And baby makes 3

Praying head to toe

2012-02-13T13:20:00.001-06:00

This was in my daily devotion that I get from Bible Gateway.com. Just thought I'd share.

Lord, I pray for my husband, from head to toe:

His Head –That he will look to You as Lord of his life. (1 Corinthians 11:13)
His Mind - That he will have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead him and not the flesh. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
His Eyes –That You will keep his eyes from temptation and that he will turnhis eyes from sin. (Matthew 6:13, Mark 9:47)
His Ears - That he will hear Your still small voice instructing him. (1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 32:8)
His Mouth – That his words will be pleasing to You. (Psalm 19:14)
His Neck –That he will humble himself before You and be strong, courageous, and careful to do everything written in Your Word so that he will be prosperous and successful. (James 4:10, Joshua 1:8-9)
His Heart-That he will love and trust You with his whole heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Proverbs 3:5)
His Arms-That You will be his strength. (Psalm 73:26)
His Hands-That he will enjoy the work of his hands and see it as a gift from You. (Ecclesiastes 3:13, 5:19)
His feet – That You will order his steps and that he will walk in Your truth. (Proverbs 4:25, Psalm 26:3)

Love Story

2012-02-13T08:42:00.005-06:00

Why not continue with the spirit of Valentine's day by sharing your love story?!? I must say, that TheHubs' and my story is one of my favorites! :)

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

June will be 5 years since we started dating..

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

Ohhh goodness, where do I begin?

You see, his sister and brother-in-law were the youth ministers at my church from the time I was 14 until my senior year of high school. TheHubs would often come visit his sister, and so I knew of him through her.

She told me from the get-go that I was going to marry her brother. I seriously never believed her because he's ~~7 years~~ a few years older. Thehubs also had a crush on me after seeing a picture of me in a beauty pageant...little did he know my age as well. lol My dad of course would never let me date him due to the age difference, so nothing happened until I was in college.

April 2006, I had just ended a ~~crazy insane~~ relationship, and Thehubs found out and made a move. He got my number while I was driving him back to his car one night after an Easter program at church, and we began dating round 1 at that point.

I broke things off after a month or too....honestly because I thought he was too good for me.

Over the next year, I devoted my life to just being single and focusing on my relationship with The Lord. Thehubs said he devoted his life to praying for just one more date with me!

So Spring 2007, he convinced me to go with him to a Celtic Woman Concert in Atlanta "just as friends." I honestly think the both of us were going in to it thinking it would just be a fun day as friends hanging out. But UH OH....from the moment I saw him that morning, I was falling head over heals. Something was different...

The rest is history...

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

June 6th will be 3 years of marital bliss....lol

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married outside at my parent's house. Sounds like a small wedding, but we had 150-175 guests. It was the most beautiful wedding ever, if you ask me! A Dessert reception was in the back yard as the sun was setting, with dancing and music to top it off.

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

Not any serious nick-names. We do call each other "baby" and "babe" a lot, but who doesn't'??

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

How about FIFTY-TWO things!?!?!

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

He had arranged for me to come to his apartment to help his sister put together a computer desk for his birthday. Or at least that's what I thought. When I got there, our song was playing in the background, and there was a note on the oven written on a paper towel telling me how much he loves me and can't wait to spend the rest of his life with me. It then instructed me to go to the bedroom for a surprise.

I walked into the bedroom to see him on his knee, with the ring waiting for me. I believe his actual words were "Heather, you are the love of my life..will you take it one step further and become my wife?"

I know....precious!! =)

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Um, I guess a flowers and teddy bear if I had to choose, but really neither one. He's more of a dinner some place nice kind of guy...

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

These days I've become more of a pop a movie in and relax kind of girl...and I'd probably fall asleep..

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

I'd love to either go on a cruise some place amazing, or go to St. Lucia island like we had originally planned for our honeymoon...

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

I plan on working all day. I believe Thehubs also has to work. We actually plan on celebrating Wednesday night when his mom comes to watch the baby and we're gonna go out somewhere nice to eat.

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

Nope, just some alone time with my man....and for him to be all sweet to me.

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

I have so much advice that I love to give to newly weds. I believe the biggest though is to never EVER let "divorce" be a part of your vocabulary. It's not even an option. E.V.E.R.

Also, live by 1 Peter 3:1-6. Read it often, and actually do what it says. Submit....I should get better at that...Respect him always. Have a gentle and quiet spirit...

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Can you tell he had NO sleep?? This was day 3 of baby boy's life....and my hubby was so sacrificially taking care of him while I waddled very carefully around the hospital room getting some of or our stuff together to go home.

Ok, go on over to From Mrs to Mamma and share your story too!

DIY gift

2012-02-11T22:04:00.002-06:00

I'm really not the crafty type, nor do I ever really make gifts myself. But I hot a little creative this year for Valentines Day and decided to make TheHubs' gift myself. :)
"52 Things I love about You"
My cousin, Danielle, said she did it for her hubby a few years ago and so I thought I could pull it off this year. Plus, with a little one around, I must admit I haven't been as affectionate and verbal about my love for him. So here's the big reveal... I know I'm safe posting this bc he NEVER reads my. blog. At least that I know of. :)

12 weeks!

2012-02-07T23:18:00.001-06:00

I'll start by saying one thing I've learned over the past month since being back at work full time.
THIS IS THE HARDEST JOB EVER!

Being a working mom... Heck, being a mom in general means you don't get time to sleep as long as you want or go and do as you please. Both if those were regularly done prior to having a baby. But please don't get me wrong... I absolutely love every single minute of it. I never knew you could possibly function on such little sleep...

So what's happened over the past month? Well we went for our 2 month check up and Mr EJ is certainly a big boy!

At 2 months he was 25" long and 14 lb 15 oz!!
He was off the charts on height, and over the 95th percentile in his weight! DrB was very proud of both mommy and baby for the good growth. I'm still breast feeding exclusively and I'm so thankful that I've been able to do so. I've thought several times about giving up bc it's so stressful at times, but just when I think that I realize how much more stress it would be to constantly be washing bottles and mixing formula.

I hate washing the 1-2 bottles along with my pumping stuff everyday as if us so i can only imagine how much I'd hate it if we formula fed.

Today marks 12 weeks since the little fellow was born and time just keeps flying by.

*EJ is now trying to hold up his head on own. He no longer just flops it forward when you sit him up to burp. He thinks he has to see the world.

*He has just started squirming around more in his bed throughout the night. Still not rolling over or anything, but when I go to get him up he has maneuvered himself to be turned sideways and over on the right side if the crib. This made the angel monitor go off the other night and scared the mess out if me!

* EJ loves play time. Ever since he was born he has loved to just lay on the floor and kick his legs and play. That is still true today. Sometimes he'll even get fussy when being held and cuddled bc he just wants to be put down so he can play. He loves to play with his rattle, and has started reaching for things a little. For example, he now hold on to my arm during diaper changes, and he'll sometimes reach for the rattle too.

* We are in size 6 month clothes and some of his 6 month sleepers are getting too small. His little feet are shoved all the way to the edge and I know it can't be comfortable when he wants to stretch out. Looks like we'll be making the move to 6-9 and 9 month clothes very soon.

* Nap times are a chore. Since my work schedule us kinda random, he stays at home with either me, Thehuns, his mom or my cousin. With all that in the mix it's hard to have consistency.

*He wants to laugh so bad! I love tickling him and he'll give me ons giggle, but that's about it for now.

I guess I'll wrap this up instead of putting you all to sleep, but of course not before I leave you with lots of adorable pictures!

Back to work

2012-01-08T22:03:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I officially went back to work full time last week. And my goodness, it's already stressful! I thought the whole point of me going back part time for a few weeks was for me to ease into it all, but I feel like I'm just being thrown back into it now.
I had 2 cases while working 1/2 time in December...and last week opened 2 more...and had 2 more assigned to me! So that puts me at my max (6). I'll probably open up the other 2 this week, and that stresses me beyond belief.

It's really not being away from him that stresses me, but rather breast feeding exclusively. I've honestly had thoughts of giving up tonight, but then tell myself that I can do it! I have a great supply, and pump most nights when he feeds to get enough for one feeding. Last week he took about 1 bottle per day. This next week, he'll probably have to take 2 bottles Tuesday morning, and 2 more that evening...and probably at least 1 on Wednesday. Thursday will be another day of probably 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening of bottles. Both days I hope to be home for the afternoon feeding, but my luck I'll be home for the tad bit in between feedings. Hopefully not....

I guess I'll be taking my pump with me on long days to pump in the car. (I'm always on the road, hardly ever in the office.) Which means I need to buy an adapter so I can plug it into the cigarette lighter, and lots more storage bags. But of course that's much cheaper than formula! lol

Another HUGE stressor is the whole thing of making sure somebody can watch him. I never realized how stressful that would be either. It's so much harder too since both of our parents work, and we live an hour away from all of my family. TheHubs is able to watch him a lot, but then again he has to work full time too! His schedule is about to change, which will provide more consistency. I'm convinced that will help, as I'll then be able to work my visits around his schedule. My mother-in-law and cousin help out A TON, which I will forever be grateful for! I just feel like I'm constantly worrying about figuring out who can watch him, and if I need to cancel visits or whatever...but I know it'll all work out. Worse case scenario, I cancel a visit or reschedule something. That's what's great about my job- I don't have any set hours, and can work when I want to.....as long as I see my families twice per week and get my paperwork done.

Ok, so I know it will all get better with time. I just feel so stressed right now, if you can't tell. Please pray I can stick with the whole breastfeeding thing, as I really don't want to give up just because of work. I think that's stupid. It honestly makes me sad and feel really guilty when he has to drink out of a bottle...and I don't think I realized that until now. I feel bad when somebody else has to worry about warming a bottle and feeding him....like that I'm the only one that should be doing that or something. Maybe those feelings will pass- especially since I've just realized it and can work on moving past the irrational thoughts that I'm a horrible mother for working and making my baby drink from a bottle.

Sorry about all the ranting....

Surviving Motherhood

2011-12-30T20:35:00.000-06:00

My boss let me borrow a book before EJ was born and told me that it was an easy read and that it helped her a lot when she had her 1st baby. It's called "The Girlfriends' Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood" by Vicki Lovine. So far, it's really good...I'm skimmed through some parts of it because I actually didn't start reading it until AFTER I had EJ. Therefore the whole preparing for birth and what to expect in the hospital stuff was a bit late. lol

Anyways, I just HAD to share some of what I read tonight because it's rather humorous (as much of the book is) and very very true! (Well, thankfully, the part of the baby sleeping in my bed, and not sleeping at night and constantly crying isn't true in my case....so far)

...But wait a minute, you're working twenty-four seven here! This blame can't just be lain on your doorstep. If it isn't you, then it must be your husband. Yeah, that's whose caught this is! Only your blind devotion prevented you from seeing it earlier. If only he would hold up his end. After all, it was he who got you in this predicament in the first place. Sure that baby books advise you to pump an extra bottle of milk so that he can feed the baby while you rest, but you haven't managed to squeeze out one extra ounce, let alone a full bottle. If Mother Nautre is so smart, then why didn't She put working nipples on dads? And why does he get to escape to work every day and leave you alone to face this eight-pound bottomless pit of needs? And what's with his always asking you, "What should we do about dinner tonight?" He's a grown man-- can't he handle it? Is it too much to ask to enter the dining room and find a cooked meal already there, just once? And if he doesn't handle it, why doesn't he earn a better living so that you could afford to hire someone who will?

Then again, the poor guy looks as haunted and tired as you do. Sure he isn't a wizard with baby wipes, but he is working awfully hard. So if it isn't his fault, there is only one possible culprit left...that's right; it's the baby's fault. Sure she's absolutely gorgeous and perfect in every way, but she really doesn't play fair. She sleeps all day, she cries all night, she is only happy if you are walking around with her in your arms and she screams when you sit down on your hemorrhoid donut to rest your aching back. She nurses until you think your breasts will fall off, and then proceeds to spit up what must be half of the meal. Then she wants to nurse again and gets mad at you if the well has run dry. She hates her crib but loves your bed. You try to let her cry for a few minutes to let her learn to comfort herself, but she refuses to learn. You try crying yourself. She's right; it doesn't make you feel much better. The babies on TV and in books sleep all night, take two naps a day and never cry unless they have a dirty diaper or are hungry. Your baby, however cries at phantoms, loves to party all night and naps unpredictably. Clearly motherhood would be a snap, if only your baby cooperated.

HERE'S THE TRUTH: THE BIRTH OF A BABY IS SUPPOSED TO BLOW YOUR SCHEULE TO BITS, EVEN IF IT NEARLY KILLS YOU AND YOUR MATE. THIS IS NATURE'S WAY OF MAKING SURE THAT WE GET OUR NEW PRIORITIES STRAIGHT. THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS BECOME, IN THIS ORDER.

1. THE BABY'S HEALTH

2. THE BABY'S COMFORT

3. THE BABY'S PARENTS' SURVIVAL. (THIS IS A VERY DISTANT THIRD.)

If you're a mom, you probably know exactly where she's coming from. I would have thought she was heartless and crazy for saying all of that BEFORE I became a mom. Now, only 6 weeks into this, I totally understand and feel exactly like that on some days.

2 weeks

2011-12-16T20:47:00.000-06:00

EJ had his 2 week checkup on 12/1/11. Thehubs had planned to go with us of course, but due to unforeseen work circumstances, he wasn't able to. Which meant I was left responsible for getting this 2 week old baby up, dressed, in the car, to the doctor in Hwy 280 rush hour traffic, and in the doctor's office by 9am!! And with a 9 lb baby, that's not so easy when my body was still healing and I wasn't supposed to even be lifting anything over 10lbs. Let's just say I broke that rule that day!

But...I'll go ahead and say WE SURVIVED!! Of course we did! And boy did I feel like supermom that day! I felt like I needed some kind of award after that day or something.

We actually made it to the doctor only about 10 minutes late, which I thought was milestone #1 considering I pulled over twice and was going to give him a bottle I had prepared for him. Both times I pulled the car over, he immediately calmed down and went to sleep. Guess he's not a fan of 280 traffic either! lol

Everything went very smoothly in the doctor's office. He checked out to be a perfect baby boy....which I already knew!

Height- 22 1/2 inches....95th percentile
Weight- 9 lbs 13 1/2 oz....75th percentile
Head- 14 3/4....50th percentile

Everybody kept saying that it looks like we have a basketball player on our hands! Stayed tuned for the ONE MONTH update....let's just say that this boy is certain to be playing sports of some sort with his weight and height!

Bilibed

2011-12-16T20:36:00.000-06:00

Jaundice....I hate it! EJ (which is what I'll refer to baby boy as from now on) had a slightly high level of bilirubin on the day we left the hospital on Friday. It was at 10 point something, and the doctor just told us to go into the office the next morning to have his levels checked again.
We didn't think much about it, as I was certain that his level would be good the next day.

Well....it had jumped to 13.9 by then I believe. When the doctor called us that Saturday afternoon to inform us of the jump in his level, she said that the treatment would be for home health to come out and bring what's called a bilibed. He would have to be in the bed for a few days until his levels came down.

So that evening, the nurse came out to our apartment and brought the bed. Mr. EJ had to be in the bed unless he was being fed or having his diaper changed. Ugh, this sucked because we had just gotten home with our baby, and yet we weren't able to hold him and love on him. But then again, all I could think about were all the parents who aren't even able to come home with their baby or the ones who have to go to NICU or deal with something so much worse.

Here's our little man in his bed. The material on top Velcroed onto the light, and he had to be zipped up on the little body suit. He didn't like it too much. There were many HOURS spent leaning over his crib shushing and consoling him while he cried and fussed. But we endured.

I kept quoting the verse "this too shall pass" and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" over those 2 days and 3 nights.

Sunday morning the nurse came out again, and to call that afternoon informed us that his level had only dropped to 13.2 or something like that. I was totally bummed, because it was only 5 days until Thanksgiving and I thought that at this rate, he'd be on the bed for a week or so.

Monday- the level had dropped to 10 something again, and the nurse sounded certain that the doctor would give us the okay for him to come off of the bed. Well, that night, we got a call from the nurse saying that the doctor had not returned her pages and for us to keep him on the bed one more night and wait to hear back from the doctor in the morning.

Tuesday morning came and I just took it upon myself to keep him out of the bed and love on him some. Thehubs had to go back to work that day, and my mom was coming to spend the day with me, so I didn't want him to have to miss out on all the fun with his grandma. Another nurse came by that morning, and drew blood again and pretty much told me that his coloring looked great and that with his weight gain (which he was up to 9lbs by that point), and levels from the previous day, that he was certain to come off the bed today.
She unofficially told me that it was okay to keep him off the bed throughout the day unless he was sleeping. My thoughts were "yeah right, that baby isn't touching that awful thing again unless he absolutely has to!"

Mom and I loved on that baby all day long! We ventured out of the house, as I was going stir crazy! We went to Walmart..."we" as in mom went in and got some stuff I needed while EJ and I sat in the car. And then we grabbed some lunch. By the time we got back home I was absolutely exhausted and ready for a nap!

We got a call during lunch that his levels were down even more, and that the doctor said he could come off the bed. Praise the Lord!! That was the best phone call ever, because Thehubs and I were so ready to get rid of that thing! I gladly boxed it up and gave it back to the nurse when she came back out later that afternoon, and vowed to let go of my bitterness towards to bed. :)

A little behind

2011-12-16T20:01:00.001-06:00

Where in the world has the time gone?? I can't believe it has been a month since my little one was born, and I've yet to post the 1st blog about his birth or any of his sweetness!! I want to document about his birthday....the excitement and events that took place. :) I don't blame you if you want to stop reading now- I'll try to spare too many disgusting details for you.

We arrived at the hospital WAY early that morning for what we knew would be probably a long road ahead of us. I had been dilated 3 cm for over a month, and was still at 3 upon arrival. The doctor came in around 6:30 to break my water and get things speeding up a bit. And let me just tell you-that was painful!!! Almost as painful as the contractions. The Dr and nurse encouraged me the whole time, saying it wasn't supposed to be that bad, and jokingly said that I certainly didn't have to worry about my bag of waters breaking in Walmart, as it was one tough bag. (Exactly what you wanted to hear, right??)

So after that, I endured contractions for another few hours as things continued to progress. Rather quickly, I might add. Around 9 I finally got the epidural almost immediately after asking for it. Thankfully I had progressed well, and didn't have to take any pain meds before getting the epidural. I couldn't believe how easy that part was. I was pretty scared of the pain of this huge needle going in my back, and having to sit up in the bed while having contractions and everything. But....it wasn't bad at all. And let me just say that man oh man, once that thing kicked in I was good to go!

My mom, dad, and TheHubs' mom and sister came shortly after all of that excitement, and hung out the entire day. My parents had bought a video camera about a week earlier for the little one's arrival, and decided to do some videoing about everybody's predictions of the time of birth, weight, length and all those details. In the meantime, I laid in bed shivering and shaking violently most of the day from the waist up....gotta love the side effects of drugs. Nurses said it was normal- and I just kept telling myself that there is no way I could ever be a drug addict.

3:00 came quickly, and by this time I was of course STARVING!!! The nurse examined me once again, and I had finally made it to TEN CENTIMETERS!!! WHOO HOO!!

So the family was then kicked out of my room, and the pushing began shortly thereafter.

...And continued for the next hour and a half. This was a tad more intense than I thought it would be. About 30-40 minutes into pushing I heard this beeping sound coming from the epidural drip. When asked what it was, the nurse vey calmly said "Oh, that's just an alarm saying you'r epidural is out."

Um, WHAT?!?! "And how long does it take to wear off?" I asked her. She assured me that it would take several minutes. And I trusted her. "Several minutes" went by and I think she realized that baby boy wasn't coming out any time soon, so she called for someone to bring another dosage. Thank Jesus for that!!

Thehubs was extremely supportive of me not only during the pushing process, but the entire day. Giving me ice chips whenever I asked, holding my hand and watching me cry when I was in pain. And of course having that look of "Oh, I wish there was something more I could do to help" during the whole pushing time. But he did....he supported my back and helped me each and every contraction. And it was awesome.

Our little bundle of joy arrived at 4:36pm weighing a whopping 8 lbs and 12 oz!!! Out of the total of 20 lbs that I gained, he was a big chunk of it...no wonder people kept telling me I was "all baby."
He was 22" long....looks like we have a basketball player on our hands.

Immediately after delivery, Thehubs cut the cord, and they took him over to be cleaned up. I made Thehubs go take pictures of it all and bring the camera back and forth showing me everything that was going on. This was all while I was being stitched up and once again vigorously shaking from the waist up.

Oh, did I fail to mention the vomiting and dry-heaving that occurred 3 times while pushing?? At one point the nurse told me "Well, at least you technically pushed for 3 solid minutes." after one of my little episodes of nausea.
Yeah...and it began again after deliver. While trying to breast feed him for the 1st time to be specific. So they had to take the little man away from me again while Thehubs gave me my Chick-fil-a supper that my amazing cousin brought!
*Note to self* Make sure Danielle has food after delivery whenever she has a baby....her bringing Chick-fil-a seriously saved my life. lol

So after I ate, I then calmed down a bit and was able to hold and feed my baby boy. (And keep my food down.) Let me just say here that breast feeding is one of the most amazing things on the planet. If the whole pregnancy and birth thing doesn't blow your mind in how cool it is how everything just happens on it's own, then breastfeeding is sure to amazing you. The little guy just knew exactly what to do and he latched right on (with plenty of help from the nurses on my end of things)...it was just beautiful.

While the nurses were still cleaning things up (and after I was all stitched up), in walks my mother. She just couldn't contain herself any longer in the waiting room. She came right over to me with huge tears in her eyes and gave me a hug. Then of course went to see her precious grandson. Shortly after that, the rest of the family entered to see the nurse give him his 1st bath and everything. I was absolutely exhausted by this point, but the epidural was still working, so no pain...YET.

I'll end there for now. I'll try and post again very soon about his progress since then and coming home. Now for some precious pictures of the little fellow. Enjoy!

Thehubs & I waiting patiently on his arrival.

Precious baby boy!

Proud daddy!

Aunt Shari

Day 2

First family photo. :)

My daddy loving on his 1st grandchild....this man is head over heals for my baby boy!

Isn't he just cutie??

Going home!!!

Scared

2011-12-16T19:43:00.000-06:00

I wrote this obviously BEFORE little bit was born, but never posted it....just a view of my emotional state at that point. :)

I am hopefully just a day or two away from giving birth to my firstborn. I seriously had no clue that my emotions would be this strong. I cry at the drop of a hat, which is to be expected I suppose.

I'm just so overwhelmed at how everything is about to change. Thehubs and I will no longer just be husband and wife, but also mommy and daddy. We will have another human being depending on us 100%.

There is so much dependance on the Lord right now. So much is absolutely out of my control, which is often a struggle of mine. I have no control over when he decides to come (other than making a decision of induction), no control if he's healthy or not, no control how long the delivery lasts, no control how my recovery goes (to an extent), no control over so much....and that freaks me out (of course)!

FINALLY

2011-10-30T17:42:00.000-05:00

So I'm pretty sure I'm like the only first-time mom that has waited until her 9th month of pregnancy to get the baby room all finished. Seriously- we really didn't even start on it until like August, which was when I had originally wanted it all done. But life happens, and this pregnancy certainly flew by a lot quicker than I ever thought it would!!

So....here are some pics of the adorable room!! I don't know what I would do if it weren't for my parents, mother-in-law, and aunt for helping out with different purchases and what-not.

Here's the view of his room from the doorway. I just love walking by and getting a glimpse of it!

The bed!

Complete with Houndstooth blanket, bumper pads, and polka dot dust ruffle made by my Aunt Debra!

The dresser/ changing table. We bought this along with the night stand at a consignment shop.

My parents refurbished it for us, making it look absolutely beautiful and match everything wonderfully!

The curtain valance- of course made by Aunt Debra. LOVE them!!

The glider/ ottoman is from Thehub's mom...and I believe his brother & sister pitched in on that too.

And then there's the night stand too.

The burp cloth on the back of the glider says "Itty Bitty Bama Baby" =)

A closer view of the bedding.

Notice the houndstooth/ Alabama hat.....my dad HAD to order this for his grandson, and now he says he's going to purchase one for himself too. Can't wait to see my little fellow wearing it!

Oh, and the burp cloth here says "I drool Crimson & White" =)

That's all folks! Now we're all FINALLY ready for his arrival, and I don't have to worry about his room any more!!
Only about 2 and a half weeks until the official due date. We go to the Dr. every Monday now, so that has become my favorite day of the week. I just hope I've progressed a tad bit more this week, and that he hurries up and gets here! If not, that's okay. I'm prepared for his stubbornness, and have said the whole time that he'll probably wait and come a week late! (But seriously hoping that doesn't happen!)

Frustrations

2011-10-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, so who all is with me when I say that the Christian life is so easy to become a big ol' roller coaster- with ups and downs ups and downs?!!?

That's how I feel right now. I'm so frustrated with myself, because I KNOW the desire God has for me to spend time with Him and to grow closer to Him. I see it all around me everyday, but I often look the other way. I KNOW that the days I do spend sitting at His feet in prayer and reading Scripture, that my attitude about life is totally different. I show love to Thehubs in a much more sincere way, and the work I do is out of love, not dread.

Earlier this week I heard a country song on the radio that says "When the on you love's in love with someone else. Don't you know it's torture, I mean it's a living hell."
I thought to myself- wow, i bet that's how the Lord feels about me loving other things more than him. It breaks his heart, it makes him so sad and i know He wants me all to himself.
But what did I do about that thought- NOTHING. I just kept living my good ol' selfish life.

So this morning, I sit down determined to read my Bible. (Which I've yet to do...) And I just feel so lost as far as where to start. Do you ever get that way?
I used to never get like this....but then again, I used to never go this long without being in the Word daily. I'm sure there's a correlation there.

I'm so frustrated...I hate just opening the Bible and saying, okay, today I'll read this. I want to dig in, I want to grow closer to Him. But is this Him teaching me that I have to start over? That I'm not as spiritually mature as I once was, so therefore I need some of the basics before I can dig in deep? I'm not sure.

Thoughts, comments on this would be appreciated. Especially if you've been where I am. Or, if you know of any great resources for Bible Study that isn't crazy expensive.

Time to sit down in my Savior's lap and just let him love on me, while I start over again. Isn't it great how we can do that everyday and His love for us never ever changes?!?!?

crazy dreams

2011-10-15T09:24:00.000-05:00

So yes, this is blog #2 for the day, but I just had to write about my dream that I had last night!!

Of course it makes no sense and it's totally random, but that's what they all are when your pregnant, right?

I was at some kind of swimming event/ Bible Study (yeah, don't know how those go together) but I was swimming my little heart out. All of a sudden, my mom comes in the door and says "Your water broke!! We have got to go to the hospital NOW!"

I was like, "omg, what??" She went on to say that apparently my doctor had called her and said that because I was swimming, I didn't realize it, but that my water had broken.

I then realized that yeah, I wasn't feeling so great and that it had indeed broken. So we RUSH to the hospital. In the mean time, Thehubs and my dad are at their Bible study, and I guess we didn't want to disturb them until it was over. So we leave word with somebody to let them know to come to the hospital when they're finished. (yeah, like I would be that patient)

So I'm pretty sure we get to the hospital and they hook me up to the stuff and then tell me that I'm not really in labor and that everything is fine.

Either that happened or i just stopped dreaming at that point. Who knows?!?!

On another note of dreams, TheHubs told me earlier this week that he finally had a dream about littlebit. He has been saying that he hasn't had any dreams the whole time and I keep talking about the few I've had and how exciting it is. So he was ecstatic to say the lead about his dream!
He said he was holding littlebit and was bouncing him up and down in his lap. The look on Thehubs' face when talking about it is so priceless! I just can't wait to see him be a daddy!!!!!

I'm sure more blogs will be coming soon w/pics of the room- it should be 100% finished by the end of next week!!! I'm 35 weeks and 2 days now, and go weekly to the dr so we'll see when this stubborn little boy decides to make his arrival within the next 4-6 weeks hopefully. =)

I get to be the one.

2011-10-15T09:10:00.000-05:00

I have a new favorite song! I really wish I could find it on YouTube so I could link it to you all, but the best I have is a site that lets you download it for free. Not sure how long the free download is going to last, so take advantage of it while you can.

http://www.watchgmctv.com/music/download/jj-heller-i-get-be-one

It's called "I get to be the one" by JJ Heller. She apparently wrote it for her baby to be born this year. It's absolutely precious and brings a tear to my eyes almost every time I listen to it....which is quite a lot. lol

Here are the lyrics- which should make you want to download it just to hear how pretty it is!! It just makes me so excited that God has chosen TheHubs & I to be the ones entrusted with this precious life on earth. I seriously can't wait to help baby boy grow and learn so many new things everyday!

Well hello,
Little baby.
Your eyes have never seen the sun
You should know
Little baby
That I am the lucky one

I get to be the one to hold your hand
I get to be the one.
Through birthdays and broken bones
I'll be there to watch you grow
I get to be the one.

Don't feel alone now,
Little baby.
Do you hear me singing you a song
I can't wait to show you
Little baby
How to crawl
How to walk
And how to run

I get to be the one to hold your hand
I get to be the one.
Through birthdays and broken bones
I'll be there to watch you grow
I get to be the one.

How does someone so small
Hold my heart so tightly
I don't even know you
I love you completely

I get to be the one to hold your hand
I get to be the one.
Through birthdays and broken bones
I'll be there to watch you grow
I get to be the one to hold your hand
I get to be the one.
Through birthdays and broken bones
I'll be there to watch you grow
I get to be the one.

Baby shower

2011-10-10T16:54:00.000-05:00

So Oct 2nd was the BIG shower for little bit. It was back home, so I had figured this was where he would get the most gifts....and boy was I right!!

Mom & I arrived about an hour before it began to help make sure everything was in place and to bring a few of the things for the shower as well. Just before 2, people started coming in. I was entirely overwhelmed by all the ladies that came! I think the final count was somewhere between 35 and 40. I just wanted to record a few details of how amazing my wonderful hostess made the shower.

At the sign-in table, the had blank envelopes for everyone to self-adddress their thank-you envelope! I know this is going to be a huge help for me when I get the chance to write my thank-you cards and send them out! They also had this beautiful diaper cake there, which I LOVE!!!

The food table was of course covered with tons of yummy stuff that I didn't get to each much of, but the cake was the showpiece. Diane always does a fantastic job at being so creative with her cakes! She is a good friend of the family who always does cakes for any event we have- not to mention my wonderful wedding cakes as well!

So once everybody started arriving, the eating began and I tried to at least say hello to people as they ate or came in the door. After several minutes of this, Tina stood up to make an announcement that they were going to do something special for me while everybody finished eating. I had NO CLUE was was happening.
She explained that she along with my family members and the other hostess ladies wanted to say some prayers for me while I sat in my glider that my mother-in-law gave me.
So the tears began! I sat there while all of these amazing Godly women in my life prayed for me, Thehubs and our precious baby boy. Prayers for his safe delivery, our strength in the first weeks of his life, his salvation, his future spouse, us to be Godly parents, his grandparents and the role they will have, and so many more.

Throughout the prayer, all I could think about was Savannah. Quick background story:

I spent the summer of 2007 in Savannah, GA. While there, the ladies from the church I semi-worked with had a baby shower for a lady in the church. During the shower, they played games, ate and opened gifts as most showers have. But they did something I had never in my life seen done before. They all gathered around the mother-to-be and laid hands on her and prayed for her and the baby. I had told my mom and aunt after that time that I wanted that to be done for me when I was pregnant. That was over 4 years ago....so I had pretty much forgotten about it. But my aunt did not- her and her precious memory and sweet spirit! =) So she suggested that it be done, and it was! I will never forget that moment!!

So after the sobbing and prayers were finished, it was gift opening time!!!! I forgot to take pics of the gifts all out on the table, but here are a few of the clothes and stuff put up in his closet, and some of the gifts in his bed.

Oh and last but not least is the BEAUTIFUL door wreath that Diane made for the hospital door. I can't wait to actually use it! :) Just a few weeks to go!

Getting closer

2011-10-06T07:10:00.000-05:00

Real conversation that took place between me & TheHubs yesterday....

Thehubs: Are you crying?

Me: (holding it in) No....

TheHubs: Well, COULD you cry?

Me: Yes, but I'm not.

TheHubs: What's wrong, babe? Everything's okay.

Me: (as I begin to let it all lose) I'm 8 months pregnant, and can cry when I want about what I want and how I want....right?

Thehubs: Of course you can.... (and gives me a hug)

**Oh, the joy of hormones in my life right now. I have never sobbed at the drop of a hat like I have been this week. It's almost humorous, because I can just be sitting there and start crying about absolutely nothing. I'm so ready to meet this baby boy, and reality continues to get stronger every day as I realize it's getting closer and closer.
The room still isn't ready, but TheHubs promises to get EVERYTHING done this weekend. So then all we'll have to do is wait on the dresser/ night stand to be painted, and to get the rest of the bedding/ curtains from my aunt. WHOO HOO!!!

Now let's see if I can get through today without any crazy tears shed...not making any promises though. :)

Countdown

2011-09-15T12:43:00.000-05:00

And so it begins.....while these past few months will be probably the slowest of my life waiting on BabyE to get here, I feel like with so much going on they will fly by at the same time.

And so the countdown begins...

3 days-- my 1st shower (B-ham)

6 days-- Thehubs & I go see Les Miserables (Not exactly baby related, but I'm excited!)

1 week, 2 days-- Thehubs & I attend our "Preparing for Parenting" class

2 weeks 3 days-- my 2nd shower (J-town)

2 weeks 6 days-- Thehubs & I attend the Breastfeeding class

3 weeks(ish)-- MATERNITY PICS :)

4 weeks 3 days-- 3rd & final shower (church)

6 weeks 4 days-- Halloween (I'll probably be painting my stomach like a pumpkin) haha

and in 9 weeks-- BabyE's due date will be here!!!!!

So, nothing really will be going on from mid-October until he gets here. So I know those last 3-4 weeks will just creep by.

Hoping he's a good boy and acts like he's supposed to, and doesn't give mommy too much problems between now and then.

In nursery news:

* His baby bed will be arriving Monday!

* My aunt has finished the bumper pad and will soon have the dust ruffle finished!

* Dresser/ night stand is being purchased & will be painted black to match the bed.

* I feel extremely behind on the whole room-decor stuff, but it'll be done within the next month. Just in time for his arrival!!

ABC's of ME

2011-09-12T21:06:00.003-05:00

I got this over at Sparing Change and thought it'd be fun to do one for myself! =)

A – Age. 24

B – Bed Size. Full....and oh do Thehubs & I talk every night about how we can't wait to get a queen!

C – Chore I dislike. Cleaning the shower. Really, i'll do anything else but I HATE doing that...something about having to scrub and bed over and get soaking wet.

D – Dogs. Thehubs & I just have a cat for now. A dog will certainly come whenever we get a house.

E – Essential start to my day. Bathroom!!! Especially since I'll all preggers...

F – Favorite Colors. Purple has always been my favorite, but of course Red is right up there thanks to me being a HUGE Bama fan!

G – Gold or silver? Silver

H – Height. 5'2"

I – Instruments I play(ed). Piano. I took lessons up until I graduated high school. Sadly though, I haven't played (regularly) in almost 3 years. Once again, when Thehubs & I get a house, I'll have my piano there and can begin playing again..needless to say I'm a bit rusty!

J – Job title. FOCUS Specialist II if you want to be specific....

K – Kids. Well, BabyE will be arriving within the next 10-12 weeks hopefully!!

L – Live. Apartment life for the moment. I've almost forgotten what it's like to not have neighbors all around.

M - Money tip I like best. Having an "emergency fund" of $1,000....it has saved Thehubs & I on several occasions. However, it seems harder to get it to that amount that it is to spend it. lol

N – Never plan to… go further into debt...ugh I hate debt.

O – Overnight hospital stays. just one when I had jaw surgery in high school. Can't wait for my next overnight stay...having BabyE!!

P - Pet Peeves. Oh where do I begin?? Leaving cabinet doors/drawers open, unpainted toenails, driving in the rain w/out your lights on. Those are my big ones....

Q - Quote from a movie. "I'll love you 'till the end" -PS I Love you (technically, it's in the song, but oh well)

R – Righty or lefty? Righty

S - Siblings. one older brother. Unless you count my 2 sisters-in-law & 2 brothers-in-law...

T - Time I wake up. haha....thanks to my lovely job, most of the time it's around 8 or 9. I don't have a set time to be anywhere unless there's a meeting!

U – Underwear. comfy cotton please...unless I'm trying to impress TheHubs. haha

V - Vegetables I don’t like. any kind of peas or beans....

W – What makes me run late. my hair....or Thehubs if he's coming along. He tends to take longer getting ready than I do!

X – X-rays I’ve had. mouth, left arm, right shoulder, ankles....I think that's all.

Y – Yummy food I make. Hmm....Thehubs is on a kick of wanting me to fix homemade muffins all the time. I'ld like to say that I make amazing chocolate chip cookies....and homemade apple pie. But maybe that's just bc those are classics that I've tried to perfect...

Z – Zoo animals I like. Monkeys are usually the most entertaining. But I like the elephants too...

Do you have a blog? If you do, consider yourself tagged!

Pregnancy Brain

2011-09-11T17:34:00.001-05:00

Ok ladies (and gents, if you're reading too) one thing I've learned within the past few days is that "pregnancy brain" is legit!!

WhatToExpect.com explains it like this:

Forgetfulness: Welcome to mommy (to-be) brain — a condition that’s a result of shrinking brain-cell volume in the third trimester (don’t worry — your brain cells go back to normal a few months after delivery). Don’t stress out about your foggy memory (stress just makes it worse). Write things down (or program them into your smart phone) and delegate responsibility (if possible).

So, apparently my brain cells are shrinking (as if they had room to strink)- but I am not to worry because i'l be back to "normal" after deliver....what exactly is "normal" anyways??

Just in the past 2 days, I have burnt 2 grilled cheese and a loaf of french bread. When I say "burnt" I mean, BLACK, no need to even try and save it...

The french bread burning just occurred, and it has our apartment so smoked up, I'm extremely surprised we don't have the smoke alarm going off with the fire department on their way. Windows and doors are open, but I have a feeling it's going to be a while before returning to "normal." (there's that word again) haha

So I'll try not to let my pregnancy-brain get to me too much, and follow the advice of wte by writing things down. But must I write down "don't forget you have the oven on BROIL" or "your grilled cheese will burn if you forget about it..."?!?!?!
Maybe just setting alarms will help.....who knows?!?

Vapor

2011-09-06T20:56:00.001-05:00

Life ends so quickly. I've been reminded of that yet again today...

As I walked in the door from work, Thehubs informed me that Debbie Vines had been found dead in her office at school from a heart attack. Ms. Vines wasn't just somebody I knew from high school as the bookkeeper, but a lifelong friend of my family.
* My mom and her side of the family have known her forever it seems...
* I baby sat her grandchildren while in high school
* I was her office aide throughout high school
* She went to my church growing up
* She was in my mom's sunday school class

I think that's all the roles she's had in my life....

Good news is that I was able to see her just about 2 weeks ago when Thehubs & I went to church w/my parents....she was as cheerful and happy as ever.

I know so many are hurting much more than I am, and that's what I hurt for. Her husband, her precious 6 year old granddaughter whom she was raising....her other grandchildren....her children and other family members. I just can't imagine.

I just pray for comfort...for God to wrap His arms of love and tenderness around them. For strength to get through each day. For God's grace and mercy to overwhelm them beyond measure...
I know he is still in control and that this did not catch Him off guard. It's all in His plan, and He will continue to be God despite us feeling like life is spinning out of control.

Please say a prayer for this family....Life is a vapor- we are here one minute and gone the next....
Ms. Vines is yet another reminder of that.

Love of Space Bags!

2011-09-04T20:34:00.000-05:00

This weekend has probably been one of the most productive weekends I've had as far as getting things ready for Mr.Baby.

We have purchased the fabric for his bedding and curtains. Houndstooth for the bumper pad, and red w/white polka dots for the dust ruffle & curtain valance! It's going to be so stinkin' cute!!!!!! I can't wait to see the finished product of everything, and I know my aunt will do a fantastic job of making everything!

His room has been officially cleaned out completely! Mom came today and helped me get pretty much my entire apartment organized!

**This happened while Thehubs & dad went to Atlanta for a Braves game. I think us ladies need a fun day after all our hard work. Well Mom did most of the hard work, but I feel like I helped a lot! :)**

We purchased a shelf for our storage room, and was able to put a lot more stuff out there that was in Mr.Baby's room. Space Bags were also bought, and with the first bag filled and vacuumed out, Mom & I both were in love! Those things are absolutely amazing!

Here's what we put in several bags:
*A complete queen bed-in-a-bag set
*2 pillows and several blankets
*My summer clothes all fit in 1 "large" bag
* Other random clothes of Thehubs (i.e. ski pants, work pants, etc.)

We've got to purchase some more, because I plan to put a ton of towels in one of them. We have towels that we use daily, and then a basket full of rolled-up-pretty towels for guests and stuff....then we've had 2 shelves in our laundry room full of extra towels that are never-ever used. Therefore, with Mr. Space Bag's help, we can condense the size and have lots more storage room in the laundry room!!! AMAZING!!!

All that's left to do is buy some furniture for the baby room, considering all that's left in there is Thehub's computer desk. I think I'm going to let him keep it in there unless it's too cluttered w/the other furniture.

Pictures will be coming soon of our newly organized apartment! Hoping to do some re-arranging in the living room tomorrow, and possibly paint our end table and coffee table black to match everything else, and make them look newer.

Needless to say, Thehub's honey-do list is going to be never ending for a very long time!!!

Love & delight

2011-08-30T09:27:00.003-05:00

Psalm 119: 46-48
"I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees."

* statutes- a record of God's stated will and give guidance and instruction. The word sometimes refers to the Ten Commandments.

* commands- words from God with a special focus on God's authority.

* decrees- a synonym for law, but with an emphasis on civil and ritual ordinances.

I was reading through Psalm 119 this morning, and had to stop when I came to these verses. It caught me off guard a little bit that the psalmist said he delights in God's commands....he loves them.

I thought to myself, why in the world would you DELIGHT or LOVE commands? Isn't that what we're always trying to avoid?

So I asked myself, "Self, do you love God's commands?"

I had to respond with a big fat negative. There are so many things that I'm commanded to do from God's Word that I would dare to say I hate even.

For example:

- "Carry each other's burdens" - Gal 6:2

- "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths..." - Eph 4:29

- "Always giving thanks to God the father for everything..." - Eph 5:20

- "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord" - Eph 5:22

- "Do nothing out of selfish ambition" - Phil 2:3

- "Do not be anxious about anything..." - Phil 4:6

- "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business..." - 1 Thess 4:11

**Whew, that last one certainly goes against Facebook any other social networking site doesn't it!?!?**

I'll stop there. I found these verse simply by flipping through my Bible and scanning some of the underlined scriptures. As I typed each of these out, I began thinking that I often come up with some pretty lame excuses about why I don't do these things.

But forget about doing them....I'm just trying to learn to love and delight in them today.

I have a feeling that if I began loving God's commands, and lifting up my hands to them as the psalmist writes, then I'll be much more likely to follow through in living them out.

Will you join me in changing our hearts and attitudes towards the commands given to us in scripture?

Let's delight in them, and love them....lifting up our hands to them out of our love.

Mr.Baby update

2011-08-22T11:03:00.002-05:00

So the THIRD trimester is here alas, and I can't believe how quickly these past several weeks have flown by! Just sitting here today, I've been thinking about how I never really knew all that pregnant women go through. hahaha The other day I had the thought that I think the nausea during the 1st trimester and constant exhaustion, among other "changes" in a prego body takes place over 9 months to seriously prepare you for being a mommy. It somehow makes you tougher.

Lately, I've been feeling extremely huge. Like I can't bend over, roll over or stand up without making some kind of grunting sound. It's pretty humorous actually because every time I do something, Thehubs asks what's wrong...and I'm like "oh, nothing just the usual." He's probably getting tired of me by now.

I just wanted to document some of the lovely "milestones" I've gotten too here lately.

1. Some of my maternity shirts are now too short for my big belly....is that bad? lol

2. My back hurts 24/7, despite my chiropractor adjustments.

3. My hips and inner thighs feel like I've ran a marathon and pulled about 10 muscles.

4. Apparently the tingling/numbness in my right let is called Sciatica. It began at 26 weeks, 2 days and has progressed since then. It's almost a constant thing now.

5. My feet and hands began swelling this past weekend (at 27 weeks)

6. My energy level is still high, but I've seen a slight decrease since the sciatica began, and now swelling just makes me not want to stand at all.

7. Mr.baby kicks CONSTANTLY....which is a good thing, I just wish sometimes I could watch him in there. I stare at my belly often as if I can see what's going on.

I think that's about all as far as pregnancy symptoms and "milestones".

I went to the doctor last week, and passed the glucose test. YAY!! I have now officially gained a total of 9 lbs, but don't let that fool you, I lost several pounds in the 1st trimester, and it's ALL been gained in the belly!!

As far as the baby room goes-- it's STILL a guest/junk/computer room. But I'm thinking just a few phone calls (thrift store pickup & ATT to re-route the cable wires) and a few hours of cleaning out should finish the job.

Then we'll make the purchase of the crib!

Baby showers are quickly approaching. I have my 1st one on September 18th in Bham, and my "big" one on October 2nd in the big WC. We have registered at Buy Buy Baby, and plan to register at Walmart....I'm thinking we'll have to do that this week considering invitations for both showers will be going out very very soon!

No pic of the new baby-hump (no longer baby bump) now, but I'll try and take one later this week. =)

Worry wart?

2011-08-09T08:42:00.003-05:00

Have you ever read a very familiar scripture, one that you've known pretty much your entire life, and had the Holy Spirit renew it in your heart as if it were the 1st time you'd ever heard/read it?

Don't you love that feeling??

Well, a few months ago something happened in our lives that caused some significant worry for me. I'm talking about, losing sleep, all I can think about, crying often kind of worry. So I read Philippians 4, with the purpose of just focusing on the verse that says

"Do not be anxious about anything..."

But instead I read verses 2-9....which is exactly what God had in mind, I'm sure.

I meant to write then about what was revealed to me, but never did.

Last week, a friend had put "Philippians 4" as her Facebook status. It's been on my heart since then to actually read the chapter, as I had obviously forgotten what it says. So I sit down this morning determined to spend some time with Jesus instead of wasting it as I normally do, and I turn to that chapter.

Here are verses 4-9 for you...

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

So I've heard verse 6 many many times, as I'm sure you have as well. But I don't know that I ever remember having this entire passage come together as it has in my life over the past few months.

We are NOT to be anxious about ANYTHING- but instead present our requests (our desires) to the Lord.

Then Paul goes right on to write about our thoughts! Which is exactly where worry comes from!

If we only thought about the things that are true, noble, right, pure, etc. then I strongly believe our worries would not exist. We tend to worry about things that will probably never happen. I heard a quote one time (not sure where) that says this:

"90% of the things we worry about will never happen."

I have found that to be true SO many times in my life. Worries about finances, jobs, family members, safety, relationships, busy schedules, to-do lists......do they come from us thinking about what Paul instructs us to think about? I think not.

They come from the opposite!

We let our minds be held captive by the enemy, and oh how the worries begin. I have to remind myself of these verses often...meditating on what I'm instructed to do, which is to allow Christ to take captive my thoughts- chewing on scripture, not letting my mind run wild with worries.

The Christian life is hard, but it's supposed to be. If it were easy, everybody would do it!

Giveaway

2011-06-11T07:10:00.004-05:00

Cloth diaper giveaway!

Don't want or need cloth diapers? Well be a good sport and enter anyways and you could give them to ME!! =)

Yes, we're planning on using cloth diapers from the get-go of having the baby, and I've been doing all kinds of research on the best kind. Haven't heard of the kind that's being given away, but hey...they're FREE!!

Hop over to the Passionate homemaking blog and it's easy to enter!!

Good luck!

still laughing

2011-06-09T21:50:00.003-05:00

So I was looking on Craigslist today at yard sales in the area because I'm determined to find some good furniture and stuff for the baby!

While looking, I about died from laughing when I came across this ad from the lovely town of Nauvoo....only in Nauvoo.

I'll list it word-for-word considering they apparently don't care about listing their address AND phone number for the entire world to see!

Here goes:

We are having a yard sale this week end 9 to 11 344 2nd street Nauvoo Al 2056975023 next week will be Nauvoo car show we will be selling cake, fried pies, ice cream,and drinks so will you are at the car show come by and pick up some thing good to eat, or drink

So.....apparently the only punctuation they know is the comma.

Don't forget about the yard sale AND car show this "week end"!!! Oh, and while, I mean "will" you're at the car show (which of COURSE you're going too, right!?!?!) you will have to get "some thing good to eat, or drink" (no period....because what's a period anyways??)

Oh, I could go on and on about other things that make me laugh, but maybe that's enough for now.

Well, Happy Thursday!!

Week 16

2011-06-01T20:32:00.003-05:00

How far along: 16 weeks

Size of baby: 3-5oz, 4-5 inches (crown to rump)....bigger than a softball!

Total weight gain: Well as of my doctor's appointment last week, I've lost a total of 5lbs.

Maternity clothes: Pretty much wearing them all of the time. Gonna have to start looking for some pants that are bigger than the size 2s that were given to me...

Gender: Still waiting on June 21st...at 2pm to be exact!

Movement: I'm pretty sure I've felt some flutters here lately. At least I tell myself that it's the baby I'm feeling =)

Sleep: Still sleeping A LOT!!! However, my baby book says not to sleep on your back anymore, which sucks bc that's my favorite! I've tried to start changing that habit now, but I haven't been doing so well....

What I miss: Being able to ride a roller coaster or do other daring summer activities! I've really wanted to do something like that lately, and then realize I can't bc I'm prego!

Cravings: Cheese puffs! I was laying in bed one night and could taste them! Therefore I went out and bought some the next day!

Symptoms: Still some nausea, and my hips and lower back have also been killing me lately. My lovely chiropractor/family friend told me several weeks ago that I'd start experiencing some pain around this time due to my body beginning to stretch out and prepare for delivery over the next several months.

Food aversions: None really....

Milestones: Finding an "original" flavored toothpaste, which allows me to brush w/out gagging-on most days.

Old Wives' Tales

2011-05-27T10:31:00.003-05:00

My precious Mary Kay Director gave me the book "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" and in the chapter on week 15 it lists several old wives' tales.

Several of these I've heard, but others are a bit bizarre and I've never even heard of. Just thought I'd share them with you. :)

*You need calcium if you crave ice cream. (That's all the time for me! lol)

*Cold feet indicate a boy. (My feet have been the only cold part about me lately)

*A lot of heartburn means your baby will be born with a full head of hair.

*Refusing to eat the heal on a loaf of bread means you're going to have a girl.

*Dangling a wedding ring over your tummy indicates the sex of your baby.

*Your baby will be born with a hairy birthmark if you see a mouse while you're pregnant. (seriously!?!?)

*If you care out in font, it's a boy-- carrying around your middle means it's a girl.

*Eating berries causes red splotches on your baby's skin.

*If you perspire a lot, it's a girl.

*Taking a bath can hurt, or even drown, a fetus. (Although it does warn about soaking in a hot tub or spa)

*It's a girl if you crave orange juice.

*Stretching your arms over your head can cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby's neck. (Guess that's what my mom did...bc I was born w/it wrapped around my neck)

*If you carry high, it's a boy-- carrying low means it's a girl.

*Dry hands means you're going to have a boy.

*Craving greasy foods means your labor will be short.

*Craving spinach signifies you need iron.

*Your baby will be cross-eyed if you wear high heels. (Oh no, my child has no hope!)

*Your moods during pregnancy affect your baby's personality--even if you try to remain calm at all times, it doesn't mean your baby will be mellow. (This makes no sense)

*Using various techniques or substances will start labor. Do not try to induce labor by walking, exercising, drinking castor oil, going on a bumpy ride, using laxatives or having sex. (And I've heard of all of those....especially the walking one!)

Soo.....do you have any more old wives' tales that weren't included in this crazy list? What are your favorites? Any that turned out to be true for you???

Baby Doctor!

2011-05-24T17:40:00.003-05:00

Well we went to the baby doctor today!!!

Here's what we found out.

Heart-rate is between 150-160 now..and in the nurse's words "He's barking like a dog" haha

Not sure if she meant to say "he" or what, but that's what I'm banking on!! Have I mentioned that I want a boy so I can be a baseball mom....and Thehubs wants a girl to spoil rotten! :)

Anyways, I saw a different doctor than my primary, and I really liked her too! (Actually a little better than my doc!)

I'm down to 126 lbs, which is less than I've weighed in years. I've lost a total of 5lbs since the beginning of my pregnancy, but they're not worried at all. Dr says I'll start gaining soon...and I'm sure that's the truth!

I guess all the vomiting I've been doing has been taking away the pounds while BabyHicks keeps growing.

She said I'm measuring great, and that I should start feeling little fluttery movements pretty soon.

I thought I felt something this morning while laying in bed, but wasn't sure.....

We go back in 4 weeks- June 21st at 2pm to do the ultrasound! We're so excited, as this will be our 1st time even seeing our baby, PLUS we'll find out if we're having a boy or a girl!!

We've just now (as in today) started talking about names! I'm super excited, but yet a bit stressed about deciding on a name, as it pretty much determines our child's destiny in life. It's a much bitter deal that I ever thought...

Ok, so here's my baby bump at 14 weeks and 5 days. This is the 1st picture I've taken, so I really have nothing to compare to before now...oh well, maybe I can keep up my updates and weekly pics of our pride and joy growing in mommy's belly!!

And yes, I cut off my head due to looking pretty rough today.... =)

14 week update!

2011-05-22T14:03:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I'll go ahead and admit that I stole this from my cousin's wife. I've been wanting to update about my pregnancy progress, but haven't been sure of the details everybody wants....and just really haven't taken the time to do so. :)

So here goes. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this up each week.

How far along: 14 weeks and 3 days to be exact.

Size of baby: I believe we're at a fist size right now

Total weight gain: Not so sure. At last months checkup, I had actually lost a few pounds. I'm thinking (and my clothes confirm) that I've put on a few pounds this month. We'll find out Tuesday.

Maternity clothes: I have broken out a few things. Thankfully, a lady from church gave me 3 huge totes of maternity clothes. Otherwise, I'd just be wearing dresses and skirts all the time-which is what I often do anyways. On a sad note, she was apparently MUCH THINNER than me....and the maternity clothes are sizes XS and 2 and 3. I never even knew those sizes existed! But as of now, they fit with my little baby bump, but I have a feeling I'll be having to buy things of my own within the next few months.

Gender: Not sure. I want a boy-Thehubs wants a girl. But of course, it really doesn't matter. We will find out the gender on/around June 21st!

Movement: None yet....although my What to Expect book says that there's movement going on, but I just might not be recognizing it as a 1st time mom. We'll see...

Sleep: Yes please!!! I take naps often, and get at least 8-10 hours per night! Sometimes more!!!

What I miss: Feeling good!! It's been driving me crazy that I'm still so drained and nauseous. Now, it has improved greatly over the past few weeks, but I'm still just wiped out all the time.

Cravings: Sour candy. That's been about the only "weird" thing I've noticed so far.

Symptoms: The 1st symptom I had was breast tenderness!!! I actually experienced that for about a week or 2 before we found out we were pregnant! And it has certainly not gotten any better! Nausea, vomiting (ever. single. time. I brush my teeth!), fatigue.....and crying at the drop of a hat!

Food aversions: I really haven't been a fan of peanut butter....and I absolutely hate the smell of chicken cooking-therefore I really haven't ate any unless it's at a restaurant. Also, chewing gum...which used to be a favorite of mine! And of course toothpaste....although that's really not a "food"

Milestones: Well, I guess making it out of the 1st trimester would be good! Now if I could just brush my teeth w/out losing my breakfast!!

In a rut

2011-05-07T20:49:00.002-05:00

Do you ever just get in little ruts??

Well let me just be real with you for a minute...I'm in a rut. A Spiritual rut- big time.

You see, back in January, things were going great. I was growing so much spiritually, and the Lord was teaching me new things everyday.

This lasted probably until about March, and then a gradual decrease in my obedience and time committed to the Lord took place.

To be honest, I've only read my Bible once in probably the past month...and that was probably out of obligation rather than love for my Savior.

What changed? Well, just a few things immediately come to mind.

1. I stopped having a morning routine of immediately spending time with Jesus before doing anything else.

2. I stopped journaling during the times I was spending in the Word.

3. I stopped dedicating time to prayer...

And yes, those 3 things alone have brought me to where I am today.

I'm ashamed to say that I've almost avoided reading verses on Facebook and from text messages. Because, I knew conviction would come...

I just wanted to do things myself...

Even as I write this blog, I'm not quite broken to the point I know I need to be...I know in my head where I need to be, but my spirit isn't broken...

Something I've certainly noticed especially throughout the past several weeks is that I strongly believe that there is a DIRECT CORRELATION between being spiritually mature/growing and having joy and motivation to be the wife/woman God wants me to be.

Since my growth has stopped, I have stopped encouraging my husband as I should, I stopped managing my home as I once did, I became almost lethargic....pretty much, my overall attitude and motivation was gone.

(some of that may have been contributed to the 1st trimester of pregnancy, but I contribute it completely to my lack of spiritual growth...)

Also, my job has suffered. You can ask anybody that I work with that during the month of April, I was totally not there. I had very little motivation to teach my clients the skills they needed to know, I was behind on paperwork the entire month, and I even failed to do other tasks that are required, and which I normally have no probably doing.

Thankfully, my job is amazing, and my boss totally understands that it was just a down-month for me. I've promised that May will be much better.

And is has been so far. But I think that's just mainly because I have realized that I've been in a rut, and I'm trying to dig myself out of it.

But you see, I can't do anything on my own. I know this, but I'm stubborn....and still try alone.

I need time with my Jesus. I need to go broken before him.

I know He is waiting, and He will begin speaking once again as soon as I return.

I've just got to give it all up again...and again....and again....

Luke 9:23

Emotional

2011-04-20T20:48:00.003-05:00

This week has been insane. Emotions have been so crazy....

Oh yeah, I guess I should start by saying on here that tomorrow I will be 10 weeks pregnant with babyH. (I'll post later on that....)

But this week, my mommy, who is pretty much my best friend has been in the hospital and has given us all a scare.

What's even more frustrating is that the doctors still don't know what happened or what's wrong. They just say it should continue to improve. I won't go into details on here for the sake of my mother, as she of course hates it when people know she's sick.

Upon her admission to the hospital, I was a basketcase. Thehubs and the rest of my family had to remind me to be calm and take care of the baby. As time progressed, I learned to keep it together, but still have my moments.

Haven't worked all week, and tomorrow I'll have to work from 8:30-7 pretty much so I just hope I can hold up.

To add to everything else, today I've been at home all day, throwing up every time I eat something. This morning, Crispix cereal was the 1st to go....then I tried some juice and toast, which soon came back up as well.

My wonderfully hubby fixed some supper earlier this afternoon at my request, to which I only at 3 bites before getting nauseous.

Took some Tylenol and then a 3 hour nap in hopes things would be better when I woke up.

Just ate half of a grilled cheese (cooked by Thehubs of course....maybe I'll start calling him WonderHubs) and I'm just hoping it stays down. As of right now, my body is telling me it won't....

This is the sickest I've been throughout the pregnancy....I was reading that stress can bring on additional morning sickness, so I'm pretty sure that's what's going on.

Please be in prayer for my mom and the rest of the family as we continue in this journey of her healing. She came home today....

5 question friday!

2011-04-08T08:27:00.004-05:00

FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY!!! I usually try and post her logo, but that never works....so CLICK HERE if you want to check it all out!

1. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

Probably my crooked arm....I'd make it straight so I didn't get funny looks when I'm stretching or something. lol

2. Write about a time when you got lost.

In my family, we don't call it "getting lost", we call it "taking the scenic route"....and then we turn left, then right, then left, then right until we eventually end up somewhere in civilization. lol

Let me just say that I've seen plenty of "scenic routes" in my day!

3. Camping or 5 star hotel?

Well, BOTH! I'd love to go camping and have some time in the great outdoors, but I must have a good sleeping bag, and a bathroom very close.

5 Star Hotel...well I've only stayed in 1 of those in my life, and that was on our wedding night. I'm hoping we get to go back for our anniversary this year! It's the Tutwiler Hotel :)

4. Have you donated blood?

Once, and I refuse to ever do it again! I had a feeling that it wouldn't be pretty, and boy was I right!!!

My work had a health day or something just a few months after I started there, so I thought I'd be a good employee and go. And then I thought I'd be even more ambitious and give blood in front of all these people.

So I did.....and I was fine the whole time sitting there, but as soon as they were taking the IV and everything out, the room suddenly started shrinking...

And I passed out....not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES!!!! Fun times...

5. Do you have a budget or do you 'fly by' most months?

We try to have a budget. It's something that I mostly do in my "bill notebook" each paycheck. I write down all of the bills for the next 2 weeks, and roughly estimate how much we plan to spend on gas, groceries, etc.

My plans are to become much more detailed and organized with this very soon!

But there's NO WAY we could just "fly by" each month!

5 question friday!

2011-03-18T14:02:00.002-05:00

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?

No....thankfully! I was scared that by going into social work I would have to testify a lot for various cases. However, one of the rules that my job has is that we CAN'T testify in court! :) I'm very grateful for that rule!

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?

YES I DO!!!! It hasn't even been 2 years since the big day, and it's still hanging up in the closet. I've had good intentions to have it cleaned and boxed up, but something about that costing around $200 has prevented that from happening!

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?

I like to go to bed when I'm sad or stressed! Yes, sleep becomes my best friend! Otherwise, for all of the happy emotions, I love to be outside walking or at a park! And Thehubs hates being outside, so I always have be bribe him to go with me! =)

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?

No kids here...yet, anyways. But I've always said I would NEVER let them sleep with me...I'm just hoping I can stick with that commitment, because I know it's harder than it sounds!

5. Do you watch late night TV?

Very rarely....I'm usually in bed by around 9:30 or 10....11 is LATE for me! And if I am awake, I'm catching up on my recorded shows.

busy times

2011-03-14T20:47:00.003-05:00

This weekend was probably one of the busiest we've had in a WHILE!

Friday, I worked all day and then went to my parent's house while Thehubs worked Fri night.

Mom and I worked most of the day Saturday cleaning an empty lakehouse/castle.

When I say "cleaning" I mean scrubbing walls, baseboards, ceiling fans, windows, and more walls..... pretty much trying to get the foreclosed home look brand new.

Sunday was church and hanging out w/ the parents. Thehubs was able to come in Sunday morning after work, so that made me happy!

Thehubs helped my dad work Sunday and today to put down some new flooring in the downstairs of my parent's house. They got a lot of the tedious stuff done... at least that's what they say. lol

Dad's deadline is Saturday at 3pm bc that's my Mary Kay Debut!!! =)

Mom and I went back to the lakehouse/castle today and worked all day......we're still not finished. lol

Needless to say, I'm exhausted!! But I wouldn't have traded it for the world! I love my parents, and I love that Thehubs loves my parents too!!! He asks to go see them more than I do! =)

Now time for a busy work week...I'm hoping to get a lot of Mary Kay work in too!!

Don't forget about my blog contest HERE. You have 4 days to enter!!!

March Madness!!!

2011-03-10T20:44:00.002-06:00

Ready for some Mary Kay March Madness?!?!?!

Want to win $50 of Mary Kay product?!?!?

Here are the contest rules:

1. Purchase at least $25 of product from my website to enter. (click HERE)

2. For every $25 of product ordered, your name will go in the hat.

(i.e. if you order $75, you get in the hat 3 times!)

3. Your name gets in the hat 1 more time if you post this to your blog!

4. Be a follower of my blog!

5. Leave a comment so I'll know you're all in!

***Deadline is @ midnight Friday March 18th***

*** A total of at least $100 of product must be sold in order for the give-away to take place***

***Winner will be drawn on Saturday March 19th***

new favorite thing

2011-03-06T16:02:00.002-06:00

A peanut-butter like creaminess filled with a chocolatey flavor....

Enough said.

STAND FIRM

2011-03-05T10:24:00.003-06:00

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trupet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.....

THIS SONG is one of my favorites in regards to Christ's return. It goes right along with this scripture. (I want this sung at my funeral one day by the way.)

But let's not forget about verse 58 below....it's our responsibility!

Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corintians 15: 51-53, 58

5 question FRIDAY!

2011-03-04T17:17:00.003-06:00

Never EVER done 5 question Friday before....so here goes!!!

1. Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school?

No kiddo's here yet....but I probably will one day...

And I do possibly remember my parents leaving me at church a time or two. and not realizing it until they got home... lol

2. Where did you go on your very first date? (Like...first first, not first with your spouse or current significant other!)

Gosh, that's been a while....I think I just went to dinner and the movies (Cobb 4 that is) in the big J-town! =)

3. What's your "silly" fear? (We're not talking water and heights.)

Definitely escalators and getting stuck in them or sucked up...

4. Confrontation: do you cause it, deal with is as it comes, or run far far away?

So, yeah...I TEACH conflict resolution resolution skills to my clients and talk about how important it is to discuss conflicts and have them resolved, HOWEVER, I HATE confrontation and conflict all together....

5. Wood floors or carpet?

I prefer carpet...I learned while in college, living in a house with nothing but wood floors, that I HATE it!!! Dust gets everywhere, and you never feel like it's clean.

p.s. this answer may be different when we have kids and have to clean up spills all of the time!

Happy Weekend!!!

status

2011-03-01T20:43:00.002-06:00

Since I don't have facebook, I must post my would-be status for the night....

I THOUGHT about and was even dressed to work out.... then realized I hadn't ate supper yet. Sooo, it's late night left over pizza and watching TV in my pj's instead! =)

That counts, right?!?!?

WEBSITE

2011-02-26T18:32:00.002-06:00

Alright, ladies, I just set up my Mary Kay website!

Click HERE to view it and to begin ordering your products NOW!!

I haven't set up for credit cards to be accepted yet, but that should happen within the next week.

Here are some things I would recommend if you've never used Mary Kay products...

1. The Miracle Set (cleanser/ moisturizer + night/day creams)

2. The Satin Hands set

3. Microdermabrasion (AMAZING for your face....clears up blemishes and evens skin tone!)

My Debut has been set for 3/19th at 3pm at my mom's place. Email me (you can do that through my website) if you have any questions!

New endeavor

2011-02-21T22:41:00.002-06:00

As of TODAY I am officially a Mary Kay Consultant!!!!!!!! Well, I think it's official....

I have to start selling products of course, so be expecting me to ask you to borrow your face to practice!! =)

This was sort of a random decision for me, but I couldn't be more excited. I have actually been thinking for a while about how I need to start selling something in order to bring in some extra cash.

A lady from our small group at church borrowed my face and did a facial last night using her products, and we talked about me selling....

So I talked with Michael- his exact words were "Go for it!" and so here I am!!

I'm a bit overwhelmed right now, as I have NEVER EVER done anything like this, and I feel like there is so much to be done in order to get started! I'll attend my 1st meeting Thursday night and meet all the ladies in my unit.

But first things first- I get to have a Business Debut! PLEASE let me know if you are interested and want to buy Mary Kay from me and attend my Debut!!! I'm in the process of figuring out location and date, so I'll get back with you guys on that.

For family and close friends....you're already invited and you'd better be there!!

love song

2011-02-09T10:05:00.003-06:00

This Song is for Thehubs.....

Even though he rarely reads my blog, maybe I can convince him to check this post out. :)

Sacred Echos

2011-02-08T22:06:00.004-06:00

I posted THIS blog as well as THIS blog a few weeks ago, as I had gotten a package in the mail from "The Voice of the Martyrs".

I thought it was odd that I received the package as I had really never heard of the organization....I just assumed that it was one of those things that was sent out to people in our area or something.

The book "Tortured for Christ" was in it....I read the book, and was extremely touched and learned so much about true genuine love.

Last week (1/31/11) I watched "19 Kids & Counting" which I really NEVER watch. This particular episode just happened to be called "Donating Duggars" and they went to Oklahoma to work with The voice of the Martyrs organization to help make parachutes to be used to provide bibles and other supplies for persecuted Cambodians.

Today (2/8/11) I received ANOTHER package from this organization.....

What was it?? Well let me just tell you....

Included was a small magazine with various stories and articles. A poster was also included, which stated the following.

Flying only a few hundred feet off the ground, Russell opens the window of his Cessna aircraft and carefully drops a parachute over a guerrilla camp. In a bag suspended from the parachute are a Bible and other Christian materials, sometimes including a shortwave radio pre-tuned to two Christian stations that broadcast the Word of God.

"I've been shot at a few times," Russell says, "and one of my aircraft had multiple bullet holes in it."

The danger is real, but Russell (a co-worker with The Voice of Martyrs) and his team are committed to delivering the Word of God where there is no conventional means of delivery. Being on the ground would be even more dangerous.

"I have seen many guerrillas turn from their violent ways after reading the Bible and listening to our radio broadcasts," Russell explains, "If we want peace in Colombia, we have to point people, even terrorists, to the true source of peace and forgiveness."

Now you can join The Voice of Martyrs in providing more parachutes for Russell and his team. When you order these ready-to-assemble Colombia Parachute Packs, you will receive everything you need (cloth, ribbon, glue, plastic bags for Bibles, and instructions) to assemble parachutes to be dropped over dangerous areas of Columbia. All you need is a pair of scissors and a willing heart!

It goes on to explain how to order them....

Ok, God, what's going on here?? Are you whispering SACRED ECHOS into my heart....into OUR hearts? The women's retreat I went on last weekend was about how he whispers echos in our lives, and we were encouraged to look for echos.

I just shared this with Thehubs, and he shared with me that he has been praying for ways to serve....I think God is answering prayers....while echoing His plans in our lives. :)

Isn't he Amazing!?!?!?!

Lonely places

2011-02-03T19:31:00.003-06:00

Luke 5:15-16

"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. "

If our Lord and Savior had to "often" get away to "lonely places" from the hustle and bustle of his busy life to pray, how much more should we?? We NEED lonely places....we NEED prayer!

Just something to think about...

Done

2011-02-02T18:23:00.003-06:00

Well....I just "deactivated" my facebook account. Many have asked why...

Several months ago I started getting convicted about the use of my time. My daily schedule is usually as follows:

wake up

go to bathroom

check facebook

eat breakfast (while on facebook)

read Bible

check facebook

get dressed for work

check facebook

work

come home

check facebook

eat supper (while on facebook)

remain on facebook until bedtime..

and YES it was that bad...

Thankfull I didn't have it on my phone. One- bc I'm cheap and didn't want to pay the extra $30 for internet. Two- I knew it would only make things worse.

So therefore, after much discussion with God and trying to quite or cut back on my own...I've given in and said ENOUGH!!

The hard part now is to fulfill my time with more productive things to glorify God....not to just find other websites and TV shows to waste my time on.

My goal is to dig in with a Bible Study...journal a lot more about what God is teaching me...and to be a better wife (which includes a variety of things).

I'll still be blogging....as long as that doesn't rule my life as well. And I'll of course have my email.

It feels like of weird....now here's to night 1 of being free! lol

failed

2011-01-31T19:38:00.003-06:00

Just to be real with you real quick....I failed today. I let my pride and flesh get to me. I lost control...

I also allowed Satan's lies get to me as well. My worldly desires to have things...to own a home....to make more money...to be able to have money left after the bills are paid.

God quickly reminded me that He is still in control. I need to set my hope in things above, not on earthly things. Invest in His Kingdom work instead of focusing only on materialistic things here.

Good news is that He picked me back up, wiped the dust off my behind and told me to try again.

Isn't He wonderful??

Donkey

2011-01-31T00:22:00.002-06:00

I just have to share a verse that I've read several times this week. I almost laugh every time I read it...and I've found myself talking to God about it a lot as well.

2 Peter 2:16

"But he was rebuked by his wrongdoing by a donkey-- a beast without speech-- who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness."

I encourage you to go and read the whole chapter, but I feel like this verse along speaks for itself.

GOD USED A DONKEY!!!! Hahahaha

And yet I make up excuses about how He can't use me....

On the flip side, I also make excuses about how I must talk to someone and try to convict them for their sins....playing God...

But my prayer this week has been "Father, if you can use a DONKEY, and speak your Truth through something that can't even talk, then I trust that you can use anything..."

So when you begin doubting God about ANYTHING, be reminded that he used a DONKEY! He spoke (verbally) through a flippin' donkey!

He is in control!

Balance Beam

2011-01-26T10:37:00.001-06:00

FRANCIS CHAN BALANCE BEAM

Check out this video, please. It's a great perspective about how we often live such safe lives as Christians....

God made the thumb

2011-01-22T22:26:00.002-06:00

Continued from "Tortured for Christ"....

I met a Russian couple, both sculptors. When I spoke to them about God, then answered, "No, God does not exist. We are bezboshniki-- godless. But we will tell you something interesting that happened to us.

"Once we worked on a statue of Stalin. During the work, my wife asked me, 'How about the thumb? If we did not have an opposing thumb-- if our fingers were like our toes-- we could not hold a hammer, mallet, tool, book or piece of bread. Human life would be impossible without this little thumb. Now, who made the thumb? We both learned Marxism in school and know that heaven and earth exist by themselves. They are not created by God. So I have learned and so i believe. But if God did not create heaven and earth, if He created only the thumb, He would be praiseworthy for this little thing.

" 'We praise Edison and Bell and Stephenson who have invented the electric bulb, telephone, railway, and other things. But why should we not praise the One who has invented the thumb? If Edison had not had a thumb, he would have invented nothing. It is only right to worship God who made the thumb.' "

The husband became very angry as husbands very often do when their wives tell them wise things. "Don't speak stupidities! You have learned that there is not God. You do not know if the house is bugged. We can get into trouble. Get into your mind once and for all that there is no God. In heaven there is nobody!"

She replied, "This is an even greater wonder. If in heaven there is an Almighty God, in whom in stupidity our forefathers believed, it would then be only natural that we should have thumbs. An Almighty God can do everything, so He can make a thumb, too. But if in heaven there is nobody, I will worship with all my heart the 'Nobody' who has made the thumb."

So they became worshippers of the "Nobody"! Their faith in this "Nobody" increased with time, believing Him to be the creator not only of the thumb, but also of the stars, flowers, children, and everything beautiful in life. It was just as in Athens in earlier times, when Paul met worshippers of the "unknown God" (Acts 17:23).

This couple was unspeakably happy to hear from me that they had believed rightly, that in heaven there is really a "Nobody"-- God who is Spirit. He is a Spirit of love, wisdom, truth, and power, who so loved them that He sent His only begotten Son to sacrifice Himself for them on the cross.

They had been believers in God not knowing that they were so. I had the great privilege of taking them one step further-- to the experience of salvation and redemption.

This made me cry...

2011-01-21T10:27:00.004-06:00

I randomly got a package this week, which included the book "Tortured For Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand. It's about a Romanian pastor who spend 14 years in Communist prisons for sharing the Gospel. I'll probably share several stories from the book, as it has already touched my life and brought tears to my eyes several times in just the first 3 chapters.

Here is one about the beauty of one first hearing about Christ.

Russians-- A people with such "thristy Souls

An Orthodox priest, a friend of mine, telephoned me and told me that a Russian officer had come to him to confess. My friend did not know Russian. However, knowing that I speak Russian, he had given him my address. The next day this man came to see me. He longed for God, but he had never seen a Bible. He had no religious education and never attended religious services (churches in Russia then were very scarce). He loved God without the slightest knowledge of Him.

I read to him the Sermon on the Mount and the parables of Jesus. After hearing them, he danced around the room in rapturous joy, proclaiming, "What a wonderful beauty! How could I live without knowing Christ!" It was the first time that I saw someone so joyful in Christ.

Then I made a mistake. I read to him the passion and crucifixion of Christ, without having prepared him for this. He had not expected it and, when he heard how Christ was beaten, how He was crucified and that in the end He died, he fell into an armchair and began to weep bitterly. He had believed in a Savior and now his Savior was dead!

I looked at him and was ashamed. I had called myself a Christian, a pastor, and a teacher of others, but I had never shared the sufferings of Christ as this Russian officer now shared them. Looking at him, it was like seeing Mary Magdalene weeping at the foot of the cross, faithfully weeping when Jesus was a corpse in the tomb.

Then I read to him the story of the resurrection and watched his expression change. He had not known that his Savior arose from the tomb. When he heard this wonderful news, he beat his knees and swore-- using very dirty, but very "holy" profanity. This was his crude manner of speech. Again, he rejoiced, shouting for joy, "He is alive! He is alive!" He danced around the room once more, overwhelmed with happiness!

I said to him, "Let us pray!" He did not know how to pray. He did not know our "holy" phrases. He fell on his knees together with me and his words of prayer were: "Oh God, what a fine chap you are! If I were You and You were me, I would never have forgiven You of Your sins. But You are really a very nice chap! I love you with all of my heart."

I think that all the angels in heaven stopped what they were doing to listen to this sublime prayer from a Russian officer. The man had been won for Christ!

The room

2011-01-16T21:21:00.002-06:00

I found this story in a book I read several years ago.....can't remember the book for the life of me, maybe it was "I kissed Dating Goodbye" but I really can't remember. I came across it again tonight and wanted to share it with you guys.

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near to the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. The lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I have read," " Lies I have told", "Comfort I have given," "Jokes I have laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Thinks I've Yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Thinks I have done in Anger," "Thinks I have muttered under my breath at my parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes there were fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my twenty years to write each one of these thousands, possibly millions, of cards? But each card confirmed the truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I have Listened to," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed contents. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

Suddenly I felt an almost animal rage. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy, I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took the file at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I have shared the Gospel with." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hand. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worse boxes. Whey did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file, and one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted, rushing to HIm. All I could find to say was "No, no!" as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and continued to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

Nothing bad to say..

2011-01-15T22:20:00.002-06:00

1 Peter 2: 11-12

11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans, that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Let me just break this down a bit....especially while God is speaking...

1. We (Christians) are "aliens" in this world. We don't belong. We are here for a short time- eternity is our home.

2. As "strangers" we are to act differently from this world...not blend in with it.

3. "Abstaining from sinful desires"--- those things that Paul refers to in Romans 7:15

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

The things we KNOW we struggle with....we are to abstain from even the desire to do it.

4. Verse 12 along with Titus 2 is how I try to live my life....It's pretty much saying that we are to live in a way that unbelievers or those watching us can't even find anything against us.

Titus 2:7-8 says

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

I believe that God's word is telling us that we should be living such lives that point others in the direction of glorifying God.

"Although they accuse you of doing wrong..." we should keep living and doing what is right.

We know the world is just watching and waiting for Christians to fall. And they love to see the fall happen. How many times have we laughed at the sin of those around us?

We gossip....we make excuses for them....we turn our backs against them....

The world does not need to see just another "Christian" whom they can look at and say "I'm no different then he is" or "If THAT's what being a Christian is about, I don't want it"

What if they had nothing bad to say about us???

I'm choosing and praying now that the Holy Spirit can help me and lead me in living out 1 Peter 11-12.

Lord, may I live as an alien of this earth....focused on eternity and realizing that every single thing I do while here will be accounted for. Help me to have a Kingdom mindset, looking to You and believing You will keep your promises. May I abstain from my sinful desires so You may be glorified.....

Get ready

2010-12-22T10:11:00.002-06:00

Just reading through Matthew some more, and this morning in chapter 24, Jesus is talking about the signs of the end times. This has always been an interesting topic to me....

Verses 45-51 are what I want to focus on sharing with you today. Jesus here is talking about how nobody will know the day or hour when He will return....

(The Message translation)

^45-47"Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day. Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job. A God-blessed man or woman, I tell you. It won't be long before the Master will put this person in charge of the whole operation.

^48-51"But if that person only looks out for himself, and the minute the Master is away does what he pleases—abusing the help and throwing drunken parties for his friends—the Master is going to show up when he least expects it and make hash of him. He'll end up in the dump with the hypocrites, out in the cold shivering, teeth chattering."

This just jumped out at me, because I feel like I am more like the person in verses 48-51 at times. I think a lot of people are....

We tend to think that we have PLENTY of time to serve God, and get things right with him.

How many times have you heard somebody say something about "Oh, well I'll get things right one day.."

Guys, this right here is talking about how we don't have time! Get things right NOW!!!

Verse 38-39 says "For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."

GET READY.....He is coming.

I'm talking to myself when I say that we need to be like the faithful servant described in verses 45-47......serving our Father every single day.

Even when we feel that He won't return for a long time. Even if that were true....if He wasn't going to return in our lifetime....then what about Matthew 12:36

"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every carless word they have spoken."

We're going to be judged for EVERYTHING!

Let's start waiting and watching for our Savior's return.....serving Him as if He were coming today!

Spoiled rotten

2010-12-21T19:21:00.003-06:00

I just have to say that I have the most amazing husband ever! He told me that for Christmas he wanted to take me to Belk to get some new clothes or whatever. He insisted that we go to the Galleria since that Belk is HUGE.

So we went today on our date day for Christmas. Ate lunch at J. Alexanders, which was amazing of course, and then went to the mall. When we got there, he wanted to go to the expensive section and look.

( I NEVER pay a lot for my clothes.....I get clearance, no name brand stuff.)

We looked, and I of course looked at price tags 1st, and said we needed to go to the other (CLEARANCE) section. So we did, and he got upset, and said he should have came by himself, bc he wants me to get some nice stuff.

So we went back to the expensive section. I got 2 pair of jeans and a jacket thing....

I spent much more than I normally would, but he was so happy to see me get some nice stuff. The jeans really are nice, and I know they'll last a long time. I go have to get them hemmed of course, but I'm pretty excited about having them too.

I just had to say how great he is for wanting me to have nice stuff. I never buy anything for myself, and he loves to spoil me rotten and buy me name brand stuff.

He has gotten me 2 Coach purses and a D&B purse over the years....and then the nice clothes today.

Merry Christmas to me (and my Belk card) lol

On another note, I have been falling in love with Dave Barnes and his music tonight! Never really listened to anything of his, and he is amazing! Such sweet songs!! :)

That is all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS if you don't hear from me before then....

1 Peter 3

2010-12-05T12:42:00.003-06:00

I have such a compelling to continue sharing what God is teaching me. Maybe this blog is taking a turn into more of a time for me to do that.

Over this weekend, I have learned so much. I feel like I just need to take the next week to dwell on all that God is showing me.

One of the main things He's showing me is of the need to stop living like the world, and believing the customs and things in life it tells us we should do.

This morning, submission was once again brought to mind. This world tells us we (as women) are the ones to run the household. We should tell our husbands when to breath, move, speak, and how they should do so.

But, that is so contrary to what the Word tells us. Let's begin choosing to live exactly as HE wants us to, and forget about what is "normal" on this earth. After all, we are aliens, aren't we!?!

I'm simply going to write what 1 Peter 3:1-6 says, and let God do the speaking to your heart...if you'll let him.

Wives, in the same way, be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do no give way to fear.

deep stuff from Deeper Still

2010-12-03T23:23:00.004-06:00

This is going to be a long one....I'm going to try my best to express my thoughts clearly. As clearly as God has revealed His Word to me just now.

I have just returned from the 1st session of the Deeper Still conference. Kay Arthur spoke tonight, and she went through the book of Matthew breaking it down into 4 main truths about the book.

1. Who is the Christ and what is He called?

2. The cost of the cross. Do we understand what it means to follow Jesus?

3. The gain or loss in our lives. The rewards (we gain or we lose rewards)

4. What He has commissioned us to do and what would happen if we did it?

While she was speaking on a variety of things about life, I kept thinking about how I have come to a point in my life lately where I often think that I have enough of God. Here have been some real life thoughts I've had...

I really don't have to read my Bible everyday or spend as much time with Him as I used to. I am more spiritually mature than most people around me. I go to church regularly, and do most of the things "Christians" should do. I read my Bible when I need guidance from God, or encouragement from him....or when I just don't know where to turn in life.

But when things are going good (or when I THINK things are going good) that's when I think that I really don't need God as much.

Oh how wrong my thoughts have been! Kay Arthur challenged us women to go home and search the Word of God...especially the book of Matthew. So I did.

I scanned through Matthew, and stopped at Chapter 10. I don't know what made me stop there and read the whole chapter other than the Holy Spirit doing so. Here is what I have been filled with.

The chapter is talking about Jesus calling the 12 disciples into his ministry and sending them forth.....pretty much warning them of all the persecution they will face and telling them to be prepared. I feel this just as much applies to us today, after all, aren't we supposed to be disciples as well?!?!

He gives them instructions beginning in verse 5 about where to go and what to preach. In verses 9-10 Jesus continues with His instructions saying:

"Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep."

Oh my gosh! What if God called ME and MY HUSBAND to do that?!?! To take absolutely nothing with us as we go and serve God. I can't imagine. More of my sinful thoughts....'

But God, how in the world would we survive? I couldn't raise children moving from place to place, not taking any money or extra clothes! And oh, how I want children in my life!

No bag? That's pretty much saying to just to go with the clothes on your back! No gold, silver or copper?? So surely I could take my debit card, right? That's a huge calling....you'd never call me to do that, right?!?! That's just for those really radical people who move to Africa and stuff....

Well, I kept reading....

Jesus goes on in verse 11 to explain how they will live.

"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave."

So I am guessing God just answered half my questions about needs being met, huh?

Keep reading....

Verses 17-20

This is where I got scared. More so than the whole, go without anything with you ordeal.

"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

My initial thought here was, dear Lord, is this what America is going to be like???? Is Jesus warning us today that we, as radical Christians, are going to be thrown in jail because of Him?

To be honest, I think we (as America) is already headed in that direction....

Praise be to God that, once again, He immediately responds by meeting our needs. He says that it won't be me speaking to the officials (in court, maybe?), but rather the HOLY SPIRIT speaking! Thank you, Father once again!!

Hang in there with me, please.....this is good stuff!

Verse 34, Jesus continues by saying that He didn't come to bring peace to this earth....but a sword! WHAT?? I thought Jesus was the Prince of Peace?!?! (HE IS!!)

But here, he's talking about peace as in us believing that everything in life will be hunky-dory if we just follow Him. WRONG!

Verse 35-39

"For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is NOT WORTHY OF ME; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is NOT WORTHY OF ME; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is NOT WORTHY OF ME. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it"

What's Jesus saying here? That I should turn against my family? No, I don't think he's saying that. What I think Jesus is saying "WHO CARES about what your family thinks......SERVE ME!" "WHO CARES if they think you're crazy for living radically and following me?!"

I know some of my 1st thoughts (and often verbal words) when I think about the thought of moving away from my family are "I can't be away from my parents.....I want them to help out with the grandkids!" or "What about my grandparents.....I want to be here for their final days of life!"

I have tears in my eyes as I type this thinking about all of the excuses that I could go on and on writing. What are yours?

But I think it is plainly written as Jesus said in those verses....

"ANYONE WHO LOVES ________ (fill in the blank) MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME!!!!!"

Not worthy of God!?!? Wow. We so often think we are entitled to God. As if HE owes us something in life if we even give him $20 or go to church. But Jesus died for us, people! God watched his ONLY SON be slain....just so us selfish, ignorant, sinful, disobedient, hypocrite people could be saved from all of that sin and spend eternity with Him.

And let me just say here, that JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN...no matter what you believe!!!!

God is eating my lunch, here people.....(or should I say midnight snack?)

Just to be real with you some more tonight.....I'll share some of my idols and things God has convicted me to do.

1. Spend MUCH LESS time on facebook and watching TV, and more time devoted to doing some of the things He has called me to do such as to begin using the talents HE has given me in life once again (singing, piano, sign language)

2. That means getting off of my butt (#1) and joining the choir at church.

3. Along those same lines, that means finding out a way to begin playing the piano regularly again, as I haven't played in almost 2 years! And using that talent for His glory as well.

4. And finally, for the past several years, I have said that I want to get my license to be a sign language interpreter. I will also get off my butt here, and practice / learn more sign language and seek the resources to get my license in that area. I know he can use that as a ministry!

Will you please spend some time in prayer with Him now? He may not be calling you to leave everything and serve him elsewhere in life....He may be. I don't know what exactly He's calling Thehubs and I to do, but I do know that I am going to be laying down some idols and placing my Savior back where HE deserves to be in my life.

Christmas survey

2010-12-03T08:42:00.002-06:00

So I stole this survey from my friend, Doerun....enjoy and Merry Christmas!!

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? HOT CHOCOLATE any day!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? My Santa never wrapped presents....that's the fun in coming down stairs Christmas morning, and having that surprised look at all the gifts!

3. Colored lights on house/tree or white? Well, I love white lights of all sorts.....but our tree is pre-lit w/ colored lights. I hated it at first, but it's grown on me and it's actually very pretty!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Actually the 1st time I saw mistletoe hung was at my mother-in-law's house several years ago. I told Thehubs I want some for our house.....doubt we'll actually do it.

5. When do you put your decorations up? the weekend after thanksgiving...

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? gosh, that's a hard one. I guess all the casseroles, and unending supply of desserts!

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? My pawpaw stayed the night with us every single Christmas Eve. That was always so much fun, because we (he, my brother and I) would all sleep in the same full sized bed. Looking back, I think that was mom and dad's way of making sure we didn't catch Santa putting out our toys.....

The most traumatizing memory I have is me going downstairs to get something (probably my brother a drink, since I was always his slave. lol) and finding my daddy eating Santa's cookies, and drinking his milk.......scared me for life! lol

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? See story above....

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? yes.....I remember the year Alan and I convinced mom and dad to let us open just 1 gift Christmas eve night. When we got older (throughout college) we opened all the gifts christmas eve night.

Now we have resorted back to the traditional Christmas morning....

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Ours right now is decorated with mostly Thehub's ornaments.....gold and red with other splashes of color.

My DREAM Christmas tree is white, with black music/ piano ornaments....

11. Snow? Love it or dread it? Love it!

12. Can you ice skate? I've been once...I was pretty good.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Of course.....a HUGE talking doll house. That thing rocked!

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Celebrating the birth of Christ with family!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? anything mom makes

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? it used to be my pawpaw spending the night....but since he passed away, I guess it's baking stuff w/my mom.

17. What tops your tree? never anything particular. For Thehubs and I, we have a star. it's pretty.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? neither really.....I don't think Christmas should be about all of that. I don't mind giving, but it's hard when your resources are low. As far as receiving, I guess I don't mind that either....lol

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? I have lots of them.

20. Candy Canes? Yuck or Yum? LOVE THEM!

21. Favorite Christmas show? Show? Rudolph the REdnose Reindeer!

22. Saddest Christmas Song? Not real sure.....

Hope you enjoyed my survey, you should do one too!!!

something different

2010-10-30T21:29:00.003-05:00

I bought a HUGE journal a few weeks ago.....

One for me to write some of my deepest thoughts and emotions in. I have always loved to journal, but here lately I don't feel as if writing on here is enough.

There are some things I just don't want everybody to know about. With that said, I may not be writing as much on here.....other than writing about things God is teaching me.

Maybe I'll be back when my life gets more exciting. lol

Lies Women Believe

2010-10-26T10:24:00.002-05:00

"Lies Women Believe...and the Truth that sets them free"

That book is AMAZING!

I read it while in college, and have recently picked it up again. Let me just tell you that it is transforming so many areas of my life!!

It includes lies about:

-God

-Yourself

-Sin

-Marriage

-Children

-Emotions

-Circumstances

And provides TONS or scripture to counteract that lie with the Truth of God's Word.

I want to really encouraged you to get the book and read it.....especially if you are married! The chapter on marriage really changed my viewpoints on a lot of things!

Below is a quote from the chapter on circumstances......enjoy!

All of use have seasons when we feel we just can't keep going; we just can't take any more. As with every other are of decption, the key to defeating this lie is to counter it with the Truth. Regardless of what our emotions or our cicumstances may tell us, God's Word says, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Cor 12:9). Most of us are familiar with that verse. But, when it comes to the circumstances and trials of our lives, few of us really believe it. What we really believe is, "I can't go on....

*I can't take one more sleepless night with this sick child;

*I can't continue in this marriage;

* I can't bear to be hurt one more time by my mother-in-law;

* I can't keep making it with 3 teenagers and a mother with Alzheimer's living in our home..."

However, whether I choose to believe it or not, if I am His child, the Truth is that "His grace is sufficient for me." (This is assuming, of course, that I haven't taken on myself responsibilities He never intended me to carry. If the burden is God-given, I can go on my His grace.) His grace is sufficient for every moment, every circumstance, every detail, every need, and every failure of my life.

Forgive

2010-10-24T22:45:00.003-05:00

I'm learning so much right now, and I'm so thankful for God always teaching new things.

Just wanted to give a quick post on one thing that I'm trying to grasp....

FORGIVENESS.

I have been hurt by some people throughout the past several years, and have held on to such bitterness towards them. Over the past 2-3 weeks, God has been gradually been softening my heart towards that bitterness, and telling me to forgive and let go.

This morning at church, the entire message was on the topic, so I'm guessing that it's time to let go. The pastor brought up 3 different tenses of forgiveness.

Forgive = the thought/ agreement to make the 1st step.

Forgiving = in the process of the matter.....

Forgiven = the done deal. completely let go, and forgiveness has been done.

I have never thought about the matter in that way. I think we all know forgiveness is a process. Just because I say I want to forgive, doesn't mean I have forgiven.

My hurt is not nearly as bad as I know others have been through in life. But while the world says "you have a right to be mad....don't forgive." God's word says "Forgive as you have been forgiven."

I'm working on it.....and with God's help, I will get there one day. Here are some verses that go along with the subject.

Romans 12:14- Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:17-21

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." (prov 25:21-22) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

The challenge that was given this morning was to pray for that person that has hurt you everyday for 30 days. Pray for blessings upon them... (rom 12:14).

Who do you have to forgive?? Will you begin the process with me today?

Meltdown

2010-10-21T22:12:00.002-05:00

I love my job. Really, I do. But days like today make me wonder "Am I really cut out to do this for the rest of my life?"

Here are some real phone calls that I have had today:

*Call from Client: My daughter said she wants to kill herself, and that she's tire of putting up with life....my mother's in the hospital and they don't know what's wrong with her.

*Call from Client: My grandson won't tell me anything that's wrong with him (teenager boy). I know something happened at his mom's, but he says everything's fine. Can you get some information out of him without letting him know I spoke with you? (yeah, that's always easy!)

*Conversation with school system: No, he (18 year old) can't be enrolled in the degree completion program due to not being enrolled in high school, and he can't enroll in high school unless he's enrolled in the degree completion program. (yeah, catch 22!) Pretty much, he should just get his GED, there's nothing we can do.

*From my Supervisor: NEW CASE FOR YOU.....teenager with mental health problems, just got out of the hospital. Dad has no clue about what to do about her horrible behavior. (those are always fun)

And last but not least, I got ANOTHER phone call just a bit ago from the mother of the suicidal daughter....she was talking about it again tonight. After over an hour on the phone with the family, I suppose I'm convinced that the daughter won't harm herself tonight.

And then I had a melt down......

My absolute worse fear as a Social Worker is for one of my clients to commit suicide. Scares me to death.......

So needless to say, the conversations about that today have upset me more than anything else.

Prayers would be greatly appreciated for that young girl. You don't know who she is, but God does....

Newton smewton....

2010-10-16T16:50:00.004-05:00

Ok, so this post would be on facebook, but I have too many Auburn fans that would get upset.....

I really really really don't like quarterbacks who completely take over the whole game. That's what running backs are for.

I didn't like Tebow and him always "stealing the show" by making Florida a one-man team, and now I really don't like Newton who is doing the same thing.

AND the announcers constantly talking about the guy doesn't make me any happier! lol

Football is about playing as a TEAM......throw the ball, hand the ball off to somebody else, but if you keep running the ball yourself, you're going to get hurt.

If now now, then especially when the Tide Rolls on you!!!!

Just had to get that off my chest.

ROLL TIDE!

TRUST

2010-10-10T14:29:00.004-05:00

Throughout this weekend, every devotion I have, no matter what the passage, it seems like God is telling me to trust.

The book of Daniel..... read it!

Daniel made a decision not to defile himself by eating what he was told to eat. He continued worshiping God despite being told the consequences he would face. The lion's den. DEATH!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego (not sure if those are spelled right) even were thrown into a burning pit full of fire because of their service and devotion to God.

Both are stories from the book of Daniel. I read part of it earlier this weekend, and was in awe of these people's complete dedication to God.

But what do we do when told:

"You can't openly talk about religion or pray at work...its unethical.....you will be terminated if you do so"

We shut our mouths. We fear for our jobs more than we fear our God.

When I say "we" I'm really meaning "I/me" because this is what God has eaten me up about lately.

But God saved Daniel from the lions....not a scratch was on him!

God saved Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego from the fire......perfectly unharmed!

And God can and will save you from things today as well.

My mind is going in a thousand different directions right now as I think about the many ways I lack complete trust in God.

My prayer is that I will place all my trust in Him and be devoted and a servant to him just as Daniel and others have been throughout the Bible.

Did they fall? Yes, they were human.

So why do we believe this world when we are told that Christians can't fall....or that you're a hypocrite if you ever sin.

That's not the truth! Get back up, get in the word and He is right there waiting!!

Every. Single. Time!

Renewed

2010-09-26T12:18:00.003-05:00

So I must confess that I went to church today for the 1st time in about 2 months. Well, I did go with mom and dad twice while being at home over the weekends.

And let me just tell you.....I am so refreshed! The past 2 months have been the longest amount of time I have been out of church regularly my entire life. I think I have just realized once again how important corporate worship is, and so refreshed today as I have participated in that again.

The sermon was on Sacrifice. The pastor is going through a series on Romans 12-- which is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible-- and the Holy Spirit was certainly speaking to ME!

I'm not kidding when I say that I would know what the preacher was about to say before he even said it....now is that God talking or what?!? lol

I'm so thankful we serve a God who waits patiently. One who doesn't force us to do anything, but allows us to choose to serve Him.

Yet I fail so often....but I'm glad that when I turn back to him-there He is running back to me!

Now I'm reminded of THIS song "When God Ran".

It means so much to me, and has since I first heard it in middle school.

Now on a side note- I have jumped on the coupon band-wagon! :)

I bought 2 papers today, and have spent the past hour cutting them and organizing them in my handy-dandy little box that my lovely cousin, Danielle gave me. You can go to her blog for lots of couponing tips!

Now to listen to "When God Ran".....seriously, take time to listen to it!

Thank You for giving to the Lord

2010-09-11T13:52:00.003-05:00

Reminiscing today by listening to some Ray Boltz songs on youtube. The first was "Feel the Nails" as it has been on my heart all week.

Which then lead to "Thank You" which is one of my all time favorites. That is when I had the urge to blog.

This song reminds me of all of those who have served the Lord and influenced my life because of it. Just wanted to mention a few of those people.

First and foremost- my parents. Throughout my entire life, they have been such great examples, and still are! They assured we were in church every time the doors were open. Not to just say we went, but to grow.

Last night while reading my Bible, I came accross this verse which I've never really read before.

Malachi 2:15 (The Message)

"Ad what does he (God) want from marriage? Children of God, that's what!"

NIV- "Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and Spirit they are his. And why? Because he was seeking godly offspring."

Hmm.....so God wants Godly children to come from marriage. Maybe that's what my parents had in mind while teaching us and having us raised in church.

Not only that, but I can remember several times of the 4 of us sitting in the living room doing a Bible Study together. One particular time comes to mind, were we were all on our knees praying and crying out to God together. Not sure how old I was at that time....maybe 10 or 11. But I know I would not be where I am (spiritually, emotionally of physically) if it weren't for my parents "giving to the Lord" as the song says.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another couple that comes to mind is Steve and Shari Chamblee. They are now my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. But when I met them at the age of 12 or 13, that was certainly not on my mind.

Their "giving to the Lord" helped me throughout my teenage hears. Steve was my youth pastor at church and taught me so much mainly about the importance of studying and reading the Word DAILY. Shari on the other hand was always there telling me to stay away from boys. lol

But mainly, I am thankful for their service to the Lord because it ultimately brought Michael and I together. That is how we met. Not only at Mt. Vernon where I was in the youth group, but they later answered the call to serve at Pate's Chapel Baptist Church in Jemison. This happened my senior year of high school.

Little did I know that I would attend college 30 minutes from there, which would cause Michael and I to cross paths one again......this time falling in love! God has blessed me so much because of Steve and Shari's service!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some others in my life that come to mind...

*Mrs. Mary Cordes- she taught GA's and Bible Drill at church. I can remember being in her classes from the time I was in about the 3rd until 6th grade.

*Mrs. Guin- (not sure if that's spelled right) but she taught my sunday school class

*Gail & Devane Williams- taught discipleship class on Sunday nights. I learned so much from them!

*Mrs. Dot Beason- sweet sweet lady.....taught some class at some point growing up.

*Sean Thornton- BCM Director throughout college

*Pearline Burns- Director of Savannah Baptist Center (where I did Summer missions in 2007)

And I know there are so many more. I just really wanted to remember a few of them.

Why don't you think back on those who have spiritually influenced your life??

Have you impacted the life of another?

Duties of an aunt

2010-08-27T19:07:00.002-05:00

Late Wednesday night, my bil (brother-i-law), sil (sister-in-law), niece (18yo) and nephew (6yo) came for a quick visit. They live in Florida, and we haven't got to see them since the wedding.

This was actually my first time to be around the kiddos as an aunt to them. I knew my niece and older nephew (he stayed behind for school) before Thehubs and I even started dating due to my relationship with Thehubs' sister. Yeah, it gets confusing. But never acted as an aunt- until now! :)

Anyways, they were passing through town to take my niece to college in Nashville. I got to experience how excited and lively 18 year olds are about moving away to college. But I also saw the other side of heartache and sadness of mommy and daddy's little girl leaving them.

I absolutely loved the time I was able to spend with the entire family!!!

I'm so blessed to have such wonderful in-laws!

They are up in TN today and part of tomorrow, then passing back through to stay the night before their long trip home....this time without their daughter. :(

But she's only 3 hours from us, and I've already promised to get her on weekends if she gets a little homesick. She won't have a car, so I told her she has to hitch-hike down. lol

I am an aunt of 7....all from Thehubs side of the family. Yeah, if you know my family at all, you know it will be A WHILE until my brother makes me an aunt.

However, all 7 of the nieces and nephews live out of state.

Florida-2

Tennessee- 1

Arizona-4

This was my 1st experience with any of them, actually being an aunt to them. Weird, huh?

I guess I could move on to other news....

Since they were coming to visit, I went out and finally bought some sheer curtains to hang in the doorway of our laundry room, which is in the bathroom. This has been needed since April when we moved in here.

I also bought a table cloth for our kitchen/dining room table and actually set it with my Fiesta Dishes. I LOVE IT!!

Don't you just love it?!?!?

Only $20 was spent!

$10 tablecloth and $10 on the fake fruit. Everything else I already had.

Next purchase shall be decorative art for the wall. :)

Hicks house news

2010-08-13T16:38:00.003-05:00

Guess I should update on a few things that have happened in the Hicks house. (Hey, that has quite a rhyme to it!)

First of all and the most exciting thing is that Thehubs got a NEW JOB!!! That's right- no more crazy hours of selling cars all day every day! Not to mention the amount of stress he was under to make money on crap-pay and getting screamed at by the sutpid-@$$ people that worked there. Sorry for the language but can you tell I hate that place??

LOTS of prayers and applications went out for him to get out of there. You wouldn't believe how relieved we both are about it.

He is now working for a security company in Bham. His schedule did get a bit mixed up, and he was supposed to start doing security at FedEx, but for some reason he won't be able to work there until September I think (and hope).

So for now he's at a Walmart (in the GHETTO I might add) at night!

But he loves it! He's asleep right now, and I'm so ready for him to wake up bc I haven't seen him since last night! Guess that's part of him working nights. I'd much rather him do that then have to work at the hell-hole he was previously at. (No lie- it was horrible if you can't tell!)

On to more news----we are almost finished with the Dave Ramsey class at church. We've missed a few weeks, but get the point of it all. It has helped a lot, bc due to Thehubs changing jobs, we are in between paychecks and Baby Step #1 has helped us a lot this month!

Be praying for both of us as we continue to find a church home. It's tough....

We visited Valleydale, but just feel like it's so big and we're out of place. Even going to the classes there, we don't know 1 single person's name. And for me, that's not acceptable! I feel like we haven't been reached out to on a personal level.

So onward we look.....we're so ready to find a "home" if you know what I mean.

Here is some sorta random news, but I got a new family at work this week and I'm SOOO excited to work with them. One of the things DHR requested for me to work with them is home management. Now that usually consists of basic clean-up-your-house and budgeting kind of stuff. But these people have a pretty neat house, they just said that they have major organization problems. So guess who gets to help them get organized? Yep, yours truly!! I'm thrilled!!!! I think that's what I'm going to start with! They're actually pretty excited to.

I think that's about all for today. My goal this weekend is to get our apartment all cleaned (and organized) because Thehubs' brother and his family are supposed to visit in a few weeks. The guest bedroom closet is FULL of wedding gifts that still haven't been used (and I don't want to get rid of) and some computer junk. That will be my main focus!

Happy WEEKEND!

# 101

2010-07-30T08:30:00.003-05:00

So this is my post # 101....guess the apple pie making took the whopping #100 place and I didn't even realize it.

But that's ok, because I want to dedicate this one to "Submission 101"

I know, you're probably thinking, "Geeze, here we go again on crazy wives having to submit to their husbands!" And YES that's right, but I just wanted to share what was revealed to me this morning in 1 verse that I've read many many times before!!

1 Peter 3:1

" Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives" (the sentence continues in v 2)

The phrase "In the same way" is what jumped out at me this morning. I've always referred back to Ch 2 verse 18 for that where it talks about slaves submitting to your masters.

That may be what Peter was talking about, however God revealed it in a totally new way!

Yesterday, I studied and meditated a little bit on the previous paragraph. (2L23-25)

1 Peter 2:23 says

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he make no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

And this is what I thought maybe Peter could be talking about that "in the same way" we as a wife should submit to our husbands.

Aren't we always supposed to be like Jesus anyways as his child, so why not mimic his behaviors in our marriage as well!?!?

When we feel like making threats to our husbands- DON'T.....leave it up to God!

When we feel like retaliating or griping at their behaviors- DON'T....leave it up to God!

Just some thoughts- you read it and see for yourself what you think. The main thing here is that as wives we should always always always RESPECT, ENCOURAGE, and SUBMIT to the man God placed in our lives! Even when we don't feel like it!

Oh goodness, may I be a doer of His Word and not just a hearer!

Fun in the kitchen!

2010-07-29T21:24:00.013-05:00

I have wanted to make a homemade apple pie (crust and all) since the holidays last year.

I finally got around to actually doing it!

So I bought some fresh apples (the only thing I needed) and went for it!

I used a recipe found online, but I can't find it at the moment. Oops...

Apples all cut up (and yes I had lots left over) Mistake #1 :)

I worked on the crust, and batch #1 went in the trash.....mistake #2!

Finally got batch #2 of crust to roll out and stay somewhat together.

Apples added. Mistake #3 was not putting enough apples in the pie.

Next time I'm piling it up high so it'll be all full and yummy!

So here it is- all ready to go in the oven!

Not too bad looking for a first-timer!

Sneak peak!

And the finished product!

Here are some pics of the disaster that my kitchen was in.....

My lovely apron had a tad-bit of flour on it!

In case you were wondering- it says "Mrs. Hicks -Kiss the Cook"

The flour/ crust-rolling station

Mixing/ apple area.

Note the left over apples......

They ended up ruining bc I didn't feel like fixing anything else with them. :(

Oh, and you gotta love the Kitchen Aid Mixer!

Thehubs inherited it from his dad

Now let's finish by discussing what is necessary to change for the next time around...

1. When mixing the dough, use COLD Crisco and Ice water. (I discovered this with batch #2)

2. DON'T use your hands to mix the dough. I did this both time, and that's why it was dry and didn't roll out very well. There's something about the Crisco not needing to be heated up so it won't mix into the flour completely)

3. Use wax paper when rolling out the dough.

4. MORE APPLES in the pie!

5. More people to eat it besides me! (Michael doesn't really like apple pie)

We will serve the Lord!

2010-07-23T09:43:00.002-05:00

Joshua 24:14-24

"So now: Fear God. Worship him in total commitment. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped on the far side of The River (the Euphrates) and in Egypt. You, worship God.

"If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship God."

The people answered, "We'd never forsake God! Never! We'd never leave God to worship other gods.

"God is our God! He brought up our ancestors from Egypt and from slave conditions. He did all those great signs while we watched. He has kept his eye on us all along the roads we've traveled and among the nations we've passed through. Just for us he drove out all the nations, Amorites and all, who lived in the land.

"Count us in: We too are going to worship God. He's our God."

Then Joshua told the people: "You can't do it; you're not able to worship God. He is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He won't put up with your fooling around and sinning. When you leave God and take up the worship of foreign gods, he'll turn right around and come down on you hard. He'll put an end to you—and after all the good he has done for you!"

But the people told Joshua: "No! No! We worship God!"

And so Joshua addressed the people: "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen God for yourselves—to worship him."

And they said, "We are witnesses."

Joshua said, "Now get rid of all the foreign gods you have with you. Say an unqualified Yes to God, the God of Israel."

The people answered Joshua, "We will worship God. What he says, we'll do."

Will you worship God? Will you serve ONLY Him??

I think it's time we get serious!

Savage

2010-07-22T08:04:00.002-05:00

Continuation of my Savannah, GA journal.....

"Savage"

This is the name of one of the older girls that caused quite a bit of trouble earlier in the week. Tonight Billy (one of the women leaders in the youth group) told me about when this young lady came down and said she wanted to ask Christ into her life. Billy said that she couldn't remember her name, and asked her to tell her again. Shen she told her a name different from what BIlly remembered earlier this week, she asked her why she did that. The young lady replied with saying that she told her that her name was Savage because that's what she was. Billy then took time to explain to her that she was a princess in God's eyes and showed her the love of Christ.

I remember that girl like it was yesterday...her real name is Libby. I remember all of us being so broken hearted about how she considered herself "savage". But I also remember seeing the light in her eyes after accepting the love of Jesus! Throughout the rest of the summer, this girl was totally different! While she was running away, cussing, and just being flat-out difficult to deal with before she accepted Christ....she was loving, joyful, and much more cooperative after He cleansed her of her sins! Did she have bad days? Of course, but we worked with her, and helped teach her about the Bible!

Amazing representation of what our Lord still does today!

Hope I'm not boring you guys with these Savannah posts.....haven't got any comments. :(

Feel free to comment and share awesome stories of how God has worked in your lives or how you have seen him work in others' lives!

Next post will be about another story of God turning a precious life around.....stay tuned!

Precious little girl

2010-07-18T20:35:00.003-05:00

Savannah (3 y/o girl that stole my heart while in Savannah, GA)

June 27, 2010

Savannah is one of the most precious little girls I've ever met! She's been in VBS this week and she has taken up with me a little bit. It broke my heart Monday when we were in class and she was ready for lunch. Then at lunch, she ate so much more than the other kids, probably because she didn't know if she would get another meal that day!! Today, she did the same thing about eating a lot. She also gets sleepy a lot, because she said that she doesn't sleep much at night time. I wonder what her home life is like?

Tonight, she came to the concert that the choir from KY put on at church. After it was over, during the extended invitation we had- she was sitting beside me and I asked her what she knew about Jesus. She began to tell me what all she knew, as I would fill in the gaps. She said "God died, so we can live." This just blessed my heart so much, because I knew even though she is only 3, she gets it....she understands, at least to some extent!

During the closing prayer, she really blessed me and I think I will never forget this moment. She just bowed her head, and started talking to God as if he were standing right in front of her. She was telling him, "Thank you for this house, and thank you for these girls." After she prayed some more, she then said "God, please let my mommy and daddy stop fighting- and help them to love. I just want them to love each other forever." Wow! A 3 year old grasped what we should be like while praying! I think I finally got the whole concept that we should come to God as little children-just like Savannah! She knew how to talk to God, and she taught me so much about prayer!

Update on Ms. Savannah. I was looking at the Savannah Baptist Center's Facebook page yesterday, and found some videos that churches have posted of their trips there. I'm almost certain that I saw her in one of the videos several times. My heart leaped for joy, because you really don't know many times I've wondered about that angel! I hope to email the director to make sure it was her and maybe get an update on her.

Next is about a teenage girl who called herself "Savage"....before meeting our Savior!!

Filipino church

2010-07-17T10:21:00.003-05:00

Here's an entry from my Savannah journal as I promised. First I feel like background info is needed.

I, along with 2 other girls my age, stayed at a Filipino church's parsonage located right behind the church. They sorta helped in taking care of us throughout our 6 weeks of serving at The Savannah Baptist Center. Various churches came throughout the summer to do VBS, sports camps and other activities with the children. We helped the teams with whatever was needed.

Ok, so here goes....

June 27, 10007

"About Church at the International Bible Christian Fellowship"

Sunday morning (6/24) we went to IBCF for the 1st time. The service started at 10:45am and lasted until 1:00pm!! I loved it! They had contemporary worship, which was just cd's and some women singing along at the front. After some worship, they had prayer time. First, they sat all the children down at the front and prayed over them before they went to children's church. Then, they spent a while doing prayer requests and then Brother Jesse (the preacher) did a guided prayer. Nobody was worried about the time-they just were happy to be in the house of the Lord! The rest of the service was pretty much normal. We sng a few moer songs, then Bro. Jesse preached. I think the only other different thing was that they did a devotion before they took up the offering and they all read the scripture verses aloud and together.

After church, they always have a lunch and EVERYBODY stays!

This Sunday, the ladies from the church came over for a baby shower. This kind of baby shower is what I want not only for my baby, but also for my wedding! After doing an introduction get-to-know-you game and a baby game, we prayed for her and some people just gave her an encouraging word. We then gathered around her and laid hands and prayed for her and her baby boy. I just thought that was amazing how even during something like that, they were still putting God 1st! WOW!

More to come later on a precious little girl that touched my life!

Savannah

2010-07-15T21:14:00.002-05:00

For those who don't know....I spent 6 weeks in Savannah, GA doing inner-city missions in 2007. That is probably one of the most important times of my life, that shaped and molded me into who I am today!

"Why do you mention this?" you may ask. Well, tonight, I was unpacking a box of my stuff from college that has been sitting behind our couch since we moved (And under the stairs at the town house since I moved in w/Thehubs) and found my journal that I kept while in Savannah.

I actually found about 7 or 8 of my prayer journals too, which was awesome! But my Savannah journal is I think the only one that I've kept strictly to record events and not prayers to God.

I think over the next several weeks I want to share with you guys (whoever you are) about some of the things God did while in Savannah. The things that still affect my life today.

On a different note- Thehubs hasn't bought the game for me to start playing, and really hasn't mentioned it. Hopefully, he weighed his risks and decided that going to the pool all the time wasn't worth it. lol But I'll keep you updated if/when I become a "gamer".

For now- we'll focus on Savannah....hope to begin sharing soon!

30-day trial

2010-07-05T22:10:00.002-05:00

So Thehubs and I have a deal. I'll save you all the unnecessary details and just cut to the chase...

Beginning sometime this week I will be playing Age of Conan online with an OPEN MIND. His hopes are for me to fall in love with the game, and be a regular player. Now it's a 30 day trial, because that's what you get for free when you buy the game and sign up.

If I like just absolutely love the game, then I guess we'll pay the $14.99 per month for the subscription.

Now his end of the deal is to go to the pool with me anytime I want (and not complain).

If you know us at all- you know that he is a big-time-gamer, and I'm somewhat of a girly-girl.

Therefore- the 30 days of me playing the game is going to be interesting...and the 30 days of him going to the pool with me will be even more interesting!!

After talking with some friends about our little 30-day trial tonight, I decided to blog about it.

Hopefully, you'll be hearing from me.

He showed me a few things about AOC (Age of Conan) tonight, and I must admit, that it's a little more interesting than I was expecting.

I'll try and post about the things I learned, my thoughts about it all, and our fun times at the pool!!

It's looking like a fun 30 days are ahead of us! :)

Mom

2010-07-03T19:45:00.004-05:00

Let me just tell you- my mom and I are so much alike, it's seriously scary! Throughout my teenage years, we discovered this while shopping. We would be in the same store, but looking on different racks or something, and both say "Ohh, this is cute!" and hold up the same shirt or whatever! This still happens often!

Now, let me jump to more recently- as in TODAY!

Mom and Dad came out today to hang out with me since my hubs works ever stinkin' Saturday. So we started out and went to a very teeny- tiny flee market in Bessemer. We then went to play Disc Golf off of Green Springs Ave.

The entire time we played, every time I would throw the disc, mom would throw it within 15 feet of mine! And let's just say that we threw it A LOT because we weren't exactly pros.

So that went on for a few hours..... I'm talking, I throw it in the woods-she throws it in the woods! lol

Then we went back to my place. At this point, it's Thehubs, Mom and Dad hanging out and just talking. I get on the computer and hop on Facebook of course and start ~~stalking people~~ showing her different stuff. She then tells me that she wants to show me this game that she always plays at home on Yahoo. We go to yahoo, and she says oh, well it's called "bouncing balls"...find it and I'll show you. OMG.....THAT is the game I play on facebook all the time!

So we once again had a good laugh, and are still laughing about it!

Just had to write about it, because we are seriously all the time doing something just alike!

I told Michael tonight that I hope he likes my mom because that will be EXACTLY what I'm going to be like in 25 years!!

Lead Me

2010-06-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

THIS is my new favorite song!!!

Ol' Dave

2010-06-25T18:22:00.002-05:00

In case you were wondering, I thought I would give a quick update on THIS post.

The menu did not go exactly as planned.

Due to us going to Dave Ramsey and trying to get out of debt, my lovely husband decided that we could cut back expenses by me stop cooking such "fancy" meals. Ha ha ha....so now when I buy groceries, I get the basics: milk, cereal, bread, lunch meat, salad stuff, and diet coke.

That has been the menu for pretty much the entire month of June! And I must say- we have probably saved about $100- 150 on groceries. I don't really have proof of that, but instead of spending $100+ per week, we're only spending about $50-60.

My goal is to do the really really strict budget thing for the month of July and keep every. single. receipt. so we can see exactly what we spend our money on!

So pb&j, scrambled egg and, turkey sandwiches are pretty much what's on the menu for July! lol

But hopefully if we can stick to this, we can be completely out of debt within a year and a half, and then save to buy a house and have kids!

ha ha ha....yeah, I kinda-sorta have every detail of my life mapped out!

Lies

2010-06-24T10:44:00.002-05:00

Quick post here- but I just have to share....

Have you ever just felt defeated? You know, as a Christian, having that feeling of not being worthy of anything- not even the ability to pray openly or read the Word?

Well if so, then you can relate with me. I don't believe I have ever felt that way until here recently. And praise the Lord for revealing it to me, and showing me that it is all lies straight from the enemy.

Some of the things Satan has been filling my head with recently have been:

-Defeat and hopelessness

-I don't deserve anything

-If I don't get my way, then I deserve to be upset (SELFISHNESS)

-I'm not spiritually where I once was or where I need to be...therefore I shouldn't talk about His word, or pray for others until I get back on track

And that's just the beginning!!

This morning, I was writing in my prayer journal and was just asking God all kinds of questions....and it's so amazing how He answers in that still, small voice! He showed me that all the things I have been feeling are from Satan, and that if I just look to the Lord he will renew my strength.

The Lord has already won the battle....we should not feel defeated!

God loves us no matter what, and there is nothing in the world that we can do to make Him love us more or less!

He is always waiting, and there is nothing holding us back from his arms except for the enemy!!

Thank you, Father!!!

THIS song/ video explains it all!!! The enemy has been defeated!!!

Bachelorette

2010-06-14T20:56:00.003-05:00

So I'm watching The Bachelorette tonight, and I have laughed my head off!

I mean, Kasey (the guy that has the weird voice)....is SUCH A NERD!!

He was cracking me up with his random songs that were insanely corny!

Then there's the creepy weatherman! ha ha ha....I just wish he would go home! I mean, all he has done during his time with Ali has been tattle-telling on all the other guys!

My favorite is Frank! I like him.....I think they are adorable together and have thought so since their 1st date!

Just thought I'd let you all know, since my husband HATES the show, and I don't know of anybody who watches it......

Time Traveler's Wife

2010-06-13T14:12:00.002-05:00

So I just watched "The Time Traveler's Wife" and let me just tell you....I cried!!

If you haven't seen it..you should!

But it just got me thinking....what would my life look like-- how would I act on a day-to-day basis if I knew what was ahead of me? What if I knew how and when I or those around me would die??

I'm thinking I wouldn't argue about the stupid things or get so upset about the things that really don't matter.

So that's my goal- to live life to the fullest. Because after all....we are not promised our next breath! I want my husband to know that if and when I die that I loved him more than anything else.

Just my thoughts for the day- any why I cried like a baby watching the last 15 minutes of the movie! :)

Happy Sunday!

Anniversary weekend preview

2010-06-06T17:24:00.002-05:00

So today marks exactly 1 year since I married the man of my dreams. While this time last year I was eagerly sitting in the living room of my parents house watching guests arrive....this year I am sitting in my own living room sick! :(

Friday morning I woke up with a slightly sore throat....had 3 visits and I noticed during my visits that my voice was going in and out. (oh no)

I brushed it off, and during my full day of work, I just kept feeling worse and worse- that "ugh, I'm really getting sick feeling, but I don't want to" feeling. Get home Friday night, cook supper and I'm out stone-cold by 9:30!

Sleep till 9am Saturday with my man, and we begin our amazing weekend that we had planned...well sorta.

Long story short (I'll spare you all the details for this blog, as I am currently drugged on meds), I endured Saturday and didn't let my sickness keep us from enjoying our day together.

Wake up today, go eat lunch, and I just couldn't go on.

So here I am...on my 1st anniversary....sick...running a fever and keeping meds in my system.

My lovely husband is taking good care of me though! As I type this, he's fixing me some fries and grilled cheese for supper! I'm watching The Princess Dairies and will probably be asleep after supper again!

I'm just glad we have many many more anniversaries ahead of us, and I'm hoping I won't be sick for all of them!

I'll post pics and give details about our night out at The Melting Pot later this week!

Ambitious

2010-06-01T19:38:00.003-05:00

Let me just go ahead and say that I am certainly not always like this....today I was just in an extra ambitious mood I guess!

Let's see...went to work, had 3 out of 3 visits cancelled so I got home surprisingly early around 4:30!

Sat on my booty for a few minutes, then decided to do my Biggest Loser:Cardio Max DVD so I can get skinny! :)

After that, I was all energized and decided to work on our monthly budget. Did I even mention that we attempted that for the month of May, and it went much better than anticipated. I pretty much lost track mid-month on our spending, but it kept us conscious of what we bought!

So anyways, we are on month 2 of our budget and start our Dave Ramsey classes tomorrow night at church! YAY!!!!!!!!

While I was doing the monthly budget thing, I had the urge to go ahead and map out our monthly menu. I got this bright idea from my BCM director's wife from college. Every single month she creates her entire menu and has it on a dry-erase calendar on their refrigerator. I've always been inspired by that, but never had time (or the need) to do so.

So I finally did it!!!

"So what's on the menu?" you ask? Let me just tell you a few of the amazing things I'm excited about cooking!!

Chicken casserole (classic)

Portobello Panini (From Pampered Chef)

Grilled bbq chicken wraps (random recipe from Winn Dixie I think)

Homemade Pizza (my own personal recipe)

Turkey meatball subs

Cheeseburger Hoagie Subs (Pampered Chef)

Pronto Pizza Patties (ground turkey made into patties with sauce on top)

Chicken tacos (classic)

Buffalo Chicken Pizza (Taste of Home)

Chicago Style Pan Pizza (Taste of Home)

and the usual stuff such as burgers, quesidillas, and breakfast will be in the mix as well!!!

I'm totally stoked, and pretty much already have my grocery lists made for each week! Now the hard part will be staying in my $250 for my monthly budget of groceries and our $75 for the month to eat out on!!!

Wish me luck!!

fun weekend

2010-05-31T21:04:00.002-05:00

So my weekend started by just being absolutely lazy!! I'm talking...sit on the couch ALL DAY Saturday and Sunday (minus church Sunday morning) with my cat in my lap watching movies!

It was amazing! I got tired of sitting, and ended up going to my parent's house today which was nice! RIBS were consumed...delicious!!

Now I'm ending out this memorial day weekend with a Strawberry Daiquiri homemade by my sweet husband and watching The Bachelorette!

Happy Memorial Day....remember those who have fallen for our freedom.

I will always think of my cousin especially on this day. Ready this post to see the sacrifice he paid for us...

Lazy days and boredom

2010-05-22T09:50:00.002-05:00

Saturdays should be so much better than this....

Let me just vent for a minute and say how much it absolutely stinks that my husband has had to work every stinking Saturday for the past 3 years that he has been selling cars! I'm talking 8-6!

And every now and then they will change the schedules to "short Saturdays" where there will rotate shifts and he'll either work 8-4 or 10-6! (wow, so much better! NOT!)

So that means every Saturday since we've been married I have been all alone (except for the few that he has taken off for a weekend trip or family functions).

Used to, Saturday would be my cleaning days, and I would just clean and do laundry all day. Well, since moving into our new apartment for some reason I have been cleaning on Wednesdays and Thursdays after work. Which leaves my Sats open with nothing to do! Actually today is the first Saturday since we've been here that I haven't been having a yard sale somewhere! Yep-3 weeks in a row, baby! lol

Sorry about the venting, but it was much needed!

So I'm sitting here, still in my pj's....thinking about what to do!?!?

Laundry-no

Pay Bills- maybe tonight

Work Out/exercise- maybe later

Lay Out by the pool- If I had somebody else to layout with me....

Watch PennyLane try to attack a squirrel through the glass doors to our patio- ALL DAY!

Sit here and watch TV- ALL day!!!

UGH, I really hate watching TV all day, bc since I rarely work on Fridays, that's what I do then too. So by the time Sat gets here, I'm tired of sitting and feeling all lazy.

Which brings me to another subject-sleep.

That's pretty much all I do lately! I seriously fall asleep around 9:30 or 10 and wake up with Michael around 6:45. Some days (like yesterday) I go back to sleep after he leaves and sleep until 10! Well, yesterday I sorta slept till about 10, then took another nap from about 12:30-2:30....geeze I'm lazy! Lazy...not pregnant, people! :)

Life in general

2010-05-18T16:32:00.003-05:00

I just realized this week that it's been a while since I've done an update on just our lives! That alone should tell you that nothing too exciting has happened, except that we are all moved in and settled into our new apartment. (I think I've already told you that, though)

Since the move to the new place, we decided to look for a church closer to where we are now, so we wouldn't have to drive 30-40 minutes to church. So we have been going to Valleydale. We love it! It's such an answer to prayer, because we did enjoy Calera and wanted somewhere that we would fit in and be able to serve the Lord. Doors have already begun to open. On Friday of last week I received a phone call from a lady inviting us to Sunday School. She was very nice and said that we would be in her class.

This past Sunday we went to preaching again and they were talking about their VBS tshirts for sell. They said that the proceeds go to their summer missions project and trip, but that it's a secret until VBS. Well, the tshirts say "Wild Wild West" and have a cactus on them...so let's think about where that could be?!?!

Let me back up....Valleydale is a HUGE sponsor and support of Steve and Shari (my brother-in-law and sister-in-law) and the whole gang out in Arizona at Grace Fellowship. Just a few weeks ago, Shari told me that they are taking a mission trip out there in July.

So this brings us back to Sunday...I just thought it was so cool how they are supporting our family and going out to help them this summer!!!! But shhh....it's a secret at Valleydale still! lol

As I type this right now, Thehubs and I both are here at home and I'm loving just being able to spend the day with him! Days like this are few and far between! I went to my visits this morning, and have my afternoon open, so I'm doing paperwork at home! LOVE my job! :)

Our 1 year anniversary is coming up, and I don't think we are going to do anything fancy other than spend an entire weekend together. I may make us unplug the computers and turn off the cell phones so it's like we're on vacation or something! I'm just so excited....he's off that Saturday (which NEVER happens) and it's just going to be us!!!

I hope to keep you guys updated about us more, but our lives are really pretty boring at the moment! Hey...I'm not complaining though!! :)

Psalm 78

2010-05-11T08:19:00.002-05:00

"In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe.

So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror.

Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again.

They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues;

their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant.

Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.

Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath.

He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return."

- Psalm 78:32-39

This was such a reminder to me this morning that God knows we are flesh and that we can never obtain perfection. However the psalmist goes on to write that "again and again they put God to the test..." and God later reigned down on them and destroyed them (showing that our sins will not go unpunished).

Thank you Jesus, for paying the price for my sins!

May I not be one that just flatters him with my mouth, lying with my tongue...having a heart that is unfaithful and no loyal to Him!

Happy Tuesday!

uncreated One

2010-05-04T20:50:00.003-05:00

As a social worker, we have rules about religion and what we are "supposed" to say and not to say about our beliefs. Well that's pretty much the case in any job these days, and I find that very sad. When I first began my job, even before I had my own case load I knew that God had me here for a purpose....that it would be easy to minister to people and share the love of Christ with them in their time of crisis.

However, as I have worked case after case, I've realized that on very few occasions have I actually shared my faith in Christ and said how powerful He is. (And this was AFTER my client's mentioned their belief in God first!) I've caught myself on a couple of occasions saying things like "Well, the power of prayer is great if that's something you believe in" and "If you're a believer...."

So that leads me to today at a conference I was at. I was in a particular break-out session on sex addiction (and let's not even to there on this one! lol) and the speaker claimed to be "spiritual" and " a believer in God" etc. etc. It wasn't until I heard him make a comment about how addicts have hope and that if your a believer in God or any other higher being then you can use that to overcome your addiction.

That got me thinking. Shamefully thinking about the many comments I have made like that.

It doesn't matter if you believe in prayer.....it works!

It doesn't matter if you believe in God's power....He is powerful!

It doesn't matter if you believe in some other higher being...GOD is the only way!

It doesn't matter if you try and try to break that addiction....without HIM you will still have that void in your life!

So why do we as Christians (and I'm mainly talking to myself here) think that we have to talk to people in a way as to try and not step on their toes or hurt their feelings?!?!?

My prayer today is that I will stop sugar-coating...and be straight forward!

May I boldly proclaim His name not only to friends and family, but to my clients...my coworkers....those at Walmart and Publix.....those who live next door.

It's not about "Oh IF you believe in God blah blah blah, THEN blah blah blah"......

No sir-ree......it's about He is who He is despite our beliefs. If you chose not to believe, then you're going to hell. Simple as that.

Our unbelief doesn't change who HE is!! He is the Uncreated One- who was and is and is to come!

Obsessed

2010-05-02T14:36:00.003-05:00

Over the past week I've been spending more time with my Savior than I have in a long time. I think I too often get caught up in just the routine of ordinary life that I forget to stop and think about the One and Only that matters! I'm not promised my next breath, yet I have to worry and plan for tomorrow, next week, next month or even next year! (Anybody else with me?!)

I've just finished reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I posted this post and this blog several weeks ago regarding the book and just picked it back up this week after settling in at our new place.

(Yes, we are all moved and settled in our new apartment in Inverness now)

Anyways.....God has really been speaking to my heart lately and there have been so many times that I wanted to pick up this laptop and blog, but it was like God was saying.... "No, just keep listening--you'll get distracted!" And I know that is so true, because I often get carried away when I get online. Please tell me I'm not the only one! lol

God has shown me that HE is the only thing in life that matters! I like how the psalmist words it in Psalm 62: 7

"My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock and refuge."

My prayer has been that my mind stays focused on Him, and that He molds me into the woman and wife that He wants me to be!

One of the last chapters in "Crazy Love" talks about being OBSESSED with God! I mean, how many of us have made fun and ridiculed those who have taken huge steps of faith...or said that the Lord was leading them to do something that in our human eyes is absolutely crazy?!!? That's exactly what Francis was talking about here....radical, sold out, obsessed people in love with God! Here are just a few quotes he so boldly says that got to my heart and I just had to share! (After all, if my toes are stepped on....I want you to share in the pain!) :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

People who are OBSESSED with Jesus give freely and openly, without censure. OBSESSED people love those who hate them and who can never love them back.

People who are OBSESSED with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. OBSESSED people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.

People who are OBSESSED with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. OBSESSED people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him. (1 John 2:4-6; Matt. 16:24-26)

OBSESSED people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is OBSESSED with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth. As Martin Luther put it, "There are two days on my calendar: this day and that day" (Luke 14:25-35; Matt. 7:13-23; 8:18-22; Rev 3:1-6).

A person who is OBSESSED thinks about heaven frequently. OBSESSED people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is hear in front of them.

And lastly....

People who are OBSESSED with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God's Word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now back to where God has brought me...

I get so confused sometimes about life. I mean, I'm certainly still trying to figure out everything about marriage and what a Godly wife looks like. So when thinking about serving God and all the things that He wants me to do or be, I get confused because I wonder if TheHubs has to be the leader in EVERYTHING!?!? I know he is the spiritual leader in our home, but when God tells me to go serve those around me whatever that may be.....should I then begin praying for God to reveal the same things to TheHubs, talk directly to ThuHubs about my thoughts, or just do it?? Now I know that option #3 is out of the question because in a marriage I know that NOTHING should be done without talking about it! (This, I have learned the hard way!)

That has been my struggle....I just pray that the Lord continues to show me His ways! I know he puts these questions in my heart to teach me things. So I shall continue seeking Him and learning more!!

The main thing here though is that I become OBSESSED with my Savior...my Lover....my Creator....and my King!

Birthday Blues and good news!

2010-04-16T15:41:00.003-05:00

Well today is my 23rd birthday, and yet as many people say as you get older "It's just another day." If you know me at all- you know that usually I start celebrating at the beginning of the month and have at least 2 or 3 gatherings with friends and family to assure they remember! lol

This year is different. I know it is due to being married and having a full time job, but it just pretty much stinks!

I have just felt kinda down all day, thinking that I have no friends (bc I really only have 1 that I talk to regularly) and realizing that I probably won't have a party/ get-together until I'm 30! lol

But that's ok.....

I have also been REALLY emotional. And before any questions start being asked-no I'm not prego! =)

But every time somebody in my family has called or text me (that's all that's called-going back to the no friends comment earlier), I have gotten tears in my eyes and just wanted to cry! Same even when reading the comments on my fb page! What is wrong with me, people!?!? I'm supposed to be out and about, looking all cute, reminding people that it's my birthday. However, I worked for a few hours this morning, came home, took a nap and still sitting here all by myself. I guess I'm just having a pity party but that's ok, right? At least it's a party-- ha ha ha

Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited about Thehubs and I going out tonight! I have a $25 gift card for Olive Garden that a client gave me for my bday and it is also valid at Longhorn. So we are going there, and hopefully getting out of there without having to pay too much! I also have 2 movie tickets to the Rave that I got from work. We get tokens for our paperwork timeliness and other things like that and I cashed in some of them for the tickets! We will be seeing "The Last Song"....my choice for once! YAY!

Can you say FREE NIGHT OUT?!?!

So yes, that excites me! And Thehubs will be taking me shopping at some point this weekend, as well as getting me an ice cream cake from ColdStone!!!!!!! =) He always takes me on a "shopping spree" for my birthday. He is so good and patient about picking out cute things for me to wear and helping me make those very important decisions between shoes, tops, and jeans!

But just had to blog about my birthday blues....I know I'll get over it, and I really don't want anybody to feel sorry for me, so don't. I know it's just part of getting older, and I praise God for allowing me to get older! lol

Oh and good news---- we should be out of the craziness of our current living situation by next Thursday! The move-in date did get moved back a few days, but I don't care! I'm so ready to get out of here, and would rather them get EVERYTHING right with the apartments than us move in a half-done job! Our new place with have 3 pools, 3 tennis courts, a lake/pond to fish on, a walking trail, and a fitness center!

Plans to begin working out again have already been made, and anytime you want to come visit and lay out by the pool with me, just come on over! =)

Happy Friday...beautiful day!!!

Slight change of plans

2010-04-07T08:40:00.002-05:00

Well this weekend was a bit crazy! Long story short, we (Mom, my cousin, his wife, and I) moved half our stuff to the apartment Saturday, Thehubs and I later decided Sat night that we didn't want to live there for a number of reasons (safety, conditions of the apt, etc.) and then we (Thehubs, mom and dad) moved it all back to our townhouse on Sunday! (fun fun)

So I'm sitting here now in my living room looking at stacks of boxes upon boxes, waiting to hear back from another apartment complex (which is absolutely amazing) and hoping we can get moved within the next week or so...

I know it was all God's plan. We both made mistakes, and learned from them...and trust me, it will never ever be forgotten! We were able to get out of the lease at the other place with no problems, and so I know that was The Lord's provision right there!!! And we would have never considered this other place unless the circumstances were what they are....once again, God's provision!

I will certainly keep you updated on everything......especially my sanity with the way my house looks right now. I thought about posting pics of it all, but let's just say that we look like hoarders at the moment!!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Thoughts

2010-04-02T20:16:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting in my house right now looking at boxes...everywhere! Thankfully my mother-in-law came this morning and helped me ALL DAY packing. We've got pretty much everything packed except all the breakables in the kitchen. My mom will be coming in the morning with a bunch of newspapers to help finish things up.

I'm going to miss this place....it looks very naked right now without everything on the walls, and everything packed. This was our first house. Our first place making memories as a married couple. First place we had friends over, and grilled out. First place we spent so many nights together in each other's arms. It was our first HOME!

Can't wait to see where the Lord leads us over the years. Where else we will make memories. Where we will begin adding to our family. When we will buy a house. Where we will settle down...etc. etc.

I know HE has great plans, and that He is leading our every step. I thank Him everyday for giving me such an amazing husband....I work with so many families who are falling apart. Dads and husbands who are apathetic and who just don't care about their own family. Husbands who don't communicate to their wives, and dads who don't know how to do anything but scream at their kids.

Those things make me stop and realize how blessed I am. They make me so thankful that my husband is right the opposite. He shows me his love daily, and I never have any doubts about that. I know he will be a great father one day, and will never put anything on this earth before us.

Just some thoughts.....

The big "M" word

2010-03-29T08:54:00.004-05:00

I guess I have been keeping it quite for long enough....2 days is long, right!?!?

Thehubs and I will be MOVING to Hoover this coming weekend!! I'm more excited than I ever have been about any move I've made (which hasn't been many.)

I found our new apartment in the Apartment Guide book of course and they were running a special through the end of March, which is why it's a tad rushed. Thehubs isn't exactly thrilled about the quickness, but deep down I think he's excited too!

For those of you who know me and know how bad the place where we live now has gone downhill can share in this excitement! No more rats, no more drug deals (yeah, I'm pretty sure I witnessed one of those), no more scary neighbors, and no more not-having-a-landlord!! =)

The downside to it all is that Michael's drive to work will be a tad longer, I'm losing some mega storage, and my kitchen is about half the size! =(

I am about to go to the grocery store to pick up boxes they are holding for me and start packing today! YES, I'll be sorta-kinda working while I pack....gotta make some phone calls to schools and stuff today, so that's definitely easy to do while packing! lol

We will more than likely have to move everything next Sunday, which I know, is EASTER SUNDAY!!! Praise God for his son Jesus coming to die for our sins, and defeating death...however I will be praising Him this Easter by loading up a U-haul and moving.

That's possible, right?? Thehubs works EVERY SATURDAY, and in the car industry it's next to impossible to get off on Saturdays, so that's why Sun will be our move-in day. My parents and his mom are coming to help, so we'll get to spend some time with our families, which is always exciting!!!

Oh, did I mention that we'll be about 30-45 min closer to his mom and my parents!?!? YAY!!!!!!!! Now we'll only have about a 30 min drive to his mom and an hour to my parents! Doesn't get much better than that!

Pray for us as we make this big "move"...lol.....and that we get it all done in time! I'll post pics of our new place eventually.....don't hold me to it though!

HAPPY MONDAY!

smart one

2010-03-20T10:15:00.003-05:00

So I just had to say that our furry little friend must be a genius!!!!!!

Thehubs has put a trap out 3 separate times with peanut butter on it, and the crazy thing EATS THE PB AND GETS AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So last night, he put white cheese dip all over the entire trap, and put 2 traps side by side. Guess what happened....yep the darn mouse ate it all and got away!!

I mean, it's not even setting the traps off!

Well, today comes the mega sticky pads! Let's see how the little demon likes that! lol

On to another subject, I think my day today will be filled with a walk in the park and maybe some good ol' spring cleaning.....our closet is driving me crazy! Why can't the warm weather STAY??!?!?!

Happy First Day of Spring!!!

furry little friend

2010-03-19T13:37:00.003-05:00

So Thehubs found out that we have ANOTHER furry little friend living with us! UGH!

I promise I keep my house clean, and yet this is the 2nd stinkin mouse we've had this year!

I guess the fact that we live in the woods, and we don't have a landlord to maintain our property could partly be to blame for our critters......but I sure would appreciate it if they would just go away!

Thehubs set 2 traps this morning, and I seriously hope we catch it today! I had planned on cleaning the house today, but I suppose I will wait 'till tomorrow to DEEP CLEAN everything once again!

Just had to tell somebody about our new house-mate....and my frustrations in it messing up my kitchen!

Family time!

2010-03-19T07:52:00.003-05:00

This week has been a crazy one of course! Thehub's family left to fly back to Arizona on Tuesday morning, so we finally had a quite house that evening after work. It was sorta weird...lol.

Let me just fill you in on all the action from the weekend!

Friday was filled with just hanging out in our PJ's all day, eating, and talking. Thehubs even got to get off work at 2, which is like a miracle in the car industry! He and the boys went to watch a movie while I had to go work for a while. (I had 1 home visit that lasted 2 hours!)

Saturday it was just me and the oldest 2 (ages 10 and 14) for most of the day. We went to the Galleria for a bit, and then came back home and played rock band and hung out. That was a blast!! I absolutely love the fact that I used to babysit them when they were ages 6 and 2, and now I'm their aunt! Had no clue that would happen 8 years ago!

Saturday night we all hung out here at the house. I cooked supper, and it was just us and the 2 kids until Sunday night! Sunday, we went to church, and then to WINTERJAM!!!

Well, before winterjam, we took a nap, and I woke up a bit cranky! From the time we were leaving the house until we got to the concert, I was snapping at Thehubs about EVERYTHING!

First, it was what time we were going to leave, then it was probably something about how slow/fast he was driving. When we got to the place, people were lined up completely around the BJCC and I wanted us to just park anywhere and hurry up and get in line. Well, Thehubs decided he wanted to drive completely around the entire BJCC before parking, to check everything out. We found the end of the line, and there was a parking lot right across the street. I wanted to park there! However, he had already picked out one on the other side of the world!!! So of course I was furious! Selfish selfish me, thinking I know everything! lol

Well, we're standing in line, and I cheer up for the 45 min of standing there until we get up close to the door.

I had won 2 tickets from 93.7 WDJC and so when I pulled them out of my purse, one of the employee guys saw them.

He was like "excuse me ma'am, they won't let you in with those tickets."

Me: "Um, yes the will.....I won them on the radio, and it's my free admission!"

Him: "Nope, not here. Those are the VIP passes, you're sup to sit on the floor, and I'll have to take you somewhere different to enter with those tickets."

Me: "Noo.....these are NOT VIP tickets, I know what you're talking about bc I heard them give them away to somebody else. These are just regular tickets...."

Him: "No ma'am....those tickets are the VIP tickets, you HAVE to sit on the floor- no where else"

Me: " Well, babe (to Thehubs), do you and D (our nephew) just want to take these tickets and get the good seats, and A and I will just find a seat ourselves.

Thehubs: "No, we are not splitting up, we are going to stay together"

(This continued for several minutes, while people behind us where going around us bc the line kept moving and we were just standing there...)

I then tried to GIVE THE TICKETS AWAY to anybody around us, but everybody else was saying the same thing--they didn't want to split up.

So Thehubs convinced me to just shut up and continue on in the line. He said we would just pay $20 more for 2 more tickets if they didn't take them.

Well, we get up to the ticket person, and guess what....no problem in taking the ticket! I was furious once again!!! That guy was ridiculous and didn't know what he was talking about. I WAS RIGHT! lol

Well, when we're trying to find some seats in the nose bleed section, of course I get mad at Thehubs for not sitting here I want him to sit. (crazy, selfish me!) After sulking for about probably 30 minutes, I finally snap out of it and realize how ridiculous I was being!

Ok, that's all of my complaining......! It's kinda funny now. I can't help but realize how sinful I am, how easily it is to fall, and yet how quickly the Lord forgives! Thank you Jesus!

The concert was AMAZING! We were able to go back stage and meet Mac Powell, the lead singer from 3rd Day! The kids were so excited! It was pretty lame if you ask me....He just came in the room and was like "hey!" Everybody was star-struck and didn't hardly talk to him the whole time. It was funny. But we got pictures and it was great for the kids!

So then comes Monday, nothing big happened. Tuesday morning they had to leave =(

Thehubs and I slept in a little, bc he didn't have to work, and they were supposed to leave at 7:30a. I heard some of the kids crying and screaming, (which is very normal when you're trying to get them up and dressed, and out the door quickly) but I just slept through it.

Thehubs tells me later that night, that Aub (6y/o) was crying saying "I want my aunt Heather and uncle bubba!!" and "I don't want to go home" and stuff like that!

That just broke my heart! I asked Thehubs WHY DIDN'T YOU WAKE ME UP!?!? He said, he didn't want to. So sad! Anyways, I miss them terribly!

We seriously need to figure out a way to fly out to AZ to visit them! Maybe sooner or later.....

Lukewarm Christian???

2010-03-12T08:22:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago, I made this post about having lukewarm sacrifices. If you didn't read it...do that NOW!

This morning, I'm finally able to read some more of "Crazy Love," and this is what I've discovered, learned, and wanted to share! I will write word for word what Francis Chan has written, as I cannot put it into words any better. Enjoy!

....In the last chapter we discussed various inappropriate responses to God's love. Now we are going to look at scriptural examples of poor responses to God's gift of love. Before you discount or ignore what I am about to say, read these passages objectively, without preconceived opinions staunchly in place.

My examination of lukewarm Christians in chapter 4 was by no means exhaustive. However, it did serve as a call to examine your heart in light of the points I listed. As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there's no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are "lukewarm" are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven.

In Revelation 3:15-18, Jesus says,

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold-- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing." But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cove your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see

This passage is where our modern understanding of lukewarm comes from. Jesus is saying to the church that because hey are lukewarm, He is going to spit them out of His mouth.

There is no gentle rendering of the word spit in Greek. This is the only time it is used in the New Testament, and it connotes gagging, hurling, retching. Many people read this passage and assume Jesus is speaking to saved people. Why?

When you read this passage, do you naturally conclude that to be "spit" out of Jesus' mouth means you're a part of His kingdom? When you read the words "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked," do you think that He's describing saints? When He counsels them to "buy white clothes to wear" in order to cover their "shameful nakedness," does it sound like advice for those already saved?

I thought people who were saved were already made white and clothed by Christ's blood.

...I've spent the past few days reading the Gospels. Rather than examining a verse and dissecting it, I chose to peruse one gospel in each sitting. Furthermore, I attempted to do so from the perspective of a twelve-year-old who knew nothing about Jesus. I wanted to rediscover what reasonable conclusions a person would come to while objectively reading the Gospels for the first time. In other words, I read the Bible as if Id' never read it before.

My conclusion? Jesus' call to commitment is clear: He wants all or nothing. The thought of a person calling himself a "Christian" without being a devoted follower of Christ is absurd.

But please don't take my word for it. Read it yourself.

Walking on Sunshine!

2010-03-05T14:46:00.003-06:00

Don't you just absolutely LOVE this beautiful weather....that is if you live where I live. It's finally getting Spring time, and I couldn't be happier!!! Curtains/blinds have been open all day today and I'm just loving the sunshine!!

This weekend will be filled with Disciple Now activities at church. I'm leading a group of girls, and I'm so excited! Thehubs was going to lead a group, but he couldn't get off work. =(

Keep us all in your prayers!

Next week we will get to spend some time with thehub's sister and her kids! They are all in from Arizona. Got to see them for just a bit yesterday, but won't get to see them again until Thursday. They have a church plant out in Arizona, and have been here at several missions conferences at different churches. We get to see them Thursday- Monday!!!

Some of the kids will be staying the night with us, so that means some serious spoiling will be going on! Can't believe they're all getting so much older though.

When I met them back around 2000 the oldest 2 kids were 18 months and 4 y/o. Now they are 14 and 10!!!!! And there is also 2 more.....ages 6 and 4!!!

Absolutely love them!

Enjoy your wonderful weekend in the sunshine!! =)

Lukewarm sacrifices

2010-03-01T08:53:00.003-06:00

I just absolutely love it when the Lord teaches me something new. Our Sunday School class has been going through Crazy Love and let me just tell you that my faith has never been challenged so much while reading a book. Francis Chan does a great job of writing about the Word of God in such a way to convict and pierce your heart.

We are a little behind in our reading, so I just ready Ch 4 last night. (we did ch 5 in SS yesterday)

Ch 4 was about being lukewarm. I just want to list some of the characteristics that he discussed about being lukewarm and the scriptures he included with them.

* Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go. (Isaiah 29:13)

* Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church....as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? (1 Chron 21:24; Luke 21:1-4)

*Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected,nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. (Mat 10:32-33)

*Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without it requiring too much of them. They ask, "How far can I go before it's considered a sin?" instead of "How can I keep myself pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit?" They ask "How much do I have to give?" instead of "How much can I give?" They ask, "How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?" instead of "I wish I didn't have to go to work, so I could sit here and read longer!" (1 Chron 29:14; Matt 13:44-46)

*Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong. (Matt 23:25-28)

There were several more that he listed, but I chose these because they got to my core! Lord, help me to be as far from lukewarm as possible!

Now on a slightly different note, I've been ready through Leviticus this weekend. I'm trying to catch up on the read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year thing that I'm doing......almost caught up!

While ready Leviticus, I realized that those people back then sure did have to make A LOT of sacrifices! There was the burt offering, grain offering, fellowship offering, sin offering, and guilt offering. Each had very specific things that were required, and each were required for something totally different.

So, I got to thinking...... Hmm, we have it pretty easy compared to them! I mean, we have direct communication with our LORD. We can go straight to Him in prayer and ask for forgiveness. We can praise Him directly, we can plead with Him for mercy.

But do we do it whole-heartedly? You see, if a sacrifice then was not completely pure or done exactly as commanded, it was impure.....pointless....dishonorable to our God.

Are we giving him lukewarm sacrifices or pure and holy sacrifices????

Our sacrifice to God today is our lives. Luke 9:23 says "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

I've always loved this verse and questioned what "take up his cross daily" meant exactly. It relates back to Jesus taking up his own cross....how he took it and laid down his life voluntarily. We are asked to do the same.

But until this morning, I never really looked at the "deny himself" part except to think that we should put ourselves last. Well, in Leviticus 23: 27 it is talking about the Day of Atonement and the requirements of the people for that day. One of the things is for them to "hold a sacred assembly and DENY YOURSELVES.." It goes on to say in verse 29 that "Anyone who does not DENY HIMSELF on that day must be cut off from his people." (serious stuff, huh?!?!)

So now, I'm like...hmm, that's interesting, that term is used in the New Testament. Well I look in my side notes, and it here is what is says....

How did the Israelites deny themselves?

Typically, this has been understood to mean FASTING-- going without food and beverage. But it may also mean abstentions from things like changing one's clothing, bathing or sex.

Interesting! I just absolutely LOVE it when something from the Old Testament is mentioned in the New Testament.

I may be absolutely wrong in my connection with all of that, so sorry if I am. But that's what the Lord taught me. Thank you Jesus!