Christ like love

After reading all of the crazy stories from the past few days from people stranded on the interstate to kids having to stay the night at school , I just can't believe it. Many southern states are under a state of emergency, there is snow in Florida, snow on beaches in NC a lady giving birth on the side of the interstate, the lists goes on and on. I have been reading news stories non stop and watching the news like no other. The pictures are absolutely crazy and look like a scene from The Walking Dead. anyways you get my point, it's pure craziness!!!!

I have been in constant prayer for everyone that has been effected and just can't seem to get it off my mind knowing people are literally spending their nights out in the cold while I am warm in my bed. I can't complain about this weather anymore, I am so blessed.

 

I was reading yet another news article about all of this and I came across this one and just had to share it. I read it at work yesterday and seriously had some of the biggest ole tears in my cubicle at work. Embarrassing I know.

 

Read it HERE and tell me that did not just warm your heart and make you smile.

Not only were these Chick-fil-A workers so selfless they showed love like Christ.

  

 

If nothing good comes from all of this I am almost positive every single person that was given something to eat or stayed the night there will remember that moment or time for the rest of their lives. Another reason why I absolutely LOVE Chick-fil-a and as long as they stand strong in their faith I will be a customer.

Happy Thursday friends!! Make today a good one :)

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Christ like love

HCBN + Office Depot

{Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Item received in exchange for a rewiew}
As a member of Her Campus I am often given the opportunity to participate it different events and promotions. I was selected by Her Campus and Office Depot to participate in this great campaign and I am very excited to share with you today! Office Depot sent me an e-gift card to spend in one of their local stores.

I looked on their website first to see what all my options were to pick from and there were a lot!

So I walked in and knew exactly what I wanted to get and was on my way, the best way to shop if you ask me!!

1. Brownline, Recycled Pink Ribbon Daily Planner 

I didn't want to spend a lot on a daily planner that I would use only for my blog so this one will do! 

2. Sharpie Fine-Point Pen 

My absolute favorite type of pen! It's what I use to take notes, write down notes in my planner, make notes in my new Bible, jot down ideas for this ole blog..EVERYTHING! Seriously my favorite! 

3.  Mead Composition Book 

I need to have a small notebook to carry around with me at ALL times to fit in my purse. I usually make out different lists in this book and I am able to just pull it out of my purse at any time. I love the design of this one and the other ones. So cute.

The spring semester has already started and some of you still might have not been able to go get some new supplies or maybe your have a project coming up and you need some supplies but it's SO cold and you don't want to get out in this Polar Vortex half the country is experiencing (can't say that I blame you). Well I have something that will help you if that's the case! Go to Office Depot's website and you will be able to redeem a coupon for $10 off $50 or more!! I don't know about you but saving $10 for me is GREAT. That's almost 3 gallons of gas or 2 dinners at Subway with friends or the price of a movie ticket! Just click HERE for that coupon and when you are chowing down on your Sub or watching that movie you can thank me ;)

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HCBN + Office Depot

An early Valentine's Day surprise

Last Tuesday Matthew asked if I wanted my Valentine's Day present on Thursday night (1/23/14). I laughed and told him no, I wanted to wait until Valentine's day but he kept going on and on about how he didn't want to wait and that I really needed it now. So I said okay, So Thursday night he let me open it...

 

He had my name engraved on the front. He had asked the guy at the store to just put my first name and leave the last part blank so when we get engaged he can have my new last name put on there but the guy said it would be hard to realign it and that it might not look right so Matthew just went on with my full name now and said that we could have another one made in the future.

   I absolutely LOVE it & I was so surprised. The reason why I "needed" it right now is because we have started a daily Bible reading and he wanted me to use this one. This is definitely one of my favorite gifts from him so far.  

He wrote a verse and a little note to me on the first page inside which of course made me tear up. This is such a thoughtful gift and I couldn't be happier with it. I was so excited about it that I used it that night when I got back to my apartment.   I am beyond blessed to have such a Godly man and influence in my life.

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An early Valentine's Day surprise

5 on Friday (an early surprise)

{ONE}  it.is.freezing.  and I am done with winter!!!! It breaks my heart knowing there are people without homes and a warm bed to sleep in. I am so ready for spring to get here! Here are some pictures from this past week This is what it looked like when I got off on Tuesday...I spent about 15 minutes scraping ice and snow off my car.

Tuesday night on campus!

{TWO} I am doing the hour photo challenge today, it's pretty exciting and I can't wait to share with y'all next week when I link up with Stephanie and Meg !!! You have until next Thursday so pick a day that you want to and do it too!     {THREE} Tonight the SOC is having an all nighter...I'm not sure how long I will be able to stay up but I'm pretty excited about it since I wasn't able to make it last year. They had planned to do an amazing race on campus but since it's going to be in the single digits and a chance of snow they decided to do something inside...thank goodness.   {FOUR} I have been dying to make some Valentine's Day crafts. There is so much on Pinterest that I want to try to make but so little time, ha! Here are some things I am thinking about making... This banner is ADORABLE and I would love to hang it somewhere in our apt!

 

 I have about 2 dozen mason jars just sitting under our sink that I pull out for different occasions but this would be so cute to do and fill with candy!

  {FIVE} I saved my favorite for last. Matthew surprised me with a new Bible with my name engraved on it last night.

It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and I was so surprised.

Oh and this is my Valentine's Day Present...but you'll get the FULL story on Monday about that!

 

 

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5 on Friday (an early surprise)

101 in 1001

A few of my favorite bloggers have made out a list of 101 things they want to do in 1001 days. I love the idea and as soon as I finished reading their lists I started making a list of my own! I actually have had this list completed since before Christmas but just never took time to post about it. It's exciting to think of all the different things that will happen in the next 1001 days. I really like the idea and think it's a great thing to do considering I love making lists and having goals.  

     

Start: January 22, 2014

End: October 18, 2016

 

For others:

1. Go on at least 2 mission trips

2. Send a care package to a new college student at our church

3. Send out 101 letters snail mail style (0/101)

4. Go on at least 2 service retreats (work retreat, cleaning retreat, etc)

5. Help make at least 5 dinners for a family in need (0/5)

6. Bake Christmas cookies for my neighbors

7. Bake Christmas cookies for the nursing home

8.Help someone pull off a surprise

9. Serve dinner at a homeless shelter

10. Host a yard sale to benefit for a cause

11. Send flowers to a friend

12. Throw Matthew graduation party #2

13. Sponsor a child

14. Coupon & donate stockpile to mission trip

15. Help an elderly couple at church somehow

16. Be someone's maid of honor

17. Be someone's bridesmaid

18. Help provide Christmas for a family in need

19. donate hair to locks of love, again

20. Have a random acts of kindness month (0/30)

21. Raise $1,000 for a cause

22. Visit nursing home regularly

23. Cook for the ladies of the SOC

24. Complete at least 5 service projects with the SOC

25. Mow someone's yard

26. Pay for a whole meal for my family

27. Help someone move

28. Host a wedding shower

29. Host a baby shower

30. Throw Mady a graduation party

31. Invite someone to Thanksgiving or Christmas that doesn't have family to go to.

32. Big sister program with the SOC girls

 

Relationship

33. Marry Matthew

34. Plan a surprise day trip

35. Go to the beach together

36. Get into a workout routine together

37. Visit 10 different cities together (0/10)

38. Start our own Christmas traditions

39. Surprise Matthew with lunch at work

40. At least 1 dress up date per month

41. Explore all of Cookeville with Matthew while we are still here

42. Get engaged

43. Engagement pictures

44. Plan our wedding but plan for our marriage more

 

For the homemaker

45. Learn how to make homemade laundry detergent

46. Learn how to knit

47. Learn how to sew

48. Make all cleaning products homemade

49. Meal plan for an entire month

50. Cook dinner every night

51. Create a cleaning schedule

52. Learn how to cut Matthew's hair

 

Adventures

53. Go on a girls weekend trip

54. Go to Disney World

55. Take a cooking class

56. Take a calligraphy class

57. Have dessert before dinner at a restaurant

58. Have a progressive dinner at restaurants

59. Visit New York during Christmas time

60. Go camping

61. Go fishing

62. Ride on a train

63. Go to an SEC football game

64. Fly by myself

65. Go on a cruise

66. Meet someone famous

67. So skiing

68. Go canoeing

69. Go white water rafting

 

Future Business

70. Style a whole wedding by myself

71. Learn all about floral design

72. Become a registered Dental Assistant

73. Expanded Functions

 

Goals

74. Start recycling

75. Read the entire Bible

76. Graduate with Bachelors degree

77. Save 15k on my own

78. Make a budget & follow it

79. Keep up with planner

80. Completely organize email (with folders)

81. Start my own Etsy shop

82. Buy a car

83. Have a legit Pinterest party

84. Make a scrapbook of our love story

85. Get a massage

86. Buy a new lap top

87. Commit to skin care routine

88. Learn all the settings on my camera

89. Learn photoshop

90. Do what matters most

91. Start a garden

92. Make an infinity scarf

93. Run at least 2 5k (0/2)

94. Learn how to monogram

 

Stay Crafty My Friends

95. Go to a blog conference

96. Meet another blogger

97. Start a link up

98. Reach 2,000 readers

99. Blog everyday for a month

100. Record a vlog

101. Make a book of favorite posts

 

 

I will be updating this list as I cross things off! I am so excited to start this. I plan to try to add a few of these into my monthly goals to help me complete this list. I will be using the hash tag #scmf101in1001blog to keep track of my progress on Instagram and Twitter.

If you have made a 101 in 1001 list or are thinking about making one I definitely recommend it & let me know because of course I want to see it and encourage you to complete it!! :)

Happy Wednesday fiends!!!! 

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101 in 1001

Monday//funday

Yesterday I felt like everyone and their momma's were off from school/work but ME. Sadly I had to work and to be honest I was pretty bummed out about it. Well I got to work and we were DEAD. I'm talking only 11 calls in 3 1/2 hours. So when my leader started sending people home I jumped on it, and it's a good thing that I did. The weather yesterday was GREAT for January and we had some friends come into town so it was good to see them for a little bit. We decided to all go to Cheddars for lunch and it did not disappoint! Matthew and I have decided to try something new, we are trying to lose some weight and get fit. We want to cut down on our portions and eating out. So far we have been pretty good about eating out. Limiting ourselves to once or twice a week. Which is hard when you live in a college town and every night is college night at a different food place with good discounts. It is SO much easier just stopping and picking something up using that student discount but it is SO bad for us and it adds up pretty quickly. So far I am pretty proud of us so far. What we are going to try to start doing when we go to a restaurant is start sharing a meal. We got this idea from one of our best friends and it makes sense if you really think about it!!!! 1. We are need to eat smaller portions 2. We want to save money but still be able to enjoy going out to eat with friends 3. We don't really like reheating leftovers (from some restaurants, ex: the fries from Cheddars reheated = gross soggy fries) 4. We NEED to eat smaller portions, did I already mention that?   So yesterday at Cheddars we tried it for the first time and guess what? We really liked it! We ordered the chicken finger platter. If you have never been to Cheddars then you should know that  1. Their food is amazing 2. They give you a TON of food 3. They are pretty cheap   The chicken finger platter came with about 8 huge chicken tenders and 2 sides. Perfect. We split the chicken tenders and I had a side of mashed potatoes and Matthew had a side of fries. We were both full but not too full to the point we were miserable and our bill was cut in half. We like the idea of this and plan on doing it more. There might be times were we don't want the same thing or there just isn't enough food to share and we are okay with that.   Yesterday was a GOOD day, a very much needed GOOD day. We both cleaned out our cars and I got mine washed. I took a small nap while Matthew studied and then we went to Cane Creek Park and went on a 2.5 mile walk! The weather was SO nice and we enjoyed every minute of it! We saw this incredible view while we were walking and I just had to stop and capture it

We found a new place that we want to start walking/running at and we are excited for it to warm up a bit so we can do so more often! For dinner last night Matthew grilled us some pork chops and they were DELICIOUS and I made some quick noodles as a side.  I will definitely be enjoying some of those pork chops for lunch today while looking at this view...

 

These are pictures I took right after it started and within about 20 minutes everything was completely white and it's still coming down! I really wasn't expecting it to snow today, I knew it would be REALLY cold today compared to the 58 degrees we had yesterday but nothing like this. Those were some of the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen, it was beautiful.  

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Monday//funday

T.G.I.F + Morning Glory

T.G.I.F y'all! I woke up to it snowing, it's not sticking yet but the temp will be dropping throughout the day so there is a good chance it could start accumulating. It is definitely pretty but to be honest I am just ready for spring time, warmer weather and SUNSHINE! We are heading home this weekend but starting next weekend we will get back on our schedule of going home every other weekend because next weekend we are having an "all nighter" with the SOC. We will see how this goes and how long I can stay up after working all day on Friday lol. I am pretty excited about it though!   I want to introduce you to Heather, who blogs over at Morning Glory! Take a minute and check our her engagement pictures, I love them! They had them made on a pumpkin farm where her fiancé proposed just two weeks before. I think they did a great job at looking so natural and like they were just there having fun!   

Hello there! My name is Heather and I blog over at Morning Glory. I started it up as a place to chronicle life as a college student, but as a recent post-grad, life just took the crazy/fun up a few notches. I got engaged, found out I'm going to be a published novelist, and moved in with my fiancé and his family! I like to document recipes, thoughts, quotes and photos from my quest for adulthood. Stop by and say hello!

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T.G.I.F + Morning Glory

6 ways to encourage & support your significant other




Today starts a big day for Matthew. Well the beginning of this year did actually. Matthew starts the MBA program at Tech today.Not only is he starting the MBA program and taking a FULL load but has been and will continue to study and sit for all four parts of the CPA exam. I am so proud of him and can't wait to see him reach all his goals and Lord willing I will be able to do so by his side. With that being said I want to make sure I encourage him and support him in every way I can and not just in this next year but always. Sometimes I worry about this, maybe I'm not doing enough or maybe I am adding to his already stressed days. So with all that being said I have been thinking of some ways to help support and encourage him. No we are not married and no we are not engaged but I think it is important for people to encourage and support their boyfriend/girlfriend even before engagement and marriage. Many people just want to be in a relationship but they don't understand what all a relationship involves. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my relationship with Matthew for a single thing in this world but it takes work and commitment. I know marriage takes a lot more and there is a lot more involved with marriage but I believe relationships take work and effort as well. It prepares you for marriage in some ways. Just like I believe you can't REALLY know someone in just a year or two and then decide to get married without running into complications, this coming May will mark 4 years with Matthew and to this day I am still learning different things about him, but that's for another post and day! After thinking about all of this I have decided that I want to do something small for Matthew at least once a week. I don't really want to put a limit on this but I know that some weeks will be busier than others so I might not get the chance to do more than one thing a week.   Here are just a few different ways to encourage/support/show that you care or are thinking of him without breaking the bank.   1.Pray for them Prayer is huge.The first thing I do when my alarm goes off is pray for Matthew. I pray for his day, I pray he doesn't get too stressed out and I pray he feels encouraged not only by me but by others and I pray for his studies and tests if he has any that day.   2. Notes.  If you don't want to spend money this is probably the easiest and cheapest thing you can do to encourage your significant other and it doesn't take but maybe 5-10 minutes! Just write a small note to encourage them, thank them for being a great example, tell them that you appreciate them and love them, etc. I left Matthew a note in his book he was studying out of a couple of weeks ago and just let him find it when he was studying and he really appreciated it. Of course I was DYING for him to hurry and find it and when he did I was just about as happy as a kid in a candy store.   3. Listen. Sometimes I just need to sit there and listen about his day without interrupting or waiting for him to finish his sentence so I can tell him about mine. So just sit there and listen, REALLY listen. No phones, no computer and no TV distracting you and respond back at the appropriate time with heartfelt responses.   4.Tell them you appreciate them. You could write this in their note but nothing says I love you more than telling them in person that you appreciate them and all the hard work they are doing.   5. Take care of dinner Matthew will be spending his days this year 1.) In class 2.) Working on campus 3.) Studying for classes + the CPA exam's so he's not going to have much free time. I have been working on meal planning for the up coming week on Saturday or Sunday nights. We usually eat dinner together every night either at my apt or his apt. So I need to focus on what we are going to have for dinner more instead of relying on him to do it. No, I'm not his mom or wife and yes, he is very capable of fixing his own meals but it will take some stress away if I can help in that department more.   6. Be their biggest fan Let them know that you support them and their goals. Celebrate different milestones/accomplishments together. Whether it be passing a test or the class or getting a GA position. When Matthew found out he had been offered a Graduate Assistantship position at Tech we celebrated with dinner and a movie but you don't always have to do dinner and a movie to celebrate. There are plenty of things to do such as getting frozen yogurt, movie night at you apt/house, making their favorite dessert, etc.   I am so proud of Matthew and I can't wait to be able to continue encouraging/supporting him in the future for all of the milestones he will come to. I am always looking for new ways to encourage/support him so if you have any ideas let me know!! :) Happy Thursday friends! 

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6 ways to encourage & support your significant other

Graduate Assistantship

If you are following me on Instagram then you saw where I posted about Matthew and I finally being able to share some exciting news a couple of weeks ago. Matthew has been offered a Graduate Assistantship position at Tech!! What a blessing this is, grad school tuition completely paid for + a monthly stipend. Once again this just goes to show how working hard, making good grades and building relationships with his professors pays off. We are so thrilled and realize this is nothing short of God's planned. I am beyond proud of you and all you hard work Matthew! So what did we do when we got the official confirmation? Celebrated with dinner and a movie! We saw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and it was really good, I definitely recommend seeing it.  

 

This week feels like it is DRAGGING. I feel like a lot has happened in the last few days and my mind is still spinning but I am thankful it's almost the weekend.

Tomorrow I will be sharing a few ways to encourage/support your significant other!

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Graduate Assistantship

2014 goals {His & Her edition}

I took a little break from blogging over Christmas. I had planned on starting back up regularly right after Christmas with a recap and then a post about my goals for 2014 and then January goals but to be honest I just haven't felt up to it. I have gone back and forth between Murfreesboro and Cookeville more times than I want to count up so that I could be home for the holidays and just because I want to be there around Christmas. This was my first Christmas living away from home and all I wanted to do was to be back for longer than 3 days. Thankfully I had the 2 days after Christmas off so I was able to be there a little bit more and I got off early on New Years Eve and we headed straight home. But now the holidays are over and I'm back in Cookeville and I am glad and ready to get back on a normal routine. I'm ready to unpack my bags and stop living out of my Vera Bradley tote and 31 shower bag. I will eventually get around to sharing my Christmas with y'all...eventually   So for those goals...  Matthew and I sat down and decided we wanted to make some together and some personal ones. So here they are...   Matthew's 1.Pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam 2.Complete MBA program 3.Have a job lined up before he graduates 4. Be a servant of Christ, every day 5.Healthier lifestyle (workout, eat healthier, smaller portions, etc)  6.No coke     Mine: 1.Save money 2. Be a servant of Christ, every day 3.drop down to part time at work this fall and finally become a full time student again 4.healthier lifestyle (workout, eat healthier, smaller portions etc) 5.Wake up earlier 6.Run a 5k 7.No coke 8.Simplify 9.Have more social media free weekends    Ours: 1. Start a devotional together 2. Workout (healthier lifestyle in general) 3. At least 1 date night a month 4. Take a couple of day trips to a new place (close by of course)     So there you go! I might just be the last one to share my goals for 2014 but oh well! I have more than enjoyed reading yours and I am so excited for everyone and pray that we can meet them all!! Tonight we are going to watch the Predators play against the Anaheim Ducks! This was one of my Christmas presents from Matthew and I am so excited! We are stopping by Chili's (my fav) for dinner and then we will be Nashville bound!    P.S. So far I have gone 9 days without any type of coke, and I would probably give my left arm right now for a large coke from McDonalds but I am just going to drink my water instead! The caffeine headaches have FINALLY stopped, thank the good Lord above. I flat out thought I was going to die last Thursday it was hurting so bad, I know I am a big ol baby when it comes to this lol. 

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2014 goals {His & Her edition}

Monogrammed Desk Calendar

I would be lying to you if I told you I did not squeal when I received this in the mail and opened it. Sweet Katie from LaccessoireParfait sent this to me and I couldn't be any more in love with it!

Chevron + monogram + a calendar = my little OCD/monogram/chevron loving heart happy :)

  It looks great and works great in my cubicle at work! The perfect place to write down all the important things I need to remember. You could either lay it flat on your desk or hang it up like I chose to do.

 

 

Katie is offering YOU a 14% off discount on any product in her shop!

Just use the code: happynewyear14  at checkout!!

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Monogrammed Desk Calendar

Chevron Picture Frame hand painted by ChelDesign

Chelsea from ChelDesigns sent me this adorable hand painted picture frame a couple of weeks ago.

She told me I could pick one out from her Etsy shop or I could have one customized.

 

I decided to have one customized and chose the colors purple and gold

(for Tennessee Tech, obviously!!)

 

Not only did she do an incredible job but she shipped this very fast considering she created and painted the entire thing!

 

Make sure to stop by her shop and take a look around, she is super friendly and great to work with! Also you can find her on Instagram!

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Chevron Picture Frame hand painted by ChelDesign