A Charlie Brown Christmas -

For some reason, I am a sucker for the tiniest of Christmas trees. When I spot the runt of the group while strolling through the Christmas tree lot, it's game over. Even if I try to ignore the poor thing, I feel like it's begging me to pick it, take it home, and clothe it in bling. 

This year was no different. 

The Hubby and I had walked through the entire lot, during which I had spotted the runt of the group. I kept walking, though (small victory). We decided on a decent size tree and were waiting for the guys to come bind it for us (bigger victory).

And then it happens...

I slowly look back over my shoulder at the runt. 

My heart strings start tugging (and in my head, violins start playing).

Oh goodness, I can feel its pull on me.

I try to resist....oh gosh it's so hard....

It's so cute and lonely....

Suddenly, it has a face....a sad face...

No one is going to want it .....

It will be the last tree on the lot if I don't take it...

Then, the Hubby puts me and the tree out of our misery.

Ok, ok. I may have exaggerated a bit, but it really was the smallest on the lot. 

I'm just thankful that there is a runt to love in every group. Jesus Christ loved the "runts."

xo, Caroline

Real Bling

I am a typical girl.

I love jewelry and the pizzazz that it adds to the simplest outfit. 

It may be silly, but sometimes I am drawn to certain people

because of their jewelry, as if it's revealing their personality

and that they may be a kindred spirit.  

What I love even more than a beautiful piece, is one that has

meaning, significance, maybe even a story behind it. 

For me, this special piece of jewelry is from the Hubby.

Surprised?

For our first anniversary, he gave me this dainty necklace.

I couldn't love this simple treasure more,

because he picked it out for me. 

I plan on rockin' this bling when I'm a granny.

Another favorite is my scripture necklace.

Talk about a conversaton starter.

People usually ask what it stands for, thinking it's my

first initial paired with some numbers of significance.

So, I tell them the story behind it,

the story of God's rich mercy towards me.

 I explain Ephesians 2:4-5.

If given the chance, I explain the verses before 4&5 too;

it makes them that much more beautiful.

On the days when no one asks, it is a constant reminder to me

about my Savior's great mercy and love towards me.

He rescued me out of the depths of my own depravity.

Now, that's real bling.

Interested in customizing you own?

xo, Caroline

Our "Nest"

Has it really been a full year? It seriously seems like yesterday that Benjamin and I signed the papers, and our realtor handed us the keys to our first home.

I remember the feelings so well - excitement, anxiousness, nervousness - all blanketed by a unexpected assurance that God had worked everything out for us to be able to purchase a home. Throughout the process, we prayed for his protection and His will. Despite a few twists and turns, it was clear that His plan was unfolding.

The realization quickly set in that God had given us something that married couples of our age spend years working towards. So, why had He? With blessing comes responsibility. We wanted to be good stewards of what we had been given, so we brainstormed ways we could use our home for His glory.

We adopted an open door policy and started having people over regularly. I can not even count how many parties, ministry meetings, weekend guests, hang out sessions with close friends, and times of discipleship have taken place in our simple "nest." Each one of them has been a blessing to us and cause us to be so thankful that God provided a place for fellowship of this kind. While using our home to unite His Body has been almost effortless, venturing out to the lost in our neighborhood has been more of a daunting task. Small talk with our neighbors is easy, but really getting to know them has been a slow process. We are slowly developing relationships with a few different families, all of which seem to be unbelievers. Both of us have made a point to spend as much time outside as possible, in hopes of catching a conversation with one of them as they come and go. While I love being outdoors, whether it be reading a book on the front porch or planting in my flower garden, it seems as though not many others do. "Plan B" was to go to them, offering homemade goodies on various holidays. This plan did not exactly turn out to be successful either. Plan C? And as I'm typing this, I'm struck with my pride, self-reliance, and lack of faith. Who's plan am I relying on anyway? I do this often; I try to take things into my own hands when I'm not seeing results. Just as God's plan for our first house worked out, His plan for our relationship with our neighbors will be worked out. Yes, it may not "work out" exactly how I would have wanted, but I pray that I will rest in the promise of Romans 8:28 that He works everything together for good. Whatever His definition of "good" is in this situations, I will trust Him.

And now, I will get back to the theme of this blog - design. If you are anything like me, you love before and after shots. I love seeing a truly amazing transformation. While a room transformation will never compare to one of the soul, I still love the symbolism and parrallel. Below are many of the transformations that have been taking place in our "nest" over the past year. Enjoy!

Downstairs: Before

Downstairs: After (a work in progress)

living room.

dining room.

A refinished vanity decorated with old family pictures.

And, a few more of my favorite places throughout the house...

my read-write-Bible study nook.

tv room.

master bedroom.

and yes, benjamin did insist on a king size.

xoxo,

Caroline

New Beginnings -

Well, in true Caroline fashion, it has been over a year since my last post.

Oh-my, do I have a lot to update you guys on.

It has truly been a full year of "firsts."

Here is a quick timeline of the highlights.

I had a song written about me (you can hear it in the wedding video below).

Benjamin & Caroline - Highlight Video from Edward Estes on Vimeo.

I got engaged.

I sold my first painting.

I bought a house with my soon-to-be hubby.

I lived by myself, which was also a first, & loved it.

I got married to the best man that I have ever met.

I went to the Dominican Republic and snuba diving (yes, snuba).

Sadly, the camera used to capture these precious memories no longer functions.

I got my first male roommate (the hubby),

and my house became a much more fun and untidy place.

I experienced the first death of someone close to me, my grandfather.

I switched careers - from 7th grade Language Arts teacher

to full time vocational ministry.

I planted my first flower garden (well, the first one actually

in the ground -flower pots in the window sill of my

college apartment doesn't count).

I had my first Christmas as a Mrs. I decorated my house,

made Christmas goodies for my neighbors, and

played "Santa" for the first time.

Although, I don't think my husband was fooled.

Oh yea, and it was my first white Christmas!

Benjamin and I made the first addition to our family, Miss Roxie Sox.

I became an aunt to the most precious baby girl, Chandler Gray.

I know it sounds silly but, if I am ever blessed with children,

I hope I can love them as much as I love her.

And that, ladies and gents, is probably the best ending to a blog post ever.

xoxo,

Caroline

"Under My Umbrella"

It is true that "when it rains, it pours." During these times, having loyal friends is indispensable. Finding a selfless friend who cares, serves, loves, encourages, and supports is rare. This painting demonstrates a personal, cherished friendship with which I have been blessed. I know this friend will help carry my burden when something is weighing me down. And, when it really pours, I know I have an invitation to share an umbrella. And, while under it, we'll probably be singing "Umbrella" by Rihanna....because yep, it's our favorite. :) Enjoy the lyrics...

"When the sun shines, we'll shine together

Told you I'll be here forever

Said I'll always be a friend

Took an oath, I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever

Know that we'll still have each other

You can stand under my umbrella"