Making Disciples

It has probably been 6 months or so since I've blogged. I have been yearning to blog.. but when I sit and take a moment to write.. my thoughts flood away.

But today I have a heart thats heavy. what better time to blog? Expecially because it is about Christ.


I have made a decent amount of time to my read the Bible. It takes discipline to read what I actually do, but I can't seem to read daily as I would like. That weighs me down. When I start to feel guilty.. I reminnd myself this verse I found a while ago..
It's my favorite verse in the bible

 ^"For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God."
Galatians 2:19

Verse 20 is also incredible

This particular verse reminds me of God's grace. It's certainly not a free pass of not devoting time to Jesus or to not dicipline yourself to doing what's right- but it keeps me in perspective that I am not perfect. I am a working mother and man I am tired. I can only do so much. God should always been priority number 1. Facebook and Instgram can come later, if at all. But if I stop getting myself down about not being able to do a devotional that day or reading a few chapters... I feel better about giving myself grace. Because I know Jesus still loves me. I am the one torturing myself with angry thoughts. And the devil can also use this and hinder you & keep you on the groud. "Oh, you missed church today?" Oh, you watched a sinful movie?"  (It may or may not have been Magic Mike)
You feel like you may as well not even read the bible today because he wont forgive that. You you figure you ruined that day by already sinning. I am also reminded of this verse when those feelings pop up..

"I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die." 
Galatians 2:21

When I do "force" myself to read.. I'd say 8 times out of 10 he will reveal himself to me. How lucky are we that he speaks to us through his word? It isn't as easy to hear him directly speak to us unless we open up his word and start reading. This may sound crazy to unbelievers but trust me y'all.. God is alive and well. He will show you things you thought never possible. I read in my devotional the other day that He is especially good at revealing himself to new believers.. it seems like he knows that's almost what it takes to take them by surprise and kick start their journey. Amazing.

There are still those days when after I read, I sit and say 'Now what was it that I just read?' Or 'I didnt take anything away from that!'

But that's ok.. because one day it may hit you that 'Hey I read that once. Let me look more into it.'and then He leads you along that path.

Today, I flipped open and read a bit of Hebrews here and there. Mostly things I have previously highlighted. How have I forgotten such meaningful words in my day to say life? I want to share some BEAUTIFUL verses in the chapters I read.

People think they know whats in the bible, even if they've never read it.. or if they've read a few lines or chapters. But I encourage you to dig deep into the words written and know where they came from and what they really mean. It's easy to be misunderstood when there are so many people telling you "what the bible says." The only way to learn the truth is to read. I hope these few that have encouraged me today will encourage you to press froward or to begin a "journey of a lifetime" as my pastor says.

DEFINITION OF FAITH:
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 
Hebrews 11:1

"By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." 
Hebrews 11:3
^ That is awesome perspective

"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that god exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him" 
Hebrews 11:6


I LOVE THIS ONE!
I encourge you to read Hebrews 11:8-12 and then you can see how beautiful this is

"All these people died still believing what god had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth, Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be  called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." 
Hebrews 11;13-16

"Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it" 
Hebrews 13:1


OK This just had to included because there are so many unbelievers out there that I never even knew of. I figured everyone believed in God. This is (obviously) not true. I want to help save everyone I can!

Because it's not as simple as admitting there is a God and that God 'exists', You MUST believe it all. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Heaven, Hell, The Birth, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and that he is STILL ALIVE within us today. Simple bible stated truth.

 I want the ones I love to be in heaven right beside me. I also will state the fact that yes, as my family are Christians. BUT I decided to TRULY follow Christ as an adult. I am still young but I had many lost years growing up. The decision to be a follower has happened in my adult life. Not just a family outing or a tradition.

People think that living morally is just what we should do because its the 'right thing.' But it's the right thing because the Bible says so. The Bible came up with the morals you think people did. Like being just a good person, helping others, not using obscene language, not talking dirty or committing adultry. These things are wrong because the bible says so. You can say "well I don't curse, or cheat, or murder." But you are doing these things for the wrong reasons if they aren't for GOD. Everything you do must be FOR THE LORD or to tell you the truth, they simply do not count towards righteousness or being a good person.

People now claim "Let's just all get along and love one another and have peace on earth." There is absolutely no way to do this without loving God first and doing it for God. People want to push religion aside because they believe it divides us as a people. They want it all about loving each other and all about PEACE and brotherhood. We have to come to Christ first. I used to love the song "Imagine" by John lennon. I was young and thought peace was a great idea. I didn't know any better or listen to the lyrics close enough. It is a song against anything Christ like. I did plenty of research on what John Lennon really said about the meaning of the song so I am not only just taking the lyrics for what they sound like. 

 LYRICS:
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace

You, you may say
I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world

You, you may say
I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will live as one

We cannot live for each other and live for peace but live for God at the same time. Christ came to set this world on fire and wage war. He came to save this world not cause peace between people.

 "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division."
Luke 12:51

 "Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Matthew 10:34-35

Don't get me wrong.. we shouldn't be causing trouble and war purposely between each other but we should be living for God. He will rule in our hearts and give us peace within ourselves. That will allow for kinder, gentler souls on this earth. Seek the Kingdom of Heaven and he has the power to change the people who are evil around us.

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." 
Romans 12:18

I know this is the very writing that will make people turn away, but this is the truth. And the people who come to Jesus after knowing the "scary" part of being a follower will have many blessings I'm sure. Our lives were created to please God and make disciples. Unfortunately, we may lose a few friends along the way.

You are my sunshine.

You are my sunshine

my only sunshine.

You make me happy

when skies are grey.

You'll never know dear

how much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away.

4 days old

Every. single. night. 

I sing this to Noelle every single night I am home to put her to sleep. 

I never forget.

If she thinks I might forget, she has no fear of reminding me. Before I walk out she makes sure her prayers are said and we say our "I love you's." Lately she will still be whispering "I love you" as I walk out of the door so we can see who says it last. I'll close the door and I'll still hear it once more. 

 ::deep breath::

Boy, these moments will never get old. Ever. 

Maxx said she does this to him to and it melts his heart as much. <3

\One of the greatest feelings to me is when Ellie will be crying, and all she needs is to be touched or held by one of us. Sometimes she will venture into our room late at night/early morning & as long as she's holding onto one of us, she's happy. If I were awake enough, I'd bring her back to her room.. but I can always use the extra snuggles. 

And if I'm still awake and she wakes up at night, all she wants is to have "You are my sunshine" sung to her again. 

3 weeks old

Jammies

I just got home from work. 

A good night at work. 

This may because I have had 5 days off or just that we had a good crew... but it was enjoyable. 

I came home and saw my two favorite people in the world snuggled on the couch. Never mind the fact that Noelle could have been in her own bed, and also the fact that she probably never got her bath tonight. But my sweet darlings were peacefully asleep... so who cares? One was probably dreaming about muscle cars and the other about babydolls. You can assume who was who. :) 

I have a very good feeling when I walk into our home. Our home- even if we'll only be renting here a little longer. When I walk through that door, I feel peace. My next step is always to change into my jammies. I change into the comfy-est thing I can dream up. Anything goes. No cutesy matching jammies you'd see in a sleepover movie.. but sweats.. and any soft, silky shirt. 

And my fuzzy socks, of course. Oh, and then come the slippers.

I should feel ridiculous about this, but I just don't. I tried to buy cute pajamas but eventually, I wear it all piece by piece. The best part is that Maxx thinks it's cute. Or so he says :) I just love getting comfortable. There really is a "comforting" feeling. Who wants to lounge in their work clothes at home? Unless you are my husband who wears his Army uniform until he falls asleep on the couch (WITH HIS BOOTS, TOO!)  

I remember when I was young my mom always changed her clothes when she got home. She always got comfortable to hang around at the house. I remember she had this batman nighty and she would always chase me and say "Du nu nu nu nu nu.. Batmannnn!" 

Nana always wore her cotton or silk robes and now I do, too. 

Nanny wore "Moo-Moos". 

Oh, how I love jammies.

Now, I am suited in my comfortable armor and ready to watch our 1st movie via Netflix. (I'm late on the bandwagon- I know, I know.)

Full tanks and a bit of Christmas

Last year, Christmas 2010

I haven't written in a while. 

I just read a post on making sure my family's "tanks are full." This made me wonder if we look out for the needs of everyone else or just our own.. or "what needs to be done." What if we cared for our close ones first to make sure their needs are met? Maybe things would go smoother- even if only in the long run? I struggle every.single.day. I struggle to make sure laundry is done, dishes are done, toys are always cleaned up, bathrooms are clean and sanitized, everything's been dusted, meals prepped.. ETC ETC, BLAH BLAH........... ahhhh. This will be for the rest of my life. {At least till 60-70 and I'm calling it quits and hiring a maid with all my retirement money. haha}

  

But do I ever get a chance to JUST sit and play with Noelle? Can I actually watch an entire movie with Maxx without checking my phone?? 

No. 

I need an adjustment of reality. Work has me so thrown off that I need a plan for my plans. Life is so hard to keep up with. Where will I be next year, in 5 years. 20? I am a worry wart (I mean, obviously.) But I need to secure my future. No games. 

Lately, I have definitely not been on my cleaning and list making track as before. But, I can't lie, I have been 10004928579845 times more happy than I was. Not that I felt terrible, but I was constantly emotionally bogged down. I am realizing that I can't be super mom 24/7. I can actually leave dishes in the sink overnight now. Whew. Maybe this is the point where I can say "old habits die hard." No? 

Anyway, our spare room/craft room/office is a mess. My desk is cluttered to the maxxxx and I cannot find my meal plan sheet. Oh no! But guess what? Life is still moving. My little girl is snug in her bed, my darling is racked out on the couch waiting for me to drag him to bed (lol), and life is good. Not perfect- but very good. The more time I spend with God, the more he blesses me and opens my eyes. I have a lot of daily forgiveness to ask for, but the best part is that he will always forgive me. YOU TOO! No matter how big or small. Accept Jesus as the answer. Just pray. Really, just pray about anything and everything! He WILLLL show you. 

And on another note.. for the holiday season, I am challenging myself to donate. Food, clothes, toys- anything. Especially anything my material nature is holding onto. We can't take a single thing to the grave with us so I want to shower my blessings to others. I won't get into my specific story.. but I want to give this season. We should all remember to give from our heart and not think we "have to" and never boast about your giving. God knows what we've done. Pass the spirit along, though!

Now here are some of last years Christmas photos..

She used to be so small! What happened?

Our last years {not-so-close-together} Christmas, while Maxx was in Afghanistan

My cousin/best friend Missy, Jayden, Noelle and I with Santa.

Tree is up and decorated, stockings are hung.. and we are together. Memories are being made. Make some, too. <3 <3

'Tis the season!

Craft(ed)

I accidentally dropped Noelle's very 1st piggy bank off the shelf the other day and needed a DIY fix. I had an empty mayonnaise jar saved in the cabinet for a while... I am not really sure why, but this is what went down.

 

I am wanting to venture out and embroider something on a piece of her clothing... I'm not sure if I'm brave enough yet, though.

Fall: Second Edition

 

 

 

God.Happiness.Inspiration.Faith.Love.Focus.

Fall: First edition

It is definitely fall here in Tennessee... I woke up one morning and I could feel a chill in the house. I peeked through my kitchen window and my entire yard was full of the leaves from my (previously very full) trees. 

This was only the beginning..

 

The whole town just transformed over night. The air was clean and it just smelled like earth. I love that smell. In Florida, the smells of salt and rain come to mind- still very good smells, but this is just so calming. I'm not looking forward to the snow quite as much.

When I was a kid, my mom always insisted we went on an "adventure" to find our pumpkins, Christmas trees, etc. I was in the same frame of mind this year. I knew I wanted an adventure. One day, it just came as we were driving along {as all fabulous things should} We were driving and saw a sign that said  
"Pumpkin Farm.. This way ---->"  
 We took the bait. 

Oh Lord, we drove, and drove and drove some more. We looked at the fall trees as we drove up and down the winding roads. 

 

Gorgeous. After at least 10 miles or more of pavement, we made it. INCREDIBLE! We had a blastttt!! It was definitely a family affair and memories we'll never forget. 

 

There was a petting zoo!

Can you see that HUGE turkey??

This farm was packed with mini events!! The following was all happening while there was some hillbilly music being blasted. Oh, Tennessee. Just how amazing are you??

 

Chickens were running all over and Ellie was fascinated, so she started chasing them, ever-so-nicely of course.

"Where did it go?"

Underground slide!

 

Tires to play in

Peek-a-boooo

HUGE corn maze

They had games set up for the kids throughout

These pigs raced for Oreos!!

 

 

 

CrackerJack, I mean, eh hem.. Hillbilly teeth.

  

Mamas big strong lady.

Seeing my baby react to all these new surroundings were a blessing. Noelle knows what an actual pumpkin is. And it's not just when mama calls her 'punkin'. She chased chickens, ran everywhere and learned so many new things at that pumkin farm. It was an awesome experience that I hope to duplicate every year for as long as she'll let me.. because I know when I got into being a teen, I was over it with my mom. I wish I hadn't been.

Christmas should be fun if the rumors about being able to cut down your own tree is true.