one word in 2014

Here we are again – a new year. This is the time that we look back at the things that we loved and hated this year. This is the time that we make resolutions or set goals for the new year. This is the time that we plan to begin all the things that we’ve been putting off but reeeeeaaaaalllllyyyyy wanting to do all year.

I can’t say that I’m so much different. The new year is a chance to start over. It’s a chance to give myself a clean slate and kick it into gear. Last year I set goals for myself. I did not reach all of them, but I did improve some behaviors. In 2014 I’m not setting goals or making resolutions. The things that I’ve wanted to change are already in process.

My mornings begin with Jesus.

I prioritize my husband.

I’m at the gym most weeks.

I’m anything but perfect, however, I’m working on the goals that I set for myself last year. I’ve decided to try something new in 2014. One thing that I’ve seen in the blogging world is to choose a word for the new year. Instead of making a resolution or setting a goal, I’m choosing a word. A word that I would like to define my year. My first choice was “Obey.” I love the idea of having obedience be my focus. But if I’m honest, that’s my natural inclination. I default toward the “do this” and “don’t do that” because it makes the most sense to me. I’m not going to avoid obedience, but that is not my word.

My word for 2014 is “Grace.”

I swim in it. I live in it. I breathe it in and need it to survive.

What word will you be focusing on in 2014?

the shop!

I love crafting! I love singing! It isn’t always easy to share with others though. So, even though it can be difficult, I’m so excited to announce…

The Shop at From the Altar to Forever is finally here!

All my crafting and crocheting is available for purchase! If you like what you see, share it with your friends. I’d also love to have your feedback!

We have long and short infinity scarves and crocheted headbands! Quantities are limited, so if you see something that you like click the photo to get it first!

Thank you for everyone who is supporting me, sharing my ideas, and encouraging me to do this!

Love you all!

My Black Husband

I am a black (African American for those of you who are sensitive to political correctness, but this will be the end of that kind of coddling) woman. My husband is a black man.

Posts about black men – good and bad – or black women, interracial dating, marriage, and the like are all over the internet. You can find something to support whatever opinion you have on the subject. If you think that black men are the scum of the earth, people out there will agree with you. If you think that interracial dating is wrong, people are out there to support that perspective.

I am not one of those people.

During a conversation last weekend, I was reminded of the prevalence of the opinion that people should “stick with their own kind” when it comes to race. Growing up, I dated white and black boys. As an adult, I settled on marrying a black man, but his race was not a deciding factor in my decision.

I’ve heard people use the verse, “do not be unequally yoked” as a support of keeping races separate. Let’s take a moment to look at this verse in context.

It’s not that we shouldn’t marry people of other races, it’s that we shouldn’t marry people who aren’t believers.

Those who are in Christ are one body. One family.

If my husband were the exact same man, but he was white or Chinese or Mexican, I still would have chosen him. It’s not that the only thing we look at when deciding whether or not to marry someone is their faith, but it’s the first. And the last, sorry to break it to you, is their race. It shouldn’t even be a factor.

What are some other factors we should or shouldn’t consider when deciding who to date or marry?