Counting My Blessings

for a goofy husband that can always make me laugh, gross me out, hold me tight, listen when I need to vent, gets giddy about our baby, and massage my sore back when it's been a long day.

for a healthy baby boy living inside of me, his kicks to let me know he's here, and the love that comes from being his mommy already!

for friends that stand in the cold to take maternity pictures, make brownies even when I shouldn't eat them, allow Drew and I enjoy her 3 wonderful kids who are full of life and excitement, and give the best hugs!

chats with my marine buddy... it's been too long!

watching a gorgeous bride make a covenant before God and all her friends to love her best friend forever

anticipation of snuggles with babies

getting told that she "loves me in the whole wide world"

a clean smelling & looking house

being overwhelmed with gifts, hugs, and thoughtfulness when celebrating my baby boy

all the chocolate and sugar I can't eat now, but in two months can each again

being surprised by money showing up places you didn't expect it

knowing that I will NEVER be alone in life, no matter where it takes me

seeing a low number when taking my blood sugar

Duke winning many games = happy husband

buying that first Christmas gift... the feeling of productivity

forever friends

My Jesus. Enough said.

Victory Comes While Praising

2 Chronicles 20 discusses Jehoshaphat the King figuring out how to defeat a vast army... He starts by saying "Listen... thus says the Lord:'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.  Tomorrow go against them... You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.'"

So they rose early and went out into the wilderness... Jehoshaphat stood and said,"Hear me, believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe His prophets and you shall prosper." 

Jehoshaphat then divided his people between those who "should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of the holiness, as they went out before the army the sang "Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!"

While they were singing and praising the Lord, the Lord set ambushes against their enemy, and they were defeated.

So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.

Victory comes while praising.

When we are lost and confused. When we don't know what to do or how to pray about a situation. Start praising our Savior.

"Praising God is a way of trust." We have to set aside all of our fears and troubles of this world and look to God. Only God. That is where the battle was won.

Today I praise God that:
116- I only have 3 weeks of school left
117- I have a husband who likes me. :)
118- My Savior wraps me in His arms and holds me tight, through the best and worst times of my life
119- I no longer have headaches due to my heavy hair, because it's gone!
120- Audrey is my niece, her sweet and hilarious nature make me giddy with happiness
121- Owen is my nephew, his smiles make me want to never let him go.
122- the pollen seems to have diluted a tad since I'm not overly stuffy this week... knock on wood.
123- there is a possibility for starting a new small group at our house with friends.
124- phone calls from Mandy make me rejoice over the wonderful friendships I have, near and far
125- reeses peanut butter eggs are a part of my life... sigh pure deliciousness
126 - that I have to work hard for things that I love. The fact I can fight for what's right and God is right there helping me, makes me grateful.

 

Giddiness over God's Goodness (# 104 -115)

I know I am fairly sporadic with my blogging, and when I do blog I tend to do several posts at once, but bare with me. I have been wanting to post a grateful post for a while now and there is no time like the present. 

surprise visits from my nephew and sister make me all sorts of giddy inside and out

seeing the end of a long 8 weeks 

cooking for my man, and him loving it

accountability with a semi-new but quickly becoming a great friend

having people tell me that they are praying for me

going to work where two kids yell "Kari" and usually run for hugs... and cry when I leave

those same kids that make me laugh almost constantly

a hard workout... well I'm grateful at the results

belting out the words to the Wicked soundtrack... and envisioning each scene of the show. I think I've mentioned it before, but it. was. wonderful.

getting to snuggle with Nycole in nursery at church

lots of chats with my 'employer' since she was home from surgery... I enjoy time with her

hearing my dad and husband talk construction talk... it's nice that my dad knows so much and my hubby wants to learn so much

knowing that my Jesus is faithful and is Constant

I think I can, I think I can...

I'm still alive... barely it sometimes seems. I have learned some lessons this past week been in awe at how much God loves me despite my human concerns!

I WILL NOT be taking 3 classes next 8 week. The 3 I am taking now is very much overwhelming me.
Note to Self: working at least 30 hours a week, taking 9 credits in an 8 week setting, being a pastors wife, and trying to build/maintain great relationship, and being a GOOD wife = nearly impossible.

That being said, I have reached week 4 and finished my first paper in Church History which in Drew's opinion: Is about a ridiculous topic that is definitely Grad Level. Which would be fine if it wasn't an undergrad test and I had way too many obligations as it is... Woo Hoo for finishing at 11 PM only to wake up and realize the new week of schoolwork has begun, I think I can I think I can I KNOW God can.

This week has been an emotional roller coaster but God has been faithful and reminded me that He is my shelter and strength and in HIM I know that I can do all things. A great friend reminded me that He and I are all that I need to put my hope it. If I'm not ready for something that I think I am, it is because He is tweaking and fine-tuning me. He's molding and making me into His completely selfless vessel to use for His work. I'm not going to lie, tweaking is sometimes pretty painful.

My Mamaw Farmer that went to be with my Jesus would have had her 102 birthday today. I miss her and would write all about her but my mom did it beautifully, so if you want to read about her you can go here.

Drew is playing on our church basketball team and is loving to be back on that court! They are undefeated (3-0) and play on Monday nights if you ever want to come watch. It's a blast because I feel like us playing basketball for the conquerors is where it all began for us. He's a GREAT basketball player too! (That's not just because I'm majorly biased either!)

My Tuesday night bible studying kicked back in after too long of a break over the holidays. Can I just say that praying with women of God and learning/leaning on each either huge for anyone's Christian walk! It is, and I am grateful!

I finally upgraded my phone because they were running a major deal I couldn't resist, and I've been overwhelmed at how to make it work! Internet in the phone?? I know I'm behind but I sure am glad I've made it to this point. It's fancy!

Schoolwork pretty much consumed my weekend but I found time to hang out with my friends on Saturday. We hit the road up to Lynchburg to do some shopping. I don't remember the last time I had a relaxing day of shopping with no place to be. I found an adorable summer dress and a cute jacket, which made me super happy. While we were shopping, our husbands were playing in a disc golf tournament. Evidently they were way out of their league, so they didn't win, but I think it was a fun day for them to get excited about the upcoming 'season'. Yes, they have a chart all drawn up to do a season of disc golf all spring/summer/fall long. My man's going to win, I can feel it.

The Souper Bowl party was a success. We collected soup cans for our food pantry hence, the Souper. I love that while the game is on in the youth room, there are games in the kids room. Variety during a football game is a must! Having great friends there to hang out with is also wonderful.

I don't know if I was mentioning much this summer about church, but Drew and I were struggling with finding good friends there. Well, he has gone over and beyond with answering that request and I am amazed. At my other churches I was always one of the last to leave because I always wanted to talk to one more friend. I like it like that. Well, Over the past month I have become that person again and while My hubby doesn't care to much for it, I am forever grateful for those blessings! It's the little things folks!

Now, off to another crazy week of school. Oh, Drew and I made dinner Friday that was delicious and were really able to catch up while eating. It's a sad date but with all the craziness going on it's all we could fit in. But I sure do love his patience!

I'm Thankful... Hubby Edition [It is my anniversary after all]

Today I have been married to my best friend for 2 years and we couldn't be happier. As my high school sweet heart, we have been close for a long time. I never want to take advantage of all Drew means to me. Today I am grateful for who He is and what marriage has been like for the two of us!

1] He is the spiritual leader in our household, but he is more than that. He is humble, asking forgiveness when necessary, and challenging me when I need it. I love seeing him get up in front of our church every Sunday and lead in prayer. His heart and passion shows in those few minutes of talking. Jesus is his source of life.

2] Honesty is huge for Drew and even though he has to drag stuff out of me when something is wrong, he always responds with compassion and honesty. I trust him COMPLETELY.

3] He's my best friend. We goof off, pick on, annoy the crap stuffing out of each other. He knows everything about me and I know everything about him. We can sing at the top of lungs in the car, pray right before bed, shoot each other with Nerf guns, and finish each others sentences.

4] Drew is passionate about teenagers and so am I. We love working side-by-side even though it can be stressful, lonely, and exhausting, the fact we are serving our Lord together means the world to me.

5] I love him. Even though he sticks his finger in my arm pit and sometimes smells like rotten diapers an old sneaker. Even though he started a prank war within the first couple months of marriage and has a completely different definition of the word 'clean'. I love my man. A lot.

I am blessed.

Relaxing Despite the Chaos

When looking up the word chaos in the dictionary, it informed me that the word means, "a condition or place of great disorder or confusion." PERFECT. That is a great summary of the past week. Disorder is not always a bad thing, because I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the chaos. On Friday, Katie, Jeremy, Audrey, Owen and Mom came to stay with Drew and I. Not Friday as in yesterday, Friday a week ago. I was so excited to spend a huge amount of quality time with them, and am grateful looking back, that I did. :) It was slightly chaotic though. Here is a run down...

• mom rolled her ankle after only being here an hour
• Drew painted the youth room Friday and Saturday... lots of work but looking good!
• I was privileged to take family pictures of the Naffs on Saturday... perfect weather! :) Crazy active 2 year-old
• Sunday lunch at Momar and Dadaddy's (grandparents)... good food and conversations... with church before and after.
• 3 of my toothbrushes were stolen by sneaky Audrey
• I think 3 or 4 toilet paper rolls (whole, unrolled) were stuffed in the toilet.. I lost count, but Audrey thoroughly enjoyed herself
• I worked all week except Thursday, and always hurried home to cuddle my niece or nephew and chat with my sister and mom... one night I actually forgot to go tell Drew hello when I got home. Whoops!
• Audrey got sick Monday, Katie got 'it' Wednesday night, Mom somewhere in between and Jeremy Friday morning.
• Thanksgiving morning/early afternoon Drew and I spent time with his parents and Nathan. We missed Bryan but had a great relaxing time! I thought I would be stuffed, having two thanksgivings, but there was a good amount of time in between.
• Chuck E Cheese with Drew, Jeremy, Audrey, Mason, and Kylee on Friday... there is the definition of chaotic right there
• Drew and I had a lot of plans for this weekend which included sanitizing the house, schoolwork, Christmas decorating, shopping, cleaning the car, Drew preaching on Sunday, etc... We had no obligations but being together and we were SO excited! 
• Friday evening I get sick, sometime around 2 AM Saturday, Drew gets sick. We spend the day in separate rooms with mixing bowls beside us... i know, TMI.
• We are both weak and have fevers, but are optimistic that the worst is behind us... phew!
• Here's to hoping tomorrow is a productive day!

 Can you tell that our chaotic thanksgiving revolved around two cuties... because it definitely did!

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Do I really need to say anything about how thankful I am, I mean, clearly you can see I'm thankful. Here are a few reasons I have to be amazed by God's provisions.

• Drew loves me through good times and bad.. I have been blessed with him as a best friend for almost 7 years
• I have a job with flexibility to go on adventures with two cuties!
• I'm healthy, which means I can enjoy yummy food with little consequence. 
• I'm holding a 15 day old baby right now, THAT'S the life
• a whole week having my family under 1 roof again
• answered prayers
• a wonderful church where Drew and I can serve our Savior
• my 'home' not 'house' is cozy warm 
• My Jesus conquered the grave, for me
• feather pillows
• lazy mornings
• apple pie
• hopes for the future
• a way to keep in touch with friends from all over (Facebook, blogger)
• teens that make me laugh, and ones I can jam to country music with
• late night God talks with Drew, or with some great friends
• family that loves God and are the examples I need
• belly-aching laughter
• His Grace is sufficient for me!

See, see! Thank you God. I don't deserve anything, and yet you provided over and beyond!!

What a crazy week of blessings!

The life of a wonderful great grandma (Elsie Farmer)
A new nephew (Owen)
Quality time with my wonderful niece (Audrey)
Seeing my husband after a crazy week
Singing every word of Carrie Underwood's songs!
Homemade food!
Late night talks with a friend
Fun times with the youth
Pretty fall drives
Challenging messages at church
Getting to know new friends
Understanding teachers
Rejoicing in the Lord ALWAYS
Walking downtown in the cold

God is Good. All the Time!

Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS

So I have this friend. We don't get to see each other very much because we live hours apart. BUUUTTTT we talk on the phone a lot and I absolutely love her. She is goofy, spontaneous, hyper, encouraging, loving, friendly, and her God is also my God...that's pretty cool! Well, she and her husband Coy came to visit Drew and me!!! They could only stay for an hour, but it was sooooo good to see her face, and her baby bump :) They live in Kentucky so I haven't seen her since their wedding in May. She makes my heart happy.

My God wants to intimately know me.

Getting texts from my sister saying Audrey is looking for me. I am loved. :)

A clean home

lunch with new friends

Prayer... think about it. God gives ME a way to communicate with Him. That's pretty HUGE!

I made snickerdoodles for Drew and he was very grateful. That makes me thankful.

Hoodies and sweatpants... what ever would we do without those staples??

Goofing off with friends from class. It's the little things in life.

God is good and therefore life is good.

Things God has given me that makes me smile!

My husband talking about his babysitting tactics for Audrey. "Sit A on toilet. Bring laptop in bathroom. Play Elmo constantly. Change zero diapers." Oh my. :)

20 minute naps!

Fall day at a park with two adorable kids

Prayer time with Godly women

Figuring out that Kylee's hair is long enough for pigtails... I smiled every time I looked at her today!

Taking a test in 15 minutes that I had no idea how to study for and only missing 2 questions! Poetry is now my friend.

Karen Kingsbury books. God is using her greatly!

Lunch with friend's moma's... and friends :)

130 trick or treaters... about 120 of them were adorable!

Starting the week off right

Thankful Monday is here again.. I can't believe how fast time is going!!

1. My God has kept me safe and healthy for 23 years. I'd say that's a blessing.
2. Wacky teenagers that make standing in line at Scaremare for 3 hours fun. (even if it's exhausting)
3. Laughter. Life is SOOO much better with it!
4. Stromboli. Yummm.
5. Being productive. People may think that being lazy is wonderful, but I always end up more in a panic when the laziness ends. Not Fun.
6. Rain... I always seem cozier when it rains. :)
7. The thought of starting a new bible study... makes my heart happy!
8. A new straightner that is FAST and makes my hair super straight!

I'm so blessed

It's true. God has been way too good to me. Here are a few of the ways...

great friends love me and celebrate my birth ;)
my husband truly cares how I am
crisp fall
a drive with colored leaves lining the roads
spending time with kids that can't help but make you smile
a starlit walk catching up with a great friend
hoodies
encouragement from great christian influences
the feeling of relief after a speech is given
being able to be goofy with friends, you tube videos and silly band conversations included
HIS MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING. AND I AM ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THEM!

Thankful!

Today I am thankful for...

birthday cake
a husband who wakes me up (even if it was late) when my alarm fails
familiar verse of God's awesomeness!
relaxing family time
phone calls with Mandy
birthday week!! (Friends, food, family, laughter... mmm good!)
tickle fights with an adorable 2 year old boy
the thoughts of a zoo trip tomorrow
wonderful memories/experiences that randomly come to mind (Thailand)
a good late night talk with my new friend

Catching up, praising God, no dates. :(

Where to begin. This past week has been so CRAZY busy so I'm just going to try to recap a little of it.

Last week my friend Lo (Lauren) and I went on a drive down to Winston-Salem to see my sister and Audrey. It was a gorgeous day, a great day for a drive, chat, singing, and outlet shopping! :) Katie, Lo, Audge and I headed down to do a little shopping. It was exhausting and relaxing at the same time. I quite enjoyed some time with my niece, including riding the carousel with her (her first time)!

I am distraught to inform you all that we FAILED for our date last week. I had one night set aside, we did eat dinner, but the rest of the night included Drew watching TV/video games and me working on schoolwork. NOT fun. but necessary. :(

Friday, Katie and Audrey came in town for Audrey's birthday party with the Farmer's. Unfortunately I already had a ticket for the Extraordinary Women's conference. So, I brought the kids over to mom's Friday afternoon so I could spend some time with them. It was relaxing and fun watching the kids play! What could be more fun than watching a 3, 2, and 1 year old play on a gorgeous afternoon! :)

Friday evening I headed to the Roanoke Civic Center with Starr and Lo for some laughter, encouragement, worship, and a concert by Mercy Me. Starr and I spent the night at Lo's, where we watched boy meets world, got a hair cut, and stayed up way to late, or I guess early... The next morning we headed back to the conference WAY too early, for amazing women, and men to talk to us, challenge us with our relationships with God! We also tried to meet my new favorite author, Karen Kingsbury, but that didn't happen. Oh Well! Oh, we walked downtown to eat yummy food. Alejandro's was good, but the service stunk. We were very disappointed...

Oh, but Saturday didn't end there. We headed to a 7 o'clock Liberty football game. Drew was down-right giddy to see the expansion finished. Evidently the blog pictures and details he has been seeing all summer is not enough! :) Steven, Lo, Drew, Starr and I headed to Lynchburg where LU kicked butt! It was so much fun! I am starting to enjoy the games with the cheering, talking, seeing friends I don't see much, and everything else! So although I went through the weekend with little sleep, it sure was worth it!

Now for what I'm grateful for... I think this post shows a huge amount of reasons I am beyond blessed, but here are a few more.

1. being encouraged by so many wonderful women, who have struggled but relied on God and grew stronger as a result.
2. sleep!
   
3. having a husband that loves me and helps me out around the house
4. God. the fact he is so powerful and yet still has time for Kari Hunsley in little ol' Roanoke, Virginia
5. fall weather, and clothes that keep me warm!
   

Thank you Jesus!

I'm so grateful!!

1. for good health. I take it for granted way too often!
2. getting out early for speech class!
3. warm cozy beds!
4. exercise/sore muscles... in the long run its wonderful!
5. Kylee kisses, they are precious!
6. AND... dun dun dun... ICE CREAM! Addicted, maybe. But it makes me happy!
   

I'm so grateful!

My mom is dedicating Mondays to sharing what she is grateful for. I have decided to do it as well. I have realized over the years that the more I am aware of what my blessings the less I complain. Since Drew and I are heading to Alabama for a youth workers conference (Louie Giglio will be there, I'm pretty excited)tomorrow, I figured I would start tonight.

I am grateful for...
My best friend who I get to spend my life with!
My great grandmother who is 101 and is a great example of a christian
A job where I get to teach and love to amazing kids
Fall weather. :)
Answered prayers... 2 youth workers to help Drew and I/growth in youth group
having family close by
learning more about the character of my Jesus