AUBREY KINCH

I'm just going to say it.

I'm a little overwhelmed. And when I say a little I mean I'm immensely stressed and anxious like crazy lately.

I'm so honored the church has asked me to design the Student Ministries building but that can be a lot on your shoulders. Saturday we started the process painting and putting together some great IKEA finds but when we left, paint was splattered on the floors, walls weren't covered thoroughly and old furniture was intermixed with new as we're in the middle of still purchasing furniture items.

I went home defeated knowing Sunday morning with Children's Ministries being in the building it would bring up some questions as to why the building was a hot mess currently. People were probably turning in their minds "WHAT IS THIS CHICK THINKING?!!!" At least that's what I would of thought had I been an outsider.

Today we're tackling touch up painting and cleaning hardcore. I also plan to start implementing some random decor items to get the place looking put together and cohesive. But until I see the place done, I'm a little embarrassed for others to see it. I want people to only see old to new. NOT all the crazy in between chaos that's taking up the building wall to wall right now.

Whew. Prayers would be appreciated for a productive day today and week of improvement before we have a Grand Opening in the coming future. I guess I can't have my hopes too high when it is a GIANT building in desperate need of a face lift. It's destined to take time and lots of energy, right?

And, YES. Pictures will be coming eventually!

There's something about sunshine.

The warmth.

The energy.

The explosive brightness.

It does a heart good.

& is so refreshing.

Enjoy it-- God blessed us with it.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Friday night I spent 3+ hours searching through the Apple App Store.

For what??

Well the next best photo app to Instagram-- DUH.

This means I was unsuccessful, resulting in me commenting on friends pics asking what app they

are using to make their pics look so dang snazzy.

First off, I'm a little impatient so when I didn't hear back late Friday night, I had to start searching as soon as my eyes opened Saturday morning. So I welcomed 7AM with coffee and lots of googling of: "the best iPhone photo apps".

Up comes this fabulous link:

10 Ways To Make Your Instagram Photos Pop!

DONE & DONE.

Let me sum it up for you.

If you want your pictures to go from:

THIS

 TO THIS

There are those moments when marriage is the most beautiful thing. When you know deep in your heart that the Lord made this person for you; when you know your life was meant to be shared with this one individual.

Yes, you can choose to love. But there are those moments when the love you have for them is so natural and perfect. Moments when you heart is bursting with contentment, peace and happiness.

Andrew,

You light up my heart, my world, my whole being. You bring happiness into the smallest actions of my days. You make my cheeks hurt from smiling because you just know how to make me laugh. You know how to put me at ease, you know how to love me so unconditionally it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for being you and blessing me with a wonderful marriage I look so forward to living throughout all my days.

Forever & always,

Auby

I know life can get in the way of truly appreciating the moments that we're meant to cherish. And I know obstacles and temptations blur our vision but I encourage us to slow down a little, smell the sweet monsoons in our AZ, enjoy the heat kissing our cheeks, wind down drinking some tea on the patio. And do this with a loved one making memories, together.

I'm blessed.

And sometimes that's something I take for granted and sometimes I don't realize how I don't deserve the things God has blessed me with but he loves me still and still chooses to bless me.

Can you believe that?

Our God takes our flaws and imperfections and sins and chooses to continually love us, adore us, shower us with His grace and bless us. I struggle to wrap my head around that. Why does God deem us worthy of His grace? Why does he believe we deserve His love?

He died to save me.

He died to free us of our sins.

He died for me.

He's taken my love of design and worked it into something I can daily consume myself with as a job.

He's taken my servant heart and given me the opportunity to work at my church home.

He's taken my hand in His and walked me through the struggles of life reminding me always, he loves me and guided me to a perfect husband.

Heavenly Father,

I thank you for all you've blessed me with. I thank you for Andrew; he's my rock and best friend and without you, he wouldn't be here. Thank you for Drake. That little man has taught me patience, compassion, love and kindness all since age 3. I thank you for the home you've sheltered us with, the dog that lights up that space and the essentials of everyday life you've provided. You are so good, God. I pray you continue watching over me and my family and I pray you guide me in the directions of life that speak volumes of your love through my actions. I pray your send strength and courage in times of need; I pray you calm my heart through storms that may blur my emotions. Mostly, I pray you keep me humble because without you, I am nothing. In your name. 

Amen.