tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32377753370822299672024-02-20T13:19:28.620-08:00Pure JoyDaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.comBlogger470125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-62606383886178315712017-08-24T10:13:00.000-07:002017-08-24T10:13:06.099-07:003 Ways Marriage Has Changed Me<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, friends! As some of you have noticed, I've been taking a (hopefully temporary) break from my blog, as there is just too much going on in real life to be able to do both. But I wanted to be sure to get my yearly anniversary post in. </span></span><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Daniel and I have been married for 3 years, which in some ways seems like forever but also SO short. Sometimes I think it's just crazy that I live with this cute boy that I only met 4 years ago. And you're welcome for all the kissing pictures. I only spent 9237493292 hours picking out a few for this post. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha50bdaPa9Z44UxPEjhfF1tg0kUnsgNAL1oxVpOr3ye1UQdNuZzWIC50v0MW3z3usr7Gbnnfx0NFpZKNb5sTlROOGE_p8pFGp2URr9rrAdxtnwfrq4kWcuAinWz4Vv8tLUp7L0E7LCots/s1600/danielle+%2526+daniel+2014+-+443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha50bdaPa9Z44UxPEjhfF1tg0kUnsgNAL1oxVpOr3ye1UQdNuZzWIC50v0MW3z3usr7Gbnnfx0NFpZKNb5sTlROOGE_p8pFGp2URr9rrAdxtnwfrq4kWcuAinWz4Vv8tLUp7L0E7LCots/s640/danielle+%2526+daniel+2014+-+443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am much, much better at compromise, at giving in, at apologizing. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before I was married, I felt like I could really be/do what I wanted. If I didn't like a situation, I could remove myself from it. Now however, I have realized what it means to put another person first (although it certainly does not happen all the time). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I never used to say that I was sorry, now I'm more often the first person to say so. Marriage really pinpointed my selfish attitude in that respect. I'd much rather apologize and move on than live with anger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I've learned to let things go, forgive, compromise, put another first. I don't ever want my own stubborn and selfish heart lead to grudges and bitterness. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX-hVtyF98Da_XWY8Z3Da9n71d0IiiT2U7WeXatk_r7WMrDaP4GQXw_fF7YEBqSJOrh97OS16O1WEZd9DzOWC_5fJQLcYW8faazFIkpveNhclq-mBA4PnaRwJ1X_9tqXx6__ifnw4kzU/s1600/danielle+%2526+daniel+2014+-+541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX-hVtyF98Da_XWY8Z3Da9n71d0IiiT2U7WeXatk_r7WMrDaP4GQXw_fF7YEBqSJOrh97OS16O1WEZd9DzOWC_5fJQLcYW8faazFIkpveNhclq-mBA4PnaRwJ1X_9tqXx6__ifnw4kzU/s640/danielle+%2526+daniel+2014+-+541.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm more secure in who I am.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's so nice having a person who has literally seen me at my very worst and doesn't reject me. When I'm sick, when I'm angry, when I just wake up, when I act like a huge baby-- he's still there. Sometimes I don't know why, but he is. I love that about marriage and I love being married to a guy who loves me despite myself. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJV2VEuMZdBLyT16x2a47hvlPyxzuv_gJ2CJGQJI8SY-A-RDFHkCZU6L3gUp7zQVy-SaIcN_qiYGSimZAq_9uwFr2WtD9wilw6fv7viE0eCu2BvxmyblN8WqJqSToXvx4rQh0_xDhZS8/s1600/danielle+%2526+daniel+2014+-+555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJV2VEuMZdBLyT16x2a47hvlPyxzuv_gJ2CJGQJI8SY-A-RDFHkCZU6L3gUp7zQVy-SaIcN_qiYGSimZAq_9uwFr2WtD9wilw6fv7viE0eCu2BvxmyblN8WqJqSToXvx4rQh0_xDhZS8/s640/danielle+%2526+daniel+2014+-+555.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've learned a lot about communication. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Communication in marriage is just so vital. I've never been great at communicating, I'd rather pout or ignore a person than actually talk to them about the issue. However, when you live with that person, it's definitely not a good way to handle things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've learned SO much about being able to communicate, especially since my husband is not a female and <strike>often </strike>usually doesn't think about things the way I do. It's necessary that I learn to express how I am feeling and why I am feeling that way. Marriage has tested our communication to the core, which has been hard but sweet. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiyiOXvxBe6HrSdp5sNDtDgV-NoYBLICdzXYvNL-MBOm1s1nH0uh9jwSL0PUr63BeuqhKHmGc9SXpaWaaaSnMl05eM2YOliN5Zfjuo6XymQs-NdAdqjrXdPp9YvkC_EsMuCyT7kisAlk/s1600/Danielle+%2526+Daniel+Gold+Trail+Grange+-+090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiyiOXvxBe6HrSdp5sNDtDgV-NoYBLICdzXYvNL-MBOm1s1nH0uh9jwSL0PUr63BeuqhKHmGc9SXpaWaaaSnMl05eM2YOliN5Zfjuo6XymQs-NdAdqjrXdPp9YvkC_EsMuCyT7kisAlk/s640/Danielle+%2526+Daniel+Gold+Trail+Grange+-+090.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How has marriage changed you?<br /><br />
Read <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/2015/08/when-marriage-is-best.html" target="_blank">Year 1</a>, <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/2016/08/what-marriage-has-given-me.html" target="_blank">Year 2</a>, <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/2014/09/becoming-mrs-ferrie.html" target="_blank">Wedding 1</a>, and <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-festivities-continue.html" target="_blank">Wedding 2</a> here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for reading! I truly miss writing on here and hope that I will be able to write on this blog again soon. </span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-11219726999504916772017-06-16T06:58:00.001-07:002017-06-16T06:58:20.095-07:00Friday lovesIt's Friday! This week has been hard, but here are some fun things that are getting me through the week! What are you favorites this week??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BT6mtvYB005SERukHh85edJ_4mUNkjo74rjcD5foBwIMX073FGE2DR7M7f4nRIyoC_-c6siQ59rl2YRMAF6Fy7GBSCmDEzZllLe2Zauqv4x8ZC6TjruDUZIXe_ofqQ1MSQj2vW7xzqg/s1600/Friday+loves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BT6mtvYB005SERukHh85edJ_4mUNkjo74rjcD5foBwIMX073FGE2DR7M7f4nRIyoC_-c6siQ59rl2YRMAF6Fy7GBSCmDEzZllLe2Zauqv4x8ZC6TjruDUZIXe_ofqQ1MSQj2vW7xzqg/s640/Friday+loves.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magnolia-Story-Chip-Gaines/dp/0718079183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497620858&sr=8-1&keywords=the+magnolia+story" target="_blank">The Magnolia Story </a>by Chip and Joanna Gaines. This book is so sweet and hilarious. I love their down-to-earth attitude and godly attitudes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOChamPDop-JvoC5w6iGY9Fd2Gk41yMi0Lv2QU03WIETxLaH9Ptu2aOW1t8Hn1SybVohyYCuLv5mBEya7Li7e0eUQurutDjNCPGsBIBte1_DC3oXWM1fMvB3_8tcDbBeqDiqtfPEgXhmg/s1600/IMG_2412.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOChamPDop-JvoC5w6iGY9Fd2Gk41yMi0Lv2QU03WIETxLaH9Ptu2aOW1t8Hn1SybVohyYCuLv5mBEya7Li7e0eUQurutDjNCPGsBIBte1_DC3oXWM1fMvB3_8tcDbBeqDiqtfPEgXhmg/s640/IMG_2412.PNG" width="358" /></a></div>
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Shania Twain is releasing a new CD in September, yeeeessss!!!<br />
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3. Morning coffee. I know it sounds silly considering my Starbucks obsession, but I have never been a morning coffee drinker. Unfortunately, I've been having a harder time getting up in the mornings. Fortunately, coffee with cream and a drop of vanilla syrup is there for me.<br />
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4. <a href="http://acolorstory.com/" target="_blank">The Color Story app</a>. It's the perfect way to edit your photos oh-so-pretty!<br />
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5. <a href="http://undisclosed-podcast.com/" target="_blank">Undisclosed podcast</a>. Okay, I know I'm soo soo late to the game, but I just discovered this follow-up to Serial. Ever since Serial ended, I've been desperate to know more. I am currently listening to Undisclosed season 1. All I can say is that this one better not leave me hanging!<br />
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<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-27484615361330226012017-06-13T06:38:00.000-07:002017-06-13T06:38:28.504-07:00Approaching the Psalms <span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4b4c; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good morning! I had to be up extra early today for an orthodontist appointment before work. I was looking through old posts of mine and found this one that has some of the highest traffic of all my posts. I thought I'd share again these thoughts on how to "decode" the Psalms that I heard from a speaker at church. Let me know how it works for you!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4b4c; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Like me, the speaker had struggled with finding interest in the book of Psalms. I don't know about you, but I've never really enjoyed reading the Psalms. I find that I use verses from the Psalms to support studies or topics I am writing on, but I wouldn't open to the Psalms to just start reading. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, the class opened up my perspective on the Psalms. As the speaker pointed out, the whole Bible has a practical application for us. It is true of the Psalms, and here are a few steps he used to show me how to really enjoy the book of Psalms! The same can be done with any area of the Bible you are struggling to enjoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Approaching the Psalms:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Day-to-day advice</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">-- Look for themes and advice on your relationship with others</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Objectives for life</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">-- Look for guidance on goals for personal growth</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Guidance for your relationship with God</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">-- Look for evidence on how the Psalmist speaks to God</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Afterwards, I spent some time reading the Psalms and using these tips. I found that the Psalms truly are useful and practical! Thankfully, God is SO much bigger than I!</span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-17653616261146344512017-06-09T10:25:00.001-07:002017-06-09T10:25:36.630-07:00This Sweet Life We Live<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey friends! I randomly got this Friday off, so YAY! As usual, life has been jam-packed with good stuff. </span></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Daniel and I have been looking for a new place for some time, because the place we rent is being sold. On Sunday, we went to look at an adorable two-bedroom cottage and signed the lease on Tuesday! It's a great place and we are excited for the move. However, I've loved this little house we live in now and it will be very bittersweet to leave. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">My youngest brother is graduating from high school and I couldn't be prouder of what a wonderful person he is. Colton is fun to be around, always willing to help anyone out, and most of all, loves God. He's a pretty great guy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just received a gorgeous copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nesting-Place-Doesnt-Perfect-Beautiful/dp/0310337909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497018076&sr=8-1&keywords=the+nesting+place" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">The Nesting Place</span></a>, which you should totally check out for <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/p/book-club.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">book club</span></a> this month! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In other news, we have a houseful of people coming over tonight and I think my dishwasher is broken. I may spend the rest of my day off washing all the dishes that I have crammed into the dishwasher for the last 4 days. I'm actually drinking cranberry juice out of the bottle because we don't have a single clean cup, but I can't bear to wash one by hand. Yikes! #firstworldproblems</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, I'm just heading out to start my long weekend with a 9 mile run. I'll be out there with my <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/2016/04/run-your-race-with-raisins.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">raisins</span></a> and my Jamie Ivey podcast. I'd rather do just about anything else. Wish me luck! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy weekend! What are you doing this weekend?!</span></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-558630859389631992017-06-06T07:50:00.002-07:002017-06-06T07:50:27.490-07:00Meeting Together<span style="color: #4a4b4c; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">If we look back to the Old Testament and the 10 commandments that God gave the Israelites, we hear about the Sabbath. So what's the Sabbath all about? </span></span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #4a4b4c; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 15.4px;">Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:8-11</i><br />
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It is interesting to note that observing the Sabbath was one of the ten commandments. It's purpose was to draw their hearts from themselves to God. Later, in the time of Jesus, the Pharisees had so many rituals and rules about following the Sabbath that they completely missed the purpose.</div>
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What was the purpose? I think it was to refocus, to bring spiritual renewal. As our constantly-working culture has begun to discover, working all the time leads to problems. We NEED rest. We need renewal. God knew so much better than we did that humans needed that day. But it wasn't just a day of relaxation, it was a day to focus on Him. He knew that the cares of daily life would draw us away from Him. So He commanded that one day be set aside to Him, because He knew we needed that.</div>
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We still do. We might not follow the Sabbath to the T, but we do follow it in principle. Instead, we are commanded to meet together on a weekly basis. I don't take this commandment lightly. There is a REASON God told us to do this. It's not just a suggestion, it's a reminder that if we don't leave time for that weekly renewal (which really should happen on a daily basis), the cares of this world will pull us away.</div>
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<i><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25</span></i></div>
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Miss one week of church? The second week becomes easier. Then, the third and the fourth week. Maybe it seems like not such a big deal and we still believe in God. But God knows what we need. It's not to remember Him in the quiet of our home on Sundays. It's not to remember Jesus in the woods. It's to meet with those of like faith. I truly believe that is an essential piece. Meeting together brings encouragement to us and to others. That's not to say that we can't remember Him individually, but we do need that meeting together frequently.</div>
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Too often, we believe that church is about what it brings to us. I don't believe it always is. Hopefully it brings us encouragement and renewal, but sometimes I understand that we just don't feel like being there. Be there anyway. </div>
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Make meeting together your first priority. It shows others and it shows God what is priority in your life! Next time you plan a vacation, plan it so that you can still meet with those of the faith. Next time you go on a road trip, make sure you don't spend Sunday morning driving. Next time you are faced with a decision to either worship God alone or in fellowship with others, choose fellowship with others. God knows what we need so much more than we do and I am so thankful for that. I'm also so thankful for those that I meet with on a weekly basis to give me much needed encouragement from my day-to-day life. </div>
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Lift up your eyes, look up from the drudgery of life! Rejoice because of the hope God has given each of us and encourage each other with this hope!</div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-83742012367338258742017-06-02T07:16:00.002-07:002017-06-02T07:16:58.696-07:00Friday loves<div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How was your week? Here's what I am loving this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2113410.Belong_to_Me?from_search=true" target="_blank">Belong to Me</a> by Marisa de los Santos. It's the sequel to another book I enjoyed called Love Walked In. They are enjoyable, feel-good reads (at least this one is so far). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kenra-Provision-Leave-Conditioner-8-Ounce/dp/B01B6MZQ1I/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496410555&sr=8-1&keywords=kenra+leave+in+conditioner" target="_blank">Kenra leave-in conditioner</a>. I've been using this EVERY day for at least a couple years. I forgot to take it on my trip last weekend, so I had a newfound appreciation of it once I got home!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naGuvFxbiW8" target="_blank">HIIT workout for the legs</a>. It was super hard (to me, at least), but I thought she did a great job of targeting all the major leg muscles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. The <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+1&version=NIV" target="_blank">book of Hebrews</a>. Every year, we follow a daily Bible reading plan and right now we are in the book of Hebrews. It's a pretty difficult book to understand, in my opinion, but also very exciting when you can begin to put the pieces together! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dasani-Sparkling-Drinking-Water-Cherry/dp/B01L8OJWOQ/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496411712&sr=8-1&keywords=dasani+black+cherry+sparkling+water" target="_blank">Dasani black cherry water.</a> I have been drinking lots of La Croix, but Daniel picked up these and I love the black cherry flavor! They are so perfect for a refreshing, cold drink after a long day of work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are you loving this week? Hope you have a fabulous weekend!</span></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-91371690878849408102017-05-31T07:18:00.002-07:002017-05-31T07:18:33.905-07:00May Book Club: How to Win Friends & Influence People<div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's the end of May and time for another book club read! Here's my review of <i>How to Win Friends & Influence People </i>by Dale Carnegie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stars:</b> 4.5/5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Synopsis on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4865.How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b>: <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><i>You can go after the job you want...and get it! You can take the job you have...and improve it! You can take any situation you're in...and make it work for you!</i></span></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Since its release in 1936, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">How to Win Friends and Influence People </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">has sold more than 15 million copies. Dale Carnegie's first book is a timeless bestseller, packed with rock-solid advice that has carried thousands of now famous people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">As relevant as ever before, Dale Carnegie's principles endure, and will help you achieve your maximum potential in the complex and competitive modern age. </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My thoughts:</b> I had no idea when I chose it, but this book was written in the early 1900s. That made me love it all the more, because the writing was a little "old-fashioned" while still speaking straight to me. Carnegie's book is split into four sections with information on handling people, ways you to make people like you, how to win people over, and how to influence people without offense. </span></div>
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For someone like me, who really struggles to befriend people, this book is full of practical advice for how to be more likeable. He also has a section on how to work through disagreements, which is something I tend to struggle with. And it's not quite what you would think, which is how to "win" the argument. In fact, he says that you can't actually win an argument and the only way to come out on top is to yield. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The book is full of thousands of stories that demonstrate ways to work better with people. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the advice that I am going to use in my everyday life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Read this book if:</b> You want to be a better "people" person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Inspiring thoughts from the author: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your smile is a messenger of your good will. Your smile brightens the lives of all who see it. To someone who has seen a dozen people frown, scowl or turn their faces away, your smile is like the sun breaking through the clouds. Especially when that someone is under pressure from his bosses, his customers, his teachers or parents or children, a smile can help him realize that all is not hopeless-- there there is a joy in the world. <i>How to Win Friends & Influence People, </i>pg 102</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So what did you think of the book? I'd love to hear your thoughts. And don't forget to stop by next month for <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/p/book-club.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">June's book</span></a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nesting-Place-Doesnt-Perfect-Beautiful/dp/0310337909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496240221&sr=8-1&keywords=the+nesting+place" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">The Nesting Place</span></a>. </span></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-37924511599933161202017-05-26T10:20:00.001-07:002017-05-26T10:20:21.149-07:00Your Best Life<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Romans 12 is one of those wonderful, practical chapters of the Bible that I like to read often! I know the post is a bit lengthy, but I thought it most useful to include the Bible verses that I am talking about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (verses 1-2).</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What does it mean to offer your bodies as living sacrifices? Under the law of Moses, the animals offered as sacrifices were completely burned up, or consumed, with fire. I think that being a LIVING sacrifice means to be consumed with your calling. It's up to you to ask yourself-- am I one-hundred percent dedicated to God? Does my life line up with His will? Are there areas of my life that I know are displeasing to God but I'd prefer to ignore?</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,</span><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully (verses 5-8).</span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A necessary trait in discipleship is humility. Without it, it is quite difficult, if not impossible, to show love to God and to our neighbor. It often comes natural to humans to look down on those who appear "weaker" or less capable. We must catch ourselves and realize that this kind of thinking is completely out of line with God's thinking. Each of us has different gifts, different strengths, different weaknesses. We must not call gifts that are different than ours bad. While not everyone may be living up to their gifts, it is not our job to judge, but to encourage the members of the church. As for us, we are responsible for doing our gifts to the BEST of our abilities.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.</span> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.</span> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.</span> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.</span> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Do not be conceited.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.</span> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.</span> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>On the contrary:</span></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”</span></i></i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (verses 9-21).</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are there any more practical verses in the Bible? Paul lays out discipleship in 10 simple verses. But as we know, it's not so simple. True discipleship does not come easily, it does not come naturally, and it certainly does not come without God's help. I wish I could give you the 5 Steps to Perfect Discipleship, but I'm not nearly there myself. As Jesus says, it's easy to love the one who loves you back. It's not so easy to love the one who hurts you, who does evil to you. That is "agape"-- self-sacrificial love. It is a love that is only attained when we love people not because they DESERVE love, but because God has instructed us to love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>We love because He first loved us.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It cannot come from our own strength, but when we choose to "cling to what is good." When we do so, God finds us and He gives us strength. He knows that we cannot live a life fulfilled without loving others. We are instructed to go out and DO and LOVE. Your best life is lived in the service of others. Become less obsessed with your needs and desires and find joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you put others first, you are in the best place you can be. You are in <b>His arms. </b>He knows our hearts-- surrender to His instructions and find yourself fulfilled, overcome with His love, overflowing with joy</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. </span></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-85623572096738696722017-05-23T07:10:00.002-07:002017-05-23T07:10:26.341-07:00When God Calls Us<div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cry of Isaiah, the prophet of God, when God asks someone to deliver a message to Israel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The thing is, that wasn't an easy message to deliver. It was an unpleasant message and wouldn't have been a fun task. The people who heard him would have probably greatly resented him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Isaiah's words are the words that should come from our mouth when we are called, no matter where. God won't call me to the same place that He calls you. It might be crazy hard, but if God has called us there, He will lead us through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes God calls us to do hard things, things we never imagine we could do. It may be so far out of our comfort zone. Like Moses, when God called him to lead the children of Israel. Moses didn't believe he could do it. He didn't want to lead that many people. But he did it anyway and God walked him through every step.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If God calls us and we follow, He WILL lead us. That doesn't mean that every step forward won't be hard, but we'll be able to do it. We might squirm a little on the way, but if it was easy, then it wouldn't really be pushing us. God pushes us so that we learn obedience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I think on some of the things God has called me to do, it's been so worth it. Sure, they made me stick out like a sore thumb because everyone was doing something else. You have to flounder a little bit sometimes. But in the end, it's been just what I needed to be doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And there is always more. When we are finished with one thing God has called us to, there will be another. But I hope that when God calls me, the cry of my heart will always be, "Here am I, send me!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you find the courage to go where God calls you! </span></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-87089213401693413122017-05-17T07:22:00.001-07:002017-05-17T07:22:18.493-07:00Finding Gratitude<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">My blog name, Pure Joy, comes from a Bible verse that says to consider everything, even </span><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">trials, pure joy. </span></span><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-3).</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It's hard to be joyful when you aren't grateful. I've become much more intentional about being grateful in my life these last few months and years. It's funny, because I went on a hike the other day and I thought to myself,</span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> I will never stop noticing how beautiful creation is. </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And it's so true. EVERY time I go outside or on a hike or a run, I notice the little things. The wild grass blowing in the wind, the clovers, the artful shape of a tree branch. These things are never lost on me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, with other areas of my life, it's so much harder for me to find gratitude. Why is that? I can't really say, but it's something I am acknowledging in an attempt to change. Really, it's not good enough to have gratitude for some things. I need to be grateful for everything, not just creation. I need to be thankful for my house, even when it's not cleaned. My clothes, even when they are old and not so stylish. My long hours at work, because I'm learning a lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I often find it much easier to be aware of the big things I'm thankful for (my health, my family, my faith). It's wonderful to be aware of these things, but I also think it's important to acknowledge all the little things that make up your life. I hope you will join me today in stepping back from it all and finding gratitude. </span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-87732082525432104742017-05-12T12:37:00.002-07:002017-05-12T12:37:24.198-07:00Following Jesus <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In theory, following Jesus is quite easy. He sums up everything he wants us to do in one simple command,</span></span><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Love God, Love others.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It sounds simple. In fact, it's pretty easy to love God because He is so good. He has given me life and health and created the world. Because I'm so thankful to God, it's not hard for me to feel love for Him. But the way God tells us to show love for Him is to love others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Loving others, now that is a little bit harder. Loving people gets messy. Loving people is easy when those people are nice to me. It gets tricky when those people who I am supposed to love (everyone!) are hateful, rude, and just plain unloving. How do I love someone who treats me horribly? How do I love someone I don't even know? How do I love someone I don't even like? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus hasn't called us to be like everyone else, though. He hasn't called us to only do what we feel like doing or love who we feel like loving. He has called us to love </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following Jesus doesn't mean that life will always be easy. We are told that we will be blessed for following him, but we are also told that sometimes we will go through trials. Some definitely go through more trials than others. It doesn't seem fair to us and I don't know the answer why. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, there is such beauty in following Jesus. My life is so full from following Jesus. There are times that it is hard. Sometimes I'd rather not show love. Often, I fail at showing love. But the wonderful news is that following Jesus means that Jesus will help to carry my burdens. What a comfort it is to know that in the hard times, I have someone SO much greater to watch over me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you remember that enormous blessing that comes with following Jesus. Have a joy-filled weekend, friends. </span></div>
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P.S. You can read another post I wrote about following God<a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/2016/11/4-ways-to-follow-god-every-day.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: magenta;">here</span></a>. </div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-79047257668959057022017-05-09T07:20:00.000-07:002017-05-09T07:20:30.459-07:00The Race Always Hurts. <span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In 2010, one of my best friends asked me if I wanted to participate in a mud run. This mud run was 3 miles and I'd never run 3 miles in my life! In fact, I felt like throwing up from running more than a few minutes. I did exercise often, but I was definitely not a runner.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That summer, I ran every day of the week with my mom, until we were able to run 4 miles. Over the next 7 years, I have run a couple 5Ks, a couple 10Ks, and 3 half marathons. I will never be a fast runner (in fact I am a s.l.o.w. runner), but I always finish the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am now training for my 4th half marathon this summer! For us non-runners, training is SUPER important. I found out that not training well can really break me. Are you a novice runner or looking to train for your first run? Here are some tips that have REALLY helped me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1. Using a training plan. I use </span><a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Hal Higdon's training plan</span> </a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">for novices. I found that I can adjust it to be 12 to 14 weeks long, so that I can be as prepared as possible. Be careful not to train too long though, or your body might get burned out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Make sure you are strengthening your body... your legs are especially important but so is your core! Strengthening your muscles helps them to endure through all the torture (-; It's important to incorporate strengthening and stretching into your workouts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. If you are running more than an hour, make sure you bring along water and some sort of supplement. I use this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nathan-QuickShot-Hydration-Andean-Toucan/dp/B00MNAE5FQ/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1494291196&sr=8-12&keywords=nathan+water+bottles" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">handheld water bottle</span></a> (as long as there are places to refill along the way). I always use raisins as my supplement (I eat a handful every 20 minutes of a run longer than 1 hour). There are many supplements out there, but make sure you don't switch them up on the day of your race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Find something to listen to that motivates you. For me, this is podcasts. I'm loving the follow-up to Serial, <a href="http://undisclosed-podcast.com/episodes/season-1/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Undisclosed</span></a>, or the <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://jamieivey.com/category/podcast-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Jamie Ivey</span></a> </span>podcasts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Pay attention to the course! My first 1/2 marathon, I dragged two of my friends along. I was so excited to find a nice trail run... which turned out to be the worst mistake ever. This trail run was SO hilly that I thought I was going to keel over. I had been running flat courses for training, so I was not prepared at all. If you are doing a hilly run, make sure you train for it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. End your long runs with a recovery food! For me, this is often just a chocolate milk, but there are all kinds of post-workout recovery foods. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What are your best tips for running a race? I'd love to hear!! </span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-89278255793770293942017-05-05T07:22:00.000-07:002017-05-05T07:22:09.518-07:00Spring Party Planning Happy Friday! This April was my mother's birthday and we decided to try to make it extra special by having a surprise party. It turned out to be quite fun and tasty so here are a few tips for spring parties.<br />
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Decorations:<br />
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I got pretty much all my decorations at Target, either in the decoration section or the dollar spot. I found pretty white luminaries, a cute banner, striped straws, flowered plates and gold napkins. Luckily, my friend Bekka had saved up lots of glass frappucino jars, which made adorable drinking glasses. The party was at my mom's house, so I used a lot of her pretty china to put out the food.<br />
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Food:<br />
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I didn't have a "theme" with the food because I wanted to pick lots of foods my mom would like.<br />
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Pimento cheese sandwiches: You can buy Pimento spread at the grocery store! Make sure to use white bread with the crusts cuff off for the perfect tea party style.<br />
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<a href="https://www.asaucykitchen.com/thai-meatballs-paleo-low-fodmap/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Paleo Thai meatballs</span></a>: These were yummy and easy to make! However, mine did not turn out nearly as pretty as these pictures!<br />
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<a href="https://www.foodfanatic.com/2015/06/blt-avocado-wraps/#_a5y_p=3905699" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">BLTA wraps</span></a>: My mom lettuce wraps, which is why I chose these! They were easy to make and tasty to eat. The recipe made a lot, so this is a good one for a crowd.<br />
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Sushi: You can't go wrong ordering sushi rolls!<br />
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Tomato bisque soup: From Safeway, this soup is thick and creamy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thekitchykitchen.com/?recipes=/cucumber-mint-fizz/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Cucumber mint fizz:</span></a> I chose these pretty drink because my mom loves cucumber and mint. I personally didn't like the drink all that much, but hopefully most did. Here are a <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/15-sparkling-drinks-for-spring-entertaining-recipes-from-the-kitchn-203387" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">few other drinks</span></a> to try instead.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2015/05/sparkling-red-party-punch.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Party punch</span></a>: I can't find the exact one we used, but this one is very similar!<br />
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<a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/2015/03/easy-lemon-tarts/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Lemon tarts</span></a>: Only two ingredients! Lemon curd can be found in a jar with the jams.<br />
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<a href="https://dolesunshine.com/recipes/pineapple-upside-down-minis" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Mini pineapple upside down cake</span></a>: Only the best dessert ever!! These are a little messy to make, but they are SO good.<br />
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The day of the party was almost ruined when my siblings missed their flight, but it all turned out okay! We managed to surprise my mom big time and we had a great evening of food, chatting, and games with friends.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you having a party soon? What are your best party ideas?</span><br />
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-13303485611144725962017-05-02T06:59:00.001-07:002017-05-02T06:59:53.511-07:00Welcome, May! <span style="font-family: inherit;">We are one quarter of the way through 2017! This year has been so good to me this far. I feel like I am busy but happy most of the time. I'm even accomplishing some goals I've set for myself! Here's a recap of some of my favorite times from 2017 so far, as told by photos. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn418rHnuueVUb-8F4rTLUbJw6V_iYCOxFWsqjSxNz53Z00Tvkd5SFOQcme10uvja6uyJcMF93YBKj-hdyJGKWFneZSVRAXJJJrwALh2rsW3K2vQfBRuYPWB4_032BjVXkKAd8-QWcgo/s1600/IMG_3245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn418rHnuueVUb-8F4rTLUbJw6V_iYCOxFWsqjSxNz53Z00Tvkd5SFOQcme10uvja6uyJcMF93YBKj-hdyJGKWFneZSVRAXJJJrwALh2rsW3K2vQfBRuYPWB4_032BjVXkKAd8-QWcgo/s640/IMG_3245.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Our church hosted a fabulous young people's gathering back in February. I had a great time with friends and with 7 girls crammed into my 600 square foot home! It culminated with Melissa choosing to get baptized!<br />
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Bekka and I had such a great time at our first folk dancing performance. Our costumes were a little embarrassing but it's such a fun activity! Every week, we attend dance lessons that are given by a couple in their 80s (wow!) </div>
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More fantastic news! Colton (my youngest brother) also made the decision to get baptized. We had a fun ski weekend with our friends. I must say, skiing is not for me.<br />
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Daniel and I headed down to southern California with friends. I went to Balboa island and got to witness the baptism of my friend Lauren. These are some of my dear sisters and friends.<br />
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Birthdays with my BFF are the most fun. We celebrated by going out to dinner, where we were absolutely pampered by our waiter! I got a yummy pizza (mmm... I'm so hungry!). We finished off the celebrations with hot tub time, dancing, and a sleepover. Love my girl time!!</div>
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As you probably know, I started my Etsy shop, Stitched with Pure Joy, where I sell handmade embroidery creations. This is one of my favorites, a labor of love by my friend Jess and I. What would you like to see on embroidery?</div>
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I'm also super thrilled to fulfill my dream of hosting an online book club. It combines my most favorite things: blogging, reading, inspiration, and friends. I hope you will join for May! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oDSD7-r2m7iPNmV-PILAHvgV9Q44p8e_PuRn4EgHump2LSo0qzMFiJlRlP67arPRSi6ruOBcDhmUYS8eCGLBxuFqzFURx3rZrBREJl2cIe9LpnCYbd2rYt38d_uNfRy1I8QFmca82Oc/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oDSD7-r2m7iPNmV-PILAHvgV9Q44p8e_PuRn4EgHump2LSo0qzMFiJlRlP67arPRSi6ruOBcDhmUYS8eCGLBxuFqzFURx3rZrBREJl2cIe9LpnCYbd2rYt38d_uNfRy1I8QFmca82Oc/s640/IMG_3604.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here I am getting baby love from my little buddy. Daniel and I hitched a ride with Justin to LA for the weekend. We visited our friends Holly and Forrest, as well as attended a wedding.<br />
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At the wedding, wearing our very best (aka my little brother and sister's clothes). I love this guy!!</div>
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A friend who is dear to my heart! Enjoyed getting pampered and having girl talk. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I posted this picture, reveling in the little beauties of the earth. Who would have thought that grass and clovers could be so pretty, but they are!</span></div>
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Here's a great photo of my little bro, who will be super mad if he ever sees this! I guess we shall see if he ever reads my blog... (-; A few weeks ago, he bought the favorite foods of everyone in my family (sushi, pizza, Chinese food, etc) and had a dinner for all of us. It was so much fun to all eat together, play games, read the Bible and sing together! I wish I had a picture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGxbSvSj_RKIO6hp8vD7nov0JxPgU48sger9MDEQOjjORVO6fhDinI0rRjmm4J6sDW-s2bLIu482KsXvk8arD_gFX0-flEjOP5n2vAhfwrm8oHekdoMTqz46xihg-5eX1oGgv2PvuERE/s1600/IMG_3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGxbSvSj_RKIO6hp8vD7nov0JxPgU48sger9MDEQOjjORVO6fhDinI0rRjmm4J6sDW-s2bLIu482KsXvk8arD_gFX0-flEjOP5n2vAhfwrm8oHekdoMTqz46xihg-5eX1oGgv2PvuERE/s640/IMG_3729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm so mad that I didn't get any "people" pictures of my mom's surprise birthday party. This is a picture of the food all set up. It was so fun to plan it and surprise my mom! I'll be sharing more about the party with recipes on Friday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What have been your</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> best times in 2017 so far? I'd love to hear!</span></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-414426872505680072017-04-28T06:51:00.003-07:002017-04-28T06:51:54.532-07:00April Book Club: Marriage MattersApril was such a good but crazy month! I didn't do much reading this month, but I did manage to finish <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Matters-Extraordinary-Through-Ordinary/dp/1935273612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493385922&sr=8-1&keywords=marriage+matters" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Marriage Matters</span></a>. I'm sharing my thoughts below!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB-S8GTQDwbq3qdcYuPd5ARcIrkfmGlG9pJ8yr11_LYQGmF1ZHJOM-SuGxVbTefnAmHM_DftZq6zVaCfkSsYIMuIb-gxCMRLY5g9Vn9BKXagz0Ho0p5NcB0bdQFaMrnhxrmaNJqRMafs/s1600/Be+Inspired.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB-S8GTQDwbq3qdcYuPd5ARcIrkfmGlG9pJ8yr11_LYQGmF1ZHJOM-SuGxVbTefnAmHM_DftZq6zVaCfkSsYIMuIb-gxCMRLY5g9Vn9BKXagz0Ho0p5NcB0bdQFaMrnhxrmaNJqRMafs/s640/Be+Inspired.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rating:</b> 3/5 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Synopsis from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19098910-marriage-matters?from_search=true" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Goodreads</span></a>: </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><i>Can Ordinary Marriages Become Extraordinary?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">He snapped at her during breakfast. She brought up a past mistake. He walked out angry. She left without saying good-bye. An ordinary day in an ordinary marriage. But what if things could be different? What if the moments that seem the most ordinary moments of annoyance, conflict, pain, or cold indifference could become moments in which you're able to understand God's incredible agenda for love and begin to do something new?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Winston T. Smith, drawing on his extensive experience as a marriage counselor, offers a simple yet powerful prescription for changing your marriage. He shows how examining the everyday disappointments and irritations in your marriage will help you understand yourself, your spouse, and your need for God's love. Change begins with seeing day-to-day interactions from a different perspective, taking simple steps to love one another more effectively, and then learning how to take those steps over and over again. Interactions that used to devolve into pointless annoyances and fights can become an opportunity for God's activity and love to become increasingly evident and powerful.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">The principles in this book will take your marriage to extraordinary places and lead you into a deeper relationship with an extraordinary God. Don't settle for an ordinary marriage, learn to live out God's extraordinary love in your most intimate relationship.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">My thoughts: </b><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">First of all, any book about strengthening marriage is a winner. If you are reading a book about marriage with thoughts of </span><span style="color: #181818;">genuinely</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"> improving it, good for you! This book had a lot of great things to say about marriage from a Biblical perspective.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">I love his ideas on how to overcome selfishness in marriage. It's something we probably all struggle with and it's important to remember that it's not okay. I thought it shared a good amount of advice for both men and women in many different situations of marriage. He talks about hard times in marriage, conflicts, fears, emotions and how to deal with these areas. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">This book also had questions at the end of each chapter to use for yourself or together with your spouse. I thought these were really good and helped draw out some wrong attitudes I've been holding.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">That being said, the author drew a lot of points from what I consider faulty theology. While I could recognize that they were still important points, I found this off-putting. Overall. however, I could still enjoy the book for all the great advice it had to offer. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><b>Read this book if: </b>You enjoy reading marriage books or haven't read a lot of marriage books. This book probably doesn't have anything new to offer that I haven't read before, but if you haven't read any marriage books it might be a good place to start. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><b>Inspiring quotes from the author: </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>It's a common mistake to believe that loving others is the same thing as making them happy. And, of course, your gentle, patient, kind, generous moments will undoubtedly contribute to his or her happiness. But, still, you married someone who has the same capacity as you to be unreasonable, selfish, and blinded by the idols of the heart. Truly to love another sinner as Jesus has loved you will mean having difficult conversations, disagreeing, and even saying no to sinful and destructive behavior. If you truly love your spouse as Jesus has loved you, you'll sometimes get the same response Jesus got- conflict and rejection. Marriage Matters, pg 45 </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>No matter why you married, no matter what sins damaged your marriage, God's restoration will make it beautiful., not by hiding the past or camouflaging the scars but by helping you to see God's faithfulness and love in it and even using it to draw others to himself. Marriage Matters, pg 251</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818;">What did you think of Marriage Matters? Don't forget to check out </span><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://themessybunmama.com/" target="_blank">Morgan's post</a> </span><span style="color: #181818;">and join us next month for </span><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4865.How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">How to Win Friends and Influence People</a>!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx1bhviTLjUd29uzA18Fdgz6Y4XkmJExYT-0ZrMx8Q82_NczMzCU6vXBfqXwqd83wm0XFvVqoGaJqx0ewwIZKDXUiDBtT-pEwzE9b1quFbMAwVvrxMysntAjGCIZ0Z17YFNhiRqkqhHg/s1600/2017+Book+List+%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx1bhviTLjUd29uzA18Fdgz6Y4XkmJExYT-0ZrMx8Q82_NczMzCU6vXBfqXwqd83wm0XFvVqoGaJqx0ewwIZKDXUiDBtT-pEwzE9b1quFbMAwVvrxMysntAjGCIZ0Z17YFNhiRqkqhHg/s640/2017+Book+List+%25284%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></span>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-40753875099358586272017-04-25T07:02:00.001-07:002017-04-25T07:02:17.865-07:0052 Dates for Two <span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm so excited about this </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://thedatingdivas.affiliatedash.com/a/52DFT/ddferrie" target="_blank">date planning guide</a> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I bought from the Dating Divas website. It's easy to put together, you just have to print and cut out all the dates. Most of the dates are easy to plan on the spot, although some of them require a little extra prep. We try to have a date night every week (usually Friday), but sometimes the date night might just be collapsing into bed and watching a movie. As long as it's the two of us with no cell phones, it counts in my book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All 52 cards fit in a photo album, with a blank space next to them to add a picture from your date. So every week you can flip through these awesome suggestions and have a pre-planned date! Make sure to take a picture to add to the photo album. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's an example of two we have done: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Breakfast in bed: It was Daniel's turn to plan the date, so he went to the store the night before. I'd say this is the best way to do it, otherwise you are going to be waiting for breakfast for a long time! He made eggs, toast, hash browns and fruit. It was super tasty and we enjoyed the meal while watching a movie.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perfectly convincing "just out of bed" look (;</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Planning a dream vacation: This was fun because we didn't just pretend to plan a vacation, we planned our trip to Mexico! We've been talking about it for a long time but we finally decide to go to Secrets in Riviera Maya. It's our first all-inclusive trip and I'm super excited!! I can't wait to eat all the food. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLRan7bKWpH8I5D2nXAteGRuQRbgMEIXgaMtB_PH8quGgEOUYTYyYUdf2sXDUEbuzx2ASMJot8mf942THB7gk_GeeATOuNEbzY599jmPbTlJof2nQ8pDQXiAPIbSx3Aeq1V3PeG5fr4M/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLRan7bKWpH8I5D2nXAteGRuQRbgMEIXgaMtB_PH8quGgEOUYTYyYUdf2sXDUEbuzx2ASMJot8mf942THB7gk_GeeATOuNEbzY599jmPbTlJof2nQ8pDQXiAPIbSx3Aeq1V3PeG5fr4M/s640/IMG_3647.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The egg hunt... the last egg was a clue to find my booked reservation for Mexico! Yay!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you'll check this awesome idea out! What are you favorite date ideas?? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. I receive a small commission for promoting products I love! </span><br />
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<img alt="52 Date Night Ideas for Two | thedatingdivas.com" src="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/52-Dates-for-Two-Med-Rectangle.jpg" data-pin-description="52 Date Cards for Two " data-pin-url="http://thedatingdivas.affiliatedash.com/a/52DFT/ddferrie" />
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-6811114196748354182017-04-21T07:05:00.002-07:002017-04-21T07:05:21.585-07:00Marriage Isn't Perfect (And Neither Is Anyone Else's) <div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently posted a picture on Instagram that showed a surprise egg hunt my husband planned that ended with me getting a bunch of "coupons" (read massages, dinner, dancing, etc) and a booked reservation to Mexico. I posted this because it was something absolutely loving that Daniel did for me and I want to brag on him. I think we should brag on our spouses and the awesome things they do for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Later, I scroll through Instagram myself and think, <i>gosh, that girl has a perfect life and a perfect husband/kids/house/whatever! I wish I had that! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We all need to remember that what we see on social media is only what others want and choose to post. The perfect couple is not really the perfect couple. The perfect husband isn't perfect, and neither are the perfect kids. These pictures/posts are only a snapshot of reality. Which is good, in my opinion, because I don't want to see people putting down their spouses/kids for the mistakes they make! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My husband who surprises me with trips to Mexico, makes dinner daily, works crazy hard and teaches at church makes mistakes too. And in case you were under any crazy delusion that I am the perfect wife, let me tell you... I am not! I fail and let Daniel down often. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are not the perfect husband and wife, and neither is anyone else. That's because we are sinners. Two sinners combined cannot make perfection. BUT we are perfect for each other, perfectly designed for each other to help each other grow. We both have habits that drive the other one nearly insane. I think God made it that way to help both of us grow in our characters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So just remember when you are comparing yourself to others (whether it be a couple or not), the important thing is to compare yourself to you. Are you becoming the person you want to be? Is your marriage heading in the right direction? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it's fantastic when people post about their spouse doing something awesome. I love it when people post about how much they love their spouse. Instead of becoming jealous, I try to see that as a great thing to strive towards. I want to be encouraged rather than begin playing the comparison game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love my husband and my marriage SO much. I will continue to post about how much I love him and brag about the awesome things he does. We don't have the perfect marriage but we are striving to have a wonderful marriage. </span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-43200584052396197722017-04-18T09:39:00.000-07:002017-04-18T09:39:16.547-07:00Learning to Accept Change <span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4b4c; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dealing with change can be difficult. Even if it's a positive change, many people struggle with change. I know for myself, change is a struggle because I like routine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even with wonderful changes, I found myself afraid of the change that it would bring. So how do you get yourself out there to embrace positive change (and accept what you might consider "negative" change)? I am no expert on the matter, but I tried to think of how I attempt to approach change. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully, if you too struggle with change, you will find these tips helpful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1// Try to see the change from all perspectives. If it's a change that you feel is negative, try to put a positive spin on it. A setback can become an opportunity for growth. Try to remember that even in the painful and the ugly, God is bringing about something beautiful in your life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2// Pray! No explanation needed for that one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3// Take care of yourself. You don't have to be strong all the time-- if you are struggling with change, it's okay to baby yourself. Have compassion on yourself, just as you would on someone else going through a big life change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4// Remember it's okay to ask for help. You don't have to go at it alone! Enlist a close friend to share your fears with. Allow yourself to be completely honest about what you fear from the change (if it's a positive change, what are you afraid of?) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5// Improve your emotional wellness. Take time to nurture yourself and just BE, without having to DO. Read a psalm or listen to a few hymns. It might be through yoga, deep breathing, journaling, or whatever else eases your mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6// Realize that change is an emotional experience. Change, even when it's positive, typically means you are losing something. If you are a highly emotional person (like me!), allow yourself to delve into the emotions you are feeling. Instead of trying to ignore the way you feel, take the time to understand WHY you feel that way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd love to hear from you! How do you accept change in your own life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Repost from August 7, 2015</span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-2397108571436822742017-04-14T07:39:00.002-07:002017-04-14T19:37:19.384-07:00Friday lovesIt's Friday! I could not be more excited that I have yesterday until Tuesday off work (the clinic is on spring break). I hope you are having a wonderful week and that this weekend will be wonderful. Here's what I am loving lately!<br />
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The <a href="http://jamieivey.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Jamie Ivey podcast</span>.</a>.. Jamie interviews inspirational women every week. I just found these podcasts recently so I have been listening to one every day on my way home from work! They are so fun and uplifting. </div>
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I am dying to have these <a href="http://www.lottafromstockholm.co.uk/clogs/high-heel-clogs/highwood-tan.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">adorable shoes</span></a>. They look so comfy and perfect for my work! What is your current favorite pair of shoes? </div>
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I'm trying to improve my Instagram with tips from <a href="https://heleneinbetween.com/2017/04/grow-instagram-right-way.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Helene</span></a>. She has so many awesome tips! You can follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/danielleatpurejoy/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">my Instagram</span> </a>to find out more about my day to day life. </div>
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My favorite store, Downeast Basics, is having a sale. I highly recommend you check it out! Their clothing is gorgeous, well made and modest. The <a href="https://www.downeastbasics.com/collections/swim" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">swimsuits</span></a> are so cute and I love this <a href="https://www.downeastbasics.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/such-a-cinch-skirt" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">cinched skirt</span>.</a> </div>
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Don't forget to read the book for the <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/p/book-club.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">April book club</span></a>. You can find out more here. <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Matters-Extraordinary-Through-Ordinary/dp/1935273612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492107937&sr=8-1&keywords=marriage+matters+winston+smith" target="_blank">Marriage Matters</a> </span>is the book we are reading and I can't wait to share it with you!</div>
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My <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/524167177/confetti-initials-embroidery-beautiful?ref=shop_home_feat_4" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">new embroidery design is for sale on Etsy</span></a>. It's colorful and fun, I hope you'll check it out!</div>
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So that's what's on my mind lately! Share your favorite links below! </div>
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Now I'm headed off celebrate my brother's birthday by sledding the day away (whyyy is there still snow?!). Hope you have a wonderful weekend. </div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-54817872440428078872017-04-11T06:57:00.003-07:002017-04-11T06:57:57.919-07:00You Can Do It <div>
<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I started my last clinical rotation last week. I must admit, I had no idea that it would be the way it is (ie working looonger than 8 hours and hardly having a break). There are a lot of things that I like (the patients, the job, the people I work with), but it's just so dang hard to keep up. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Three days into the job, with my frustration and anxiety bubbling up more each day, I had a <strike>complete</strike> little breakdown on Wednesday night. My ever-so-patient husband listened while I explained all the things that I wanted to do (blogging, embroidery, Bible study, exam prep, running, spending time with my loved ones) that I suddenly did not have time for. I couldn't stop crying or feeling so anxious. It felt so overwhelming. I suddenly was reduced to working, eating, and sleeping. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But you know what Daniel said to me after it all? He said, <i>Danielle, lot's of people work more than this. </i>At first, this made me super annoyed. It's just so awesome when your complaining is interrupted, right?! But then, I had a little attitude adjustment and was able to see this as the wise statement that it was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This might be hard, and it might not be exactly what I want. But there is always a way through it, if it must be done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are those days. When you feel overwhelmed, overworked, under-cared-for, exhausted, lonely, whatever. I'm so thankful for the people who are there to support me on those days. Like my mom, who made my the beginning of this week so much better by surprising me with a delicious lunch, helping us look for a new rental home, and bringing me (and my boss!) coffee at work! Or my friends Holly and Forrest, who kindly spoiled us while we stayed with them for a visit this weekend. Or my awesome hubs, who goes above and beyond to help me out around the house and listens to my rants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are having one of those breakdown, overwhelmed, ugly days-- I pray that you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that you will give yourself a little grace but not wallow in self-pity. I hope that someone will be there for you the way my people are there for me. And if there is anything I can do to help, please leave me a comment below or send me an email. </span></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-52046502115912444762017-04-04T07:07:00.001-07:002017-04-04T07:07:07.994-07:00Answered Prayers <div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">When he saw them, he said, <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Go, show yourselves to the priests.”</span> And as they went, they were cleansed.</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Jesus asked, <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?<span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”</span></span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Then he said to him, <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke 17:12-19</span></i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by my brother, Colton (: </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is an excerpt of the Bible that I think shows human nature pretty darn well. There are ten men who have had their incurable disease miraculously cured by Jesus, yet only one goes back to praise God. After receiving healing, the others were too busy to thank the one who healed them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Side note: If you are wondering what a Samaritan is, they were a group of people living in Israel who were hated by the Jews (and vice versa). So basically, the only person who expressed thanks was the person who was supposed to "hate" Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The point of the story is that it's so "normal" of people to receive the greatest gift and not appreciate it, even just moments later. These nine ungrateful men weren't a rarity, it's true of all of us. Once things are going well for us, we tend to forget about how our lives were before. Even if the most miraculous event happened to us, soon it will be forgotten and taken for granted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think how many times I've prayed for things that happened and then didn't even thank God for it. I've heard before that we should thank God for an answered prayer twice as long as we prayed for it. So if I prayed for 2 years to be healed of a disease, I'd be thanking God for 4 years if I was healed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few years ago, when Daniel and I were in the process of getting his getting married and getting his immigration visa, we tried to do this. We had prayed about it for about 6 months, so for a long time afterwards we thanked God. It was actually a real lesson in being grateful. It made me remember how desperately I had prayed that Daniel would get his visa. Now that he had it, I didn't want to stop being thankful for it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't forget to thank God for His blessings on you. Happy Tuesday, friends!</span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-84163588167559115952017-03-31T06:25:00.002-07:002017-03-31T06:25:25.724-07:00March Book Club: Daring Greatly<div>
<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Guys, I can't believe that it is the end of March! This year is just flying by (which I say every single month, btw). I'm excited to share my thoughts on <i>Daring Greatly </i>by Brene Brown! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Synopsis on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13588356-daring-greatly?from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>:</b> <i>Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable, or to dare greatly. Whether the arena is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation, we must find the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">In </span><i style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">Daring Greatly</i><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">, Dr. Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability. Based on twelve years of research, she argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. The book that Dr. Brown’s many fans have been waiting for, </span><i style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">Daring Greatly</i><span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"> will spark a new spirit of truth—and trust—in our organizations, families, schools, and communities.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My thoughts: </b>First of all, if you haven't already, go check out Brene Brown's <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psN1DORYYV0&t=354s" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">TED talk</span></a>.</span> It's super interesting and is what inspired me to choose Daring Greatly for March. She is an engaging writer who has lots of awesome advice/research. That being said, I had difficulty with how detailed and long this book was. In certain spots, I wasn't as interested in the material and found myself skim reading. In other parts, I was completely engrossed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved the fact that Brown shows us that we ALL have vulnerability, no matter how strong we think we are. In her research, she found that vulnerability was inextricably linked to shame. Unfortunately, to overcome that, we have to acknowledge the shame and vulnerability in our lives (darn!). It's not an easy road, but I thought this book gave some great suggestions for how to open ourselves up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brene's ideas on scarcity (the never-enough problem) were awesome because it's a trap I constantly fall into. She notes that the never enough mentality is with us often... we wake up and we haven't had enough sleep, we don't have enough time to do everything we need to, we aren't smart enough, pretty enough, healthy enough.. as you can imagine the list goes on and on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, this book reminds us that vulnerability isn't a weakness, it's a strength. There is NO person on earth (seriously, none! not even the most perfect person you can imagine), who doesn't experience vulnerability and shame. Accepting vulnerability is the way to experience great strength and to be a better friend/spouse/parent. I'm not a parent yet, but there is a pretty awesome section on parenting too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly, the biggest reason that I didn't rate this book higher was the language. I don't like reading a bunch of language, especially when it is completely unnecessary in a nonfiction book. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Read this book if:</b> You struggle with vulnerability (and if you read the above, you'd know that you're kidding yourself if you think you don't!) and want to understand it/find overcoming strategies. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8MkhunwA3W3A75sAMebugMAPTDHhTq__NMrUk6iJxRB3c2bC6zYH7cV2xCWFLWeqOlIsDNgjBH0NnCgRsf04Tev1dNmKyJzgA_d4Lbhn9qzVQ7UZKYzrBFkJi98-6-9AZOQsUbmIkFs/s1600/The+opposite+of+enough+is+enough%252C+or+wholeheartedness..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8MkhunwA3W3A75sAMebugMAPTDHhTq__NMrUk6iJxRB3c2bC6zYH7cV2xCWFLWeqOlIsDNgjBH0NnCgRsf04Tev1dNmKyJzgA_d4Lbhn9qzVQ7UZKYzrBFkJi98-6-9AZOQsUbmIkFs/s640/The+opposite+of+enough+is+enough%252C+or+wholeheartedness..png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Inspiring thoughts from the author:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I define vulnerability as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. With that definition in mind, let's think about love. Waking up every day and loving someone who may or may not love us back, whose safety we can't ensure, who may stay in our lives or may live without a moment's notice, who may be loyal to the day they die or betray us tomorrow-- that's vulnerability. Love is uncertain. It's incredibly risky. And loving someone leaves us emotionally exposed. Yes, it's scary and yes, we're open to being hurt, but can you imagine your life without loving or being loved? Daring Greatly, pg 34</i></span></div>
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<i>Shame can only rise so far in any system before people disengage to protect themselves. When we're disengaged, we don't show up, we don't contribute, and we stop caring. Daring Greatly, pg 192</i></div>
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<i>The counterapproach to living in scarcity in not about abundance. In fact, I think abundance and scarcity are two sides of the same coin. The opposite of "never enough" isn't abundance or "more than you could ever imagine." The opposite of scarcity is enough, or what I call wholeheartedness. Daring Greatly, pg 20</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Please comment and let me know what you thought of Daring Greatly! Go over to <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://themessybunmama.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Morgan's blog</span></a> </span>to check out what she thought.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhdOMNh0fsLnwD6bBsdahsw9DxxGN3cZ7ZMjeo1uPn16JfN2YX_2DwMqCWYE7hJ3k2rDJM6hK2Qg-vfRxxFeZYNt07avWcyz89WrDaZ0fn6GCbr7qLb4aPgH5635pacpB8dm0jdpyz1o/s1600/2017+Book+List+%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhdOMNh0fsLnwD6bBsdahsw9DxxGN3cZ7ZMjeo1uPn16JfN2YX_2DwMqCWYE7hJ3k2rDJM6hK2Qg-vfRxxFeZYNt07avWcyz89WrDaZ0fn6GCbr7qLb4aPgH5635pacpB8dm0jdpyz1o/s640/2017+Book+List+%25284%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Don't forget to check out our April book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19098910-marriage-matters?from_search=true" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Marriage Matters</span></a>! You can look at the <a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/2017/01/its-last-day-of-month-and-you-know-what.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">January</span> </a>and <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://danielleatpurejoy.blogspot.com/2017/02/february-book-when-breath-becomes-air.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">February</span></a> </span>books here. </span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-76373986421732018212017-03-28T06:24:00.000-07:002017-03-28T06:24:40.023-07:00Stitched with Pure Joy<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm so excited to share that I have officially opened an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchedwithPureJoy?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy shop for my embroidery</a>! I wanted to share some of the pieces I am selling. I have a lot more pieces that I have made, but unfortunately I've given them away without getting an Etsy-worthy picture. I will be slowly adding more pieces as I make more, since I think I've finally got a picture groove going!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm also hoping that my friend Jessica will be listing her pieces on here soon! We have made a range of different "styles", so I think that'll be cool. I hope you'll check out my shop and contact me if you have an idea of a custom piece you'd like!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6tTAtHqTOdU3fUmDaP0XFik6swTA7OUTcEShcpYvx76yTWVp36nnxV4MZ4x0BVgJQH-2ux5o0hwkA0pEb9c1Wd2IgNc6PweLFnJWRn8xDcpYqP4SH_KUGpJI_O2q14i8YHfTvzfENfQ/s1600/14642463_10202530829070056_5825411865301236953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6tTAtHqTOdU3fUmDaP0XFik6swTA7OUTcEShcpYvx76yTWVp36nnxV4MZ4x0BVgJQH-2ux5o0hwkA0pEb9c1Wd2IgNc6PweLFnJWRn8xDcpYqP4SH_KUGpJI_O2q14i8YHfTvzfENfQ/s640/14642463_10202530829070056_5825411865301236953_n.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect for a kid's room! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_Zu-Rne5Zli7Rgek98IBFm18A9VIjJgEPdMxVPrflxB34s4mK2SEaBlkU4xp-l-1NoZjZXyt0l-YpyhFQaLFRU-phFOmkWJjWZVgeCK3dSv-5n0y3PkJEJAAcgZCdA2nvfRg4KYMWl0/s1600/IMG_3379+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_Zu-Rne5Zli7Rgek98IBFm18A9VIjJgEPdMxVPrflxB34s4mK2SEaBlkU4xp-l-1NoZjZXyt0l-YpyhFQaLFRU-phFOmkWJjWZVgeCK3dSv-5n0y3PkJEJAAcgZCdA2nvfRg4KYMWl0/s640/IMG_3379+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites, a monogrammed necklace! Flowers can be in any color!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrJChEwXWHvpgKCfssj6_BFGPM3VCp5EIPsy1zibyWXdEFyMG6tGO4JXklN-o2cuYGGM37Yow0koClh8Au9t4Y46PasKkAp4yZ-eENJJEueRm5TUamXxyDuWAFWYDowtwUvDVmIYR2K8/s1600/IMG_3497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrJChEwXWHvpgKCfssj6_BFGPM3VCp5EIPsy1zibyWXdEFyMG6tGO4JXklN-o2cuYGGM37Yow0koClh8Au9t4Y46PasKkAp4yZ-eENJJEueRm5TUamXxyDuWAFWYDowtwUvDVmIYR2K8/s640/IMG_3497.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted to try something on a colored background... turned out fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VcJQ0H0I4enczrzl5mOEnAnOslmpZ3RaVv6W4NbG4BK8Dxt3OlitEA9uLFYZusri_LlrHncEnlGSga-I8jlJLF3_9N_rsWubs0CFTYpG5VnbKuNVtVnnhsxNISbmYzSFGUmM-UhX7nA/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VcJQ0H0I4enczrzl5mOEnAnOslmpZ3RaVv6W4NbG4BK8Dxt3OlitEA9uLFYZusri_LlrHncEnlGSga-I8jlJLF3_9N_rsWubs0CFTYpG5VnbKuNVtVnnhsxNISbmYzSFGUmM-UhX7nA/s640/IMG_3505.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This awesome and huge world was made by Jessica and I!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you like the shop, I'd love for you to share this post, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchedwithPureJoy?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">favorite my shop on Etsy</a>, or send a link to a friend!</span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-5750599569438493312017-03-24T06:49:00.002-07:002017-03-24T06:49:32.116-07:00Life Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd love to hear what's been going on in your life lately! Here's what's been going on in mine...</span></span><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My life has been busy, but mostly just with work/school. I work 7:30-4 every weekday and then I study 3+ days a week. I'm just about to finish up with my second clinical rotation and jump into my third clinical rotation (in a private outpatient physical therapy clinic). My graduation is set for July 15 and I will hopefully be taking my national physical therapy exam on July 18 or 19!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been listening to <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH35AWCnugg" target="_blank">this song a</a> </span>lot lately. It's just SO true. Life goes so fast, so you better savor it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A couple of weeks ago, I went skiing for the first time in 13 years. Whyyy is skiing fun you guys? I don't get it. But we have a fun time with friends from church and I only fell painfully once. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjQVdvVQDp-xn_fjH8MI0S07chKv32PkvsSqfsJj8u1yDg7g0aLoOpUr6XOQwD0QLf535ReryRk0txGNzsLZcQQKPYRnUN8ISymAp-ww6ezJnggjbWSg7BJp2IBLGJtvXsKAR7864VX8/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjQVdvVQDp-xn_fjH8MI0S07chKv32PkvsSqfsJj8u1yDg7g0aLoOpUr6XOQwD0QLf535ReryRk0txGNzsLZcQQKPYRnUN8ISymAp-ww6ezJnggjbWSg7BJp2IBLGJtvXsKAR7864VX8/s640/IMG_3420.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In February, I had my first folk dance performance, complete with these lovely costumes!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoZrQ40Y_wf33cz5xqe_-gPjPEhyZPZrELECb-zkQ3mRcFspEhPW8OcKtgt1ET4MQBlYxJK_0tVnoMmrnhOvTxtvInkoJpZwf2W-dfd-pz3J2ia600WGTU76yK_Oj5YXPuvwsJ-RjGKU/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoZrQ40Y_wf33cz5xqe_-gPjPEhyZPZrELECb-zkQ3mRcFspEhPW8OcKtgt1ET4MQBlYxJK_0tVnoMmrnhOvTxtvInkoJpZwf2W-dfd-pz3J2ia600WGTU76yK_Oj5YXPuvwsJ-RjGKU/s640/IMG_3268.JPG" width="432" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most wonderful thing that has happened lately is that THREE people who are very dear to me made the decision to get baptized within the last month or so. First my little sis, then my little brother and my friend Lauren! We were thankful to be able to get a ride to LA to join in celebrating Lauren's baptism. Also in LA, I got to spend the afternoon at Balboa Island with my friend Naomi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, and I also finally got to meet my good friend's cute baby! So many good times!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa's baptism</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colton's baptism</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoAUJpfAJ7Gt3WKg40cSCNLLktkfFRowDk1i_bNfOsO2BTF7LAPdAR_skxDdrUNnN5Ab3lDPq9wE9dapDktB_3GFhM-YBzXKIY2GuVm_zeTrM-dNqdyoRyepDBpekPttarhzkcPZH5Hc/s1600/17424741_739075866263740_5846146249612769643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoAUJpfAJ7Gt3WKg40cSCNLLktkfFRowDk1i_bNfOsO2BTF7LAPdAR_skxDdrUNnN5Ab3lDPq9wE9dapDktB_3GFhM-YBzXKIY2GuVm_zeTrM-dNqdyoRyepDBpekPttarhzkcPZH5Hc/s640/17424741_739075866263740_5846146249612769643_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Woody</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh299mH9dyFsnBVHAVn5W8bgHUOQ-w1CtdzNBpSfexSRvLUAD7e7hKT4-r51-I3UGIHYj-0VoUACuCHh8XnyNFaHS2gdKsoKwH37e73w9ip7bSKo_6JMOwe-N_pmQIQf_u5Fb1Jd87OKno/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh299mH9dyFsnBVHAVn5W8bgHUOQ-w1CtdzNBpSfexSRvLUAD7e7hKT4-r51-I3UGIHYj-0VoUACuCHh8XnyNFaHS2gdKsoKwH37e73w9ip7bSKo_6JMOwe-N_pmQIQf_u5Fb1Jd87OKno/s640/IMG_3455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren's baptism<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Yesterday, we celebrated my best friend Bekka's birthday (with celebrations continuing on Saturday). My friend Jess and I made Bekka this world map that we are super proud of! If you like it, you will soon be able to purchase it at my Etsy shop!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBSaHlkaKUJRfe-B8ohki5SHTqOHhYHYmTHre2gM03AbJk7DdkLuKoi-4jBS9aESx1hPRzkfaONpYCP_voaYDF65-G5s62VzNrGrh480aIv6XkOyJ0CJ5QYNOS4eMRLML4KWcIzia0Pg/s1600/IMG_3532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBSaHlkaKUJRfe-B8ohki5SHTqOHhYHYmTHre2gM03AbJk7DdkLuKoi-4jBS9aESx1hPRzkfaONpYCP_voaYDF65-G5s62VzNrGrh480aIv6XkOyJ0CJ5QYNOS4eMRLML4KWcIzia0Pg/s640/IMG_3532.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with laughs</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNZkf0zZh9-yJlSAf1Fe3e6d5BNDnvF4gam5ePRv8Rx38FSBknmPH6P2_Lf8iXUG6Kw_-fblBbvYclQM8gaYzt_jeEgZhUYE1WM5zlmHYxpY_tPgGbAF2Vgsvvj3jcfb8_sblGDEhyphenhyphengI/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNZkf0zZh9-yJlSAf1Fe3e6d5BNDnvF4gam5ePRv8Rx38FSBknmPH6P2_Lf8iXUG6Kw_-fblBbvYclQM8gaYzt_jeEgZhUYE1WM5zlmHYxpY_tPgGbAF2Vgsvvj3jcfb8_sblGDEhyphenhyphengI/s640/IMG_3505.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">World embroidery</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last but not least, spring has sprung! The rain stopped long enough for me to get this gorgeous picture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_Xwzx-8XcW8vVuq7_S4GPpj9agSnPZBGcG-wCL5vT-MHQNyoqdNO0djgLxjSWQ4NOqysdzmR98LYEY5Ley8IvywwnGBVAaba6S6Z4kv84faW-R0RabvDJNOY97Bny6tCpI4mS_71B6I/s1600/IMG_3476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_Xwzx-8XcW8vVuq7_S4GPpj9agSnPZBGcG-wCL5vT-MHQNyoqdNO0djgLxjSWQ4NOqysdzmR98LYEY5Ley8IvywwnGBVAaba6S6Z4kv84faW-R0RabvDJNOY97Bny6tCpI4mS_71B6I/s640/IMG_3476.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So what's been going on with you lately? Please share in the comments!</span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237775337082229967.post-66684536644935487122017-03-21T06:41:00.003-07:002017-03-21T06:41:34.282-07:00Hello Spring!<div>
<span style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's the first day of spring, one of my four favorite seasons! I'm soo excited to be occasionally breaking out t-shirts and shorts (and then the next day be bundled up in sweatshirts, but whatever). </span></span><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spring is full of just a few of my favorite things... 80 degree weather, floooowers, blue skies, bike rides, longer evenings, picnics... the list goes on!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkmEBCEFfTF91veXxxP2hhhpeCdNapKCr3JBjSbpUPgzUpVYPf2XexRBD6VFSKNU2hK75m6OAqBMfyOxzf2Ow2FLNBu_naNamAn_hkQg0lszS4CvMSmBib6OGgZwAnj4BUo3ItWd31xw/s1600/Spring%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkmEBCEFfTF91veXxxP2hhhpeCdNapKCr3JBjSbpUPgzUpVYPf2XexRBD6VFSKNU2hK75m6OAqBMfyOxzf2Ow2FLNBu_naNamAn_hkQg0lszS4CvMSmBib6OGgZwAnj4BUo3ItWd31xw/s640/Spring%2521.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some things I'm hoping to have fun with this spring!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1. Add yoga to my weekly workout plans</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2. Go fishing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">3. Discover two new hikes </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">4. Volunteer somewhere </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">5. Buy an outdoor seating set</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">6. Invite guests over to enjoy our outdoor seating set</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">7. Book our trip to Mexico</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">8. Bike rides</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">9. Create 3 new embroidery designs for my shop</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">10. Take a day trip to Santa Cruz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">11. Brighten someone's day </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">12. Send 5 cards</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">13. Pack a picnic for Daniel and I</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">14. Sell something on Etsy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">15. Go to a wedding (already booked!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, so what fun things are in store for you this spring? I'd love to hear your ideas! </span></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14830014353590256892noreply@blogger.com0