2 Pink Lines

Coming October 2013! :) 

I wrote the following post right after finding out I was pregnant and I have been saving it until I was ready to announce. So much has changed since then! I now have answers to some of my questions, and my brain has definitely shifted to BABY!! But I still wanted to share my initial reactions, if nothing else, just to remind myself later. :) More recent updates to come soon!

Yes, it's true! I took a pregnancy test and saw those 2 little pink lines that told me I'm pregnant! :) To be honest, I wasn't expecting anything from taking the test. I was silently cursing myself for wasting one when I knew if I just waited a couple more days I would have my period and know this whole pregnancy thing was still a work in progress. But I wanted to know because I had a really bad cold and was wondering if the cold medicine I was taking could be hurting a baby. I was not expecting to see that second line! At first I thought it couldn't be true. The line was pretty faint; maybe it was a mistake. But it clearly says on the box that 2 lines means pregnant no matter if either line is faint.

I told Scott and we laughed and smiled and hugged and high fived (true story), but it still didn't feel real. We wanted to be sure that it wasn't a mistake, that we weren't getting hyped up over nothing. So, we immediately headed to the doctor for a more official test. I also wanted to make sure my cold wasn't developing into anything worse. The doctor confirmed the results and eased my worries about the cold and we set off to call parents and siblings and let it all sink in.

I'm actually writing this post the very next day. I'm probably only a couple weeks along. I'm not ready to announce it to Facebook or the blog...but I wanted to write it now and save it for later.

Remember when I wrote about the life monster waiting for me? Well, it seems to be here in full force! I have a job interview this Friday (Feb. 1st), I'm finished with school, and I'm preggers! That's real life, folks! So far it's not scary, but I have a feeling it will be. I haven't really thought much about finances or whether or not I'll go back to work or what if things don't work out somehow... I guess part of that is because it's brand new and my mind hasn't had time to let all that wash over me. But mostly I think it's because I trust that God will provide for us and everything will work out according to His perfect plan. So what's to worry about?

I'm sure one day, and probably soon, I'll start wondering about my baby. Whether it's a boy or a girl, what it will look like, whether it'll be colicky, what kind of personality he/she will have, what color eyes, will he/she be a redhead?? But right now I'm not really thinking about those things. I think my brain is still processing pregnant and hasn't really gotten to baby yet. Maybe because right now it's just a little pen-point size ball of cells. But all I am wondering about right now is how I will feel being pregnant.

How big will I get? Will I have terrible morning sickness? What will it be like to have boobs?? Will there be any complications? Will I love every minute and enjoy the blessing or be in such discomfort that I'm ready for it to end? When will I need maternity clothes? Am I going to "glow?"

I know...it's all terribly self-centered. I know I will soon come to care more about the baby than my own pregnant self. But now it's just this mystery of an experience that I've only imagined. And so many people have different experiences...there is no guarantee of how my body will respond or how I will feel. I can't wait to find out!

I am eager for signs of pregnancy! My dad warned me not to rush it because many of those signs are unpleasant. But I want to know what I will crave and what will make me want to puke. I want to know if I'll sleep peacefully through the night or toss and turn. I want to have a baby bump! I know I've got several months before any of this happens. But right now it's all I can think about!

Until then, I'm just getting more and more excited about what is to come! I don't even care about not drinking wine I'm so happy! ha!! ;)

~Christy~

Bloglovin'

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Hey, I traveled...to another blog!

I'm a little late posting this, but I did a guest post for A Georgia Peach Abroad a few days ago.

One of my best friends Kaitlin writes this blog. We grew up together in Atlanta, GA and a year or so ago she fell in love and moved to The Netherlands! Now she is attending University and working on a tourism degree while enjoying life with her fiance. You should check out her blog while you're over there!

Currently she is doing a series of guest posts about travel and other people's travel experiences, likes, dislikes, packing styles, favorite destinations, etc... You can read more about my opinions on all things travel in my guest post!

So, go! Check it out!!! :)


And sorry I haven't posted in a while. Lots of things going on, I will be sure to update you as soon as possible! :)

Happy weekend!

~Christy~

Why I Need Grace

Via

What a title! I could write a book on why I need grace! But today I want to focus on two things I discovered this morning as I was reading Mark 8.

1. Sometimes in life I am like the disciples.

I may be earnestly trying to follow Jesus, but doubt and disbelief still creep in. The disciples hung out with Jesus and saw Him do one incredible thing after another. Yet every time they were shocked. They saw him feed five thousand, and when it came time for him to feed four thousand, they asked him how it would be possible to feed so many in such a remote location. And then even later, they worried that they only had one loaf of bread for the 12 of them. How could they possibly worry and wonder if he would provide enough food for them when they had already seen him feed two groups of thousands with just a few loaves of bread each time? They were flawed humans, just like me. And like the disciples, I often worry and wonder whether certain things will work out. I wonder how we'll pay the bills or if I'll get a job. And the list can go on and on. Sometimes I just don't believe, even though I've witnessed all the time the wonderful blessings and provisions that God provides.

2. Sometimes in life I'm like the Pharisees.

I think I'm doing everything right. I try my best to follow the rules and put a check mark by each religious activity I feel I should be doing. I go to church, I volunteer, I tithe, I'm in a small group, I read the Bible... and sometimes I fool myself into thinking that's enough. I assume that God will bless me, not because He is loving and good but because I somehow deserve it. I accidentally slip into self-righteousness, sometimes without even realizing it. In these times I need to be humbled and I need to remember that I rely on God for everything. And that all good things come from Him. Because if I forget that, I'm less likely to spend time with Him and share my heart with Him.

Sometimes I lack faith and sometimes I put my faith in works rather than grace. Because I have tendency to fall into these things, and I mean all the time, I desperately need grace! And I'm constantly amazed that even after I doubt God and then turn around and essentially ignore him for my own attempts at goodness, He still loves me, forgives me, blesses me, and gives me unending grace. And for that I am so thankful.

What about you? Do you struggle with either of these things, like me? Why do you need grace?

Happy Monday, everyone!
~Christy~

The Reason for my Hope

Via

This past weekend I had a great conversation with a close friend who is confused and struggling with her faith. She had all kinds of awesome questions and the reasons behind her doubts were really heartfelt. I love having talks like that when the person is really interested and invested in the conversation. But it really puts my knowledge, passion, and faith to the test! I tried my best to address her concerns and share my point of view, but for days later my mind was reeling with more things I could have said and new ways to explain things. I thought about writing her a follow-up email or something, but didn't really want to be like...okay, here is my dissertation on all things theological from the life experiences and Bible studies of Christy Curley. I'm sure people would jump at the chance to read that, but alas, I didn't think it was the best idea.

It can be tricky sharing your faith with others, at least it is for me. Some people say it's the most natural thing you can do if you have a real relationship with Jesus. Granted, it certainly is easier if you have a genuine relationship, but I don't think it's super natural for everyone. I always want to be careful to be as accurate as possible. There are too many people running around proclaiming Christianity and just stating whatever beliefs sound nice to them. I want to make sure the beliefs I share align with what the Bible teaches. And I want to make sure I approach everything in a way that is honest and not watered down, but also kind, respectful, and not legalistic. I want to keep it simple, but make sure I convey the full magnitude of it all. And even if I did my very best and discussed every single thing I could about the subject, I would still not come close to explaining the full majesty and wonder of God.

This conversation and my lingering feeling of inadequacy afterwards reminded me of this important scripture... But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect - 1 Peter 3:15

We all need to be prepared to explain to the fullest of our abilities, the source of our hope and faith. We need to understand the Gospel so we can tell those who may have heard the basic story line, but never fully grasped the depth and truth and the concept. We aren't perfect and we will always leave the conversation with something more to say. Even our well-versed testimonies have a way of losing something fundamental over the years. So it's important for us, for me, to stay connected to the Lord, to meet with Him regularly and study His word and fully experience life with Him so that when I have these conversations that are important and potentially life changing, I can convey my passion, the truth, and the reason for my hope in a way that will resonate with my loved ones. Anyone can read an article or the cliff's notes version of the Gospel and get the gist of it, but it's with our passion and our personal experiences, combined with study and wisdom, that we can really make an impact.

I'm grateful for that conversation, and hope to one day soon have an opportunity to fill in the blanks that I somehow left out. And I hope with all my heart that what I did manage to say was enough to plant a seed that God can work with! :)

In Christ,
Christy

Putting it to Practice!

Last week I finished the book of Ruth (yes, I jump around a lot with my Bible reading!) and I was thinking how awesome it was that everyone in that book gave all the glory, credit, and thanks to God. Ruth was in a terrible, tragic situation, but God pulled her through and turned it into blessings. AND Ruth ended up being in the lineage of David and Jesus. The thing is, so much of what happened to her could be casually credited to chance or luck or fate or even just her own strength and resourcefulness. I loved reading how everyone gave all the thanks to God, though. It is true, He works out our circumstances and is in control. Even things that seem insignificant might have a Godly purpose behind them.

I feel like in today's world it would be more common to not give the credit to God for these types of situations. That's why it's so important for believers to proclaim God's work in our lives! We have to tell the world that our blessings are from the Lord, and not just from our own strength or intelligence (even though we play a part...those abilities come from God, too!). If we aren't going to do it, then who will?

So, instead of writing a lengthy post all about this idea...I decided I should put it into practice! I want to take a few minutes to brag on all the awesome things God has done in my life lately. :)

• I graduated with my M.ED in Counseling in Student Services in Higher Ed! Not only did that require all the strength and dedication from God to make it through the program, but it was through his divine guidance that I even started this program. It was never my plan. But I've learned time and again that His plan is always so much better!
• We're going through all the seasons and holidays and "firsts" in our new house! Sometimes I just sit back in awe of it all. I never would have guessed this would be my life. But all the little details, while they are not things I would have anticipated for my life, are what make it so perfect. 
• I'm applying for full-time jobs in my field. I've already received my first "Dear John" letter. Yes it's early, and my hope and optimism could dwindle over time, but right now I'm not sad or even really disappointed. Yes, I would have loved to at least get an interview, but I just look at it as an exciting mystery. I don't know what job I will end up getting, but I know God has it figured out and it's going to be better than anything I could put together on my own. I just look forward to seeing it all unfold! 
• My husband and I are happier and more in love now than we ever have been. I'm pretty sure I loved my husband from the moment we started talking 5 1/2 years ago, but with each new life phase and as we grow more mature spiritually, emotionally, and in our relationship with each other, our love seems to only intensify. I can't imagine a better partner in life! 
• This is probably the most exciting one to me...some of my family members seem to be moving closer to God! This is especially true of my sister. She had a really rough time this past year and has suffered from depression for some time now. She asked for a Bible for Christmas and she recently told me that she's been reading it every night and even highlighting and taking notes/journaling! :) My heart couldn't be happier!! I pray that one day I can share my passion and love for the Lord with all my friends and family!
• I came very close to losing two family members this past year...both way too soon...and they are both alive now and seem like they are doing well. It can be easy to look at situations like that and see only the sadness and think of it as injustice. But I see that things are getting better and they are alive and I see that as a blessing! I hope that I can always see the blessings, even in the hard times. 

I could go on and on, but these are just a few. What are the major blessings in your life right now? I would love to hear!

~Christy~

God Wastes Nothing

As I finished reading Acts, I took some time to reflect on Paul's life. He suffered some less than ideal circumstances, huh? Imprisoned for many years of his life, beaten, never knowing when he might be executed, constantly being attacked and persecuted for the simple act of sharing the truth and love of Jesus! But that was not all experienced in vain. God used everything that happened to Paul to bring forth His glory and spread the message of salvation. Think of all the people that Paul directly impacted in his lifetime! And now his story and his letters make up almost half of the Bible! And think of all the people who have been impacted from reading those words! Imagine if Paul had felt so defeated by his circumstances that he stopped trying, stopped writing, and simply gave up all hope. Thankfully God gave him the strength to persevere through those circumstances and use them to show the glory of God.

I know I've talked several times about this idea of God using bad situations to bring about good results. But I think it's worth writing about again. I think I could probably write about this every single day and I would still manage to forget. I would still slip into disbelief, doubt, and fear. I have to remind myself of God's control and His goodness every day, multiple times a day. Because when you're right in the middle of life, dealing with whatever you're going through, or even getting lost in the routine obligations of the day, it's easy to forget. It's easy to look from my limited point of view and feel frustrated because I don't see anything good coming from it. I can only imagine the days that Paul may not have directly seen his impact. When he was imprisoned with limited contact with others, did he wonder what was the point of it all? Even if he did, I'm glad he remembered the truth and pressed forward.

My "salvation verse," which is the verse I read when God opened my eyes to the truth and I finally understood the true concept of salvation, is Ephesians 1:4-5. "For He chose us in him, before the creation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, he predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will." Paul wrote those words. I believe that they came from God's Holy Spirit living within Paul, but Paul is the one who physically wrote those words and sent them in a letter to the Ephesians. And because God used Paul to write those words, I was able to realize and accept my salvation. I wonder if Paul had any idea that those words would save someone almost 2,000 years later?

As I marvel in all of this mind-boggling wonderment, I feel encouraged. I am encouraged that no matter what happens in my life, God is going to use it. Even in the worse circumstances, when nothing seems to be going right, God is going to use it. I may never see it first-hand, but He will use it! I bet that really pisses off the devil! :)

I saw a Facebook status today that related to this message. I know a guy who had a rough past. He was involved in a lot of bad things and spent some time in prison. Now he is saved and part of several ministries, one of which is his own music ministry. He is a rapper and he raps about Jesus. Someone sent him a message that he shared on FB, and part of it said, "The tattoos and rap are meant to be a part of your ministry or GOD wouldn't have allowed you to have them.. He had a plan for you long before you did!" So true! That's how it is with everything. All the bad things that happen...they may one day be part of your ministry! So take heart when times get rough, and know that God will use your struggles to make a difference!

Be encouraged,
~Christy~