Christ: The Ultimate Bridegroom

December 19, 2013December 19, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres3 Comments

Greetings Y’all!

Yesterday, a friend and I were discussing weddings – believe it or not, right? Two women discussing WEDDINGS?!?! Never! 😉 And, in true wedding talk fashion, everything (flowers, venue, cake, dress, etc) was mentioned but the groom. Why is that the norm?

Today, I want to share with you a song I found by searching for “wedding” online – just because that conversation yesterday had me all reminiscent about a certain September 15, 2012… and God intervened. He led me to this:

Wow.

Talk about a conversation involving a wedding day that is centered on the most amazing groom, Jesus. Isaiah 54:4-8 (ESV) says:

4 Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;
be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.
5 For your Maker is your husband,
the Lord of hosts is his name;
and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
the God of the whole earth he is called.
6 For the Lord has called you
like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit,
like a wife of youth when she is cast off,
says your God.
7 For a brief moment I deserted you,
but with great compassion I will gather you.
8 In overflowing anger for a moment
I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”
says the Lord, your Redeemer.

“The icon of Christ the Bridegroom portrays the selfless love of Christ for His Bride, the Church (Isaiah 54). He is dressed in royal colors as the betrothed King, corresponding with Sacred Scripture’s account of His mockery by the Roman guards before His crucifixion. The crown is a symbol of His marriage to the Church; the rope, a symbol of the bondage to sin, death and corruption which Jesus untied by His death on the Cross; the reed, a symbol of His humility.” (Borrowed from the Christ The Bridegroom Monastery)

What an amazing God we have who takes us just as we are, cleanses us from our sin, and pledges Himself to us – all the while, not just forgiving but forgetting our past and our wrongs. Christ: The Ultimate Bridegroom.

Until tomorrow….

Blessings To You All,

What's Up Wednesday

An Early Christmas At Our House

December 18, 2013December 18, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Hello everyone!

It has been a little while since I have written anything on the blog, so I decided that I would sit down and take some time on ‘What’s Up Wednesday’ to give a little bit of info on what has been going on.

Usually you see some pictures of the latest project I have been working on (for quite some time) and that being the cheval mirror for my wife. I am glad to say that the mirror part is finished so we have at least a full length mirror available!

It may sound silly to take on another project while I am finishing this one, but I find that working on another gets me motivated to work on the other, because I always reach a point where glue or a finish needs to dry, and then I can switch to the other one and keep going.

I decided to build a jewelry box for my wife, which I thought would be a pleasant surprise for her. I have no clue what I said that clued her in, though, because she straight out asked if I was building one! I could not keep it from her because I was so shocked that she guessed, that I knew I could not hide it in my expression!

Sunday we celebrated a little bit of Christmas early, and exchanged our “big gifts” with each other. This is only the start of our Christmas celebrating, as we have our stocking stuffers and Christmas dinner on Friday, and then we will celebrate with family after that! It will definitely be busy next week!

Pier picked out the perfect gifts for me! I will share a couple of them! I received a red and green plaid flannel shirt, which will be the perfect and warm shirt to wear on Christmas! After opening that, she gave me this HUGE box. Although it was not heavy for its size, I began to open it and I soon realized that there was another box inside wrapped up… and I opened that to find another and another and another and another and another! I never thought it would be 7 boxes to open!! Just for her to find 7 boxes to fit perfectly inside one another must of taken months!

Once I finally got down to the actual gift box I opened it and found a Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Blue Angels edition watch! I was fascinated by the fact that it set itself to the correct time with radio waves right then and there and later I read the “mini book” called an instruction manual and found out the many other features of this watch including the E6-B computer on the face dial of the watch! Pilots will know exactly what I am talking about! Also, no batteries to replace as it is charged by any light source and will run 6 months in complete darkness with a full battery!

I loved watching Pier open her gifts. As some of you know, my wife has an amazing voice and I love to hear her sing. The best thing is she loves to sing, so I get to hear her often! I decided to get her a whole home recording and vocal system. I watched her smile as she opened the boxes containing the pro grade speaker, song database of 17,000 songs, 2 pro microphones (one for me so we can sing together!) and a mixing board and cables! It is unfair if only I get to hear her, so I also included a special recording mic and audio interface so we can record her singing!! I am sure that she will have some songs on the blog in the future! We have already used both systems and I will say she sounds amazing on them!

Well, I need to get back down to the workshop and finish Pier’s jewelry box! We hope you all have a wonderful day, and join us again tomorrow for Thirsty For Christ Thursday!

Love,

TTC Tuesday

All It Takes Is One

December 17, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres7 Comments

Good Morning Everyone!

Remember how I told y’all last week the Metformin is really helping my insulin resistance?! Well, it continues! Probably the most common ‘symptom’ of insulin resistance (which is the root cause and/or side effect – depending on how you view the situation – of PCOS), is fatigue, and not only has the medication greatly improved my morning commute to work, but this morning, I was able to leave the house at 4:45AM and make a Pure Barre class near my office that began at 6AM! I even made it through the 55 minute class, and arrived at work with 10 minutes to spare! Winning! 😉

Yay for Metformin and for exhilarating morning exercise!

In other TTC news, our doctor’s office called late last week to:

Let me know that after looking over my sonogram results, it appears I did have one mature follicle. (That’s improvement over NONE and means the Letrazole and Metformin are doing their duties!) ALL IT TAKES IS ONE!!! {Praying. Praying. Praying.}
Inform me the doctor had written “PCOS” on my sonogram results. “Ma’am, were you aware you have PCOS?” REALLY?!?!?!? Oh my goodness. This practice…

Craig & I both read an AMAZING daily blog you too can read here. Basically, it is a daily devotional based upon one of our favorite books (as you well know), Jesus Calling, and today’s devotion gave me chills as I read it – thinking in conjunction with our journey of hope, disappointment and sadness as we have tried to conceive to no avail.

Today’s Jesus Calling contains these words:

“Come to Me with your gaping emptiness… Facing the emptiness inside you is simply the prelude to being filled with My fullness… If you persevere in this dependence as you go through the day, you will discover at bedtime that Joy and Peace have become your companions. You may not realize at what point they joined you on your journey, but you will feel the beneficial effects of their presence.”

God is so good. Thank you, Lord, for the hope you give for tomorrow, and the joy and peace you provide for today.

Keep us in your prayers, please.

All Our Love,

My Choice Monday

Music & Meds For Christmas Cheer

December 16, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Happy Monday!

We are officially 9 days away from Christmas!! Aren’t you excited!? Craig and I ended up having Part One of “Our Christmas” last night, which is the only day we have had to ourselves since last Sunday, and will be the only day we will have completely to ourselves until the New Year’s Eve. We figured we should make the most of this special time together, and so we opened each other’s “big gifts” last night. It was so much fun! We are looking forward to sharing Christmas with our families beginning at the end of the week! I think just maybe we might be able to fit everyone in! Prayers and fingers crossed!

Now for our recommendations for this week!

EZY Dose Stackable Pill Reminder Maybe you’re thinking this is an odd recommendation, but since I’ve started with the medication to balance my insulin, plus all the vitamins and supplements and allergy medications, I have struggled with a way to both make sure I remember to take them throughout the day, and to transport the pills. We found this handy pill keeper at Walgreen’s, and it has proved it’s usefulness tenfold. You can read more about it or purchase one here. Ladies, this fits quite easily into your purse; and gentlemen, with the helpful un-attaching feature, you can easily carry one (or a few) of the containers in your pocket! No more excuses for not taking your pills!
10% Off TODAY Only at The Catholic Company If you have any last minute gifts to buy, today’s your lucky day! The Catholic Company is giving an additional 10% today only with this code: F2RT7JD6 🙂 You can access their website here and can find a WIDE ARRAY of products from books to dvds to bible studies to jewelry to art to gorgeous pieces like this: Catholics and non-Catholics alike can easily find something at The Catholic Company! You can even get an extra 15% off by subscribing to their e-newsletter… Happy online shopping!
Sidewalk Prophets Christmas Album This is a phenomenal Christmas album that is both cheerful and worshipful, and contains both new and old Christmas music. I know you will really enjoy it, and your can purchase it right here! My favorite tune to get me in the Christmas spirit is “Because It’s Christmas” – and I’m giving you a little preview below 😉

Y’all enjoy the rest of your Monday, and we’ll catch up with you tomorrow!

Love & Christmas Blessings,

Food For Thought Friday

December 13, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Happy Friday To All Of You!

Hopefully, your week has been wonderful and you are looking forward to a relaxing weekend – I know all of you are completely finished with your Christmas shopping and decorating…right? 🙂

Well, if perhaps, I might be incorrect in my assumption, take a few minutes to relax now in preparation for a crazy weekend! Fridays around here are going to be casual. Today, for instance, I have included links below to two relatively fresh stories – both good for discussion.

First, as I’m sure you’ve heard/read by now: Pope Named Time’s Person of the Year

Personally, I think this is wonderful news – Time Magazine’s cover for Person of the Year hasn’t seen a Christian religious leader’s face since Pope John Paul II in 1994 and prior to that, Pope John XXIII in 1962. As we discussed yesterday, as true followers of Christ, shouldn’t we be revolutionizing the world on a daily basis? Not so that Time Magazine notices, but so the Lord does.

Now there’s an over-dinner-conversation starter for your weekend! And here’s one more, on the lighter side…

The Toughest Tongue Twister?

Can you say that 10 times fast? Maybe this conversation starter is for after dinner, when your mouth isn’t full! 😉

Have a great weekend!

All Our Love,

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

December 12, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres16 Comments

Good Morning!

Waking up at 4AM for work has its good and bad points. I think actually seeing the clock read 4:00 and realizing I have to put my feet on the floor is the worst part. After that, it’s actually not too awful. It’s still dark outside, peaceful, quiet.

When I am on the road at 6AM, my struggle has been trying to keep that sense of early morning peace about me along the way. One thing I cannot stand is a morning radio show, trying to be funny and discussing all of last night’s reality television. Gag me with a spoon. So, I have mainly listened to a News/Talk station, but after awhile that gets depressing, and depending on how long the commute is, repetitive – and who wants to hear bad news twice?!

I have tried some of the Christian radio stations, but have always felt like they were trying to sell themselves as “inspirational” and “safe for the whole family”, rather than saying we are a CHRISTIAN RADIO STATION and this is CHRISTIAN MUSIC meant to be used to WORSHIP AND GLORIFY THE LORD. And then, I found Victory 91.5 . What a wonderful way to drive to work: prayer – deep prayer, devotion, profound Bible verses, and a blend of Christian music weaved throughout. So refreshing! Such a great way to put on Christ for the day.

Which brings me to my whole point for this post: being unapologetic about our faith. We are all guilty of toning it down – buying any kind of Christian book via Kindle so we don’t have to walk around with the title showing; when someone asks us ‘what we did this weekend’ we never mention going to church and that amazing message we heard; we shy away from our faith and our beliefs and our love for Christ – but is that really love? You love your spouse, your parents, your children – Do you disavow any of them? Aren’t you proud of those you love? Do you have pictures of your family on your desk at work? Probably so.

But do you have a cross?

This brings me to the book, “In His Steps” by Charles Sheldon (clicking the picture above will direct you to where to purchase this book). Craig and I found it, completely by chance, at the Edward McKay Used Bookstore on our trip to Fayetteville, NC (it was one of my all-time favorite places to go as a child!) for $1.30, used. And well-read. And for good reason.

Actually written in the late 1800’s, this book (still quite relevant today) is the story of a group of self-proclaimed Christians, as many of us are today. They attended church on Sundays, and they called themselves Christians. But did they really live for Him unapologetically?? When they took on the challenge of living for an entire year by asking themselves “What Would Jesus Do?” in every situation, they found out how lives can be radically changed by being absolutely unapologetic about following Christ, and making Him Lord of your life.

Pray for us, as we pray for you, to live for Christ and ask ourselves “What would Jesus Do?” in every situation.

All Our Love,

What's Up Wednesday

What’s Up?! Wednesday

December 11, 2013December 11, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Good Morning and What’s Up??

As I’m sure all of you have, Craig and I have been BUSY this Thanksgiving – Christmas season…Recently, it seems to start even earlier actually. I’m thinking about what our Christmas cards are going to look like as early as September, and we place the order by Halloween…

I realize this is news to absolutely no one. We are all busy and have a million things going on – especially this time of year. And one of the things we are all busy with is buying gifts, and then wrapping them – and in our case, shipping them to their ultimate destination (Note: Do not open said package when it/they arrive!!! :-).

Craig and I finished our shopping early this year – like extra early, which has been hard for us, in the ‘keeping what we bought each other a secret’ kind of way – and we have spent the past few nights in a sea of ribbons and bows and wrapping paper. As we were sitting on the floor the other night, I was making a bow from burlap wired ribbon and polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, and Craig was watching me pretty intently. He said, “Where did you learn to do that?!?”

I replied, “My mother.” And really, you should see her wrapped gifts. They are worthy of the pages of a magazine, and bring to my mind childhood memories and family traditions…

My husband has tons of great stories and memories of he and his father and grandfathers. Most of them involve International Harvester, working outside, and cows. His face lights up when he tells me about his childhood.

When I think about growing up, nothing about tractors really comes to mind, but when I think about my parents’ house at Christmastime, I think of helping my mother wrap presents. I felt special because it was something I, alone, got to do with my mama, while my dad and my brother were doing something manly. I learned all about creating bows out of ribbon, creasing the edges of the paper just so to make sure designs lined up and symmetry was straight, and I got to place my finger in the middle of the ribbons she was tying to ensure the knot was tight and centered…

Now this is part of our holiday tradition. Finding pretty ribbons and coordinating wrapping paper and gift tags, creating artful packages…Just a plain old gift bag and store-bought stick-on bows won’t do. It all came from my mother, and now here I was (have been) on the floor in the guest bedroom, creating bows out of ribbon, while my husband puts his finger in the middle to make sure the knot is tight, and helps me crease the edges of the paper just right.

Add in the Christmas music and a glass of wine (or Ol’ Santy Eggnog with brandy) in a Spode Christmas Tree glass (courtesy of my grandmother), and you have a lasting holiday tradition, passed on from one generation to the next.

What are your Christmas/Hanukkah traditions?

Much Love,

TTC Tuesday

Trying To Conceive Tuesday

December 10, 2013December 10, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres3 Comments

Welcome Back!

It’s TTC (Trying To Conceive) Tuesday here at The Newlywed Lefebvres blog, where we will limit ourselves to one day per week of discussing our (trying) journey of infertility. For the purposes of future posts, maybe today I should tell you a little bit about our unique situation.

For the past year and 3 months, Craig and I have been trying to have a baby, and thus far, we have been unsuccessful. After complaining to my doctor the entire time of issues I was experiencing, after almost a year, he finally referred us to have some testing completed. Long story short, they found a polyp blocking my right fallopian tube. This was surgically removed in October.

Further testing (which is an entire novel of a story in itself) confirmed I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Click here to find out more.

We began treating this condition in the past month with Metformin and Letrazole, as well as vitamin and mineral based supplements. In addition, I am using a progesterone cream, as well, and (as I have for years) am following a extremely low-GI, gluten-free diet. Yay.

Last Wednesday, I went in for my first sonogram to monitor the medication’s effectiveness…If you have gotten a frustrated call or e-mail from me, you know we are struggling with the most inept medical practice in Northwest Georgia, and to put the cherry on top, they had no idea why I was there when I arrived at the doctor’s office last week…So, that being said, who KNOWS if they were able to obtain any worthwhile results from our first sonogram or not. This Friday, they will have another shot, so we will have to let you know next week if they redeemed themselves or not. Pray for us and my patience with these people. Seriously.

On a positive note, the Metformin has been wonderful at treating all sorts of things I have struggled with for years. Insulin-resistance can affect alot of things, and finally finding an answer and a treatment is priceless, albeit a little bit maddening that it took so long for the doctors to diagnose and to grab their attention. If you want that saga, send me an e-mail. It’s quite the tale…

The bottom line is that YOU know your body. If YOU think something is off, don’t stop until the doctor LISTENS and DOES something!

The anagram is PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens. I say: SPADS – Start Praying And Don’t Stop.

Until Tomorrow…

Much Love,

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Thank you for your response. ✨

My Choice Monday

MY CHOICE Monday

December 9, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Good Morning All!

Welcome to the first week of our new blogging format, and to My Choice Monday! This week’s edition is going to be a little bit overzealous due to some great finds this weekend – Craig and I have three recommendations today!

Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips I found this little gem at our local Target the other day, and apparently, I was unbelievably lucky. This product has been available in the UK for quite awhile, but is hard to find in the US – of course. At $1.99, this is the best lip balm around – not to mention the amazing and light rosewater scent. I have found it works well as a base for lipstick, as well as over lip stick for a hint of shine. And that leftover bit on your fingertip? Dab it on the insides of your wrists prior to applying your perfume (adds longevity to your fragrance), or simply alone for a very faint but beautiful rose scent. Click on the image above to go straight to Amazon to pay a little bit more for a two-pack if you can’t find this at your local Target, CVS or Wal-Mart! It’s worth it!
Handel’s Messiah Ring in your Christmas season by going to see this unbelievable performance wherever you may reside! Craig surprised me on Saturday morning by hopping out of bed around 8AM, rustling around downstairs, and returning with coffee and an early Christmas gift – tickets to Handel’s Messiah, performed by the ASO, and dinner reservations – which will sum up today’s final recommendation. I’m sorry girls, but I got him – the most wonderful husband in the world – and I’m never letting go! 😉 Here’s a little preview of a chorus from the Messiah you all should know. The live performance of this brought tears to my eyes. If this is so beautiful here on earth, I cannot even begin to imagine the glory of the songs the choirs of angels sing in Heaven. This performance felt like a foretaste.

I couldn’t find a version on YouTube with the ASO, but this is a more than adequate example.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Dinner at Fleming’s was the other half of my early Christmas surprise, and boy, did we find a new favorite “special occasion” restaurant! Not only do they have more than 100 different glasses of wine to choose from, they provide an iPad to every table to help with pairing your wine to your meal – or specific course, in our case! Plus, (Men, I’m talking to you!) notice the prime bone-in ribeye on my husband’s plate. He did, indeed, eat the whole thing, and we had some happy doggies when we got home! Fleming’s is a ‘chain’, much like Ruth’s Chris or Morton’s Steakhouse, but in our opinion, WAY BETTER! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and our experience at Fleming’s! Click on the link above to see if there is a location in your area, and if not, come visit us in Atlanta. We wouldn’t hesitate to return!

Hope you all had a great weekend, and enjoyed today’s recommendations! Join us again tomorrow for TTC Tuesday! Oh, and did you notice our new domain name? We are officially newlywedlefebvres.com !

xoxo,

Uncategorized

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

December 6, 2013December 6, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres1 Comment

Hello – Hello!

See? I promised I would be back bearing photographs, and here I am! It’s quite handy to have your camera to upload pictures, using a functioning laptop. Sort of a necessity, actually. Ask my dear husband and you’ll find out I haven’t had the latter for QUITE some time – until recently. I now have TWO – a work laptop, and my personal laptop – fixed by said dear husband. 😉

Anyway, you can see our most recent pictures here. I will continue to update them with additions from our phones and Craig’s more fancy camera, and as we have more to add for Christmas 2013. Here are a few samples:

The Lefebvre Family at Cara's Wedding (minus Mandy & Mike - who we MISSED!) — The Lefebvre Family at Cara’s Wedding (minus Mandy & Mike – who we MISSED!)

Our First Anniversary Dinner - Elijah's In Wilmington — Our First Anniversary Dinner – Elijah’s In Wilmington

For the rest, keep checking back here. 🙂

In other news, get ready for a lot more blogging and a new format! Here’s the idea:

My Choice Mondays – Craig & I will share products we love, places or venues we have enjoyed, recipes we have made, etc.

TTC Tuesdays – We will discuss the latest in our TTC (Trying To Conceive) Journey – happenings, thoughts, feelings, plans, PCOS, etc.

What’s Up Wednesdays – A weekly re-cap of ‘What’s Up?” with The Newlywed Lefebvres.

Thirsty Thursdays – Not your typical THIRSTY! Thursdays will be “Thirsty (for Christ) Thursdays! Devotions, thoughts on God, Bible study, favorite verses, etc.

Food For Thought Friday – News, thoughts, pop culture, anything and everything!

So what do you think? Excited for next week already? 🙂 Personally, I’m looking forward to THE WEEKEND and TONIGHT!!!!!!! That sweet husband I keep talking about? He’s finally coming home!

Happy Friday All! We hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend!!

Love,

Pier & Craig