Weekend Recap + Goals

Hope you had a great Monday, friends!

Luke and I both caught a little cold over the weekend which pretty much kept us in our apartment watching movies, eating warm food, and resting (while using a lot of tissues). Since we weren't feeling well there isn't too much excitement to report on from Saturday or Sunday, but I thought I'd share some pictures with you from today. :) Oh! And at the end I'm sharing a few of my goals for the week.

Sitting Down for lunch at home before going out // The Chili is my Mom's Recipe and is a happy taste of home. :)

Have I mentioned here that Luke and I are moving into a new apartment soon? With our baby on it's way, we'll need an extra bedroom and some more living space. Thankfully one has opened up for us down the hall so we will have a very easy move. :) One of our errands today was to HomeGoods where I spent some of my Christmas gift cards and picked up a few things for our new little home. 

This plate was only a few dollars + reminds me of the movie 'Enchanted'.. 
HomeGoods has such fun stuff!

When I came back to take a picture of this blanket I bought today, Luke was already enjoying it. I think that's a sign that it was a good purchase. ;) So I just borrowed it from him for a minute to get that second shot… :)

That last picture is a little creamer (or gravy boat? :)) and some fun dish towels. And of course, to the right are a few of my goals for the week. :) 

1. My sweet friend Alyson and I are hoping to grow together in how we study the Bible. Beth Moore has some awesome books out there… we just need to choose one and get started. ;) 

2. Kelly is a good friend of mine who is also expecting her first baby! Our due dates are only a few days apart. :) This semester we're hoping to do a pregnancy exercise DVD a few days a week together. 

3. Finally, my schedule is a lot different than last semester because I am taking a few less credits. I want to make the most of the extra time I have to grow in different areas, like schoolwork, blogging, my faith, relationships, and housework. I'm hoping to create a "weekly schedule" that will help me understand how I spend my time and give me a little extra structure for each week. 

It helps me accomplish so much more when I share my goals with other people and pray over them. I'd really love to hear about your weekend and your goals for the week ahead, if you have a minute to share! Praying for you all this week… it's going to be a good one!

Love, 

Bonnie 

Meet Melissa {a strong and sweet contributor}

Hi, friends! Today I am thrilled to share with you this beautiful post written by my friend Melissa. Thank you so much for contributing to Strong+Sweet, Melissa! I am truly thankful for you and your story! Love, Bonnie

Hello everyone! My name is Melissa Godinez! I am the mother of three amazing, beautiful, intelligent (okay, I'm biased) children. I also have the distinct honor of being stepmother to two other amazing, beautiful, intelligent children. There was a time that these five human beings were the driving force in my life. They were why I woke up, why I just found it a POSSIBILITY to breath somedays. One day I looked at their little faces and thought, "Wow, what a responsibility you are putting on them!"

I remember the day like it was yesterday. My oldest about seven, my middle child was five, and I had a newborn. It was a summer day and I was exhausted and everyone had sat down for an afternoon snack. I remember thinking, "Please do something to make me feel better. Tell me a joke, give me a baby giggle… something!" It was at that moment it just hit me, "You are making these three little people responsible for your happiness!"

I was newly divorced and I had nowhere to turn. I spent two years searching. I searched every single wrong place. I wasn't even totally sure what it was that I was looking for. I wanted to feel genuinely happy and at peace. Did I need new friends? Maybe it was time to date? Perhaps it was time to change my appearance. Did I need to start going back to church? Maybe a new job? Bottom line, I tried it all. At each and every turn I was hurt. It was around that time that I met my husband. While we were dating, I continuously thought, "Ok this is what I was waiting for and what I needed." I was wrong in that aspect also.

My relationship was fulfilled in so many ways but there was something missing. During our time dating we discussed our faith. We were very much on the same page with our beliefs, but he had been so deeply hurt that he was not ready yet to return to church. For several sundays I looked at a website for a local church. Finally, one very cold morning in January I decided, with or without the man I was dating, I was going to try it out. That was the day I went running  back to Jesus. I returned to his house that same day in tears, knowing fully that something big had happened.

The next week was his birthday and he decided to go with me this time - it was at that point he also went running back to Jesus. We had previously stated we would never re-marry, we had both been so deeply wounded from our past relationships. One year later, after deciding to walk fully with Jesus Christ, we decided that our scars were healed and our sins forgiven - that it was time to marry.

What a blessing to be married to your best friend AND to someone fully taking the same walk with you. There was a time when we both thought that there was no chance of finding that again. I thought that I was destined to be alone. Not only did I find that to be untrue, I came to the realization that I had never been alone. God had been with me all along.

After sometime of becoming discouraged with my day to day routine, my husband asked me, "What is it that you want to do everyday?" I said simply, "I want to help people." This is where I began fervent prayer. I went for counsel in my church. I attempted to find places to serve - I just wanted to help! I answered phones, sent postcards to new guests, did follow-up phone calls, folded bulletins, worked in the kitchen, swept the parking lot, plunged the toilet, grilled outside, worked on fundraisers… I could go on! I couldn't seem to find the place that I was doing the most good.

One day I heard about a grandmother that was disabled and had taken custody of her granddaughter. She needed clothing for her. I was able to collect enough to clothe the little girl until the end of the year. I went to sleep that night and slept more soundly that I ever had. When I woke up the next day, I heard a very audible voice saying, "You've found what you are to do." I went to work immediately and formed "Dressed in Blessings". We provide for people who are in immediate need of food, clothing, counsel, or anything that they need to get by. When I explain to them that I want nothing in return, that this is what the Holy Spirit has led me to do, the most amazing thing happens… they come to church! Some for the very first time! This fills me with abundant joy!

I have named 2014 "Growth". I have stepped so far out of my comfort zone so many times since I've started Dressed in Blessings. Those are the places I literally watch the grace of God unfold. There are days it seems supernatural. I am praying for guidance over this year to lead DiB. He must think I'm supernatural because somedays I feel like I have to take notes with all He is telling me! There are so many things on the horizon for DiB, I can't wait to share them with the world!

When I started my walk, I repeatedly heard the verse Romans 8:28...

28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

I live this daily! Hugs & Blessings!

Melissa

Washing Dishes

Happy Tuesday, friends!

What a week it's been so far! Luke and I arrived back on campus on Sunday night after a month long break back in Gettysburg. Our winter break was so refreshing and we are very excited to be back in the swing of things here at school. We had a baby appointment on Monday and at 16 weeks, the baby is healthy and active! :) I could listen to that strong heartbeat for hours. Thank you for your prayers for Baby Stoltzfoos and your constant encouragement to us. Classes are off to a great start and it's looking like this will be an excellent semester. :)

My favorite guy on his 1st day of classes

Today I only have one class and chapel on my school schedule, so I have had plenty of time to do some blogging and house work. I actually want to share with you about something that happened to me today while I was doing dishes.

There's this beautiful song called "When the Saints"(by Sara Groves). The lyrics share the accounts of people throughout history who have courageously "lived the faithful life" out of love for God and the people He created. Sara sings about all sorts of people, from Paul and Silas who still praised God in prison, to Mother Teresa, an amazing woman who sacrificed her life to care for the poor and needy, and then all the brave people who rescue hurting women from the horrors of brothels. Listening to this song inspires me to follow Jesus unconditionally and love people fiercely. All I'm saying is... you've got to listen to this song. I can't do it justice by explaining it. :) Click here for the youtube link.

So what does that have to do with me doing dishes? Well to be honest I've been thinking a lot about doing dishes lately. Haha, I realize how strange that sounds but stay with me. Last semester I had a really tough time keeping up with housework as my body worked hard to adjust to the first trimester of pregnancy. I was pretty discouraged about that but I started dreaming over break about allowing a passion to develop in me for serving my husband by growing in my cooking and housekeeping abilities. I wondered if silly to be excited about these tasks… I mean it's just housework and cooking, right?

But today I had the neatest experience when I listened to this song and prepared to wash the dishes. I stepped in front of the sink, pumped some soap on the kitchen sponge, and as I reached for my husband's favorite travel mug a very familiar feeling swept over me. I've had this feeling before when I stepped up to preach a message that helped others experience the practical power of God's word. I've also experienced this same feeling when I've been in the middle of a conversation with a friend and we started to see the Holy Spirit give solutions to things they had been struggling with. It's this confident feeling that God is behind what I am doing and that people will see more of Him through it.

And I got that feeling when I was doing dishes today. When I speak God's word or when I counsel a friend through a discouraging time, I feel alive and I feel so purposeful. I feel like other people are getting to see God's heart… and I love that. He is so good and generous in revealing Himself to us!

You want to know what I decided from all this? I don't think it's a silly thing at all to be excited about doing dishes or dream about taking care of your family and house. Today God reminded me that even the small jobs I'll do as a wife, mom, student, counselor, etc. are so precious to Him.  God loves my husband and my future babies and all the people I come in contact with so much. The cool thing is that it really does glorify Him when, as His child, I show them love, because He loved them first.

Today I felt alive, purposeful, and like I was doing something significant when I washed the dishes, as funny as that sounds. It's such a small task but all our small tasks have eternal value when we do them faithfully in love. Wherever God has you serving right now, whether it's an a church building or in an office chair, whether it's in your high school classes or you're a stay at home mom… you can live a well-lived life now. You don't have to wait for the opportunity to move across the ocean or for your pastoral credentials to come in… just start by doing whatever God has you doing faithfully and out of love for Him and people. 

So thankful for Jesus' grace that makes it possible to live a joyful life… even in the everyday tasks. I think these tasks that can seem mundane are beautiful preparation for the bigger things we'll be entrusted with later on. Just like Mother Teresa, Paul and Silas, and the others mentioned in the song today, I want to be like the Saints who have gone before me… being faithful with the tasks at hand and faithful in deeply loving God and loving people along the way.

Have a great week, everyone! As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Excited to share a great contributor post from my friend Melissa with you a little later this week.

Love,
Bonnie

Your Names for 2014

Hi, everyone!

I hope you're all having a good week and a great start to Thursday so far. I have been so excited about this post! This morning I get to share a few of the names that were chosen for 2014. These ladies' thoughts are incredibly encouraging so grab some coffee (maybe just a small cup of coffee… this isn't a very long post), find a good place to read, and enjoy. :) And as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts below!

Brenda 

I have known Brenda for several years since I moved to the Gettysburg area. She is a woman of faith who deeply loves her family. She is also one of the most amazing decorators I have ever seen (You should see her home at Christmas)! Last year Brenda's family suffered the loss of their son. I am so touched by the name she has given 2014: "The Year of Restoration". 

Kriston

"[The name of my year is] Going Deep: Deep Intimacy, Deep Desire, Deep Hunger, Deep Faith, Deep Breakthroughs. God is showing me how to go to the Higher level that He called me to live when I didn't know how to do that before and now im learning how… 2014 is my year to go deep with God. It is a new season of joy, of breakthrough, of blessings, of so so so much more."

Caitlyn

"This year I want to focus on and know what God has in store for myself as well as Brian and I's future. It's such an exciting time! So I feel God wants me to name my year: A Year Of Opportunities.  Jesus said in Matthew 7: “ 7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened… 11b how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

Holly 

Embrace- "This year is going to be all about enjoying every opportunity & developing new relationships. There will be a lot of challenges as I adjust to being a wife & living in a new country so far away from everything I know. But God's got this under control so I'm going to embrace everything He sends my way."

Amanda

"…Over the past few days I have been praying about this upcoming year. Something God is really laying on my heart is intentional relationships. To me this means more than just spending time with loved ones and friends. It means purposefully seeking out people who need encouragement, prayer, a hug, etc. I want to be intentional in the relationships that I have and in starting new relationships so that my time with others is spent in such a way that we are both being drawn closer to Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 sticks out to me as I pursue this, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near…".

  

If you'd like to read more about Amanda's beautiful vision for 2014, you can check out her blog here! Thanks so much to the ladies who shared their hearts here! I can't wait to see how these dreams become reality in the year ahead. So thankful for you all and praying for a powerful and productive week for you, too. 

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21

Love,
Bonnie

Perfect Timing + a Request

Happy Monday, everyone!

It feels so good to be writing as the week gets started. I really do enjoy writing and love the community blogs can create. I have learned such inspring things about a good number of you since I wrote the New Year's post last week. You know, for so long I struggled with the question of "when is it the right time to just post and get strong+sweet started?". I debated for months about the blog due to all the schedule changes that going back to school brought. Was I too busy? Would I be able to devote enough time to blogging? The questions went on and on but I have been so touched by the Holy Spirit as I have experienced His perfect timing and redemptive work this week. This week several of you have sent me the kindest messages, mentioned something in person about the blog, or have expressed some way that the message of hope for the New Year was helpful to you. I say all of that simply out of thankfulness to God. I love His Word because it carries such amazing power. When we apply it and write it out and share it with others it produces such good things in all of our lives. With that said, keep sharing what's on your heart with me and others, friends and readers.

This is our last week of Christmas Break before heading back to Valley Forge for our spring classes. That means we are soaking up all the time we can with Gettysburg-area friends and family and preparing ourselves for a great semester. We have such good friends to go back to and a new apartment to set up as our first "family home". I am really excited (understatement ;)) about the decorating and having a second bedroom to host guests. It's a little bit difficult to think about going back right now when break has been so good but I am believing that our time in Phoenixville is purposefull and that we will be very surprised to see all God has in store. We are very blessed to have two great places to call home. :)

Now I'd like to request something from you. :) Later this week I'm planning to share a little post with some of the names that you all have chosen for 2014. If you feel comfortable sharing, leave a comment here or send me a message on Facebook and tell me all about it. :) I'd love to hear what you're calling your year, what that means to you, and maybe something about how that changes your approach to a new year. If there's a scripture that is meaningful for this year I'd love to hear about that and share it here for others to be encouraged and empowered! I really do believe that your new and hopeful perspective for the year ahead can make a big difference in someone else's life! 

Love,

Bonnie

Want to stay up to date with Strong + Sweet? Try my favorite blog app, Bloglovin'!

Just download it on your smart phone and search 'Strong and Sweet" to follow. 

Made for This

I had so much fun reading all your responses via Facebook yesterday in response to naming your year! Keep sharing! Facebook comments or comments here under the posts work great… I just love seeing the  excitement God is giving everyone for the year ahead. It's going to be a great 2014, my friends!

After a little more thought I've settled on a name for 2014. I'd like to call 2014 "Made for This". This is a concept that's been running through my mind often in the past few weeks. I'm currently 14 weeks along with our first baby and pregnancy brings a whole bunch of new thoughts, concerns, and, of course, joys with it. Fear sneaks in quickly so I've been learning the value of speaking faith over every one of those little thoughts that worry me. I like to remind myself that my body is made for this… made purposefully by God to nurture this strong and healthy little baby (and several babies after this one ;)) who will be such a blessing to the world and to our family. I am made for faith… not for fear. I'm made for this and more!

There's a verse in the book of Esther that has always been so interesting to me. Esther's cousin Mordecai encourages the new Queen Esther to speak on behalf of the Jews when the King agrees to destroy them. Check out the following 2 verses…

13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” - Esther 4:13-14 NLT emphasis added

By focusing on the "Made for This" concept, I'm reminded that God has created and empowered all of us to live passionately and actively in this time, in this place, and for this generation. It's not an accident that I was born in 1991 or that you were born when you were. It's not a mistake that Luke and I are living in Phoenixville for a couple years even when it's hard to be away from Gettysburg. We were made for this time… not to be victims but to overcome and influence for good! That encouragement helps me so much! I'd love to hear what you think about that. 

So from where I sit on the second day of 2014, it looks like this might be a year for conquering fears and beating excuses with faith declarations. I hope to try some new things that I thought my body was too weak for (I've got to try a 5k at some point) and take risks that I thought someone else was made for instead. 

Thanks for taking the time to read and also for sharing your thoughts with me! Hope you all had a wonderful January 2nd. 

Love, 

Bonnie

Want to read more about naming your year? I first read about this exercise on in these blog posts by Jeff Leake, Melodie Leake, and Brad Leach. (Click the names to find their posts!)

Welcome 2014!

Happy New Year, friends!

The arrival of December 31st always feels so hopeful and energizing to me. For several years I've tried praying about the year and asking God what I should call the upcoming year. It encourages me and gives me fresh hope that the coming year can be new and exciting and that I can overcome whatever stuff I'm struggling with currently.

For example, a few years back I felt the Holy Spirit was encouraging me to focus on relationship. That's the year Luke and I became good friends, fell in love, and started dating. That order is accurate :). That year I was filled with hope for my relationships and overcome so many people-fears I struggled with. Last year I focused on growth. I wanted to try new things that I had always felt I could never achieve. Thanks to my sweet friend Hannah I got connected with a local coffee shop and bakery that was looking for barista help. I knew absolutely nothing about coffee… which probably didn't make me very qualified to be a barista but I interviewed for the job anyways! I had always told myself I could never work as a barista but the name of the year was Growth and that pushed me to give it a try. I will always be so thankful for that barista job… I made great friends, stretched myself, and I still see so much of God's faithfulness and provision through my time there.

So all that to say, when December 31st snuck up on me yesterday I decided it was time to start praying about a name for 2014. I haven't quite settled on anything yet but I'm thinking something related to relying on God's power… moving in power… being confident that God has made me for this time/these circumstances... something like that. I'm thinking I'll settle on something in the next day or two. :) I like to consider thought processes that weigh down on me or make me feel defeated and talk with God about how we're going to defeat that thing. Sometimes the name comes out of that kind of thinking.

I just felt like I needed to write this morning. Stress and doubt hit me as soon as I woke up today so I needed to get some hope back in my heart. God is doing a new thing in my heart today and I will embrace it and believe for a beautiful and victorious 2014. Have you tried naming your year before? There's nothing magical or spooky about it… I think it's all about setting a belief in your heart that God will move in your life this year and you can partner with Him as He does. I'll keep you updated on what I decide on… I'd love to hear from you as well!

See, I am doing a new thing!

    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

    and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

Praying that today you are filled with a deep and confident faith that God has made a way in the situations that have felt impossible for you. And I believe you'll see it happen, too. 

Love,
Bonnie

Want to read more about naming your year? I first read about this exercise on in these blog posts by Jeff Leake, Melodie Leake, and Brad Leach. (Click the names to find their posts!)