Not Home Yet

 

 

     I love this quote from C.S. Lewis as it reminds me that this world is not my home. Despite the many things that bring me satisfaction, my soul will never truly find rest until I am home with Him; safe and completely made complete. Don't get me wrong, I love and cherish the life He has given me on this side of Heaven, but I can sense a deeper longing for Him that will not be satisfied until I'm with Him...face to face...in His sweet presence. The Bible describes us as, "aliens," or, "pilgrims," who are just passing through. We are not to get too comfortable with what we have on this earth because it is only temporary. This is why we are called to store up treasures in Heaven where moth, nor rust, nor thieves can destroy. I like how The Message translates it...^19-21"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. (Matthew 6:19-21..emphasis mine.) So I ask...what does your stockpile look like? Is it full of material possessions that are going to fade away one day? Or is it full of Heavenly treasures? Serving the least of these, loving your neighbor as yourself, looking after the widows and orphans, and being the hands and feet of Christ. Believe me, I am preaching to myself here, too! I don't know about you, but I think it would be really sad to store up all of our treasures here on earth, then get to Heaven one day and realize that there is so much I missed out on. It has been made all too easy for us to buy into the lie that this life..this world..is all there is. Believe me there is SO much more! He offers so much more; eternal life with Him in Heaven...our true home.


 

Birthday Blessings for My Dad

Dear Dad,
     I wanted to take a minute to tell you Happy Birthday and let you how blessed I feel to share this day with you and have you as a Dad. You have always been there for me and I appreciate all you do for me and all you have taught me. Since I was a little girl I have always looked up to you. I can remember going to Rainbow Bread with you so early in the morning, but loving every minute of it. I can also recall one of my fondest memories with you when you took me to get ice cream at Grater's and we ate the whole container with plastic spoons! You were always at all my track meets cheering me on, and at Aaron's basketball games cheering him on as well. You have taught me what it means to have a strong work ethtic and to be there for your family. As I grow older, I can more and more of you in myself. We are both kind of quiet and like to observe more than talk sometimes. We both love children, spicy foods, being in nature, and...naps! You are a very smart, strong, and compassionate man who I can see Jesus in. I wanted to thank you most of all for giving me away to the man I now call my husband. I know we were so young when Jeff asked you for my hand in marriage, but I believe that you knew he was the right man for me. After all, daughters marry men like their fathers, right? :) Other than raising me to know the Lord and providing for me, the gift you gave me when you gave me away to Jeff was the greatest gift you could have ever given me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. On of these days when we get on the ball and have children...I know you are going to make an incredible grandpa. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you so much! :)

Happy Friday

Yay for the weekend!!!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Wednesday ya'll! Just 2 more days until the weekend :) Here are a few things I've been loving lately...

1.) All Sons & Daughters. You ever heard of em'? I hadn't either, until my good friend Amber posted one of their songs on her blog. Well, let me tell ya, they are amazing, and I purchased their album from i tunes tonight! I love their style of music, and have been waiting a long time to find a Christian duo. They remind me a lot of Gungor, who if you've never listened to their music, I highly recommend. (Especially their song Beautiful Things.) Take a listen and see what you think....






2.) I'm loving this beautiful fall wreath/hanging thing. (Is it sad that's the best way I can think to describe it?) Chandelier...that's it!  Anyways, I plan on making this in the next few weeks. Come on Fall!





3.) I'm loving the fact that it's almost mine and my dad's birthday! Yes, we share the same birthday, and I love it! My mom is having us a dinner, and instead of cake...I asked for pumpkin pie. Can you tell I haven't gotten over my fall fever, yet? I cannot wait to get some new fall outfits, craft materials, i tunes cards, and lots of vanilla/pumpkin spice lattes! :) Yay for birthday's!!!


4.) As always...I'm loving my amazingly sweet husband and am looking so forward to spending a relaxing weekend with him.

Sunday Worship Song

     I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful day as much as I am! I love this version of Creed, with Brandon Health, and hope you all enjoy it, too. Sing the words loud, and believe it! It is the very truth of God, and not the invention of any man, and it's what makes us who we are...His children. Happy Sunday!

The Firm Foundation

    As I was talking on the phone to my mom tonight and telling her about some things that have been bothering me, she does what all good moms do, and began to encourage me. She read me a little passage from a great devotional book called, Jesus Calling. She had given me the same book a few months back, but I have not read it on a daily basis as I should. Well, while soaking in the tub tonight I decided to read a few passages, and came across this one that I loved...

      "I AM THE FIRM FOUNDATION on which you can dance and sing and celebrate My Presence. This is My high and holy calling for you; receive it as a precious gift. Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control- an impossible task and a waste of precious energy.

      My guidance for all of My children is unique. That's why listening to Me is so vital for your well-being. Let me prepare you for the day that awaits you and point you in the right direction. I am with you continually, so don't be intimidated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you, as long as you cling to My hand. Keep your eyes on Me, enjoying Peace in My Presence." (Psalm 5:11; Eph. 3:20-21; Jude 24-25; Joshua 1:5)

     I don't know about you, but this is exactly what I needed to hear tonight...especially the part about fear. I never really thought about our fear stalking us, but isn't it so true? When we're fearful of something, we can't sleep, we can't think clearly, and no matter where we turn...the fear is still staring us right in the face. This is exactly what the enemy wants. Jesus tells us in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
    
     So, how can we stop the enemy from stealing our joy and trust in the Lord, and live a life abundantly in Christ? I believe this can only happen when we fix our eyes on Jesus and fully trust in His love for us. We are His children whom He loves deeply, and when we take our focus off of Him, and instead focus on our fears...we are allowing the enemy to win. I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of allowing my fears to consume me and letting the enemy win. Let's all turn our focus on the only One who is completely trustworthy and be confident that if He is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) May we go to Him with ALL of our fears and worries and allow Him to be our hiding place. There is no safer or sweeter place to be than in His dwelling.


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

Sunday Worship Song

     I love the beautiful truth this song speaks about His love towards us. God loves us so much, and there's nothing we could do to change that. That's the beauty and the message of the cross...He loves us... period. He shouts it everyday in His mercies new each morning, the singing of the birds, the warm sun shining down on us, and the beautiful sunsets He paints in the evening sky. Today I would encourage you to step outside, listen and look to His creation that surrounds you, and know that He loves you.  What a great God we worship, indeed. Have a blessed and beautiful Sunday, friends.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

     As it turns out, I've got a small case of fall fever. I would love to go swimming a couple more times, but...overall...I'm ready for fall. I love the aromas of fall, the foods of fall, the activities of fall...you get the point. Here are a few of my favorite fall picks so far...

1.) Fall Clothes. I love it all. The boots, the sweaters, leggings..everything!











2.) Fall food. From chili to apple dumplings...I love it all!







3.) Fall Scenery. I love the spectacular colors of fall and how you can see God's handiwork in the leaves, sky, flowers, etc. He is truly an amazing artist, as these pics clearly show...









4.) Bluegrass music. Am I the only one who likes different music for different seasons? It seems like each fall I really enjoy songs with a hint of country/blugrass, like this...



That's all for tonight, friends!

Birthday Blessings for My Husband

Dear Jeff,
     First of all, I apologize for not getting this posted yesterday, as that was your actual Birthday. However, I had a really great day fishing and enjoying the great outdoors with you, and know that meant more to you than me getting this letter posted. I would like to begin by saying that I still feel like the most blessed woman in the world to call you mine. You are the best husband and friend that I could have ever asked for, and I want to say thank you for all that you do. You are such an amazing spiritual leader, as well as provider, and listener. I will never forget the night we met and the instant attraction I had to you. First and foremost, I could clearly see that you were a Christian man, and loved the Lord. And....bonus...you were extremely cute! Over the last seven years, we have laughed together, cried together, and most importantly, grown together in our relationship with Christ. Words cannot fully express how much you mean to me, or how grateful I am for all you do for us. You are a man who is respected by many, and a great witness for the Lord.  In you, I see the integrity of Joseph, the kindness of Boaz, the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of Daniel, and the unending love of Christ. There is no one else I respect more, or would rather be on this journey with. We have already covered so much ground together, and I look foward to many more years of memories and love. I love you, Jeff....today and always.

Love,
Your Wife

I am the Vine...

     I love these precious words that our sweet Savior spoke in the book of John! As we go into the weekend, let's all take time to relax and abide in Him...the true vine and giver of life. Be blessed, friends! :)