Heaven must be that much sweeter.

It's easy to prolong writing your next blog post when you have SO much to update about... Jeez. It has been a whirlwind of a month!

I really want to be candid on here, and talk about things that are great and things that are very much not so great. Let me start off with the beginning of the month.....

August 3rd, Christian was laid off from his brand new job. This was THE job. The job he was so super proud of... BUT God always has bigger and better plans. He truly knows the desires of our hearts, even when we can't formulate those ideas in our heads. After some gut-checking, and some immediate panic and sorrow, Christian and I began to pray hard. We did some crying, but mainly we felt at peace with whatever path God had laid before us. I think it really took the words of my daddy for us to really understand. He told Christian something along the lines of 'when it's all said and done, when this is all over, that was JUST a job. that's it. It does not make you who you are!' I have lots of DUH moments, and this was certainly one of them.

My husband is the most caring, loving, and motivated human being I know. To see him at his lowest, and then to see him lift his hands in worship while at church that following Sunday, was a greater testimony to me than anything he has ever said or done. God is bigger than that stinkin' job! Turns out, just two weeks later (this week) he would be starting a new job. A BETTER JOB. :)  God is good.

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The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Sweet baby Elijah went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 25th. He passed peacefully in her arms.. and if I could guess, was greeted at Heaven's gates straight into the arms of my Grandaddy. Two of the most special people in Haley's life were together, and would never have to feel pain again. While it is a comforting thought, I can't imagine the pain that Haley is feeling. I am reminded, once again, that God is bigger and that He will carry her through all of this. I have to say, Heaven will be a much sweeter place knowing that Haley will one day be united with that sweet baby boy.

I am so grateful for family and friends who support us in good times and in bad. I'll be sure to update more often so that my next post isn't so hard!

xo

H

favorite friday

1. Probably my most favorite thing ever right now is anything that doesn't involve statistics. Who knew that the 3rd time around would be the hardest!? That's right. Twice in my undergrad... And here I am again taking it for my Master's. I think it's even gotten worse.

2. Pesto. I could eat it for every meal! Sandwiches, pasta, crackers, veggies... It's my favorite 'condiment'.

3. That moment when you realize that God has everything under control. This has been a recurring realization lately.

4. I'm sure I will catch some flack for this... I usually do! I love tattoos. I love the artistic nature, and the outward expression of your deepest beliefs. After all, you must really feel strongly about them in order to have them permanently inked on your body. That's what mine are for me, anyway. I'm sure there are many others who get tattoos just because. Which is also great. I have two. I love them. I'm proud of what they represent! They are a perfect representation of who I am and how I choose to live my life.

My eldest brother, Adam, and I have matching tattoos that we got when we were 16 & 17. We were way too young probably, but it is just another way that we are connected for life. The Chinese symbol for Faith on our backs. My other is on my rib cage by my heart that states "my beloved is mine" in my own handwriting.

5. Francine River's "Redeeming Love". If you haven't, you should. Just sayin'. One of those books that literally change your life.

6.  Rain boots. I am dreaming of owning a pair of these real soon. So cute! Maybe in olive green, too!

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After some hard times at the Chacon household, and some serious. prayer for guidance.. I am reminded AGAIN how lucky I am to be married to my C. Love this.

“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me… everyday.” The Notebook

Day 31

I really thought this 40 days of 'nakedness' would be a horrible pain in the rear thing to do. After 31 days of being makeup-less, I still feel equally as refreshed as I did in the first week! I go back and forth between whether I'll wear makeup again or not, but I do feel so much more secure with my natural face than I have since I was younger. I still miss mascara...

I was reflecting on a time when makeup wasn't a big deal in my life. Coincidentally, the last time I remember not wearing makeup at all was when I dated Christian in high school. I was 14/15 and he was 16. It wasn't until after we broke up that I started to wear a little bit here and there. He has always had a way of making me feel like the most beautiful girl on the planet; like I'm the only girl in the room. During this Makeup Fast it seems I have rekindled that fire in Christian's heart. The memory of the natural, make-up free, nerdy 14 year old with her backpack bigger than her, and her looks and popularity second to her school work and family. I'd like to think I'm still that girl, but it is nice seeing myself the way that he has always seen me.

Sometimes he is a bigger reflection of Christ than he realizes.

After my volleyball game freshmen year. look at his hair! haha.
My green eyes never used to show in pictures.

Homecoming 2002. Before we started dating, we went to a dance together.
He is soooo handsome!

& a little questionnaire... just because!

Three names people call me:  hm besides Heather: Baby, Rosie, Chacon

Three places I have lived:  Manheim, Germany; Honnolulu, Hawaii; Fountain, CO

Three places I have worked:  Coldstone Creamery; Ruby Tuesday; RTC (Current)

Three things I love to watch: Documentaries; My brothers play sports; C when he doesn't know.

Three places I have been:  The Yucatan; An alligator swamp; Vail... All random, and all very different. The Yucatan for our honeymoon, an alligator swamp because C, Chad, and Adam made me, and Vail to play in a volleyball tournament in high school... which my dad and I won, btw. Not competitive at all. ;)

Three things I love to eat: candy. candy. candy. JK. Pesto, chocolate, hummus

Three things I'm looking forward to:  Our anniversary, Vegas for Shannon's wedding, babies.

God doesn't need 5%

Sometimes we face circumstances where we have no choice but to fully rely on God to step in. My life has been full of these circumstances lately... While it has been tough, and I'm sure the road ahead is going to seem impossible, I am at peace knowing that I have a savior who absolutely adores me.

1. Philippians 4:6-7
   Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 

God knows. He already sees the outcome of the problems we face. I am convinced that the trial my husband and I are facing is an incredible blessing in disguise. If you think of it, keep us in your prayers; him especially. For guidance, understanding, and forgiveness. Pray that I will have the right words to say that will bring comfort.

Update on the baby: it has been a roller coaster! Each day we receive a different story as to what his future holds. Recently they told Haley his chances of surviving was only around 5%. My immediate tthought? GOD DOESN'T NEED 5%! He needs us to trust Him. To trust that He alone is the ultimate healer and protector.

Why do we worry?