A Bondbons (chocolate covered treats) Giveaway!

     Today we have a giveaway from a small business owned by Courtney Bond.  The business is called Bondbons (how cute is that?). Courtney not only teaches high school English, she also sells gourmet cake balls and chocolate treats out of her home.  She has sweetly agreed to give away 12 treats to one hungry reader! 

     The winner may choose between her main flavors: oreo, minty oreo, red velvet, peanut butter, or strawberry (cake). You can choose all the same flavor or a mixture.  (I'm dying to try minty oreo)!  Bondbons also specializes in gourmet cake balls, Oreo balls, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered oreos and more. If you're interested in ordering (um, who ISN'T interested in ordering)?  The best way to reach Courtney is through her Facebook page.  She's announcing her new flavor for May. Go find out what it is!  We'll wait here! :)  

Photos Courtesy of Courtney Bond 

....ANYWAY...

      One of my goals, as a blogger, is to emphasize the importance of adult friendships. I'm thrilled that Courtney is not only a fellow small business owner, but also one of my best friends. Courtney and I met in college and have been Besties ever since! Every summer, she comes to Ohio, and we make a trip to The Gap Outlet & Don Pablo's. Shopping & Mexican food... she “gets” me. Courtney is featured on the blog in this post! 

     I love that Courtney hosts regular giveaways, features a new flavor every month, and has even used some of her proceeds to help others who are ministering around the world.

I'm so proud of how she's grown her business in such a short time.

     After a miserably cold winter and the loss of two family dogs in just one week, imagine my surprise when a tin of Bondbons showed up at my door! They were so delicious, and I look forward to working with Courtney in the future! 

Here are the ways you can enter! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A winner will be randomly chosen on Monday with details to follow via winner's email! 

     And as I wrap this up...here I am with Courtney & two of our besties at our College Homecoming. Courtney is the tiny, adorable person on the far right.  ;) 

* I do not know if I am supposed to tell you this or not, but I was not compensated in any way for hosting this giveaway.  I just got the pleasure of talking to Court. on the phone while we planned this little shindig.  No currency exchanged hands...FYI in case you're the type of person who worries about these things. ;)  

Love and I wish I could win, 

Post Haste, or the opposite

Sometimes, I go to put things on Facebook or Instagram, and I'm like, "Wait. I have a blog!"

     Right now, I am in the middle of a Community Group with several women I met through The Influence Network.  It is strange and exciting and ridiculous to love these people I LITERALLY JUST MET, but I feel it nonetheless.

     We are reading the book of Hosea, and the first sentence I wrote down was, "The hardest prayer on the entire planet is, 'Your will be done.'"

     Because basically, God says to Hosea, "Look, I need you to do me a solid and live a pretty ridiculously stinky life because I'm kind of trying to prove a point right now."  (Hosea marries a woman who is unfaithful, and God asks him to name his children horrible things like, "No Mercy.")

It's sad.  But it's for a greater good, and I guess Hosea gets that.

     If my interpretation is wrong, please elaborate/feel free to correct me.  Today has been a weird day.  I ran into Tim at Home Depot today (how weird is it to RUN INTO family members when you are out in public.  Fun/weird, right?)

Me: What do you have?
Tim: It's a big magnet.
Me: What do you need a big magnet for?
Tim: (non-plussed) ...to pick up metal things.

So. It has been that kind of day.

All this to say, feel free to gently correct me.

     Right now, I'm in a season where I do a lot of crying in the car.  You guys.  It's ok.  I'm not depressed.  Everything is fine.  I do not tell you this so that you will feel sorry for me.  It's fine. Really.

     I'm just realizing that sometimes things just take a long time.  They just take a long time.  It is all about, what The Old Timer's call, "Kingdom Living."

Your will be done. 

Commence the crying in the car.  See what I mean?

     One example.  I started The Couch to 5k app on my phone, and I love it.  It's hard.  I had to skip a week because, Hi. Shin splints and allergies.  I could not breathe, guys.  I COULD NOT BREATHE.

     But then the rain came today and washed this entire pollen-covered world clean, and tonight, I had to start on Day 3 Week 3 again even though I should really be in the middle of like, Week 5.

     And at night I come home and I intentionally do not cook the frozen peas because I know I will need to put those ice cold bags on my legs.  On my aching knees.  On my shins.  It's hard.

But it's for a greater good.

And tonight, I kept saying to myself, "Holly. You are not breathing. You have to breathe."

While I ran, I watched the news.  There are boats sinking and planes falling straight out of the sky.

And I think about my sister's kids.

     Tonight, I put my nephew's name on my contact case in permanent marker so I could remember to pray for him (specifically) at night before I go to bed.

     My sister.  She's the mom of a newborn.  She worries.

     And I think about how, when Lucy (3) doesn't want to do something she says, "Um. How 'bout later?"  And I think about how I CANNOT think about how much I love them when I am running because I start to cry my stupid head off and then I can't breathe.
   
     And I think about how there is a mom sitting cross legged on the airport floor waiting for her once- three- year old who is never coming home. Not even "how 'bout later."

And  I do not know why these things happen.

I do not know.

     But I do know that when I get too distracted by the questions, I also get short-sighted and forget that the Most Important Prayer is, "Your will be done." 

(((I'm not saying that planes fall out of the sky and boats sink because "it is The Lord's will.")))

But...

     Tim Keller says, "Our bad things can be used for 'good.'  Our 'good' things can never be taken away from us, and the best is yet to come."  

     Sometimes, maybe life is just hard and you cry in the car or in Hosea's case, you have to make hard choices, and it stinks and then you get to go to heaven.

In a perfect world,  I am articulate enough to get my point across.  Lord, help us all.

Right now, all I really know is that when I click that little workout app and that divinely-inspired voice says, "Ding, ding, ding...start running."

I start running.

I was in no mood to post a "sweat-covered-gym-selfie."  Please accept this blurry photo of my dogs cuddling as payment.

Love and sometimes, it's hard to hit "publish."

Youse Guys & Some Exclamation Points

     Just wanted Youse Guys to know I've updated The About Me & About This Blog sections if you're interested in learning more about all that.  Things are happening!

I wish I lived in the part of the country where you could ACTUALLY use the phrase "Youse Guys."

Let's try to make it work, shall we?

    Every year, I take a trip to Starbucks & Lowe's to get a treat and pick out some flowers for the front yard.  I think tomorrow's the day. Impatiens! Geraniums!  It's a dream come true!

Spring is upon us! I can tell because of the sneezing!  My nose won't let me forget!

I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Love and Zyrtec knocks me out.  It's amazing and confusing all at once.

Fun, Helpful & Good

My friends! Happy Saturday to you!

     I wanted to tell you that choosing a blog name proved to be way harder than I thought.  You would not believe all the fantastic names that I came up with...

that were already taken.

     One of my ideas was the phrase, "fun, helpful, and good," but eventually decided against it.

However, I liked the idea well enough to turn it into a mini-series of sorts here on the blog.

Every so often, I'd like to share some sites that I'm finding "fun, helpful, and good," in the areas of my own faith, marriage, friendship & home.

SHARE THE WEALTH, am I right?  Here are some links for you!

Faith >>> Meg Romeo has quickly become one of my favorite people on the internet.  As an aspiring runner, I love how she ties her own running routine to her faith.  Always sweet. Always encouraging.  Her post titled "empty from the enemy" really resonated with me.


Marriage >>> I highly recommend Sheila Wray Gregoire's site, (To Love, Honor, and Vacuum).  I love the relevant topics she covers, and I also love that she discusses sex (within marriage) in an appropriate, honest, and dignified way.  There is NO  WAY I could ever do that, and I give her credit for pulling it off!  She covers a lot of questions people have but may be too embarrassed to ask, and I never feel awkward reading her posts.  Now, if you need me, I'll be over here blushing like crazy, trying to act like a mature adult, and praying my dad doesn't read this post in which I mention the word "sex."  Look away, Daddy! Look away!  


Friendship >>>  I recently discovered the website, getlifeboat.com .  While I'm still navigating and learning about the site, I did find it encouraging that there's a website dedicated to helping people learn how to built more meaningful adult friendships.  Here's a quick passage from their "About" page.

     Lifeboat is a movement of people rediscovering great friendships. We’re not a social network or app. We’re not about grand solutions or complex schemes. We’re about simple things that work. We’re exploring the uncharted art and science of friendships — academic research, philosophy, expert advice and our own heads and hearts—for a better path forward.

The video is pretty cute, too. 

It all sounds good to me! 

Home >>> I have been really enjoying Lauren Brimley's Instagram account @eating_whole.
She also has a blog you can check out here. Sometimes, I look up clean recipes, and it's all...

"Wing of bat...Eye of newt..."

I'm like, "I DO NOT HAVE THESE THINGS!!!"

     However, this is not the case with Lauren! I love that she uses ingredients that are easily found at the store and also DELICIOUS.  Avocados, sweet potatoes, brown rice, etc.  I made her chicken nugget recipe, and Tim said it was "FANTASTIC!"

This week, I am making her honey wheat bread  recipe.  If you are looking for clean / yummy / easy recipes, Lauren is your girl!


     I hope you have a great weekend! I'm making one last pot of vegetable soup to carry us through the rest of our drizzly, spring days (it snowed last Tuesday)!

Love and I added spinach and I'm kind of scared, but Tim says it smells good,

#1

Via

My Friends!  I am so glad you're here!

Today is the first day of my blog's re-launch, and I'm so incredibly excited!

First, some information for my history nerds ....

     I started blogging in college (circa 2002) using Xanga (can you believe it?). At the beginning of 2008, I switched to the blogger platform, and "yourstrulyh.blogspot.com" was born.  In the middle of 2013, I re-branded to The Young Museum.  In 2013, I got involved with The Influence Network and attended The Conference in September.

     The Conference blew my mind, you guys.  I realized my space, voice, and overall "brand" could be used as a ministry, of sorts, and my current blog wasn't scratching that itch.

Six months...fifty-eight emails...four hundred and thirty two prayers later...and this blog was born.

     And now, for those of you that like a good (short) story...

     The year 2013 was brutal.  We have a tiny hallway that connects our bathroom and two other bedrooms.  I used to come home from work, sit on the floor, and cry to Tim in that hallway while he showered.

     I started thinking about how badly I wanted a life that inspired "cartwheels down the hall" instead of crying, and...let me tell you...The Lord did not disappoint, cause things are now on the up & up. ;)

With that being said, I'm so glad you're here.

When I started dreaming about a re-brand, I wrote a list of prayers / desires /wishes for the blog and the words to come.

The one that stood out the most...that would become my "Manifesto!" was this...

I wanted The Lord to use this space to help women strengthen their faith, marriages, friendships and homes. 

So... here we are.  With busy hands & an open heart. 

Curious.  Anxious.  Excited.  

My best to you.

Love & I'm so glad you exist, 

Influence Conference Recap #2: Why I Almost Didn't Go (and why you SHOULD)

     I so desperately want to participate in The Influence Conference Re-Cap Link- Up, but I'm finding myself holding my cards really tightly to my chest these days.

I did not know how much This Conference would change me...there are lots of things on my heart that I haven't even shared with Tim or my family so far (my dad  had minor/expected surgery yesterday so we're still letting the dust settle).

But also, I'm still just "sitting" on things and letting them sink in.

So, if you'll excuse me, I'm changing the rules just a bit.  ;)

     I think there will be a lot of people using the Influence Network links who (perhaps) didn't go to Influence this year...for various reasons.  I wanted to share reasons why I DIDN'T go last year (and almost chickened out in 2013) in the hopes that it will help give someone else the courage to go next time.

If you DID go...how did The Lord speak truth into your life and expectations about the conference? What would you say to encourage someone else to go next year?  Please feel free to share in the comments!

     The second purpose is to link back to it next year so all those first-timers can find some encouragement in 2014. ( I wanted to write it now while it was all still fresh in my mind).

      I also wanted to include tips & things I was glad I did before the conference (i.e. prepare your heart), but this post was getting, um. Long.  To say the least.  Check back in the near future.  I'll link back as needed.

Ok.  Get comfy.  :)

I will tell you that when someone asked me about this conference (before I attended), I would dodge the question.  

I was a.) completely overwhelmed and b.) did not know what to expect.  

Here were some of my fears, and my attempts at talking you OUT of them, in case they're your fears, too...  

I will be the smallest blogger there...

    Um. Some people there haven't even started blogging, yet.  They just wanted to come learn, make connections, and hear about Jesus.  <<<<<  That  =  awesome.  

I don't have time to network beforehand....

     Don't sweat this.  I didn't network THAT much (too scared = silly), and I still had an amazing time, and felt like I connected with some wonderful people.  

     This was a series of instagram exchanges I had with my (new) friend :) Rachel.  (Posted with permission).  I'm posting these just so you can see how easy it is!  Rachel posted a photo and used the #influenceconf hashtag...and the rest was history.  

     I know it seems a little ridiculous that I'm posting this, but one of the points that Kate made during her session was, "Don't assume that people know the basics."  I was a social media newbie (and still am).  I had no idea how to reach out...the entire world of twitter was lost on me.  (I'm getting better).  ;)

If you're new, intimidated, shy, etc.  This is for you.  :)

 (my old name was hollysoyoung) These are all separate Instagram posts, but our convo. is highlighted in pink.  The former teacher in me was SO excited to HIGHLIGHT! Heehee!

And we didn't even get a picture together.  :(  But I did meet her in person, and she's adorable and lovely.  

     If someone doesn't respond, don't sweat it.  Everyone has their own "stuff" going on.  Use the hashtag. Reach out.  Keep trying.

 If anything....tag me (@theyoungmuseum).  I love stalking/having stalkers.  :) You won't be able to get rid of me.

(keep in mind, 2014's hashtag might be different)

No one is going to want to meet me....

I have nothing to say on this one.  Stop thinking that.  I want to meet you.  Jesus wants to meet you.  That one is just dumb, and it's a lie from the fire-y pits of hell.  (Dramatic, right?)  

My clothes aren't cute enough...

Guys.  This one is also dumb.  This was a conference full of women from all walks of life.  Wear what you like.  Wear what you feel comfortable in.  These people have never seen you before, so technically, everything in your closet is new.  ;)  I saw jeans...maxi skirts...dresses...leggings....Except for the first night ( I wore a dress/denim jacket), I wore jeans everyday.

I need to go when I've lost more weight/gained more followers.  

Why?  I really want you to think about this answer.  I'll share mine so you can take comfort. 

 My answer comes from a place of vanity and pride.  I didn't want the first impression that people saw of me at a conference to be a.) chubby and b.) a mediocre blogger.  <<< that was hard to admit! 

Because, you know...being thin and popular are requirements if you want to be a disciple for Jesus.  

Moses stuttered.  Paul got the tar beat out of him on a regular basis.  Ruth and Naomi were dead, flat, broke.  

Stop making excuses that come from shallow, empty places for not doing the work of Jesus and ENJOYING things you think might be scary.  I'm talking to myself here, too- sweet friends.  

Let's be confident.  Let's continue working on our goals while moving forward at the same time.

I've lost 9 pounds, thank you very much.  ;)  

((drops the mic))  

Music starts: "I'm sexy & I know it...."  

It's going to be about being a "pretty blogger..."  The sessions will be..."We're pretty...here's how you can be pretty like us..." 

     This could NOT have been farther from the truth.  The Conference founders are some of the most genuine, sincere, down-to-earth bloggers I know.  You're already beautiful because you are made in the image of God, and He loves you.   I got the impression, that these ladies believe...you're already beautiful. You don't need a 45 minute session telling you "how to be that."

Let's be about the work of our Father and focus on our hearts during this conference.  

(Don't get me wrong, there were some really good "strategy" sessions...but they were also Christ-centered and incredibly helpful for my HEART)! 

It's going to be super competitive...you have to stand out.  

     Holy Smokes.  Not true.  My new friend Katie from a place to dwell spent the entire car ride home walking me through The Basics of Twitter (haha), and taking notes for me while I thought out loud (I was driving).

At dinner one night, several other girls gave advice, opinions, and helped brainstorm ideas about ways to become better writers.

Dinner with creative types, writers, new friends, mom's, bloggers, fellow believers = a dream come true!

At the conference, I found a safe place.  

When one of us succeeds, we all succeed...because the goal is to reach people and build community. 

And hold hands, ride unicorns, and slide down rainbows.  ;)  

Jessi ended with this.... (and I cry my head off just thinking about it), 

"We love you.  You are our people, and we are your people."  

* * * * * * * *  

I hope to see you next year.  I'll eat you up, I love you so.  

Love & also one of your people, 
Holls 
#wildandfree  ;) 

Influence Conference Update Part 1

  Oh.  Beautiful People.  How are you!??!?!  I really want to know!

     I just returned from The Influence Conference which is organized by the women behind The Influence Network.  It took place in Indianapolis, and I know a lot of you (via Facebook) are curious about it.  I'm going to post an update in two parts, lest this post-size rival War and Peace (1400 pages, anyone?).

     I'm 58% sure that I'm going to miss something so... Influence ladies, feel free to add details in the comments.  :)

     The Influence Conference was founded by a group of six female bloggers who are passionate about Jesus, their families, and helping women connect online.

     The best explanation I heard all weekend was basically this...

I just loved that.  It's just a group of women (over 250) who want to learn how to make much of Jesus on the internet.

Too many cat videos ( I don't believe there is such a thing).  Cyber-bullying.  Privacy/Censorship issues.  The internet has a bad reputation these days, but I believe The Lord wants to redeem it.

The schedule included workshops and sessions of your choosing (that covered both "life" and "strategy" topics) along with an AMAZING worship service on the final night of the conference.

     If you are interested in using your online presence to bring glory to God (whether it is through blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Etsy), and if you long to bring an element of community to the internet (which is often a lonely and frightening place), I encourage you to research The Influence Network/Conference and prayerfully consider attending next year.  #influenceconf if you want to see what this year was all about!  

     I'll be back with a quick, Part 2 update (Myths I believed prior to going to The Conference plus some practical tips), and tomorrow, starts The Nester's 31 Days.  <<<  That = overwhelming...but in a good way....but also kind of a bad way.  Writing for 31 days!?!?!  I might cry.

Please feel free to email me if you have questions:  holls_y@hotmail.com (or write me on Facebook)!

Also!  My twitter & instagram names have changed.  (theyoungmuseum)  It's all coming together!  If only I could get my dishwasher unloaded.

Links to Influence co-founders:

Hayley @ the tiny twig
Jessi @ naptime diaries
Moriah @ Moriah Makes 
Ashley @ written on her heart
Lindsey @ thekublygirl
Rachael @ kincaidparade 


Links to the session speakers (that I attended, for a full schedule, go here):

Hayley & Jessi both spoke during the Friday & Saturday morning sessions, and did an AMAZING job.

Jeff Goins (Hilarious and Helpful)!
Lara Casey (Brilliant)!
Kate Bryan @ the small things (Pinterest Hair Extraordinaire)!
Kim Davis @ oh sweet joy ( sweet as pie, humble, talented, the list goes on)
Rebecca @ better life bags ( inventive, genuine, talented, etc.)

Reeve Coobs, worship

     The absolute best part was that EVERY speaker has a heart for God and wants to see us pursue the dreams He has for us and make much of Him on the internet.


     Did you see anyone other than the speakers above?  What did you take from the conference (loaded question!)?  What did I miss?

Love, goosebumps, and fist bumps,
Holls