so long 2010...

From Chicago to Grand Rapids for the next phase of life....from single to married with a quick walk down the aisle, and so much love and support from all of our friends and family...it's been a truly amazing year.

What will 2011 hold????

We can't wait to find out!!

Have a safe and happy new year!!!

Wishing you and yours a...

We hope that you are all surrounded by family and friends...

spending quality time together, eating too much, laughing till your stomach hurts,

and reflecting on all that has happened this past year.

God is good!

~The Kingmas

charming

Oh Etsy, how dangerous you are!

I blame my friend Amanda for my jewelry box overflow...when I met her I had 3 pair of earrings. Now a days...well, let's just say I have quite a bit more than that!
 The many things I come across on Etsy are so hard not to want to buy....


While searching charms today, I came across the most adorable necklaces...see here


I think I might have to order a couple...but I better check in with my hubby first:)

 

miracle

Soon we'll be celebrating a miracle, and a love so great it touches the soul. I think so many times we get caught up in the chaos that is Christmas and we focus on the wrong things. This is the day to praise God, and his amazing gift to the world.

How will you celebrate?

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:14

new song obsession

I was in need of some musical inspiration...

I'm yellow...what are you?

My hubby sent me this link just as something fun, and I have to say the end result was pretty accurate!

Click here to go to the Color Code Test

I am YELLOW

yellows are motivated by Fun. They are inviting and embrace life as a party that they're hosting. They love playful interaction and can be extremely sociable. They are highly persuasive and seek instant gratification. yellows need to be adored and praised. While yellows are carefree, they are sensitive and highly alert to others' agendas to control them. yellows typically carry within themselves the gift of a good heart

Yellows need to look good socially, and friendships command a high priority in their lives. yellows are happy, articulate, engaging of others and crave adventure. Easily distracted, they can never sit still for long. They embrace each day in the "present tense" and choose people who, like themselves, enjoy a curious nature. yellows are charismatic, spontaneous, and positive; but can also be irresponsible, obnoxious, and forgetful. When you deal with a YELLOW, take a positive, upbeat approach and promote light-hearted, creative, and fun interactions.

What color are you????

wicked

This past Saturday Jason and I ventured  to my hometown of Kalamazoo, MI and headed to Miller Auditorium with my Dad, Kathy, and little sister Carley to see WICKED. The show was sold out (as it had been all week) and I was so giddy and excited I could hardly stand it. I had been wanting to see the show for the past couple of years and just missed it when it was in Chicago when we were living there.


It was amazing! It absolutely lived up to all the hype, and everything that I'd ever heard about it was spot on. The story was intriguing, the cast was picked perfectly, and I cannot get the songs out of my head! I was secretly jealous of the girls on stage....when I was little I always dreamed of being in a Broadway show. I used to get all dressed up in my moms red heels and sing along to every musical I owned. In our living room, I played Eliza from My Fair Lady...Sandy in Grease...Marian the Librarian in the Music Man....you name it, I sang it! I was a one woman show, and pretty good I might add for a 6 year old!

I highly recommend this to everyone...even if Broadway isn't your thing...this show might just change your mind!

pretty please

If you like what you see, and want to read more...will you do me the honor of becoming a follower????

addicted

I am the first one to admit that I struggle with addiction...to scarves! The amount of scarves that I own shall remain numberless, but it's more than any one person should have. I wear them with everything possible, and I don't care if it's in the middle of July. Don't judge me. I must blame H&M and Francesca's for most of my retail therapy! I just love them. Comfy, yet fashionable! I'm all for it!


I've cut myself off (for now), but I still like to browse online...and that's when I found this website and felt the need to share it...

livefashionABLE

Their Commitment statement reads: Your purchase of a fashionABLE scarf creates sustainable business for women in Africa.  Our commitment as a non-profit is to the development of people — fashionABLE works with women who have been exploited due to the effects of poverty.  So, when you purchase a scarf you are providing jobs, and then we send the profits back to holistically rehabilitate more women.


Christmas is right around the corner...give a fantastic gift, and help change lives!

pebbles and stones

The inspiration behind this post came from a small meeting some co-workers and I had with my boss early this morning after my boss met with a client she'd been working with. We listened to a story that began with tears, and ended in encouragement. We learned of a husband taken home to God too early, a wife left behind...but with careful planning there were also funds for the shining light in all of the sadness.

Pebbles and Stones.

It's a simple idea that is transforming children's lives. The creator's mission, the success stories, and the recent international occurrences are amazing! I urge you to check out the site, be happy for the accomplishments of all of those involved, and be inspired!

"If we cannot love our neighbor who we can see, how can we love God who we cannot see?"

1 John 4:20

homemade with love

Thanksgiving isn't thanksgiving without pumpkin pie! Jason and I had an in service with his mom the night before the big day and our first attempt at tackling this fantastic staple turned out better than expected!
It was a major hit, and the pie dish came home empty! (I think the homemade whipped cream helped too!)

We have one more family Thanksgiving dinner to attend on Sunday and we're in charge of bringing Jason's all time favorite, green bean casserole!!! Stay tuned...

Our masterpiece!

when rivals play nice

The drive to Columbus isn't a quick one, but it was worth the effort to spend some quality time with my bestie Lindsay, her boyfriend Greg, and their dog-child, Noah! We made it down to Ohio and were trying to meet up with them at a bar they love called "The Goat" and found ourselves at the wrong place and while we were trying to re-route and correct our direction I hit a racoon (may he rest in peace) and I think Jason was more shook up than I was:)

Saturday morning we decided we'd head to Easton (the best mall EVER) and take in a little football, do a little shopping, and see where the day might lead. Now, anyone that has met us knows that Jason and I are HUGE Michigan football fans...needless to say we left our gear at home, and Greg and Linds were nice enough to leave their colors at home as well:) We took in both games (OSU had better luck then our Mazie and Blue unfortunately) and we had an amazing time!

Trip Highlights include but are not limited to:

-Attempting to find the Goat (GPS, sometimes you are worthless!)
-Noah's kisses
-Catching up with Linds:)
-Greg cheering for Michigan (Yes, he did!)
-Bargain shopping in Easton, that place is dangerous
-Meeting new friends (even if they do love OSU)
-Watching some random play Dance Revolution, the expert level and he had a water bottle
-Whoopy Cushions
-Bar Hopping
-Fado and all of it's deliciousness
-Blowing people's minds with Snaps
-Eating wedding cake @ midnight
-Farewell lunch at Potbelly

What a great trip we had, and we'll be back again soon! Love you guys!!!
Michigan and OSU play this Saturday...we'll see who plays nice this time!?!

counted blessings

I am thankful for the loud, annoying noise the alarm makes when I'm brought to life in the morning. I am thankful for the cup of coffee that Jason makes me, so that I can face the day with an alert perspective. I am thankful for the quiet time that we spend together in the morning reading our devotionals and reminding ourselves of Gods love for us. I am thankful for the job that I have, as I know many are without right now. I am thankful for the loving families we have and are now officially a part of! I am thankful for the many amazing friends that we have, and for the support, love, and encouragement they provide. I am thankful for our marriage and all that it is, and everything it will become.

I am thankful for the things places I've lived, the experiences I've had, and the lives I might have touched. For everything is a part of who I am...the wonderful, the surprising, the ugly, the bruised, the healed, the loved, and the new.

I'll be thankful for the turkey, the stuffing, and the pumpkin bars, but I'm reminded that Thanksgiving is just one day and that I need to continue to count my blessings everyday that I have the privledge of living and breathing.

amazing reminder

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 ²He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
 ³He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

"I will"

I didn't sleep a wink, but it didn't matter. When my alarm went off at 7:00am on October 30, I was wide awake and already counting down the minutes until 12:30pm...that's when I would see Jason for the first time.

Lindsay snuggled with me, so we said a very happy, and tearful good morning, and goodbye as she set off to get pretty downstairs with the other bridesmaids. I sat on the bed, said a morning prayer, and took a couple of deep breaths. Smaka was an angel and brought me Starbucks, and then the beautification process commenced. I felt like a celebrity. Make-up artist in front, hair stylist in back, my mom sitting staring at me, and everyone kept coming up and "oooo-ing and ahhhh-ing" ...made a girl feel good!

With my veil in place, and supplies in hand, we all headed to the Country Club.

When we pulled in, I had another rush of adrenaline and just said to myself "I'm getting married...this is really happening..." I must have been talking outloud because my dear friend Jess gabbed a hold of my hand and said "yes Court, you are!"

We made our way to the dressing room and it was time to slip into my dream dress. Cindy and Jess laced me up under my mom's supervision and with my navy blue shoes on we headed outside to get pictures taken. It was windy, but that didn't slow us down. My dimples hurt after awhile, but our photographers were amazing, and we're impatiently waiting to get some samples!!! The girls all looked stunning, but were so quiet...I think they were all just as nervous for me as I was for myself:)

After traisping around the golf course, the last picture was taken, and my heart beat started to speed up a bit...it was time. I looked at myself one last time in the mirror, spoke to the best man, Jason Mejeur, for a second and asked him how Jay was feeling..."He's just full..." he said, with a huge smile on his face. The photographer came around the corner to let me know that Jason was waiting for me.

As I headed towards the room where I'd be seeing him, the only thing I could think about was how precious this moment that was about to happen was. It was intense. I wasn't scared, I couldn't stop smiling, and I felt the most incredible calm come over me. The doors to the room were open just the slightest bit so that I could peek in and see Jason standing across the room. He was standing in front of a gorgeous fire place. The fire was lit, the room was silent, and he had his head down and was quietly praying. I watched him for a couple of seconds, and then he looked up and we locked eyes. I opened the double doors and as he requested, I began to walk towards him....

Our time together was perfect. I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life. We spoke from our hearts, and said a prayer for the remainder of the day, and composed ourselves for the next round of pictures with each other and our families at the church. When Jason and I arrived at the church, things seemed to be under control. Little did we know that the church had not had power and everyone was scrambling around trying to figure out what to do as a back up plan. We had no idea....which in retrospect is a great thing because I would probably have freaked out. (So thank you everyone, for keeping your cool!)

People started to arrive, and I was anxious. Dry mouth, knee bouncing, just ready to get the show on the road, and the second hand on the clock was going too slow. A couple of minutes til 4:00pm and my two Dad's escorted me to the back of the church. We watched the bridesmaids one by one begin to walk down the aisle...I told them both, how much I loved them and how much it meant for them to both be walking me. With a few tears, both told me they loved me too, and that they were both so happy for Jason and I. We linked arms, Canon in D began to play, and in what seemed like slow motion the entire congregation stood to watch me walk down the aisle to man that was to be my future.

The ceremony was everything that Jason and I prayed it would be from the people standing beside us, to the songs of worship sang by Amanda, and Kelsey, to the reading from Ephesians, and the amazing message from our pastor, Rod. It was very much about Jason and I, but more importantly it was about glorifying Christ. We are humbled and grateful to have recieved such positive feedback from family and friends, and are thankful that our ceremony could possibly be a light for someone who needed it.

I signed my new name on our marriage certificate, and we ran through a cloud of bubbles to the trolley where our friends and champage filled glasses were waiting! There were toasts, pictures, and football score updates galore as we made our way around downtown and headed back to the Country Club. With "Addicted to Love" playing in the background we were introduced and immediately did our first dance. "When You Got A Good Thing" by Lady Antebellum played and as fast as the day was going we tried to slow down, and just be in the moment. My dad said a few words, Jason's dad opened in prayer, Cindy took me on small trip down memory lane and also reminded me that I would not be the "cat lady, " and Mejeur reminded Jay to "don't stop believin" and dinner was served.

The slideshow Michael (Cindy's hubby) put together for us was incredible, and the cake was delicious (well, from the one bite I had!) The glass clinking never seemed to stop...it seemed as though everyone wanted show off their own personal style of kissing! I have to say, Tim and Kate won with the push-up kisses! The candy bar was a hit too...I hope the carmel popcorn changed all of your lives like it did ours! I can eat a whole bag:)

The father-daughter dances kicked things off and the dance floor did not get a break all night! The staples were there of course...Def Leppard, Usher, Grease Lightening, Thriller, and we were both scooped up and held hostage above the crowd for "Don't Stop Believin'" It was the best time we've ever had and there were blisters and drink stains to prove it! The hot dog cart was a success, even though I didn't get one! (Jason will never hear the end of this! :)

...

My husband and I decided it was time to head back to the Amway and made a mad dash to our car. We made it to our suite and were welcomed by chocolate covered strawberries, and chilled champagne. We popped the bottle open, had a drink, and just sat in silence for a couple of minutes. Reflecting on the day, and content with everything that had transpired.

Our wedding day, was more than I ever imagined. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. A man who loves me, and has a love for the Lord just as fierce. We'll grow in this life together through all of the mess, and joy and our experiences will be that much more memorable because we'll be sharing it with each other.

Jason, my husband, my best friend, and my love. You are everything God knew I needed, and I love you with my whole heart. I prayed for this day that now has passed, just as I prayed for you...and I am now complete having said these most precious of words, "I will."

bittersweet

"Bittersweet" by Shauna Niequist has once again filled me with a calm that never ceases to amaze me and I am already sad that I've just about finished it. It's so insightful, incredibly vulnerable, and so simply honest that I have laughed and cried, and laid awake a night thinking about the kinds of things she's brought to light.

I follow her blog obsessively...here's a small dose of what you'll get!


'This is what I've come to believe about change: it's good, in the way that childbirth is good, and heartbreak is good, and failure is good. By that I mean that it's incredibly painful, exponentially more so if you fight it, and also that it has the potential to open you up, to open life up, to deliver you right into the palm of God's hand, which is where you wanted to be all long, except that you were too busy pushing and pulling your life into exactly what you thought it should be. 'I've learned the hard way that change is one of God's greatest gifts, and most useful tools. Change can push us, pull us, rebuke and remake us. It can show us who we've become, in the worst ways, and also in the best ways. I've learned that it's not something to run away from, as though we could, and that in many cases, change is a function of God's graciousness, not life's cruelty.'

Bad blogger am I....

It's been quite the whirlwind these last couple of weeks, and I cannot believe that we're near the middle of November already! God has humbled us and we are so grateful for every blessing that we've experienced recently. March 20, 2010 seems as if it was so long ago, and the planning, coordinating, sweat, tears, and every effort so full of love since that day made October 30, 2010 the most magical, and amazing day of our lives.

I promise to write more soon...I want to give the next post all of the attention, detail, and recognition it deserves and I can't wait to relive that day as I type up our wedding day fairytale for all of you to read!

Stay tuned...

Picture by: Jordan Quinn Photography 

strikes and spares

Tonight is the first night of our bowling league! I have to say, I'm wiggling in my seat with excitement! Jason and I are on a team with our good friends Scott and Hannah DeClark, and our team name (thanks to Jason) is called "The Bowl Movements" :)

This will be a nice break for our brains, as wedding, wedding, wedding is really all we can think about. We're very excited, but the tiny details are never ending it seems! Despite that, we've got a good handle on everything and we're just 8 days away from saying "I do!"

So, back to bowling...I am confident in saying that I'm pretty darn good. I can hold my own against Jason, even if he does have his own bowling ball:) My great uncle was in the bowling hall of fame, my grandma ponejolic was a great bowler, so the polish in me and my family says that I have to be right?! I'd like to think so! Plus, the funky bowling shoes, cheap beer, and bad for you food makes things more enjoyable too!

1 Month to go...

I can't believe how fast September came and went! It's been a fun ride and exactly one month from today, Jason and I will get to break free of these chains called planning, and just relax! First and foremost I have to give thanks to my dearest friends for planning, attending, and helping me celebrate showers and my Bachelorette party! The effort and support that has been shown warms my (and Jason's) heart and we are reminded over and over again just how blessed we are to have the family, friends, and community that we do!


The planning is under control and although it's taken on a life of its own at times, the wedding is going to be a true reflection of Jason and I, and our love for one another, with Christ at the center. It's the little things that have made the planning the most enjoyable. Songs that mean something, people we love, pictures we hold dear, and of course the food will be fantastic!


It'll be a good party, but what we can't wait for is the marriage. We know we're going to have ups and downs, and we'll have to work hard everyday at our relationship, but with understanding and God's grace I know we can get through anything. Needless to say, I'm very ready to walk down that aisle (crying happy tears) and join my groom and start our life together!


I've been practicing writing my soon to be new name, just so you know! :)

Whirlwind of a September so far...

I'm a bad blogger, but with good reason! September has been full of fun! We're all moved in and lovin' the apartment! I was offered and accepted a job with State Farm and start in 2 weeks (which is so nice because I can still plan and relax until then.) Wedding planning is going smoothly, and we've accomplished so much lately! Invites went out yesterday so be on the look out!!


We attended the Michigan vs. UConn home opener in the new and improved Big House! It was amazing! Tailgating in the morning and celebrated the Wolverines first win! I had my 2 dress fittings, and am still in love with my wedding dress! We headed to St. Joe to spend Labor day at Froelich Mountain and we had a blast (Thank you Chris!) We were also able to spend some time with out newly engaged friends Paul and Emily!!! We're so happy for them!!!


We finally met Hayden and Hudson Simms when Kris and Jess were in town last week and what beautiful boys they are! I helped Stacey with Erin's Bachelorette party and just this past weekend we watched Jason's little sister get hitched! She was gorgeous and it was a great day despite the rain.


Just a couple more days and I'll be heading to Chicago to meet up with all the girls for a night on the town for my bachelorette party! It's going to be a great time I'm sure! Stay tuned...

It's good to be home!

Ada, Michigan is green, peaceful, and is the perfect place to call home. Last week, Scott and Hannah come to town, we took advantage of the Air & Water show near North Beach and had an amazing Big Star dinner...then the packing began. We packed, and packed, and packed some more and I spent my last night in my apartment on Belden Ave. The next morning we picked up our Uhaul and loaded her up and packed everything tight. We drove the 3 hours to Grand Rapids, and pulled into Stone Falls of Ada.


With more help from Jason's friends and his parents we got everything unloaded and I spent the next couple of days organizing and we started painting too! (I promise to upload pictures when the painting is complete.)


Job hunting is priority, so let the fun begin! I'm just trying to enjoy this time off to get acclimated, take care of some wedding planning, and just relax before I get back into the 9 to 5!


So, say a lil'prayer for news back about jobs I've been applying for, and for continued success in wedding planning! Jason has been amazing, and we're so excited to put the long distance behind us!

Our new address:

370 Spaulding Hills Circle
Unit 205
Ada, MI 49301


To be continued...

Showered with love, Chicago style!

This past Wednesday I had my very first bridal shower! Jenn & Karen (2 of my lovely bridesmaids) put together a fabulous night filled with amazing food (courtesy of Jenn's amazing roommate Nicole) from Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, lots of wine, memorable videos, some rather entertaining Q & A, and spending time with my mom and the most amazing ladies that I've come to know and love during my time living the city girl life here in Chicago! 

I'm so blessed and thankful for everything everyone involved did, and for the love and support that each of these important woman have shown me! I am so appreciative for the limitless  encouragement, delightful conversation, sweet prayer, and most of the all the joy you each bring to my life! 

I'll see you all October 30th!!! 

The Simms Twins

All of God's grace, in 2 little faces! We can't wait to meet these lil'guys! Welcome to the world Hayden and Hudson Simms! Congrats to Kris & Jess and your new arrivals. They are precious and will be spoiled by their aunt Courtney and Uncle Jason! 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above…" James 1:17

Ticket to paradise....

If I had to describe Maui in one word it would simply be...paradise! The water was crystal clear, the sun was hot, the accommodations were amazing, the palm trees always dancing, and the company was perfect. We were there for 8 fun filled days, and packed in as much as we could! 

I don't want to write a novel post, so here is the shortest highlight list I could come up with! 8 hour flight, Costco, Cheeseburger in Paradise, poolside with SPF 45 & 70, resort touring, taco night, Lahaina shopping, Gelato (my new obsession) Needle point, humuhumunukunukuapua`a, coastal drives with gorgeous views, church by the ocean, snorkeling with sea turtles, game night with the family, cruising in the jeep, relaxing and reading, rainbows, the road to Hana, fantastic art galleries, banyan tree, lei, waterfalls, pictures, pictures, pictures, Lahina Luau, fresh watermelon, more Gelato, sunglass hut, banana smoothies, the newlywed game showdown, UNO, pearl harbor, walks on the beach, pizza grilling experience, massive amounts of aloe, I tried octopus (did not like it one bit)  laughter, love, prayer, and the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen! 

This vacation exceeded every expectation! I am so thankful, and so blessed to have been included on this trip, and am also so excited to become part of the Kingma family...officially! I love you all so much! Mahalo for everything! 

spiritual gifts

...if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. ~ Romans 12:8

After taking an assessment last night with my small group I found out that my spiritual gift is the gift of mercy. 

Mercy- The special God-given ability to
feel genuine empathy and compassion for
individuals who suffer distressing physical, mental or
emotional problems, and to translate that
compassion into cheerfully-done deeds
which reflect Christ’s love.

I was both excited, and content with this discovery. I love my spiritual gift! I feel most used by God when I can help ease pain or confusion for someone. Through the years I have been faced with challenges that I know now were incredibly vital to my own personal growth, and my growing relationship with God. In the darkest of days, I felt the world was too big and I was just too small and that it was never going to get better. Boy, was I wrong! I am thankful for the heart break, the turmoil, the tears, and most of all the times where I felt alone...had I not been faced with these trials I would not be who I am today. I wouldn't be where I am, and more importantly I wouldn't have seen the brightest light or felt the deepest love a person can feel. His love.

I still struggle with decisions, and I still feel heart break in certain situations, but I know I handle myself differently. I'm not perfect, nor do I try to be. I am who I am. I have boundaries, and limits that I didn't have before and that is all thanks to these lessons learned. I can listen easier, love better, speak softer (in most cases) and just breathe freer. 

My gift of mercy will not be wasted. I want to find the best place to apply this gift, and minister it to those who need it...I encourage you to find yours and give it often!...for in the end, we serve only an audience of one!

A special thank you to Mrs. Pageau for her kindness, encouragement, and wealth of knowledge! Our small group was lucky to have you!  

Commitment Weekend

Well, it's official Kate is off the market! Congrats to Kate & Tim on their engagement this past weekend!!! The bride to be was glowing, and Tim did a fantastic job, planning and asking!!!

Another commitment took place on Sunday in Lake Michigan just near North Ave. beach! My dear friend Rachel was baptized and we couldn't he happier for her and the experience! A beautiful thing, and God is good! Congrats Rach!!! I'm so glad we were all there to help share that moment with you!

impatiently waiting

I know, I know...you're all tired of seeing my countdowns, but I can't help it! I'm so excited for Maui...and in 9 short days I'll be laying a beach that looks a lot like this! 

Looks pretty rough, doesn't it?!

Home sweet Grand Rapids!

August 16th is moving day! We have an apartment all picked out and Jason and I couldn't be happier! Leaving Chicago is truly bittersweet. We love the city and everything that it has to offer (minus CTA) and we'll miss our community of friends of course....but this is the first of many steps for us to start our life together! You know how I love countdowns...so 35 days!!! 

We'll be having a housewarming for sure:) Stay tuned! 

Stone Falls of Ada (Just a lil'sneak peak)

girls, girls, girls

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.- Marcel Proust

This past weekend was a happy one! I was able to spend time with so many of my most favorite girls! Cindy was in town from Atlanta, so I stopped by the Buell's house for some chow and time with her, and the  rest of our crew (and their guys!) Saturday morning I got back in the car and headed to Detroit! Amanda, Kate, and I headed to the movies for some Eclipse action (oh Rob Pat, how I love thee!) We met Rachel for lunch at our old time favorite Bar Louie, and headed to the mall for some shop therapy! We did make it to the MIXX where I lost my phone a year ago and no, it wasn't there, shocker! The rest of the night was filled with dancing, and lots of laughing! 

I love you all so much, and I realize just how blessed I am to have kept in touch with all of you throughout the years! Each and everyone one of you is so important to me, and love you more than words can say! Here's to the past, the present, and the many more fun things to come!!!

mushy

I'm in the mood to be mushy! Well, when am I not mushy? 

This post is a shout out to my fiance! Jason, you're a blessing and a dream come true. You are beautiful, amazing, and you take such good care of me. I can't wait to marry you!

You, are my heart!

Wedding Season 2010

Well, we've got 3 weddings under our belt now! We recently had a double wedding weekend, and what a great time we had! Our friends Brett & Brielle were married on a Friday evening in Grand Rapids, MI. She looked gorgeous, he was a dancing fool, and we all had a great time! On Saturday I had a bit of a Mattawan Reunion at Dustin & Sara's wedding in Kalamazoo, MI. It was a beautiful wedding, and they are so adorable together! I'm so happy for both couples and pray that they have amazing marriages! We've got 3 more this year in addition to our own, so it's not done yet!

pure heart

Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is love, which springs from a pure heart and a good clear conscience and sincere unfeigned faith.
1 Timothy 1: 5

Some days it's very hard for me to love myself, situations, and others. Try as I might, I most times fail. In these moments I think it's great to be reminded that with faith and God's love, all things are possible...meaning that peace can result in certain situations. People will understand you and they can also be understood (especially while using a tamed tongue) and I can love myself when I know that I'm doing my best to live the way I'm supposed to live...and love.

angels in unlikely places

Here's another story from yet another normal day morning commute...Another sun-shiny morning in Chicago and I was sipping my coffee while walking to the train, and I was in a good mood. I hopped on the red line and within the first couple of seconds I notice this woman standing near me, and she was humming. Humming what seemed to be a very happy tune, and she had magnetic smile on her face. There was an older gentleman sitting in front of her, and asked if she'd like to sit in his place. She kindly smiled at him and said "No sir, no thank you!" The next stop was his, and he rose from his seat to make his way to the door, and just before he left the car she tapped him on the shoulder and said "thank you dear, you're a true blessing to us all." He smiled back, seemed to blush a little, and said "well, thank you sweetie!" 

First of all, this interaction caught me off guard because of how sweet it was. Two complete strangers, in the big bad city, riding CTA no less, and they were kind to one another. Sincerely kind. As sad as this is, that does NOT happen often, and that is sad. 

I was still 3 stops away from my final destination and that's when the yelling began....I have to say, I about spit out my coffee because this woman was standing right beside me...and just stated yelling, loudly... "Don't let anyone steal your joy! Not your boss, not your mom, not your husband, not your children, not unemployment, not your anger, not your headaches, not your bank accounts...don't let anyone tell you you can't do what you want to do....don't let anyone steal your joy, ya hear?!" Obviously, this is not normal. People don't just start yelling (although it's happened before I assure you) but this was different. This woman, seemed sincere. She seemed normal, and happy. Who am I take her and this message for granted. Ok, I know most of you reading this are thinking "Court, she's off her rocker...screaming and carrying on that way" but honestly, I am grateful she was there, and grateful that I heard the things she was saying. There was truth to every word. 

Angels are often found in the most unlikely of places and this was one of those moments. I know this because of some things I've been dealing with lately. Things I'm struggling with internally, emotionally, and it's been hard to focus on the right thing at times. This reminder, although very unique in delivery, was the perfect thing for me to hear at the most perfect time. 

God is always at work, and being reminded of that, no matter how, is a blessing:)

For those non-Facebooker's out there...

I love pictures. So, I thought it'd be nice to have a site where everyone could see what Jason and I are up to! I need to upload just about everything else on my computer so it'll take some time! But here it is! I just love Shutterfly!

http://thisiswhatwevebeenupto.shutterfly.com/

his love

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 

Psalm 36:5

in order to move forward...

I'm sure we've all had one...you know that annoying, big or small, loud or terrifyingly silent thing...that takes up space in our world...you know, that nagging, should I say something...but I don't want to...what if I say the wrong thing...when is the right time....what if I'm misunderstood...but I just really really need to say something feeling...Well, I'm experiencing that right now. I know what I want to say. I know how I want the conversation to go. I know that I need to be direct and honest. I also know, that I need to be prepared for the response...and this is where I get stuck, and scared, and that lump in my throat rises just a little bit more, and then I push my thoughts to the back of my mind, and heart and think....maybe it's not the right time, or maybe I'm just overreacting....but really, I know I'm not.

But the truth is, this should have happened a long time ago. I never should have let this little "thing" get to be as big as it is inside...it consumes my thoughts. It keeps me awake at night. It makes me cranky, and edgy, and it's not fair to the people around me who love me and deserve more from me.

So, as hard as this will be, I know that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. It might get worse before it gets better, but I understand and accept that.

This is something that I've been dealing with on and off for a very long time. I think as I get older and realize more and more how much it or the lack of "it" effects my life, the more worried, and upset I get and what's worse is that I have the ability to at least try to change it. I always have. I'm partly to blame for feeling the way I do because I could have started mending this years ago...I was young, and stubborn, and so busy living life the way I wanted to that I pushed it aside and figured it'd "take care of itself" but that remains to be seen. So, now it's time to deal with it as an adult. An adult that is about to enter into the beautiful world of marriage. Everything is going to change,and with this new life, comes new responsibilities, and I am taking each and every one very seriously. In order to be the best companion I need to be on my A game, and I can't do that when there is still a part of me being tortured by this unfinished business lingering in the background. 

It's time. To speak. Listen with an open heart. Forgive. Be Forgiven. And move on....could please all say a little prayer for me?!