Standing your post

So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Pat Benatar said it best "Love is a battlefield".
In honor of Advent I am posting a picture a day. Today's word was steady or steadfast. It was once again one of those moments that I really needed to hear from God and He just overwhelmed me with His perfect love. This scripture just spoke so many beautiful things to my soul. I really can't even begin to tell you what a comfort my bible has become in my life. It basically is like a comforter, just like your favorite blanket can make things that are huge seem small. God does that for me, not just in by being God but in speaking to me through His word. I was thinking about how God puts us each in different areas, for the good of His people. That we sing songs about reaching out, we can stand on corners and we can share scripture in cards and posts on facebook. Here's the thing, a lot of the people that are lost are so much closer than we realize. They are good friends, they are in our families, they may even be in our own homes. These are the people that are missing something so important, they are broken. How many times have we cried out to God to put someone else at our duty station. How many times have we wanted to lay down our crosses and pick up a different one. How many times have we doubted God's plan in this? I'm with you , I look up daily and say things like "Are you sure God?" I have been listening to a lot of music today, a lot of different songs that I just hear the words I feel. The moments I am really weary and brought down. That's what the world does to us, it's right where the devil wants us. Lost, alone,uncertain of all God has shared with us to be truth.

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful in it's own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

In reading all this I have one thing to share with you. God's plan never fails. I know this with all my heart, He would never bring you to a place that He is not going to walk you through, or carry you over. I know how this seems, that their is no hope, that nothing's going to get better. These are LIES! Lies that will just kill you, not only on the inside but the outside. Literally it will drive you to the place of no return. In that place there is no hope, no love and no resurrection. I never want you to feel like there is no point in going on with your life. In Christ there is always hope, in Christ there is always love, and there will always be a resurrection. So I wanna leave you with this : It doesn't matter what battles you may come across, Stand your post. God has you there for a reason and He loves you more than anything. You obviously are very strong or you wouldn't be asked to stand guard. Blessings to you while you stand your ground. S.

Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me. Psalm 144:1-2

Daily bread, give us daily bread

It was a beautiful day today, I am unsure if it was outside but inside it was. My kids and I had a great day and we finished with a wonderful game and reading the J is for Jesus book. They went to bed without a fight and it was just beautiful. It's moments like this that I am just blown away at God's abundant love. I think it's really easy to loose sight of these little days. Especially when everyday is a battle, we are at war. This world is a war, living for the Lord is not the normal. I'm proud to say that I'm a Jesus freak, I wouldn't be anything without Christ. The picture at the beginning of this post is apart of the advent picture a day I'm doing. In looking at it now, I see this picture as our sin, it bounds us where we are. It holds us hostage and never lets us go. I see no way out of those chains without Christ. As in I'm not free if I'm not in Christ. I'm not able to move let alone talk. I just know how broken I am in those chains, looking at them aren't you feeling restricted. That person that you are without Jesus is limited. It's just like in Corinthians with the law. The people living in the law are bound by it. Not free in the grace that comes from Christ alone. Bound by the law and it holds them down, it clips wings. It holds you hostage never letting you be free from your sin. Can you imagine that? Never being free from your sin? Never being able to make up for your constant failures. Over and Over having it thrown in your face, never able to get your head above water. I love being able to swim because of Christ. To leave sin dead in it's tracks, I'm covered! Jesus has got me, you have no power over me. Every time I picture it I just watch those chains break, God breaks into those chains and does not let them bind me any longer.

6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.2 Corinthians 3:6

See we don't have to see him, because we already know He's with us every single day.Especially this month know how much He loves you. Even when you can't see that He is with you. Trust that He is and He will never leave you.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.Deuteronomy 31:8

I was thinking as reading how Jesus is with us, just like our shadow. Even when you can't see it, He's with us. Just a constant, even though you can't always see your shadow you know you have one. You don't have to see Jesus to know He's with us.

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

You know as this month is about to blow by. Just really take moments to see God through all the chaos. If you aren't enjoying the taste of the fallen snow on the tip of your tongue, breathe in the crisp air knowing you can breathe because God gave you breath. He died for all generations, let's do everything to keep him alive! Blessings and prayers my sweet friends. S.

Oh be careful little mouth what you say

"Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything." Proverbs 13:3 NLT

That truth hurts doesn't it. How many times have we read this and just not really taken it on? Thinking things like some scripture is valuable to my life, and others not so much. I can tell you that I have "ruined" things a lot this week. I have not thought before speaking and let anger have control. I have said words like I love you, and yet my actions speak otherwise. "People with understanding control their anger;a hot temper shows great foolishness." Proverbs 14:29 As I sit here trying not to cry, I just am broken before God. Ashamed of all the the areas that I let have control, when the only one that should have control is my Savior. I would love to just go up to a cabin with a warm blanket and some hot cocoa, surround myself with nothing but God's word. It is so hard to quiet this world, it's loud and quite frankly obnoxious. If you aren't receiving a text, your receiving pictures, tweets or instagrams. In this world where access to everyone is at our fingertips we are nothing but unattached. Detached from all reality, and just close with what we consider contact. My sister hates talking on the phone, she just hates it. I on the other hand find comfort in being able to call and knowing she'll answer. Her voice is always just what I need to hear, even if she's grumpy. I am sure that my voice is like that to my children. Yet this week I have not really showed them the love that they deserve. I have not had words that have showed love and affection. I have been quick to anger and not controlled my tongue. I do not want to ever crush my children's spirits. I was sitting here thinking how when we hear other people speaking harsh with our children we are ready to fly off the handle. Yet then when they are home with us, we can say the same thing. Hurting them just as much, so how is it okay then? It's not okay, God gives us such clear advice. Clear direction in where our lives should be and where they should not. I as you can clearly see struggle everyday. Love is a beautiful word, especially in thinking about all Christ did for undeserving me. I yearn to show love, I yearn to be Christlike in my friendships, marriage and as a mother. I just want God to take out every area I struggle to serve, just clean out this brokenness and failure to connect. As I finish I'm gonna pray so please join with me. Dear God, Here I am again, Broken and in need of you. All I need is you Lord, for without you I have nothing. I am unable to live without you everyday in me Lord. Please just take away this anger, show me how to live like you. Show me how to be slow to anger and quick to Love. Show me how to have words like sweet honey.Pleasing you in how I'm not only talking the talk but walking the walk. Break this stubborn heart Lord. Thank you and Praise you Jesus,Amen God Bless your weekends. S.

"Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

"The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words." Proverbs 15:28

Climb Climb up the mountain

Have you ever just felt so emotionally overwhelmed that you just end up sobbing into some unfolded laundry? Well that is how this past week, has gone for me. I can tell you though, its in these moments that my body just get's into a calm because as I was folding the laundry God made it a spiritual moment. So I was looking at my unfolded laundry and how terrible it looks, all piled high. In fact I've really just put it off so much that it has been shoved onto my bed in the morning(unfolded), then shoved off still unfolded at night. So the laundry grew and grew and grew. Yes.. just like the forest in "Where the wild things are" I was just thinking about how ugly it truly is all jumbled together, no organization. Then how beautiful it looks after in piles straight and in place. God took me to this place of how or ugliness, or anger or bitterness looks that way. -Gross. Yet when God starts a work in is, it's once again beautiful by sorting it all out and putting in it's place. Just like my laundry has taking me the whole week to fold, God makes all things beautiful in it's time. It's when we take the time to realize we're a beautiful disaster that we can fully focus on all the beauty God has pulled from our ashes. You know that's what gets me how overwhelming I must look to God. Seriously? I act like I'm a challenge? That's pretty sad isn't it , He's God. Over and over I find myself reading on His glory and His wonders. Yet I think I'm the end all, just shows you how much work I need doesn't it. Thing 1 and 2 have spent the week undoing all the things I've done. I cleaned the bathroom, Thing 1 peed on the floor. I organized the toys, Thing 2 dumped all the toys everywhere. I feel like God see's that same personality in me. He cleans up one area of my life, I start walking down another hidden path. I want you to know, that blogging shows me growth. I really do it so I can remind myself of where I have been. Because of how fast life goes, I tend to need a lot of reminding. I really appreciate all the prayers for support I've been receiving. I do not take them for granted in the slightest. I pray that this message blesses you as it has obviously been very eye opening for me. S.

11 "God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."Ecclesiastes 3:11

To all who mourn in Israel,[a] he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3

Pumpkins and their seeds

I read this article just the other day. I know you find it hard to believe, especially since I'm a mother of 2 how did I ever find the time! Well I did, Amazing but it happened. Tonight is Halloween, the article spoke on how Christians shut there doors and pretend that we aren't home. That the one night that strangers knock on your door, we do not open them to tell you about Christ. We pray and pray for God to send us, to tell of Jesus and yet when they come we turn the lights off. I always think about how I might be the only Jesus you know. That breaks my heart, It breaks my heart to think that I am the only interaction you might have had with our Creator. Why? Because I am very weak specimen, everything I have all that I am, comes from Him. Yet breaking it down for you, I do not always show that. In fact, I pray that I always reflect our Lord. So recently I have gotten a splint, which is a form of a retainer. It is so awkward for me, It's almost like hurting yourself. Now a part of your body isn't functioning correctly it takes you longer to deal with things. So in saying all this, that's how it should be when we live in sin. It should be like a part of your body is broken. Instead of living that way, we flaunt our sin like an ugly hat. We spray on some glitter and show it to all our friends. We ask things like "Don't I look pretty?" "Isn't my sin beautiful this time of year?" Of course we never call it for what it is, who would dare say we're sinning. I was at this place in my walk that I literally decided I was doing awesome. I didn't have any sins in my life and I was such a wonderful christian. Thank you Lord for hitting me with a huge reality check, I am a sinner. We have distorted all the things that God holds and brings truth upon. How about, God sees all sins the same! That means that gossip, slander, cheating, are all things that God sees as sin. If you aren't uplifting that person, then you shouldn't be speaking about them. Sweet friends, I pray you are all safe tonight. Safe in the God's love and His arms. I know we will be celebrating at the harvest festival, and it will be a clean event. I also know that some out there choose to make it very dark, and twisted. One of the reasons I choose to take my kids to the harvest festival is that I don't want them to have to see the turmoil of this world. Until they can understand why, they are as they are. Being a child is only a brief time, and I think it's unfair for them to be subject to the evils now. I think it's very important we share with them about evil being out there. I just don't choose to bring nightmares into there safe space. Prayers for you and all your loved ones. S.
9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. 10 And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us. 11 He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people's prayers for our safety have been answered. 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 (New Living Translation)

UnPlugged

Now that I just licked all the batter from the brownie bowl, I'm feeling ready to start! Laughs, no but honestly it has just been one of those days. At one point I just turned up the praise and worship and literally was singing on the top of my lungs. While that was going on there were two lovely munchkins at my feet screaming "mommy". When I think about how needy my children are with me I know that I am that way with God. As soon as He hands over something, there is always more I am asking for. Especially in this day and age where we have everything at our fingertips to "make things better". If its not our marriage we're trying to fix, its our home, our children, or even ourselves. Thank you world for showing me all the areas of my life that I come up short. Thank God we have Jesus or I wouldn't be able to find hope in anything. Seriously though, Jesus loves us where we are. I know there are few things that we love where they are. Maybe this cup of coffee, alright and the brownie batter but really. Isn't it always well "so and so's marriage is so happy" or "there kids are so well behaved". The list unfortunately goes on and on and on. I know that is where the devil wants us to exist. In this constant place of want and need, "Veruca Salt I want it now".
24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."Matthew 6:24-34 This is once again why I love the bible. Because It's easy to loose sight of what God has in store when we're distracted by all the temporary worldly distractions that are in our face. Yet when we shut off the distraction, when we unplug from the world and plug into God. We can see where truth and hope lies. Over and over again Truth speaks out. "7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."Matthew 7:7-11 How much clearer could He possibly make it, I mean we obviously are like children. Needing this direction, and open word. I am so thankful for my bible. It is such a source of Christ's love letter to me. How quickly we take advantage of that source. How many times we have passed it over for the advice of a friend, neighbor etc. Not that we shouldn't speak out on whats going on. It's more how much more will Christ take care of you when He consistently takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. How much more does He take care of us when we Ask, Seek and Knock. Just like when it talks in Matthew about building on a firm foundation. Where is your base? Is you hope, strength and foundation in Christ? Are you depending on the ways of the world? The people of the world to fill the void? Nothing will satisfy like Christ. Building an intimate relationship starts with you. Surrendering to Him, letting go of control and letting Him pick you up. Prayers for you my friends. Prayers that it may not be a ready to lick the entire brownie bowl day. Blessings! S.

Even while I wait

Hello, Hello, Hello!!! Well it has been quite a while since I have seen my beautiful blog site. Things have just been crazy here and haven't quieted down long enough for me to type. Thing 1 and Thing 2 are potty training and it has been quite the task. It's okay though because I know that this is just a short part of parenthood, one that I will look back on and laugh one day. As my children get older I see how much darker the world has gotten. I've been reading in the book of Isaiah:

Isaiah 8:20-22 " Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict His word are completely in the dark. 21 They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their King and their God. They will look up to heaven 22 and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness."

While reading this verse,I feel sorrow,and grief. My heart breaks for all the ways I'm not branching out to reach out to all the lost souls. Even ones we thought were found, have gone astray. I think it's very easy to loose sight of all the good God is doing. Especially when we're trudging through the crap. At one point I didn't think the bible had anything to offer to my life . In my teenage years I was so sure of myself. "Sarah the Christian" was wicked proud of who she was in Jesus. She knew all the right words to say and even though she knew nothing about the intimacy of Christ she was certain of what she thought she knew. In case there was any doubt, I've learned alot, about who I was then and who I am now.I have found that my bible shows me verse after verse. Always relating to exactly what I am going through. I am nothing without Christ, I am a puzzle missing a piece. I cannot be a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, a daughter. None, I do not work. I have learned the only way to be the best me is by surrendering all I am. To truly surrendering it all to Christ. In my personal study I'm learning trust, not in my timing but it God's. I learn this lesson daily, just reread my blogs if there was any question. John Waller says it wonderfully " While I'm waiting I will serve you." It seems like world tries to overtake us. They diminish all the things that we have standards for and make them "no big deal". I encourage you friends, don't let the world diminish your relationship with the Lord. Don't let the pressure of being in a relationship with a guy or girl take precedence over your King.Don't let trials and temptations take over your will to live. We have a Creator, who know your name. Stand on His name and embrace His Grace. God Bless. S.

We can't pretend!

OKAY!! This is just how determined I am to write this blog. Currently I have a box on my lap.. while in the box is grates for our grill.. so its wicked heavy. Why would it be on my lap you ask? Because we have not purchased a lap desk for my laptop it gets really hot and can't sit on my lap. So its on the cardboard box which is full of grates for our grill. :) Dedication you see it! Have you heard the song "He is with us"-Love and the Outcome. It is so beautiful, every time I hear it I'm overcome with peace. Not only peace but encouragement like.. Let's start a Righteous Invasion of Truth.. Yeah, Carmen we want a R.I.O.T! We recently got a new mattress.. It's memory foam, since I have the grill grates on my lap I feel that my foam imprint might be a little heavier for as I type I find myself sinking cozier into the foam. I hope by the time this is over I can still see the computer, unless the mattress swallows me up like B.O.B. from Monsters vs. Aliens I guess I'm okay, as long as he spits me out. My blog title basically recreates my daily life, it feels like lately that the children have made a pact for most poopy diapers in one day. Each day is a challenge to top the day before.Before I get into what God has been showing me these past weeks, I want you to read the lyrics to He is with us. It is so very encouraging to me, and I pray it is the same for you.

He is with us-Love and the Outcome "Remember when Your hope is lost and faith is shaken Remember when You wonder if you're gonna make it There's a hand stretched out Through your deepest doubt We can't pretend To see the ending or what's coming up ahead Don't know the story of tomorrow But we can stay close To the One who knows CHORUS We can trust our God He knows what He's doing Though it might hurt now We won't be ruined It might seem there's an ocean in between But He's holding onto you and me And He's never gonna leave, no He is with us, He is with us, always, always He is with us, He is with us, always We believe There is purpose, there is meaning In everything We surrender to His leading He wants nothing more Than to have us close"

Well well well..What did you think?? Amazing?!!(pronounced AHHMAZING)I really need to pray more for the people who read this and have no idea who I am. They probably are like, she must inhale tons of candy before writing this, she's all over the place. Why yes Dad.. I do. jk, tonight it was just a few grapes, and a ham and cheese wrap. Yum. So I have been learning, I don't like to say learned because then God shows you all the things you have yet to learn. It's like life, is very much like school day after day you never graduate. I like growing with Jesus, alot more then school though. So I have been learning about trust, going through my recent personal growth and studies I find more and more consistencies like : Trust God, Cry out to Jesus, Call His name. It's truth though, couldn't really been written much clearer, Why are we so inconsistent with him. "This foolish plan of God is wiser then the wisest of humans plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest human strength." 1 Corinthians 1:25 I really love this verse, I found it when I was in Maine and throughout being back I have consistently gone back to it to reassure myself of things I already know. I know who goes before me and who stands behind. Keep your eyes on Jesus friends. He is so important and has so much in store if you just let go and let Him. :) Blessings. S.

Dayquil..Nyquil.. and all the quils I can have!

Good morning bloggy friends! My sweet thing 1 woke me up at a rather lovely hour. 4:30 am to be exact, FABULOUS! I have done a terrible job of keeping you in on the lovely life so UPDATING time. OhhhhhhKAY! So the hubs has come back: Praise the Lord! It has been so great seeing thing 1 & 2 with daddy dearest. He makes them smile which makes me smile. If you couldn't tell from the title I am sick! Hip hip hooray for the sickness.. which seems to have no end. I will not reveal my sources as to how I received this gift.. just know I will praise God in this sickness storm! :) We just arrived back from a little mini vacation in GA. Saw the family and got in time off for the hubs which is always nice! It has been such a whirlwind since being back from Maine. It feels like things haven't slowed down.I really haven't been able to get back into a schedule. I feel so outta whack in my own home. Awkward. I have a new obsession with Krispy Kreme.. (AHHHHMAZING) Not really helpful in new workout plan. It's all good though... Dance Party 4 Here I come! :) Seriously typing a paragraph should not be that exhausting but honestly.. parenthood is soooo tiring. We really need to get like sleep, you people out there have no idea how much sleep you lack when you have children. When you tell everyone you are pregnant, SMILES.. Joy.. Over enthusiastic hugs. Now do not misunderstand, Parenthood-AWESOME! Best hands on learning ever!Because children take the life out of you. Fresh into marriage, bored already with each-other you think.. Lets have a baby.. When you are ready.. God blesses you with the bundle of joy. BOOM.. Life UPSIDE DOWN, no sleep, barely understanding how to do anything.. You are in it now! My only response is I must have prayed for patience.. Because parenting gives me a ton of it. I wouldn't ever trade those things for anything. I learn so much from God by being a mom, I have this new appreciation for all the people in my life who have helped my parents "parent" along the way. All the people who prayed for me, and guide me to who I am today. Gosh.. Blows my mind how much work goes into raising a child. I can only hope that when my children are parents, they appreciate it as much as I do. I got to be apart of vacation bible school while in GA. The scripture verse was

"God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

They even put it to a tune so I did that all by memory. I learn things so much better in song. Seriously I should have learned all my homework and tests through songs, I would have aced everything!! I really like that verse because I think in the world we can feel so small, and yet we are strong in Christ. We do not have a spirit of fear, but of POWER, LOVE and of a sound mind. Think on that : Seriously how many of us are standing strong in our spirit? We sang Stronger by Hillsong, I have never heard that song before but I was so encouraged. I can feel so brought down by my past sin, and feel almost in this burden of life. Yet singing this song its being free, Encouraged and Alive by the blood of Christ. Receive from this what you can, For me I found that God is stronger, SIN is broken and He has saved me! Never let Satan try to take away all that God has given. God Bless you on this free week!! S.

Passionate Patience

Beautiful isn't it? God's creation, we breath it in daily just like it's normal to have such beautiful surroundings. Like its the normal to wake up everyday, like its normal to have clean air. All these blessings we constantly take for granted. We feel entitled like all these things are rightfully ours. What a lie we live, what a gift to have all these things and overwhelming grace. It's abundant daily and we just brush it off like another day. You know when you are just anxiously awaiting something and it seems to never get here? I had a wonderful blessing last Friday. Absolutely wonderful, and instead of enjoying my blessing I just ended up complaining about all the things I didn't have. OUTRAGEOUS! How childish of me! How dare I right? Something you might not know about me but my close friends know is I'm brutally honest. I am always the kick in the pants you need. Basically quit complaining and put your dukes up kinda girl. I tell it like it is, and I am okay with that. If you aren't I am not the kinda friend you need. Let's be real, probably I am the friend you need, you're just really ready to hear it. So I'm in the middle of my pity party and my friends give me the ol' one two. Right in my face, why are you complaining speech. It felt like someone had soccer punched me, I physically felt like I needed to kneel over for a good hour. Then I took it in, That's the kind of friend I am so why wouldn't I be able to take what I deal out. Trust me I can take it, I just didn't want to. God is honest, just and true. He is always that reality check we need. You will be so humored like I was to read my scriptures for today. First we start in

James 5:7-8 "Dear Brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You too must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near."

Yup, I read this and I was" WHAT? No Lord, Not patience, Seriously?" Then I got to read this:

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold- though your faith is far more precious then mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

I have been away from home for a long time. I have been able to watch it go from winter to spring and what a beautiful experience it has been. I forgot how beautiful it is here and I am so honored I had the opportunity to come. As my time here comes to a close I am encouraged, in all God keeps doing in my walk. Even when I happen to be rather stubborn and need lots of one on one time. Prayers for you as you thrive for Christ. There is a light at the end of this tunnel for you!
S.

Fixing my eyes

Hello readers. I'm gonna start playing songs my dad doesn't know, He seems to think I wanted my own private concert of his melodious vocals. I'm back again blogging, letting it all out into my laptop. My hairs messy, I smell faintly of throw up, and I'm sure I've spilled several things all over me. A hot mess would be a mild exaggeration, I don't really care though. None of you can smell me, well maybe Dad can but that's okay. To put it into his words he can "suck it up". Last night I took thing 1 & 2's car seats and detailed them. I was feeling slightly ahead of the game until thing 2 blew chunks all over hers today. It's in these times that I wanna fall to the ground and scream.. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME!Alas I Step back, breath in and continue on. I can't control these things, I just have to keep going. Being a child would be an easier response. Throwing a fit, crossing my arms and refusing to move. Maybe choose to pull a teenager. Act like I know everything then just sleep through it. If I chose either of these I wouldn't ever move forward.I wouldn't be able to put one foot in front of the other. I wouldn't be able to show thing 1 & thing 2 how to " just keep swimming"

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it's here a little while, then its gone. James 4:14

I was reading in James today, and I was humbled. How many times have I skimmed this verse instead of taking it to heart. Truly, My life is like the morning fog, the other day the fog was so thick you couldn't see the lake. Someone could have moved the entire house and placed us in the desert we wouldn't have known because we were surrounded by the fog. Yet how many times do we do that, really put into practice what we read. I can't speak for you and yours, I can speak for me. I don't want to regret the way I'm living, when its too late. This song has been running through my head all day. So here are the lyrics. Blessings on your weekend friends. Don't be brought down by the trials of this world. This is my temporary home. Being with Jesus is all I look forward to. S.

Strangly Dim Francesca Batestelli I've had all these plans piled up sky high A thousand dreams on hold And I don't know why, I got a front row seat To the longest wait And I just can't see Past the things I pray Today But when I fix my eyes on all that You are Then every doubt I feel Deep in my heart Grows strangely dim All my worries fade And fall to the ground Cause when I seek Your face And don't look around Any place I'm in Grows strangely dim Sometimes where I stand On this narrow road Is in a raging storm Or a valley low But oh When I fix my eyes on all that You are Then every doubt I feel Deep in my heart Grows strangely dim All my worries fade And fall to the ground Cause when I seek Your face And don't look around Any place I'm in Grows strangely dim I don't know I don't know What tomorrow may hold But I know, but I know That You're holding it all So no matter what may come I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are 'Til every doubt I feel Deep in my heart Grows strangely dim Let all my worries fade And fall to the ground I'm gonna seek Your face And not look around Til place I'm in Grows strangely dim

The unseen stain

Don't you just hate it when you do a load of laundry and upon folding find a stain you missed. In the laundry room the lighting was just dim enough that the clothing looks clean. Yet pulled out into the sunlight all things are revealed. I was thinking about how life with Christ, my life with Christ can be like this. We can go about life with our "stain" just letting it be. Until its pulled out into the Son light, all things are revealed. I wouldn't have life any other way, I love being one of God's masterpieces, molding and making me more like Him. Some days its like laundry, it seems impossible to get things clean, God though He sees us for who we are and loves us anyway. Throughout these past months, I have had time for self discovery. Some of it highly positive well other parts.. not things I want out in the sunlight if you get my drift. I have so enjoyed watching Thing 1 and 2 be around family. I am thankful everyday for our time here, even though I am looking forward to going home. So I'm taking you old school now, I was raised on Susan Ashton. Which when I turn on I always discover a new song that I absolutely love. One of her songs, "No One knows my heart" speaks to my life. I was thinking about it, mostly about my heart. It talks about how God is the one that truly knows where your heart is. One verse says "When it comes to you I am a doorway, Your free to walk into". Which take a moment to think about that. Being human, do you always let God walk right in. Because I don't think I always let anyone walk right in. Growing up though I have learned a lot about who I am. The person I was like 3 years ago is not the person I am today. I may have learned a lot about myself, yet daily I'm learning more and more. It's weird cause at 18 I know I went with the "I know everything" typical stuff, yet it makes me laugh because God deals with "18 year old" us everyday. He knows EVERYTHING, Yet we fight and fawn over the littlest things which He's like TRUST ME! Just Trust me! Saying you Trust and living it are very different. Putting that trust into action, sometimes hurts. So many of my friends have been receiving wonderful news, I've been hearing praise after praise of God's Glory shining down. *smiles* No matter what your going through God knows.

"Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.Isaiah 1:18

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

May your heart always be opened to what God has in store. Praying for you. S. '

The I don't want to Bug

Hello Ladies and Gents! Welcome to my life tutorial. Not really but as of late I've been plagued by the "I don't want to bug" Do any of you have the slightest idea as to what I am referring. I will begin by reminding you I am currently North visiting family. It has been more like an extended vacation, saying all that there has been things to do. Because in reality I'm not on vacation and I don't want to come off as a slob. I know a round of laughs is going off but I really actually do like to maintain some cleanliness even if you cannot see it. The I don't want to bug does not help in any form of this. Like most things it just starts out really small, "I don't want to pick that up". It doesn't matter if its trash, clothes, say what you will. I just don't want to, Then it proceeds to enter more, like I don't want to take a shower, I don't want to do the dishes, I don't want to clean my room etc. You get the gist. Well occasionally I can do that in my walk with God. I don't want to hear what your saying God. I don't want to read that, I don't want to sing that. If you haven't discovered this by now I'm rather stubborn. Daily I come to a point of brokenness. When really God just wants and desires these things from me to show me how loved I truly am. He loves me more than anyone on this earth ever could. Yet day in and day out we look for that satisfaction in the world. In our friends, spouses, children, siblings, parents. All these and more, Why? Instant gratification or in most cases, instant disappointment. So much relief for me comes from quieting my heart and opening God's love letters to me. I can always tell when the "I don't want to bug" has really hit. It comes out in my tone, I will become really short and not satisfied with everything going on. Craving more from everyone and everything and eating a ton of food and yet tasting nothing. Especially in this day and age it seems many are starving for the truth. I pray we never get overcome with the " I don't want to bug". Always be searching and craving all God has to feed you this day. Dive into and just eat it all up because it always satisfies. I don't want to look at all God's promises and just brush it off like "OH yea that's God." Day in and day out we should yearn for that new Christian heart. Amazed at God's goodness and grace and never become dissatisfied by His blessings.

"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2"

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.Matthew 15:8-9"

Don't be completely changed by this world. Push into Christ and what He holds for your life. Constantly learning, and finding out more and more. God Bless and many prayers. Don't let the "I don't want to bug", get you. S.

Trudging through the crap

Hello dedicated readers, I am sorry if you have been having withdrawals. It's been quite busy here in the G home. :) We have ventured North and we have enjoyed every minute of family time. Thing 1 and Thing 2 can hardly control themselves with all the people around day in and day out. Which is very much like how I grew up so I am feeling nothing but blessed being able to share this with them. We obviously were such cool kids, that my kids are even playing with things that I or my aunts and uncles played with as children. We've been able to play in the snow, have tea parties, enjoy cousins and just relax. Like all things it's just another blessing from God and we are just eating it up like chocolate pie.- Yum that would be delish right now. I'm sure in reading this you are very confused of my title with this positive update. Like most life things are not always hunky dory. The other night my sister wasn't feeling so wonderful so she fell asleep on the couch. Thing 2 was up taking a nap and my mum and I were just enjoying each others company chatting away on the couch. Thing 1 as you know is potty training and I have found the easiest way to understand that we pee and poop in the potty is by going commando, or birthday suiting it up if you will. He had just gone potty so we just went back to hanging out when I look over he is in the squatting position on the couch over "Auntie". I thought it was odd and then knew for certain it was when low and behold he was "POOPING" on AUNTIE. Barely holding it together while laughing and crying mixed together, I SCREAM "WE DO NOT POOP ON AUNTIE". Mom barrels over to help me clean it up before "Auntie" even realizes, she's been "pooped" on. Remember this whole time Auntie is very much asleep. Suddenly she awakes and says "Why are we talking about poop? While we are madly cleaning up, and trying not to pee ourselves. Still trying to hold it together long enough so that Thing 1 is aware that poop only goes in the potty. I'm sure we all looked very convincing tears streaming down our faces, laughing bursting out uncontrollably and rep remanding keeping good pace. This one is one for the memory books for certain. So in life this is very much how it feels, like "Auntie" going about life and all of a sudden you get "pooped" on. She certainly didn't ask to be pooped on, or hold a sign up saying dear life, I'd love to be pooped on today. Still these things do happen. I think you can see this situation and be like "where was his diaper" "why weren't you watching more closely" There are so many ways this situation could be prevented. Yet it goes back to if it wasn't this, there would be something else. See your missing the point, We can strive for Christ daily. We can be in our word, learning all He holds in store for us. Things do happen though, things that shake us, or make us want to crumble. I'm telling you hold fast, stand your ground. Don't make idols of worldly positions, or rely on other people to fill the void. They all will crumble and fall away.

Isaiah 2:22 says " Don't put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?"

1 Corinthians 4:15 says " For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only One spiritual father."

Proverbs 10:25 " When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away but the godly have a lasting foundation."

Basically my friends, Take heart stand strong and courage when anything comes to poop on you. Don't be brought down by this world but fortified in Christ.Blessings and love. S.

Dear Brothers and sisters when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1 :2-4

Only thing that's beautiful -Rush of fools

Putting up your dukes

No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.Romans 2:29

I am very encouraged by this verse, in so many ways. Just desiring to please God, that's what I live for daily. I think in life we can get so easily distracted or caught up in : whose wearing this, who did this, who said that. Gossip is everywhere and no lie I've been apart of it on more than one occasion. Yet there's so many verses to flee from that, which I want to apply. As hard as it friends, lets build each other up in Christ. I read this verse this week which is how I feel for everyone that is in my life. It's so essential to our friendships that they encourage us and help us grow closer to Christ. This verse is an example of the person I want to be to others, and an example of the people I put around me.

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:10-12

Did you just read what I read? How true is that, all the things that I have been wanting to say are right here in the word. But true to form they are so much better written than I could put into words. We have been venturing into the land of potty training with thing 1. It happened kinda randomly, I just didn't feel like putting on another diaper so took him and was like here pee in my potty. It's been a couple of weeks of random encouraging and whenever he wants to use the potty that's cool. It was going okay until he started pooping in his underwear-Ewww Trust me I know. I think it's one thing to expect that with the diaper, but if your the lucky winner like me and you unknowingly stick your hand right into it. It's a whole other ball park, one that you really never wanna be invited to! I am proud to report that since those incidents we've moved forward. Almost to a light at the end of the tunnel. Like most days its so hard to see the light, when your in the tunnel. I have just found trusting in God's timing to bring me there is incredibly hard and challenging, yet completely perfect. It reminds me actually of having Samuel, the hubby was suppose to be back for R&R, yet had not returned. If you ladies know about the military you know, you really know NOTHING. Everything you think you know, gets thrown into the trash because lets face it we all fly by the seat of our pants. Well Praise God he got home on a Wednesday evening like 9 or 10 o'clock. Ladies from the moment the man stepped off the plane which his words were "Boy you've gotten Big"- I know he's winner! Up until we were at the hospital he asked me " when's the baby coming? You know I only have so much time, I have to be back in 2 weeks, I don't want to have been here and the baby not come." I turned to the only thing that gives me relaxing in this time- A nice hot shower and intense prayer with God. I remember just crying out "Lord, you know this baby is going to come in your timing and I trust that, but to be frank the man is driving me INSANE" I went into labor Friday morning and finally went to the hospital Friday night, delivering a beautiful baby boy-Thank you Jesus Saturday around 3am. God's timing is perfect, far superior to our own.
"We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps.Romans 16:9" In my daily chaos, which I sometimes refer to as my life. It's incredibly delicious to know that I am not in control and that Jesus has got me today, tomorrow and yesterday.
To finish I'll share this song- I'm gonna fight for you- Kathy Troccoli
Prayers and Blessings on your weekends to come. S.

Taking away the IM

Let me just say there is no other way to start out then by saying.."wow". It's been crazy not blogging, and I'm glad I have this brief moment to share what's been up. These past couple of weeks have been nothing but trudging through the valley. It has felt like all the lights have shut off consistently. I'm not sure how you feel when you are overcome but sometimes its easy to just give up right? For my life I wanted to, it seemed over and over that I was just 40 miles behind everything. So I'll begin by telling you , On the day after Christmas my phone slipped through my fingers and fell into the gravy. -It was fried so I had to get a new one. After driving to Sprint and them telling me they can't help me and call this number I was like "okay I can handle this." Two days of getting no where I was feeling completely overwhelmed. My hubby made the account before we were together so I knew none of the pass codes or security answers. After trying over and over to get through to someone to help me it seemed IMPOSSIBLE. Finally I got a hold of the hubs and he helped me by giving me all the answers, Having all the answers I felt confident I could go through the right channels to get my phone. When you call the assurance it says the fastest way is online-IT LIED I had the online running and I was on the phone (going in slow motion on both areas) I try really hard to remain calm after all this I was livid. So that's where I am at with the phone.Pausing from the phone to move on... 2 days later so the 28th I was driving with my mother in law home when out of no where we get rear ended. I guess the person wasn't paying attention because we were almost completely stopped and they hit us. Now I don't know how you would be feeling at this point , I just looked up and said.. "You've got to be kidding me,Lord." Praise God everyone was okay, no one was hurt and it was just the cars that needed some TLC. That's a blessing, my kids were not in the car they were at home so really I can't complain. It just has felt like there's always something, after been a completely loopy loop with the car and getting a rental, getting it towed, talking to the insurance. God placed a song on my heart. You can always look it up but I'm gonna copy and paste some of it so you can read it now.

All things possible-Mark Shultz I will call on Your name For there’s always a way When You lead me And when life knocks me down I am not counted out For You’re with me And You’re with me [Chorus:] Even when it feels like the light is fading And I’ve lost my way Still I’m holding on to the One who’s making All things possible Even when it feels like my heart is breaking Hold on, there is strength Knowing I belong to the One who’s making All things possible

Did you read that, God is so wonderful, He gave me the perspective I needed. I wanna bring glory and honor to the one who makes all things possible. Things have felt completely impossible, everything impossible. Yet God has made it all possible. Without even trying He makes mountains move. I can't imagine my life without him because I would still be back at the start. Trying to push boulders on my own and moving no where. The scripture for me today was Romans 10:13 For Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

I still have lots going on, it just doesn't seem half as overwhelming. In fact after bidding my in-laws farewell. I felt God hugging me and just being like Everything is going to be okay Sarah. :) Thank you Jesus for all you continue to do for me. Have a blessed start of your new year everyone!! S.