My Experiment

My experiment... dun dun dun: Parchment Paper Cupcake Liners!!! Martha Stuart is truly blessed by God I believe, minus the minor legal infractions, and I sadly realized I didn't have traditional cupcake liners. So... WWMD (What Would Martha Do!?)??  I'll post some pictures when it's all said and done, but I'm crossing my fingers that this actually works! *Deep Breath*

Really, it has to work - because I'm hosting this engagement party on Saturday, and I have zero time to get everything else done!! lol Simultaneously with this shower, I'm also hosting a college girl scavenger hunt... it's actually pretty stellar. I'm giving them a list of crazy things to do, and then I let them loose!! They get to go all over Ft. Myers and Estero and take pictures of themselves acting all sorts of crazy! Haha - really, I'm just giving them another opportunity for an album on facebook. haha It should be fun though; I'm actually pretty excited! :)

Otherwise, I CAN'T WAIT to get this shower done!! It's going to be beautiful, and totally worth it when it's all said and done. I love the center pieces, venue, and overall awesome ideas that my friend and I have for this shower!! The bride doesn't even know how lucky she is... lol jk Pictures to follow (hopefully today...)

In other news - My church needs some major prayer. We're having to make some huge decisions, and basically, it's all coming down to trusting in God and his faithfulness. A bit of our story - We started 7 years ago with four families. They each had a clear vision from God to start a church in our area. So they left the church that they had been a part of and worked for to start this church. They chose to be obedient to where God was calling them, and God blessed them in that. We started meeting in their living rooms, and eventually moved into the ball room at Florida Gulf Coast University (My alma mater) and we grew... and grew. Finally, we began to realize that we were outgrowing that, and we began praying for God's will and his provision. This is when an older couple felt like God was calling them to use that particular piece of property for a church. So the could, with some majorly prime real estate, approached our pastors and offered them a very expensive, large chunk of land in a prime location. Obviously we accepted their generous gift and began building a facility four years ago. We dedicated that building to God's will and God's mercy, grace, and faithfulness. If you rip up the floors and tear down the drywall, you can see scripture all over the foundation of that church. It's such a cool thing!! Like every other church, we were hit by the economy (especially being in Ft. Myers) and we had our fair share of trials. Our church still continued to grow. We sought God and we tried our best to discern his plan and be obedient to that and follow that. So we kept on growing. Now we're at a crossroads again. We have to make some serious choices and expectantly wait for God to do something God-sized. Good or bad, I can't wait for God to work everything together for his glory! I'm really inspired and conforted by Haggai through this time, and so excited to see our people rally around the mission that God has called us to!! :) If you think about it, will you pray for it? Here's a link so you can see completely what we're all about: http://www.summitlife.com/. (definitely describes who we are better than I ever could).

<3, kt

My Achy Breaky Heart: Encouraging college girls on V-day.

So, I help out with my church's college ministry. This requires that I meet with all kinds of college girls from all walks of life - who are all trying to figure it out. It's the best thing in the whole world. I couldn't imagine being or doing anything else. However, with V-day around the corner, I can't even begin to tell you how many of my recent meetings have consisted of hearing about dirty boys and immature boys and boys who want to play those dumb games that almost all young guys feel a necessity to play. But what's more? My heart breaks for those girls that get hurt by those kinds of boys because they are looking to find their soul mate. I'm not saying it isn't possible, but I am saying that there's so much more to college than waiting around for Mr. Right.

I was sitting in church tonight (I go to a Staurday night service - judge me. lol), and I couldn't help but thinking about an 18 year old girl who wants so desperately just to be married. I gave my usual speech of "God's man and God's timing is what you want" - but I could still see her broken heart over it. It's just such a huge part of her thought-life, and it isn't even yet a reality for her...

I've never been one to really be boy crazy or worry about being single for the rest of my life. I've always been pretty content about my current stance. It hasn't been until recently that God has granted me a deep down solid peace and joy that His timing and his glory is what I want more than life. I'm certain that most of the people that read this are probably married (most of my friends are anyway), and of those that are married, they can easily attest to the fact that marriage is no where near easy. At points it's hard. In other words, while it's a HUGELY WONDERFUL blessing, it's not all about the white picket fence and 2.7 kids and a Volvo.

So I've been praying so hard that all single girls everywhere would see marriage in a new light. That their heart would work toward calling God their beloved. I want so desperately for them to know that deep down confidence that the essence of marriage is God bring two people together to better glorify him. I am single currently, and I know that God has not yet (if it's even in his plan) brought a good man into my life because I am more glorifying to him just as I am. To be frank, I love it! I get to have my God all to myself and I get to have an undivided heart. It's amazing that I get to take all that God is teaching me during this time into my future marriage (if that's where God has me go). I want every girl to pursue God and know him and love him before all else because He first loved us!! It's a wonderful thought... and I'm grateful to know it. :)

Anyhow, here's my question to anyone who may read this: Wherever your place in life - single, married, dating - what is your pearl of wisdom? If you had the chance, what would you feel so important to tell every girl in the world about relationships?  ... I'm excited to learn new things myself! :)

<3, kt

Beauty in the Land of the Hot and Humid!!

Hey everyone! This is Kristin, and today on Kelly's Korner is SUYL: Beauty!! I hadn't written in a while, and got inspired as I began to read everyone's beauty secrets. :) I must say that I think I have tried absolutely everything that everyone has posted about so far. I have liked some, but I have also learned that what works for the rest of the country becomes a different story when you live on a swamp filled peninsula near the equator. lol To be frank, it's quite the shock when I go up north and I'm not near any sort of humidity - I have no idea what to do... everything changes. It's weird...

Anyhow, from usual sunny (except for today) south Florida come some of my favorite products and tips!

SKIN:: Obagi Nuderm - addicted. It's kind of expensive, but I have some scarring. So, for that reason, I'm addicted. Other than that - some of the other things I love are almost all things Neutrogena. That has definitely been my favorite drugstore find throughout my whole entire life!! Serious face - deep cleans to get rid of the dirt, oil, and grime! Who doesn't love that!?

Of course, it's imperative to use sunscreen - no matter where you live! For that, my fav beyond all favs is Aveeno's positively radiant!! But, I think I like the Walmart generic version even better -- who knew?

As for makeup - I'm a perpetual wearer; however, I'm not as picky... yet. haha All of my friends are ADDICTED to and SWEAR by MAC though. I honestly can't protest either - they always have absolutely perfect makeup and application with no wear and tear. I sometimes find it rather shocking to be honest... I really should invest in a few key products... Although, I will say the absolute BEST mascara is "Falsies" by Maybelline (And I'm pretty serious about my mascara!). Truly any Maybelline mascara is a hit in my book.

HAIR:: INFUSIUM 23 -- all the way. Now I mean everything... from the shampoo to the conditioner to the leave-in treatment. You will have zero regrets. Also, once a week I use a cleansing conditioner (Hair One from Sally's) - it's amazing if your hair needs to be cleaned but still get some intense moisture. According to the reviews, it's even better than Chaz Dean's "Wen" product! :)

Now for my waves/curls (truly, it depends on the day) my all-time fav products are the entire Fresh Curls line by Redkin. It smells delightful and gives the perfect amount of control and softness to make your curls bouncy and frizz-free. Not to mention, I've never had anything define them better...

For the straight days - Tresemme heat protector spray makes my day. It seriously has made such a huge difference in my hair. My split ends and overall health of my hair has improved drastically since I took the time to protect it. What's more... I dislike the Chi. It's ok, I just don't feel like it's powerful enough to get my hair straight... BUT, I really really like the flat-irons by Jilbere. One swipe and my frizzy curls are perfectly straight and shiny! ...Doesn't get any better! :)

<3, kt

[Clinging]

What's up people?!?!? (This is Erin, by the way) I just wanted to do maybe a quick post to share what is going through this crazy head of mine, not only to encourage you who may be reading this but also as an encouragement to myself to see what the Lord has shown me in the past year (give or take).

Tonight at small group I am being encouraged to either share life verses that I cling to or what God has been showing me...so, I decided to combine the two and answer this question...What has God been showing me that I am learning and have attempted to cling to (hence the title of this post)? So here goes...

           I would like to start off with a question... What comes to your mind when you think about God? 

-A. W. Tozer states, "Whatever comes to your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you." -

Now, I don't know about you, but I am overwhelmed by this statement. I feel that it can change daily...ask me that question when I just found out about my Mom being diagnosed with Breast Cancer or ask me that after I pass by boards for becoming an Associate Behavior Analyst and I will more than likely give you two different answers. Now, whether that is the right thing or not, I can't imagine many people (even though I believe we are called to) that can stand in any situation and Praise our God in every single circumstance. We are also called to find Joy in everything...whoa now..this is beyond difficult, but here is another question...What is your definition of Joy? Here is one that I have found ridiculously helpful over the past couple months...Joy is the deep down understanding that God is in control. (PERIOD) Now I'm liking what that says! So now on to the scripture that I have been so desperately trying to cling to. 

First, this is a prayer of my heart that I would like to share. I pray that my daily life reflects Jesus with an undying love, in response to his dying love for me. That I learn to be a woman of worth and excellence, a woman who is priceless as Proverbs 31:10 says. 

There are pretty much two categories that God has revealed to me in a mighty way, the first being Peace. 

-Joshua 1:9 " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

-Psalm 62:5-8 "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. "

-Psalm 73:23 "Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand"

-Psalm 147:3-14 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. "

-Isaiah 42:6-7 "I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness."

- My life verse, John 3:30 "He must increase and I must decrease" 

And, the second...God's sovereignty

-Isaiah 41:17-20 "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it."

And my prayer for all...Hebrews 12:14-15 "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled..."

3 for 3

Oh my where to begin...I guess saying it is finally Erin is a good start :)
Yes, I am the "teacher" and crazy addicted to sports and pretty much any athletic "thing"I can get my hand on...Kristin did such a nice job introducing the three of us, but I want to be sure to state that she is awesome! So is Suz, no doubt! I feel so honored to live life with these two girls. Like Kristin said, we met in college and have continued a friendship ever since with the roller coaster inside each I am sure...Anyway-

I have to be ridiculously honest right now and tell you that I am hurting more than I ever have. KT said that I could say everything I was feeling because no one reads this anyway and then says...you never know, it may help someone...HA she makes me laugh!

So, just to put you into perspective, My sweet Poppa passed away last night exactly 24 hours from when I am typing this (WEIRD!!!!!), anyway, he is the only Grandpa I have ever had and I was so close to him. This is also the first death of the family which makes this ever so confusing and painful for me. He leaves behind so much family and so many amazing memories. But there is something so much more in is precious life we were so blessed to share with him- stay with me here, my mind is going in all sorts of directions...

KT told you (whoever YOU are) that we have been studying the "love" chapter...1 Corinthians 13. I think I can speak for us all and say that we have been constantly dumbfounded maybe a better word would be wrecked by this piece of scripture. It has a world of meaning behind it and the Lord has been so sweet as to share another meaning of Love with us. As we have been walking through verse after verse we are continually reminded that love is a choice, it is so much more than an emotion, it is a lifestyle, an understanding, a trust, gosh I could go on forever....but LOVE can be defined and understood in sooooo many ways...

From this past week with Thanksgiving in between I cannot even begin to explain the emotions running through my head...spending this last holiday with my Poppa was one I will never forget. But, I have a question for you......What does love mean to you? ........think about it, it is not an easy answer.....The Lord has shown me love in such a new way in the past couple hours.
I want to share a picture with you that I took just days ago... (my Grandpa holding my Grandmas hand)

Now easily this could be just a picture, and to you it probably is...who am I kidding, but can't this be an amazing picture of love? Sure my Grandparents had arguments and bickered, but my goodness they were married for 63 years!!!!!! Talk about love never ending, being patient, not being envied, but being joyful...I asked my Poppa the other day, just this past Wednesday what his favorite memory was...without having to think more than 5 seconds he said, the day I married your Grandmother. Precious....but how much more exciting would it have been if he said, the day I accepted Jesus? Now, I will tell you that he definitely knew God, but I will also tell you that I am pretty sure the relationship Jesus so graciously offers was not taken from my Poppa. Saturday evening I had the opportunity to hold my Poppa's hand for a good 45 minutes and I sat and told him everything about my Jesus that I could. While looking at my Poppa and praying for him, crying out for him for peace and comfort, I was so incredibly convicted...convicted because I hadn't really taken the opportunity until that point to literally talk to him about what I hold highest in my life (so I say). Yes, actions speak louder than words, and he knew that I was a believer and held my relationship with Jesus very high in my life, but if I am truly IN LOVE, passionate, and following Jesus this shouldn't have been the first time I was vocalizing my faith. I don't know what my Poppa heard when I was telling him about the greatest gift ever and about the transformation of my life, but I do believe I did what we are so called to do, I shared Jesus with him...the important part for me to understand and believe is that, I do not hold his salvation in my hands, I have no saving power (thank goodness, right!) but seriously....it was amazing! I felt ridiculously silly talking and crying to my big gentle giant of a grandpa sleeping with oxygen pumping constantly, but I shared the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life. Enough said.

As I was getting ready to drive home that night, one of my Aunts asked me to pray with her....quickly I responded "Absolutely"and walked outside holding her hand and prayed...prayed some more and then ended giving my Poppa to Jesus. She looked at me and said, "Erin, I find so much strength in you", quickly I corrected her and said, "I get it all from Jesus, so rest in that" and her response was one I will never ever forget...."Well, this Jesus is changing lives in this family".

And this is where I will end.

My debut

Hello blog world,

This is Suzy…one of the three “writers” of this blog. I use that statement lightly as only KT has blogged so far. So, to prove to her I am a part of it, here I am blogging about nothing in particular. I never said I was good at blogging. Would I love to be? Yes! I actually love blogs, read numerous peoples blogs more often than I care to admit. But I never seem to do any of it myself. Always good intentions….never a follow through.  

But isn’t that why we started this blog? Three single girls in our twenties, sick of letting life pass us by, sick of having good intentions without ever following through with them.  We are all sick of the stereotypes, not wanting to sit around and wait for life to start. All knowing we don’t need anyone else for life to begin, despite that being the “status quo”. Ready to live our dreams, make our own stories, and enjoy the journey God has for us. So that’s what we are trying to do, no matter how small the story. Make the most of every opportunity. Instead of saying “I’ve always wanted to try (enter new fun exciting place here)”, we are actually going out and doing it.

So far it has been fun, and we have found some really neat places that otherwise we might have never found! And I’m not going to lie, I am quite the homebody. Most nights I’m completely content sitting at home, on the couch in my pj’s, watching television, or reading, or talking to Kristin. Especially on work nights when I have been on my feet for close to 13 hours. But that’s the best part of being with these two, they are the dreamers, the go getters, passionate about their interests, passionate about getting out and making the most of our single years. And so, I am happy being a part of the ride. I’m loving it.

I don’t know if anyone else but us three reads this blog. And if I’m being honest, after this post, I would be ok if no one else did because then people would know how bad of a writer I really am. But I am glad we have this blog to keep track of this crazy life we all are leading. I’m excited to go out and explore this little town we call home and keep a record of the fun we have. And I love having friends that are in the same part of life as me, who know we don’t have to just sit around and wait for life to begin, we can start living life now.

 Love,

Suzy

Happy KT? J

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!! It's definitely one of my favorite holidays... lol I love that my family invites all of the random people that they can find. I love that we have 3 Thanksgiving dinners annually, and I love that I get to spend all day long watching my mother being the perfect hostess with the mostess! :)

As I return back to the same old thing of normal life, I am finding myself dreaming and planning for something so much more. I don't know if that's a bad sign, but maybe it's a little normal. Maybe more than anything else, I'm understanding what is most important to me. Sadly, maybe for the first time in my life, I'm actually learning the things in this world that are deserving of value (family, for one... whatever it may look like for you).

This is one of the things that I hate about growing up, and especially hate what growing amounts of responsibility do to you! You have this constant twinge of pain for the people you love that are hurting. You have constant fear of the unknown. You have this overwhelming conviction to be a better person than yesterday in the hopes of actually making a difference in the world. At the age of 23, I am quickly and overwhelmingly learning that I am nothing. That I have nothing. That everything can change in a minute. BUT, I am also learning that the world is begging for me to jump into it. I am learning that my opportunities are endless as long as I try. I am learning that everyday is meant to be lived, and it's not meant to be idle. For that fact alone, I'm grateful!

I'm grateful that each day is a new day, and I'm grateful that I am blessed beyond measure. I am grateful that I am here; that I have today, and that I have hope for tomorrow. What are you grateful for? What has been the growing concern and twinge of pain because of love most recent to you?

Love,
kt

PS: Keep dear Erin's family in your thoughts and prayers. They're learning to see God's grace through the most dismal situations. Maybe she'll blog about it??? Erin, no one folllows us - no one even views our blog -  blog everything you're feeling... who knows, maybe it'll help someone, which would be the epitome of God's grace and glory in that alone! :) We love you!