As I sit here beginning the day at work, I always take a few minutes to catch up on the world and what's going on in it. Today, amidst the chaos of the government and its ridiculousness, I came across a refreshing article on the topic of engagement and marriage.
Let me start by saying this. I am in no way perfect and am guilty of idolizing a wedding more than a marriage at times. However, at the end of the day, I can confidently say that throughout mine and Z's engagement, I focused on the end goal: MARRIAGE more than I did a 16 hour day of fun and partying.
When I was a little girl my mom was a florist. I grew up sitting in on weekly meetings with brides for my mom to discuss the flowers for numerous couples' big day. Something that has always stuck with me is how my mom approached the first meeting with the brides. She would always ask them, "Are you more excited for a wedding or for a marriage?" As a child I never knew what that meant, but boy do I now!
That's where this article comes in. READ THIS!! Talk about hitting the nail on the head of my thoughts of how our culture has made marriage a mockery and getting engaged the highlight of your 20's.
I write this as a reminder to myself why we got married. Yes, of course, I wanted the magical engagement, big party that's all about me and hubby, dancing all night, beautiful dress, and all the pink puffy heart things associated with being engaged and wedding planning. BUT I also wanted a marriage that's more beautiful than our wedding.
As we get further away from the day when I became a Mrs., I am seeing more and more that the gift of marriage is far more than just one day of celebrating, it's creating a life together that glorifies God, and shows the world a tangible example of Christ's love for us. As any girl does, I do miss the fun and exciting time of wedding planning and anticipation of becoming a wife, but I find comfort knowing that we are now really living out what God calls us to and the example we're to follow as husband and wife.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
The Power of Christ is Alive in Us.
Well, it's the end of September and I haven't blogged since June. Bad me. Sheesh.
Here goes the crash course on what's happened with the Carscaddon's since June:
- camp has come and gone. A wonderful summer was had by all :) Being thankful for my job is an understatement.
- Zack got hired at Cleveland High School in JoCo. We are THRILLED with his new job; so far, so good :) Go God!!
- We both went from 23 ->24 years old since my last post. So far, year 24 is shaping up to be transitional for sure.
- My dad got married/we had Vegas Vacation in August. We enjoyed celebrating my dad's new marriage, all the while enjoying ALL that Las Vegas has to offer
- A few beach trips sprinkled in here and there, and that brings us to now...
Our currentlittle project is BUYING A HOUSE. We started looking around in late July, right after camp. God willing, we are closing on our perfect little first home on October 31.
I told a very close friend today that once all this is said and done, I think I should write a blog on how to buy a house. Maybe call it "10 Things You NEED to Know About Buying a House for 20 Somethings". We'll see how this all pans out for us; there's still a lot to happen, but we are faithfully praying about it and eager to see God work in providing our first home together :)
I recently got a life motto that ties all this together with a pretty bow. I used this motto to get me through flying on a plane for the first time to go to Vegas. It's now getting me through this crazy, fun, exciting, and stressful time of buying a house and preparing for a HUGE transition. Who knew words that gave me peace when scared or flying could really keep me grounded during the process of buying a house?!
"THE SAME POWER THAT ROSE JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD IS ALIVE IN US."
Wow y'all. This is comfort and peace like no other. And it's really helped me face fears and tackle what first time home ownership looks like too :)
Can't wait to see what God's going to do next.
Eager, excited, and blessed,
Nataleigh
Here goes the crash course on what's happened with the Carscaddon's since June:
- camp has come and gone. A wonderful summer was had by all :) Being thankful for my job is an understatement.
- Zack got hired at Cleveland High School in JoCo. We are THRILLED with his new job; so far, so good :) Go God!!
- We both went from 23 ->24 years old since my last post. So far, year 24 is shaping up to be transitional for sure.
- My dad got married/we had Vegas Vacation in August. We enjoyed celebrating my dad's new marriage, all the while enjoying ALL that Las Vegas has to offer
- A few beach trips sprinkled in here and there, and that brings us to now...
Our current
I told a very close friend today that once all this is said and done, I think I should write a blog on how to buy a house. Maybe call it "10 Things You NEED to Know About Buying a House for 20 Somethings". We'll see how this all pans out for us; there's still a lot to happen, but we are faithfully praying about it and eager to see God work in providing our first home together :)
I recently got a life motto that ties all this together with a pretty bow. I used this motto to get me through flying on a plane for the first time to go to Vegas. It's now getting me through this crazy, fun, exciting, and stressful time of buying a house and preparing for a HUGE transition. Who knew words that gave me peace when scared or flying could really keep me grounded during the process of buying a house?!
"THE SAME POWER THAT ROSE JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD IS ALIVE IN US."
Wow y'all. This is comfort and peace like no other. And it's really helped me face fears and tackle what first time home ownership looks like too :)
Can't wait to see what God's going to do next.
Eager, excited, and blessed,
Nataleigh
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Thoughts About Moving On
Someone told me to get used to change; it's around to stay. I couldn't agree more. It seems like just yesterday we were packing up, moving, and settling in to our apartment in Raleigh. Now we're already starting to look for another place to move along to.
Yes, a physical move is on the horizon in the coming months. Yes, that's more change. But the "moving on" I'm talking about right now is something deeper. I feel like Zack and I are finally in a stage where we're both okay with "moving on". I've been fighting it for months years; ask anyone who knows me well. The thought of leaving the "community" I have tore my heart out. The idea of not living in the middle of everything made me nervous and skeptical about the future.Oh but my heart is changing for the better...
For the first time, definitely since we got married, I'm so okay with "moving on". Let me rephrase that; I'm EXCITED to move on! Zack and I both are giddy at the thought of having a home (not a townhouse), living in a small community, and most importantly, finding a church and community that we can settle in to for a while.
Y'all Jesus has been working on my heart for a long time to get me to a point that I can say that I'm excited and anticipating moving on from what I know right now. I can't wait and am amazed at this change of heart (that I had nothing to do with; God's done it all). We are eager for the next step of our life together and are excited about things to come!!
Yes, a physical move is on the horizon in the coming months. Yes, that's more change. But the "moving on" I'm talking about right now is something deeper. I feel like Zack and I are finally in a stage where we're both okay with "moving on". I've been fighting it for
For the first time, definitely since we got married, I'm so okay with "moving on". Let me rephrase that; I'm EXCITED to move on! Zack and I both are giddy at the thought of having a home (not a townhouse), living in a small community, and most importantly, finding a church and community that we can settle in to for a while.
Y'all Jesus has been working on my heart for a long time to get me to a point that I can say that I'm excited and anticipating moving on from what I know right now. I can't wait and am amazed at this change of heart (that I had nothing to do with; God's done it all). We are eager for the next step of our life together and are excited about things to come!!
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.- Psalm 16:11
in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.- Psalm 16:11
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Abundant Life
I can't even believe I'm typing this right now, but it's gametime y'all! Camp kicks off in less than 4 days for the Summer. I seriously cannot wrap my mind around the fact that we have been diligently praying over these next several weeks since last August and now they're here!
Last week when I left Camp after a long, hot day outside painting rotation awards, I had the most surreal and one of a kind feeling; I didn't really want to leave. My heart is eagerly awaiting the Summer to watch this plan we've been working on for months play out. I'm invested. And I can say it's not by my own might, but God's. Zack and I both are so excited about the summer and all that's coming up with Camp.
A verse that's been on my heart for a few weeks now aptly sums up my "job": Psalm 145:3-4
 |
A verse that's been on my heart for a few weeks now aptly sums up my "job": Psalm 145:3-4
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
they tell of your mighty acts.
I consider myself blessed beyond words to say that I'm part of a ministry that is centered on this verse and focused on telling the next generation about how great our God is.
'Til next time folks, the Carscaddons will be at Camp!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
1 Year
Today marks a year that I've been with Camp Oak Hill as the Business Manager. Wow wow wow. What a blessing this past year has been! The Lord has used me, stretched me, challenged, and grown me SO MUCH over the past year. I came into the job on Monday, May 21, 2012, just one day home from my honeymoon and 2 days after finding out my childhood puppydog passed away (this was life-altering for me). I was nervous, excited and hesitant to take on yet another change (as if getting married, quitting one job, moving, dog dying, and Zack graduating in 2 weeks time wasn't enough change). Last summer's camp is really just a blur to me since it was such a HUGE time of transition in so many facets of my life, but now this year I'm ready!!! I can't wait to watch this summer play out. Months and months of planning, marketing, praying, and heart have gone into what will unfold in a couple of weeks. To say I'm invested in this place is an understatement. I just know that God's going to show up this summer and I can't wait to be a part of it!
Camp Oak Hill has turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. I can only pray that I'll return the blessing to "Make Christ Known" to those who come to camp.
Camp Oak Hill has turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. I can only pray that I'll return the blessing to "Make Christ Known" to those who come to camp.
My current "work verse" is Psalm 145:
"I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness."
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness."
I am so honored to be a part of the generation telling the next about Christ's love. Camp Oak Hill has blessed me this year; I couldn't be more thankful for God's provision over my life, even when I'm scared and don't like change; He knows what's best for us.
His plan is so so good y'all!
P.S.- just for the record, I did receive the "Change Doesn't Scare Me" Award last August at our Staff Beach Retreat- boy I've got them fooled ;)
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Reflections on a Year!
Some days it feels like just yesterday we were celebrating saying our "I do's", then other days it seems like we've been married 20 years. Nonetheless, we rejoiced over our 1 year of marriage this past weekend. What a beautiful of celebrating God's provision in our lives and marriage over the past year!
The photographer asked us right before our wedding how we were feeling- here's our visual responses.
For our anniversary, Zack got me a gift perfectly unique to him :) A gun and a bracelet. I love them both. I'm honestly enjoying my little .22 handgun- it's exhilarating shooting something you're not too afraid of!!
I gave Zack a gift that I like as well :) I found some inspiration on Pinterest to print and frame our wedding vows, so I set out on a project. The very talented Kristin Fowler designed these babies for me and then I took them to a local printer to get them printed. A trip to Michael's for some frames and this project was D-O-N-E! I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out :) They are now hanging on each side of our bed as a daily reminder of the heartfelt words we said on May 5, 2012.
This past year has been a good mix of the following:
good, hard, fun, difficult, trying, hilarious, learning to adjust, a lesson on grace, selflessness, and love and the list goes on. I'm so thankful to have spent the last year with my best friend. I can't wait for many more to come!
Where is Time Going?
Oh my lands it's been over a MONTH since I've been on here!! I initially asked where is the time going, but then I remember that's a silly question- it's flying by!
Since the end of March we have:
-survived teaching high school
-had a successful and fun COH Spring Fundraiser
-celebrated 1 year of marriage
-celebrated 1 year since Zack's graduation
-reminisced about the fact the I'm 2 years out of MC
-continued to plan Camp...still a work in progress
Whoa whoa whoa y'all- this season of the year is insane and we are just buckling our seatbelts and enjoying the ride :) It's been a fabulous time of celebrating and remembering all those steps that we took to be where we are now.
Until next time,
Nataleigh
Since the end of March we have:
-survived teaching high school
-had a successful and fun COH Spring Fundraiser
-celebrated 1 year of marriage
-celebrated 1 year since Zack's graduation
-reminisced about the fact the I'm 2 years out of MC
-continued to plan Camp...still a work in progress
Whoa whoa whoa y'all- this season of the year is insane and we are just buckling our seatbelts and enjoying the ride :) It's been a fabulous time of celebrating and remembering all those steps that we took to be where we are now.
Until next time,
Nataleigh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)