A letter to the ladies-my story, and God's guidance

A season I am currently in,  and I know many others as well- singleness and  waiting for the Right One.  It seems cliche,  "waiting for mister right,"  I know,  but I mean it in a much deeper way.  Call me crazy,  but I don't even want to frivolously date anymore. I've spent my fair share of time in relationships that weren't purposeful.  I have made many mistakes,  and am FAR from perfect,  but,  ladies,  guess what? I know that God has someone out there waiting to meet me,  and you someday.  It might be 5 years from now,  maybe 2; who knows?  It could be 10...only time will tell! I encourage you to spend this time of singleness growing in faith everyday,  learning as much as you can,  just all in all,  devoting every inch of your being to the Lord and to becoming a better servant for him. Take in every moment of being you,  of spending tons of time with family,  and being around them as often as possible. 

Many girls,  and women for that matter,  feel the need to constantly have an ongoing relationship.  Can I let you in on a little secret?... I used to be one of those girls.  I've only been in 2 relationships- one of which wasn't all that serious and didn't last long,  but the other -  man,  3 years of unhealthy clinging to something (and someone) that just didn't fit.  Clinging to those mushy texts because I felt important.  Clinging to the thought of someone telling me I was pretty,  because deep down I didn't believe it for myself.  I was so self conscious,  overweight,  and lost.  I had a luke warm relationship with Christ (at best) at that point,  and seemed to pick and choose what to believe and follow from the word. 

I sometimes look back and think, "why did God even let me stay in that relationship for so long if it was so unhealthy?!"  & every time,  God reminds me why- it's gotten me to where I am today.  Without  those instances in my life,  I wouldn't have gained what I did.  God held my heart so close during that time.  I felt like God was right there ready to sweep me under his wings saying "faith,  I'm right here,  come back.." I'll be the first to tell you,  breaking away was hard.  It was hard because even though I had ended a dull,  unhealthy part of my life,  I still had my own personal issues to face.  I am SO INCREDIBLY thankful to God for guiding me through that time and helping me come out victorious.  I managed to find myself in him again.  I lost over 50 pounds and had never been closer to God or my family in a very long time. 

Because of all of this,  I have learned just how crazy relationships can be; and became I know what I know now,  I know that I AM beautiful,  important,  and valued- not because some boy tells me so,  but because my savior,  my one true, everlasting love tells me I AM.  Ladies- you have WORTH.  Your ARE beautiful and valuable, and you are because God says so! 

"You are precious,  and honored in my sight. " Isaiah 43:4

Xo, 
Faith

Dark chocolate salted caramel BROWNIES!

Are you guys ready for this?! NO seriously,  you need to brace yourselves.... This is the YUMMIEST most delicious recipe I've EVER MADE. If you guys don't know already,  baking is a huge passion of mine! I absolutely love creating yummy,  sweet treats... And almost every single weekend I come up with something new to try.  My dad tagged me in a picture on instagram that seriously made my mouth water.  I knew I had to make something just like it!  So I did!  **I do NOT take credit for this recipe**
Recipe link here: http://www.yammiesnoshery.com/2014/11/dark-chocolate-salted-caramel-pretzel-brownies.html?m=1

DARK CHOCOLATE SALTED CARAMEL BROWNIES:

For the brownies you will need :
1/2 white sugar
1/2 brown sugar
6 Tablespoons butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup dark cocoa powder
1/2 all purpose flower
1/8 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips
1 batch of caramel (see recipe below)
Handful of crushed pretzels

For the caramel you will need:
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons corn syrup
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:
Begin by making the caramel. In a saucepan over medium heat combine sugar and corn syrup,  stirring occasionally until well melted.  Pay close attention for the mixture to turn to a carmel color.  Add the butter and stir constantly until bubbling subsides.  Add heavy cream and do the same.  Add kosher salt and vanilla; move off of the eye and allow to cool.
For the brownies- pre-heat your oven to 350,  and spray and 8*8 pan with non stick spray.  Combine sugars and butter in microwave safe bowl and microwave for thirty seconds or until melted.  Add in eggs and vanilla.  In a separate bowl,  combine cocoa powder,  flour,  baking soda and salt.  Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Spread evenly into your pan and bake for 20 minutes.

I hope you guys enjoy this recipe as much as I did!  It's definitely not healthy,  but it's so yummy,  and every thing in moderation is always my rule.  ;)

Xo,
Faith

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LIFE UPDATE

Whoah!  Hey guys... I know,  I know it's totally been FOR EVER since I last posted but man has life been busy!  I started coaching with beachbody in January,  and it quickly began to consume my life. At first I just thought that was how it was going to be and that it would balance out eventually... But,  it never really did.  I found myself GLUED to social media,  posting four  or five times a day- annoying to other I'm sure,  but also annoying to me!  I decided that this opportunity just really wasn't fitting to my lifestyle,  so I decided to call it quits.  Maybe in the future  something to do with health and fitness will fit better,  but right now.. It's just not happening.  Aside from that,  we had FOUR,  YEAH FOUR (holy cow!)  birthdays in March,  another in April and one in just a few days... #bigfamilylife ;)  ANYWAYS... I'm back at it now.... And so excited! I have some really cool posts planned and can't wait to share with you all!  Stay tuned :)
Xo,
Faith