to bask in the glorious sun, the rest of us will remain seated at our cubicle, waiting to see the clock strike 5pm.  Of course, I can speak confidently, as if I would ever subject my innocent pale skin to the torture that is heat.  But, I'll admit, if I had the opportunity, my Spring Break would be filled with nothing more than cuddling up with my honey and soaking in the newly-wed bliss.

I wish I could humbly state the reason for this discussion, but I feel as though "the cat has got my tongue."

Sigh.

Alright, fellow bloggers, I think I'm ready to open up.  I told you an introduction was necessary if I was to bare my soul to you all!

Every girl dreams of being beautiful.  Though the Word clearly states that beauty is fleeting, it's almost innate.  We want to feel loved, adored, desired.  We are the pursued--not the pursuers.  And what better way to draw the attention of a man that with a swim suit?  I'm thoroughly convinced of two things:  Single women want a good body because they want to impress men.  Women who are spoken for want a good body to impress other women.  After all, is human nature not about comparisons and physical attributes?

Well, here's a little piece of my story, a piece of my heart.

After vigorously working out and claiming my man, my life began to change.  With my now-husband in my life, I was treated to dinners and desserts, phone calls that lasted long into the night, and that giddy, peaceful feeling of finding "the one."

Slowly my self-control (self-discipline) began to crumble.  The ease of spending hours of what could have been called loneliness, I had once filled with time with the Lord, working out, and counting my calories.  But with the new relationship that quickly turned into an engagement that quickly turned into a marriage, I was struggling to balance my previous independence with caring for an entire other human!  So much so that I gave up my daily time with the Lord for phone calls, so much so that I gave up counting calories to consume what must've been double my portion, so much so that I cancelled my gym membership to "plan a wedding."

After putting on what my mom so graciously called my wedding weight, the Lord began to speak to me.  I lost my self-discipline.  Besides the previous list, the new character and personality the Lord so beautifully molded me to become was quickly fading into the old-self I never wanted to be again.  I needed an intervention.  And He gave me just that.  He so vividly told me that I could not have self-control over my physical being until I had self-control in my spiritual life.

The spiritual world is so much bigger, so much more real than any of us could possibly imagine.  The battle wages every minute.  The enemy wants our souls, he wants control, and if we are not careful to clothe ourselves daily, the outcome will not be so tender and sweet.

Friends, we must sacrifice what's lukewarm (what's not hindering, but not causing growth) for things that are 100-percent beneficial to our relationship with God. 

Matthew 23:25-26, "...for you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are filthy--full of greed and self-indulgence!  You blind Pharisee!  First wash the inside of the cup and  the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too."

So, alas, my first Spring Break as an old married, working woman [could I possibly talk about my husband any more?...Yes, don't tempt me ;)], I will be spending my time cleaning my cup.  I'll think I'll start with the inside first. 

As the Dear

New to the blogging community, I feel a duty to explain myself.  Before I expose my heart and "pen" the words that compose my very existence, I have to admit, I was hesitant to this world.

Insecurities and shortcomings made me stop and wonder who the blogging community is.  Moms, homemakers, artists, and craft-smiths, none of which I ever thought I was.  That is, until I got to college and began taking creative writing classes.  Of course, during this stage of life I was too consumed with living life to the fullest, dramatizing my latest breakup, and sulking in who I would never be.  Looking back, I can't help but laugh.  Who in the world was I?

I'm most positive of this.  I didn't know the answer to that question until the time of my 22nd birthday.

"Woah"

I could hear those murmurs new friends!  But I'm right there with you, wondering how it took me so long to see my value, my worth, in Christ.  To avoid endless talks of days gone past, I'll simply say, nothing is coincidence.  God has a plan and purpose for every dark stage we go through.

After a series of life events, I started to see how the Lord was molding me into who I am.

I am a dear.  My husband's dear.  "Dear, can you help me with this?" and "Dear, what do you think about that?"  I cannot express how grateful I am to be his dear.  After years of seeking the Lord on who my husband would be, I can confidently state that I married the exact man God had for me.  Not to keep you guessing, I'll go ahead and admit it: he's quite the looker.  I'm talking like major hunk, could be famous, kind of attractive.  And then to add to his physical appearance his genuine heart for others.  Even in the midst of turbulence, he is the most loyal and faithful man I've ever seen. I enjoy every day I get to spend being his dear.

But, I'm not just my husband's dear.  More than anything in this world, I'm His dear.  The Lord crafted me specifically into who I am today--physically, spiritually, emotionally.  He has given me opportunities to grow, opportunities to shine, opportunities to test my faith and develop perseverance.

I am a dear panting for the water, for the will of the Father.  My soul longs to see Jesus move in my life, in your life, and around this world.  Life is pretty tough, but when we are dears panting for our Savior, He is quick to quench our thirst.