You are Enough!

This truth has been really hitting me lately, that I am enough. How completely refreshing, knowing that I simply am enough! It's contrary to what the world tells us, and what we tell ourselves. I often feel the need to be improving, learning, and doing. I feel the need to better myself and strive towards, better. Better health, better wife, better mom, better at schedules, better at homeschooling, better at organizing... Life in general seems to find me constantly coming up short.

Generally it's a good thing to strive to learn and be productive and help those around you; but things can become unbalanced quickly when you feel yourself constantly coming up short. Notice I used the word "feel." Feelings are neither good nor bad, it's what you do with them and how you use them that dictate the good or bad that can come of your feelings.

So what do I do with my feelings of inadequacy? Normally I start with a list! And then that materializes into hours spent reading books, blogs, Pinterest, and compiling a four week plan! But where is all this getting me? And where is the bench mark for me to check if I am enough? We all know not to measure ourselves against others, so what do we use? Ourselves? Yesterday? Last year? I don't think any of those things are really useful in letting us know if we're doing alright long term. I have used all those comparisons, but yet somehow, at almost 30 years old I can't seem to ever feel like I have it together enough. I'm never quite balanced enough, doing enough. I constantly struggle with being enough.

So where do we go? Well, God's word of course! What does God say about us and how we should view and measure ourselves?

We all come up short and lacking!

For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God,
Romans 3:23


Rules and laws don't just show us what to do, they prove we can't always follow the rules and laws!
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Romans 3:20

So where do we turn?

 

God is all about grace and giving that grace to us! He saves us from messing up the rules and failing. Grace isn't a onetime thing, but a gift we receive every, single, day. Why? Because He loves us. It's His gift to us.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
Ephesians 2:8

We should stick close to God, because anything good we do will only be because of Him!
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5



We can boldly say, the Maker of Heaven and Earth helps ME! What more assurance do we need that we are going to be alright?!
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2

It's always good to learn new things and how to run things around us a little more smoothly, but the things we do or don't do should never be an indicator of if we're "enough." Because we are never enough! Only God is enough. And it's only in Him that we are at rest. It's only when we are abiding, trusting and depending on God and His grace are we enough. It sounds simple doesn't it? Almost too easy? It is! It's simply-

enough.

Embracing Change in Your Relationship

Happy New Year everyone! I am really excited about this year! Every year I am excited about the coming year, but this year especially so. The last year, the last two years really, have been continually challenging and changing. In 2013 and 2014 We moved across the country, had our third child, got used to living in a big home in the country compared to a little apartment in town (I spend so much more time cleaning and driving!) We started our first official year homeschooling, slowly we are starting to make friends, and my husband started a new job in which he has now worked in two different positions.

My husband and I have dealt with all these physical, logistical, and emotional changes hand in hand together, but oh so differently! Of course we have dealt with change before this, but when you are first married you kind of begin at the same point, the same starting line. Just like in a board game where everyone starts at start. But as the years go by and more and more changes happens within your life and marriage, you can find you and your spouse on completely different pages.

But, change and growth is inevitable. In fact, it's absolutely essential for us to change and go through different seasons of life to grow and mature, especially if we want to mature in our walk with Christ. But change can be hard and growth uncomfortable! I also have learned more than ever before that you and your husband won't always change and grow at the same time or in the same way. This can be really frustrating and even scary ( you feel like two totally different people!) But  thankfully, growing together isn't always the result of changing together! How you face the changes in your spouse or yourself is more important than the change itself.

 

                                                        Most recent date picture :)

So after going through so much change in the last two years, the last several months I have finally started to feel like we have found our peaceful, comfortable new "normal" in our daily lives  :) There is so much I have learned on how to act... and how not to react when you find your marriage in a state of flux while you and your spouse are changing and rapidly growing. Here are some ways to not just survive the changes and shifts that happen within your marriage and life, but thrive because of them!

1.) Prayer and Praise!

No matter what valley you are passing through, prayer and praise is of outmost importance.... Always! The Bible teaches us that it doesn't matter the circumstance we find ourselves in, the correct response is ALWAYS to praise God. Good day, bad day, normal day, through gritted teeth and a tear stained face day, make a conscious choice to choose joy and praise God, and watch with amazement as He softens your heart and instills joy and peace into your life.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

2.) Don't Let External Stress Create Internal War!

Stressful situations and change can bring on fights faster than normal, but don't let external stress create internal war. Talk, discuss, get mad, even fight (fairly, without name calling, yelling or threats)  but refuse to be divided. Fights are going to happen in marriage eventually, but don't let a fight or argument steal your peace and define your view of your marriage or your spouse.

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
Matthew  12:25


3.) Remember, This is Only a Phase!

It can be so easy to get caught up in the here and now and focus on how things feel today. But today is really a blessing and a miracle, because although today can be a refection of yesterday and how things are currently, it is also an opportunity to change the your current day and how things will be tomorrow. For better or worse, our lives are in a constant state of flux. Slowly and steadily changing, the little (or big!) choices we make today will have an impact on the way our life will be tomorrow. When you think back on the last 10 years of your life, I'm sure you can see seasons in your life filled with joy and those memories of that perfect day, but also times of pain or struggle. The season of life you find yourself or your spouse in now is not the season of life that will be next. Even if you have found yourself "stuck" in what seems a long season, it is still just that: a season. Jesus gives us hope for our future!


And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jerimiah 29:11


4.) Get up and Get out!

Oh my goodness.... Yes! It is truly amazing what going outside can do for your spirit! Stepping out and doing things outside has enormous mental benefits. I used to live in the bitter cold winters of Wisconsin, with babies, in an apartment in town with little to no yard. Not the ideal place to live to get a daily dose of fresh air, but the days I made a conscious effort to get out always helped. So don't just sit there, get out!  (unless it's today, which just happens to be one of the coldest days of the year, maybe go outside next week! :)

                                                                               Photo credit: unknown, found on Pinterest, "uploaded by user"

5.) Determine to respond with kindness
Whether it's you going through big changes, your spouse going through changes or your relationship in general, change seems to make tempers shorter! No matter what you may going though, lashing out at others is never the way to respond! We are called to love one another, and this is not dependent on how we feel. And on the flip side, if it's your spouse who is going through something, love them as Christ loves you. Give them grace, give them patience, love them like Christ loves you.


Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21


Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7

 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God
Romans 14:4


6.) Reflection is Good, but Stewing is Bad!
It's been scientifically proven that looking through photographs of past happy memories and times can significantly improve your mood now. This is so true for me! When Im feeling down, going though happy photos from great times always puts me in a better mood. Even better when I actually have some prints made! There is nothing like going to pick up printed photos. Hanging pics, even just on the fridge, is a nice little pick me up. It's cheap too!
But remember to avoid extremes! Reflection on happy times is beneficial, butt sitting around lamenting why things can't "go back to the way they were" helps no one and induces self pity. Don't do that!


Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.
Ecclesiastes 7:10


7.) Find new Things
As long as your going through changes elsewhere in your life, why not pick up a new hobby? Or even just a new book or revive a forgotten hobby that you haven't had time for. When we go through changes or periods of stress, it can be easy to be caught up in the whirlwind of making it through each day and adjusting to whatever new change we are adjusting to. Picking up some paint and a canvas or creating a project has enormous therapeutic benefits! Plant a potted plant, grow your own herbs, pick up photography, step into a library, take a walk, knit a scarf, read a book, paint, learn HTML. The possibilities are endless! Starting a new endeavor enlivens our minds and is good for the soul!

Photo credit: http://knittingnoodles.es/?product=croche-hook-30-mm&lang=en

8.)  Spend Time Together
Spend purposeful time with your spouse. I'm not just talking about going on a date together. If you can go on a date, that's great! Go for it! But even more important than a date night is purposeful, meaningful time together. I love date night, but honestly our home dates feel more beneficial to me than "real" date nights. Our home dates are simple but perfect! We put the kiddos to bed early and then enjoy a nice dinner, ALONE! Then take drinks and sit on our front porch together at night and listen to music and just talk. Or not talk. It's just wonderful :) But in the craziness of life, make time for your relationship and make it meaningful time!

Photocredit: http://decorology.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-little-decorating-inspiration.html

Enjoy life with your beloved wife during all the days of your fleeting life that God has given you on earth during all your fleeting days; for that is your reward in life and in your burdensome work on earth.
Ecclesiastes 9:9


If you find yourself in the middle of change, hopefully you can find a few helpful ideas or bible verses to carry you through to the next season of your life. I would love to hear what you do when you find yourself in the midst of change! Have a good day all! And remember,

        The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.            

                                                                                                               Ecclesiastes 7:8

 

photo credit: thebottomoftheirironbasket.blogspot.com

Today I'm 25!

Wowzie! I'm 25 today! That's a quarter of a century! Somehow that just sounds so old. :) But, I think 25 is just the perfect age. For right now at least. Which is good, because that is my age right now ;)

photo credit

Age 14....

I remember turning 14 and thinking I was just so mature and knew it all. Yes friends... at 14. HA! I was "so mature for my age..." lol. Not that I was too full of myself or anything, I just remember seeing myself as an adult, helping take care of household duties, getting up early (some days, anyway) and speaking with authority over all three of my younger siblings. Of course, I had been practicing for years speaking with authority to my younger brother and sisters, as I'm sure they could tell you. ;) I wore ankle length skirts and read many books. I cooked and baked and told people what to do. Generally, I did mature grown up things. At 14, I knew it all!

Age 16....

Then came 16. That age changed me! All of the sudden I had a fair amount of girl friends and got my first real taste of peer pressure. I don't know if peer pressure is the the word.. but suddenly I became very aware of how my clothes looked and that I was one of the only girls who didn't wear make up. I didn't realize girls "our age" went on diets and could be so consumed with our future and who our future husbands could be. I made some very dear and best friends, memories that will always be precious to me. I also experienced how mean girls can be. Although I went through a few unpleasant experiences, 16 was a very sweet, carefree and happy time.

Age 19...

19 was a big one! I had a car, I worked full time, went to college full time, was on the dance team and was involved in numerous school and local political activities. Those years went by in a blur (whether it's due to the insane amounts of coffee or the extreme lack of sleep, I'm really not quite sure) But I was on top of the world!!! In the beginning anyway. I soon realized, even though I was told this before, it's impossible to do a million things at a time and think you will succeed at it all. While trying to "do it all" my quite alone time with God fell to the wayside and my life quickly became overwhelming. I learned that no matter how busy you are (or how busy you think you are) God must always 100% come first. You need that time alone with Christ because if you're not right with Him, nothing is right.19 was a big one on learning about having priorities.

Age 21...

21 was such a sweet, beautiful and precious time in my life! With a very much renewed relationship with my Lord and Savior, life was just as perfect as it could possibly be! And what did God do then? He brought my dear sweet Daniel into my life! To say we had a whirlwind romance would be an understatement. :) Within months of knowing each other and through much prayer and counsel from our parents, we became engaged and married just a few short months later.

Those first weeks and months of married life have been some of the sweetest and happiest in my life! Everything is so new and fresh, everyday with your bestest friend. There were many weekends of being in bed all day snuggled in the blankies, walking on trails through the woods together, romantic dinners at restaurants, late night drives with the music turned on and the top of the Jeep. Ah! Sweet bliss :) I also became pregnant with our first baby and that brought so much hope and excitement for us!

From photo shop

From photo shop

From photo shop

Age 23....

23. Hhmm... I'll call this phase disenchantment. lol :) We were on a shoestring budget and barley getting by. I was learning to juggle bills and balance budgets. By God's grace we have always had a roof over our heads and food in our bellies, but some days you just didn't know how you were going to get by. I was also at home 24/7 with 2 babies under 2. Hubby started taking on many more jobs and responsibilities at work and started working more hours and I was lonely at home. Very lonely. He also had the only working vehicle at this point so I was home all day every day alone with my babies. When Hubby came home, he would often be in bed just 2-3 hours after walking through the door.

Although in theory I was ready for challenges, life wasn't exactly what I had imagined it would be and I didn't feel like the wife or mom I had thought I would become. Being a mom to two babies was more exhausting, lonely and repetitive than I ever thought it could be. Not to say that there weren't many happy days, because there were! But being a mom felt like it took the best out of me. By the time hubby got home in the evenings and on weekends, I was a very grumpy, whiny and a very quick to get angry wife. I realized I had let my time with Christ slip again because I was simply to busy and didn't have the time... Soon I was running back daily to the throne of Grace, because on my own, I just wasn't making it.

From photo shop

From photo shop

From photo shop

From photo shop

**************************************************************************************************************************************

Today starts age 25....

Now here I am, 25! I have spent the past year in (almost) daily quite alone time with God and am more grounded than ever. Through God's grace I have learned a lot of lessons, re learned some lessons and I know I have much more to learn! I know who I am in Christ Jesus and not ashamed of who I am or who He is forming me to be.

I have dealt with enough "identity crisises" and I know that there is not one thing that defines me. It is Christ Jesus who lives in me and works through me that defines what I do in this life and who "I" am. It is also all the hopes, dreams and experiences that are in my heart and on my mind. There are seasons in life and whether you are going through sun or rain, you better not define who you are based on your life at the moment, because you will forever be "looking for yourself" and not finding any thing substantial. The only thing substantial and unmoving in this life is God, so you're best off just sticking close to Him and enjoying EVERYTHING along the way. :)

EVEYONE at one point or another will disappoint and fail you, best friends will come and go, and plans may fail but God is my rock and HE LOVES ME! and that's all that matters. :)

At 25, I feel free! Free to enjoy this beautiful life with my family and not care what people think!

My husband and I have our convictions and our beliefs may be different from other's and that's ok. I don't feel the need anymore (or as much ;) to justify our decisions or our convictions. I'm happy to talk about anything! But I don't have to apologize about anything.

I have had enough friends come and go over the years where I don't feel the need to make people like me or be overly concerned with what my friends or other people think. My family always come first, but aside from that I'll always try to be the best friend I can be, and that's that! If you want to be friends, awesome! If not, that's ok too!

I don't care what people think about my clothes anymore. I really don't. I have a pretty sparkly dress that I just love and never wear it because there is never "the right event" Well, oh well! I like the dress and I'm going to wear it because it's pretty, sparkly, it makes me happy! (Also, long story short, it was $75.00 and I couldn't get it and I was talking to God in a prayer and told Him how much I would like it, and wouldn't you know it, God made it possible for me. Just about one week later "on a whim" I went into the shop where it was sold and wouldn't you know it, there was one left, in my size for $12 :)

I'm thankful that God lives in my heart, for my wonderful husband, my beautiful children and all the countless other blessings God so graciously has blessed my family and I with.

I look with joy and excitement towards this next year! It's one day at a time and trusting God for everything. All else is just details that can be sorted along the way :)

From photo shop

From photo shop

From photo shop

From photo shop

3 Years Ago Today We Became One! Our 3 Year Wedding Anniversary :)

Wow... I can't believe it's been 3 years since I married the man that God created just for me! We had a whirlwind romance, only knowing each other a matter of weeks really before our wedding day (He proposed on our second date, I said yes!) I know without a doubt that he is the one God created for me and I am am the other half to him! God's love is truly beyond comprehension and I am overwhelmed that He chose to bless me with such an amazing man. I can't imagine going through this life without him. He is my best friend, my other half, the most understanding, kind, gentle and amazing man. he's my husband and I can't imagine one day without him.

Since getting married there has been a lot of life packed in our 3 years together (and 2 children!) Life is far from easy sometimes and not always romantic, but every night while cuddled up, we would not have our life any other way. :) I love you my Daniel and look forward to continuing to spend every day with you!

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

My lover spoke and said to me,
"Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, and come with me.

See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me."

Song of Solomon 2:10-13

Pretty Pastels, Dreamy Colors, and Billowy Dresses!

So, I never have been a real fashion maven or terribly concerned about my clothing, but I do love pretty things! Pretty, girly, feminine things! I may be here in 2011, but my heart belongs somewhere in vintage land. :) Right now my wardrobe is pretty basic, seeing as I have either been pregnant or breastfeeding for the past 2 years. Now, the dodo bird is 2 and Ellie belly is 1 and I still am crawling around the floor a bunch and getting the occasional spoon full of their latest meal on me, but I am trying to invest in a few nice things here and there!

I like having a plan and insist on sticking to a budget! Maybe I'll see something I really love here or there and I'll get it, but for the most part I'll have an idea in my head on what I want and I'll stick to it! (usually... :) I don't want to buy something I only half like, but something that I know I'll love and wear all the time! I was on Pinterest for a little bit today and gathered some ideas of what my dream wardrobe would (will!) look like. I plan on scouring resale shops, rummage sales and maybe even a vintage shop here and there as I slowly build up a wardrobe that includes timeless pieces that make me feel like a lady! I plan on not spending more than $10.00 on any one piece, $15.00 at most.

Our treasures should be stored in heaven, everything on this earth is fleeting! I do not want to get caught up in outward appearances, but I don't think as woman we need to look dowdy either. Our heavenly Father created all the many colors and wants us to enjoy life! He is the one who put the colors on the flowers, painted the sky with brilliance, taught the birds their songs, the brook to babble and the sun to shine. He wants us to enjoy this fleeting life in all it's splendor! Praise the Lord always and in EVERYTHING rejoice!

Pretty, girly and feminine!

I love the muted mint green and the petal soft pink dresses, the lace just ties everything together! If I were to find a dress like this I would layer a modest tank top underneath it and also a longer skirt underneath to lengthen the look.

Sparkle party dress! I think this would be perfect as a holiday dress with a 3/4 sleeve black shirt underneath. So pretty and unpractical! :)

I love this hair style! So dreamy, whispy and romantic! I will be trying this one soon!

Oh, I love this dress! It looks so very comfortable! The soft looking cotton jersy I bet just feels sublime when you put it on! It's simple enough where I would could ware it around the house all day and it's pretty enough that if you throw on a necklace and cute shoes, it would be a perfect date night dress with the hubby! This is probably one of the only dresses that I have seen in long time that if I knew where to get it, I would go buy it right now!

These dresses remind me more of dress up as a little girl than anything else, which adds to the charm. There is nothing quite as precious as little girls and the hope in their heart for a home of their own! A home filled with love, sunshine and laughter of little children and... of course.... their knight in shining armor! The man that will sweep them off their feet, and be your one true love! Yes, lots of my little girl fantasies for the future were viewed with rose tinted glasses (aren't they all!)

Of course, as you get older (and wiser, hopefully!) you learn that romance has to do just as much with work, sweat, a whole lot of commitment and some daily doses of reality. As Christian woman we are to serve our families. This includes waking up early, staying up late, long suffering (patience) kindness, gentleness and showing Grace where maybe you don't think Grace is deserved. Part of love and romance is knowing that you are made to serve! God wants our attitudes to be that of serventhood, but not of a slave! We serve because we choose to serve, not because we are forced too. (Proverbs 31)

As much as true love can be "work" I believe (or what God has placed in my heart) is that it's still ok..... nay, even HEALTHY to have daydreams of romance for you husband! My mind is so often just in the moment or just focusing on getting through that day, that by the end of the day and at the end of my rope, all I want to do is go to bed or stare numbly at the tv. But, since the kids go to bed before we do, why not make time for romance?

Why settle for reruns on tv when you can talk over candle light while eating chocolate covered strawberries? Of course, this takes forethought, And lots of it! In the hussle and bussle of meal planning and shopping list making, why not daydream of romance and plan on buying strawberries and some chocolate? During the week while the kids are napping or you have some quite time, make those chocolate covered strawberries and think of you hubby and eagerly anticipate him! Send him an email or text message and tell him what you think of him and how much you are looking forward to his arrival at home, give him something to daydream about!

May you rejoice in the wife of your youth! Proverbs 5:18

Now, as I write this... Im feeling pretty convicted. Fot the past 2 weeks Im pretty sure I have done nothing but complain to poor hubby once he has gotten home, that and nag him. God wants more for him, and our marriage. These last few days before the weekend, I will ask God to help make me more aware of my words before they come spilling out of my mouth. I will pray and ask that by HIS Grace all that I say and do be nothing but encouraging and life giving! I also think I'll pick up some strawberries this Friday... ;) Ladies.... lets commit to serving our husbands and families this next week!

God’s Gift of Grace

I have been desperately trying to become the wife and mother that I know God desires of me, since I have become a wife and mom. But, no matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to make any lasting changes.I continue to be short tempered and fault finding with those around me, I try to change, but I just can’t seem to get it right.

Well, I am very happy to say that God is moving is great ways in my life and reveling many things to me through the Holy Spirit. Im not always the best at getting my point across, but let me attempt to share because God has blessed me so much!

Grace
God has given me a better understanding of the meaning of the word grace and it’s application in my life. I know that through grace we are saved and that through works we will never reach Heaven. It’s impossible to reach heaven through works, so God gives us grace and forgives our sins so that we may dwell with Him. But He has shown me that Grace is much more than just forgiveness and acceptance into heaven. Grace is an ever present help that He uses to meet us where we are at and then transform us.

We need God’s grace to transform our lives, we can’t do it alone! Now I know that I can’t change on my own, but somehow my prayers always seem to revolve around myself anyways. Example, “Lord, help ME to be kinder to my husband and give ME the strength to do Your will. I have faith that You will help ME to be kinder. Thank you Lord, Amen”

Now I know now that we really can do absolutely, ABSOULTELY Nothing ourselves and absolutely anything good in our lives is completely 100% Christ. Simple as that. Although I have been praying and asking God for help, I still have depending on MY faith that God would make ME be kinder. But I see that thinking is wrong. I have come to realize that God can’t make me kinder, but I can let God work His kindness though me with Grace. It’s not me being kind, it’s God’s grace and kindness in me and through me. Not me.

I also realize now that I was putting far to much faith in my faith. I thought simply having faith that God would change me, would change me. But that’s only half of it. Half is having faith that God can work through you and the other half is receiving that grace (Or God’s help to come and meet us where we are at and make the change within us) It’s through faith that I receive God’s grace to change me, not my faith will change me.

It’s like faith is the straw. We are at one end and God’s grace is at the other end. The straw itself can do nothing for us. It doesn’t matter how big or long that straw is, it by itself is just a empty straw. But once God’s grace comes through that straw, then we receive His help. It doesn’t matter how big OUR faith is, it’s a matter of accepting His grace through that straw. Once I started to realize that faith is simply a channel and not power itself, a bible verse came to mind that really hit me:

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."
Mathew 17:20

I used to think that verse meant that Faith is so powerful, that we need the tiniest bit and we can do great things for God, but now I see it differently. It’s the other way around. God is so powerful, that it doesn’t matter if we have the littlest faith of any human on the earth… we can move mountains with Him! We can’t move mountains with our faith, it’s our little bit of faith that let’s God do His thing and move those mountains!!!

I really hope this all makes sense, it is an amazing new revelation to me and the Holy Spirit has reveled to me how to pray. Since I have learned more about Grace, I know have prayed more like:

“Dear God, I know I am nothing and have no good in me, any goodness and strength is all You. That is why I humbly ask that You fill me with Your grace so I might shine of Your love. Dear Lord, I am asking in faith that You will give me the grace I need to show Your love.
Amen”

Praying this way has transformed my life. For the last year I have beyond frustrated myself asking God to “change me” Now, I simply pray and humbly ask through the little faith that I have, that God’s grace would work in me. I challenge you to do the same and see what God does in your life. You, like me, will be amazed!

Morning Latte

As a wedding gift my hubby and I received an espresso machine. I think we used it once right after we first got married but, for what ever reason, ended up putting it up away. Well, while cleaning the other day I found it again and decided to use it! It's been up there for the better part of 2 years so it needed a good cleaning, but I have fallen in love with it! I just started using it yesterday and have since made 4 lattes (one of those was for the hubbs) and they are so good! I love the rich espresso scent and the sweet foamy milk. Im finishing my morning cup right now, I had to wait until after feeding Ellie of course. That stuff travels quickly to breast milk :)

On another completely different note, I was reading my bible the other day and some things stuck out to me. Now, of course the bible has countless lessons to teach and is the true word of God, the only 100% reliable teaching guide on what is right and how we should live. But Our God is an Awesome God and I think it's really "neat" (for lack of a better word) that not only is the bible a way for us to grow closer to Him and learn how to live, but also a history book and an example of how humans really are all the same and have never really changed (sadly)

Anyway, I was reading about Abraham and the time the three visitors came to visit him to tell him that Sarah was to have a son (Gen 18:1-19) I was reading through where the men were talking to Abraham and that Sarah was at the entrance listening to them.

Then the Lord said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son" Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent, which was behind him. (Gen. 18:10)

I couldn't help but to smile... "how wifeish!" I thought. I could just picture the men getting together with Abraham and them all talking and Sarah not being able to control her curiosity and wanting to know what was being said. I can see her trying to find a spot in the tent where she could hear the best. I see her in my mind kind of straining her ears trying to catch everything.

How many of us women are like that now? I know that when hubby gets a phone call or I see him talking about something to someone that I don't recognize my first thoughts are "who was that? What did they want? I wonder what he's saying?" Not that that's a bad thing, I just smiled at the thought that our wifely human curiosity has been the same for over 2000 years and is the same in every culture.

Well, my quite morning is almost over, so time to get off and get busy!