To Be A Bride

"They ALWAYS Say..." & It's TRUE, but...!

2012-01-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

(They always say) So many studies say that Finances=Fights in marriages and unfortunately (it's true) many divorces. I just wish that all those involved in divorce could have been educated a little more and been willing to give it more time and another chance because I bet a large majority of those could have been avoided if they had really learned how to simply work together on (but) finances=result of major stress reduction=a saved marriage in several cases!

I'm always excited to share a resource when I find one and this time it's a Biblical Perspective on Finances. If you haven't heard of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University yet, then I encourage you to take a long hard LISTEN! My husband and I have yanked the control back and forth from each other due to exhaustion over arguing and being accused of being the reason for our tough luck for the first 6 years of our marriage, but the first day I was asked to listen to Dave's radio show...we were SUDDENLY on the same page. We both completely agreed with him, no doubt so we better get with it and do whatever he suggests if that's the only way we are going to agree. So we did and we've been putting some tools in practice for the last year or more and we finally have PEACE in our marriage. It is amazing how much STRESS this one things adds to your marriage. Phew! And we just began Financial Peace University two weeks ago and it's a 13 week session, but we are excited to implement the rest of what we haven't done yet and make sure we really get the hang of it. All this to say, PLEASE make the effort to look at your finances TOGETHER so that hopefully you can eliminate some unnecessary added stress on your relationship! The goal is so that you can live and have enough to give. Malachi 3:10 - if we are good care-takers of our finances, we will have bountiful blessings to offer to the Lord AND our missions we have passion for!

Precious Christmas Advent

2011-12-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

This is the first year that my husband and I have purposefully implemented a "Service Advent Calendar" and it was such a blessing! It is hard NOT to think about Jesus and what He did for us when you are serving others for an entire month! It was inspired last year and I didn't take the time to get organized to make it happen, but this year it was SO worth the organization and of course it wasn't nearly as overwhelming to find service acts as I made it out to be last year! Thank you Lord for helping us make this Season all about YOU! Matthew 1:21

Advent of the Heart = A Precious Gift for Jesus

2011-12-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

One wonderful thing for me that has come about from not having kids in our home for a season...is experiencing my own Advent. I have had so many overwhelmingly precious experiences this year with strangers and I'm finding more Joy than ever. I will never know the full story of these strangers I am crossing paths with, but I am being blessed with every encounter and so thankful to provide these gifts to Jesus for his birthday this year! I have come across some sweet poems I want to share, Merry Christmas!

My Gift by Lucille Crumley
What do I want for Christmas?
Lord, set one bright star apart
And let me lift to it this night
An awed and childlike heart.

The Birds by Isla Paschal Richardson
They say there is a lesson
In everything we see;
Two new ones I have learned today,
The birds have shown to me.

One lesson is of trustfulness...
I watch them come and go
And they never seem to worry,
Though the ground is white with snow.

The other one is happiness...
They sing the whole day long;
It makes you feel like singing
Just to hear their happy song.

Serving our NEW Community!

2011-11-19T07:59:00.001-08:00

We found a new FAVORITE thing to do! I knew my husband would turn into a small town boy before long:) He's always liked small towns because I'm from one, but I wasn't sure how he'd like living in one where everybody knows your name!!! BUT we served at the Annual Town Thanksgiving Community Dinner and had a blast, we bussed tables for the entire 3 hours. It was so much fun. We already plan to do this next year and are looking forward to what else we can find to do this holiday season.

I encourage you to be a bride to whoever you can this holiday season and let it be about more than just your family. It becomes about your family when you learn how important it is to serve others who don't have what you have all year long! Galatians 5:13-26

Our Husbands Want to be Brides TOO!

2011-11-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

Many of us women love to organize every detail of the house and make sure all are cared for, but often times this means we are also saying too much and going overboard so that our husband is not left alone to take care of his duties without our barging in, you know who you are:) ~Well, I'm one of those women too and I'm not proud of it. It's something I am constantly working on, but I have relaxed too much on "working on it" for the last year or so. I have discovered that it is a perfect definition of not submitting and as a result turns my husband into a helpless soul who doesn't seem to get anything right...according to MY standards. That's when I had to say WHOA there cowgirl, you need to get back in the saddle of God right now! Ephesians 4:16

Don't forget to say "I Love You"

2011-05-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Remember the 5 Love Languages? Well, if you've never heard of that book, you better find it real quick and read it! I read this book nearly a decade ago and the simplicity of it applies to everyday life and to every person you love. People need to "hear" I love you in 5 different ways and they way you need to be loved may not be the way everyone around you needs to be loved so they may not feel your love even though YOU think you are overflowing with it. I called my Dad about a week ago, out of the blue, and let him know how thankful I am for the loyalty he has created among his children and what a special bond we have even though we may not always act like it. I could genuinely feel, even over the phone, that this was a screaming I LOVE YOU to my Daddy! This made me feel all the more special in return because I feel like I FINALLY figured that man out!!!!!! SHHH, don't tell him, but I think I might finally have his number:) Figure out someone special's love language today, you'll be glad you did and you won't even realize how easy it is to be a Bride of Christ to them without effort! Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend with family and friends and remember the reason we celebrate this beloved holiday. Psalm 16:9

Happy Mother's Day to ALL kinds of Moms!

2011-05-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

I'm bummed it's been so long since I last wrote, but I'm not bummed for the reasons why:) I have been enjoying the beauty of seeing my husband live his life as a bride! We got our first placement as Foster Parents and my husband has fallen into the role of Dad SO well, what a beautiful thing. We have really loved this opportunity and look forward to the next placement as we just heard this sibling set will be going back to their birth mom. We're bummed we don't get more time with them (only 3 months), but we sure are happy that they are getting what their little hearts desire and pray that it will be nothing but positive! What great kids that we will always remember! I may not get to have them with me on this Mother's Day, but I sure am proud to say I am a mother now and wonder how many children God will have in store for my lifetime since it's just beginning! Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommas out there...we come in all shapes, styles, names and types! May you be blessed this weekend and always, knowing you HAVE made a difference! 1 Chronicles 4:8-10

Find that Encouraging Woman in your life!

2011-02-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

I know 2BABride has several readers around my age. We haven't been married for more than 10 years or who are even trying as hard as they can to make a second marriage work. Well, today I have something to say to all of you, even those of you who HAVE been married for more than a decade or two, but are still having a tough time. A friend said today, "34 years ago today I married my knight in shining armor. He's a loving husband, a wise and wonderful father, and a man who loves the Lord. He brings me coffee in the morning and still tells me I'm beautiful. Oh, I love him so."

Women, listen up! THESE are the women we need to find in our lives and lean on, THESE are the women who have made it through the rough and tough times we might be in right now, but they have made it through to the other side! Find one of these women close to you, they will be so happy to tell you how WORTH IT it has been and how Faithful OUR God has been through it all. My prayer for you today is to be encouraged by the words of my precious friend and to look forward to those years, they will get us through right now! I love you and most importantly so does He. Keep God as the Center and all will fall into place.

A Beautiful Bride is with the Groom

2010-12-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

It seems so surreal. My husband heard on the news on November 29th that there had been six soldiers killed and what a horrific story of betrayal by those our men are training. After he shared the story with me, we both thought what a sad story. Then two days later I got the news that my friend's son had been killed in Afghanistan and when sharing the tears and story with my husband, we realized the connection. What heartbreak we felt since I knew this soldier's father.

We attended the memorial service today and what a day! I remember when the soldier's father got the news a couple years ago that his son was called to war and we shared tears then of fear of the unknown. No matter how scared this father was, he was so proud that his son had made the decision to volunteer and even more proud was that soldier when I had the honor of meeting him in uniform before he was deployed! That proud father was still proud today and can live life knowing that his son sacrificed for all of us and knew what he was doing all along the way. That young man is a Christian and to hear EVERY person talk during the service let his WALK with the Lord shine right through their stories without any need to say, he did it because he was Christian. I think every person in that service knew, he did it because he wanted to live like Jesus and to do that, you live like Jesus...showing so much love and compassion to your immediate family all the way to your entire country you are fighting for! I am forever thankful to this young man and will NEVER forget the impact and respect I never knew I have for every person who fights for our country. THANK YOU. Romans 8:28 was the verse of the day at the service.

41 Years and Counting

2010-11-30T08:10:00.000-08:00

WOW! Today my parents celebrate 41 years! I am so happy to hear them so joyful about it. My mom says they took their vows seriously, till death do us part.

Well, we are only at the beginning of our journey, but I am so thankful to have a marriage to learn from in my direct reflections in life. We recently got our photos taken together for the first time and I'm glad we waited because now I can always remember how mature we have gotten by this point in life and what sincere joy we have found in each other and never earlier on could I have felt that our photos were so genuine. I love my husband and it's only because of my other groom that we are where we are...Jesus Christ! And soon we will get to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! Have a great month celebrating with your family and loved ones why our life can be so peaceful!

On the Road Again

2010-11-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend at a Christmas Craft Fair with To Be A Bride as the focus for my booth! It was a wonderful event where nearly 100 more people got introduced to this blog! It was definitely different this time since most people were church attendees. It was so fun to encourage women who think they've got it all together to bless other women with their encouragement. That's what it's all about, a grass roots movement from those who care about each person, to keep our marriages more than going, but growing stronger and stronger.

I've never encountered so many women who think they have perfect marriages where nothing needs to change. Well THAT'S GREAT because a lot of women CAN'T say that, but I say don't stop at yourself, share your experiences because there are many women who could use the encouragement, so keep an eye out! AND ALSO, there is always something we can improve on so don't be afraid to look for better ways to treat your spouse, more things you could do for your spouse, ways to encourage your spouse and lift them up, etc. Romans 12

A Lesson in Listening

2010-11-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

My husband taught me a lesson in listening this week:) We were sharing about our life around the house and he mentioned that he feels bad on the days that I get up to go to work earlier than him and I fix him breakfast before I leave and get home just in time to make dinner...And on a good day, I'll remember to make him a lunch to take with him too. I LOVE doing this because working out of the home is not ideal for me, but since I can't be home, I want to do all I can to serve him so he will notice I'm gone as little as possible. So I told him not to feel bad because I love serving him like this. Since I can't serve him all day long in the home, it's one of the joys I can still have even though I'm working outside the home.

Well, this morning it was my husband's turn to get up and go to work early and I usually lay there groggy, but awake to talk in case he wants to. So he looked over at me, saw my eyes open and asked, "Are you wide awake?" to which I responded, "Yeah, pretty much." So he then asked, "Would you make me some breakfast to take with me?" "Of course," so I jumped out of bed and then realized I guess I wasn't as awake as I thought I was, but collected myself and joyously made my husband a breakfast bowl he could eat in the car on his way to work.

Then I thought about it, HE HEARD ME this week when I told him how it brings me joy to serve him, never mind that it's a couple hours later when I usually do it, I would never turn him down! Thank you Lord that my husband can ask me to serve him and that I can give with a happy heart. I love you Lord and it's all because of the joy you fill me with that allows it to overflow onto my husband! Deuteronomy 16:15

Be Glad You Did

2010-10-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

The most common thing I say is: Live your life as a Bride to both your husband and Jesus Christ, you'll be glad you did! But when things actually happen and remind me that this is true, WOW, I still get blown away. I am so thankful for how the Lord works (Isaiah 55:8-9). I live my life striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman and it is such a precious feeling to learn that it is possible, little by little. I used to think no woman could be all that, but if you just keep trying and keep relying on your faith in God and keep trying to live like Jesus, you TOO will begin feeling that you are fulfilling your calling in life as a wife!

What joy it brings me to encourage my husband, talk wonderfully of him (Proverbs 31:23), treat him well and serve him generously rather than being selfish with my time, mind and body to get what I want in life...it's not easy, but if you make it a habit then on those hard days it just happens because you only know how to treat him with love and respect. I'm still a major work in progress, but I am already receiving the benefits from this unselfish living. My husband now wants to please ME, encourage ME, talk wonderfully to ME, treat ME well and serve ME generously for what have long been the desires of my heart. I just had to wait according to God's timing.

How to Build Trust

2010-10-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

Obviously this dog has been being a bride to this kitty or there is no way this kitty would let this GREAT BIG DOG this close! A lesson in trust:) Enjoy.

Prayer Journaling is so encouraging!

2010-10-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

My sweet Mama taught me to keep a prayer journal a few years ago when I was having some trying times. She encouraged me that it would only help my relationship with the Lord and if I would try to keep it up, it would become an ongoing delight to keep it up. Well, part of this journal is to go back and write in dates prayers were answered or updates to situations or questions/comments/and other documentation about a prayer request. I don't write down EVERY SINGLE prayer I pray, just ones that strike me as a goal in life or a struggle to overcome or something that I need to improve on with my spiritual walk. If you have not started one, I encourage you to do so today and don't make it a HUGE thing that you want to commit to writing in it daily or even weekly, just as often as you have something really touch your heart and then it's easier to stick with it!

All this to preface an absolute ANSWER to prayer for me this week!!! I am so unbelievably thankful and to many it may not seem like much, but because I know the things that have been prayed for around this request, the trials that have been on this path and the hurdles I have overcome in strengthening my relationship with Jesus AND my husband...I PRAISE God for answered prayer. My husband and I just began attending a Bible Study TOGETHER and what a precious relief for both of us. It's so wonderful to hear how only the first night worked on both our hearts and that the Lord's timing was PERFECT for both of us to finally join together in this precious journey. Proverbs 31:12

Thank you Lord for Generosity & Kind Hearts

2010-09-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

I walked away from ANOTHER Bridal Show feeling so blessed and thankful. Every time I prepare for one of these shows, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of people donating books because they too want to see marriages succeed and if this is something we can do together, they want to be a part of it! Every single book that is offered and received at the ToBeABride booth is given and taken because of a story and a need. Thank you so much to those of you who continue to reach into your resources to donate books for these booths, your offering is a blessing to all who walk by. 2 Chronicles 31

To read more about ToBeABride shows/booths "on the road," visit the following links:
ToBeABride Hit The Road!
ToBeABride Hit The Road Again!
Bridal Show Attending

Pray with Me!

2010-09-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Coming up soon is another Bridal Show, please start praying with me now that those who need a book will walk my way and not be afraid to stop. September 12th is a day I have been waiting for since the last bridal show I attended in January. Lord, use me, fill me with your love and speak your kind words of encouragement through me for those who cross my path at this upcoming bridal show. Thank you to all who have donated books for my booth, you are touching lives right along side ToBeABride.com! Philippians 4.

Let the Little Children Come

2010-07-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

I have been so blessed this week! My nephew has taught me unselfishness this week and is so EAGER to listen to Christian Music when we're getting in the car, pray at night, give money whenever he can to good causes! He gave his heart to the Lord on our drive down and then I've been able to spend a whole week with him, precious time. I've been seeing first hand a child-like faith all week and this little guy has been learning how to live life as a BRIDE! I've definitely learned a thing or two:) Matthew 19:14

We Live to Serve

2010-07-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

I just got home from such a touching sermon about SERVING and there were three examples given about the lives lived by three people or 4 I guess and they were so amazingly touching...and I never knew these people and I was attending this church for the first time. God wanted me there today because those three people have impacted my life and make me want to SERVE my heart out!

I miss SERVING and it has been too long since I've SERVED regularly, okay I take that back :) I serve regularly in my home and I do not take that away from SERVING at all for all you wonderful women who stay at home and take care of your kids and home. That's what I want to do when I have children as well and I have been fortunate enough to work from home for the past three years and what a blessing it has been! But I want to do more. I think as we mature in our faith, we become more efficient with our time and ability to bless others. I think I've reached another level of love and faith and I want to give more and I have a couple opportunities coming up that I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store with them. Use me Lord, I want to SERVE and show others what a blessing it is to be part of your BRIDE! The theme of the sermon this morning was Ephesians 2:10.

Have you been prayed FOR lately?

2010-06-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have been absolutely down in the dumps lately and there are just some people who you know you have in your life that you avoid because they will make you get that yucky attitude out of your system. For me it's my Mom and a couple Christian friends...well, I'm SO thankful for my friend who slapped me around the other night...okay so maybe she didn't slap me, but she showered me with prayers and what a blessing it was! I have had a completely different attitude and outlook on what I need to improve upon in my life. Thank you Lord that my friend was such a Bride to me and let your love shine through when I needed it most. I love you. 1 Kings 8:37-39

Originality in showing thanks to Godly Men!

2010-06-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

I was at a professional networking mixer tonight and was touched by a friend when she mentioned how she had shown appreciation to Father's today in celebration of Father's Day. She chose her top 10 clients who were Dads and presented them with a thank you in person for all they do in life for their children, a small token of appreciation good for any man - a hamburger flipper with a fish de-scaler and bottle cap remover attached for the male multi-tasker! Try to think outside the box this Father's Day to thank your Dad and really let him know that he is one of a kind! Matthew 19:19

What a beautiful birthday!

2010-05-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

I had the best birthday this year, it was such a sweet precious time with great girlfriends...and their husbands! I am so thankful that I have such sweet precious friends, but I'm even more thankful that all of them are in beautiful marriages and talk kindly of their husbands. I am very encouraged to have friends that appreciate their husbands, what a blessing to be surrounded by such women on a day celebrating my life. I turned 30 this year and felt like it was a year to celebrate. My husband does a great job every year to not only make me feel special on my birthday, but he gives me a birthday week. This year we joked about me throwing myself a surprise birthday party because I love to plan parties, but then I thought why not? I do love to plan and who better to make my birthday exactly the way I want it, but ME! Well, it was beautiful:) My husband came home in plenty of time to make sure I didn't need any last minute help, several of my girlfriends were able to attend, we had a beautiful picnic down by the beach in gorgeous weather and no wind, the guys stayed down to play on the beach with the children while the girls went back up to our house to make soy-candles and then we wrapped it up with the guys and kids returning. It was so beautiful to see the families that surround us as well as friends who have passed that stage in life and were there as beautiful "brides" setting an example with peace, patience and kindness all during the party when the silly girls were laughing immaturely! I will never forget this day and how each of you showed me the "brides" I want to be...to my husband, to my future children, as a mother-in-law, as a mentor and as a life-long friend. Thank you Dorothy, Sol, Tanya, Mary, Diane, Alyssa and Carolyn! Galations 5:13

Use my situation God!

2010-04-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Lord, I pray for you to continue using me beyond my comfort level to share about YOU! I am going through something SO awesome right now and God has given me multiple opportunities to praise Him in front of my family during the process. The tough part is that these family members are unbelievers so there is never an easy time to share what God is doing, but it is SO obvious right now and I believe it is making an impact! I can't wait to share more, but will hold off for now:)

Please keep my husband and I in your prayers as we begin an unforgettable journey in life! Draw us close to you God and all those who end up as part of this process. We love you, praise you and thank you, in Jesus' name-AMEN. Matthew 19:14

Things to Think About During Desperate Times

2010-02-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

Don't EVER let ANYBODY let you think they have the whole marriage thing down, no matter how perfect they seem as a couple in front of you. Things go on behind doors in EVERY marriage. There are a couple MAIN things to keep in mind:

You are the ONLY one who knows BOTH sides of your marriage (your spouse does too, but I mean for people you will ever talk to or consult about your marriage)

Once you evaluate your marriage appropriately, you really need to decide whether you are IN or you are OUT and STICK with that decision otherwise it's not fair to yourself, your spouse or your kids to go up and down up and down emotionally...I know we should have made this decision when we said our wedding vows, but things change and people change after that day UNFORTUNATELY.

Are you and/or your spouse Christians and how is your RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ? Not just attending church or doing prayers, but your direct relationships with Jesus Christ? You both need to have this relationship on your own before any marriage can work the way marriage was made to work. So if one or both of you is not close to Jesus Christ then 1st YOU need to become a Christian, I can help you do that if you want and 2nd YOU need to live a life as a beautiful bride so that your spouse will be drawn to that lifestyle. This is THE determining factor in your marriage along with knowing that YOU are the ONLY thing you can change.
Hopefully these are some good things to think about:) I Corinthians 7:12-16

For all my www friends that I don't see every day...

2010-01-31T17:39:00.000-08:00

What would I have to do to get you to see that Jesus Christ is real?

Once you see that Jesus Christ is real, would you be willing to surrender your life to Him?

Jesus died on the cross for our sins, according to scripture...
He was buried and then rose from the dead, according to scripture...
He's alive and living in me and can live in you as well.

What are you going to do with that information?

Please read John 3:16. I love you!

For Better or For Worse

2010-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

When we get married, the majority of us who don't create our own vows, hear a list like the following:

"for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health"

To me that means we will most likely face all of those extreme opposite situations and everything in between. There is no way a person can stay the exact same person having gone through all these extreme experiences, highs and lows, but the one thing that should remain conisistent is our love and loyalty because the end of that long list is ...till death do us part! So many people I hear say, well he or she changed and they are not who I married so I have fallen out of love...those FEELINGS are not the vows we took when we married! Yes, it takes a lot of work, but if we focus on these vows more every day of our married life, we would not be swept away at the first sight of what we think is greener pasture. And make sure you are nurturing your relationship with the Lord even better since He comes before your spouse and will only make "working on your relationship with your spouse" SO much easier!

The following thoughts are what brought this idea to mind, so please ponder it with me:

What is the difference between a couple who is married, treats each other poorly, has a shelter, a spouse to live with, enough money for all their needs and a car to get around in whenever they need run somewhere

vs
a couple who is married, has a loving companionship, is homeless, has no vehicle and no consistent shelter, yet still remains to do all they can to get back on their feet financially?

I hope you can see the difference with me. Especially during these tough economic times, people are having to cut back on those "things" that the first couple had to keep them busy and so now there is more focus on the time and love and companionship...When we get married, we need to respect and love and cherish our spouse no matter what changes in life...for Better or for Worse. That love and respect will help us endure during these "worse" times that a lot of us might be facing right now until we get back to the "better" again. Matthew 19:1-12

Pictured above is a past "better" time and cheesy things like this are what get us through

our "worse" times, laughter makes our hearts grow fonder!

ToBeABride Hit the Road Again!

2010-01-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

Bridal Shows now officially hold a precious place in my heart. If you missed out on the stories from the 1st Bridal Show in September, read them at ToBeABride Hit the Road.

Below are stories from yesterday's Great Show in Santa Barbara! Enjoy and please pray for these stories with me.

A sweet young Christian woman is engaged to an Agnostic, but he is not holding her back from her attending church, bible study, values etc so she wants to continue praying for him and marry him anyways. I gave her the book "Loving Your Husband" and reminded her it is not going to be easy.

A lady who has never been married herself, dropped by and felt it heavy on her heart that she give "The 5 Love Languages" to her Agnostic landlord. She says he is a gentle personality who is always trying to figure out how to get along better with his spouse. Let's pray this book helps out his marriage as well as enlightens him about Jesus!

A very energetic precious lady wants her marriage to be blessed and wants to do everything right in God's eyes and she is so thankful that her fiance is like minded. She was so excited to take the Workbook for "Before You Say I Do" so that they could focus on what is most important in these last days before their wedding...knowing that it's still not too late to pray and evaluate any issues that come up in conversation because of this study they will do together.

A fellow vendor stopped by and mentioned that she and her husband have been needing a retreat to go to and that they are definitely going to see about attending "Weekend to Remember." I was given several flyers for the Weekend to Remember and if you sign up through the following group, you will receive a substantial discount:
www.familylife.com/groups/feltes

I was encouraged several times as well with the following story and statements. Thank you, I am loving this ministry so much:

"Thanks for doing this."

"There should be more booths like this."

"This is what's most important isn't it."

One young couple had the absolute sweetest spirits about them...they are going to have such a sweet blessed marriage. They didn't need to stop, but it was so great to sit there and enjoy their smiles and love...Jesus poured out of their hearts by just having them stand to talk with me for a few short minutes...thank you for stopping!

One gentleman came to the booth late in the day and seemed to have gotten stopped in his tracks, turned back, took a deep breath and smiled before sharing the following:
His fiance got food poisoning and she couldn't make it, but really wanted the info from the show. He agreed to go, but knew he was going to have a hard time figuring out what he should do while he was there, but he said as soon as he saw the ToBeABride booth, he knew that this was the reason he was supposed to come to the show!

Just remember...there is so much more to marriage beyond that awaiting wedding day and hopefully you are preparing your life for the MOST IMPORTANT Wedding Day of ALL! John 3:16

A Christmas Tea!

2009-12-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Lord put it on my heart to have a Christmas Tea about a month ago and as everything God puts on my heart always is, it was SO worth it! I put a ToBeABride.com magnet in everyone's goodie bag that went home with them. We had fun, drank cozy drinks and enjoyed some sweet and funny Christmas memories with each other. What a great time of fellowship with each other, thank you Ladies for coming, you helped make a new beautiful Christmas memory in my book! 1 Peter 4:8-11

The fun part was the Girly Swap Meet where we had a table full of prizes we would win throughout the evening. We all had brought items that had either been given to us and we never used or we had bought (probably on sale) and never used...unwrapped so we could see what we wanted. As you won a game throughout the night, you got to go pick a prize or two or three, whatever you wanted! We sang Christmas Carols (like Hot Potato or Musical Chairs or a Combination of the two) and played Christmas Trivia for the prizes.

One of the ladies saw a "Love Dare" book at the beginning of the night and had her heart set on it! She has been wanting that book for some time and is so excited to read the book and watch "Fireproof" as well! That was a precious moment confirming that this Tea was supposed to happen and for me to always follow through whenever there might be doubts on my view of something being a "success". We did have a lot of fun, just the 3 of us...and God showed me all the while that those 2 people were exactly the 2 people that should have and needed to be there for themselves and me, we LOVED each others company. And best of all, we loved sharing about YOU Lord! Silent Night, Holy Night, All is Calm, All is Bright, Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child, Holy Infant, So Tender and Mild, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Sleep in Heavenly Peace!

May the JOY of family, friends and Jesus be with you this Christmas Season as we celebrate the birth of that Holy Infant in a manger. Luke 2

A Heart Wrencher for Pet Lovers

2009-11-24T15:54:00.000-08:00

My husband and I had to say goodbye to our sweet dog Sadie yesterday. We found out about a month ago that she had cancer and the vet gave her 1-2 months to live...we got a great month. I never would have thought that the Lord could use an animal to speak to our hearts, but it became more and more obvious in more ways than one that this was a very logical way for Him to speak to me and us.

Isn't God's timing unbelievable! God knew that we needed to reach deeper conversations and feelings before we completed our adoption applications. He sure made it happen and I don't believe it would have been possible without this tragedy in our lives. For those of you who know me intimately, know how I have longed for children for some time...those same people also know that Sadie was my first little girl, I took her everywhere a mother would take her children. It didn't matter if I was going to run to the grocery store and be gone 15 minutes or I was going to travel for several days, Sadie was by my side. She was such a beautiful example of what we now know, we will be capable of, with human children. Also, since Sadie only lived 1/2 the life we would have expected a healthy dog to live, we also look at precious life in a different way...knowing that we don't know, only God knows how much time we have or that we have certain people in our lives. We need to live life to the fullest! There's a song that says, "Today is a gift that you've been given, live the most of your life every minute you're in it!"

So the verse this time is an amazing passage that came to me the day I learned about Sadie's illness (John 16:20-24). The Lord gave me this precious dog and now he is taking her away from me, but I will soon have those children I have been longing for and begging him for for so long. It's another season in our lives of the Lord giving and taking away.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families~may we be thankful for every precious life that we are able to touch and have touch ours~enjoy a time of fellowship this Thursday!

Don't Hold Back if there is even a chance to Plant a Seed!

2009-11-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

I am SO proud of my husband and how he has the Lord's touch in helping men and their marriages! I really think ALL of us have that certain type of somebody or some way we get across best to a certain kind of people...for me, I think I am a good listener and encourager to women who are having a tough time in marriage and for my husband, I think he is good at doing the same thing for men, but in a "Men kind of way" :)...you know, not saying much, but saying enough to make the man think and then checking back in at a later date to see if anything struck a chord.

We are seeing the Lord's work right now in a married couple that we care so very much for and it is such a beautiful thing. We feel like we have ridden the roller coaster with them for the last few years and they are back on God's side again, it's so beautiful! We wish them well and know that with God at the Center, they can do it!!! Mark 10:27-28

Just a Snippit about LOVE:)

2009-10-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are going through the application process to become Foster or Adoptive Parents, whatever our future holds. I know my heart wants to be an adoptive parent and I know when God's time is right, I will be. But a thought came to mind today and that is that I am not eager to be a Mommy just because of the whole Baby thing...believe me, YES, I do know how precious that is, but I am eager to have children in my home because:
I just want to love and be loved and love those who need it...every day there is someone we walk by and that someone just might be that one person who needed a smile or a hello so just give it away. It's worth the chance of a slight bit of uncomfortableness to let them see that glimpse of Jesus that they may not have otherwise ever received in their entire lifetime!

If Fostering is what is going to give these children the only love, peace, joyful surroundings that they would know during this time of transition for them, then Lord USE US! Psalms 51

Little Hearts Have Room for Jesus too!

2009-10-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

I got some great one on one time with many family members this last weekend, it was so precious! But one of these moments is unforgettable:) My niece asked if she could ride home with me from the Pumpkin Patch, only about a 20 minute ride if that. We were just talking away, like girls have the gift of doing, when God came up in conversation. I really don't remember how it happened, but it doesn't matter as far as I'm concerned, it happened!!!!!!!!! She is 6 years old and seemed to be holding very good conversation, so I began asking her questions about.....OH WAIT, I REMEMBER HOW IT CAME UP:) I was talking to her about my new house and how we have gotten to see dolphins, seals and whales and she said she's afraid of the ocean and all those animals. We talked more about whales and I asked her if she had heard the "Jonah and the Whale" story (Jonah 1:17), NO, Do you go to Sunday School, NO, Do you know what a Bible is, YES my brother gave me a Bible and I went to Vacation Bible School. OKAY, so now I knew we were getting somewhere...we kept talking and I finally asked her if she wanted to have Jesus in her heart and she said YES! She prayed with me and she was so happy, so I told her she needed to share this with her Grammie and what a site to see. When she shared this news with my Mom, I melted since it is because of my mom and my grammie that I love the Lord so much, so to see this Legacy passed on was so beautiful! Thank you Lord for such a precious moment. OH, BUT WAIT IT GETS BETTER! I was saying goodbye to everybody later and couldn't find my nephew...when I hollered up the stairs, my niece peeked around the railing and said they were busy because she was sharing with him about God! YOU GO GIRL!

I've always been one to not really have Faith that young children really do understand what they are being told and probably don't really accept Jesus into their hearts, BUT now I have solid evidence that they really do GET IT! Thank you Lord for showing me this beautiful soul and her glow of your JOY!

ToBeABride.com Walked for Hunger

2009-10-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a great day of fellowship with fellow Cal Poly Alumni at the Cayucos Walk for Hunger yesterday! One thing I'm eager to do is get involved while I'm living on the Central Coast, I don't want to take this life for granted. I am so thankful to be here! I helped raise support for the Walk (ToBeABride.com was a supporter too) and really wanted to walk it myself so I asked a few friends to come along (pictured above)! Isn't that a cute baby I'm holding, don't worry, it's not mine:)

Everybody came over to our new home for spaghetti and playing on the beach afterwards. What a great day to serve, it was so much fun! I love being around kids too, so I was blessed yesterday for sure! The guys are great mechanics too, so my husband was also excited to have both of them in the same garage with his Harley, great times for the boys! Looking forward to the next opportunity to serve Him as a joyous Bride of Christ! Romans 12:10-12

Submission is KEY, Whether We Like It or Not:)

2009-10-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who it has been so BEAUTIFUL to see her transform into such a wonderful BRIDE to her husband. The Lord confirmed His love for her the other day through her husband when He used her husband to tell her...I would never be able to stay home and do what you do, I'm so glad you have chosen to stay at home and be there for our kids! This melted her and it was so sweet to listen to her share it with me:) Thank you Lord for an honest husband that is not afraid to tell his wife how much he appreciates her!

The best part about this is that I remember when they got married, my friend said what is this "Submit to your husband business?" Ephesians 5. And now that she has experienced her awesome husband submitting to the Lord and unknowingly her submitting to her husband, she has experienced the awesome feeling of this "Submitting to your husband business!" What a precious example she has been to her husband, friends, family and now her children...so precious.

I too, have learned how beautiful submission can be with an obvious example recently! I have worked in the Fair Industry for over 10 years now and three of the last five years of our marriage have endured my patient husband at home alone while I'm working away for weeks at a time (one year for months at a time). I love this industry and have had a very hard time distancing myself from it, but during these three years I have always wanted to start a family...which beings I want to be a stay-at-home Mom, you can see how this lifestyle won't work! So, my husband asked me to not spend more than two days away at any given time this next year, which means "Oh brother, I have to turn down three of my best and most loyal clients who have become my friends AND have Faith that the Lord will provide financially somehow someway." I did it, well, the Lord did it because there is NO WAY, I would have been able to call these people alone and every one of them have been so understanding and encouraging!!! Thank you Lord, and the best is yet to come...My husband is ready to look at "this family stuff" now:) My on-going prayers were answered simply by me submitting to my husband. Psalm 37:3-7...hmmm, this just might be my NEW life passage, what a beautiful passage!

It's Only about YOU and HIM!

2009-09-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

It's all about YOU, Jesus..And all this is for you...for your glory and your fame...it's not about ME or that You should do things MY way...You alone are God and you are worthy...to be praised! I so often wish I had a better voice because music sounds SO good in my head, especially when it's worship songs! This one came to mind, so I thought I'd just go with it:)

Well, I noticed a pattern today and whenever I notice a pattern of the same topic coming up over and over, I know there must be many more who need to hear it so let me share about a recent and consistent topic of conversation these last couple weeks for me. It's ALL ABOUT YOU AND HIM!

As much as every single one of us would LOVE to have that PERFECT spiritual relationship with the man we call our husband, it does not exist for many of us, at least not to the levels of what we think of as PERFECT. It is then that we need to remind ourselves that it's not about having that perfect relationship here on Earth, it's about our relationship with the Lord individually that needs to be focused on. Just focus on your OWN relationship with your Lord and let your husband focus on his OWN relationship with his Lord. Once you both are spiritually ready, the Lord will bring you together for what is more beautiful than what you imagine right now (this could be 6 mths or 6 years down the road). Let God do the work, quit trying to make it perfect for Him because it won't be...until He has you just where He wants you AND your husband. Work on yourself!

Forcing a spiritual relationship can sometimes feel similar to being unequally yoked: 2 Corinthians 6:14. Even though both of you might be Christian, you might not be spiritually mature enough to share with each other as God has designed it for us to enjoy. Be Patient in this because it's a long journey, but I'm seeing it be more and more worth it every day. Let's take baby steps and we'll get there. I'd like to dedicate this blog post to my Mom and Grammie for their witness throughout my life of how to build an independent relationship with God FIRST and FOREMOST because it's all about ME and HIM! I love you both so very much and thank you for showing me this most precious piece to life everlasting!

ToBeABride Hit the Road!

2009-09-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

I have to start this off by thanking my wonderful "Fair Friend" connection who made this all possible, God works in mysterious ways and according to HIS purpose...Romans 8:28:) I had the opportunity to take the ToBeABride.com Blog on the road and have a booth at a Bridal Show in Santa Barbara this last Sunday. And just how he likes it, Satan was trying to tear me down and make me doubt myself during the whole drive there and boy did God step right in and blow him away ALL day long! The booth consisted of a banner stating "ToBeABride.com: Live your life as a Bride to both your husband and Jesus Christ...You'll be glad you did!" and about 30 or so sample books to show women's, men's, general and pre-marital perspectives. I have been building an inventory since I started the blog so that I can have them to be given away and this was definitely a place to do it! I gave books away to engaged men, engaged women, mothers & in-laws and even some who weren't related to a "Bridal Show" situation at all, but God led them to the booth that day! The following are several stories from my day at the Bridal Show and please check back now and then to see if I added anymore stories because if I forget any by the time I post this, I'll just add them on. Please enjoy and provide comments wherever the spirit leads you. I love you all and am so thankful for how God is using this Blog for ALL OF US to encourage each other along life's roads.

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
A gentleman walked up to the booth and was looking at the books and gasped before he said, "Oh, The 5 Love Languages, that book saved my marriage." As we continued to talk, he shared how he and his wife have passed the book on to several other married couples who they feel the book has done the same for them and he even recalled one couple getting REMARRIED as a result! God, THANK YOU for using this book to touch so many marriages!
That is the point of this blog is to encourage each other and pass on ways that we can keep our marriages ALIVE and CONNECTED and following God's plan for our lives by remaining with the one He chose for us to share His roads with. Each of us can touch someone else by sharing how a book worked in our lives and these one on one heart to heart conversations share our passion for how sacred marriage is to each of us. Don't hold back if you think you have a story that can help someone else!

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
This was the MOST commented on book during the whole day. You'd think that the women would be the talkers, but actually the men shared how touched they were all day long and especially by this book! One gentleman was at the booth with his fiance and mother/in-law and he noticed this book. He mentioned to the ladies that a friend had told him what a great book it was, so I gave it to him after he promised to read it. I gave away four of this book that day and each time I shared my husband's point of view on this book, it melted every single guy. When my husband first read this book years ago, he called me and said, "If you want to understand me, read this book called Wild at Heart."
Another Mother-in-law was at the show and has been praying for her engaged daughter and her fiance non-stop. Her daughter is letting her know how tired she is of hearing, "Have you prayed about that?" and so the mother has been trying to find other ways to let her know her daughter that she cares. She mentioned that she knows her future son-in-law really likes to read and glanced down at the books and thought out loud, "Maybe that's what I need to do is try to find something for him since he's the reader." I immediately picked up Wild at Heart and handed it to her, again sharing my husband's story. She was so excited to get that book and send it to her future son-in-law.

Romancing Your Husband by Debra White Smith
This is the cutest story! A couple walked by the booth and were standing on the corner talking when the man turned and was looking at the books on the corner of the table where Romancing Your Husband happened to be placed. He was definitely eyeing that book then he walked away for a moment. As soon as he walked away I teased the lady, "Quick, hurry, he's gone, grab that book. I'm telling ya, he was looking at that book right before he left, he'd want you to have it." She began laughing hysterically and I convinced her that I was serious and she could have the book for FREE, so she finally took it and placed it in her bag just before he returned. I'd LOVE to hear the results of that book, I hope they have fun with it AFTER their big day!

God's Word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs Bible
There was a sweet lady who stopped by the booth and mentioned that she used to have a Bible, but doesn't really know where it is now. She was thumbing through the Hugs Bible when I mentioned that I'd love for her to have that Bible if she promises to read it every now and then and she agreed. She was so thankful, it was precious!

God's Word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Women of Faith Bible
I only left my booth two times on Sunday, once to use a restroom and once to say a quick comment to the photographer across the way. When I glanced back at the booth, there was a young lady standing there looking at the books and I didn't want to miss anyone, so I returned. Thank you God for prompting me that she was an important person to return to! I gave her my normal comment, "I have a blog that encourages marriages and these are a sample of books that can help us along the way." I got nothing, but she was intently thumbing through the books and gazing intently. I asked, "Are you engaged?" No. "Are you dating?" Finally a smile, but a response, "No, none of that, I'm just working here today." Well, this just happened to be in the last 45 minutes of the show when nearly every vendor at their booths didn't pay hardly any attention because they were restless to pack up and leave. Thank you Lord for giving me patience this day and being attentive because where the conversation led next was unbelievable! I asked, "Have you ever owned a Bible?" and she responded "I've never even gone to church before or anything, I don't know about any of this." So I began to share about a relationship with Jesus Christ and kept going from there...she was SOOOO open and just kept listening and making eye contact and just thirsting for more. I told her I would love for her to have that Bible if she promised me she'd read it every now and then, but she said she didn't think she would...so I told her I'd love to make that sacrifice and chance that she would.

OH WHAT A DAY, THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE, I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT, THIS IS THE DAY, THIS IS THE DAY, THAT THE LORD HAS MADE!

Wedding Video GUARANTEED to make you smile! - Now APPLY it!

2009-07-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

You may be laughing when you first see this video because it IS very fun! But I found myself bawling when thinking about what a PERFECT example it is of how our wedding day with the Lord will be!!!!!!!!! I love it:) Enjoy this video.

I usually don't write the whole verse, but I am too overwhelmed with Jubilation today:)Revelation 19:6-8 (New International Version)
6Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)

Serving a Bride is a beautiful feeling!

2009-07-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I got married almost 5 years ago now and I will never forget the peaceful feeling of knowing that my wedding site was in good hands with my two great friends from High School! Well, it was time to return the favor last month and serving with a happy and loving heart is such a great feeling. My childhood friend got married and I was able to be there for HERfinally and take a look at the Photographer's blog to see how much it stood out (the photographer was also a high school friend, she did a beautiful job and travels anywhere - http://www.lisafitts.com/)! She noticed that there were so many people helping out for this wedding that's what she chose to reference in HER quote for HER blog, it was definitely a great group of gals this Bride chose for her wedding party!

Congratulations Kyle and Alicia, may your life be filled with blessings from above and always have a heart to serve one another. Romans 14:18-19

Great Facebook Cause close to my heart

2009-07-06T15:40:00.001-07:00

I used to serve with Every Generation Ministries in Temecula, CA and still have a deep love for the ministry they do around the world! Please join me in praying for this cause they are celebrating on Facebook along with a dear friend of mine's birthday:) By following the link above, you will read about a great Bride of Christ in Romania, I have met his brother who also serves with EGM in Romania and is doing great work there. You can also read more about EGM at their website. "Transforming children in Christ through HIS church" is the mission of EGM. Never will a child be passed by. Mark 10:13

Remembering a Legacy of a Bride!

2009-06-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's been 1 year already since my precious Grammie passed away. We just buried her ashes on Friday and I am convinced she left a legacy that will NEVER be forgotten! The memories that were recalled among us ALWAYS referred to her sweet sweet personality that would never say anything bad about anyone, always on her knees in prayer when she was going through hard times and always encouraging others during their times of distress. My Grammie is a prime example of how we should live our life as a member of the Bride of Christ. Grammie quoted Ephesians 4:32 in the Memorial DVD from her interviews in 2006 when I recorded her talking about her life story.

Why would anyone look at the glass half empty?

2009-06-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to share something for a few months, but have been scared too. BUT that's what I want this Blog to be about, is helping each other on the things that really ARE tough. Even though I have God in my life everything isn't easy, BUT how can I look at a glass half empty when I know that God WILL take care of me...and now when I look back at the last several months, it is all the more encouraging how much He carried me!

I have been able to share with two marriages what I am going to share with hopefully many many more now as I write this and please pass it along to all you know because it seems to hit me every time I say it, just how important it is to remember. When my husband and I got married, we agreed that we would NEVER mention divorce and so we never really ever even think that way, let alone say it. Well, we had some rough times these past 6 months and I never thought my marriage would get to that point so it was then that I had to make the decision so that I WOULD NOT think that way anymore. It was like I had to renew my vow to myself. My choices were 1) Do you want to stay with this man no matter what? If yes, then you must continue trudging forward and never look back, working every situation through and continue living according to the promise we made when we married, Divorce is NOT an option. 2) Do you want to keep letting yourself get SO angry every time we hit a rough spot and let my mind get to the point of hurt and sorrow that it was at? If so, then you will not be happy and you are not living as God would want you to live with this husband of yours.

If you would simply love your husband the right way and look at the situations/confrontations the right way, ALL will be at peace. Thankfully I chose option 1 and I am so blessed that I did. I'm not saying it was easy from that day forward, but it really was because I chose not to look back, I made a decision to live a certain way and without God, it would NOT have been possible. I looked at the Glass Half Full and it was way more than half full when I relied on God and now when I look back, that's what got me through without a doubt! Thank you Lord for saving me, what can I say, You are my Everything, I will sing Your praise! Great are You Lord, Your truth has set me FREE! Revelations 21:2-4

Fairs meet Marriage: My FAVORITE 2 Things!

2009-05-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

What a day I had today, absolutely LOVED it! I have been in contact with a gentleman for about a month, from the time he first called me to ask if he could somehow propose to his girlfriend on stage at one of the Fairs where I work. Well, he had me from HELLO because we share the same birthday and he wanted to propose on his birthday and well, I have a heart for marriage so I wanted to find some way some how to minister to this couple! Well, yesterday was THE day and it was absolutely incredible, I had so much fun with this whole thing...maybe I COULD be a Wedding Planner in my future:) Well I had it all coordinated with the Hypnotist, one of my great friends Tyzen, and when he was telling me how he was going to have the guy do the proposal I was already crying! So Tyzen asked me to be in the FRONT row to watch the show just so he could get feedback from my face that things were going as I would like...or so I thought!! Well, yesterday was my birthday, as I mentioned and before the whole proposal, Tyzen really wanted me in the front row to bring me up in front of EVERYBODY to sing Happy Birthday to me. Then it all happened, a beautiful proposal through a card magic trick, a slow dance and a sweet YES was the answer, I was BAWLING!:) I always try to remember to carry a few of the Fireproof movies with me as well as a few of the Love Dare books, so I gave them a Fireproof movie!
Then, little did I know, the night hadn't ended:) A co-worker who I have been working with for about 6 months now came into my office late last night when I had written the first line of this blog and she just came by to chat. WELL, did we chat:) I gave away ANOTHER Fireproof movie!!! I love it, God use me PLEASE! What JOY I receive in sharing His LOVE! I want to love these people and spend time with them and let the conversation flow and just encourage them that they are so loved it's incredible AND IT'S SOOOOO WORKING:) John 3:16

Good Viral Forwarding:) I PROMISE!

2009-04-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

I received this in an Email today and couldn't help, but share it with you all!

Look back and thank God.
Look forward and trust God.
Look around and serve God.
Look within and find God!

God closes doors no man can open.
God opens doors no man can close.

"God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever...." -Psalms 73:26

Learning Love Languages!

2009-04-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read the book "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, I recommend it! I read it when we first got married and it's one of those I want to read again! It talks about the 5 languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch. I know that my language is time and boy did I get it last weekend! One of the events I work always falls on my birthday, so my husband decided to celebrate my life early and it was PERFECT! Every year for every celebration or holiday, my husband asks me what I want and I know husbands get mad when we say "Nothing," but mine finally got it! All I want is time with him!

I am reading another book right now called "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn. It was recommended to me by a mentor and then my husband bought it for me at the "Weekend to Remember" marriage retreat! What a blessing this book has been and I hope my husband starts feeling the repercussions from it because I am learning that "Words of Affirmation" is his love language through RESPECT! Very Key:) FYI, There is also a book that has a similar cover by the same author that is called "For Men Only." They are both short, easy to read books. I Corinthians 16:6-7

What a Way to Celebrate!

2009-04-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, I participated in a "Cross-Walk" in Temecula, CA. I had never heard of such a thing prior to last year and now I can't seem to stop spreading the word, but my ultimate plan is to continue in this tradition no matter where I live...AND if there isn't one, start one! Think BIG because God is in control:) We walk about the distance Christ walked to His crucifixion. Several crosses of varying sizes are carried along the route and last year a woman was playing a violin as we walked (how precious the sound was)!

This year, I walked with my cousin and her three precious children, singing youth worship songs towards the end. What a sweet, sweet time to think about our Lord and how grueling that walk must have been (already having been beaten, then being forced to carry a huge log-like cross, for hours because he could barely walk). Thank you Lord for saving me, what can I say, you are my everything, I'll sing your praise! Great are you Lord! Happy Easter! Read Luke 23 and John 19 to see it for yourself, read slowly and take in deeply what our Lord did for us!

Submit a post to share on the blog about what you did for Easter, or what touched you during this holiday that maybe you've never thought about before and I'll send you the movie Fireproof or the book Love Dare, whichever you prefer!

I can't stop saying THANK YOU!

2009-04-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

I am overwhelmed by what the Lord is doing with my life! Every time I think, WOW He's really done it this time, something else happens and so finally I say..."Thank you Lord!" rather than "I can't believe this is happening!" I am a real planner, but I have learned that my way of thinking needs to have Faith that I will get what I want and more (WITHOUT thinking about it) if I focus on the NOW rather than my FUTURE.

I started this blog with the hope of putting a conversation starter out there for people to stumble across, see a heart being spilled out so that they hopefully get something that helps them in their walk with the Lord, then in turn spill out their heart so that it can help all of us who are reading it! My husband mentioned the other day that he has been thinking about what he is going to write for this blog and hopefully that will get more men involved as well. I know there are some awesome Men of God reading this and I hope you pass the word on, because Christian men and women, we are ALL the BRIDE of CHRIST (I know men find it hard to be a BRIDE, but you are:)). I try not to focus my examples only on being a bride to my husband, but life in general because this blog is about being the BRIDE of CHRIST more than anything!

All this to say, as I walk through life, the little things should get just as much attention as the bigger things that God is doing in our walk with Him. Thank God for it ALL and you will experience ongoing JOY because the little blessings are just as exciting as what used to be considered the big blessings! Matthew 6:19-22

Have you gotten to a point in life that the little blessings aren't paid attention to? Thank God for it ALL!

It's Only The Beginning!

2009-03-13T22:54:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the book Love Dare last week although I am still working on the last two dares...or should I say the last 40 dares! This book definitely encouraged me how to incorporate God correctly into my marriage. I have seen a change in both my husband and I, but only with keeping the correct center in our marriage (Christ), will we continue to love, honor, cherish and all those other vows we took on our wedding days. We definitely can not do it alone, prayer is key and mentors are great encouragers to come along side you in good times and in bad.

Philippians 4:4

Fireproof Your Marriage With Us!

2009-02-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

I have a fabulous GUEST BLOGGER today! For those of you who read and haven't yet participated in My 1st Giveaway!, my sister-in-law has some great words of encouragement from her time spent in reading the book Love Dare. It is very special to me to share her words since she sent the book to me and my husband without us knowing and I am overwhelmed with God's perfect timing for this book in my life. Please let me know your stories, they don't have to be about the book, just great things we can share with each other about life, love, marriage, our walk with our Lord and anything else that can be encouraging as we abide in Him and for Him throughout life.
May John 3:16 be your greatest comfort today:) I love you!
Since I read this blog, I have wanted to respond, not necessarily for the movie giveaway, but because I have read the book and it brought so much to me so here it is. I have finished reading Love Dare, and I have bought it and sent it out to the people I love the most, so that they too can benefit from it. Not because you try to fix their marriage, or because anything is wrong with it, but because I love them all and hope and pray that something in that book clicks and maybe just maybe betters them as a human being, Christian, and yes, even partner. But this is what I got from it. I got a positive outlook to marriage. Coming from a surrounding of not so positive outlooks, I learned "marriage" is not just a commitment, it's a covenant. Not just with your spouse, but with God. And in trying to work out a marriage, the good and the bad, you are also working on a covenant with God. In a marriage there REALLY ARE 3, but first you must know how to put God first and above all else. You must learn to trust and put your faith in God, that things will change, and things may hit rock bottom, but if you have a strong foundation with God, and hold on tight, you WILL survive. You will come out stronger and better. God gives you the person meant for you, you may not always like the packaging after awhile, but it is what God needs in your life. And we must remember that we OURSELVES may not always be the best packaging for our spouses, but we must never give up in trying to be who the Lord intended us to be in order to give our spouses whom they were intended to have. Many parts of the book struck and stuck with me, but one in particular makes sense. We can not change people, they are who they are until "they" choose to change, but you can have a part in that not by being negative or giving up or yelling or fighting, but by praying for them. Because ultimately, it is out of our hands. Ultimately, only God can change people. Ultimately, they will see that anything is possible once they accept God. And all you can do is be true to your God, and be true to yourself, and be there to support them in their path to God. We have to work on ourselves, and our relationship with God, and let God, and only God, work on them.

Beautifully written by Angie.

Special Valentines Day Edition!

2009-02-14T11:15:00.001-08:00

Share what you are doing for your spouse for this LOVE holiday and read what everyone else is doing! Hopefully this can be one of many places where we can get ideas during the rest of the year when we are looking for a romantic idea.
2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Pray different Today!

2009-02-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

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

Usually I end the post with a Bible reference instead of starting with an entire Bible verse. Well, I can't help it today:) This verse has been more important to me in the last few weeks than anybody has known. I have learned how to PRAY these last few weeks and it's not because of some book I read, it's because my heart was broken and I turned to God. He had me right where I needed to be so that I could learn the value of prayer.

I've always know that God hears my prayers, so that hasn't been the problem...the problem is that I never have had to believe in something so strongly knowing that PRAYER was ALL I had to hold onto. What a beautiful thing, to have such strong faith and belief that MY GOD could make something happen that would have to drastically change something that I didn't think would change (before my prayer time started that is).

So I'm sorry I haven't posted much lately, but I've been busy having the time of my life with MY GOD! I write to you because I love you and He will ALWAYS love you...may you start your new Prayer Life with Him today, you won't regret it!

My 1st Giveaway!

2009-01-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I figure that I've shared enough about the movie Fireproof that I want to give it away so for the next few months I'm going to give the movie away. If you haven't seen it, this will be your chance to get it for free and hopefully impact you the same it has me. It's coming out on DVD and I have pre-ordered it so I want you to write me and be a guest blogger...share with me and the rest of the world (because you are giving me permission to post your response on the blog) about anything you have learned from marriage or anything you love about marriage, anything you want. You can email BaleyPlascencia@yahoo.com your posts to me or use the comment link below. And please share any Bible verses that you think would be helpful in relation to your story! I'm very excited about this because I have been asking a couple friends who are getting married to write for me and I know when they get time they will, but this might give them some great ideas and encouragement! I love you all and thank you for having fun and loving the Lord with me in all you do, His JOY is what keeps us going. Psalm 51:12
I'll choose two winners every month for the next few months so keep sending me your stories and the winners will have their blog posted as well as receive a DVD of Fireproof. Have fun!

Do the Love Dare...You'll Be Glad You Did!

2009-01-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

In my previous post "Don't Wait to Fireproof Your Marriage," I wrote to you about the movie Fireproof (based on the book Love Dare). I hadn't started the book at that point and honestly, I was being pretty stubborn not to. Well, I finally started it early December and it's only supposed to take 40 days to do it, but I'm only on Day 16 over a month later! It's not that I haven't been loyal to it, it's that I promised myself I wouldn't go on unless I fully accomplished the daily dare and I'm so glad that I have stuck to my word. The Lord has been working on me really hard so be ready for Him to mold you and break you and don't put it off like I did...you're ready now whether you think your marriage needs it or not. So go buy the book or if funds are too tight right now...I was on the Family Life website today (the same website I recommended in "Treat Yourself to a Retreat") and they email a dare every day and you can do it with them leading up to Valentine's Day.

I find it works best for me to review my day in the evening so I will reread my dare and make notes about it if I completed the dare or put the book away and work on it the next day. If I completed it, I will read the next days dare after I make notes and begin preparing my plans for the following day (beginning with prayer). Well, I was blown away yesterday with God's perfect timing because I had a really hard day in marriage-ville, which thankfully doesn't happen very often, but when I reread the dare for me to report on I immediately began to weep. The Lord knew all along that this was the exact Day I needed to be on on January 12 or it never would have affected me like it did...thus once again I am very glad I have taken my time in this book. 1 Peter 3:3-4 is what I needed to remember yesterday.

Being Creative while Saving Money in the long run!

2009-01-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

One part of life that I enjoy and take to heart when living for Christ and my Home is creativity through art. It seems to grow even more broad every day as so much seems to be offered to us as we emerse ourselves into a world of technology. I used to write journals, having several different journals (one for each topic), now I can blog with each blog having it's own topic and insert beautiful pictures. It also doesn't take as long so I can do twice as much. I used to scrapbook, but now that I rarely print my digital photos there are programs to make digital scrapbooks which can be made into DVD's to share or shared online by email and social networking sites (below is a snapshot of one my pages). I love the color that I can bring to the page:

All this to say, if you haven't entered the world of technology, maybe now's the time to feel it out. Do your research on sites that can help you find prices from multiple stores all over the internet rather than going into multiple stores in person and having to remember what exactly was at the last store. I was just comparing computers with my sister to help her purchase a new computer over Christmas and you can almost always find the computer you want for less expensive if you just look a few more places before you purchase it! Sites will search multiple places for you right in front of your eyes and also let you give your specific price range to search only within that price range. This is very convenient now while shopping, but also down the road as you only have to purchase the computer and any design programs once then you can create unlimited projects. When I scrapbook, I'm always having to purchase supplies, have them in stock, take the time to go to the specific stores and search for what I want, then make sure everything is in perfect alignment when I finally do the actual project. Don't be afraid to take the plunge because computer programs are becoming more and more user friendly every day. Below is a picture of my Christmad boutique table where I was selling coaster tiles using pictures I printed off the computer, my own pictures of family!

We are taught to store up treasures in Heaven and when I'm putting my money and time into something that will value my memories with family, it's worth it to me! Matthew 6:19-21

Men Need to be Romanced Too!

2008-12-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

I romanced my husband last night, oh boy did I! I'm going to leave the rest to your imagination, but let me tell you ladies...it pays off to be creative because I have had a totally different husband today! It's not that we haven't done these things before, but that I did it so willingly and went over the top with my willingness to participate. That is romance to MY husband:) It doesn't have to be cheesy, girly stuff like we expect...just be willing and go for it!!! Have fun with your lover tonight, surprise him with your efforts! Read Song of Solomon for some breath-taking ideas for loving your spouse.

Thoughts of Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for those who stay in a marriage for their family and children despite the trials. There are some Christian women out there that are such angels and I talked with one recently who knew exactly what she was thankful for this Thanksgiving...that she had stayed with her husband through all those hard times because sharing her children and grandchildren with her husband as they grow older is so special. They celebrated 39 years together on Sunday and even enjoyed a romantic hot springs outing together to celebrate! Oh how sweet to hear a story such as this. I pray for those of you who think you are struggling and can't make it through to find a great and encouraging woman of wisdom like I have in life, God will use them to encourage you when you most need it. Titus 2:3-5

Treat yourself to a Retreat...You'll be glad you did!

2008-11-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

This weekend my husband ran away to the mountains with several men from our church to attend the Annual Men's Retreat. He left with a positive attitude knowing that he'd be rejuvenated, but also worried if he'd get enough work done on time or if he should be doing this or that instead. The enemy never fails to make you second guess yourself when he knows you are headed towards something good and right and lovely.

We have made every effort to attend a retreat of some kind at least once a year because focusing your full and undivided attention on the Lord refreshes our spirit and relationship with Him. We have attended a weekend marriage retreat, a single day marriage reatreat, weekend retreats where we go alone with groups (such as this last weekend) or simply take a road trip. Every single time we come back with a renewed mind and you can never spend too much alone time with God (the picture above is how I feel about my alone time with the Lord~isn't it beautiful and breathtaking). That's how I feel every time I spend real precious time with God and know that I did. Romans 12:2 tells us how important it is to renew our minds. Keep an eye out for what your church or local area has to offer and don't ignore God's nudging for you to attend. Friends and family would love to take care of your children if they know the time away will benefit your walk with the Lord!

Some retreats we have enjoyed have been through Family Life, Hume Lake, Gary Chapman and there is usually always something planned for the year through our church. Hope this helps for those of you who were looking for a more specific guide on finding a retreat! Be ready for God's love to rain on you:)

Don't wait to Fireproof your marriage!

2008-11-11T15:36:00.001-08:00

I have been married to my wonderful Christian husband for over four years now. Little did we know that for the last four years, there have been three identical issues that have been on both our minds, but never discussed between us. A little over a month ago we exchanged some very unkind words to each other about one of these three issues and it was the last straw for both of us. We both broke down separately and knew we needed to do something about the way we were heading. I don't know if we were in denial the last four years or if we were just that bad at communicating, we both just held it in and tried to get over it. Well, obviously that wasn't working! That Sunday when we went to church, our pastor mentioned that he and his wife had gone to see the movie FIREPROOF and that if you have ever been married and had problems, been married and never had problems, never been married, were engaged to be married, might ever be married or ever knew someone who has married...that you need to go see this movie. You get it right? You should go see this movie! We did and it really did put a fire in our hearts about how we were treating each other. We have five local movie theaters and only one of them was playing the movie. I drove by the theater again today and it was still playing, so try to take a date night to go see it. I promise you won't regret it! And if you don't see it while it's in the movie theaters then rent it as soon as it comes out. Read Ephesians 5 for a great passage about Wives & Husbands...I am praying for the little big things in your marriage today.

For as long as you both shall live

2008-11-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

So several months ago, it may have even been a year ago, my husband and I were talking...okay maybe I was talking and he was being a great listener (as usual)! BUT I was explaining to him how I pray for women so much when I hear about them getting married because I know how the mind works during this time for most of us. We immediately switch gears into focusing on the WEDDING DAY and completely ignore anything beyond that DAY because that DAY is what is important.

Well, I attended a wedding this weekend that was the most precious wedding I think I have ever attended! I know we all want Christ to be the center, but are we really making Him the center of our relationships? Every part of this wedding and reception that I attended this weekend gave me confidence that this couple was DEFINITELY making Him the center of their life together. No matter how perfect we want our wedding day to be, we need to focus even more on what will happen after that day and for the rest of our lives. If Christ is at the center of our life together than we have nothing to fear because He WILL get us through. We have a sweet God who wants us to enjoy a life together so that we can be a light for Him to others. That's what marriage is for...a testimony. Psalms 27:1

Laugh...It'll make you feel better!

2008-10-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to smile, laugh, kiss, hug or any of those other feel good actions you do when you love someone. I know, sometimes I don't feel like doing it either, but have found that in those times when you least feel like it is when you should do it the most. It makes me feel a lot better because I know that's what God wants most...JOY in my life (Psalms 30)!

So next time your husband leaves the house and you didn't have a warm departure, be sure that when he walks back through that door at the end of the day...he only feels warmth and sees a smile on your face. That's how you would greet the Lord wouldn't you? I pray for us to have renewed love for our husbands daily through the Lord and that He may have JOY watching us interact with our husband knowing that we are just practicing for the day we meet up with Him in the clouds! Woohoo!!! 1 Thessalonians 4:17

With God, Nothing is Impossible!

2008-10-24T18:53:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you think, "Man I need to call Dr. Laura and see what she has to say!"?? Or your Mom, or your sister, or that one friend, but then you realize the only reason you want to call that person is because you want to hear that what you think is RIGHT and they are that magic person who will confirm you are! Awe, caught! Well, today was one of those days for me, AGAIN. I really don't enjoy them at all, but when I look back on it, it was just another trial that had to be part of making me ME. ...oh I don't want to say it...ooooohhh, OK. Thank you Lord.
It has been a hard thing to learn, and it's only been with practice, but when I do want to call Dr. Laura, my Mom, sister or whoever...that is exactly when I stop myself and say, "No Baley, you need to be calling on your Heavenly Father right now and YES, He will give you the right answer even if it's not your right answer." Although I did not call anyone today, it still took me a long time before I went to the Lord because I didn't want to hear what I knew He had to say:) Caught AGAIN! Mark 10:27 can get me through and I pray it will get you through as well.
This is a picture of my brother and I, who lives over 500 miles away, but every time I think of him it lifts me up! Remember the things that make you happy in life and know they are worth living for.

Our Wedding Day

2008-10-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

If you look for the Lord in the details, He's there! I discussed this blog with my husband a couple weeks ago to make sure I had his support. Many things I share will come from our life as the example, so it's only fair that I let him know that I will be writing to the world about our personal life right? Here is a picture of my husband and I so that you can know who we are as we write to you through this Blog. Yes, I have asked him if he would do some posts now and then too so that this may be a blog for both sexes, not just a girly, mushy blog from my heart, but that men might enjoy it as well!
I set up the account yesterday with hopes to write my first post this week. It only just dawned on me though, that today we are attending a wedding, which I know will be most beautiful, since it is a formal wedding being held at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA. I am very excited since I have never been there, but also because a wedding ceremony will make it all the more beautiful of a location to me forever! All this to say, the Lord knows His plans and if we will let them fall into place and acknowledge Him along the way...He will help us to enjoy our life all the more. I enjoy the idea of blogging more and more, but I have been wanting to do it for the Lord, so with this right mind set, He's working it all into place and at His pace! Now, I must go get ready for the big day, but pray this first post will encourage you to think about your wedding day with the Lord! How will you dress your heart in preparation for our wedding day with HIM? (1 Peter 3:3-4) It is coming my dear brothers and sisters and we need to look forward to that DAY like we did our own wedding day. Oh, it gives me the tingles, I love you Lord!

~10/23/08~While we waited for the wedding to start, we viewed the headstones for Mr & Mrs Nixon. And in my eyes, the quote on her headstone topped off the setting for a wedding, "Even when people can't speak your language, they can tell if you have love in your heart." That is my goal in life, that people can see Christ so evident in my love for them...even without words. I pray this is also yours. ~

Info Flyer for Book Donations

2007-08-02T18:46:00.000-07:00