This Guy.

This guy brightens my entire day just with his smile.

This guy makes me laugh until tears are streaming down my cheeks.

This guy is my teammate in all things.

This guy is my biggest cheerleader.

This guy loves me better than I deserve.

This guy is the absolute best part of me.

He is my best friend. My husband. My love.

I adore him.

Love someone today. 

And tell them that you do.

Wordless Wednesday

Have you ever heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? I truly believe this.

I'm going to try something here I learned from a fellow blogger:

Wordless Wednesdays.

On Wednesdays, I'll post a photo or two that mean something to me, or evoke a special feeling or emotion. I hope you enjoy these selections.

I'll kick it off today with these photos taken by my amazingly-talented sister-cousin Kate Whitmore. Mr. Darcy and I had a session with her last Thanksgiving weekend. We love how she captures so much life in her photography. (We love you, Katie!)

(Yes, I realize I am already breaking two Wordless Wednesday rules: There are definitely more than just one or two photos, and I used words. Haha, we'll try again next week.)

Is it an addiction to be busy?

Disclaimer: This is a long entry. It's been a while. There's a lot on my mind.


It's been a while since I last posted. Why?

Life. 

Life happens. 

And around these parts, the lane has not been one of leisure.

For the past few months, the hubs and I have been playing a game against the clock. With our schedules being crammed full with activities every night of the week, we have been running wild.

Mondays- Musical Rehearsal until 6:00 (don't leave until 7:00)
Tuesdays- Musical Rehearsal until 6:00 (don't leave until 7:00)
Wednesdays- Musical Rehearsal, OF Rehearsal, sometimes praise team rehearsal, and Overflow College Ministry (usually get home after 11:00pm)
Thursdays- Musical Rehearsal until 6:00; small group at 6:30
Friday, Saturday, Sunday- Jon working job numero dos and me grading papers & cleaning house
Oh yeah...full time jobs on top of this.

Majority of the schedule conflict was due to my co-directing our school's spring musical. This year, our middle school students performed Disney's "High School Musical". Man, did they impress me!

However, in order to produce such a fantastic show, a lot of time, effort, energy, and resources were depleted.

Earlier I wrote about Jon and I leading our church's college ministry last fall. Wow, has it been incredible! God has done AMAZING things in the lives of our students!! We are humbled at the opportunity to serve in this capacity. But I would also be lying if I said we gave it the time and energy we wanted to. Some nights, it was all we could do to just make it to the 8:30 Overflow service. There was a lot of trust in the Holy Spirit to renew and lead.

Our "young professionals" small group started up this past January. It has been so great getting to know the friends in our group! We have each been taking a week to share our life story, our testimonies if you will. It's been so cool to learn where we all come from. We are thankful for this group and the time we share together.

Jon is super involved with the Men's Ministry at the church. He is the "Yes Man", and I admire his leadership capabilities and his servant heart. I am also involved in our church's Women's Ministry. We enjoyed an awesome retreat weekend about a month ago, and I was honored to lead worship for the event. It's amazing to see God changing families' lives in our church body!

As a teacher, the job is never-ending. There's always work to be taken home. I am finishing a fabulous first year of teaching 6th grade, but if I'm honest, there were times I wanted/should've devoted more time to my lessons/grading at home. There has been a constant feeling of "not doing enough" or accomplishing tasks behind schedule. I have now been hired to train principals and leadership teams around the state of Tennessee this summer over our new standards. It's a big job, an exciting opportunity, and I thrive in change...but what was I thinking? The first two training weekends were intense, but I am confident that I can do this.

With our "gazelle-like intensity" (for all you Dave fans out there), Jon is hustling with his second job on the weekends. (Now, we have removed him from the Sunday shift. Long but cool story made short, God revealed to both of us at separate times that we need Jon to be home on Sundays. When he said, "keep The Sabbath holy..." He meant it. And boy, was that a great decision to bring him home.) 

Having said that, "couple time" is rare, and date nights are seldom. And we don't even have babies yet! This has been a challenge. When Jon and I finally see each other at the end of the day, we're spent. We're exhausted. And we're not able to give the best versions of ourselves to each other. (I am the guiltiest party here.)

Sooo...what about family? We live hundreds of miles from our parents, and communication takes time and effort. My brothers are here in Nashville, but for only a short season. Isn't it important to make the most of this time we have together? What about our friends? I am surrounded by incredible friends here in Nashville, and I honestly feel that I have not invested in my friends' lives like I should. What about...us? Our marriage?

As I reflect on our lives and chaotic routine of the past few months, I realize this: None of the activities we're involved in are "bad". In fact most, if not all, of them are "good"; they honor God. However, I also realize that something has to change. It must.

As a single gal, I ran myself into the ground. I was involved in ev-er-y-thing! During those weeks where I was running on mere fumes (okay, Diet Mt. Dew), I kept reminding myself, "This is only for a season; only for (insert time frame here)." But when does this crazy-busy season end?

Now that I'm married, my Type A, control freak, overachieving personality does not only affect my life anymore, but it also reflects my husband's.

Jon is the best husband I could ever ask for. He is my strongest supporter and my biggest cheerleader. He never complains about this crazy life we're living, but I know him well enough to realize that this is the opposite of "thriving conditions" for him. Jon is a home-body. He moves at a slower pace than I do, and he enjoys every season as it comes. He allows time for reflection, and he recognizes the growth taking place. There's quite a neat balance, I believe, between our two personas. So how do we balance it?

Here are my questions: 
How do we get there?
What is the magical balance?
What do we say "no" to?
When is enough truly enough?

I must admit, amidst this running around, my relationship with God has suffered tremendously. Time spent in The Word in the mornings has been shortened, and on some days eliminated, as I crave every extra minute of sleep. Some days the only prayers I prayed were for strength, stamina, and provision. Where's the love? Thankfulness? Praise? 

My heart is heavy. I am feeling so convicted of this "addiction to be busy". 
I am thankful for God's grace to cover m shortcomings!

Here's what The Word says:


Ephesians 5:15-17 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

James 4:13-17 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

In the midst of the Holy Spirit grabbing ahold of my heart, I was reading a great blog that I follow- Elm Street Life. (If you've never checked it out, you should. She's amazing.) She wrote something that I can't get out of my mind. 

The bottom line is this: We are building up a kingdom with our lives- either a kingdom honoring ourselves or a kingdom honoring God. 

What kingdom are we building up?

I think that's the answer to my questions above about what to say "no" to.

Why do I struggle with overcommitment? Because I want to best represent God, or best represent me?
Why do I fill my calendar from sun-up to sun-down? Who am I truly honoring?
When I involve myself, and my family, into new commitments, is God being honored by our lifestyle?

Whew. This got me.

I am still working through these questions, and self-reflection is huge.

I am praying that God will give me discernment about what to say "yes" to, and wisdom to accomplish goals for His glory, and not my own.

It's not easy.


So, how do you do it?

How do you decide what to say "yes" to, and what is out-of-the-question?

Please leave advice in the comments suggestion. I am interested in your thoughts!

catch up..

I did it. 
It was inevitable.
I did the very thing I knew I would do when I started this blog. 
I let an annoying amount of time go by in between posts. 
Oops. 
I admit it... things have been a little cuh-razy around La Casa Darcy.
Blogging, unfortunately, did not take priority.

It pains me to even think about updating this blog by writing a much-overdue post, but, here goes. We've gotta start somewhere. 
I mean, I did mean for this blog to be a way of us to document our first few bits of marriage together, right?

Let me just summarize some of our happenings of late:

Take a breath.

Here we go.

 We'll do anything for free Chic-fil-a. Dress like a cow, get a free sandwich? Sure! Why not?! (Jon looks thrilled, I know, but we did have a great time.)

 Loving that my bros are back in Nash, mostly, after a busy summer on the road. This night in particular, we took them (and our friend Ted) put-put golfing. They sported their hand-made "bro tats". Duh. (For the record, I came in second place that night!)

 Jon was sporting a feaux hawk for a few weeks. I LOVED it! And now we find out, so did all of our friends! Jon shaved it off, but I have a feeling another hawk may be in the near future.) We are loving our grill and back deck. Now that the weather is cooling off, expect more cookouts, y'all!

 We bought a new car! In CASH!!! (Although, these are the keys of the first car we bought, then returned, then bought our new car. Long story. All you need to know is God is good and we got a dependable car.) Blessing alert: once we turned in the Altima, we were expecting one more payment of almost $300 and an additional $400 fee to ship the leased car to auction. BUT... Nissan told us EVERYTHING was covered! We didn't owe another penny!!! Can you say, "Amen"!

 Jon taking it back to his Panamanian roots... plantains... they were stupid good!!

 We are fiercely committed to our "Get Debt Free So You Can Have The Most Adorable Mixed Babies Ever" plan. This is a pic of our envelopes. This is a praise in itself, that I don't crawl into the fetal position once the bi-weekly "budget meetings" commence. Not gonna lie...we have a significant amount of debt. However, we have a plan. We are sticking to it. And we serve an unbelievable gracious and provisional God!!

 Life is BUSY these days. We are trying to MAKE, not find, time to study The Word together. This pic was taken one Saturday we spent at the park, laying on a blanket under an oak tree, reading God's Word and meditating on what He says. it was an awesome time for us.

 And, of course, we had to suck up the last bit of summer at Las Paletas... gourmet popsicles g0 straight to me heart.

 I am falling more and more in love with this man every. single. day.

 So, since Jon has a second job valet parking cars in downtown Nash on the weekends, I am giving a whirl at being a Stella & Dot Stylist. I adore their jewelry, think a lot of their company, and really am enjoying this side business! (Only, I've gotta make more time for trunk shows...) Anyway, this pic is of some treats that were served at one of my August trunk shows. Thanks, Kelsea!

 For the past few months, God has been prepping both mine and Jon's hearts by whispering, "Get ready". (I think I blogged about this earlier.) For what, we didn't know. But we both feel such a calling to enter the ministry together, so we have been praying for that opportunity. And here it is!! Our church has always loved its college students, but never had a ministry specifically targeted toward college students alone. Jon and I were asked to head up this ministry, and after prayer and consideration, we accepted! We serve with a fabulous group of people that teach Sunday School, direct a not-so-small small group, plan Sunday meals, and help with Wednesday services, and Jon and I are responsible for the mid-week service. We have been soaking this ministry in prayer, and we are both honored and humbled to be a part. These labels were placed on packages of Ramen noodles we delivered to college students on move in day!

 Planning/leading the "Overflow" mid-week service means I get to do my absolute most favorite thing- lead worship alongside my brothers. AND hear Jon bring The Word! It has been truly ridiculous- the way these college students worship. The Holy Spirit floods our sanctuary, and with hands raised we experience true, genuine worship. It really has been surreal to lead a service together as a family. Really, as I'm writing this, I'm realizing it's a dream come true.

*If you think of us, please remember to pray for us and for the Overflow Student Ministry. We want nothing other than what God has for this ministry. Come, Holy Spirit, Come!!

 Since our lives are stupid busy these days, we are learning we have to schedule time for just the two of us to be together, Sounds silly, right? But it's soooo true, I guard time with my man ike I guard my meal time. :)

One night, our friend Alyssa blessed our socks off by GIVING us her tickets to watch the Tennessee Titans play! We had SOOOO much fun going together! One of Jon's biggest passions is football. What can I say? I'm trying to convert him to be a Titans fan. :)

 This past Labor Day, we spent time on the water with friends. Again, much needed time. Time to be together and be with friends. It might have been ugly, rainy weather. But we had a blast!

 This was only Jon's second time water skiing. Get it, baby!

 So. I'm trying to learn to run. That's right. Trying.

Jon is an amazing runner. He's one that can run for like 10 miles at a time...for FUN! Who does that?

Anyway, I am determined to become a runner, or at least a jogger haha. And you know what? Since I have the best trainer, I am actually developing some skill! 

 Again, part of that MAKING time for each other... the dollar theater is just down the road from our house. Let's just say, I can't stand the thought of paying $10 to see a movie at the regular theater, but we love seeing the movie a few weeks ater everyone else saw it...and we only pay $2! This pic was taken after we finally saw The Hunger Games. It. Was. Fantastic. I didn't think I had any interest in this series. Now I'm reading the books!

 Jon traded in all of his Playstation games in order to purchase the brand new Madden 2013 football game. (He cracks me up!) After hearing him cheer, clap, stomp his feet, yell at the ref, etc. I decided it was time for me to play a game. Jon "trained" me on the game's workings...and...I beat him. (But don't rub it in his face; he still says I cheated somehow, ha!) To celebrate, we went out for a late dinner in downtown Nash. Oh yeah, another BLESSING alert: one night while Jon was valet parking downtown, a guy tipped him $40!! He said use $20 to put towards our college ministry and use $20 to take me out to dinner downtown. How awesome is that?! Thank you, stranger I'll never meet, You sure did blessed these newlyweds! (and not just with the money.)

Key phrase around our house: "We ain't got no babies!"

 The Love of My Life!

 The family I nannied for had ANOTHER baby! Baby number five!!! Jon and I took dinner to them one night. We toured their BEAUTIFUL new home, viewed "The Lorax" on their 3D TV, chased their monkeys all over the house, and cuddled with this brand new bundle of joy. I would be lying if I said I'm not tickled with excitement to have one of my own, but I can wait. All in His timing. And right now is NOT His timing, ha. :)

 Truth. We have become a little obsessed with Justin Bieber in our house. Just last night, he was the soundtrack to our dance party.

 Before Jon heads to work Saturday nights, we try to soak in the morning time together. Jon is the newest member of the Franklin Farmers' Market fan club. Local honey, organic veggies, fresh-cut flowers, live music, and food trucks?! We're so there.

This is what I'm supposed to be doing. Instead, I'm blogging. :) 

(Hey, the dryer is going!)

All in all, we lead exceptionally busy, yet exceptionally wonderful lives. Just this morning at breakfast, as we prayed over our omelets and crescents, I began to cry.

There are so many times when the feeling of debt tries to weigh heavy on my shoulders. Or I am weepy on a Saturday night because Jon is working ALL weekend, and I'm dying to see him. Or my insecurities creep in and make me feel "not enough". 

But. God.

He blesses. He provides. He sustains. He gives strength. He is faithful. 

He is Love.

And He is good.

Happy Saturday, everyone!

Three Months

This past weekend, Jon and I celebrated our Three Month Anniversary by attending the wedding of our newlywed friends, Mr. and Mrs. Whitsett. It was a charming wedding, and it was an honor to witness the joining of two lovely lives into one. As I admired the style, trend, and beauty of the ceremony, my heart was overcome with joy. 

Three months ago, I stood in front of three hundred guests and promised to be Mrs. Jonathan Darcy for the rest of my life...but three months ago?! In an essence, I simply can't believe how fast the time has flown since Jon and I said, "I Do." but in another aspect, I feel as if we have been married for a lifetime already; I just cannot imagine life before Jon.

In our three months of marriage, we have experienced love, joy, blessing, and bliss at an extremely amplified level. When people ask me, "How's married life?" My short, but oh-so-true response is, "It's the best!" And it really is! Everything, and I mean everything, is more fun when it's with your best friend.

Cooking becomes an experience, rather than a chore; 

Cheap dollar movies become a spontaneous night out, and I don't even mind the movie of choice because I'm sitting with the most handsome man in the entire world;

Breakfast in bed is now a weekly gift, not something I wish I'll receive one day;

Packing lunch for another person is the perfect excuse to hide love notes in his Ziploc baggie.

Running errands is the perfect time to play a game;

Bedtime is more fun...well, for obvious reasons;

Prayer is now doubled in power, because the two of us are praying individually and together as a unit;

A Financial Peace University class is not an overwhelming hour and a half, but a time to plan, strategize, and dream ways to develop a better future for our part of the family tree;

Loneliness is not an option;

At the end of the day, no matter how rough or busy or challenging the day was, I come home to my Love, and with his embrace he erases away the day's heaviness.

Are there challenges after the wedding day? Of course!! And we instantly became aware of our complete dependence on our Heavenly Father. You see, on our wedding day we prayed and invited God to be the third member of this marriage. During our first month of marriage, we let the business of life get to us and we ignored our private time with God, a shift which was highly abnormal to our relationship. We were ignoring an entire party of the marriage, and the struggle was felt by both Jon and me. 

A marriage is the perfect avenue for God to shower us with His love, for Jesus to teach us how much He loves us and also how He desires us to love one another, for the Holy Spirit to move freely through our lives...but as a unit, we must seek this Power and this Love.

God is moving in our marriage. He is restoring dreams and revealing new visions. He is constantly providing and proving His faithfulness time and time again. 

We are learning more and more everyday- about ourselves, each other, our faith, life in general We are in daily pursuit of each other, but more importantly, we are in daily pursuit of Him.

We've already been married for three months, and we are finally getting adjusted to post-wedding life. But I never want to lose the luster of our wedding day. When vows are spoken, I always want to lose myself in tears of joy as I remember the promises Jon and I made to each other and to God. We are reveling in His Joy each and every day.

Psalm 126:3 "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with Joy."