The Unknown

Do you ever have moments where you second guess decisions that you have made? I'm at the point right now. I look back on certain things that I walked away from and wonder if it was the best decision for myself and my family.

In my time with my Father this morning, I asked just that. Was what I did what he told me to do? Was it his voice and not mine? I moved because he told me that it was right move, the move that he wanted me to make. So why do I keep asking myself if it was right? I have been struggling with that for about a week. As I sat at my kitchen table this morning I just asked him for an answer. I was honest with him, I didn't hold anything back. I even asked him for forgiveness if it wasn't the move that was supposed to be made.

I could feel his arms wrap around me and tell me that everything was going to be ok. He told me that what I heard was correct, he wanted me to do what I did - it was time. But then why so much hardship, so much unknown about whats going to happen next?

One of my closet friends put it this way - if we were to know what was coming next all the time, then why would we need to rely on God? BAM! That's so true. He needs us to rely on him for our situations. He wants us to know that he has us, no matter what. He isn't going to let us completely drown, but he will ask us to step out of the boat.

I feel like the past few months I have been in the water barely keeping my head above it, gasping for air before I go back under. But you know what, I know that we will come out on the other end stronger, wiser, and giving all the glory to God! Because I can honestly say that the only way we will get out of this is Him.

So let me just encourage you today, He is there with you - during your storm, during your battle. Whatever you are facing, He is there walking beside you. Know that whatever mistakes you have made, He has already forgiven you. He loves us. He is not condemning us and if you are feeling that right now, that's the enemy. The enemy will do anything he can to make us second guess our decisions, to turn the wheel the other direction when we know which direction we are supposed to go.

Trust in him loves. Trust him with everything you have. My family is in a battle right now and we are growing stronger together in it and I can't wait to see us on the other side - its going to be a beautiful thing. So stay positive and make sure you are talking with your Father daily.

Move With Me

Have you ever been in prayer with God and you just completely break down! Yep that was me this morning. I have been dealing lately with a few things that is between myself and God but this mornings prayer was different. He showed me things I was dealing with that I had no clue were there. And I know those things were holding me back from what He wanted to do in me. It held me back from true worship. It held me back from fully having complete faith in Him.

He is amazing like that. As I was praying the words that were coming out were new to me. I was like who am I praying for that is feeling that....oh wait....that's me! Tears began to stream down my face when I came to the realization that it was me that was harboring those feelings.

Bitterness. Resentment. Unforgiving.

Really? Me? Were those things really so deep inside of me that I didn't even realize that they were just in there hanging out. Well after this mornings devotion and when I began to pray, God brought all those things to the surface. Basically telling me that if they do not leave, the blessings and levels He wants to take me will be at a standstill.

I laid it all out this morning. Covering my Bible with tears, I asked for forgiveness. I asked for all those feelings to leave. I asked for a renewed heart. I asked to be clean of those feelings. I asked for His joy to return to me and guess what - in that moment it felt like a ton bricks were lifted off my shoulders. I began to laugh! I began to literally laugh and raise my hands in the midst of my prayer. I knew that He was healing me of those things that I had just asked for!

Guys! We are all human and if you get to the point where you think you are holier than thou and think you don't deal with those things - that's a dangerous place to be. We all deal with emotions on a daily basis but it is when we let them fester day after day, that they turn into a lifestyle, a norm for us. We have to learn that when those feels arise, we rebuke them right on the spot. Don't let them build up! They will steal your joy and that's what the enemy wants. He wants us to be filled with hate, resentment, bitterness - because he knows what it is keeping us from.

So today loves I ask this, is there anything that is holding you back from what God wants to do in you and through you? Be honest with yourself this morning and really dig deep. I had to dig deep this morning to see what I was keeping inside of me. It affected my daily walk and I didn't even know it.

Ask God to free you and He will, if it comes from a place of true meaning. You have to mean it with all your heart or they are just words coming out of your mouth. They have to come out of your heart. God knows you better than you know yourself. Remember what I said last week...

Sometimes we have to speak things for us to even know that we are dealing with them! Speak it loves! God knows but He just wants to hear you say it. Then it will be released!

As I am ending this blog post for today I feel more free than I have in a few months. I just needed to speak it. I didn't even know those feelings were there but they came out with a vengeance. I am ready to move to the next level with God. Move with me loves!

Mother's Day Tea

Today was such a good day! Its the little things that remind us to be thankful for where God has brought us and what He has given us. 

Today was Emma's class Mother's Day Tea. At first when the flier came home a week ago I begrudlingly said that I would go. I am not your normal PTA mom, its just not me and sometimes since I have three children its hard to go to every single thing. Well Emma's teacher this year insisted that all moms be there, so I went.

....and it was the best decision ever. 

First it started with the moms waiting in the hallway filled with portraits the kids drew of us. We had to guess which one was us. It was so much fun standing there with a bunch of ladies I didn't know guessing which beautifully drawn portrait was ours. Next each student came out to get their mom with a pink rose in hand and they escorted us one at a time to our seat. The room was filled with candles and flowers. Let me just tell you that I cried as soon as I saw my little Emma Grace walk out the door to greet me. 

Once we all sat down the kids sang a few songs and then wrote a few things about us.

Here was Emma's

My mom's names is MORGAN 

She is 34 YEARS OLD

Her favorite food is SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

Her favorite TV show is ELLEN

What makes my mom special is SHE HAS A HEART OF GOLD

What?! Did my little miss Emma just say her mom has a heart of gold? She likes me, she really really likes me! And then....TEARS...........all over the place! I was a snotty, teary mess! I am happy to say I am not the only one that cried - thank the Lord! 

After that we had light refreshments. It was the perfect way to spend my morning. I am so happy that her teacher insisted that we come. If she hadn't I probably would have blown it off to run errands. I know, I know - mom of the year once again! 

5 stars to Emma's teacher for putting on the best Mother's Day Tea ever! It will be something that I will never forget! 

We Are Human

My devotion today brought up something from my past. I think sometimes we get so caught up in would haves, could haves and should haves. Its time to break lose of that mentality.

About a year ago I was hurt. I mean deeply hurt by someone that I trusted and when I say trusted, I mean seriously trusted with my life. But something happened and honestly to this day I have no idea what that something was that caused this person to just up and leave, pretty much without an ounce of an explanation.

It hurt bad. I was so angry and upset with this person that it caused me to become bitter. Its crazy when you are that close to someone and then they just up and leave, I actually felt like I went through  a grieving process. I was an emotional wreck for months. I was down and just out of it. I cried out to God, I was angry at Him for letting this happen. I was so upset and confused.

And you know what, He stood by me and let me throw my tantrum but guess what? He was right there when I was done acting like a child. He knew the reason this happened, He knew why He took that person out of my life. I remember standing in my bathroom one day and it hit me, as I fell to my knees and tears starting falling, I apologized and repented for the way I had acted. For blaming Him for all of it. For being angry at Him. For becoming bitter towards that person. I asked for forgiveness and like always He was there with arms open wide.

I just wanted to share that today because I honestly feel like someone that may read this needs to hear it. We are human, we get caught up in emotions and we can let them run us. But that doesn't mean we are forever ruined. We have a God that loves us and He knows us better than we know ourselves. Even if we do not speak it, He knows. I can honestly say from experience - SPEAK IT! When you speak it, it brings healing. It brings it to the surface and you can out loud repent for what you are feeling. God already knows but when we recognize it, that's when true healing comes.

We need Him loves. In every aspect of our lives, we need Him. If you are dealing with something that is causing anger, bitterness or hate - call out to Him. He is just waiting for you!

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (Ps. 62:8)

A Ton of Bricks

Today the weather here in Virginia is absolutely gorgeous! It has taken spring a little bit to catch up with the rest of us but I think she has finally arrived and our family couldn't be happier. Sitting here at my computer I am so beyond thankful for what God has done for my family. Could we have less bills, of course! Could we not argue every so often, most definitely but you know what, none of that matters at the end of the day.

Life happens, we may step in dog pee first thing out of bed or stub our toe on the way to waking our kids up to get ready for school, but the question is, how will that affect us? Does that mean that our automatic response to a grouchy kid not wanting to get up is to yell or get angry? Or do we respond in love and patience. To be honest that's how my morning began - too many snooze button pushes after going to bed waayyy to late and then it seemed to get worse from there. I was already angry before I even got to my daughters bedroom. I knew it wasn't going to be a good response but instead of calming myself and beginning my day praying, I just stormed through the door, threw the covers off and demanded her to get out of bed before I hit the number three. As I sit here and type this out I see how freaking ridiculous I must have looked and sounded. Last night didn't have bath time planned in so guess what, she had to shower. Oh that's a bundle of fun right there. Once she got in the shower, crying of course, I stormed into bedroom number two to wake my son. Throwing the covers back again I angrily asked him to get out of bed by the count of three. I guess he is used to it because his feet always seem to hit the ground just as I am about the say the last number. Then off to the shower he went. He is a bit easier to work with since he can pretty much handle everything it takes to get him clean and dressed.

Now today was especially awesome because since the last snooze button made them miss the bus that meant I had to drive them to school. Now I had to wake the third monster. Lord help me. She is a sleeper so as I storm back into bedroom number one she is curled up, completely covered from head to toe with her comforter. She knew I was coming. Third time throwing the covers back and third time having to count to three. By this point you can imagine my patience - non existent!

I nicely forcefully laid her clothes out on the bed for her to get dressed but not before I made a threat that I knew I would never carry out. At this point my middle was coming out of the shower, still crying mind you and ready to get dressed. Something went my way this morning because she actually liked the outfit I had ironed for her the night before. Thank you Jesus! So after she was dressed and ready and my son was done I realized I totally forgot to make lunches. Great! Just Great! That's exactly what went through my mind. I can honestly say I have no idea what made it into the their lunch boxes this morning. Mom of the year right here!

On the way to school the entire car was silent even down to the puppy, he must have felt the tension in the air. As we pull up to school we said our goodbyes after I again lost my patience with how slow they were to get out of the car and the line that was building behind me.

Once they got out of the car and walked into school, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I am a monster. I let my own laziness of wanting to get a few extra minutes of sleep, to stepping into dog pee, to stubbing my toe turn into their fault. What is wrong with me? And I can tell you 9 times out of 10 our mornings begin like that. Maybe not to the point of missing the bus but to where their mommy, ME, acts like the world is ending.

As I drove away in tears I asked God to let my kids have a great day and to not think of me as the mean mommy. I felt God's presence this morning in my car. I felt him touch my shoulder and tell me that it was okay. We all fall short, we all mess up daily but as soon as they get home they will walk in the door with smiles on their faces and loving me just as much as they did before.

I'm not really sure why I shared that this morning but something said to. Please tell me I am not alone in being absolutely crazy sometimes. Please tell me that other moms and/or dads lose it occasionally.

I have learned that when I try to do this thing without Him, that's when all hell breaks lose. Tomorrow is a new day. I promise to myself and my babies that our mornings will be better. I can't promise that every thing will always run smoothly but I make a vow that my reactions will begin to change. That I will take a deep breathe, ask God to help me and step into the situation better prepared.  I hope someone gets something from this this morning. We aren't perfect, far from it but we have a God who most certainly is and all He is asking is for us to call out to Him. He is there waiting for us to ask Him to come into our day.

Control Freak

Do you ever get frustrated, angry, weighed down? I'm not going to lie and tell you that I never feel those emotions because I do. Frustrated with where I am going, angry because I don't feel seen, and weighed down because I keep trying to do things on my own.

But do you ever read that one devotion, that one scripture that turns your world upside down? That was me this morning. My devotion was what I needed, the Word from God that I needed to hear - pretty much a slap to the face. A word that said, "Get Up! Be what I have called you to be!" And that may be to serve whom He has placed me under, learn from what He places in my path and just be patient with Him.

Just because God told me what He has called me to be doesn't mean I automatically will jump in that position. Geez I mean look at the life of David. I am studying his life right now and to see how many years were in between when he was anointed and when he actually became king. Guess how many years! 22 YEARS! Yes! For 22 years he patiently waited and SERVED under the king that he knew he would eventually be. 22 years, wow! Can I honestly say that I would have patiently waited that long? David waited and served until that crown was finally placed on his head. Each trial during those 22 years prepared him for what he was called to be!

We can live out our lives frustrated, confused, angry and weighed down - but that's when we try to live this life on our own! We were not meant to do this thing by ourselves. Jesus is with us! He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows your frustrations and what makes you angry. Loves, just give it over to Him. Fall to your knees this morning and ask Him to forgive you for trying to fight this battle and live this life on your own. He already knows what you are dealing with but speak it to Him. Confess what you are feeling, express your emotions to Him. Just talk to Him! That's all He wants and that's exactly what I did this morning.

I am typing through tear-filled eyes. I am there loves. We get tired and worn out but that's because us women sometimes feel the need to be too strong for our own good. Turn it over to Him today beauties! He loves us so much and wants nothing but the best for us, we just need to learn to let Him have control. Man that word means so much! We like to have control, don't we? I know I do! Some would call it being a control freak, haha! But lets relinquish that control today to our Father that wants to love on us, help us get to where He has called us to be.

Be strong today loves. Remember to serve where you are at and whomever you are under. God has placed you where you are for a reason. Don't let this season pass and be fill with regrets.

"Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time - pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely." 2 Thess. 1:11-12, The Message 

The Purpose

OK so I am about to be real this morning. My devotion was so right on. Everything about it spoke volumes to me about how we as Christians do certain things. First I wasn't raised in church. I wasn't surrounded by believers. We weren't atheists, we just were ignorant for lack of a better word! We just didn't know. So when my husband and I got married and found our church, I was bought in 100% and don't get my wrong I am still bought in 100% but my thinking over the past few months has changed.

How much time and effort is placed into programs that we forget the true purpose? And I am talking about all churches here. We spend so much time and money into programs that we sometimes forget why we are doing them. We forget to be relational, we forget that the true reason behind it all is to bring people to Jesus. To let His love and light shine!

Last weekend my home church put on a block party instead of a normal Sunday morning service. Let me just tell you - after 12 years of being a part of my church, this was one of the best things we have done. Now granted with it being the first one ever we most definitely can improve but that just makes me even more excited for the next one!!

But it was wonderful not because we provided free food and other activities, it was because we were able to show our community that our doors are open. We did it for the sole purpose of showing people the love of Christ. We wanted to build relationships with people. We wanted people to know that we were there for them. To hear the stories from different families on how they were touched during this party, lets me know that all the petty mess that comes up doesn't matter. They are what matter.

His people are our purpose and once we make that our priority there is no going back! Churches can have programs all day long, but if the purpose isn't ultimately His people, then they serve no purpose at all. The only purpose they serve is to show off. Who likes a show-off? Not me!

So today be relational. Be about His people. Show His love and just live your life so that He gets all the glory. Remember that His purpose was the people!

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven." Matt 5:16

The Struggle is Real

I have always struggled with what my time with Jesus looks like on a daily basis. I have so many friends that wake up super early, get their prayer/devotion time in, work out, shower and then go about their day. I was like man that sounds like something I would love to do - get everything done early and then have the rest of my day to be productive as a mother and wife.

Well let me tell you something - I tried that 5am wake up and held fast to that for a while but guess what, it started turning into a routine, a ritual that I would complete. I felt like a zombie at that time of the day, no matter what time I went to to bed. I didn't feel like I was giving Jesus my best and doesn't he deserve that? YES! More than anything else in my daily routine, that time with Jesus was the most important.

I felt defeated. I felt condemned and I knew that those feelings were not from God. I knew that they were my own feelings because I wasn't starting my day out like so many friends of mine were. So like I said up there, I struggled and I struggled. I went weeks without opening my Bible. I went days without talking to Jesus. My daily routine was just so busy that I didn't feel I could fit him in. I felt like if I couldn't give him the hour he deserved then why would he want my 10 minutes of quiet time.

Then I read the words of Priscilla Shirer

" Although my goal is to be alone with God every day, the demands of my season of life often interrupts my intentions. This inability to master my quiet time burdened me with an immense amount of guilt during my first years of mothering. I always felt "heavy" with condemnation that I wasn't spending enough time with God. It seemed to me that if I couldn't get an hour in then 10-15 minutes wasn't worth it."

Wait, what? This amazing published author and speaker, who us as women put on a pedestal, struggles to find time during her day? It made me feel some what better to know that I was not alone in this! Other women struggled too! Haha! Not that that made me happy to see them struggling but it made me feel less like a failure in this daily walk.

So us women, whether we work outside the home or stay at home with our babies, we are busy! We get caught up in the every day hustle and forget that our time with him is so very important. I have learned that getting up that early is not what I am supposed to do. I believe that he wants me to spend time throughout the day, not at just a specific time! I have learned that writing scriptures on my bathroom mirror, on a sticky note in my car or on my locked screen on my phone and mediating on those brings me closer to Jesus daily. I surround myself with the Word. I worship while I fold clothes, clean dishes, drive, etc. I make it a point to spend time with Him throughout every hour of my day - just letting him know that I love him and thank him for all the things he has blessed us with and continues to bless us with. He is my father and if I can't have a conversation with him, then who can I talk to?

So take this as some encouragement. I struggle and I know many of us do but each one of us are different. My worship time won't be like yours or yours like mine! So just spend time with him through out the day.

AND I have realized that the best time for me to sit down, read and journal to him is after the kids get on the bus in the morning. If I try before that he isn't getting my best, he is getting my seconds. So do what works for you. He deserves our best loves!

What my morning looks like! I found this amazing prayer journal online. It is the best thing ever. After my devotion I sit and journal and listen to worship music. 

Book: "Quieting Your Heart: 6-month Bible-Study Journal"

Darlene Schacht

JOY!

So here in Southeast Virginia we are experiencing some chilly weather. It's like winter's grip is just not loosening up. I mean come on! Our tourist season is about to begin and I can still comfortably wear a scarf during the day! So not right! 

But on the bright side (literally) - the sun has been out for two days straight and if the forecaster is correct (we shall see) we will have sun for the next 10 days! 10 DAYS! That is definitely something to smile about. 

So my morning devotion was about Joy and felt like I needed to share some of that with you all. There is just something about that unspeakable joy! It is something that God has given us and we have the choice to enter into that Joy or not. It isn't the same thing as being happy. Happiness is an emotion that is effected by our daily routines. Someone cuts us off in traffic, happiness gone! Dog pees in the bed, happiness gone! There are many things that can happen throughout our day that can definitely take our happiness away. But that Joy! It isn't an emotion. It is from our heavenly father! It is a fruit of God's Spirit. As Sarah Matheny says, "It is a manifestation of who He is, a result of the heart-transforming power of Jesus Christ in us." Someone cutting us off or a dog ruining your perfectly clean down comforter isn't enough to take away our Joy! 

Sarah also says, "Joy is not a momentary pleasure - it is the deep and lasting condition of our relationship with God this world cannot steal away." We have so much to be joyful for! So remember that today loves. As the busyness of our lives can take over just take a moment to thank God for his Joy that resides in each of us. Enter into that Joy today!

'Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." John 16:22, NIV

*Sarah Matheny, She Reads Truth

Gotta Have Faith

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like Jesus is just speaking to you over and over!? Well today has been one of those days for me. I mean like in everything that I read and everyone that I speak too, its just crazy! I read several devotions during the day and I can honestly say that each one was about the same thing. I kid you not! That's how good Jesus is! He obviously is trying to get something through to me! Its funny how many times it takes for us to get the hint that He is trying to talk to us daily. Sometimes it isn't this BIG VOICE that calls out to us - but a scripture or just a word that we need to hear.

So if you read my blog yesterday you would know that I stepped down from a position because I clearly heard Jesus tell me that was what I was supposed to do. Well that was a scary thing for me and my family. Losing the pay meant there would have to be a lot of sacrifices from us, which I do believe he asks from us often but it doesn't hit home until we have no other choice.

So this month was the first month without that pay. Can I just testify that God provided everything we needed. Anthony actually had a small bonus come through and then our renters (we own two homes) paid a non-refundable pet fee that came directly to us! WHAT!? Let me tell you something - with those two extra things coming in, it was almost the exact amount to what my April 1st paycheck would have been. I'm totally serious! That's how good our God is! He provides. He shows out and lets us know that he is still here.

He just wants us to have faith, faith that he will provide what we need. But I can honestly say that I am still struggling with what my next step is. I do know that I need another job. My kids are getting older so pulling off the stay at home mom thing won't last too long. Teaching is always something that I can do since I have my bachelors in Pre-6th grade but honestly I do not feel that's the direction I am supposed to take.

But I do know that Jesus has us! He made that all too clear these past few weeks. So I know whatever I am supposed to do next will be something he brings across my path and I will have no doubt that that's where I am supposed to be!

Its such a good feeling when you know you have Him! He has a plan for each one of us; its our choice on whether we are going to listen to Him and go where he tells us to go. I can promise you this, not every thing He asks us to walk through will be easy. Sometimes the path can be a little rough but know that that's where he teaches us!

Have an awesome day and remember who has you!!

"Why would I fear the future? For I am being pursued only by your goodness and unfailing love."
Psalm 23:6

Lets Get Our Crap Together!

Good Morning!

Y'all this morning truly is good. To be alive, to be healthy and to have everything we need provided to us - come on!! And I didn't say everything we want -- sometimes I get caught up in that myself. Man Jesus why can't we have enough money so that I can have such in such or go on vacation here or there. But when I actually sit back and think about the little things he provides my family with daily, how can I be so ungrateful?

We truly should be thanking Jesus this morning. If you are reading this you obviously have a computer or phone or a job to where you can see this from. Things could be so much worse than they are. Why do we as humans never seem to be satisfied? Trust me, I struggle with that daily. I am a woman! I love fashion and home decor and so much more but I know that our budget right now does not afford me to just go out and get what I want when I want it. Things have changed financially in our home. With God telling me to move from a position where I was getting a pay check to a position where there isn't one, well that was tough. I knew that things were about to change and let me tell you - they already have!

I honestly believe that God uses moments like these to see what we are made of. I know that Jesus wants to bless our family but if we can't be good stewards of what he has already given us, then why would he want to give us more. Its time to get our crap together and be thankful for everything we have. So when you talk to your Father today tell him how thankful you are. Apologize for being ungrateful (I do daily!) and just let him love on you! He wants nothing but the best for us loves!

Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand,"

Little Brick Ranch

Do you ever miss something so much but know that God has you in a better place? Thats how I am feeling these past couple of days. God has blessed our family so much and 9 years ago we were able to buy our first home. At first this house was just supposed to last us a few years and then we would move on to something bigger! But we fell in love...

Whats not to love about this sweet little brick ranch?! It wasn't the biggest or newest house on the block but it was ours and we couldn't have been happier. But as our family began to grow the house seemed to shrink! We moved in with one baby and two dogs and moved out with three babies and three dogs! So yea - just a little bit different! We knew that the time had come to find a bigger home for our family. It was sad, I mean really sad. To leave the house that our little family ever knew was heart breaking but we knew that God had better things for us! 

So as we are searching for new renters this week, memories keep flooding my mind of all the firsts that house has seen. So if you rent our home just know that it has a piece of our heart - a piece that will always be left behind. The day that we actually sell this little beauty I will be a wreck but I know that it will see many more families and many more memories! Keep rocking and being the cutest little brick house on Hillwell Rd!

And thanks to an amazing App called timehop, I can catch a few sweet pictures of our first home every so often! Although everything was painted white before it hit the housing market, this wall was my favorite part of the house. My husband hated me but when it was finished, perfection! 

If you do not have this app, GET IT!

~ arise & remember who you are ~

Life is hard. I get that. I understand.
Being a woman is hard. I get that. I understand.

But ladies, we've got this! We are strong, stronger than we think.
I mean, come on! God made us to handle things that no male can comprehend -
to handle pain and emotions that only us women understand.

Sometimes we feel like giving up. I know...I have been there myself.
I have felt like no one cares, no one would even know if I just crawled
under these blankets and went to sleep for a week.

But let me tell you something ladies - we do matter and we matter
a whole lot! Our heavenly father knew what He was doing when
He created us. He knew the things we were going to have to endure.
He knew the emotional ups and downs that we would deal with.

He put everything in order so that when those times come we can
handle them with grace and understanding.

So today as we tackle the everyday duties of life remember who
our Creator made us to be! We are mighty, powerful daughters
of the most high King loves - don't ever forget that!

Arise today daughters and remember who you are!

Time? Where Did You Go?

I am still in shock that the 2014/2015 school year is already here and I have all three of my babies in school. I used to always say that that would be an amazing year - to have all my kids in school and to have just mommy time but I can honestly say my heart hurts. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday they were coming into this world, screaming and kicking to be put back in. So you can say that this school year hasn't turned out as amazing as I thought. I miss my babies but I know they are having a fantastic time making new friends and learning something new.

We have also started a new tradition that I saw fitting for this time. As we pray each night, I would pray for their protection for the following day. Well I not only do that but now each morning we stand in a circle, holding hands, while momma prays over them. I want them to hear my words being prayed to our Heavenly Father. I want them to know that they are surrounded by angels all day long, keeping them safe and that they are covered in the full armor of God.

I know that this school year is going to be a wonderful time for all my babies. I look forward to greeting them as they come off the bus and hearing all about their day. Momma is going to enjoy her time but deep down she misses her babies oh so much!

I pray that each one of you, sending babies off to school, have a blessed year!

First day of school - 2nd, K, & PreK
2014-2015

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" Ps. 18:2

Be back soon...

Sweaters to Coffee: 2014 Must Haves!

Okay so who is ready for fall? I  know this girl is! I love the cooler weather that brings scarves, boots, leggings, pumpkin spiced lattes, and FOOTBALL!! There is so much to look forward too! I get giddy just thinking about it.

I always look at the new fashion trends on Pinterest and this year - oh boy- it looks fantastic! Any time you add a big sweater with some leggings and a pair of booties, you have a killer outfit.

Here are my must haves for this coming Fall 2014...

My first must have is a big sweater.

Now those look amazing! How could you not want to curl up in one of those? Being comfortable and fashionable can go together in the right ways. I love me a good chunky sweater. Try www.hm.com/us/ for some inexpensive options.

Next must have for this coming fall is the scarf. These things aren't just for warmth anymore - they have definitely made their way into completing an outfit.

Great accessory for the fall! You can literally find scarves at any store. My favorite spot right now is www.oldnavy.com. They have some killer scarves for less than $20.

Ok this next must have is definitely at the top of my list - booties!! And outfit can look good but when you add the perfect pair of shoes, it takes the outfit to amazing!

Oh and a cuffed jean to boot! Score and score! I usually check out www.dsw.com for some great shoe deals. Also www.oldnavy.com carries some cute booties for less than $40. Cant beat that!

Ok my final must have for this fall is....

Wait for it....

Wait for it....

Wait for it....

 

Oh yea baby!!! A psl is a great accessory to any outfit :)

 

 

Be strong and courageous my beautiful sisters in Christ.

 

Ill leave you with this today...

 

"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart."

Luke 6:45

 

Be back soon...

 

(All my pictures came from www.pinterest.com)



Got Faith?

Do you have that one scripture that just speaks to you every time you come across it? I certainly do. That scripture for me is Matthew 9:20-21. It doesn't matter how many times I read it, it blows me away.

-Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."-

Seriously?!?!? Can we all say to ourselves that we have faith like that? The woman didn't even need to touch Jesus herself - she had enough faith that she knew that she could be healed just by touching the hem of his garment.

Could you imagine if us Christians walked around this Earth with a faith like that? Lets read on through verse 22...

-Jesus turned and saw her, "Take heart daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment-

Her faith healed her!

Dear Father,
We come to you now first thanking you for this precious day that you have made. We thank you for the breath in our lungs and the beat in our hearts. We rejoice because today is your day! Lord we pray for a faith that can move mountains. A faith that only needs to touch the hem of your garment and knowing that is enough. To have that amazing faith in the good times as well as the bad. Even when things do not look the best for us, we still have the faith that you can and will bring us through whatever valley we are going through.

We love you so much Father and thank you for your living Word. Thank you for speaking to us through your word!

We start this day with abundant faith and the view is divine!
We pray this in your precious name...AMEN!

Lets do this sisters and brothers in Christ - we got this!

Matthew 17:20
He said, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

If you are facing a problem, a problem that seems as big as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain (circumstance) and fix your eyes above to God for more faith!

Be back soon...

Walk It Out

Have you ever felt like your life was in a storm - the waves crashing down on every side and there seems to be no way out? We all go through these times where we feel like we are drowning, where we feel like all hope is lost. Trust me friend, I have been there and I know what that feels like.

But I know an amazing Creator that can be our calm in the storm.

Breath this scripture in:
Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.”

God uses these trials to break us and reshape us into the man or woman of God He can use for His purpose. 

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT) "We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves."

God didn't make us these expensive high dollar vases that would break and  then that's the end of our story. No, He made us like jars of clay, this makes us easily breakable to the point where He can form us anyway He wants. 

So friends trust in The Lord for He is our source of strength and peace. When we try and fight the battle on our own, we will lose. Who wouldn't want the all powerful, all mighty King on our side?? 

Dear Heavenly Father we thank you for this day, this amazing beautiful day. We know that we can't fight this battle alone and we know we need you walking by our side helping us along. Although I know some of us may be in the valley, we know that this time is a time for reshaping and we thank you for that. Let us all reach a new level in our faith in you God. Let us continually grow in you, God - never growing stagnant in our walk. We thank you for fighting and winning the battle! 
In your precious name we pray - Amen!

Walk it out friends! Know that God has already won! 

Be back soon...

This New Life

Wow - has it really been a year since my last post. It is amazing how much time can go by before we even realize it. Well here I am...again...ready to take on the blogging world. I really cant explain why my absence was so long but I will tell you this past year hasn't been the easiest.

God has definitely taken me to the next level but it took a trip to the valley for that to happen, and I can tell you that that valley was ugly - but I can faithfully say that I am on my way out and man the view is amazing!

For some reason I felt the time had come for me to start blogging again. Don't be surprise when you see some changes happening, I just feel the time has come to step out of the 'blogging world' box and do what I feel led to do. You definitely will not see a post everyday unless I feel the need but I will be around a few times a week.

There have been some major changes throughout this past year as well - I was hired on as the Children's Pastor at our church! God is good! And shortly after that my husband became the Campus Pastor. God is definitely grooming us, not sure what for at the moment, but I know it is going to be amazing! He has taken us both out of our comfortable zones and put us in places where the growth would be abundant. And I can tell you we both have grown so much in our relationship with God, our marriage and parenthood - it just blows my mind.

So I hope you still want to follow along on This New Life - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Be back soon...

A Little Chicken In Your Enchilada!

So I have finally got back on the Pinterest band wagon. I took a few months off because it seriously was addicting, so now I am pacing myself when it comes to pinning. But what brought me back to the pinning world was an enchilada recipe. Before we went clean I had an amazing recipe but it had a bunch of processed crap in it and it definitely was no where near healthy - so I knew I needed to find another recipe, and fast!

Well it didn't take me long at all and that is what I love the most about Pinterest - everything is right there at my fingertips! I found this recipe on http://www.fannetasticfood.com so all the credit goes to them.

Here are the ingredients:

• 3 C cooked chicken, hand torn

• ½ C canned chopped green chilies

• ¾ C nonfat plain yogurt

• Juice from 1 fresh lime

• ½ tsp. cracked pepper

• 1 tsp. cumin

• 2 C enchilada sauce (see recipe below)

• 10 large white or yellow corn tortillas (or wheat tortillas — not gluten-free)

• Extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray, as needed

• ¾ C shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.

1) In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, chopped green chilies, yogurt, lime juice, cracked pepper, and cumin. Set aside.

2) Make your enchilada sauce, recipe and directions below

Enchalada Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 small onion, peeled, diced finely

• 1 tsp. chili powder

• 1 tsp. cumin

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 28-oz. can crushed fire roasted tomatoes

• 1 tsp. sugar

• 1 splash of balsamic vinegar

• 1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped


Enchilada Sauce Instructions: Heat the olive oil for one minute in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add in the onion, garlic, and spices; sauté for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and cilantro; stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 20 minutes.

3) Lightly oil/cooking spray a 13 x 9″ baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of the dish.

4) Set the first tortillas into the baking dish. Spoon one tenth of the chicken mixture into the center of the tortilla and roll it up, placing the seam side down. Repeat for the remaining tortillas.

5) Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese and cilantro.

6) Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted, sauce is bubbling, and enchiladas are hot.

7) Serve warm with salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole, if desired.

I totally forgot to take a picture of my own but here is the picture from the recipe's original website. Mine looked pretty close, maybe not as delicious but they were pretty darn good!

Hope you all enjoy!

Rearranging My Priorities...

First I want to thank everyone for the support I receive on a daily basis about my blog. It truly makes my heart smile to know that people actually read this thing! I absolutely love writing this blog and I what I love even more is that I can look back at any point and see what I was working on or what our family was doing six months or even a year ago. Its like my blog-scrapbook!

With all that being said - things have been super busy around the Hart house lately. I guess summer vacation will do that. We definitely have been on the go, trying to keep the kids happy during these summer months. But I must honestly say that I am happy I took a break from writing a post everyday. When I first started this blog I felt the need to write something every single day - except weekends. Why I thought I needed to spend that much time doing something that was just hobby, I have no idea! But I did and I kept it up for quite sometime and then I burnt myself out. It was extremely hard to find something to write about every. single. day! It was quite exhausting and as you can tell, my posts began to dwindle.

My mornings were consumed with writing my post and it came to the point where I was more worried about what I was going to write about than what my kids were eating for breakfast. Finally I realized that this blog wasn't my job and it was no where near as important as my family. When telling my kids "wait one more minute" seemed the normal in my morning routine, I knew that the time had come for me to take a step back and rearrange my priorities.

So now I am letting you all know that I am still here and alive but just taking a more relaxed approach to this blogging thing. I cant promise that I will post every day but I will post when I have the time and when that time isn't taken away from my family.

Thanks again to my loyal readers - even if I am only talking to the four of you! I love my blog and I do love sharing my loves with all of you. So again I apologize for my brief absence but I hope all of you understand where I am coming from!

See you all soon - love to you all!