Forever Beloved - Faith, Love & Truth

September 9, 2016

NINE | GO

Today’s prompt: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

I have always had a dream in my heart of visiting Italy. Touring around to Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Venice and Capri. Bathe in the amazing mineral baths. Eat authentic cannolis. Take pictures of the breathtaking sites. Go on a food tour of the country. These pictures just draw me in, I can spend hours pouring over them and dreaming of going.

inque ter

September 8, 2016

EIGHT | HOUSE TOUR

Today’s prompt: A house/apartment/room tour! Give us a glimpse of your space.

I put a lot of thought into this prompt. I was going to give a house tour but then I thought, why not give you a complete tour of my favorite room in our house. A room that I spend so much of my time in…my kitchen.

We live in my Grandparents farmhouse, also the house my father grew up in. So for me, this house holds so many cherished memories. I grew up right next door, in the house my parents still live in. So my Grandparents house always felt like home to me. We had family holiday meals around my Grandma’s dining room table, running around the yard with my cousins and scooting down here every day to play with her dog. Every day after school I would walk down from the bus stop, directly to their house and into this kitchen. I knew as soon as I walked in the door that my Grandpap would have my after school snack ready…a slice of bread with apple butter. Her kitchen always smelled so good, like spices. And I knew the cookie tin would always be full of either gingersnaps or mincemeat cookies.

I adore my kitchen sink and it’s probably my favorite part of my kitchen. It was my Grandmas sink and I love it so much I’ve never even thought of replacing it. It’s old, worn and chipped but that just gives it character. I love knowing when I stand at it, I’m standing right where she did. When I wash dishes, I’m washing them where she did. When I stand there and can for hours on end, I’m doing it at the same spot she canned.

When I stand at my kitchen sink and look out the window, I can see all my chickens busily running around the yard. And I must admit, I normally talk to them out my window and in my mind I like to think they give me a holla back.

I’ve also saved many of my Grandma’s vintage utensils and cook wear and display them in my kitchen. You can see many of them hanging over my table. On my hutch, I have more of her items. Her beautiful old scale is proudly displayed on my top shelf. On the bottom shelf in the center is my favorite bowl of hers.

I’m also very fortunate to have a local husband and wife team that builds this gorgeous primitive furniture. I have many, many of their pieces in my house.

These are the only cupboards I have in my kitchen. And while that has been a big drawback, and slight annoyance, I do love how much character they give my kitchen. I built the wooden counter-top myself. And if you look down the hallway, you’ll see a curious pup waiting on his Mama to come snuggle him.

Thanks for coming along with me on the tour of one of my most precious, treasured rooms.

September 6, 2016

SIX | PLAYLIST

Today’s prompt: Create a playlist. What you’re listening to now, what encourages you, holiday favorites, etc.

Oh, how I love music. This a hard one for me to narrow down, the list could literally go on and on. Honestly, some of these songs I’m just now connecting with and some I’ve connected with my entire life. Music is such a huge part of my life, and I adore every single aspect of it.

This song holds such a oh-so-special place in my heart. When I was a little girl taking piano lessons, this was one of the first hymns I learned. While I was playing, my Dad would sing along. He taught me how to pull the harmony out and pick out those notes. I remember my neighbor saying how they enjoyed sitting on their porch swing listening to me play the piano and us sing this song. Even now, when there is a Sunday we sing this song, my heart does a little leap. And you can bet I belt out those harmonies.

While other teenage girls were crushing on NKOTB and Backstreet Boys, this girl was crushing hard on the Kingsboys. Goodness. Teenage Christian boys that can harmonize. I had every single one of their albums and still bust them out when I’m home alone {everyone else in my house isn’t a fan} so I can sing at the top of my lungs. I’m still a sucker for amazing harmonies. Fairly sure I have my Dad to thank for that.

This is another song special to me because of my Daddy. One of the first records I can remember us having was Statler Brothers hymns. This was one of the songs on that record. I wore that poor record out. I adored this song and listening to my Dad sing it. I’m blessed to have a husband that can sing the best bass around. And sometimes if I turn this song on, I can talk him into singing it with me. Actually, it doesn’t take that much persuading.

Side note…when I’m sitting at my desk editing or browsing Facebook, I always have Gaither Vocal Band radio station on. My love for quartets and harmonies is serious.

This song, oh this song. So many different ways I connect to it. There have been so many days where I had to fight to take back myself…whether it be on one of my sick days or my battle with weight loss. This song makes me want to continue the fight.

I absolutely love this song. It makes me want to throw my hands in the air and let the tears roll down my face. The words are so powerful…Make me empty so I can be filled ‘Cause I’m still holding Onto my will. And I’m completed when you are with me. Make me empty. Isn’t that what we all should strive for, less of us and more of Him.

This song also holds such a special place in my heart. During the time when my husband and I were separated, this is the song I listened to on repeat. I would text him the lyrics daily. I would sing along while tears rolled down my face. And being where we are now in our marriage makes this song even more special. I know someday we’ll be strolling through Heaven, hand in hand. I want to stroll over Heaven with you some glad day. When all our troubles and heartaches are vanished away. Then we’ll enjoy the beauty where all things are new. I want to stroll over Heaven with you

In this family, we enjoy a good car dance party. And they happen on the daily. There are a few must haves that are always played during each dance party, and these songs are on the list. As you can see, this Mama trained her littles to enjoy old school music. Throw in a little Whitney and the list is complete. So proud to say my son knows every word to Ice Ice Baby. And we may or may not have nearly wrecked a few times during the drum solo in Hold On.