-- small sacrifices --

Sometimes my acid reflux is so bad that I have to sleep on the couch. When I lie (lay?) flat, I wake up in the middle of the night feeling sick as a dog. I'm not sure if it's a mental thing, but being on the couch always makes me feel better. Every so often, I feel a pain in my chest & I have to sleep on the couch just in case. My husband is the sweetest because on those couch nights, he makes a bed on the floor right next to me. Even though we have a cozy bed less than 9 feet away, (yes our apartment is THAT small) Taylor would rather sleep next to me.

He sacrifices his comfort for mine. 

I am so blessed to be married to a man who remembers that the small things make me swoon. 

His love is thoughtful & kind.

Happy Birthday to my Teeds.

xo, Lynn Raye

New Family

Marriage is so bizarre.

You start a new family

you inherit someone else's family

you share your own family. 

It's just weird. 

On Friday night I had the privilege of cooking dinner & hosting my in-laws. 

I wanted the meal to be perfect... MADE FROM SCRATCH. FRESH. ORGANIC. 

Trying to impress/win over/be myself

around a new family is hard.

I find myself a bit difficult to love. 

I live in extremes and it's easy to misinterpret my passion. 

Trying to figure out my place in this new family has been hard for me. 

& there have been many ups and downs.

But God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

This family was predestined & created by God for His good. 

It will take time. It will take faith. It will take prayer.

But it will work. 

& it will be worth it.

As I was chopping veggies & stirring sauces,

I thought about how much effort it was taking to make this meal work.

Sweat was dripping.

My back was aching. 

I worked that morning so I was really tired...

& it almost felt pointless. 

But when they arrived & saw my table full of yummies just for them...

I realized it was worth it. 

It takes work 

but it's worth it.

(it's not perfect but it's made from scratch, fresh, & organic... Just like my new family)

xo, Lynn Raye

Summer Walks

Every evening Teeds & I take our little pup on a walk around the hood. 

We talk about our hopes, dreams, & plans for the future. We hold hands & dance & explore. 

Teeds & I have big BIG dreams

and we serve big BIG God. 

Living in this little city has been hard for me…

But walking around last night with my favorites put my heart at ease. 

This is where we are right now. 

This is where God has planted us. 

I will find joy. 

xo, Lynn Raye

ps if i'm lucky, I get coconut chocolate ice cream after :)