Steadfast Love

We have gotten plugged in to a young married's life group through our church, Oak Mountain. The group has been hearing from a marriage counselor every other week, and then in between gather together for discussion based on the class the marriage counselor teaches.

The discussion this week was on this idea of marriage as a calling. One of the topics was "Overcoming the Obstacles to Steadfast Love."

One of the main points on this was:

"What is desired in a man is steadfast love (not perfect performance) as stated in Proverbs 19:22. Biblically, a wife is moved most by a husband who demonstrates enduring love. Such a husband is defined by his heart-his willingness to keep trying to bring the couple together despite failure-not by how often he does things right."

This morning I read Nehemiah chapter 9, and verse 17 really jumped out at me (since I had this idea of steadfast love on my mind)...

In our marriages we would rather have steadfast love than perfect performance, but HE is both to us. Our sin has been completely washed away by Christ's perfect performance AND HIS steadfast love endures forever. 

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

This was a great reminder to me that though I desire those things in Nathan, he will fall short (and so will I) but Christ has performed perfectly on our behalf and God is abounding in steadfast love...it will endure forever.

Georgia Pride

Anyone who knows me well, knows I am a sucker for video montages, especially when the subject is sports. In honor of tomorrow's game against LSU, here is just one of the best-"Awaken the Nation."

Click on Image for Video. 

A few current looks that I love...

Yes, it may still be in the 70's, but it is starting to feel like Fall. For some reason I get really excited about Fall fashion...the scarves, the boots, I love it all!

Here are a few inspirational looks that I love...

1. Geek Chic 2. Burgundy and Tan 3. Happily Grey

The sweater from look number 3 is just lovely. Elbow patches certainly can make this girl swoon. The sweater can actually be purchased here from She Inside. I am not sure if it would be a good baggy or a little too baggy for me. 

Christmas Cards

Just as the leaves are starting to fall and pumpkins are everywhere, I am already thinking about one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. It is so hard to describe the excitement and joy I get when I open the mailbox the mailbox to find cards from friends and family. Today, 521designs launched the 2013 Christmas Card line.

Here is just a sneak peek...
(View designs and order here: 521designs Christmas Cards)

A Little Life Update

Well, quite a lot has happened since I last posted to the blog! One major change: We are now Alabama residents. Yep, it is true!

When I left Samford in the Spring of 2011, I never would have guessed that Nathan and I would be back in the 'ham. We are beyond grateful to be here. The Lord truly provided in a way that was above and beyond what we could ever have imagined.

I am going to be taking a little hiatus from the world of Facebook and focusing on this blog; documenting our life and the things I love (things HE is teaching me, yummy new recipes, home decor and fashion inspiration, and things 521designs is working on).

Now, a few things I wanted to share...

1. We have found a church home at Oak Mountain Pres.

Having a few connections with the church already, we continued to be confirmed after a few visits that it was a perfect fit for the two of us.

Last Sunday, we went to a newcomers life group that was led by head pastor Bob Flayhart. He is going through the book of Galatians (specifically Gal. 2:1-5 this past week) as well as highlighting some of the heartbeats of the church. These were a few of my favorite things Bob mentioned...

- "Grace is the message of God's unconditional favor & love toward us AND the message of His transforming power."
- "God did not just take away our sins. Christ's perfect obedience was give and credited to us, thus we are both forgiven and righteous. He delights in us because of Christ's work in its entirety."
- "The more we understand how grace, the more we can be gracious with others."

2. This past Monday we had the opportunity to attend The Gospel Tour: An evening of Good News at Samford. One of Nathan and I's favorites, Tullian Tchividjan (Grandson of Billy Graham), along with Matt Chandler spoke that evening. A few of my favorite things Tullian talked about...

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Us & Tullian. 

- "The law endorses the change, but it can't make or produce godliness. Only the gospel can change the sinner." (Romans 7)
- "One person alone pulled off perfect righteousness. Jesus satisfies God for us."
- "Grace is not the obstacle, but the catalyst of real change."
- "'...free pardon is the great conqueror...' -Spurgeon"