Now I know....

First of all, I'm probably the worst blogger around.
I just love writing on paper, so as a result, I tend to ignore the keyboard and computer screen.
But, there are those times when I feel the need to express my heart in this way.

Josh and I just returned from Michigan.
We were there for about 10 days, visiting family and friends that we hadn't seen in months- some we had not seen in years.
We arrived back in Hamilton two days ago, and well, everything just felt funky.
He was feeling it just as much as I was, but we couldn't put our fingers on why.

On a side note, I found myself really missing my Dad and even crying over him, which I haven't done in a while.
So, why all these strange emotions??

Last night we were with friends. Still funky.
Getting back into our routines. Still funky.

And then it hit me.
Everyone in Michigan has known me and Josh since we were young.
AND, everyone there knew my Daddy.
I was called "Jimmy's girl" multiple times while we were there and for the first time in a while, I felt known.

I love our new home.
Hamilton is beyond what I could've ever dreamed of for us to start our new life together.
But there's part of me that aches to be known as "Jimmy's girl" by the people here.
And when something on tv reminds me of Dad, no one feels the same way.
Or when someone says a phrase that was my Dad's favorite, no one even looks at me to see if I'm smiling.

Now I know, why there's been a strange feeling of emotion.
It felt good to be called "Jimmy's girl" again.

Love...

It has been almost a year since I last wrote! Wow....time flies!

In this past year, Josh and I have moved to Alabama, only to find that this is "home."
We LOVE Hamilton and all that God is doing here!
We've been students at the Ramp School of Ministry for the past 7-8 months, and we will never be the same! Hallelujah!

Now that we're all caught up...I just want to write about my husband.

Joshua DeVaney has had my heart since I was 11 years old.
I remember the exact moment I saw him and during the years that followed, Jesus saw every butterfly in my tummy that fluttered at the thought of him.
I'm still blown away that the man in my house, making breakfast in the morning, getting ready for the day with me is the same little blonde haired, blue eyed boy I met and fell in love with 15 years ago!

Let me tell you about him- just brag on him a little bit.
My carpenter husband is settled.
He knows who he is, and because of this identity, he's now telling me who I am.
He's full of wisdom. He doesn't just jump the gun- he prays and he's ok to wait.
He's dedicated fully to Jesus and to me.
His heart is pure and his love for people challenges me to love better.
He loves people- from the littlest baby to the oldest person.
He's kind and watching him do random acts of kindness moves me to be more loving.
He is the hardest worker I've ever met- his calloused hands show it.
He is so much fun! He makes me laugh until I cry and his "realness" allows me to relax and be myself.
He's my best friend- I'm lonely when he's at work....he really is my best friend.
I love this man....fiercely.

Thank you Jesus for teaming me up with a man who loves You and carries your heart.
I'm honored to change the world with him.

This past week.

This is the last week of my life in a blog:
Thursday- lost my voice.
Friday- still didn't have a voice...couldn't even answer phones at work.
Saturday- Woke up actually feeling sick, but cleaned all day because my in-laws were coming into town and staying with us.
Sunday- Still feeling yuck, but happy to have Mom and Dad DeVaney staying in our home! Had a great Easter and saw Soul Surfer! Great movie! That night, I got pink eye...in both eyes.
Monday- Had the day off from work in order to be with my family. Needed the day off anyway due to being ill.
Tuesday- Still had pink eye. No work for me. Still enjoying my family.
Wednesday- Back to work. Hardly slept at all that night.
Thursday- Parents leave to go back to Costa Rica. We are so sad. Also, Michael leaves the Office, and that is sad as well.

A week later, I'm finally feeling normal again....for the most part. :) I have slept so much better and I actually feel like my body is healing.
In other news, Josh and I were left on Thursday feeling alone and somewhat bored, in a quiet house, thinking "well, what now??"
It's funny after having guests in your home how normal life becomes so exciting....and then, when everyone's gone, you are forced to go back to normal. ugh.

Honestly, we are finding ourselves really asking the Lord where we're supposed to be.
We need a church. We need a fellowship where we can be a family.
We've tried numerous churches in the area and have found ourselves becoming more and more frustrated.
I know a good change is coming, but I have no idea when, where, or how.
I guess as long as I know it's coming, I can be content for now.

More than bunnies

This is one of my favorite pictures.
I love this man. I love what he did for me. I love that he accomplished the ultimate goal and he did with love....and joy.


For once, I don't have a whole lot to say.
Except that my heart is full of gratitude and praise.
He is so worthy of ALL my praise!!!


I'm rescued, washed, bought at a price, and loved- despite what I've done or will ever do!
I'm LOVED!!!


I was on his mind the whole time.
And I'm blown away.
He loves me! REALLY loves me!!!





This is my other favorite picture.
Oh his forgiveness.....that willingness to love, no matter who I am or what I've done.

Thank you Jesus.
Thank you for finding me and saving me.
You have my heart forever.

Lighten up Francis!!

Josh always says this to me: "Lighten up Francis!!"

He always says it jokingly, when we're having those fake, sarcastic arguments that only end in smiling.

But that ridiculous phrase has me questioning myself.

Do I really need to lighten up???

The answer is a loud, resounding YES!!!

Let it be known that today is the day that Emily DeVaney puts her foot down and proclaims, "I WILL lighten up!!"

It's time to laugh at myself again. Time to enjoy the silliness of life. Time to stop being such a neat freak and the one who has the controls.

Time to enjoy my husband's jokes and time to make jokes of my own.

It's a new day!!!

Do you need to lighten up???

Spring Time!!

Lately I have been in a clean EVERYTHING, de-clutter, get creative, hands-on mood. And I'm LOVING it!! At this moment there are bags waiting to go to Goodwill, a house completely cleaned, a blanket being crocheted, an old rocking chair that has been touched up, a guest room that has been re-designed, and another room waiting for a new look. And I'm blaming it on spring time! :) There's something so fresh and new about spring. The days are beginning to stay around longer, the air is still somewhat cool, and winter is gone. I think the Lord not only designed Spring as a time for new life, but also a time for a fresh start. In the midst of all the creativity and freshness, Josh and I have decided to start a business. We are very excited about this and are sure that Jesus is going to bless our creativity as one. It is a wood-working business, where Josh will build country style furniture, shelving, and home pieces and I will "finish" them with a bit of paint or finish. It is just in the beginning stages and our minds are popping with ideas and concepts!! Very exciting!!! In this season, I am also finding out how much I absolutely love my home! Even though we only rent, I'm finding that my place is and should be at home. I love verses in Proverbs and well....all throughout the Bible really....where it describes the woman's place in her home- to keep her family fed, raise her children, create an atmosphere that is loving and honoring of her husband, and to allow peace and joy to reign. This is my dream. But for now.....I have the weekends to create, love, enjoy, and inspire. Ladies, enjoy your homes and enjoy this Springtime!! Men, you do the same! :)

Real or Kinda Real??

It's a been a while since I've written on my beloved blog.
Honestly, I'm scared to.
Writing in my journal is safe....no one sees it.
But writing on here....ANYONE can see it.

I just finished reading "Choosing to See" by Mary Beth Chapman.
One of my favorite things about this book was how "real" and honest she was.
She was completely open about how she was feeling, how she reacted (good or bad), and everything else in between.

I don't know if I will open up completely in this blog. I don't have much time to.
But here's a little snapshot of what my next blog will include:
-Desperation
-Missing my Daddy
-My heart breaking for a friend
-The Word of God AND
-possibly a little venting.

And in all of that, I will try to be real as I possibly can.