How could I ask for More?

On Sunday I will experience the  "I'm halfway to 50, I've been alive for a quarter of a century, I'm 5 years away from 30" Birthday.

The BIG 2-5.

They say when you get older, times flies by so much faster and I am learning more and more that is SO true!  I literally remember when i was in 3rd grade counting how many more years I had left of school and thinking, "I'm gonna be in school for the rest of my life!" I've been out of college for 3 years now- man, that went by quick.

I can honestly say that Life is Good.  I have been feeling so extremely overwhelmed with how much God has blessed me lately that it's hard to grasp.  Sure, life has had it's ups and downs and I wouldn't say life has been easy, but I've seen God's faithfulness and His everlasting love for this child.

I've lost two sweet grandmothers and my mother-in-law in the past four years and even though I miss them daily, I'm reminded how precious this life is and how we should not take one day for granted.  Even though it makes me extremely sad that sweet Kate will never know these special ladies, it does make me think how much I want her to cherish the people she does have in her life and how important it is to spend time with them.  With that said, we are striving to do better about staying connected with out of town family and not letting life's busyness get in the way.

Steven and I are also starting a new ministry job in June.  Steven has taken the position of Baptist Collegiate Minister for Lee University and Cleveland State.  We are SOOOO excited.  I am still trying to  take in how God opened this door for us at the perfect time.  I am reminded that God's timing is PERFECT! And as hard as it is, I want to always say "Lord, not in my timing, but in yours!"

We had been praying for a while about ministry and being exactly where God wanted us to be.  Steven just finished his Master's in December and happened to see the position open.  We prayed about it, he applied, and it seemed like everything just unfolded so quickly.  Steven has always had a heart for discipleship and just building relationships with people.  This new job requires exactly that.  We are so looking forward to discipling college students and just living life with them.  He can also still lead worship on the side, which is also a huge passion of his.

With all that said, I am so looking forward to celebrating this birthday as a new mommy and by thinking back on this life and how much God has truly blessed me, in more ways than I could ever deserve. I can truly say, Thank you Lord, How Could I ask for More?

May 20, 2006- One of the Happiest Days of my Life. 

So blessed by a godly husband and best friend.

January 12, 2010 Another Happiest Day of My Life :)

Sweet Kate is growing sooo fast! Trying to cherish every day

And of course, so thankful for amazing parents, big brother, and little sister

Yes, we are at a bowling alley.  
One of my mom's ideas to get Kate to come while Patrick was here 

It was our first family bowling experience and quite enjoyable hehehe

confessions of a recovering hoarder

Two Words- Yard Sale. One Word- UGH!

I have a love/hate relationship with Yard Sales.  I hate getting everything set up, organized, and priced.  Especially the latter because you know people are just going to try and buy your precious possessions way cheaper than you think they are worth. Sigh.

But, I LOVE the moolah that comes with the parting of these possessions.

This weekend Steven and I had a Two Day Yard Sale.  And let me just say, we will never have a one dayer (I know, not a word) again!  We got rid of so much stuff.  We had accumulated so many things to sell due to my recent epiphany that I don't need to hold on to things like a Limited Too Jean Jacket that is so out of style, too small, and I will never wear again- OH, just wait, it gets worse.

With this realization and especially seeing it all laid out in front of me, I realized, I HAVE A PROBLEM!

For some strange reason, I can't let things go. Seriously, I may be teetering on the verge of a hoarder.  And I have Sweet Baby Kate to thank for this realization.  It was when I really started "Nesting" that I realized... "OMG WHY DO I STILL HAVE THIS STUFF?!?!"

Not only is my problem with holding on to things and buying random items comical- I mean at the time the green and red Christmas streamers seemed like a good purchase and they were in Target's dollar section, it is kind of eye-opening. As my husband exclaims, "What were you going to do with Christmas Streamers?" My only defense, "ummm...I thought we could throw a Christmas Party?!" Really Hailey, Really?!?! Steven and I did have some fun going through items and laughing about some of the stuff, but honestly, it made me realize, "I don't NEED anything."

I love to shop.  It seems like there is always something I want.  I can ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS find something to buy at Hobby Lobby, Target, or TJ Maxx. My weaknesses.

Well, I've decided this has to change.  I look around my house and I think, I love my house.  It is exactly how I want it, BUT I normally can find something I want to change. And I'm not even going to talk about my closet.  For the past two Sundays, I've worn dresses I've had for probably 2 years and never worn before- Why?!?! I have so many clothes I don't even know what I have- Sad!

So here's my challenge for myself...  I am not going to buy anything I don't need, and I mean really need for the next 2 months.  We are going on vacation this summer- a vacation we REALLY need. I'm not even kidding.  And with that said, I'm going to go ahead and say it- I don't need a new bathing suit. I have plenty.  So Victoria's Secret don't even send me an email telling me of your incredible sale on bikinis :)

It's real simple. I want to honor God with my finances.  I want to honor my husband for his hard work and how much I appreciate the opportunity I have to be a stay at home mommy.  I want to be content with what I have and remember daily how truly blessed I am.  Not blessed because of all the stuff I have, but blessed because I have abundant life in Jesus Christ and he is truly all we need anyways.  I don't remember hearing the people living in tents in Africa complaining about how sick they were of their home decor.  Ouch, that one really hurts! Seriously, they were the most joyful people I have ever met and they had maybe 4 to 5 possessions total AND they lived in tents because their homes had been burned.

Jesus did say that he "Came that everyone would have life, and have it to the fullest".  So may I be content in You and You alone Lord. And realize that all this other "stuff" is just stuff. And one day is won't really matter if I had the most beautifully decorated home or kept up with the latest fashion trends. Cause really all we need is You Lord.  I feel a song coming on :)

Just for your enjoyment I leave you with some of the more comical items that this recovering hoarder finally let go :)

               Really Hailey, Limited Too? Maybe I was saving if for Kate?!? haha

It looked cool in my room in H.S...The treasure box beside it I won one year in VBS.

Don't worry this is from a Dance Recital- Never wore in public. I promise :)

My neighbor asked Steven, "How do ya'll have so many things for your yard sales?"

Steven: "My Wife"

Please notice the Timblerlands in the left side of the pic.

Def. got them 7th grade Christmas.  

I guess I thought I may need them just in cause we ever went for a hike?!?!

Most stuff was sold and the rest is going to The Caring Place.  I can say it feels good to have things "cleaned out" and to release the junk, yes I said it,  I was for some reason holding on to.  And I am so glad I don't have to worry about Niecy Nash showing up at my front door anytime soon :)