not the same

A word for today:
When we come into God’s presence, He fills us. The Lord changes us so that we are not the same as we were when we came to Him. Ezekiel 46:9 represents this exchange of old for new. The people of Israel were told when they came into the temple area to worship, they were to enter through one gate and exit through the opposite gate.


So the same should be true with us; we are “not to go back as we came, but more holy, and heavenly, and spiritual” (Matthew Henry). As we enter into our special times with God, we need to come out the “opposite gate,” different than the way we went in.

This was my reading this morning. A wonderful reminder to not allow what you've given to God back into your heart and mind. Leave it with him! God bears our burdens and casts out all fear. He is a good God and doesn't expect us to bear the load, the burdens of life on our own. What a good God he is. He loves us so much. I am so thankful to have been raised in a home that taught me to love God and to put him in priority. What a blessing.

much needed

I had such a fun weekend. It was mostly relaxing, but with a lot of activity. Friday night we had some new friends over, Marshall and Tabbie. It was a lot of fun. Jason and I both really enjoyed and connected with them. The four of us share responsibility of the kids ministry at our church. They do the Sunday morning services and we do the Sunday night one. It's been a good system so far. Anyway.. we had taco soup and played a game. Lots of food and lots of laughs. A great night. The guys ended up playing old school nintendo and the girls sat on the couch and gabbed. A wonderful night of friends who love the Lord like we do. Praise God for his blessings.

Saturday was a full on free day. It was wonderful. Jason and I planned it that way on purpose. We've been so busy and we needed to have a full day to complete odds and ends that had been neglected as well as just have some US time. It was a great day. After getting odds and ends accomplished around the house, we ventured into town for a movie. We saw my favorite: Beauty and the Beast in 3-D. It was beautiful and wonderful. After the movie we went to the park so I could take some shots of Jason for his graduation announcements. They turned out great! Here's my fav.

ahh he's sooo handsome...you can see other favorites on my photography blog anyway... We had some shopping to do so we went to Sam's (we were planning a special movie night for the kids at church). We shopped and dropped our groceries at the church then went to the mall for coffee and people watching. I breezed in and out of a few stores.. it was a great day. We ended up at home for some down time.

Sunday was a wonderful day in the Lord. Jason participated in his first baptismal service. Two of the men in the recovery class that he teaches requested he be the pastor to baptise them. It was a sweet time. We enjoyed a restful afternoon. Just what we needed. That night, the kids had a movie party.. complete with snacks and "Veggie Tales". Now it's Monday and I anticipate another wonderful week, but I definately look forward to the weekend again.

friday fav.

I love this picture. I love the look on Jason's face in particular. This is one of the looks of my husband that captures his true personality. It's like..what's going on in that head of yours? I've found pictures of him with the same look when he's a kid and I get such a kick out of them! A little mischevious.. woulden't you say?

the road less traveled

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8


I read a great devo. this morning from my Proverbs 31 daily e-mail. It was talking about how easy isn’t always good. Sometimes the easy way gets us into trouble, or leaves a wake of disaster behind us. Just because something is more difficult doesn’t mean it’s wrong and we should choose the easy route. It’s just like walking with Christ. It’s not easy at times.. it’s often the harder road. It’s not popular always and it takes a lot of guts to stand up for what you believe in. I love this challenge. Character is not built from one moment to the next, it’s build in the midst of trial and waiting. Where would we be without that hard road? Something to think about.. I know I will.

Yesterday after I shared my financial blessing I decided to share one each day. My hope is that it will encourage you and will hold me accountable in claiming one each day. The blessing I chose for today goes right along with what i've just talked about:

"When bad News Comes"

I am not shaken when I hear bad news. I will not let a bad report affect my joy or rob me of my peace. I will not let bad news discourage me or cause me to become fearful. God has a plan for me to overcome this financial adversity. This was no suprise to Him. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. I cast all the problems of this situation over to the Lord. I will not let worry, fear, or anxious thoughts trouble me. The HOly Spirit gives me insight, wisdom , and favor to navigate my way throug this adversity.

God is my provider, my deliverer, and my strong tower. I have learned to live independent of circumstances. The Holy Spirit gives me clear and specific directions concerning what I should do. Jesus will never leave me or forsake me. Therefore I will not let my heart be troubled. I will trust in God and I will boast in His Word. What the enemy has meant for evil, God will turn it to my good. I will patiently wait and see the salvation of the Lord.

my source

Jason and I are in a season of making up for past mistakes. For me, It's my credit card debt and re-learning some spending habits. Both of us brought debt into our marriage and let me tell ya, it's not always easy. But, you know, God is our source.. not our jobs or what we do or don't do.. it's God that provides. I stand amazed at how time after time Jason and I shoudlen't have been able to pay our bills and the money just came from somewhere and everything was covered and then some. That's my God!

 My wonderful friend and mentor, Jackie, gave me several books in a series called "Scripture Confessions" each mini book fits perfectly into any purse or pocket and is chock full of different "confessions" for different situations in life. At the end of each confession are several scriptures that back up the confession- soo cool!  The one i've been carrying around lately is the finances version. I wanted to share one today. I pray that this encourages you as much as it does me. You can find these books here

"Start the Day with God"

This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory. It is His will that I prosper and lack nothing. I am the head and not the tail. I am blessed coming in and I am blessed going out. I am blessed on my job; I have God's favor with all those who are in authority over me.

Abraham's blessing is mine. Abundance and prosperity are God's will for my life. I call all of my debts "paid off" and all my bills "paid on time." Whatever I do succeeds, and I prosper in whatever I put my hand to. I operate and function in the wisdom of God concerning all my financial matters. Men give to me good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over. Supernatural money-making ideas come to me. God gives me supernatural insight and understanding on how to make more money and how to manage all of my financial affairs. I have more than enough to meet all of my needs and plenty left over to be a blessing to others.

this is Jackie ("ma" as Jason calls her) she is not only an amazing friend and mentor, but she was one of the ministers at our wedding (she's signing our wedding license here)~  a true woman of God to emulate

my weekend with THE MAN

Do you ever have one of those days/ moments/ weeks where you feel like you just can't keep up with all the ideas and list of desired accomplishments in your head and you just don't do any of them because there are too many clogging your brain and preventing you from funcioning? (breathe) haha!! I do. ALL THE TIME! I wonder if I have ADD. My moms says I do and apparently she's the expert since she has a masters in counseling.. anyway.. sometimes I wonder, how does one go about doing all that he/she desires to accomplish without being compeltely overwhelmed? One step at a time. You know, I think it starts with taking a deep breath, then praying. Yep, God will align my thoughts, desires , dreams.. then help me put them into action in the order that he wills them. I'm already doing better at blogging. I'm feeling my brain juices flowing again.. I love this feeling! God is faithful.

Jason and I had a productive weekend. Friday was something new... after work i went over to my boss's house (she's around my age) along with my two other co-workers and had a movie night. We had pizza hut, rolo snacks, too much coke and watched Forrest Gump. A lifelong classic I will never tire of. I am very blessed to have co-workers that I get along with/ enjoy spending time with outside of work. We're all around the same age and that definately helps. Jason got some alone time (which he desperately needed) which always translates to me coming home finding him on the couch watching either Star Trek or Stargate. (yes, I married a sci-fi nerd). I actually encourage my hubby to relax.. he works super hard (sometimes too hard) Sometimes I have to order him to sit on the couch for a while. For this, i admire him. He's not a work-aholic, he's just a hard worker who does everything 110% and I love him for this.

Saturday we slept in and got lots done around the house. Jason had greek homework and I always have house work. He also took that time to prepare for his Tuesday night class that he teaches at church and to organize his notes for Kid's church on Sunday night. It was definately a productive afternoon. Sometimes those are my absolute favorite Saturdays.. just being around the house.. being productive. ahhh. After we had accomplished our goals for the day, we got dressed up for a date night in honor of Jason being clean for 5 years. (that's a very long story, but my husband has been delivered  from a period of addiction.. Praise God!). I wanted to make a big deal of this very awesome accomplishment. We used one of our Christmas gift cards to Red Lobster because my husband is a seafood fan. It was a lovely evening. We stuffed ourselves on scallops, crab cakes, and yummy chicken.. then topped it all off with some concretes from Andy's- yummmm!!!.

when we got home, we changed into our stretchy pants and enjoyed the movie Father of the Bride. Jason had never seen it, but i knew he would love it. Sure enough- he did. We totally joked that he will be just like Steve Martin, the father, someday. I love that he knows this already and isn't even a dad yet. =)

Sunday was busy. It was one of those days that we packed everything up in the morning and took it with us to church because we wouldn't be coming home again until after evening service. We had a wonderful morning of worship and an inspiring word. We ate yummy soup with some nice friends at their home and then were back to church early for a Kid's Ministry meeting. Our kids service went well (Kid's Club Connection) We've got great kids. I will have to dedicate a whole post to our kids.

God is good friends.. God is  SO GOOD!

friday fav.

Cousin Eddie meets docta' love! My crazy little brother poses for a priceless pic. Christmas 2010. He's the king of silly pics!

reflection

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?


Played an old woman in a children’s play

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Honestly, I don’t remember what my resolution was last year. I never make much of a deal of them. This year, I just want to improve myself all around- shouldn’t we always be wanting to do that?

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

These days it seems that EVERYONE is having babies!! My friends Amy and Kerri had baby boys: Luke and Ben My friend Ashley had a girl: Bryley

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, My grandfather. He lived 8 hours away, but close all the same.

5. What countries did you visit?

Unfortunately, none. Europe is the goal!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

I would absolutely love to have a baby. But that’s up to the good Lord.


7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Oh wow! I’m not sure if I have specific dates.. nothing monumental enough for that.

8. What was your biggest achievement for the year?

I’ve adjusted to being a wife and having my own home.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I didn’t spend enough personal time with the Lord.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing physical.. just had to make some emotional adjustments.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I enjoyed making my husband’s birthday special. We went ziplining and to a yummy hamburger place. I enjoyed spoiling him for a few days surrounding his birthday.

12. Where did most of your money go?

Bills

13. What did you get really excited about?

My new camera at Christmas- It’s a longtime dream of mine to take up photography.


14. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Let It Snow- Michael Buble


15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

-Happier or sadder?

Happier!

-Thinner or fatter?

fluffier

-Richer or poorer?

Same.

16. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Cooked for my husband more, gone to Memphis for visits.. traveled


17. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Being discontent


18. How did you spend Christmas?

On Christmas Eve me and my hubby had a special fancy dinner at home and exchanged one gift between the two of us and then watched “It’s A Wonderful Life” while cozied on the couch. On Christmas day we went to his parents’ house for brunch and tons of presents with the immediate family. We hung out there for a while.. I had fun with my new camera.. then we were lazy the rest of the day/week.. I had the whole week off- it was wonderful!


19. What was your favorite TV program?

Do I have to pick one? Some that I get most excited about are America’s Next Top Model (don’t judge), The Next Iron Chef, and Criminal Minds

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

The Power of a Praying Wife

21. What was your favorite music this year?

Michael Buble’s Christmas CD.


22. What were your favorite films of the year?

Sherlock Holmes, seeing Lion King in 3-D

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 30- My husband planned a whole weekend of specials- but the highlight was definitely my surprise Roller Staking Party with family and friends.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

More music

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Comphy simple chic and leggings!

26. What kept you sane?

The love of my husband and Jesus

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

That I can be content no matter what!! I just need to keep my eyes on Jesus and not let my mind tell me otherwise. Focus on the positive and strive to make new goals!

2011- looking back

Rascal Flatts concert

first house guests (ever) - Jonathan and his girlfriend Amanda

our first Valentine's day as a married couple- Jason cooked

we sang "lucky" by Jason Mraz at our church's Valentine's day banquet

I married a farmer- he grew an amazing vegetalbe garden- a first

dad brought us a Tulip Poplar from memphis~ it started blooming around our wedding

Love, Jason

i got bunnied by Jesus~ our first Easter play together

A tea party in celebration of Prince William and Kate's marriage

we spend a lot of time at table rock lake in Branson

my first time to cliff jump~ scary!

new friends~ Bitsy and Alex

Happy Birthday Jason! ~ He suprised me (below) with a roller skating party for my 30th birthday!

Road trip to Pennsylvania~ North Market in Columbus, Oh.

Gettysburg

Indianapolis

epic water balloon fight (started by my dad and my husband~ Wiley FAmily Reunion

Our 1 year anniversary~ Dogwood Canyon

Eating dinner over lake Taneycomo

Mom's birthday weekend

Jason wears a skirt!

this was my first time to see Jason holding a baby (Luke Baker)

Grandpa Schaade joined Nana in heaven early november~ they are together again

the Sagraves visited us for the first time in Missouri

cousin Robin got married

Jonathan "loved" his Christmas gift!

caroling at St. John's ~ pediatric floor

a preview~ Jason and I were in the kid's Christmas play at church

Jason got his liscense to preach for the A/G~ we celebrated with all you can eat crab legs!

ice skating for the first time together on New Year's Eve

cousin Madison's first time to bowl

my first photo shoot~ the adventure begins...

friday fav.



This picture was taken in a school in Peru during my amazing missions trip there in 2007. Words cannot describe the work that God did both in and through me. I am so blessed to have been a part of the amazing team of missionaries and students we ministered with that week. It will forever impact my life.