Some Brothers Fall From Heaven

So my brother, Andrew, is amazing.

He's been living with us since graduating college, and I love it. If you don't know me well, let me first start my saying that my love languages are physical touch and acts of service. That's how I feel loved the most. That being said, you may understand in a moment why I have loved having Andrew around! I mean seriously, is this kid for real?

When he first moved in, we had a family meeting, where we explained the basic rules:

1. He could not mow the lawn.

2. He could not do our laundry or any other chores.

3. He never needed to feel obligated to help out. He was a guest.

So, what has happened since then?

Pregnant lady is lazy and tired, and I haven't been keeping up so well, but not to worry because Andrew took it upon himself in the last couple of weeks to help out...

He mowed the lawn.

He cleans my house...mmm pretty much every day.

He makes dinner for Jonathan and I more often than we make dinner at ALL.

He made me blueberry muffins last night (extra points).

The night before that, he ironed all of Jonathan's pants and folded my laundry.

He runs to the store to get me milk...or whatever else.

Oh yes, and he got an awesome job, and we are SO proud of him!

I don't love him an ounce more for doing any of those things, because he could make a mess and sit around all day and I wouldn't care a bit. But, it's just the fact that's he really is that thoughtful that gets me. I hope that I have the opportunity to show my love back someday.

I mean...is this for real? How many brothers in this world are like this? I submit that I have the only one. Prove me wrong if you can!

Memorize it.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

I've been reading a book called Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels, and it's really been teaching me so much. I wanted to share this little part with you, because simple as it is, it's absolutely true, and resonated with my soul this morning.

Basically there are 3 categories, and everyone falls under one of them.

BP (before pain)- which means that up to this point in your life, God's promise to "work for the good in all things" is nothing more than a theory that you have. Keep this Romans 8:28 promise close by, because someday, when your ship rocks (everyone's does at some point) you'll have something to stand on.

IP (in pain)- these people are in the midst of some of the hardest struggles. At some point, everyone is going to face hardships of some kind, and this verse is a lifeline to the soul. Don't ignore it or forget it. God is going to work everything out for the good of those who love him. Plain and simple.

AP (after pain)- to be honest, this is my category. Basically I've made it through some tough issues and come out alive after all. God has been faithful, and for me, Romans 8:28 is pure treasure. After fighting to save a broken marriage and then months of pure fear from the devil's attacks after clear success, it makes me more sure than ever that God always has my best interest at heart.

One of my favorite Psalms in the Bible is Psalm 30, because that is what God gave me during these hard times, and I don't ever want to forget it. I read it over and over because it was his personal promise to me, and it still stands true today. I want to share what I believe is the best part (the end, of course).

Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:10-12 NIV

Every time that I read that, I cry. Not sad tears, tears of joy, because why on earth did God choose to replace my hardships with joy? Why does he promise to work out everything for our good? Our God is too big to ignore and too wonderful to comprehend. He works in ways that we will never understand, and I'm so thankful for that. If I understood Him, I wouldn't have to trust Him.

Remember today that God promises goodness for your tomorrows, regardless what realities you're living through today. Hold on to that, won't you? Romans 8:28 is life-giving. Memorize it.

Church Diversity

If you haven't ever heard of David Bowden before, you will after this. I love this video, but I especially love this message.

I started to understand more about problems with church diversity when (true story) this past Easter, there was a homeless man that came to our church after being rejected at one just a few blocks down the street because his clothes weren't nice enough. Really? They wouldn't allow this man to come to church because of how he looked. It made me sick. Literally sick. To me, the best line in this whole video is, "The church should less like a country club and more like a Wal-mart." Preach it brother.

For the love of beautiful

What in the world. Can I live here forever?

via

Pink & Blue...or Yellow? That is the question.

So we're supposed to find out the gender of our baby on July 6th, but let me tell ya, I'm having second thoughts. Now I kind of think it'd be a sweet surprise. Maybe all the clothes we get will end up being yellow, green, purple, and white. And...maybe that's okay.

Rosette Hair Clip Tutorial

These hair clips are easy to make...they just take time. I've added the tutorial video that I watched below, which was really helpful, or you can just see the full tutorial in pictures on Cherry Street Cottage Blog here!

picture taken from Cherry Street Cottage Blog

Rosette Tutorial from Jessica Keith on Vimeo.

I added clips to the back of all of mine, so that I could easily wear them in my hair, or attach them to all kind of headbands! Easy as pie right? Good! Get to crafting! :)

Father's Day Tie Wreath

So here's a simple idea for father's day, and yes, I'm sure it could be done much cuter, but I couldn't pass up a chance to use these $3 garage sale ties, now could I?

If you want to make your very own wreath, just get a foam wreath form from a craft store ($3-$5).

Next, depending on the size of your wreath, cut off about 4-5 inches of the large end of each tie. The secret to this is getting the length right. Once you do this right the first time, just make sure you cut all ties the exact same length. You don't want your ties to stick off too far from the wreath or they'll be droopy, but too short and the foam will show.

I used a hot glue gun to attach all ties in an overlapping pattern, but you could get creative!

This really would be cutest with a big red bow and a tag that said Happy Father's Day, but I didn't do that so you could make yours way cuter than mine, of course. ;)

Happy crafting!

Cooking

A solid 4 square meals is all this girl is hoping for this week. I'll try to add the recipes/pictures of the success stories in the coming days for ya! I'd love to know what you're cooking tonight!

Want to see our menu?

Monday- Grilled Chicken, Watermelon, grilled okra (summer fave), mac & cheese

Tuesday- Sloppy Joes (biggest loser version), potato salad, and frozen hot chocolates

Wednesday- Baked Potatoes, salad, and yogurt & fruit parfaits

Saturday- Chicken and zucchini tomato pasta in creamy lemon-yogurt sauce

Don't know what to make at your house? Let me jog your thoughts real quick... tofu & black bean enchiladas, greek pita wraps, garlic lemon kabobs, enchilada soup, baked ziti, cilantro chutney pizza, chicken & rice casserole, veggie lasagna, homemade chicken noodle soup, bbq meatballs...

Only have 5 minutes? Try this Pulled Pork Sandwich that is stupid easy to make. Check out the awesome recipe here.

White Cottage Heaven

Okay fine. I'll live in a white cottage. :)

Today

6:29am

Good morning Michelle. You alarm is going to go off in one minute, but I know you hate your alarm, so I woke you up just a minute before. I hope that's okay.

6:32am

Cereal for breakfast again? Sure. This baby sure eats a lot. It's 6:30 in the morning. Will I ever not be hungry at odd hours again? What did normal feel like anyway? I don't even remember.

8:04am

Am I really going to be a mom? I'm so lucky...and I need an attitude check.

8:16am

8:26am

Sometimes I show my love is in the midst of hard times. Do you remember where I brought you from? Yes, and I will not miss this opportunity to be grateful for today, June 7th, 2011. I love you. I love you more.

11:30am

Is my life for real? I love my job. Thank you for this blessing, God. I don't say it enough.

12:00pm

Can you help me not be sick right now? A million people ask me every day how I'm feeling, and right now I'd like to answer, "Great." Doesn't the sunshine always come after the rain?

3:00pm

I love that reading YouVersion and proofing bible curriculum is part of my job.

6:15pm

I really shouldn't be watching The Bachelorette, but my goodness, it's entertaining. And I used to like the name Bentley! Shameful.

8:03pm

*Stupid complaining about stupid things* Oh, that's not true. <

8:25pm

1 John 4:20 "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."

I don't have a picture.

So, this is more of a talky blog. I always love fun pictures, but it's just not one of those days.

So, I haven't talked much about being pregnant, but man, almost at week 16, I guess it's okay now huh? I should probably stop living in denial and start embracing whatever it is that I'm supposed to love about pregnancy. I'm gonna be honest, why do people always say they love being pregnant? I feel like you just feel huge and sick all the time. I'm certainly NOT doubting that the sweet little baby will be worth it all, I already believe that, and love the little thing so much. But, I'm not rejoicing in my sleep about the extra nausea, indigestion, tiredness, or looking in the mirror and thinking, hmmm did I gain 5 pounds, like, just today?

I may change my tune in a couple of months, but today...that's the honest truth.

What is the most fun part of being pregnant? To me? Praying for this little life that God has trusted Jonathan and I with. Second, decorating the nursery of course! I haven't done much, but have some serious fun ideas flowing. Perhaps I'll do a before and after post when it's finished! That would be fun!

God bless my little readers who are tuning in. As much as I don't love belly pics, I might post one just so you can follow along every once in awhile. :) Much love!

I remind myself of this every day.

Aqua Ottoman Heaven

Please. Really? How awesome is this ottoman. Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! :) I've had many people ask me where this ottoman is from. It was custom made by Jonathan Adler. And now you know! You can hop on over to this blog, where I originally saw it.