Domestic Diva: First time Using Chalk Paint!!

I have this really awesome chest of drawers and changing table/dresser that were mine in 1990 - and I used them all the way from birth through....until the day I got married. Then I upgraded to Eric's furniture.

However, those two pieces are good solid pieces and so we saved them for our future child. Now with Ellie coming in 5 months, it is time to give them a not so late 80's early 90's look!

Eric had begun to sand the pieces to stain them with a beautiful espresso wood stain. But, much to our surprise, all of the pieces are solid wood with the exception of the top main surface....which is some cray cray vinyl or something that even the toughest grain on the sander could NOT touch! Soooo.....what were the options? We have this furniture, we have already saved hundreds of dollars by owning these....we did not want to buy or register for something new or even used. That money could be put towards/ saved for better things.

So, we looked into Chalk Paint. I was hesitant at first. While I love the vintage, distressed look...this would not match the espresso modern crib my sister is giving us. But it was the best option.

My faith in Chalk Paint grew when we paid a visit to "Vintage Now Modern" in downtown Greenville. A shop that specializes in restoring old furniture especially via Chalk Paint. In fact, they hold fun classes on how to revive your special piece!

Vintage Now Modern showed us how to obtain a modern (less distressed) espresso finish and gave us a lot of tips and advice for the process. Overall it is really simple. Which is why this Domestic Diva decided to take on the project while hubby works!!

Here is the BEFORE:

FIRST: It is suggested to do a light sanding of the furniture. Eric went to town on one piece's top, but mama here is gonna finish the dirty work. This called for a picture obviously,,, 4 months pregnant using a power tool wearing my pearls of course. It doesn't get more Domestic than this!!

Please note: Sanding is NOT necessary for every piece you may decide to chalk paint- only those you wish to obtain a modern look versus the distressed look. The Chalk Paint would have gone over even the vinyl surface with no problem without the sanding. Again- this is a step necessary only for a modern look. 

SECOND: Sanding is finished-any dust has settled- It is now time to use some Dawn dish soap and water and wash the furniture. This helps get any old grease, oil,and residue off the furniture- helping the paint to adhere at its best. I also vacuumed the space to suck up any residual dust. Then, I laid my old paint sheets under the furniture and drawers (painting in the nursery, not outside or in the garage).

THIRD: Begin to paint! You will need a special Chalk Paint Brush. These can be bought at Vintage Now Modern for the Greenville townie local supporter OR your local Lowe's, Home Depot, or even ordered online. What makes these special are the soft bristles. Here is a photo:

The Chalk Paint we selected to obtain our desired Espresso modern finish was the Annie Sloan, Honfleur. This color was coated with Annie Sloan Black Wax to give it the darker finish. 

Blondie of course wanted to help ;) My constant sidekick!

To obtain the "modern" look versus the "Distressed/vintage" look, I lightly watered down the paint with some lukewarm water as was suggested. It helped the paint to spread smoothly.

Blondie, my sidekick- ready to get started!

When painting, you will want to do two coats. One 32 oz. jar of Chalk Paint covers roughly 150 sq. ft. which easily covered the two pieces. I had over half the jar left at the end. The second coat may be applied 20 minutes after the first is completed, or once all is dry- use common sense! Allow your brush strokes to be easy, even, and to flow with the grain of the wood.

First coat almost completely dried.

Once the second coat is completed, and roughly 50 mins. to an hour has been allowed for drying (again use common sense and make sure it is completely dry), it is time for the next step!

FOURTH: Wax time! The wax is an essential step in completing that perfect look for your "new" furniture. I again, used the Black wax to obtain the Espresso look. There are different wax finishes contingent upon the look you desire to achieve! The application of the wax is different than the paint. Apply the wax with a fresh brush. You will see above I have two of the same soft hair brushes pictured. Use the clean one now, for the wax. 

Apply the wax firmly with a bit of a push. Don't force it, but don't be delicate- just a firm swiping of your brush. Apply the wax in small amounts and surfaces as it dries almost instantly!

 Remember Mr. Miyagi from "The Karate Kid"? "Wax on, Wax off". Wise words! Channel your inner Mr. Miyagi when Waxing- just don't chop your furniture with one fell sweep of the hand!! 

So to do this, have a lint free cloth. I used one of Eric's old beat up white T-shirts. Again, apply wax in small surface amounts, then wipe the wax with your lint free cloth. This should be instantly dry. 

Here are some "During" photos to show how the black wax really brings out the espresso color over the Chalk Paint. It was a very easy and quick process. I just turned on my '90s Pandora station and got to work!

 The application in process

You can easily see the comparison in the drawers as the two on the right are finished and the left has not been waxed yet.

The very LAST step I took in the waxing process was to top the black wax with a finishing wax creme coat. It's a clear creamy consistency wax that seals the black wax and the chalk paint for a more durable, long lasting finish. It was even easier to apply than the black wax! It was truly like putting on body lotion! See Below:

The wax will need 5-21 days of "curing" before it can truly be used. I will wait to decorate the surfaces with baby things!

And then we have the FINISHED PRODUCT!!

AFTER:  

Top: Before; Bottom: After

I am very pleased with how these turned out! The project took me one afternoon and one morning. A very good weekend project! Now, this is the way to save hundreds of dollars! All of this cost a total of $72. Much better than paying hundreds for new furniture or losing out on even greater hundreds of dollars from friends who would have bought us new items off the registry!!

Thank You, God, for providing even the little things- as they really add up! And thanks to my Mama and Daddy who gave their baby girl great furniture that can be passed down and trusted to stay sturdy!

Thanks for reading! I hope this helps with any Chalk Paint projects you may get into!!

Domestic Diva: Creating a Girly Flower Baby Mobile

In my new found role as Domestic Diva, I do many things. Besides the normal house keeping and cooking, I also use my crafting talents to create pretty things and save my family money!

Today, I made a Floral Baby Mobile for Ellie's Nursery! I had seen some on Etsy that I adored, yet, I'm not paying $82 before shipping and tax for something sweet baby girl will not use forever. Just not a smart financial choice. So I made my own!


I started with these supplies:
-The flowers that I needed: Rose Bud stems for the frame, and small little flower buds to hang from the frame.
-A touch of greenery to accent in between the rose buds
-A Styrofoam frame measured at desired diameter
-Fish-wire
-Large width white ribbon to cover Styrofoam frame
-Decorative ribbon for hanging the frame

Not pictured:
-Hot glue gun and sticks
-Wire cutters

Blondie wanted to pose with the supplies ;)

Once everything was gathered, I proceeded to create the little beauty for my beauty by starting with using the wire clippers on the delicate flower buds to separate buds from stem. Once I had my desired amount to hang, (which was 3-4 buds per fish-wire, and I used 5 strands of fish-wire. To each their own desired look...) I then wrapped and tied fish-wire around the buds, spacing them out. To secure the fish-wire better to the buds, I lightly coated my knots on the buds with a dab of hot glue. 

As stated before, I made 5 strands, each filled with 3-4 buds.

Once this was completed, I attached them to the Styrofoam ring frame BEFORE wrapping the ring in the ribbon covering. I wanted to conceal the tied strands to the ring. 

After all were attached, I then took the ribbon and wrapped it in medieval fashion around the ring- securing with hot glue. As the ribbon approached an attached strand of fish-wire, I cut a small slit in the ribbon to slide the fish-wire strand through, then continued wrapping the ribbon and securing with hot glue.

Once all the ribbon was wrapped around the ring and secured, It was time to take the rosebuds and attach them to the ring frame. These large rose buds did not require the wire clippers, as I was able to "pop" the roses off the stems. I did, however, use wire cutters to shorten the buds so the buds would be able to snuggle in closer to the ring.

Then, I began applying the rose buds in a pattern of my desire via hot glue. 

Nearing the end now!

The last touch I added for aesthetic pleasure were the little sprigs of greenery. I added these in after every pair of roses on the frame. 

The very last thing to do was to add the decorative ribbon to the frame by which the mobile will hang! I added four long strands positioning at top, bottom, left, and right. 

And Voila!! It is finished! (And tons of money was saved!)

It's A Girl!!

Ellie Clardy Gladden!! That is our baby girl!!

Eric and I had of course primarily wanted this baby to be healthy before we cared about the gender. Still do! But we would be lying if we didn't admit that back years ago before we were quite ready to grow our family, we would dream about a baby girl named Ellie. I don't even know how we both mutually came up with the name- it just sort of came to us and we both loved it and we talked about "Ellie" and all our dreams and aspirations and goals for our child. Our little Ellie who we had not even begun to try for yet!

Eric had dreams of father daughter dances and dates, and I had dreams of hair bows, dresses, glitter, tea parties, and all things girly!

We chose my maiden name for a middle name because, I am the very last Clardy in my entire family line. My dad was the last man born to carry on the name, and I was the last Clardy given the name. But when I got married it got scrubbed. So, I always knew if I had a little girl, I would do my part to carry on the name by giving "Clardy" as a middle name.

I also wanted Eric to decide how we revealed the baby's gender to the world! So, he decided on FIREWORKS!! I was in love with it. But did they make such? Turns out, there are now gender reveal fireworks! Strictly pink or blue. And a little shop in Easley called Carolina Fireworks carries them. They were wonderful by the way- gave us free pink smoke bombs to add to the effect!

Here are some photos:

What Does it Look Like For Me To Have a Baby With My Heart Defects?

What does it look like for me to have a baby when I have three major heart defects?

It looks like a major miracle and blessing from God!

Having three congenital heart defects - one must ask themselves many questions about growing into a family with their spouse. I've had many things to consider in my life concerning my heart. But having children was one I wasn't really given the option to ponder for the majority of my life. When I hit high school- I was still seeing the same pediatric cardiologist- as there was not an Adult congenital heart defect specialist until I was already out of college. My heart problems will always be pediatric problems that follow into adulthood. Anyway- my pediatric cardi began telling me once I hit high school that having children would be something we would have to carefully look at and discuss as the time came. 

Then, when Eric and I had been dating for four months in 2013- already deeply in love- We went to my new wonderful adult congenital heart defect specialist for the first time. At this appointment- SO many hard things were presented to us. As most know- I was told then I would need more heart surgery. And that heart surgery would happen within 3-5 years. Well that was 4 years ago and as of this past spring- the doctors have no clue when this pending surgery will happen as my heart is still very strong and has showed no digression. PRAISE GOD!! But- being that in 2013 we had just gotten this news that basically in 3 years I could need heart surgery again- we were devastated. And the icing on the cake of that conversation was that I could possibly have children depending on the strength of my heart after some diagnostics, however- Eric and I would need to have children before the heart surgery for the best outcome of my heart and for the safest pregnancy. 

We had just started dating! And it did not matter we were already in love and knew we wanted to be married-  we did not want to immediately have a baby- we wanted time to date, then be married, then travel and enjoy one another alone before having a baby! We would have basically had to have a baby within the next year- maybe two. How stressful, scary, and upsetting as we feared our options were stripped from us. We wanted to do life together slowly, patiently, and lovingly- not rush and put time restraints on it! And again- we were still just dating! Can you imagine?!

Having a baby even before my heart needed the next surgery does mean that regardless of how strong my heart is- it will weaken my heart to go through pregnancy and delivery. By the way- God willing- I will be delivering the baby- as is actually safer than  a C-section with my conditions. I have been advised that if I am passionate about a truly natural birth then so long as I stay very strong and stable I can- but the doctor does prefer I have an epidural. Y'all- I love natural childbirth- women who can and choose to do that are on some crazy level of awesome. I will not be one of those women. I will take the epidural- because I believe for me- I don't want to bring unnecessary risks into my abnormal circumstances. So having a baby theoretically is supposed to bring this "upcoming unknown as to when surgery will be" a little closer on the timeline. Am I scared? It's not like I am thrilled that I have a pending heart surgery- but this is the testimony God gave me and I am not going to spend my days worrying, living inside the lines and thinking about what is coming. I will be prepared, cautious, smart and grateful to God that this is His plan! There is always good in God's scary plans! 

Having a baby with my heart also poses other things such as there are higher risks for miscarriage (Which is why we waited until the last week of the first trimester to announce), and heart specific birth defects for the baby. These are just the realistic statistical facts. And I did actually have a few scares very early in the pregnancy. We had a threatened miscarriage- meaning my body threatened to miscarry- but God allowed the baby to remain within me! 

Then I had a car wreck which I was sure had taken my miracle. But no!

Then a couple of weeks later I had another big scare- we thought a miscarriage. Praise God it turned out to be a major sub-chorionic hemorrhage (the best case scenario with the symptoms I had). This was the worst thing I have ever felt emotionally. I don't know if I have ever been more upset or scared. I was in the ER for many hours because the doctors thought based on what I described I was miscarrying. And you must know- knowing how high my rates are for miscarriage and how common miscarriage is in any woman besides that- I was so sure- no doubts what so ever that I had lost our precious so young little baby, but after 9 hours in the ER- we received yet another miracle.

They ended our night in the ER by performing a routine ultrasound to indeed confirm if a miscarriage had happened. This ultrasound tech had no legal ability to tell me what she saw and I was unable to see the screen. Even if the screen were facing me, my contacts were so foggy from crying- I wouldn't have been able to make out a thing, But Eric could see. I watched Eric's face for reactions. I saw these little corner smiles come and go on his face. Then he would look at me. And I could not read him. Was he giving me the "I love you and it will be ok, I'm so sorry face"?? Or was he reassuring me that he saw something beautiful...a miracle?! 

After what seemed like an hour, the tech left the room and Eric calmly sat in a rocking chair beside me. He quietly said, "There is still a baby there." "I saw a little flicker." (The heart beating)!! I didn't get my hopes up. I remained quiet. I was traumatized, numb, exhausted. 

Then- the on call OBGYN came to me after another hour and told me I was very much still pregnant and we had us a baby with a healthy heart beat! 

After this- everything became good, normal, and wonderful and I was finally able to start enjoying my pregnancy with less fear. God had saved this baby twice. He has such a purpose for this baby and man oh man did God grow my faith! 

Before I ever got pregnant- Eric and I had talked a lot about our family plans. Praising God that no doctor could seem to find any weakening in my heart- meaning that the 3-5 year time line was abolished- we felt called by God to proceed faithfully with having a baby. And we had been able to date, get married with no rush, travel, and be alone with one another like we desired. We felt that God had made it so so so insanely clear that I am able to safely have a baby. Maybe not in the same way as most women, but I could safely have a baby soon with Eric. And so, we prayed and we planned and we prepared. My prayers have been very specific. I prayed that God would not allow pregnancy for me if it meant this baby would have heart defects. I would probably hate myself if I passed any genes for heart defects along to our baby! I truly would have a very difficult time living with myself. I would feel so selfish! I prayed fervently that the heart would be strong and healthy, the baby would love God and serve God with all of its life and heart. And I prayed that God's will would be done....which it always is! Shortly after that we got pregnant!! 

And we are soooo insanely overjoyed. We feel God surrounding us and all over this baby. 

Having my heart defects and being pregnant means I will have many extra doctor visits with my cardiologist and OB. The baby will have its first echocardiogram in a matter of weeks. I've had countless of these and before the baby is even born it will have it's first. This is to ensure that there are no heart defects. There will be the normal anatomy exam, and then later an even more extensive heart anatomy follow-up for the baby. Having heart defects and being pregnant means I have to really take care of my body and monitor everything. Swelling, heart flutters, blood pressure, etc. I am doing very well so far outside of already having some minor swelling. But- then again the hard part of pregnancy has not really hit yet. So I ask for prayers for Eric and the baby and I as the three of us and God grow, and live daily and await our extensive examinations. We have a big long road ahead. I believe in a big limitless God. I believe in a miracle working God. I believe that God allowed all the odds to be flipped so that He could do something great with this child He created. And so far, God has already given the Gladden family many, many humbling miracles with this baby starting the day he allowed Eric and I to create the little one together! 

I am not scared. I am faithful. I am confident in the God I serve. I am in love with my God, my husband, and my baby. In that order. Oh, and praise be to God- we also learned- if Eric and I desire to have another baby sometime in the future- we can even do this after heart surgery for me, now. Will not be the favored plan, but is safe and ok! I am so thankful to God. My life has come so far. A life of being prepared to never have children- to having my best friend as my husband and our love growing into a human in my tummy! Thank You, God, oh thank You Lord!! How humbled I am by this grace, mercy, and love!

National Healthy Eating Day...Yes-It Is A Thing

November 2- National Healthy Eating Day!

I love that this is a thing. But, I wish this were more of a daily thing. Except birthdays, special occasions, and the occasional and rare cheat meal.

I think there a lot of problems with the way people-particularly Americans- think about nutrition and diet.

I HATE DIETS!! Let me guess...you too, right? But we probably hate them for different reasons. It is common for people to "go on a diet" - Military diet, Crash diet, No carb diet, etc. Only eating salads and starving themselves. THIS IS NOT HEALTHY. Want to lose weight? Ok, I feel ya! But you actually don't have to starve yourself. You can eat every meal, you can have snacks, and you can be full!! It comes down to simple and basic nutrition education. I LOVE FOOD!! But I also love to be healthy, feel good, and use as much natural medicine (veggies) as I can.  I hate diets because they are a temporary and usually unhealthy solution. And I strongly advocate being strong and healthy- not striving to be "skinny". Strive to be healthy!

I became passionate about this at 18. I went further and made it my lifestyle as I exited college. And I constantly try and improve on it myself.

Incoroporate protein, fiber, and vegetables in your meals. Cut out the sugar and the fatty stuff- unless it is a healthy fat! People always think they are eating healthy when they eat protein bars as a meal replacement. Usually, these are packed with sugar! Sugar breaks down in the body as fat. Bad fat. So pay attention to nutrition labels. Look at the sodium content, sugar, fat, carbohydrates. This could be where you are going wrong when you think you'e doing good.

I am a big fan of meal planning and prepping for your family. Sit down on Saturday or whenever your grocery day is and plan the meals for your family over the next week or even more. Make a grocery list, clip the coupons, etc. Cook it all up and save it in the fridge. Freeze it if you are planning way out. Do what you gotta do.

Then, when the family gets home from a brutal Monday- nobody is stopping for pizza, you aren't exhausted trying to make your hangry family a healthy dinner...you just come home, kiss the hubs, babies , and pups, and warm them up dinner...healthy...filling...nutritional dinner.

This may take quite a bit more research on your part, a LOT of committment, and studying, but I think you and your family are worth it, right? Take care of your heart and your body and your family!!

Here are some examples of my favorote meals I cook and prep for my little family of 2...I cook for 8. :

-Spaghetti squash with chopped chicken (or ground turkey) with sspinach...then bake it.

-Zucchini lasagna....layer long sliced zucchini with ground turkey or chicken, tomatoes, and onion, and very small trace amout of cheese across top.

-Crock pot chicken with any two sides of veggies.

-Turleyloaf

-Stuffed bell peppers- I stuff with ground turkey or chicken, spinach, black beans, tomatoes, onions

-Chicken chilli in crockpot- I use 2 chicken breasts, kidney beans, black beans, chilli beans with no additives, onions, tomatoes and celery. Spice it up with cayenne pepper and maybe add minced garlic in trace amounts. For sour cream substitute I use plain non fat greek yogurt instead. Tastes the same.

-Stuffed chicken breasts- sort of slice them like a hot dog bun and stuff with veggies, spinach, sun dried tomatoes. Bake them and add a veggie for your side.

-Taco Chicken bowls- similar to chicken chilli but with a more spicy kick...crock pot your chicken breasts, black beans, tomatoes, your own made salsa-easy to do -  cuts out sodium- onions- slop it into a bowl and its a warm comfort dish.

I have tons more recipies. I can always give detailed recipies and snack ideas.

Mostly, I just want to encourage people to do their research about health and nutrition. Don't diet. it won't last. Make it a lifestyle change to eat healthfully. You won't be miserable or hungry. In fact, I guarantee you will be happy!! You just have to give yourself a little discipline to put down the sodas and the sweets and reach for better choices instead. I hear people and friends complain about their bodies and how they feel all the time. And they say they will do better- and then they dig into a grease dripping loaded cheeseburger ...which, yeah is yummy....but is it worth it? Your health, your heart, how you feel about yourself? Be strong and healthy with good protein and veggies! Save the treats and cheats for special occasions and on a designated one cheat meal day.

It is not an easy transition always, but it will be so worth it!! Love and Live a healthy lifestyle. Glorify God with your body! Not everybody will get it, but for those who do- I am here to help and coach you! I need help too! It has truly made the difference for me. I am healthy and strong. I have been able to keep my heart stable and push off surgery a little while longer by not clogging my arteries, and I feel wonderful!!

I just want to make a difference and help people to live their best lives so that we can serve God to our full potential! So, maybe let Nov. 2 be a start for you and your loved ones to make a lifestyle change and eat healthy!

God bless! Love you all!

God Gave This Heart Purpose!

Yesterday, October 28, 2016 at 17:00....I did something hugely out of my comfort zone because God told me to! And when daddy tells you to do something- you do it!

I went to WSPA News Channel 7's news station...and "Shared My Story."

Last month, I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed- mindlessly- and saw something eye catching. An event was suggested to me...because you know...Facebook "knows me" and it was actually awesome. WSPA partnered with the American Heart Association and the Go Red For Women group to bring awareness to the major killers of women- Stroke and Heart Disease. The event in summary was for women to share their story- their experience with heart disease and /or stroke and how this has affected them.

My heart started besting fast and hard in my chest when I saw this event. I believe it was the Holy Spirit jumping up and down in one of the chambers of my heart- beating on the walls- telling me to go and to do this. I knew instantly I needed to share the testimony God gave me. But I wanted to remain quiet and secretive about this until it was over. Not just because I am shy-though nobody believes I am. I wanted to keep this between God and myself because this was not about me. It never has been. This is about God and His glory. His miracle. This story is God's story. So, I vowed to God I would do it- no matter how nervous it made me because I know when He calls me to go. Sometimes a mission field is right in your back yard.

Some time went by and it was just on my paper calendar- covered up by a sticky-note so nobody could see my plans for this Friday evening. Y'all, I did not even inform my husband or family. This was truly mine and God's mission together. I didn't want to hear people telling ME praises about ME, giving ME kind words about MY opportunity. I wanted to be completely quiet, humble, and focus on God here. I knew I could tell others about this once God got me past my fears so that He may be given more glory.

I am an anxious person who plans out every little detail and thinks of every possible scenario. So one Saturday afternoon- I was relaxing and watching "Selena"....I love that movie...I still cry every time I watch it...loved her music! Anyway- I was watching this movie and me and my dog, Blondie were snuggling. I started allowing my mind to drift away from the movie and onto my fear of attention and focus on me- camera shy- and I started doubting what God told me. I knew in my spirit God had called me to go to this event coming up and share His testimony in my life and on my heart- but the human me was allowing satan power to creep into my mind and give me doubts and fears. It was when I started becoming truly overwhelmed by my fears that Blondie got restless and stepped on the TV remote changing the TV from my DVR to live TV. Slightly frustrated I went to get the remote to flip back to the movie I've seen too many times...when suddenly, a commercial about this "Casting Call" to "Share Your Story" came on loud and clear. Once again- Holy Spirit was inside my heart jumping around and I knew God was reminding me that He is Lord and He has called me to do something to share His love, miracles, power, and glory with others. I love how sometimes God is so silent and subtle with His answers and other times He literally throws the answer in your face.

So, at this point I called my daddy and told him and told my mama and husband only. I was seeking prayers for them to calm my nerves and just discuss how this is about God- not me and so God's will shall be done. This is my greatest passion- glorifying God while educating others on good heart health and learning more and more myself about the heart and other's stories with heart disease/defects and stroke. From this moment on- I felt God encouraging me towards His purpose.

I remained the event a secret still, only telling my best friend and co-worker that I would be leaving work Friday at 3'oclock in order to be somewhere. Cryptic but she gets me.

I got home from work on Friday- changed into a red dress as red was the obvious attire for my interview. As I steamed the dress in preparation the night before, something caught my eye. I'd recently FINALLY gotten into the spare bedroom closet to pull out my fall wreathe. And in this closet in the way of my wreathe is a clear bag preserving my childhood treasures. One of these treasures in my red heart shaped pillow from MUSC Children's Hospital that I received when I was there most recently in 1995. On this pillow is a diagram ( to help a child understand their complications and how they were resolved). Once again....Holy Spirit started banging on my heart walls and doing His excited dance. I knew this was something I should take with me to this interview. I am thankful to have medical knowledge from my career in medicine (influenced by my defects) and my passions about cardio-thoracic surgery and am able to understand the full anatomy of the heart and vessels. I am able to explain my complications as a surgeon would- as would anybody else in my position. Spending your life in hospitals. Some more than I! I knew God brought it to my attention and so- I took it with me on Friday for my interview.

Friday- Eric drove me to Spartanburg to the WSPA news 7 station. And goodness y'all if we didn't run into HORRIBLE traffic!! We left the house early as to arrive 15 minutes early. I am truly a planner. But- I didn't plan for this much traffic. Plus it is already almost an hour away!

As we sat in traffic, I spoke to God. I was like You know what God? I am not even gonna worry about this traffic. If this were about me- I'd be having a panic attack trying to be OCD, high strung, planning, organized Emily. But You know what, God? This is YOUR interview. NOT mine. Let this be about You and what You want to say. Let this be about Your miracle, and Your will. And God- Your will is going to be what's gonna be anyway so hey! Let's do this traffic if that is how You want it. Yup. Literally. I told God all this. He is my daddy. He rocks at listening and understanding.

Get there-cool, calm, collected. We were greeted SO sweetly by every single member of WSPA and AHA Upstate. Eric came up with me. We get in the interview room- I wasn't sure what to expect. But let me tell y'all how real my camera fear is- I stopped drinking water when I got home from work because I was afraid I'd have to excuse myself to the ladie's room during the interview! This made my mouth dry! Hahaha! I am not lying when I say I plan everything. Same way when I run a race...I don't drink much before hand...I get anxious at the start line. But goodness do I drink during that race! Anyway----back to the point----we get into the room and sure enough...CAMERA. LIGHTS. yes...that was plural. I LOVE sharing my story- I do it rather daily and constantly- I love dancing in crowds, motivating people during activities, and I love encouraging others in hard or uncomfortable situations. You can put me on a stage and ask me to lead thousands in prayer or greet people. But put me in front of a camera and my anxiety shoots to an all time high. SO I smiled, took a deep breath, and moved forward with God's purpose. Remembering....God is on display- NOT me. This is God's moment - NOT mine.

The interview began- I shared my same story I've shared here, and on my old blog countless times. I was cotton mouthed, and I was shaky- but I delivered God's message. I spoke about my passions. I performed God's purpose for my life. and I pray God was glorified. I pray the Spirit of God was present to more than just myself in that room. I pray that I was an encouragement to anybody with struggles, heart disease, and major burdens in their lives.

I truly am thankful for my heart defects because they give God glory. How cool is it that God makes our weaknesses our strongest attributes? David and Goliath y'all...David and Goliath.

Anyway- I wanted to finally make this public in prayer that it helps others, and gives my mighty God glory! Thank y'all for the constant love and support. And remember- live healthy lifestyles- care for that body which is a temple we glorify God with! Love y'all!!

The Greatest Love of My Life

In June, June 20 to be exact...Eric and I celebrated our First wedding anniversary. 

Most people know we spent that time in Savannah, GA together. We explored the historic city, stayed in the nicest room at the beautiful Keyhoe House Bed and Breakfast, and had delicious food and wine. Best of all, the dessert at LuLu's Chocolate Bar! Chocolatinis and a place named LuLu's ?! (That is my nickname...well...one of them...) Favorite memory is finishing our dinner and dessert and running back to our room...I had to ditch my heels...and going out onto our balcony with a bottle of champagne and our white bath robes in the dark to wait for the many ghost tours that came by. Oh...our B&B was "haunted!" We would wait until the ghost story had a good start, then Eric would let out a loud blood curdling screech, and I would crouch over the balcony in the white robe. So many amazing reactions from the groups...laughter, screams, and wild facial/body expressions. But my favorite reaction of all to see was the huge smile on my sweet husband's face...just totally having a good time and so happy. That is all I ever want..his happiness.

So we came home from our trip, and we looked through our beautiful wedding album and shared our cake and wine. It was special and lovely and a dream come true!

But, the anniversary is only part of it. The marriage itself that God gave us... that God designed, the prayers that God answered for both of us....is just so precious. My prayer life has changed since I was single. I used to pray for my "husband"....whoever he was...I would pray that he was happy, doing well, and that he was turning to God for all of his decisions...I prayed that God would keep him on God's path for his life. I used to even get these spiritual pangs that "husband" was having a rough day or a rough time...and I would drop right there and pray...sometimes God would wake me up at 2, 3, or 4 AM and just call on me to pray for my "husband." When I did finally meet this man who would be my husband, I learned of all he had going on in his life just prior to us meeting. And while I won't share that...most people know, and those who do not, that is Eric's testimony to share. It is a beautiful and redeeming story of how God's will will always be done. God is so sovereign and mighty. I know Eric prayed for a wife who would truly love him to his core and for all that he is unconditionally, who would love God, and who would be his closest companion. And praise God, over three years ago, God brought these two longing hearts to the person that was meant to love them. but so much more than that...to the person who when joined together with them, God would be so greatly glorified. And that was always God's will and God's plan.

So now, my prayers have changed, and I constantly pray for the well being, joy, safety of my husband, but I pray constantly that God would be glorified through our love, that our love would be at least a small example of what God intended for love and marriage and the way God loves His children. Eric and I are two imperfect people. We are two totally different personalities. And we both seek God to be the head over us individually and the head over us as a couple. 

When we said "I do"... we were also making vows to God..primarily to God to honor His plan for marriage. It has made our marriage soooo incredibly and possibly almost inhumanely happy! We put God first, or always try to...we are still human and can get caught up in the world, but God is our focus...and when you love God more than your spouse, you reflect the fruits of the Spirit, and you reflect them onto the person you love most on earth. Which makes a beautiful triangle marriage of love. 

I am so thankful the past more than a year has been so blessed. Most people say the first year of marriage is the hardest...that you figure out all these things about each other and it wasn't what you were expecting. I have only felt that praise God and by God's grace, Eric and I grew so much closer together, trust grew deeper, respect grew deeper, and the desire to be with one another only intensified. I love him way more now than I did the day we said I do. And Praise God.

And for those people who say things like, "Oh just give it ten years...." First of all...I feel sorry for them. I am sorry that their marriages are obviously not on fire; that is truly sad....but I cannot stand for people to make such comments to me. If everybody knew and understood how passionate I am for the love of my husband, how badly I yearned and patiently waited for God to bring him to me.....I am not going to just suddenly take him for granted and stop desiring him or appreciating him! God is the heat of this marriage. And I can promise you now, truly 100% confident promise you that our marriage in 10+ years will only grow deeper and better. I'm only ever going to desire him more! He is my best friend and he loves Jesus. And God is our potting soil, our water, our lungs, our heart, our soul, our spirit, our everything. Honor and Glory to god forever and ever! That is the only way this marriage can be everything we desire it to be. God is the key ingredient. 

Here's to 100 more years baby doll! I love you sooo much! Thank you for selfless, precious, gentle, passionate love!