Disclaimer: This blog is not meant to judge anyone who reads it. It is simply my opinion on things that I appreciate.
Today I was listening to the radio, and a song came on that's premise was about a guy who needed was a beer in his hand. There are many songs out there and people out there that share this sentiment, and I started to think about this. I'm not only glad that I have a guy who does a lot of really amazing things, but I'm also glad that I have a guy who doesn't...
Drink - I grew up in a non-drinking family, and I always saw it as wrong. Black and white. Don't drink. End of story. Now that I see shades of grey, I realize that it isn't necessarily a sin to drink (though it is a sin to get drunk). But I still don't see the point in it. And I don't think I would be comfortable around it. I am blessed that the guy I'm marrying doesn't see the point in it either. I'm blessed to be marrying a guy who can't relate to all the drinking songs.
Smoke - I am used to people smoking. My father smokes, and I love him with my whole heart. But I hate when we're riding in the car, and I can't breathe. The smell it leaves everywhere. I'm blessed to have a man who doesn't smoke.
Cuss - For me, your choice of words is more about the spirit behind the words than the word itself. If you're degrading someone, it doesn't really matter what word you use - because you're being mean-spirited and hurting someone else. If you hit your toe on the corner of the bed, it doesn't really matter to me what word you use - because it hurts and you aren't directing it at anyone. But I don't promote cussing nor do I think it's necessary. And I'm very blessed to have a guy who makes up crazy exclamations instead of using words that might hurt his testimony.
So I know the things I talked about are pretty cliche. "I don’t smoke, drink, chew or run around with the girls that do..." And I am not saying that they are all necessarily wrong. But I am saying that I'm glad I found a guy who doesn't do those things.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Dining room and a desk...
This morning came early for a Saturday. It was our first Visitation Day of the semester - and I had the opportunity to talk to dozens of bright-eyed, overwhelmed, and searching high school students. Some were ready to come to Campbell today, some didn't seem so sure. But they all bless me in different ways. More than that, our current students constantly uplift me and impress me with their willingness to go the extra mile.
After work, exhausted and ready to curl up and take a nap, I headed home to meet Derrick. The plan was to pick up the truck, go to Fuquay and pick up a desk from Derrick's old job, and then go to our home - to set up our dining room table, move in the desk, and clean up a bit.
We got to Fuquay, and we realized that we had forgotten the keys to the office. Where the desk was. It wasn't a total wasted trip, though, because we dropped off a donation at the Gaurdian Angel. Then headed toward our beautiful little home in the middle of wide-open spaces.
For the next couple of hours, I worked on organizing CDs, cleaning up, adding some homey touches, while Derrick began putting together our dining room table. I enjoy working on different things together. I enjoy knowing that he's right through the doorway. I enjoy having him there. Music played in the background as we enjoyed our peaceful solitude.
After I had done all that I could, I helped him put together our last two chairs. He taught me how on the first chair. And then he wanted me to show him on the second chair. I got it right for the most part...except that I forgot two of the screws that were supposed to go in the back of the chair. (I don't think they were really that important anyway). I got better at tightening the screws as we went along...so if you come over for supper, you should feel fairly safe sitting down at the table.
After this, we sat on our couch for a little while - and took it all in. Enjoying the moment. Enjoying the memory. Being thankful for each blessing.
Then it was time to load the plastic and boxes on the back of the truck and take them back to my parent's house. That seven minute drive was quiet an adventure - and I dutifully watched the back to warn Derrick if anything was going to fly up. I couldn't really tell though beforehand, so we had to stop several times, pull over, and make sure that everything was secure. We finally made it though.
Finally, we picked up the desk.
It was a large L-shaped desk that came in two pieces. It wasn't too heavy, so we got it into the house with no problems - thanks to Derrick's mad backing-up skills. And then it was time to get it into Derrick's office. If you were to go towards are two extra bedrooms in the house, you would first walk through another doorway - and then go three feet to your left, and you're in Derrick's office. Three feet to your right, and you're in our guest bedroom. Straight is the guest bathroom. This set-up proves to be tricky when trying to get a giant desk through both doorways and around the corners.
It wasn't going to fit straight in. We tried. It wasn't going to fit if we put it on it's side. We tried. It had more potential and looked promising if we slanted it, but no success. Finally, I suggested putting it straight up - long ways. This wouldn't work either when we were trying to fit the bottom through the door first. And then Derrick suggested that we put the top through first - so that the lip of the desk that juts out the furtherest can get through the doorway, before pushing the smaller part the rest of the way. Brilliant! After thirty minutes of maneuvering, we finally had it. And a happy dance ensued. Success! We did it - and we did it together.
I've still got two weeks to go, and I already like being a newlywed. Figuring out life together. Making a home together. Making mistakes together. Making memories together.
(Home photos and details with be forthcoming - probably after the wedding and updated blog!)
After work, exhausted and ready to curl up and take a nap, I headed home to meet Derrick. The plan was to pick up the truck, go to Fuquay and pick up a desk from Derrick's old job, and then go to our home - to set up our dining room table, move in the desk, and clean up a bit.
We got to Fuquay, and we realized that we had forgotten the keys to the office. Where the desk was. It wasn't a total wasted trip, though, because we dropped off a donation at the Gaurdian Angel. Then headed toward our beautiful little home in the middle of wide-open spaces.
For the next couple of hours, I worked on organizing CDs, cleaning up, adding some homey touches, while Derrick began putting together our dining room table. I enjoy working on different things together. I enjoy knowing that he's right through the doorway. I enjoy having him there. Music played in the background as we enjoyed our peaceful solitude.
After I had done all that I could, I helped him put together our last two chairs. He taught me how on the first chair. And then he wanted me to show him on the second chair. I got it right for the most part...except that I forgot two of the screws that were supposed to go in the back of the chair. (I don't think they were really that important anyway). I got better at tightening the screws as we went along...so if you come over for supper, you should feel fairly safe sitting down at the table.
After this, we sat on our couch for a little while - and took it all in. Enjoying the moment. Enjoying the memory. Being thankful for each blessing.
Then it was time to load the plastic and boxes on the back of the truck and take them back to my parent's house. That seven minute drive was quiet an adventure - and I dutifully watched the back to warn Derrick if anything was going to fly up. I couldn't really tell though beforehand, so we had to stop several times, pull over, and make sure that everything was secure. We finally made it though.
Finally, we picked up the desk.
It was a large L-shaped desk that came in two pieces. It wasn't too heavy, so we got it into the house with no problems - thanks to Derrick's mad backing-up skills. And then it was time to get it into Derrick's office. If you were to go towards are two extra bedrooms in the house, you would first walk through another doorway - and then go three feet to your left, and you're in Derrick's office. Three feet to your right, and you're in our guest bedroom. Straight is the guest bathroom. This set-up proves to be tricky when trying to get a giant desk through both doorways and around the corners.
It wasn't going to fit straight in. We tried. It wasn't going to fit if we put it on it's side. We tried. It had more potential and looked promising if we slanted it, but no success. Finally, I suggested putting it straight up - long ways. This wouldn't work either when we were trying to fit the bottom through the door first. And then Derrick suggested that we put the top through first - so that the lip of the desk that juts out the furtherest can get through the doorway, before pushing the smaller part the rest of the way. Brilliant! After thirty minutes of maneuvering, we finally had it. And a happy dance ensued. Success! We did it - and we did it together.
I've still got two weeks to go, and I already like being a newlywed. Figuring out life together. Making a home together. Making mistakes together. Making memories together.
(Home photos and details with be forthcoming - probably after the wedding and updated blog!)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
It's within reach...
I haven't posted in a while and, with my wedding being 20-something days away, I thought I should say a few words.
1. I'm exhausted, but happy. We thought we had most of the planning done, but there are still a lot of little details that creep up on you. DJ's playlist - which is a fun little detail. The programs - which turned out to be really cute. The bridesmaids shoes - which will forever haunt me. On top of that, October is an insane month at work - so I've been busy trying to make sure that everything is taken care of. That I'm not missing anything, forgetting anything.
2. I love our home. I can't wait to have you all over! We painted our living room and dining room this past weekend. It was a lot of work. It wasn't perfect. But it was such a good experience for us. The first green I chose was hideous - ugliest cover i've ever seen - so bad it made me tear up, to which Derrick took me into our bedroom, had me lay down on our imaginary bed (denoted by two pillows on the floor), and assured me that it was going to be okay.
Derrick stepped in brown paint and, in trying to make sure the paint tray didn't spill, stepped on the carpet. I had to hold my breath, and then decided to laugh instead of get upset. I'm glad it didn't go perfectly. I'm glad we had to dance in a messy kitchen with an ugly green wall. I'm glad we had to powwow on an imaginary bed. I'm glad we had to clean a stain out of the carpet.
3. We had our two premarital counseling sessions. They went well. It all seemed like common sense to me - to which Derrick reminded me that it's not. A lot of people don't understand. I'm just blessed to have good role models in my life, to have had amazing friends who are beautiful young brides...plus, I've been reading marriage books and studying marriage scripture and biblical roles for husbands and wives for years. And praying for this time. God and I have talked about it A LOT. It's a passion of mine. It's important to me. I am not going to be perfect, but I want to be the best I can.
4. I'm excited about the wedding - and I hope that it's a time filled with friendship and music, kisses and laughter. I think that when I think of my wedding day those are the things that come to mind. A happy soundtrack of picture perfect moments with my best friends. My dream is to have one of those euphoric nights where the rest of the world disappears and it's just you and your favorite people (with really good music in the background).
5. We're having Zaxbys at the wedding. True story.
6. My poor mother has the worst bride as a daughter. I can't make decisions. I'm more excited about painting my house than picking out a menu. I'm independent and want to do it all, but don't want to do any of it. But I'm coming around to it. And everything is falling into place.
7. Oh yeah, I'm the head of the committee for Campbell's 125th Anniversary Ball. On October 21. Big deal. If you're a student or alum, you should come. Register online at www.campbell.edu.
8. No one has given me a recipe book. Facebook inbox me your favorite recipe!
9. I love Derrick Green. We laugh a lot. And dance a lot. And he said he likes that I make everything into a song.
I know there's probably more. But those are the random points that come to mind right now. VERY SOON I'll be updating my blog to represent my newlywed status as Mrs. Green! That's right - be excited!
1. I'm exhausted, but happy. We thought we had most of the planning done, but there are still a lot of little details that creep up on you. DJ's playlist - which is a fun little detail. The programs - which turned out to be really cute. The bridesmaids shoes - which will forever haunt me. On top of that, October is an insane month at work - so I've been busy trying to make sure that everything is taken care of. That I'm not missing anything, forgetting anything.
2. I love our home. I can't wait to have you all over! We painted our living room and dining room this past weekend. It was a lot of work. It wasn't perfect. But it was such a good experience for us. The first green I chose was hideous - ugliest cover i've ever seen - so bad it made me tear up, to which Derrick took me into our bedroom, had me lay down on our imaginary bed (denoted by two pillows on the floor), and assured me that it was going to be okay.
Derrick stepped in brown paint and, in trying to make sure the paint tray didn't spill, stepped on the carpet. I had to hold my breath, and then decided to laugh instead of get upset. I'm glad it didn't go perfectly. I'm glad we had to dance in a messy kitchen with an ugly green wall. I'm glad we had to powwow on an imaginary bed. I'm glad we had to clean a stain out of the carpet.
3. We had our two premarital counseling sessions. They went well. It all seemed like common sense to me - to which Derrick reminded me that it's not. A lot of people don't understand. I'm just blessed to have good role models in my life, to have had amazing friends who are beautiful young brides...plus, I've been reading marriage books and studying marriage scripture and biblical roles for husbands and wives for years. And praying for this time. God and I have talked about it A LOT. It's a passion of mine. It's important to me. I am not going to be perfect, but I want to be the best I can.
4. I'm excited about the wedding - and I hope that it's a time filled with friendship and music, kisses and laughter. I think that when I think of my wedding day those are the things that come to mind. A happy soundtrack of picture perfect moments with my best friends. My dream is to have one of those euphoric nights where the rest of the world disappears and it's just you and your favorite people (with really good music in the background).
5. We're having Zaxbys at the wedding. True story.
6. My poor mother has the worst bride as a daughter. I can't make decisions. I'm more excited about painting my house than picking out a menu. I'm independent and want to do it all, but don't want to do any of it. But I'm coming around to it. And everything is falling into place.
7. Oh yeah, I'm the head of the committee for Campbell's 125th Anniversary Ball. On October 21. Big deal. If you're a student or alum, you should come. Register online at www.campbell.edu.
8. No one has given me a recipe book. Facebook inbox me your favorite recipe!
9. I love Derrick Green. We laugh a lot. And dance a lot. And he said he likes that I make everything into a song.
I know there's probably more. But those are the random points that come to mind right now. VERY SOON I'll be updating my blog to represent my newlywed status as Mrs. Green! That's right - be excited!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
We all judge a book by its COVER!
I enjoy writing, and I pray that God will one day soon use my talents to inspire others and share the stories He has laid on my heart. I have had Secrets written for a while - it is a story that I am very much in love with and that means a lot to me - but I have lacked the confidence needed to get it printed. I am slowly making strides to get to that point; in fact, I shared this with you in May of this year. If you missed it, you can check it out here: Secrets preview.
Now, I need your help with a cover! My dear friend Jessica Cruz designed the two covers below. I am in awe of her talent and in love with both options, so I need my readers to help out. I have included the "back of the book" information for you to read before voting...
Sometimes you have to run away from everything you know to find out what matters…
Victoria Ryan has spent the past five years filling her portfolio full of regrets.
At 18, she ran away from her Christian heritage in search of love and lost herself in lust.
Now, with her luggage neatly packed in the back of her sports car, she flees California in search of something better.
A single sign announcing “Room for Rent” catches Victoria’s eye,
and before she knows it, she’s searching for answers on a ranch in Texas.
Trying to deal with the past and figure out the future,
Victoria soon realizes that she’s not the only one who has secrets.
Dean McAllister has lived on his Texas ranch his entire life and doesn’t seem
to care about anything else.
While Victoria is trying to deal with her shameful past and hidden sins,
she realizes that Dean is dealing with his own demons.
Can Victoria find redemption or is the past too much to be forgiven?
Will she ever find out the truth about Dean or will she leave the ranch never really knowing the man she has learned to care about?
And will either of them reveal their secrets and learn that
God is the only one who can make them whole again?
A story of redemption and forgiveness, Secrets reminds of us that God is loving
and merciful in the times we deserve it least.
For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14
Now that you know a little about the book - check out the two beautiful cover designs below. (And, yes, I realize that I am still Renee Johnson - the name change is simply in anticipation for the upcoming wedding and release of the book)
Comment on here or post on facebook whether you like 1 (fence and cowboy boots) or 2 (black, white, and pink) better. Feel free to tell me why you chose the one you did! Happy voting :)
#1
#2
Stay tuned to hear more about the book - and learn how you can get copy.
Interested in being on the waiting list to receive one of the first signed copies?
Let me know!
Stay tuned to hear more about the book - and learn how you can get copy.
Interested in being on the waiting list to receive one of the first signed copies?
Let me know!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Home Inspiration!
In anticipation of having and decorating a home, I have been excited to explore different ways to decorate. I have found much inspiration in Google and Better Homes & Gardens. Here are some ideas for the different rooms in our home... I just hope that I can be creative and resourceful enough to make our rooms look and feel half as good as their inspiration.
Living Room - Cream, Brown, Green
Master Bedroom - Black, White
Master Bath - Blues, cream
Guest Bath - Cream, Brown, Green
Kitchen - coffee, cream, red
Laundry Room/Mud Room
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Birthdays. Weddings. Things that involve me as the center of attention...
I'll be honest...
I like the presents.
I like the time with my family.
I like Facebook "Happy Birthdays".
But I don't really like my birthday so much. Or maybe I just don't see the big deal. I don't like people singing to me. I don't like cake. I don't like people expecting me to know what I want to do. I don't like being the center of attention.I grew up having and enjoying birthday parties - so it's not tied to a terrible memory from childhood. It just is what it is.
Plus, I didn't do anything to get here. I owe my parents for that. I had no say so in it. I didn't have to do much work. I just arrived - after much pain and preparation. And then they took care of me for 20 years. I think I owe my parents on my birthday - not vice versa (although I am very excited about and thankful for my new clothes and giftcards).
I am excited to be Derrick's wife.
I love my dress.
I'm looking forward to spending time with my friends.
And I am so grateful for all of the support of our wonderful family and friends.
But sometimes my wedding seems a little like my birthday. I don't want to be the center of attention. A quiet affair of celebration sounds just as nice. Just a simple promise of forever. Not dealing with and obsessing over the details. Not being expected to know exactly what I want and passionately care about getting it perfect. Not walking out in front of hundreds of people. That seems a little daunting.
Just like with my birthday...I am thankful. Sometimes I am nothing but excited. Sometimes not so much...I like the simple moments. The hidden whispers. The unexpected things that make you laugh. The little things that you don't know why you always remember and hold close to your heart. Birthday shopping with my mom. Sitting next to Derrick on the couch while we discuss Storage Wars. Remembering amazing times with my best friends over a free hotel breakfast. Those things matter more than having the perfect birthday celebration or a glamorous wedding.
God has blessed me so absolutely beyond what I deserve. I realize that - and I try to enjoy and memorize every moment. To never take anything for granted. To find joy in the simplest of things.I know I'll enjoy my wedding day. It will be amazing. But so will the nights watching television on the couch and laughing until we cry as we throw whispers into the dark.
I like the presents.
I like the time with my family.
I like Facebook "Happy Birthdays".
But I don't really like my birthday so much. Or maybe I just don't see the big deal. I don't like people singing to me. I don't like cake. I don't like people expecting me to know what I want to do. I don't like being the center of attention.I grew up having and enjoying birthday parties - so it's not tied to a terrible memory from childhood. It just is what it is.
Plus, I didn't do anything to get here. I owe my parents for that. I had no say so in it. I didn't have to do much work. I just arrived - after much pain and preparation. And then they took care of me for 20 years. I think I owe my parents on my birthday - not vice versa (although I am very excited about and thankful for my new clothes and giftcards).
I am excited to be Derrick's wife.
I love my dress.
I'm looking forward to spending time with my friends.
And I am so grateful for all of the support of our wonderful family and friends.
But sometimes my wedding seems a little like my birthday. I don't want to be the center of attention. A quiet affair of celebration sounds just as nice. Just a simple promise of forever. Not dealing with and obsessing over the details. Not being expected to know exactly what I want and passionately care about getting it perfect. Not walking out in front of hundreds of people. That seems a little daunting.
Just like with my birthday...I am thankful. Sometimes I am nothing but excited. Sometimes not so much...I like the simple moments. The hidden whispers. The unexpected things that make you laugh. The little things that you don't know why you always remember and hold close to your heart. Birthday shopping with my mom. Sitting next to Derrick on the couch while we discuss Storage Wars. Remembering amazing times with my best friends over a free hotel breakfast. Those things matter more than having the perfect birthday celebration or a glamorous wedding.
God has blessed me so absolutely beyond what I deserve. I realize that - and I try to enjoy and memorize every moment. To never take anything for granted. To find joy in the simplest of things.I know I'll enjoy my wedding day. It will be amazing. But so will the nights watching television on the couch and laughing until we cry as we throw whispers into the dark.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Less than 60 days...
Time until the wedding used to be this big wide open space. We had plenty of time. No worries.
I realized this morning that I now see the time between now and the wedding as a series of weekends. 8 weekends to be exact. 8 Saturdays to get things accomplished. 8 Sunday afternoons wishing we were married. 8 more weeks living at home. 8 more weeks with my last name. Only 8 (this is written with every emotion possible).
And I can easily spout off what the theme of each weekend is:
August 5-6: Beach with my best girl friends in celebration of my marriage!
August 13: 23 Birthday!
August 21: Wedding Shower with Derrick's Family
August 28: Wedding Shower with my Family (sidenote: people giving me showers makes me feel both excited and extremely selfish).
September 3-4: Free, probably house-related duties
September 10: ROTC Visitation and CAS Tailgating Cookout
September 17: Visitation Day
September 24-25: Celebrating my Dad's birthday, wedding/house details
Looking at that calendar of events August makes me excited. September makes me nervous. Will everything fall into place? What am I forgetting? Will we have time to do everything we need to do? Am I planning enough, doing enough? There's not enough time anymore for everything I wanted to do...
God is faithful. He has blessed me so much. And I know that it will all work out. I just need to enjoy every moment. This only happens once :)
I realized this morning that I now see the time between now and the wedding as a series of weekends. 8 weekends to be exact. 8 Saturdays to get things accomplished. 8 Sunday afternoons wishing we were married. 8 more weeks living at home. 8 more weeks with my last name. Only 8 (this is written with every emotion possible).
And I can easily spout off what the theme of each weekend is:
August 5-6: Beach with my best girl friends in celebration of my marriage!
August 13: 23 Birthday!
August 21: Wedding Shower with Derrick's Family
August 28: Wedding Shower with my Family (sidenote: people giving me showers makes me feel both excited and extremely selfish).
September 3-4: Free, probably house-related duties
September 10: ROTC Visitation and CAS Tailgating Cookout
September 17: Visitation Day
September 24-25: Celebrating my Dad's birthday, wedding/house details
Looking at that calendar of events August makes me excited. September makes me nervous. Will everything fall into place? What am I forgetting? Will we have time to do everything we need to do? Am I planning enough, doing enough? There's not enough time anymore for everything I wanted to do...
God is faithful. He has blessed me so much. And I know that it will all work out. I just need to enjoy every moment. This only happens once :)
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