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Monday, December 31, 2012

A Few of My Favorite Things--Reflection on 2012

Here are a few of my favorite things from 2012.
Favorite Day.
 January 10.
The birth of my second niece, Aubrey Bell.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Too Busy for God (Part 2) "The Story"

Too Busy For God 

(Be sure to read Part 1 first)
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.

In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church."

"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."

"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior."

Father-Time"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:

"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining
that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

Too Busy for God (Part 1)



I have found myself neglecting the blogosphere.

Christmas time seems to be the most busiest time of the year. I tend to make it too busy. The conclusion?... I put God on the back burner. It is evident in my lack of blogging.


When we are too exhausted on Sunday morning to go to church, it becomes a problem. Where are our priorities? Should we not live for God and make work, personal tasks, etc. the backburner of our life?

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Surprise Ending



Once there were three little trees, all with big dreams. The first tree dreamed of being carved into a beautiful and ornate treasure box that would hold the greatest treasure the world have ever seen. The second tree dreamed of being fashioned into a great ship that would sail the Seven Seas. The third tree didn't want to leave its home on the mountaintop. "I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me," he said, "they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God."

Friday, November 30, 2012

Bring On The Rain

As I drove to work, it was a cloudy day with the flash of rain in the distance. I was listening to Pandora and the song playing was, "Bring On The Rain" by Jo Dee Messina. Convenient on a day like this.

I could not get enough of the song. I went to youtube and listened to it again before arriving at my destination. I let the feeling of the lyrics steep a little longer.

My mind went back to the most difficult season in my life, recalling the words, "I am not afraid; I was born to do this." {Joan of Arc}.

That season in my life is the inspiration behind anything good that comes from my writing.

It brought a new form to my life.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Motivation

I am lacking motivation this week. My endurance has run a little dry.

It was neat to go back this morning and read past posts. I went back and read the Thanksgiving post. Taking a look at what I am thankful for gave me such a boost.  I think it is important to journal or write down your thoughts periodically. Of course, the Bible is the best source of motivation. However, you can learn a lot from yourself! Funny, how your own words can be medicine to the soul.

When I have trouble pushing myself to run, I think of the best running motivator quote...

Monday, November 26, 2012

Wearing a Mask

Halloween, 
a holiday where you get to dress up as something or someone else. A day you can put on a mask.

I was going through a few Halloween pictures from this year, when this thought occurred. Halloween is not the only time when we wear a mask, or dress up as something we are not.



This post has been sitting in 'Draft' for a couple of weeks now. A tad bit of hesitation keeping it from entering the blogosphere.

You put on a mask, acting like you have it all together, when you are really falling apart inside. Why would you want anyone to discover your life not as perfect as it seems? Anyone ever possess a similar feeling?

I admit to wearing a mask. There has been periods of my life, I could not share what was going on. I acted as if I was great, but He knew better. God could see my anger, frustration, and hurt. At church, around friends, I would put on the 'my life is perfect' mask. I was not fooling him. We try to disguise ourselves, even from God. We try hiding our shame or whatever it might be.

(Quick side note, a little off topic)
Hiding reminds me of Adam and Eve in the garden when they tried hiding from God, after they ate the forbidden fruit and they felt shame. God asked, "Adam, where are you?"

God asking? Have you ever thought of how funny that was? God. Who knows everything. Asking.
Of course, He knew where Adam was hiding. He was making a point. Their sin had separated them from God...
BUT Could you imagine how much more disgrace Adam would have felt if God had asked, "Adam, why are you hiding?" or He could have stated, "I know where you are.".... "Where are you?" sounds more loving and tender hearted. Can you hear the sweet tone in God's voice? Why do we ever try to hide from this kind of God?
(Just had to share that thought. Okay, back on topic)

There have been times I shuffled through masks. Had a different mask, from situation to situation. I would act one way in a certain group, and flop to another being in a another setting. The true self started to shine through the cracks. I found it exhausting pretending all the time. The wear and tear started to show. The mask finally fell off.

Allowing people to peer into the life we are truly living, can be painful. However, once I lost the mask, guess what was waiting for me on the other side? Freedom. Peace. Acceptance....and the realization that no one person's life is perfect.

Why do we do it? ...This topic relates to the one I wrote last month, pleasing people, and wanting acceptance. It is a constant worry "what will people think?"...I had to let it go. The people meant to be in your life will love and accept the real you. You know how I know this? I know my own mistakes, every fault, the true me and for years have still gone on loving me..and God continues to love me.

God sees through the mask. He can see right to our heart. He understands what is really going on inside. Hebrews 4:13

He knows the real you.

Psalm 139:1-4
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
This is an incredibly beautiful song and perfect for this topic.

No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true.
-Nathaniel Hawthorne


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

ABC's of What I am Thankful For..

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
 

Let me just make something clear...There are not enough letters in the alphabet to describe what I am thankful for, but here are 26.
 
Thank you God for...

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What The World Needs...

Hugs.

I had a gentleman come into our office yesterday, such a sweet man. Before leaving, he asked if he could have a hug. You don't have to ask me twice. Talk about all smiles, not him but me. It made my day.

I am a huge fan, always have been and always will be.

Hugging is good medicine, seriously. Hugs are good for your health. I speak the truth.
When we hug someone oxytocin is released. Oxytocin lowers cortisol levels. Cortisol is responsible for stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

A hug's effects are immediate, for both the hugger and the hugged.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Adopted By God (National Adoption Day)

Happy National Adoption Day!
It is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving, how appropriate.

November is actually National Adoption Month.

If anything today, please watch the video at the bottom from Steven Curtis Chapman.
He tells his story behind the incredible song he wrote called, "When Love Takes You In".
It is touching.

Let me first introduce you to my first adopted child.
This precious little girl is Brady.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Anxiously Waiting

I was at Subway the other day (the one inside Wal Mart), patiently waiting in line. What am I saying? I was starving, needed sustenance, and patience was not my closest friend.  Food seemed eons away.

As minutes passed, I was aware that it could be another ten minutes before I even ordered. I decided to just grab something from the deli. While checking out, I noticed the man who had been behind me in the line at Subway, leaving Wal Mart, with his delicious sandwich. I looked down at my pitiful ham on white bread. Realizing if I had been patient, I could have walked out with a more appetizing lunch.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Thought For Today

Here is a thought...

The sense of wishing to be known only for what one really is is like putting on an old, easy, comfortable garment. You are no longer afraid of anybody or anything. You say to yourself, 'Here I am --- just so ugly, dull, poor, beautiful, rich, interesting, amusing, ridiculous -- take me or leave me.' And how absolutely beautiful it is to be doing only what lies within your own capabilities and is part of your own nature. It is like a great burden rolled off a man's back when he comes to want to appear nothing that he is not, to take out of life only what is truly his own.

-David Grayson, journalist and author (1870-1946)

 
 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Things That Make Me Smile...


They say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
This speaks for itself.



 

Everything is Yours

Yours. Mine. Ours.

I am going to share a story I heard a few weeks ago. A friend was talking with this young child, I think he was six or seven years old. I honestly cannot remember the exact conversation. However, it led to my friend asking the young boy who gave him the shirt he was wearing.

The boy replied, "Jesus gave me this shirt."

"No, who bought you that shirt?" My friend asked again.

Friday, November 9, 2012

I Have An Awful Lot To Live For

Happy Friday!
On Friday of every week, I am going to share an inspirational video.
 
Lou Gehrig's legacy is one of courage and inspiration.
One of my favorite movies, "Pride of the Yankees", captures the life of the Baseball Legend, Lou Gehrig. He passed away from an incurable fatal neuromuscular disease (Lou Gehrig's Disease),
 two weeks before his 38th birthday.
 
This is video of the real Lou Gehrig, right after his diagnosis.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Living For the Day

Since it is midweek, it is an opportune moment to talk about living for the day. I find myself a tad bit antsy by Wednesday, ready for the weekend to roll around. My mind is already tuned in for the next big event. Let me bring to light my recent discovery. If I am eager for what the future holds, I might just miss out on the blessings today can bring me. Life could just pass me by...

Every week it is the same thing. You ask me how my weeks going, I respond, "Just ready for the weekend".

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

It is well, with my soul.

I am sure we all have a day or days, that hold a bitter memory. Yesterday was that day for me. On my way back home last night I was listening to a song, and a few words brought a smile to my face "It is well with my soul". The phrase rang/rings true.

I was not listening to the song known for the lyrics, "It is Well with My Soul" by Horatio G. Spafford, but it came to mind. If you do not know the story of Spafford and why he wrote such a beautiful hymn, please read on. It is very close to my heart.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Horatio G. Spafford was a very well-known, successful lawyer in mid-1800. The song was not written in the happiest time of his life. He was a man who suffered unfathomable tragedies. Yes, not tragedy, tragedies.

The Spafford's lives took a turn for the worse in the 1870's. Their only son, at the age of four, died from scarlet fever. Then, twelve months later, Horatio's real estate near Lake Michigan was wiped out by the great Chicago Fire.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Bless the Broken Road

Short post today. I had a difficult time elaborating..but felt there was really no need to say in several words, what can be said in a few.

I was listening to Pandora Radio yesterday, when "Bless the Broken Road", by Rascal Flatts started playing.

I have not heard this song in a few years, and sad I have been missing out.

I started listening to the words, really listening. Immediately, I realized that it fit perfectly with my life, and was a beautiful comparison to my relationship with God.

The funny thing is, a few years ago this song would not have meant as much to me.  Like in the song, I was going along 'my narrow way'.

Life happened.

Dreams for a certain future, were lost.

God had a different plan for me.

My road was broken.

All the twists and turns led me to His 'loving arms'.

If my road had not been broken, I might not have been led to where He wanted me to be.
I cannot even imagine my relationship with Him being as deep, if I would not have traveled this 'broken road'. The things I would have missed out on! The relationships I have made... The trials, that made me appreciate Life... So many things, would cease to exist. It has made me view my journey a little differently.

The words in this song that will stay with me the longest are, 'it's all part of a grander plan'! ..What truth!
I know there is a design. He is the designer. I have no clue what plan I am a part of, but He is up there, orchestrating it.

God Bless my Broken Road...for it led me straight to Him.


Proverbs 3:5-6...one of my favorites.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will direct your paths."

"Bless the Broken Road" Rascal Flatts...Soak in these lyrics.

 
I had to share with you a picture of my two adorable nieces on Halloween.
I died laughing when I saw these two....How cute is this?!
 
I hope it brings a smile to your face like it did mine.
Have a Beautiful weekend!!

 



Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Walking with God

For weeks I have been telling myself I would make extended quiet time for God. Yesterday, I finally made time.

I usually run a 6 mile block for my workout on Monday. I decided to walk instead. Some might think, I would rather walk.... Well, walking is not only difficult for me to handle but it doubles my workout time. I kept longing to break out in a run for the first mile or two.  My focus was a little shaky in the beginning...

I have adopted the bad habit of needing music on my runs. I did not take my phone, ipod or anything that would be a distraction. What I realized yesterday is that the music has blinded me from seeing His beautiful creations around me. Have you ever passed by the same place everyday only to discover something beautiful on the hundredth day, that you never had seen before?

Sometimes I need to 'stop and smell the roses'. I take his beautiful creations for granted, everyday... How blessed am I, to live in such a magnificent countryside, He created!

I can only imagine how glorious our next life will be, to walk with God for eternity. While walking down the peaceful road, I was overcome with emotion. I thought to myself how wonderful it is to just be with God, Him alone. Why have I waited so long to take a walk with him?


Monday, October 29, 2012

Women Food and God

The other day, I was browsing in Barnes and Noble (I could stay in there for hours) when a title of a book caught my eye. It read, in all caps, WOMEN FOOD AND GOD. I am not going to lie, at first I laughed, out loud. I honestly think I laughed, because I knew it was screaming my name. As I picked it up, I read in smaller letters 'the tyranny of fear and hopelessness around their bodies'. Before I knew it I was reading over the first few pages and completely enraptured!

I sat down that night and found time to be soaked in by the words.

WOMEN FOOD AND GOD is a nonfiction by Geneen Roth. She shares with you her weight struggles and eating habits, and how it is connected to our relationship with God. She also gives you accounts from her life-changing retreats. These retreats are for women who battle compulsive eating, whether it is eating all the time or not at all, or fall to food for comfort.

I have not finished the book yet. I can already tell you, women, it is a must read.

No, I have never struggled with being overweight. However, I have caught myself going to food for comfort, to fill a void. What am I truly hungry for? I have come to realize, it is everything but food.

A great challenge for myself since I started the book, is to consciously ask when I grab something to eat, "Why am I eating this?... Is it because I am honestly hungry? Am I worried or stressed?"

Monday, October 22, 2012

Running in the Dark (Part 2)

I was given many wonderful and profound thoughts the other day on my morning run. I could not even fit it on one post! If you haven't read Part 1, I recommend you doing so. I would hate for you to be lost.

It is a fairly short thought boggling around in my brain, but too important to leave out.

Carrying a light in the darkness does not only make the road visible, but myself visible as well. I understand it is a good thing. If someone were to be running along the road and see my light, I could help guide them. It is important to share your light with those not yet blessed with receiving it.

However, not all runners I encounter are searching the light for good intentions. You carry the light, for the future followers of God.... AND unfortunately, the enemy. With a light, I am a target in the dark. I have to focus on the path I am running. I cannot be swayed to a different route, one that might seem easier. I know there will be runners who deceive me, saying "This path is quicker, easier and looks more beautiful, even in the dark".  The truth is their route, is longer, more exhausting, and the battery for my light will go dead.  It is said, in John 12:35 "..You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going."

Friday, October 19, 2012

Running in The Dark (Part 1 of 2)

I realized two things this morning...
One, I get the best ideas for my blog while running, which leads me to... Two, I need to carry pen and paper on my runs. I dislike having a great idea, then when you go two write it down, you draw a blank! Fortunately, I was able to jot down pieces of my thoughts after arriving back at the house.

I detest this time of year for a few reasons. The days grow short, sunlight is scarce, and it leaves me little time for a nice, long run. Lately, it has been pitch dark during my morning runs. I finally discovered this handy little app, a flashlight!

I was trotting along this morning when I discovered a big pothole! Luckily, I had my handy, dandy flashlight. Being completely ready for the hole, I hurdled right over it...whew, thank you flashlight! Then a light when off. (No pun intended.) I had discovered my next blog.

What if I hadn't carried my light? I would have broke an ankle landing in that monstrous pothole!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Team Hoyt, an Inspiration

TEAM HOYT
This video has been forever engraved in my memory since I watched it four years ago.
The song "My Redeemer Lives" from this video is my favorite song to listen to while running.
I picture this precious father and son, and it makes me run stronger...
 
This is all for today, because if their story doesn't inspire you I don't know what will...
 
 
I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can't run, what they'd give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me. 

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."

"My Redeemer Lives" Nicole C. Mullen

 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Loving a Stranger

Last spring I did a women's bible study over the book of Joshua. One week one of the ladies had to fill in for the woman who usually led our study. I was extremely blessed to hear this incredible story...

That very Sunday before speaking to us was when the following events occurred.
_______________________________________________________________________________
She was leaving church and on her merry way to lunch. Like me, going out to eat after a Sunday sermon is an occasion she looked forward to having. However, her husband had something else in mind. He wanted her to pick up some fried chicken. Disappointed, she tried to put on a happy face and gave into her husband wishes. Being a good, southern christian woman she put on her happy pants... You can picture her face right? It is one of those smiles where she's gritting her teeth.

Unwillingly, she dropped her husband off at the house before hopping over to the nearest grocery store. By herself she drove to the local Brookshire's for some of that good ol' fried chicken her husband's mouth was watering for. On the way she spoke out loud to God "God I know you are with me and I refuse to be in a bad mood. You have some crazy plan for my day."


What do you know, when she got there every other husband must have wanted fried chicken too! The line could have wrapped around the store. As she stepped up to the counter the lady politely told her the wait for chicken would be at least 45 minutes, "Oh joy!" she thought. At this point her day was already shot, might as well shop for groceries during the wait, and that is what she did.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Random Act of Kindness

We encounter thousands of strangers every year, hundreds a month, many a week and for me at least ten a day. Having said that we are given the opportunity to share Christ with strangers several times a week.

I want to challenge any person who reads this to reach out to at least one stranger this week. Maybe you can pay for someone's lunch in the car behind you at McDonald's and leave them a note that says 'God loves you, have a great day!'. Or perhaps letting the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you. There are numerous occasions we can take advantage of to shine his light. Be sure to let that stranger know that God loves them in some way...who knows, maybe they need it this week.

Be sure to check out my post about a situation where God used a friend to share His love with a stranger. It is an incredible story..Loving A Stranger (Here is the link)

Mark 16:15 'He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all of creation"

"What if God was One of Us" Joan Osborne This song gives me chills every time I listen to it.


 
 
 


Thursday, October 11, 2012

People Pleasing

I cannot even tell you how many times I have been told I am a people pleaser. Let us just say if I had a penny for every time I would not be sitting in a real estate office...but flying my own plane all over the world.

I would like to say I don't care what people think, but I do. And I discovered I am a 'word of affirmation' person, hearing encouragement or praise lifts me up. How do you get those words, through pleasing others of course. I used to think people pleasing was an admirable quality...well it just depends on WHO you are trying to please.

Growing up I wanted to please my parents by excelling in school, going to college and even choosing the career that would make them proud. I tried to please so much I would get emotional when I didn't come through, it began to wear on me.  I had pushed myself to the point of exhaustion, constantly trying to please my family and friends. I wanted to be superwoman, be on the A Honor Roll, be involved in extracurricular activities and super involved in the youth group.  At the time I was in the role of President of the National Honor Society and the Stundent Council, involved in church and I knew that I couldn't do everything. I was devastated that I would have to step down. I was so worried about disappointing my parents, my peers, the student coucil. I'll never forget the conversation my mother and I had one day while driving out of the school parking lot.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Come As You Are..No Jacket Required


I think sometimes people feel they are so corrupted and their sin is too immense for God, and find grace hard to comprehend. I always have to put things into relative terms, it sticks with me longer...when I stumbled across this story below, I was comforted. Grace is my favorite word, and is it not unfathomable, HIS grace for us? This is a beautiful description of discovering the Lord's grace.
_________________________________________________________________________________


I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn't be the right place. After all, I couldn't possibly be welcome here. I had been given an invitation several times, by several different people, and I had finally decided to see what this place was all about. But, this just couldn't be the right place. Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand. I scanned past the words, "Come as you are. No jacket required," and found the location. Yes, I was at the right place.



Friday, October 5, 2012

Running Through the Rain..

Happy Friday my friends! I want to share a short story today that I read the other day, something about it melted my heart. I just adore children. Their stories just brighten my face and bring so much light into the world! And I just love how sweetly simple minded they are.

A little girl, not even six years old was waiting with her mom inside of Wal Mart one day while it was pouring rain. Several people were standing there as well waiting for the rain to pass.

The young girl turned to her mom at one point and said "Mom, let's run through the rain!"..the mom responded "No it's pouring down rain, we need to wait until it stops."...the little one waited a moment then repeated "Mom lets run through the rain"..."We'll get soaked!" the mom exclaimed. "No, no we won't. That's not what you said this morning." ...the confused mother replied "Umm, this morning? What are you talking about?". "Mommy this morning you were talking to dad about his cancer and told him 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything.' "

Everyone in the crowd stood silently, no one said a word.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Taking the Grenade..(Forgiving Others)

Forgiving someone who has wronged me is right up there with loving my enemy as far as challenges go. I am not going to lie, I might be quick to say 'I forgive you' when a person says sorry. The only problem is that I have a hard time letting it go. I will catch myself replaying what they did over and over in my head. Unfortunately, it only creates a heavy burden...

But it's not a burden I have to carry! I don't know if you know this but God gave us a pretty cool power, the power to forgive. He also wants us to let it go and not continue to dwell. Don't you always feel like a heavy load has been lifted when you have forgiven someone of their transgressions. You've been set free by your forgiveness!

Why should we forgive?  Jesus died on the cross for our sins and by that we our forgiven, so we should forgive others. You say 'they don't deserve it', but don't we wrong God time and time again and he forgives us every time?

I read in a Tenth Avenue North devotional once that forgiving is like the pain of a grenade.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Not Like, but LOVE Your Enemy

LOVE your enemy. Yep, I said those three words. One of life's greatest challenges and the hardest things we as Christians have to do is love those who hate us. I don't like using the word hate, but your enemy definitely doesn't love you, so there is no other way around it. I stole some of what I am going to talk about from my preacher's sermon from this Sunday...I have to give him credit for inspiring today's post!

Loving your enemy is different than 'loving your neighbor as yourself', treating those you encounter with kindness is a much easier task. Having to be nice to your enemy, well folks that is a different ball game.

I remember my mom telling me as a kid "Aeron, just kill them with kindness"...with emphasis on the KILL, haha, just kidding. Or telling me about the verse in Romans, treating them with kindess, "you will heap burning coals on his head". Who wouldn't want to light their enemy's head on fire?..just kidding, but it's easy to view it in such a way. There is a tad bit of truth in that feeling, how many times have we ever wanted to treat our enemy as a friend just to get on their nerves, or light their head on fire? We are human and beautifully flawed.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Why Girls Shouldn't Pursue Guys


This is actually one of my favorite topics.. Should a girl pursue a guy?

...Unfortunately, almost every girl has probably done it at least once in their life. Fortunately girls, that is not how it should be. Guys should do it! I have many girlfriends that struggle with this.

Again and again, I've tried to convince my friends that they shouldn't even call or text the guy they're interested first. Call me crazy or old fashioned. I know it's the 21st century and all. Here are some thoughts and biblical verses for why I feel strongly about this.

God has wired men to be the pursuer and women to be the pursued....

                 Yep, guys are made to want to pursue us! They are designed to lead
                  and we should trust that they are in control. If he is interested,
                  he will make it happen. If the guy is not leading, how do you ever expect him to be a
                  leader in your family. So that means no calling, asking out or chasing the dude!

Trust me, I know it can be frustrating waiting around for the guy to pursue....
                 We have to realize it is on God's time. It might be two weeks, or two years down the road.
                 Give it time God is not only in control of you but the guy's heart too.
                 Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it
                 wherever he will.”  ...how comforting! We have to allow the guy to do his job gals.

And what does loving God completely and unconditionally have anything to do with this....
                 Everything! If when you are single you are completely content with God's love
                 you don't have to search for a man's affection or seek 'worth' in any man.
                 Girls should feel like this --> Psalm 139:17-18 “How precious to me are your thoughts,
                 God! How vast is the sum of them! If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains
                 of sand—when I awake, I am still with you”

Sometimes we do not know what is best for us...
                 But God does! As a matter of fact the heart can be deceiving, scary. It says in Jeremiah
                 17:9 “The  heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand
                 it?”...I've had it happen before. And he only has the best in mind for those who are patient
                 and wait. Which leads me to the fact...

We need protection....
                You feel in your heart it is right, only to find out later he
                 is not who God intended for you to be with. It is because he knows the heart of every guy,
                 he will protect you if that guy is not of him. So if the guy is not pursuing, maybe it is for
                 your protection. And we should be sure to guard our own hearts.
                 Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

I know it is difficult, trust me, I do! But I truly believe that if you follow all of this you won't find prince charming, but he will find you. ;)

I LOVE what Lisa Harper said at Women of Faith last weekend.."my husband is somewhere out there, he is just lost without a gps"...haha.



Stolen

Happy Friday my friends! I am so excited what this first week of blogging has not only done for me but for many of the people who were possibly inspired by God's word. I just want to say God is so good, not that you didn't already know. And thanks again for all the encouragement.

It is such a great feeling to know how much God wants to fight for us, he longs for a deeper relationship with us. He doesn't want us to just know him, but to be completely and irrevocably in love with him. So that no matter what happens, your love with him will transcend all circumstances.

I really never fully understood this until a guy described it to me. He really stepped on my toes but he asked me would I be okay with it just being God and me for eternity, no family, no friends, just him and me, or would I rather have all my family for eternity....wow. I had to spend some serious time thinking about it. My first thought was no, I cannot fathom spending eternity without them. My family means the world to me...

I know it is so hard to comprehend. I think our love for our family or whoever it is can be so strong, but our love for Him should be the strongest.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Worrying is for the birds!

I have spent too much of my beautifully blessed life worrying..I worried about my grades, my future, security, relationships and just silly day to day things. At 22 I still worry of course. I worry majority of the time about my future plans for myself. I am a planner, not really 'type A', but close. I feel that at my age I should know exactly what I want to do with my life, but I don't..And that should be okay not to know exactly, right?? But I'm a worrier, it is a fault of mine.

I find that worrying only stresses me out even more. Worrying can be so destructive and a mental burden. And the funny thing is... worrying does nothing for us! Worrying does not solve our problems. Worrying does not give us the job we want, the relationship we long for, or the future we might see for ourself.

The best way to get rid of that worry is to give it to God. I'll never forget when I was discussing all my worries a wise woman asked me what I enjoyed doing.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Childlike Faith

Today's post is inspired by a conversation I had last night, it is short and sweet just like my niece.

Five years ago this November I was blessed with one of the most precious gifts, my niece. Both of my nieces mean the world to me, but my little Emma Grace has taught me so much..Yes, she is four years old but she has shown me how to love.

I never knew how someone so small can have me wrapped around her little finger. Some of my sweetest memories belong to her. I could seriously go on about this little nugget all day, but I am trying to keep it short.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Redeeming Love

Good morn-ting! I was so excited about today's post after receiving so many encouraging messages yesterday. So thank you, thank you, thank you everyone for your sweet compliments! You should probably expect a post every day this week. I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve last night, too giddy and anxious about writing this morning I could not go to sleep! I did not even know what I would talk about today, about one million different ideas were running through my head, but I finally caught one of the little suckers...

Redeeming love, it is such an incredible thing! It is probably one of my favorite qualities of God, right next to Grace. That leads me to my story...

Monday, September 24, 2012

Beautifully Broken Introduction and the Bummer Lamb

Hey guys! I'm new to the blogging world. I am also not the most eloquent writer, so bear with me through this journey.
 
I am sure you are probably wondering what it means to be beautifully broken?At one time I would have thought to be broken is not a beautiful thing at all...man was I wrong! Beautifully broken is to be wounded or bruised by events in our life, but through those times we find ourselves running to God. God loves the broken, because in the darkness is when we need him the most, therefore our relationships with him grow stronger and more beautiful! Makes more sense now, right? 
 
This weekend I had the opportunity to go to Women of Faith, which was one of the most spiritual events in my life! I had the privilege of listening to inspirational christian women like Sheila Walsh. She actually wrote a book called God Loves Broken People. I strongly recommend it, I am only 30 pages into and am blown away. I would love to share a story from the book.