Bosom-Buddy Guest Post # 3

While I'm on vacation in Mexico, I'm leaving you in the trusted hands of my July Bosom-Buddies.  I only accepted 6 Bosom-Buddies this month in hopes of really promoting them and their blogs, because they deserve it oh so much.  While I'm all vacation, you'll hear from every single one of my July Bosom-Buddies! I asked them to write about something was "typical" of them so that you'd know what you're getting into by following them.  I hope y'all enjoy their posts & make some new friends while I'm away!  ***

Hey there fellow New Wife Life (try saying that 10X fast) readers!

 My name is Elise and I blog over and Forever Changed. 

I’m a pretty ordinary girl, I often refer to myself as Plain Jane, 

but despite that I believe I have an extraordinary purpose perfectly designed by God.

So let me tell you a little bit about myself and overload you with pictures, 

because lets be honest, pictures make everything more enjoyable. 

I come from an amazing family that consists of a dad, mom, older sister, 

brother-in-law, and younger brother. 

I have a best friend who without I would probably be lost 

I have the sweetest dog in the world

I run, for fun (and enjoy a good a rhyme ever once in awhile)  

I enjoy eating...

A lot...

Chocolate chip cookies are my weakness

I love Christmas 

More so than any sane person

And at the rip old age of 21 I have a bucket list that I take pretty seriously.

Some of my latest accomplishments consist of parasailing

Completing a Mud Run

And a Sprint Triathlon 

Riding a horse and buggy through Central Park 

Going skydiving

Bungee jumping

White water rafting class 5 rapids

And moving to Rwanda Africa to work in an orphanage.

December 27^th 2011 I went on my first mission’s trip to Rwanda and Ethiopia. 

On New Years Eve we visited an orphanage called Noel with over five hundred children and only eighty-seven nannies to care for them.

 New Years Day I made my decision to move to Rwanda and four months later I did just that. 

I have now been in Rwanda for almost two months.

These two months have been filled with smiles, laughter, new friendships, new adventures

As well as tears, frustration, anger, confusion and questioning.

But I wouldn’t trade these two months for anything in the world 

because this is where God has called me to serve 

And no matter the circumstance or consequences

 I will always seek to be obedient and follow Him wherever He asks. 

Forever Changed is my way of documenting this crazy journey that is my life. If you are interested in joining me on this adventure head on over to my blog, I would love to have you! 

Oh but before I go I think I should probably do a giveaway since ya'll are so awesome. 

Please excuse the ugly picture. 

I got food poisoning recently and couldn't manage to get up and take a good picture

No.41 provides skills, training and sustainable income to orphaned young women in Gisenyi, Rwanda as they get on their feet and transition to independence. The proceeds from their bags and beads will also fund a school-feeding program for secondary school students in the area. 

And conveniently is run out of my house and founded by my roommate Tara Clapper. 

So today I would like to offer you a chance to win a beautiful clutch made by one of the amazing 31 women that are currently employed by No.41.


REQUIRED ENTRIES:


+1  Like No.41 on Facebook, and leave a comment on this post saying you've done so.
+  Follow Forever Changed via GFC or Bloglovin', and leave a comment on this post saying you've done so.


ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
+  Follow Elise on Twitter, and leave a comment on this post saying you've done so.
+ Follow Elise on Instagram, and leave a comment on this post saying you've done so.
+  Donate to Ten Talents International to help support mission work in Africa, and leave a comment on this post saying you've done so (you don't have to say how much).
+  Tweet about this post & tag @MyNewWifeLife and @e_coop57, and leave a comment on this post saying you've done so.


The giveaway ends July 28th at midnight!  


Thanks!  Love, Elise :)


Wow.  I certainly hope all of you go check out Elise's blog, and not just click "follow" because she's hosting a giveaway.  This girl has such a huge heart for others and she's an inspiration to anyone who is hesitant to follow God's call.  This is the first giveaway ever hosted on this here blog, so I hope lots of you are able to participate and support this wonderful cause and this wonderful woman!  =)    

 

Bosom-Buddy Guest Post #2

While I'm on vacation in Mexico, I'm leaving you in the trusted hands of my July Bosom-Buddies.  I only accepted 6 Bosom-Buddies this month in hopes of really promoting them and their blogs, because they deserve it oh so much.  While I'm all vacation, you'll hear from every single one of my July Bosom-Buddies! I asked them to write about something was "typical" of them so that you'd know what you're getting into by following them.  I hope y'all enjoy their posts & make some new friends while I'm away! 
Also, I'm being featured on Brittany's blog today!  Make sure to check it out here!
*************

  Something amazing happened to me today, March 27th 2012. I need to share it. I feel at peace. A different kind of peace than I've ever felt in my life. I've never really had a relationship with God. I've never sat down and talked to Him about myself, my life, or my troubles. Sure, I pray when OTHER people need Him. But never when *I* need him. Since 2007, my life has definitely been a tumultuous roller coaster ride. I was with a guy for 4 years that destroyed every piece of me he possibly could. He destroyed my self-esteem. My relationships. Everything. The past 2 years, I've been in a really emotionally charged, complicated, relationship. And you can't even really call it that. I've made mistakes. I'm not proud of them. My mind has been swimming recently with all that I've experienced. All the failed relationships. The failed friendships. The tears. The heartache. The need and want just to be loved. 100%. No strings attached.

So today, more-so than any other day, I turned it all over to God. And the peace.. that sweet peace, that washed over me once I'd given it all over to Him, is something that I'll never forget. My mind is no longer swimming with how to make people love me. My mind is no longer swimming with how to fix things that are wrong with my life. My mind is no longer swimming with the concern that I'll never be good enough to find my prince charming. I've given it all to Him. He will lead me now. And, I think that is the one piece of my life that I have always been missing.

I find myself in friendships or relationships that do nothing but tear me down. I find myself struggling with so much depression on how to fix the friendships that have gone so terribly wrong. Or how to fix a relationship that is at this point, absolutely lost and not what I need in my life. He has been pulling me to Him more so than I could've ever imagined. I can't help but find myself thankful for the situations and hardships that have lead me to begin this new journey of discovery.

The majority of my life, my friends shoved religion down my throat. Getting mad at me for not following their rules. For not going to bible study or church with them... essentially shunning me. They failed to realize that each person finds God in their own ways. I am not someone that gives into things just because others want me to, ESPECIALLY such a close, personal relationship with God. I am not a perfect woman. I will never be a perfect woman, nor will I ever live a perfect, sin-free life. But finally, at the age of 25, I have realized that the only way to continue to live my life, is to have a relationship with the one who ultimately created me.

The changes going on inside of me are humbling. I feel like I'm rediscovering, or newly discovering, parts of me that have been long gone, or that I never knew existed. I've spent many, many years fighting with myself. Picking apart the pieces of me that I felt were wrong, or ugly. I've spent many many years carrying baggage and heartaches... wondering why I've never been good enough, strong enough, pretty enough. But here, now, in this moment.. I realize that I've ALWAYS been good enough, strong enough, pretty enough... in His eyes. I will never be a perfect woman and I certainly haven't lead a perfect life, nor will I.. But in His eyes, I will always be perfect. And amazing. And I need to grow in my relationship with Him, before I can grow in my personal relationships. He has been hitting me with hurricane force lately, with the situations I've found myself in. He has been talking to me... even when I wasn't listening.

I am humble on my knees tonight.
I have found the piece of me that was missing. Not a man. Or a best friend. Or food. Or a car.
God. and only Him.
It only took 25 years.   *************I absolutely adore Miss Desiree!  I hope you've learned a little about her and her sweet soul.  Go check her out and let her keep you company while I'm away.  :)  And more importantly, offer her some encouragement.  If you're a Christian, you know how hard it can be when you're first starting out & you know how much she'd love some extra kind words.  Have a great day!! 
~ Desiree's Blog~ And don't forget to check out my guest post!

Bosom-Buddy Guest Post #1

While I'm on vacation in Mexico, I'm leaving you in the trusted hands of my July Bosom-Buddies.  I only accepted 6 Bosom-Buddies this month in hopes of really promoting them and their blogs, because they deserve it oh so much.  While I'm all vacation, you'll hear from every single one of my July Bosom-Buddies! I asked them to write about something was "typical" of them so that you'd know what you're getting into by following them.  I hope y'all enjoy their posts & make some new friends while I'm away!  

*************

Hello fabulous readers of Mrs. Robinson’s blog! My name is Lauren and I blog over at the merry mrs. mobley. I am honored, and oh so thrilled, to be here sharing a bit about myself at The New Wife Life!

 My sweet hubby and I have been married a little over two years, which I think takes us out of the “newlywed” category. Too bad because it still feels like we’re in the honeymoon stages of life:-) No kiddoes yet, but we do have a precious furbaby named Daisy who might as well be our child. Want to talk about attachment issues? You should meet the princess.

I am here today to talk to you about the importance of dates. Let me guess what you’re thinking, “Huh? Aren’t you already married?”. Why, yes, we are already married, but that’s why it is all the more important to go on dates with your spouse! When you start a new relationship you go on all sorts of dates to get to know the person; why does that have to stop when you get married? Far too often we allow outside stressors to enter our marriage and disrupt the flow of things. We allow ourselves to become too comfortable in our marriage, which in turn causes problems. Don’t get me wrong, comfort can be a great thing, but being too comfortable can have the exact opposite affect and act as a poison to your relationship. Instead of dipping into a rut, pursue your partner through dates!

David and I are HUGE proponents of date nights. Even though we don't have kids yet, there are still things that keep us busy (work, church responsibilities, volunteering, the list goes on and on!). Carving out that time once a week helps us continue to learn things about each other and get away from the day-to-day stressors that have the potential to bring us down. People never stop growing and changing, so why not make the effort to get to know them as that happens? Ask them questions, try something new, just get out of your comfort zone! I love knowing that I get to grow and change with my studly husband, and I am excited to get to learn these things as they happen.

Your dates don’t have to be anything fancy schamncy at the most recent hit restaurant. They can be so simple as turning off all technology and watching a movie together or a picnic and movie in the park. Here are some of our favorites:

• Breakfast dates: Panera Bread and Crack-o Barr-o (or Cracker Barrel for those of you over 4 years old) are two of our favorites. Breakfast is often cheaper than lunch or dinner and can be just as yummy!
• Fro-yo and the mall: Living as close as we do to the mall this happens quite often. Not to mention, with my sweet tooth dessert is a must!
• Dinner and a movie: an oldie, but a goodie. And, with Living Social and Groupon you can often get dinner at an uber discounted price! Try Restaurant.com for other good restaurant choices. 
• Pizza, beer, and a movie: You don't even have to leave the house for this one! Take it from a run-of-the-mill evening to a special night by turning off all phones and computers and just being. It can be just as wonderful as going out, I promise.
• Do you have a local brewery or winery close by? What about taking a discounted tour on a weeknight? A lot of times you can try some new brews by going on an off-night!
• Summer is a great time for movies or music in the park. Lots of local places have music and movies playing in the evenings. Grab your picnic basket and blanket and find a spot!

Everyone’s idea of date night can be different, but as long as you are making time for your spouse you are on the right track. I know this can often be difficult with budgets (I'm a babysitter, I know how much that can cost!) and schedules, but it's important to show your spouse that they are worth the effort. What kinds of things do y'all do on your date nights??

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

-Ephesians 5:21

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Thanks, Lauren, for all the great tips!  Mr. Robinson and I are not too great at remembering to plan for date night - but we'll have to keep in mind some of your suggestions.  :)  

July Bosom-Buddies

Some blogs have monthly sponsors - I have Bosom-Buddies!  I only endorse blogs that I read, written by bloggers I've connected with.  In the past, I've featured a larger number of blogs, but this month I'm only featuring 6.  Without further ado...

Meet Elise.
Her blog is:  Forever Changed

I read her blog because her posts are real and we worship the same God.  Elise is a missionary in Africa and she writes about her experiences serving God have changed everything for her.  She also writes about the fears and struggles along the way, which is probably my favorite thing about her blog.  She is anything but your typical, "white noise" Christian blogger.  She went bungee jumping, and everything!  =)  She's just different in a way I can't quite put my finger on, and I dig it.  Check her out.
~~~
Meet Valerie. Her blog is:  Knot Tied Down

I read her blog because we're both newlyweds, but our lives are completely different.  I have tons of "blog friends" that I consider to be just like me, and while I love them, Valerie is a breath of fresh air.  It's equally fun to connect with women who are different from me & have different takes on life.  We live in different parts of the country, so it's always interesting to see what her and her husband are up to.  Plus, she has a thing for mustaches and always had the cutest pictures up.    
~~~
Meet Desiree.Her blog is:  The Discovery of Desiree Michelle

I read her blog because she started it as part of a plan to further seek God.  We have exchanged countless e-mails discussing the Bible, churches, Jesus, and our faith.  She is a new Christian just finding her way, working through past pains in the process.  I've loved chatting with her as a sister in Christ.  We both have so much to learn, but I admire her willingness to discover God and to rediscover herself in a way that pleases Him.  I love how she's honest about the emotions she experiences, even if the emotions aren't always the happy ones.  It all goes back to my love for "real" people.  
~~~
Meet Jennifer.Her blog is:  One43

I read her blog because she's a Christian who loves to cook & get crafty.  Her and her hubby took the most adorable engagement pictures, and she always features recipes with pictures of delicious-looking foods.  I love that her blog is a good balance between several different "types" of blogs, she's not totally focused on posting only recipes or crafts or about her faith.  It's a good mix of things, so her blog always makes for any interesting read.  
~~~
Meet Lauren.Her blog is:  The Merry Mrs. Mobley

 I read her blog because we have SO much in common and we are able to relate to each other on so many different levels.  We're both daughters of the King, we are both married to men who feel called into ministry, we share a lot of the same fears about the possibility of becoming pastor's-wives, and we have a thousand other things in common.  Lauren is funny, sweet, and comes across as being very genuine.  I'll be meeting her in real life this month, and I'm so stoked about it!  =)    
~~~
Meet Heather.Her blog is:  The Life Unexpected

I read her blog because we're in similar places in life, right now.  We have new husbands, we have dogs, and we don't have any kids.  I love connecting with other ladies who are just happy where we are right now.  Heather is a happy little soul, and she always has the sweetest things to say.  =)  She's in love with her man and blogs about real life.  I can't wait to get to know her even better throughout this month.    
~~~
I've asked each of these six ladies to guest post for me this month, so look to hear from them soon!  :)  Meanwhile, check out their blogs, duh.
Interested in being a AUGUST Bosom-Buddy?  I'll take the first six to contact me via e-mail...mynewwifelife(at)aol(dot)com - Click here to find out what you'll be signing up for.  :)

June Bosom-Buddies

I've been trying something new with the way I handle sponsor posts.  In April, I introduced you to the ladies I have in my sidebar and told you a little about why they are there.  In May, we talked about their beliefs.  Both posts were pretty length and complex.  For the month of June, we'll keep it simple.  =) 

These are some of the best blogs on the web, in my opinion.  Be sure to check out every single one of these ladies in every possible way!  I tried my best to get links for all of their social media stuff.  Enjoy!  :)   
Blog & Facebook & Pinterest
Blog & Facebook & Pinterest
Blog & Twitter & Pinterest
Blog & Twitter & Facebook & Pinterest
Blog & Twitter & Facebook & Pinterest
Blog & Twitter
Blog & Facebook 
Blog & Twitter & Facebook & Etsy Shop & Pinterest
Blog & Twitter & Facebook & Pinterest
Blog & Facebook & Twitter
Blog & Etsy Shop
Blog & Twitter 
Blog & Twitter & Facebook
Blog & Twitter & Pinterest
  Now, regarding July:  I currently have 14 bosom-buddies and while I enjoy reading all of their blogs, 14 has gotten to be an overwhelming number to show case every month.  In July, I'll be starting from scratch.
I'm going to have 6 buttons on my sidebar in July.Fo' free.Swapping is appreciated.  =)If you want to be a July Bosom-Buddy, send me a message at mynewwifelife(at)aol(dot)com!