Engagement Reflections Part 2

As I go through the journal I kept during my engagement, various emotions are stirred up within me. It is evident that Satan came knocking on my door more than a few times. He was not happy with the whole situation. I wonder if he was thinking, 'I better throw all of my fiery darts at these two individuals because they may be stronger as a married couple, fighting for God's kingdom, than they are now.'

The details of the struggles are not necessary to share, especially since God always brought us out of the miry pit and set us upon the solid rock. He was victorious every time. During one of my lowest points, the Holy Spirit prompted somebody to call me at the perfect moment just to check on how I was doing. It was exactly what I needed, and I was encouraged to press on. God also gave me some neat scripture that I used to ward off the enemy. 2 Chronicles, chapter 20 was a blessing from God that I really held on to then and continue to keep close to my heart. It is speaking to all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem before they go into battle with the children of Ammon and Moab, saying "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's." It goes on to say that there is no need to fight this battle, but stand still and see the salvation of the Lord with you. God showed himself victorious in that situation, and He always shows up to fight the battles in my life as well.

I do want to point out that Nate was amazing through every bump in the road. He was not the root of anything negative, only positive things. I realized, like never before, why it was called FAITH marriage, emphasis on the FAITH part. Much FAITH was required in order to be the recipient of such a blessing, apparently more than I had expected to give. The Lord stretched me beyond the limits I thought I possessed, and He made all things beautiful in his timing.

Engagement involved many beginnings and endings for me. It was time though. Certain chapters in my life were meant to come to a close, and other phases were just beginning to blossom.

The love and support we received throughout our engagement journey was overwhelming. 

The Sunday that our engagement was announced began the outpouring of endless offers to help with the wedding. I never took time to actually sit down and realize what a blessing it was to have so many willing people give of their time and resources for us.


We had wonderful shower committees. Wish I had a picture of all of them.

Our caterer was amazing. Having worked for Carla's catering company for six years, I had my wedding menu planned pretty quickly. I still have fond memories of her delightful muffins.

My uncle brought his ice cream machines from Milford, which is over an hour away, and made his delicious soft-serve ice cream for all of the reception guests.

I had some of the cutest gift carriers around.

My bridesmaids, friends, and sisters were terrific and very supportive throughout the whole journey. I was thankful to have them along on such a crazy ride.

I could spend a good couple hours expounding on all of those who contributed in some way or another. Our church culture has a system, unlike any other, when it comes to the amount of help that is given when planning a wedding. I have a feeling that is why apostolic weddings can be planned in only a few short months.

By the last couple weeks of our engagement, I began to treasure each moment a little bit more deeply. All of a sudden, I was gripping more tightly to the time I spent with my family. The last Sunday, in the church that had seen me grow from a child to an adult, the one that I had called my own for twenty-one years, was held at a higher value than most. 

I also began to realize, during those last couple weeks, that a certain somebody was becoming more and more precious to me with each passing day. Goodbyes were getting harder and hellos were getting sweeter. 

We were getting anxious for the big day!

Engagement Reflections

With our two year anniversary right around the corner, my mind traces back to the events that took place during that time, two years back. Starting with our first night together, as an engaged couple, back in January of 2014.

As I look at the first picture that we ever took together that evening, various thoughts run through my mind. 

We look so much younger back then compared to now. I guess that two years really does make a difference.

Why did I ever wear that outfit I ask myself? I should have worn a shorter skirt and not so many layers. That first night with Nate, which included meeting his family, did not set itself up to be a cool evening. I remember being quite warm most of the night.

When Nate first arrived at my house that evening, he climbed out of his vehicle with two beautiful bouquets of roses. I was discreetly peering out of the kitchen window, intending to stay right where I was. One of my sister-in-laws, also peeking out, said, "Oh, how sweet of him!" I nonchalantly agreed.

My mom instructed me to go open the door and welcome him and his parents inside. I had been counting on my dad to be the door-greeter that evening, but unfortunate for me, it seemed that he had disappeared at that very crucial moment. Never had I been so anxious when it came to opening the front door, but I must have survived.

This all seems a bit silly as I fast forward to today. The filters have progressively started to wane, as they do for most married couples. By now, we have seen many facets of one another. Our negative and positive qualities have come to the surface. Nate has accepted me for who I am, and I try to do the same.

If I could write a letter to the girl that I was two years ago, I think I would be a bit hard on her. I would tell her to simply be herself and not go on creating false actions or appearances. I would encourage her to not be quite so serious during her engagement but to lighten up a bit. I would explain to her that sometimes love comes softly and not quickly, and I would conclude by writing how blessed she is that God chose her to be the wife and help mate of such a wonderful, God-fearing man. A man that she will fall more in love with each and every day.

I apologize if this post seems a bit sappy, and for your warning, there may be some similar ones to follow. I understand that as a young single guy or girl, it may not always be easy to hear or watch the details of love unfold in the lives of your friends or family. I have a heart for the individuals still waiting for their own love story to come about, and I hope you know that the Lord may very well be preparing that perfect person for you right now, even if it does not happen for a while. God's timing is so different and personal for each of us. He looks at our personality, circumstances, ability to trust, ect. and orchestrates his perfect timing. I want to be that married friend that single girls can comfortably come talk too. In no way did I do anything perfect when it came to seeking God's will for marriage in my life. God blessed me, but that was only after I had made many mistakes and sought his forgiveness. I hope to address more on the topic of "singleness" when the time is right, not because I am qualified to, but more out of conviction.

I do not know if I meant to jump on this bandwagon or not, but what is written is written.

Please join me as I reminisce, during the next week or so, of the events that took place back when God brought Nate into my life. 

New Life Is Born

Here is a quick post to let you all know that I do still value this blog of mine. 

The highlight of last week was the arrival of my newest niece Bristal Ann. The fourth child born to my brother Todd and sister-in-law Jessica. I cannot think of a much better family for this sweet little girl to be joining. I have no doubt that she is being smothered with love by her amazing parents and adoring siblings.

I picked Nate up after work and we headed up to the hospital to see the newest member of our family. I am never prepared for how small a newborn is. She is quite adorable and I hope that Bristal and Aunt Han will get to make many memories together!

While on the topic of babies. It is beginning to seem that I am departing from the "friends getting married" stage and entering into the "friends having babies" stage. Both of those stages bring about showers, and in this instance a baby shower. I found an idea for a "New Mommy Survival Kit" gift idea. I picked up various items that each had a purpose in helping a new mom survive the transition into motherhood.

Do not strain your eyes by squinting to read the words in the picture below. Keep scrolling.

Socks to remind you to take time for yourself and relax.

Book to point out that this is only a chapter of life.

Hand Sanitizer to keep out any unwanted little “visitors.”

Candle so you never feel in the dark.

Tissues to dry the tears, the babies and yours.

Energy bar for an added boost of energy after those long, sleepless nights.

Wipes to help wipe your worries away.

Rubber Band to remind you that flexibility is key and to help you stretch beyond your limits.

Paper Clip to hold things together when they seem unorganized.

Eraser to note that everyone makes mistakes.

Chapstick to help you stick with it.

Matches to light your fire when you feel burnt out.

Toothpick to pick out the good in all situations.

Altoids to let you know that you are worth a “mint.”

Ibuprofen for when all else fails…take two!

Oh and Chocolate never hurts either.

I would like to mention that I only give Pinterest partial credit for this. Pinterest was my foundation, but I came up with a few of those on my own. I better stop, starting to sound a bit boastful.

I am beginning to see a few more signs of Spring! My tulips have finally started to bloom. Nate has even been monitoring the status of our tulips and was keeping me updated on their progress a few days this week. We both enjoy watching things grow, or maybe it could be that he highly excels at trying his hardest to share my interests. Either way it makes me smile.

If you are looking for us, good chance we may be traveling. We have been spending an ample amount of time on the road the last couple days. Nothing major, just out to Smithville/Rittman for a wedding last weekend, followed by a quick trip to Bluffton, last night, for our couple's bible study. It is good to have loved ones scattered about.

 I leave you with this quote, for it has given me something to think about today. "Only God's view can reveal our journey as the best solution to the intended destination." Praying that I can more naturally look at life, self, the future and others through the lens of Christ. 

Thanks for reading!

March Blessings!!

First off, March marks one year of being homeowners for the two of us!! Our humble abode has served us well this past year, and we pray that continues. Nate and I have learned more about houses in the last year than ever before. Some of the credit may be due to our obsession with HGTV shows. 



We have realized several advantages to owning our own home. Advantages such as the freedom to paint the walls whatever color we want, or the privilege to take down walls at our leisure. Doubt we would have been too popular with our land lord had we tackled a wall in our rental home. It is also beneficial to be making an investment instead of putting money toward a rent check every month. A few disadvantages that I never thought much about were home insurance, property taxes, ect. No doubt that the positives outweigh the negatives.

I put together a house tour for anybody interested in seeing the changes that we have made in the last year. Click here or click "House Tour" in the header above to be directed to that page.

Next topic....
We have been blessed to have some amazing company to our home lately. Doug and Brooke came from Toledo to hang out with us one day. That evening we had a neighbor and her four boys, which who Doug and Brooke are good friends, over for supper. There was much energy in our house, but we enjoyed it.



Two weekends ago, Arika got baptized. Being the fun-loving girl that she is, several girls came out to support her on her special weekend. I have personally been blessed by her friendship and find myself always smiling when we are together.

She told me yesterday that I was not allowed to put a picture of herself on my blog. I broke the rules 
though. Yikes!!



I had four lovely girls stay with me that weekend.



If you do not know these girls personally, you probably think that I cannot count. I am aware that there are five of them in the picture above, but Shelby (coral cardigan) lives down the way and came for breakfast.

We had some lovely chats and I would welcome these girls back to Ohio any time. I am so proud of each of these girls and I am excited to see how God will continue to use them.



This past weekend, four of us Latty couples hosted a mini invite-a-friend. Randy, Jenae, Katie, and Matthew were able to come as our guests. We really enjoyed being with these couples, along with all of the couples.

We did a progressive dinner, and it kept us all moving throughout the evening. Appetizers started at our house, next we headed to another location for soup and salad, next was the dessert stop, and lastly we hit the snack station. Eating over the span of two hours really fills a person up.



It was a blessing to be with so many couples in the same stage of life as us. These weekends are always so uplifting. Thankful for friends who are willing to travel!!



So thankful for the punishment that Christ endured in order for us to have peace and ultimately the hope of salvation. Have a blessed Easter!

Project Almost Complete

Some people blog about their children, others might tell a funny childhood story. Since I do not have any children of which to write about, nor do any childhood stories come to mind, you get to hear and see more about our house. 

If you recall, from my last post, we were in the process of tearing a wall down.

Taking the wall down was the easy part. It was the patching, drywalling, electrical, and painting that took the most time, and we still are not quite to the finish line.

I was able to paint a couple weeks ago. I tested several Sherwin Williams colors. I wanted a neutral color that was a mixture of gray and beige. According to my research there are colors such as "greige." That was news to me.

After testing a few, I chose a color called "accessible beige." I have been happy with it. For anybody wanting to attempt with a greige color, I have four samples of Sherwin Williams paint for you to try.

Here is a picture prior to painting. I was so anxious to say goodbye to those red walls. I do not see many more red walls in my current or future home(s). I like red in the homes of others, but I did not know how to handle it or tie it in with my style of decorating.

Painting this room was so much fun, and not only because I enjoy painting. The paint I used was a dream to work with. One gallon of Sherwin Williams Interior Super Paint was all I needed, and that included two coats.

Don't mind my frog culottes. I went through a major "frog" stage prior to one of my mission trips to Mexico, which I mad the culottes for. If you ask my husband, he may say that I am still stuck in the frog zone. Let me tell you, frog fabric made sewing much more fun back in the day. At least I got rid of the frog pajamas and slippers. Anyways, back to the topic at hand.

Here is the finished product. Some lighting makes the walls look gray, other lighting shows more of a beige color coming through. I guess I got my "greige."

Starting this project, I knew that I did not want to spend much money on decorations. My only splurge was the rustic looking clock, which I feel I got at a reasonable price. Inspired by my love for the TV show Fixer Upper, I had this exact clock in mind for the space. When I found it at Hobby Lobby, I wasted no time carrying it up to the register. Not only was I excited to have found it, but I did not want any other items to tempt me. I had come for the clock, and I would leave with the clock, and only the clock.

We still have a few finishing touches we need to make on this project, but we are getting closer to the ending point. I am excited to make use of the openness of this room.

Here are a few pictures from our February.

Once again another month has flown by. We started February off by an entertaining evening to the rodeo, at the Hat Creek Arena in Van Wert. 

My brother's family has been to this rodeo multiple times. We met them for supper ahead of time and enjoyed the rodeo together.

Bonnie came along as well. What a fun, likeable gal she is. Briggs enjoyed hanging out with her too.

I was impressed by the show. There were some intense moments, but all was well. I can't think of a worse way to go than by being trampled by a bull. Thankfully the riders have much quicker reflexes than myself. Crazy to think that people do this for a living, or for fun.

I had some cute visitors on Valentine's Day. My sister's family came out Sunday for church, and then back to our house for supper.

My good friend Kendra was telling me, the week before, how she had made heart-shaped meat balls when she had company the previous year around Valentine's Day. I had been planning to have meatloaf, and decided to try it. They turned out pretty well, and they even looked like hearts after they were baked.

I made little treat bags for the kids. I will do whatever it takes to lure them back to our house in the future.

Here is the pie that my sister made. Pretty cute if you ask me.

Oh, and here is my Valentine. It was technically our third Valentine's Day together. We were engaged during the first one. They just keep getting better with this amazing man. I am blessed beyond measure to spend each and every day with him.

That is all for now. May your March be filled with much joy from above.