To My Blog Friends...

 

Hello friends! I’ve been away from blogging for the last couple of week, but a lot has been going on and I’m so excited to now be able to share it all with you.

My husband and I have been living in Wyoming for quite some time, and the opportunity has finally come for us to move back South. Next week we will be moving back to Texas-closer to friends, family and the southern lifestyle we know and love.

A couple of weeks ago we purchased our first home together, and couldn’t be more excited about our future and what’s to come.

We’ve learned so much during this journey. We’ve learned that God’s grace and goodness is beyond measure. We’ve learned that patience really is a virtue, and once you learn the importance of it you then begin to let go and let God. We serve an amazing God and I praise him each and every day for this journey He’s lead me through. I am nothing and can do nothing without Him.  

I’ve started yet another online Bible study, and my friends, if you’ve never experienced these studies I encourage you to do so. They are truly life changing.

I wanted to share with you a little from this study because I know this is where so many of us are right now, today. The book is called “Stressed-Less Living” by Tracie Miles, and this study couldn’t have come at a better time in my life with a big move and all. But honestly, I’m so happy to share that my stress level during this time is nothing compared to what it would have been a year ago. God has done miraculous things within me. I wish I had the words to truly express what I feel inside and how he’s changed me-it’s beyond words.

I want to share with you some, as Tracie calls it, stress busting scripture. This comes directly from the book. I would encourage you to write these scriptures down, highlight them in your Bible and begin memorizing them. Keep them in an easily accessible go-to spot for when you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, troubled or scared. This way they are right there for you to stop and lean on God’s promise. If you’re interested in joining the Bible study, please visit melissataylor.orgmelissataylor.org. You’ll be glad you did!

 

I have set the Lord always before me.

Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

~Psalm 16:8 NIVp

 

Cast your caress on the Lord and he will sustain you;

He will never let the righteous fall.

~Psalm 55:22 NIV

 

 

In my distress I called to the Lord: I called out to my God.

From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.

~2 Samuel 22:7 NIV

 

 

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.

He rescues them from all their troubles.

~Psalm 34:17

 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10

I have so much enjoyed all of my blog friends. For the next few weeks, and while the move progresses I will most likely not be as committed to my blog, but as I continue this study I will share with you what’s on my heart. I’m thankful for each of you. I enjoy getting to know you, and thank you for allowing me to share my life with you.  Stay in touch!

Many, many blessing!

Rachel

 

Just A Few Things I've Been Working On

Have you ever had a list of projects you really wanted to get to, but they weren’t so important that you’d put off other things in order to get them completed? For example, for me I had a year’s worth of pictures I needed to either have printed or that were printed but needed to be put into photo albums. Since high school, I’ve always had my pictures organized and in photo albums, but this year I just let it get away from me. I thought I’d never get to these things because I always felt there was something else that should come first. Well a couple of weeks ago, I finally had the opportunity to complete some projects around the house and within my business. It’s such a great feeling to have them finished and I love that sense of accomplishment.

 

Here's my photo project:

 

 

I found these photo albums at Ross for $4 each. I bought three of them, and they all match-I love that!

 

 

I can't tell you how good it feels to have all my photos finally in albums!

 

 

The first project I actually completed was a Mixbook I made for my husband for our one year anniversary. Our anniversary was back in January, but if you've ever created a Mixbook you know it takes some time...and patience. I've never been a scrapbooker because I don't have the patience to sit there and try to be creative. Though it took some time, I'm so glad I did it. It portrays our first year together and I know it's going to be so much fun to look through years from now.

 

 

 

Another important project I completed was my Organizing with Rachel website. I have a completely new design and I love it! If you'd like to, you can check it out here.

 

Thanks for letting me share. And I'll be back next week for Marital Bliss Monday and Let's Dish Wednesday!

Have a great weekend, friends!

Rachel

 

Bring On 2013!

Well, it was a sad day at the Nuckolls house today. Yes, all the Christmas decorations had to come down. I never like putting the Christmas décor away, not because it takes an entire afternoon to take it down, but because the house feels bare without it. There is just a different feeling in the home during the Christmas season, and I look forward to it all year. Even though I’m a little bummed that Christmas is over, I have to say I am so looking forward to a new year! Last year was a great year. So many exciting things happened, and because of them, I know 2013 is going to be even better!

Over the holiday, my sister-in-law and I were discussing whether we wanted share our New Year’s Resolutions on our blogs. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to share mine. Not necessarily because I think you should know or even care, but I’ve found in the past when I write a goal down on paper, or tell someone out loud, I’m more eager to set out to accomplish the goal. So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to share with you a few of my aspirations for 2013!

1.      This year my husband and I have several joint resolutions, one of them being to sponsor a child through World Vision.

2.      I feel like I have been completely renewed through the Greater Online Bible Study I started a few weeks back. I want to carry this into the New Year continuing vigorous bible study and prayer, renewing my mind, spirit and soul each day in God’s Word.

3.      Last year I started my professional organizing business, Organizing with Rachel. This year I’m going to promote my business with full force.

4.      Most importantly, I’m letting go the fear and lack of confidence that has, for way too long, held me back from going after what I want and what I want to do with my life. It's time to be stronger, and to stand firm in my faith.

5.      I also have a lot of plans for my blog this year, and you’ll gradually see those changes as the weeks go by. I can’t wait to share them with you!

As always, thank you so much for reading. It means the world to me. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas season, and I’m looking forward to sharing the New Year with you.

 Many Blessings,

Rachel

 

2012 Christmas Ornament Swap Reveal

The day is finally here! Today I get to reveal to you the Christmas ornament I received during this year’s Christmas Ornament Swap hosted by Meg from Henning Love, Alisha from Alisha and Brandon and Ashley from Piloting Life. This is a great group of girls, and I’m so glad that I joined in on this experience! Not only did I receive a beautiful ornament for my tree, I also met a great blogger, and now friend, along the way. I already can’t wait to participate in next year’s Ornament Swap!

Now, without further ado, I proudly present to you my 2012 Christmas Ornament Swap Ornament!

As you can see, this ornament comes all the way from North Carolina, and was given to me by Brooke at Bits-of-Brooke! I absolutely love it! The cardinal perched in the tree goes along with the ornament. If you did not know, as I did not, the cardinal is North Carolina’s state bird. What a creative and thoughtful way to share a piece of your home! I'm thinking the cardinal will sit in my window after Christmas along with the blue bird my momma gave me a few years ago. What a perfect addition! 

Brooke could not have done a better job at choosing my ornament. This ornament is particularly special to me because since becoming a Nicholas Sparks fanatic, I have wanted to visit North Carolina. If you read Nicholas Sparks' novels you know what I’m talking about. For those of you who don’t, his entire novels take place somewhere in North Carolina. Since his books are mostly love stories, I’ve always thought of NC as a romantic place. Hopefully, someday I will get to visit, but for now I’m going to enjoy this special gift sent to me straight from there!

Brooke, thank you so much! You really did do a great job and I love it! Couldn’t be better. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and the most wonderful of New Years!!

Everyone, don’t forget to visit Brooke at Bits-of-Brooke! You’ll be glad you did-she’s a hoot!

Rachel

Welcome

Hey Everyone! Welcome to Early Morning Bliss. I thought I’d start this blog with a little explanation of my goal for the blog and what you can expect to gain from it. I’ll first begin with the meaning behind the blogs title, “Early Morning Bliss”. It’s hard to come up with a name for a blog, and so many things came rushing through my mind, such as “Everyday Inspirations”, “Delightful Inspirations”, and “Inspiring Everyday”. You get the gist; I wanted my blog to be inspiring to others. Well, all of those titles were taken, which probably means you can find a lot of “inspirational” blogs out there, and I actually love the thought of that. Anyway, since those wonderful titles were unavailable, I decided to switch my focus to “What inspires me?” and  ”when am I the most receptive to inspiration?”. Well, for me, that’s early in the morning. I have always loved mornings. I actually look forward to them. There is something about morning that is peaceful, calming and intriguing. It’s as though the rest of the world is still sleeping, and I’m the only one awake. It’s the only time of the day when I can really hear the birds chirping, watch the sun rise, and reflect without any interruptions.  There is something about it that is captivating. Morning is when I spend time with God reading my bible and praying; it’s when my creative juices are the most lively; it’s when inspiration hits me right in the face; it’s when I have those “aw-ha” moments; it’s when my mind is clear and I can prepare for another wonderful  day ahead of me. It’s the most beautiful time of the day and that’s why I decided to call my blog “Early Morning Bliss”.

My goal for this blog is to inspire and motivate. We get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget to stop and reflect on what a beautiful world we actually live in. I know, because I have been there. Before moving to Wyoming nine months ago, my life back home was non-stop. I was a grad student who worked full time, was obsessed with working out and really had no time to rest.  But I loved that life, and to be honest, I didn’t know anything else. I’d always been that way and thought I would go crazy if the day came that I didn’t constantly have something going on.  Well, was I in for a rude awakening when I moved to Lander, Wyoming. Life moves at a very slow pace here, including the people. It was definitely an adjustment and I have to admit I struggled with it for quite some time. I wasn’t going to school, I wasn’t working, there wasn’t a Gold’s Gym in the entire state and it took at least two hours to get to the nearest Target. Yes, life was going to be different. But after struggling with it for a while, one morning I decided I could either spend however long I was going to be here depressed and upset or I could embrace this time and turn into something positive.  

And that’s exactly what I did. I learned to love where I was living and taught myself how to love where I was at in my life. It wasn’t something that happened over night; I still had those days where I felt so isolated from the rest of the world. But today, I can honestly say I have come to embrace every day that I am here. I have been blessed beyond words with a wonderful, loving, caring and supportive husband; I have seen some of God’s most beautiful creations that I would have otherwise missed out on had I not lived here; and I have met people that have changed my life and will forever be in my heart. Being here has slowed me down to where I can breathe and reflect on this beautiful life I have so graciously been given.  I know the day will come when we will move and more than likely our lives will go back to the hustle and bustle of city life, but my hope and desire is to continue to take time to slow down and take in the beauty of life and its surroundings. And that is my hope for you as you read my blog, that although life is busy and crazy, we can and should take the time to find the beauty and blessings in every day. So what I’d love to share with you throughout this new journey are things that are motivational, inspirational, fun and creative. I hope you will join me and find joy in every day that is given.

Nuckolls' Christmas Fun!

Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a great weekend. I wanted to post this yesterday, but got really caught up in the ‘Greater’ Online Bible Study that I’m participating in. This is such as great book; you should really check it out! Anyway, that’s why I’m a day late with my weekend post. God’s Word first, right?

For the Nuckolls’, our weekend was filled with Christmas fun! We started the weekend off by going to the 5^th Annual holiday tradition of Light Up Lander. It’s a community food drive that’s held on Main Street. The town comes together to donate canned food items, they raffle off kid’s bikes and they light the big Christmas tree. It was our first year to join in on the festivities and we had a great time.

Saturday we began our day early. We had big plans to decorate the house for Christmas. In Wyoming, for $8 you can actually go into the forest and cut down your Christmas tree. Although, we had already put up an artificial tree for this year, we weren’t going to pass up the opportunity to actually go out into the forest and cut down a tree. We decided we would choose a smaller tree and use its branches for holiday decor around the house.  Here’s what we came up with, and there’s possibly more to come…

 

First, we had to find the perfect tree...on the hunt in the Shoshone National Forest

 

 

 

This is it, we found our tree!

 

Then we, or he had to cut it down...I helped...a little :)

 

Now, on to the house, it's time to decorate!

Here are a few of things we did with our little tree. From its branches we added some greenery and a rustic look to our centerpiece; we made a wreath to hang above our garage; we placed branches on top of our banister and added a little lighting; and finally we placed its branches and pine cones on top of our cupboard to give it a more rustic look as well.

We finished decorating our tree and added a few lights to the front porch.

I added a little holiday cheer around the house by putting candy and Christmas bulbs in jars, framing and displaying our 'first' Christmas card, and decorating these plates I bought at the Dollar Tree with our initial and red chargers. In addition to all the fun, it wouldn't have been complete with chocolate chip cookies and Christmas Vacation on the television. This was such a fun day!

Recap of My November

Oh my goodness, what I crazy month we’ve had! In a good way it was crazy, but man was it crazy busy! Matt and I got back to Wyoming around 2:30 Tuesday morning and now I feel like I’m vacation. I did absolutely nothing yesterday. Traveling is exhausting and a month of it will wear you out! I’m not complaining. It was a great trip. So much happened. I was home just in time for some important events; I got to see people I hadn’t seen in a very long time; and I got to do some things that really made the trip great! So here is a recap of my November…

It all started when my husband found out he had to go to North Dakota for work for three weeks. Well, I wasn’t staying in Wyoming by myself for three weeks and I really didn’t have the desire to go to North Dakota. So as my husband packed his bags in preparation of the blistery cold of North Dakota, I was packing for the warm days and cool nights of the South.

I arrived in Dallas on October 29^th and spent a week with my sister (who is expecting a precious baby boy any day now). During this time I helped her around the house while she was at work, we took her stepdaughter trick-or-treating, and I was able to attend her first baby shower.

Us girls at the 1st baby shower

I made Kelly a New Mommy Survival Kit
(helpmegrowutah.blogspot.com)
 

After the shower I rode back with my parents to Tulsa. During this time daddy had a much need operation on his neck. My mom babysits, so while she was taking care of daddy for a couple of days, I was helping her with the kiddos. I spent some quality time with my grandma. She had a few doctors’ appointments while I was there and I offered to take her.  I found time to ride my horse, Sonny. That was much needed. My baby sister and I had the opportunity to go see a Red Dirt concert, The Josh Abbott Band. I hadn’t been to a concert in over a year. That’s one of my favorite things to do, so we definitely had to take advantage of that.

We also had another shower for Kelly with our Oklahoma/Arkansas family. This was so much fun! Daddy and I got crafty and together made this…

These were my daddy's chaps when he was a little boy. We hung them in the baby's room.

As party favors, I made sandalwood bath salts that I found on homemade-gifts-made-easy.com via Pinterest.

The shower was jungle theme, so me, mom and baby sis had a lot fun at Hobby Lobby gathering items for the shower. We served hot ham sandwiches, (thanks to my sis-in-law for the wonderful recipe!) along with veggies and punch. No shower is complete without cupcakes, jungle themed of course.

Kelly got so many wonderful things and she is all set for baby to arrive!

A couple of things from Aunt Rach and Uncle Matt. First pair of cowboy boots and OU gear.

The Happy Couple

After the shower I went back to Texas with sis and brother-in-law. My husband would be meeting us at their house and I could not wait to see him! Three weeks is just too long to be away from my love! Kelly and her husband had just moved into a new house a few days before the shower and weren’t exactly settled in, so Matt and I spent a couple of days putting their house together while they were at work. I think they were pretty happy about that, especially Kelly being nine months pregnant and all.

Before & After

Jaxon's Room

Then it was on to San Antonio for Thanksgiving with my husband’s family. What a great holiday it was. We had wonderful food, and spent time with great people. I think it was the warmest Thanksgiving I’ve experienced. Eighty degrees is pretty warm for Thanksgiving.


Thanksgiving Day 2012

Me, Em and Owen 

The day after Thanksgiving my brother-in-law took Matt and I to The Alamo. You can’t go to San Antonio with visiting The Alamo. This was my first time ever in San Antonio so The Alamo was a must! After the Alamo went to a little town north of SA called Gruene. Coolest little place I’ve ever seen.

The Alamo

The Riverwalk, San Antonio

Gruene Hall, Gruene, TX

That weekend, we watched the bedlam game, OU vs. OSU. I didn’t attend either school, but Matt attended OSU so naturally I support his team. It was certainly a house divided, but that made it all the more fun! That night we got see yet another Red Dirt concert, Reckless Kelly. That was a great time!

Go Cowboys!

The next day we headed back to my sister’s place for one more night with them before we were off to the airport and headed to Denver. We arrived in Denver around 7:00 PM and drove back to Lander, WY for Matt to be back at work on Tuesday morning. It was quite the trip, but so much fun was had!

Now it’s time for Christmas-my absolute favorite time of the year! Today has been nothing but decorating and listening to Christmas music.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I’m looking forward to sharing the Christmas season with you as well.

xo

Rachel