New Blog.

Well I have decided to start a new blog! So for now on please go to www.Lvanhoy.wordpress.com to read my latest entries!! Thanks and God bless!!!

Sunshine.

The babies are sleeping so I thought I would write... Well Its a beautiful day outside. Its crazy that just a week ago it was snowing like crazy and now its 60 and sunny- I love it! Gods beauty is revealed in creation and we have seen all sides of it the past two weeks. Its been a good day. Me and the babies got to go outside for about an hour (which keeps the babies very happy which in turn keeps me happy!). Earlier today, I was sitting on the floor with Katie (5months old) watching Graham (1year) chase his ball around. Katie begins laughing so hard- she thought it was so funny to watch Graham crawl to the ball, pick it up, throw it, and then chase after it again... She was laughing so hard, her face turned bright red. Well Katie's laugh is contagious because it got Graham going. He started laughing hysterically. Sitting watching these two precious babies laugh and smile, makes my heart melt. I couldn't help but join in the laughter and fun. Even though my job is exhausting and at times frustrating- the laughter and giggles is why I do it. Its the best thing in the world when I hear them laugh or when they give me kisses or when they rest their head on my shoulder- I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything. I love my job- Its growing me, teaching me, and giving me so much joy. Its almost been a year since I graduated college and I would have never thought this is where I would be- living in Arlington and working as a nanny BUT Gods plan is always better than mine and I am so thankful that He has placed me here. Life is good. God is GREAT!!!




PS....The cowtown half marathon is in 8 days and the countdown begins- where did the time go?? I am starting to get really nervous/excited. I am anxious to see how well I run and how I will feel when I am running- we will just have to see! I did register today so there is no going back :)

Enjoy this beautiful day that the Lord has given us!!!

"He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He." Deuteronomy . 32:4

Snow and hearts.

SNOW!!!!!!! Well if you can believe it- it snowed like 12 inches in the DFW area on Friday! It was awesome- so beautiful. I only worked half days on Thursday and Friday and Jonny had the days off. We spent the two days playing in the snow and watching movies!!












The rest of the weekend has been pretty great. Saturday Graham celebrated his first birthday! I can't believe he is already 1- I started watching him when he was 6months. He is so big now- can't believe it. We also helped out a little with Rush Creeks Dnow! God did amazing things in those students lives- to Him be the glory. And to top off the night we hung out with some friends. It was a busy but fun day! And today was Valentines day... It was pretty low key but perfect! We went to lunch at one of our favorite restaurants P.F. Changs- soo good. Then we came back home and made cupcakes and watched Harry Potter! After that we went to dinner at a steakhouse in Ft. Worth and then saw the movie Valentines day! It was a great day full of food, laziness, and movies- loved it! Jonny got me beautiful flowers too :) We have been together for 6 years and love each other more everyday! He is amazing!!! I am a lucky girl :)

Love.

Happy Anniversary to my parents!!! 27 years- so long!! They are amazing parents and I am so very blessed by them! They are wonderful examples of people who live for Christ and their love is so evident in their relationship. They are always giving of themselves and putting others before them. They have given me more than I deserve. If me and Jonny are half as good of parents as they are- our kids will be blessed! Love them dearly and pray they have an amazing day!!

Weekend.

Well this past weekend was very uneventful for me but very exciting for Jonny! Jonny and his cousins went to Aspen, Colorado to Ski and watch the x-games this past weekend! They left Thursday and came back Sunday. They had a great time and lots of fun. They got awesome food, good skiing, and were VIP in watching the xgames. I, however, did not have so much fun this weekend. I was soo sick. I woke up Thursday at 5 to take Jon to the airport and when I came home I felt awful. I didn't have to be at work till 10 so I took a nap until I had to be there. When I woke up I felt much better so I went to work. Well at about 2 I was feeling so sick. I left work and headed home (almost didn't make it home cause I felt so bad). Thankfully, my mom came and picked me up and took me to their house! I spent the rest of the weekend on my parents couch, throwing up- grossl! It was nice to be home with my parents but I sure missed Jonny! I am feeling much better now! I still don't have much of an appetite but its slowly coming back. My half-marathon training has been interrupted by this sickness but I am starting back up this week- hopefully I didn't get set back too much :) Thats all for now!!

Forgotten God.

So I am reading the Book Forgotten God by Francis Chan right now. I am loving this book! Its all about the Holy Spirit- so eye opening! I read it once already but I am going back through it again! I read this today and I just wanted to share cause I love how its worded. Just some words for thought! Enjoy!



"How many times have you heard someone say, 'I just wish I knew God's will for my life?' I know I've longed for this before. But now I see it as a misguided way of thinking and talking. There are very few people in the Scriptures who received their life plan from God in advance (or even their five-year plan, for that matter!). Consider, Abraham, who was told to pack up his family and all his possessions and start walking. He didn't know where he was going. He didn't know if he would ever be back. He didn't know any of the details we consider (e.g., his destination, how long the venture would take, what costs/rewards would be, whether h'ed receive a 401(k) or health insurance). God said to go and he went, and thats pretty much all he knew. I think a lot of us need to forget about Gods will for my life. God cares more about our response to His Spirits leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year. In fact, the decisions we make next year will be profoundly affected by the degree to which we submit to the Spirit right now, in today's decision. It is easy to use the phrase 'Gods will for my life' as an excuse for inaction or even disobedience. Its much less demanding to think about God's will for your future than it is to ask Him what He wants you to do in the next 10 minutes. Its safer to commit to following someday instead of this day.... To say that we are not called to figure out 'Gods will for my life?' does not mean God doesn't have purposes and plans for each of our lives of that He doesn't care what we do with our lives. He does. In both the Old and New Testaments He tells us that this true. The key is that He never promises to reveal these purposes all at once, in advance."

Just wanted to share... Have a great day!

Haiti.

You should watch this video. Its very eye opening and heart stirring! Its a sermon from a pastor who just came back from Haiti. Go to this website:

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/special/32-hours-the-church-in-haiti

We need to be praying!

Genesis.

I am at work and the babies are sleeping so I decided to write a little! Don't have much on my mind but I wanted to share what God has been teaching me lately. He has been teaching me a lot about who He is and His character. And not only who He is but how that affects living my life. I have been struggling a lot with just feeling apathetic... I have been going through the book of Genesis. I just decided I was gonna do it- no particular reason. I just finished the book of numbers and LOVED it so I thought I would stick with another Old Testament book. I wanted to re-read all the stories I have heard about a thousand times and really study them, know them like I haven't before. Its neat to read something you have heard before and see things you never have before. I love Genesis. The beginning of everything. The first interactions with God and His people. Seeing God's love for HIs people, His judgment of evil, and His redemptive power! It shows all aspects of Gods character and I love it- so beautiful. God has been tugging at my heart lately... I have been seeking Him like never before and yet some how feel stagnant in my relationship with Him. I feel like I am not moving and that my desire is getting cold. I went to God. I have been seeking Him yes but I realized that as I talked with my Savior I haven't been doing. I have been all about myself and my relationship with Him. So I just gave it to Him and whatever He wants me to do, I am here. I want to join Him in the work He is doing... A lot of times I pray for things just like that. "God, whatever you want me to do, just show me." But I have come to learn that God is always working and if we are in tune with Him and His purposes, we don't need to look far. He won't have to show us- we will know what His work is. In everyday activities, God is working. At work, school, home, everywhere! I can already see a change. I realized some areas I need to change. I am Praying for genuine love in my relationships with people, patience and peace in my job, a servants heart at home, a passion and stronger commitment with my Fusion group and a positive attitude daily. I pray that whatever I am doing I will be doing it unto the Lord and not men. Also, I want to serve more- anywhere and for anybody- I just want to give of myself! Well I would love to talk more but the babies are waking up- lots to do! Just wanted to give a little update! BYE!

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”- James 4:10

Pictures.

Our Kitchen is done... Here are the pictures as promised...

Mind OVER Matter.

Well.. Today was the end of week 4 training for the half-marathon! We had to run 8 miles. I did pretty good. I only stopped twice to walk and not for very long (probably a total of 2 minutes). I finished in an hour and half- which probably isn't good for most people but for me its amazing! I was pretty proud of myself. My legs were very stiff at the beginning so I started off slow and by the time they warmed up I was stinking tired so I didn't go as fast as I wanted but for never running that far before I think its good :) I am not much for running, although I love the way I feel after I run- I feel healthy, productive, and accomplished. I have never been huge into running races or trying to improve my speed so its all pretty new to me. For me, the biggest struggle is internally. I am constantly fighting with my mind. I don't get winded very easy and my legs aren't a huge problem most of the time BUT my mind is a constant struggle. I always run with music and try and not focus on the time or how far I have gone but for some reason my mind goes back to every second I am running. My mind is always saying, "you can't go any further" or "its too far- you will never make it without stopping." Most of the time I can fight the thoughts but it makes running so much less enjoyable and a lot harder. And when its over I think to myself- why did I struggle so much making it to the end? Last week, I started to set my ipod to worship music and constantly be in prayer and communication with the Lord while I run. I mainly pray for strength and endurance. I pray that the temptations of my thoughts will not overtake me! It has been good- I can definitely see improvements- still have work to go though! Sometimes, my mind is so strong I drift away from prayer but I am working on it. Only 6 weeks or 42 days until the big day!!!! I am getting nervous but I know it will be fun and very rewarding!

Also, we have decided to sponsor one of Maddies kids who she ministered to in Africa. We are very excited about it! I am very proud of her for giving up two weeks of her summer to minister to the kids in need over in Zambia. Brings so much joy in my heart! She is going again- summer 2010! If you would like to sponsor one of her kids or give to her trip you can do so at https://fathersheart.legacymissions.org/sponsorship.php or you can send her money through the mail! God is doing great things in her heart and through her- so proud!!

"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." John 14:8


Well thats all thats on my mind right now... Peace out!!!

Hello.

Our kitchen is DONE- well for the most part. We have finished all the major stuff and our appliances are up and running! We have moved all our kitchen stuff into it as well! All thats left is some touch up paint and trim! It looks great! I will post picture soon- just didn't have time to take any! It looks so good and I finally have some counter space and room in my cabinets to put things! I can't wait to start cooking in it :) Special shout out to Jonny and my mom who have done so much work on that kitchen... I am not the most handy person- I was more there for moral support! I am blessed to have such a stud of a husband and a caring mother!

On another note, I am excited that all my favorite shows are starting up again! I am definitely a TV junkie. I don't sit and watch tv all day but I do enjoy watching it- just don't have much time! I usually wait till they are on DVD and spend a weekend totally engaged in the show!

January 17th!!! I am soo excited about 24- pretty much addicted to it!


American Idol- watched the premiere last night- love it!!


My little brother got me into Lost over christmas break... I still have to watch the 5th season! February 2nd!!


The Office. January 21st!!! YAY!!!


Finally, One Tree Hill! January 18th!


ANds thats all for now!!!

Progress.

Its freeeezing outside. Its so cold that the top of my parents pool is frozen over- pretty cool looking. I really don't like this bitter cold weather but hopefully by the end of the weekend it will warm back up a little bit! We have made a lot of progress on our kitchen! Today we finished our countertops! We have finished the floor, installed all the cabinets, and are starting the backdrop! Its looking really good if I do say so myself! It has been so exciting and I am ready for it all to be done! I will post all pictures soon!!!

And I have finished my first 2 weeks of half-marathon training! Its been tough but I did it! The farthest I have gone so far is 5 miles AND I did it without stopping and in 50 minutes!!! I have never ran that far before so I was pretty pumped! Hopefully i will keep it up!! Only 50 more days until the big race :)

"I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.

I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.

I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free." Psalm 119:30-32

Have a blessed weekend!

Remodeling.

So we have been remodeling our kitchen. Our house is a total disaster but we are making some progress. We hope to be done by the end of the week. We pretty much destroyed our kitchen and are putting it back together. We are doing everything ourselves and I gotta say that I am impressed. Jonny is amazing at all this stuff and so handy :) I love it and I LOVE him!! So far we have closed in a doorway, layed wood floor down, and built our cabinets! We just have to install, paint, do countertops and backsplash! Its gonna look awesome when we are done with it- can't wait! Here are some pictures of our progress so far: (Ill post more as we progress)

Our kitchen was moved into the study room:

Starting Demolition:

Almost done with demolishing our kitchen:

Laying down the wood:

Closing the doorway up:

Done with the floor:

Starting to install the cabinets:

2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! My new years was interesting to say the least... Started out pretty good. Me and Jonny met up with some friends and went and ate at Fuzzys- some taco place. I had never eaten there before and I was not impressed- it was just ok but the company was great! American Airlines Center was having this outdoor concert thing. They had a bunch of bands (never heard of most of them) and a bunch of food and drinks and stuff outside the Center. They were also going to have fireworks too. We ate kinda early and didn't wanna stand outside in the freezing cold for hours so we drove to Dallas and we decided to just chill at a pub for awhile... Well that didn't work out so well. It was closed to reservations only. So we ended driving around Dallas forever trying to decide what to do. We had 2 cars. We decided to park and do the American Airlines thing. The girl car parked and walked to the party thing but the guys didn't wanna stay. They just dropped Rj off and picked me up. So Me, Jonny, Brad, Andrew, and Stephen left. Me in a car full of funny boys= entertaining! We then drove around some more trying to decide where we were going next. We ended up in Keller hanging out with some of Brads roommates. It was pretty fun. Just ate some food and hung out. We did sparklers at midnight! I am sad that I didn't get to spend the rest of the night with the girls- I missed them but it was a good night none the less!



So Normally I don't make New Years Resolutions (or atleast not seriously) but this year I would like to set some goals. I am very excited about this coming year! I have 4 goals:

1. Run a half Marathon. I am training for the Cowtown in February! I am so excited... I am doing well on the training so I hope I will pull through!


2. Find a Church home. Ever since me and Jonny have moved back home we have been attending the Church on Rush Creek (the church we grew up in). And although we LOVE this church and is so important to us, we feel God is calling us elsewhere. Rush creek played a huge role in our relationship and has helped shape us in so many ways. We have made lifelong friends there and has grown us in the Lord tremendously. We will forever hold it dear to our heart. We want to get plugged into a small group where we can fellowship and learn from other married couples. We really want to be mentored by an older and wiser couple! We also want to serve somewhere in the church!


3. Tithe. Me and Jonny are horrible at this. We really have been convicted about this and have been trying to do better. God is working on us! We pray that we will continue to work hard at this and give back what God has given to us!


4. Sponsor a Child. We want to give monthly to a child in need or an organization that helps in places overseas! We have been praying about this a lot and are gonna make a decision about where God wants us to give by the end of this month.


These are more of convictions than resolutions but I pray that whatever comes this year, me and Jonny will trust in Him and His provision. God is working in our marriage and we are excited to see where the Lord takes us!