A look back at 2015.

One of the reasons I started this blog was to document and remember moments. So of course it makes sense to do a 2015 recap post. I'm going to keep this one short on words and let the pictures do a lot of talking.

(ALSO) You can check out my previous Favorite Things of 2015 post for another look at this year!

January

We celebrated our first anniversary on January 4th. The night before we did dinner and a Milwaukee Bucks game. On our actual anniversary we kept it simple with a coffee date. Crazy to think in a week we will have our 2nd anniversary. Crazy.

February

February was rather slow. Just how I like it. One thing that stuck out in my memory was the marriage presentation we went to, led by Pastor Don Patterson and his wife. The quote above so deeply encouraged me as a Pastor's Wife. I remember loving everything about that day, and soaking up every little nugget and encouragement they had to give about having a husband in the ministry.

March

The part of March I remember most is getting sick...multiple times. After almost a full year of teaching Kindergarten without ANY sickness, March hit me hard! When I wasn't stuck in bed, I enjoyed my dear friends bridal shower, and a visit to Milwaukee from my parents. 

Also...hey long hair. I maybe miss ya a bit (sigh).

April

Oh April, you were so much FUN. 

During Easter break, Josh and I went on a trip to Ann Arbor, MI and Washington D.C. with his parents. In Ann Arbor we went to the Michigan Football Spring game, and had a fun time exploring the city. From Michigan, we headed to D.C., where Josh's sister and her husband were living. It was my first time in D.C. and I can't wait to go back again.

May

If April was fun, then May was a whole lot of excitement. I finished my first school year teaching 4 and 5 year old Kindergarten. Those kids completely stole my heart, and I'm pretty sure they taught me more than I taught them...
And the biggest news of May! Josh graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and we found out where he would be serving as a pastor. Of course, he was called to teach High School at Michigan Lutheran Seminary for the next two years. We started thinking about our move to Michigan, and dreaming of attending football games.

June

If I could go back to any month, it might just be June. We were both done with school, we weren't moving until July, and our time was spent enjoying our last days in Milwaukee, soaking up the summer weather, and seeing family and friends. June was the best. We also had the extreme privilege of being a part of a styled wedding shoot with Laurelyn Savannah Photography. You can see more of the shoot on my blog post, or featured on Style Me Pretty. 

July

In July I was in my best friend/college roommate's wedding. I was so honored. She was gorgeous, and they threw one heck of a party! 

A huge highlight of Josh and I's year was traveling to the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. We took a 2 day hike up into the Tetons. I had never experienced anything like it before. I definitely caught the mountain hiking bug. The day we got back from the Tetons, we began packing up our Milwaukee apartment and moved to Saginaw, MI. 

Phew. July was a doosey. 

August

We settled into life in Saginaw, took a weekend trip to traverse city, Josh was installed as a minister of the Gospel, and I started this blog!

September

September was full of change and transition. For starters, I cut numerous inches off of my long locks. I also started a new job as a nanny. I'm still working for the same family and I am loving every second of it!

October

While June may have been a great month, nothing ever beats the month of October overall. We enjoyed the Michigan Homecoming game, my mom came to visit for a whole week (all the hearts for her coming), and I celebrated my twenty-fourth birthday.

November

We traveled to Wisconsin/Minnesota for my families Thanksgiving. There's just something that I absolutely LOVE about Thanksgiving. Maybe it's the food, the meaning behind the Holiday, that there's no fuss over presents or decorating, or maybe because it's the one Holiday my extended family all gets together. Whatever it is, I know I love Thanksgiving. My mom was even kind enough to drive a bit outside of town, find the perfect woodsy backdrop and lighting for a Christmas card for Josh and I. She's great, that mom of mine.

December



We traveled to Wisconsin + Illinois this year for Christmas. There was so much family, food, church services, babies, and memories. God has blessed us with the most amazing families, and we are very thankful to have spent the Holidays with them. The fun isn't even quite over yet! This last week of December we will be spending some time (weather permitting) in Milwaukee with friends, Josh is in a wedding, and we will have a Schultz family Christmas on January 2nd!

2015, you were so grand + full of excitement, change, and fun. We are praying that the Lord brings just as much fun our way in 2016, and continues to work through us to bring the good news of Him throughout all the world. I hope the beginning of this new year finds you well, rested + ready to thrive and grow in the newness ahead.

My Favorite Things of 2015

I have a "Year in Review" post written and ready to go for the end of the month, but I just couldn't help myself with another "look back at 2015" post. I got this idea from Victoria, to share my favorite things, moments, people, and experiences of 2015!

Favorite Make-up Product(s):

Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12 Hour Perfecting Primer

I don't have perfect skin. I have struggled with active acne + acne scars for the past year. A foundation that provides great coverage is a must. I LOVE the coverage of this foundation, how naturally it covers, and how well it stays when paired with the perfecting primer! If you are looking for a full coverage foundation, this one is worth a try.

Favorite Opportunity: The chance to be the models for a styled wedding shoot with Laurelyn Savannah

It was even featured on Style Me Pretty! I always dreamed of our own wedding being featured on a wedding blog. Even though that did not happen, being a part of this beautifully styled wedding shoot was a fantastic alternative. I cannot rave enough about Laurelyn and all of the other vendors that were a part of the day.

Favorite Moment(s): Josh's call day + graduation day

Favorite Travel Moment: Grand Tetons + Yellowstone + Jackson Hole, WY

Favorite Book: Paper Towns by John Green

I don't read a lot of fiction, I'm more of a personal development book kinda girl. But I just love how John Green writes. I always fall madly in love with all of his characters. It was the perfect read while we were traveling to Wyoming.

Favorite Photo(s):

This was on the 4th of July. We celebrated with an outdoor concert and fireworks in Wyoming.

I used this photo for my blog post about having a healthy mindset when it comes dieting + body image. This was such a raw + honest post for me, and I'm so thankful for this picture to remind me how I put my fear of negative perception to the side, and shared my story.

Favorite Restaurant Visited:

This is a tough one, so I'm going to cheat and list multiple ones ;)

Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, MI

I don't recall the name, but this Mexican restaurant in Alexandria, VA was ahhhhhmazing.

Pnky G's Pizzeria in Jackson Hole, WY. We went at least twice while there. The drinks were made well, and the pizza was ridiculously good (especially after a 14 mile hike). We also loved the laid back (servers shouting your name all around the restaurant to come get your pizza) type of atmosphere. 

The Little Fleet might just actualy win my favorite "restaurant." It's a little place in Traverse City, MI that has THE BEST food trucks like, ever. The BBQ Pork Tacos from Pigs Eating Ribs were the best things I think I've ever eaten. I still dream of eating them again.

Favorite Skin Care Product:

SheaMoisture Olive & Green Tea Body Wash and Bubble Bath

I try to make my beauty products as non-toxic and natural as possible. This body wash is not only healthy + natural for your skin, but it smells fantastic. It also lasts a very long time, so it's a totally worthwhile purchase. I'm hoping to start using their shampoo + conditioner as well.

Favorite Clothing Item(s):

Hands down this long cotton black dress from Gap, and this over-sized sweater from Express.

Favorite Movie:

Josh and I are HUGE movie watchers. A perfect date night for us is dinner in, and getting a $1.25 rental from Family Video. While we rented and went to some great movies in 2015 (jurasic park, star wars...etc.) My favorite movie of 2015 would have to be: Age of Adeline staring Blake Lively. I rented the movie with not so high expectations. I actually thought I would be disappointed, but I loved it. Surprisingly enough, Josh did too. A close second would have to be Schindler's List. And a close third would be Thin Red Line. I know these did not come out in 2015 (think '91 and '98), but I'm big into renting "classics" and movies that Josh raves about and tells me I need to watch ;)

Can I also say that I suuuuper excited to see these movies really soon? (Joy, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Revenant (love me some Leo), and The Big Short, just to name a few!)

Okay, so that was lots of fun. I'm thinking I may have to do that every year. Maybe even bi-annually?! So please tell me, what have been a few of your favorite things this year? (I totally just started singing the song...)

Romans 8:28 | God works for us.

It's a popular passage. If you have spent any amount of time in church or the Bible, you have heard them, studied them, and even memorized them.

Romans 8:28 has always been a passage that I have held dear. It's a comforting passage. Its a passage that gives a spiritual "pick me up" when the trials of a sinful world bring you down. While I've always loved hearing this passage, I have never picked up The People's Bible and studied the words. Since studying Romans over the past 2 months, I've had a new perception and understanding of familiar passages. Yesterday morning as I read Romans 8:28, I experienced a new understanding, appreciation, reassurance, and peace while reading and studying the words.

I love how this verse starts: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him"

In the good, the horrible, the exciting, the mundane. God is working for me,
When my prayers are few and far between. When my mouth spews words of hate and judgement. When I put other things priority over Him. God is still working for me.
When I lose hope, faith, and trust. God is still working for me.
When I doubt the path he has laid out for my life. God is still working for me.

Despite any and every situation that could threaten our spiritual status, God still works for us. He works for us because we are objects of God's love. He is in constant pursuit of us. We are chosen by Him for eternity.

I just got the chills. 
Loved? Pursued? Objects of his affection? Chosen? His for eternity?
We receive all of these things! And receive them again and again, day in and day out; because God chose us to be his own.

When reading the words, "for the good of those who love him." You might ask, "To whom is Paul speaking to? Who are "those who love him?" For whom are these words actually true? It might make you a bit uneasy. We all fail to show love not only to ourselves, or people on this earth, but to God. We fail at showing love all the time. How do we love God enough to fit into this category? How can we know that we are those who love him?

Fear not. Let the inspired words of Paul set your heart at ease. 
Remember, it is not what we have done; but what God has done for us.

"All things work for the good of those who have been called according to his [God's] purpose."

As believers in Christ we find rest + assurance in these words. Our sins have been wiped clean. We are given the title of righteousness. Our salvation has been won and given to us. All the work has been done by our gracious Father.

God's purpose does not end in this life. He not only has plans set our for you on this earth. He has eternal plans for you. You have been called, loved, pursued, and chosen for eternity.

So dear friends in Christ, know this.
In all things, the good and the terrible, God has not lost sight of you. He still works for you, and loves you every second of every day. We know that he is working all things together for our good, because we are his dearly beloved children.

Making Things Happen in 2016

I love what Lara Casey says about setting goals for the new year,

"There is nothing magical about January 1st."

Like many people, in years past I have made goals for the coming new year. These goals were always constructed at some point in January, after I disregarded personal growth in December, and was riding high on the "new year, new me" mentality. I would always feel fired up, ready to take on a new year, and encouraged by others around me setting goals. Unfortunately, that passion and fire would quickly fizzle come March.

I have always been a passionate dreamer, but I have struggled to be a "doer" when it comes to accomplishing goals. I think the major reason this has happened is that I was simply not as invested in personal development. I had goals, but wasn't ever too serious about them. I often set too lofty of goals, or too many goals, and I found myself being complacent with where I was. I did not have a clear focus and vision of the person I wanted to become throughout the new year.

This past year I feel like I have come to know and understand myself a bit more. I've experienced a "coming into myself" you could say. I've had more life experiences, discovered more and more about marriage and working alongside Josh. I was challenged by becoming a pastor's wife, moving to a new state, job changes, and trusting that God does have a plan, even when things didn't seem to be how they should. Because of all of these changes and challenges, I've found importance in personal growth.

In 2015 I chose a word for the year. That word was faithfulness.
I wanted to show faithfulness in my relationship with Jesus, faithfulness to showing Josh love and kindness, faithfulness in bettering my health, faithfulness to my work, faithfulness to other relationships in my life, and faithfulness to any type of goals (small or large) I had in the coming year.

2015 had it's ups and downs, accomplishments and set backs, learning and growing, showing faithfulness and struggling to show it. I loved having a simple word that I could focus on. Something that looked small, but impacted numerous areas of my life.

This year, I am not waiting until January 1st. There is nothing magical about that day. This year I am planning now. I am taking action now. Here's how:

I have these two words on my vision board, right next to my bed. This phrase is my goal for 2016.

Consistent Action

I am striving to be consistent. My tasks, goals, and actions do not have to be perfect or grand, just consistent. I will strive to take small, imperfect steps towards my goals. There will be bumps in the road, set backs, and failures. But in those things, there will be consistency. There will be no giving up, or calling it quits. When I get down, no matter how long I am down, I will get back up and move forward with grace and patience. In 2016 I will strive for consistency over perfection.

I am striving to take action. Too often I have found myself complacent; stuck in negative thoughts + actions. Instead, I hope to take positive + proactive action. I no longer want to hope for my dreams, but I want to make them a reality. Instead of saying, "I will read more this year," or "I will make prayer more consistent in my daily life," or "We will stick to a budget," I will take action towards accomplishing those things. In 2016 I will take small, consistent actions to accomplish my goals.

I am so passionate about these two words. These words give me extreme excitement for the next year. 2016 is going to be BIG. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me personally, and for Josh and I as a family. 

I am continually reassured by the fact that God gives us a chance, right now, and every day, to start new. I will surely pray for, and ask the Lord to make consistent action a reality in my life through out 2016.

My prayer for the new year:

Lord Jesus,
You have graciously and lovingly brought me through this past year. In the same way, please guide and direct my steps in this coming year. Be with me, hold my hand, comfort me, and draw me ever closer to you. Allow me to grow in all areas of my life. In my relationship with you, my trust and patience, my study of your word, my marriage, my health, my thoughts and actions, my relationships with friends and family, my career, and my personal development. In all of these things, help me to have consistent action; taking small steps towards my goals. Help me to start these things now. I do not want to wait or hold back. Give me the fearlessness and trust in you, that you will direct my paths. Your plans for me are more grand than I can put into thought. Allow me to trust in those plans. And most importantly, help me to fix my heart  and focus on the grace and love your Son showed me by dying on the cross. I not only have hope in this life on earth, but hope in my eternal life in heaven. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

How do you plan for the new year? Do you have a single word? Do you right out goals? Maybe you do both! Whatever way you plan for the year, I pray that you find the importance in starting those goals now. DO NOT WAIT! There is nothing magical about January 1st. Find your excitement and passion for the new year today.



P.S. I updated the "Health + Wellness" page! (you'll find the link at the top of my page)

A Michigan Christmas - 2015

It's Christmas time in our apartment in Michigan. Twinkling lights, Nsync's "Merry Christmas" playing, and a pine candle burning (since our tree is fake this year...sigh) are all things to be seen, heard, and smelled. I love this time of year; especially decorating for it.

I have enjoyed making our apartment feel more like a home; but by no means am I an interior decorator. Josh and I do not live in a chic downtown loft apartment or a quaint little cape cod on the outskirts of town. We don't have a lot of windows for natural light, hardwood floors, or bright white painted walls. Our kitchen is older, and 80% of our walls are cinder block. 

Sometimes I can get caught up in the comparison game; and feel lesser than someone who has a "nicer" home. I see beautiful Instagram's of sweet + simple homes and house decor, and think negatively about my living situation. It's quite a selfish and ungrateful way to feel. God continues to show me my weakness in this area, and I pray he allows my heart + mind to change when these thoughts arise.

Our home serves the purpose of keeping us safe; and we have the responsibility to take care of it. How well decorated it is does not matter. The size, big or small, is not important. The great lighting, location, or style of the place we live is insignificant. In reality, I have so much to be thankful for when it comes to our home.

For starters, I love sharing a home with Josh. And most days, I love and appreciate every inch our our little apartment. I really shouldn't even call it little. It is just as big, if not bigger, as our Milwaukee apartment. We have more windows + light then we did last year, our kitchen is larger, and we have our own washer + dryer!!! (hallelujah) We were also blessed to have Josh be called to a position as a pastor where our housing is rent free. We are so thankful. Michigan has been fantastic for us so far. 

At times this apartment may not seem like the best canvas for cozy Christmas decorations; but I'm finding joy in what God has provided us, and using "what I have, where I am."