What I've Learned

The last 17 days I've been a part of an online Bible Study over the book of Hosea. Now that we have come to the end of the study, we were asked to share what we have learned over the last 17 days. I have learned a lot and wanted to share a small portion of how this study has impacted me.

The book of Hosea has always just been a story, a sad one, to me. Before this study I had never related it to my own life. When I read the chapters not just as a story, but a revelation of how God views our sin and how in spite of turning away from Him; He never stops loving us, I was changed.  I was humbled by this study. My perspective was shifted. I became even more grateful for the amazing grace of our loving Father. 

There have been times in my life I’ve been so far from God. I’ve run the opposite direction. I’ve tried to do my own thing and push God to a far corner of my heart. I’ve let other things take precedence in my life. I’ve had idols that became more important to me than God. I’ve ignored His commands. I’m guilty, just as the Israelites were in Hosea. 
In Hosea I became more aware than ever, how much our sin grieves our Father. I could see the pain he felt as the children of Israel disobeyed Him time and time again. It made my heart ache knowing all the pain and grief I’ve caused the Lord. 

But, praise Jesus, for He waits for our return. He never leaves us. He never gives up on us. He is there, waiting. Waiting for our return to His open arms. And, what is more beautiful than that? We are so underserving of this love. Yet, despite all we have done, He wants us. He wants to redeem us, to redeem our story. He wants to make us new and whole again. 

I am so glad that I participated in this study. It challenged me. It changed me. It opened my eyes to so much more. 

If you also took part in this study, I encourage to share what you learned at #shesharestruth

If you would like to participate in the next online study you can go to http://shereadstruth.com/ I have been so blessed by the studies on she reads truth, and I know you will be too! 

Chalkboard Mirror DIY

I found this huge mirror and just knew the moment I saw it, that it would make the perfect chalkboard.

My husband spray painted it with chalkboard paint. We didn't worry about getting the paint all over the rest of the mirror, because I planned on painting the frame. Who wants a boring brown frame for a chalkboard anyway?

Once we finished spray painting we let it dry overnight. The next day it was ready for the rest of it's makeover. To protect the chalkboard/mirror portion I wedged scrap paper in between the frame and mirror to completely cover it. 

DO NOT DO THIS....I repeat...DO NOT DO THIS. I learned the hard way. What I didn't take into account was that it would be impossible to get the paper back out after I painted all over it. I spent an hour with an exacto knife trying to wedge all of the little bits of paper underneath the frame. It all worked out in the end, but it was such a pain. So cover your chalkboard, but don't wedge paper underneath the frame. It's a bad idea...just sayin'.

Now it's painting time!

Isn't this the prettiest color ever?

Really it's that simple. You just paint the frame. It took two coats. After it's dry you remove whatever you use to protect the chalkboard. (this was the part where I got discouraged, but since I've already made the BIG mistake and told you about it, it should be smooth sailing.) 

Now this is important. Don't skip this step. After the paint is dry and you remove all the chalkboard protection, take a piece of chalk and rub it all over the chalkboard and then erase it. I don't really know why you have to do this, but that's what the directions on the can of spray paint said to do. I'm assuming it's pretty important. Once, you do that, you will have a beautiful and completely usable chalkboard. :)

My wall is so happy to have something so beautiful to hold!

I hung this right next to my new chalkboard. Isn't this the cutest? I found these fabric letter squares at a small shop on our vacation in Colorado. I wanted to buy some for every room of the house. They are so fun and friendly. 

Vail Vacation Part 3: The Wedding

The whole reason we went to Colorado was so that we could go to my dear friend's wedding. After a fun five days of adventuring, it was time for the big shin-dig.

Me and the lovely bride Courtney the night before her big day!

We all met at the mountain trail. Brian and I had babies strapped to our backs. I decided to hike in a dress. The bride started the hike off singing a beautiful song. And up the mountain we climbed. 

The beautiful Courtney singing at the start of the trail. She wore that gorgeous wedding dress all the way to the top of the mountain, along with some hiking boots :)

Some of my favorites right here. The bride and her brothers.

The Bride and Groom

The hike up was beautiful. There were flowers covering the mountainside. The day couldn't have been more perfect. 

The boys both fell asleep on the way up.

Nothing like a mountain nap.

After hiking for about 2 hours we finally made it to the top. Talk about amazing. I was overjoyed to finally get there, because I'll honestly admit that I was one worn out momma. Even though the hike was hard and tiring and I really didn't know if I would actually make it, IT WAS SO WORTH IT. 

After the long climb, we sat on the side of the mountain to witness the wedding. Here they are saying the sweetest vows I've ever heard. I'm so happy for these two! The boys did so great. It's like they knew they needed to be really quiet, because they barely made a peep. So proud of them. :) After the wedding we hiked back down the mountain and for some reason that seemed harder than climbing up. Maybe it was because I was already so exhausted. But, I made it and that is the important part. 

Courtney and Justin, thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your special day. It was such an honor to be there.