Coffee Date link-up with {Oh, Simple Thoughts}

It's been a while since I've done a link-up and this one seemed like the perfect one to start back up with! I stumbled on Rachel from "Oh, Simple Thoughts" through other people I follow on Instagram and really have enjoyed getting to know a little about her. She is a newlywed, and since I'm getting married soon I already feel that connection with her. This morning I explored her blog and it was so refreshing to read advice and thoughts on what it was like to be newly married. I highly recommend that you go and check it out for yourself! Her heart for Jesus shines through and has already blessed me.

Today, she is hosting a Coffee date link-up, inviting us to really open up with each other and share what's going on in our lives. I completely agree with her, being vulnerable and honestly answering the question "How are you doing" is hard. Like, really hard. I'm horrible at it. Isn't it so much easier to just say "I'm fine, and you?" But as the body of Christ we're called to be personal with each other, so... here it goes! 

If I was having coffee with you, I'd probably drag you to Starbucks. The bigger one by Target with the cozy private corner, perfect for sitting alone, crocheting, or with a friend, conversing. 

How am I? You ask - I'm... conflicted =) When I really think about what my life is like right now I am thankful. I have a (almost) brand new Nephew who I love desperately and wish I could be with all the time! He is the cutest little guy you ever did see and I don't think I could have ever imagined how wonderful it is to be his Auntie. I'm engaged to the man of my dreams who loves me better than I even know how to say. Daily he shows me what it truly means to love sacrificially and unconditionally. September is when the big day is and it's only 6 months away, crazy! I have the best family - My sister (Graham, the nephew's mommy) who really is my best friend; her husband who is just like the brother I never had. My parents who love me and my three other sisters. I have a great church family, food to eat, a home to stay in, and much more. Sounds pretty incredible right?? And, it is, honest. 

The conflicted part? I'm ready to be married and even though 6 months will fly by, the days feel long and hard. Planning a wedding hasn't been exactly how I envisioned. Sadly, I've allowed it to stress me out why more than it should. Poor Nathan gets to deal with everything (which he has amazingly). I am also feeling distant from my Savior. (Wow, whose idea was it to be honest?) I'm trying to be more disciplined in spending time with Him and that has been a great encouragement, yet it's so easy to put other things ahead of Him. Slowly I feel Him drawing me back, but it is a slow process. =) 

Anyway, those have been my feelings lately =) I'm praying that I allow Joy to fill my heart because I really have so much to be joyful about! 

Thanks for joining me today and make sure to go over and read Rachel's post, it was such a blessing to my heart!
(I feel sad that I don't have any pictures in this post... Oh well, I guess I can't have some in every one...)

Until next time!