Sunday Inspiration

I was at church this morning, and this song really spoke to me. I've sung it a thousand times, but something about today made it special. I needed to hear it and sing it, so maybe you do too.

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is mighty to save,
He is mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is mighty to save,
He is mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus 
My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is mighty to save,
He is mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave.

 

What a great way to start the week! Enjoy yours. :)

Oklahoma

I've been missing home a little bit lately. Sometimes when I tell people I'm from Oklahoma I get less than nice reactions. They usually say something like, "Wow, I bet your glad to be out of there," or "Well anything is a step up from that."

It takes a lot for me to smile and laugh instead of telling them how I really feel. Oklahoma is wonderful. I loved growing up there and am proud of who I became because of it.

I love this quote...

 "I've spent most of my life living in cities where people are obsessed with looking down on people from everywhere else. You get so used to doing it that you start to believe it's simply what everyone does. It makes for an atmosphere of unwelcome that penetrates much of our modern life. It's a shame really because a couple days in Oklahoma will open your eyes to how much better it would be if the rest of the country was filled with a few more people from Oklahoma." - Adam Duritz (Counting Crows)

                                  

I can't wait to go back and visit. There is so much I miss like...

• People waving when you pass them in your car. You never pass a truck without getting a wave or a nod.
• Chicken fried steak. Mmmm.
• Quik Trip! Holy cow, I love that place.
• Bedlam.
• McAlister's sweet tea. Sweet tea in general, really.
• I know you already know this, but Taco Bueno. I'm sorry, I won't bring it up again.
• Singing Oklahoma at O-State games.
• Being around other people who say "fixin to" and "ya'll".
• Cowboys.
• The fair.
• Tornado sirens. I know, that's a weird one.
• People understanding when I put ranch dressing on everything.
• Route 66.
• Seeing Garth Brooks at church.

I could go on and on. So, today and everyday I am proud to be an Oklahoma girl.

Football

I am a HUGE football fan. Not the kind that just enjoys games every now and then or the fun experience -- the crazy, semi-obsessed, love it more than boys kind of fan.

So, the fact that September is here makes me very happy. I'll be rooting for both my Cowboys -- OSU and Dallas -- all season long and I am so glad it's finally here!

I'm ready for fall weather, going to games, watching them, arguing with my husband about why my teams are better than his, eating lots of game day food...it's going to be a great time.

Hope everyone is ready for some football!

13 Months

People often talk about making it through the first year of marriage. When we did that, on August 1, I thought I'd make sure not to jinx anything and discuss our first year after 13 months. :) (I'm one day late because I meant to post this yesterday. Oops!) So, here we are. It is officially the Richardson's 13 month anniversary, and it feels pretty dang good.

It was both the easiest and hardest thing I've ever done. In our first two months of marriage we moved to a different state where we knew no one, got new jobs, bought a car and many other stressful things. It was not always easy, but I always knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Michael is the most wonderful person I've ever known. He makes me a better version of myself. His patience, smile, heart, laugh and stubborness are all things I adore about him. We really are the best of friends and that helps us appreciate both the peaks and the valleys. I can't imagine not being his wife and feel so blessed.

During the past year we have bought our first home, made new friends, gone back to school, got job promotions, traveled as often as possible, adopted a new dog, gone on countless hikes, runs, bike rides and ski trips, and loved abundantly. We've also yelled, cried, fought, been selfish and learned a lot about what it takes to make a marriage work. And I wouldn't change a thing.

Here are some pictures of our first year together...

Red Rocks

I love Colorado. It is beautiful. There's always something going on and new places to see. One of the places I was most looking forward to visiting when we moved here was the Red Rocks Amphitheater.

We got to go in July and it didn't disappoint. It is an awesome venue and such a fun place to see a concert. Michael and I went to see Citizen Cope and OAR. We love CC and OAR put on a really good show.

I can't wait to go back.

Happy Birthday Dad!

I'm late. My dad's birthday was a couple of days ago, but I couldn't post about it because he was here visiting and we were having way too much fun.

So, in honor of his birthday week I want to share a little about him.

• He's the most sincere person I know. What you see is what you get. All the time, no matter what.
• He is strong and hardworking. I love that he taught me to get dirty and get things done. 
• Steak and potatoes are his kind of foods, but he loves to try new things. And he could eat seafood any day of the week. 
• He is a real cowboy. That's pretty cool in my eyes. 
• He puts aside his own feelings, likes, dislikes and opinions to make other people have fun or be more comfortable. 
• He loves his family unconditionally. And he welcomed Michael into the family with open arms.
• He's always makes me laugh...usually when he's not trying. 

Today and every day I'm proud of my dad and blessed to have him in my life. 

What I Miss...

I'm an Oklahoma girl transplanted to Colorado, and do you know what I miss the most about home?

It's true, friends. I LOVE Taco Bueno, and there is not one anywhere near me anymore. Sad day, I know. I literally crave this stuff multiple times a week, and I think it's becoming a problem. If I don't get some Taco Bueno soon I seriously don't know if I'll make it.

If I was there right now I would order a mexi dip & chips, a party taco and a coke. Then I would rejoice, eat it all and maybe order it again. Do you want to hear the worst part?! My dear husband travels all over this great country, and one of his frequent stops is in Kansas City. He stays in the same hotel every time he's there and guess what is directly across the street from him? I'm sure you guessed correctly. A dang Taco Bueno. He sends me photos, eats there all the time and breaks my heart. It's now a rule in our house that he not speak of it when he's there.

I know this may be a difficult love for some to understand. But I am not ashamed. And I will eat at my absolute favorite fast food restaurant again someday, hopefully sooner rather than later.