7 Years Later: His Love Prevails

     Wow! I cannot believe that seven years have passed since the day that I decided to be baptized and become a completely, committed, follower of Christ. As I sit here with a loss of words and a heart full of gratitude, all I can think over and over again is this: God is faithful and His love prevails. What a whirlwind the last seven years have been. I don't even know where to begin. As most of you may know, I was in a very dark place prior to surrending my life to Christ and accepting him as my Savior. And boy did I ever need a Savior. If you have never heard my testimony click here. I had carried around so much guilt and shame from my past, and the burden was too heavy to carry on my own. I can remember reading in 2 Cor., the truth that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Cor. 5:17) I desperately needed a rebirth and that is exactly what I got on Feb. 13, 2005. I can remember when I came up out of the water thinking (along with the lyrics from a Third Day song), "It's gone. The guilt, the same, the ugliness, the darkness; I am innocent and I am new." (Makes me cry just thinking about it.) This was by far, the best day of my life.

     Over the last seven years, God has sustained me through many life changes. Meeting Jeff at the young age of 17, graduating high school, and getting engaged all in the same year of 2005 . Enrolling in Bible College, planning a wedding, and landing my first job at a daycare in the year of 2006. Getting married in 2007, shortly followed by the passing of my dearly loved Granny, and landing my second job at Geek Squad City. Obviously, besides the Lord, Jeff was my strength throughout the year of 2007. He and I were both in the room when my Granny went home to be with the Lord, and I took this very hard. On top of this, I was completely miserable at Geek Squad. I was having a hard time learning what I was supposed to do, (as they only have a million and one policies to learn) and I didn't exactly fit in with the people I worked with. I was desperately praying for another job where I could work with children again, and at the same time have benefits. I remember feeling stuck with no way out. Then comes 2008...

     Jeff and I celebrated our first anniversary, and the day after, moved into our first home. We lived with his mom the first year, and the thought of being on our own was completely terrifying. A month later I met my best friend Stacey at a bridal shower, and she told me that her employer was currently hiring. She explained to me that she worked for Head Start, where she received full benefits, and absolutely loved her job. I filled out an application, begged the Lord that I would get the job, and a month later landed my third and current job. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with children again. This is where I truly belong.

     Throughout the years of 2009-2011, I witnessed my Mom, Dad, brother and sister-in-law come to know the Lord in a deeper way, and also be baptized. What a joy this was. My brother went on a mission's trip to China in 2011, that has forever changed his life. Shortly after coming back home, he proposed to Kathleen, and they are getting married this year. I don't know what else 2012 holds in store for us, but I do know this: God is good and God is love. I have felt His unfailing love and grace more times than I could count over the last seven years, and I know He's not finished with me yet. I pray that the next seven years bring new family members, good health, and many more great memories.

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you now on this very special day to thank you. Thank you for your providence, grace, and love over the last seven years. Thank you for pulling me out of the deep, dark pit that I was in and redeeming my life. I was so undeserving. Thank you Lord that this is only made possible through your Son Jesus, whom you sent to die on the cross for our sins. You are so good and so gracious towards me, and I will ever praise you. You have sustained me thus far, and I know you will continue to do so. I love you more than words can express.

As soon as I came up out of the water, all I could think about were the words to this song. I think I listened to it over and over that day.

Sunday Worship Song

     I apologize again for being absent most of the week. My sinuses got the best of me, but I am feeling much better and I promise more posts are coming this week. Hope you all enjoy this beautiful song by Jeremy Riddle. Happy Sunday!

Feelin' the Love

     I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it!  With Valentine's Day being so close, I am definitely feelin' the love. Here are a few love songs that I've been listening to lately. Enjoy!

Sunday Worship Song

     I chose this song today because I am praying with all my heart, that God would speak to me in a fresh way through His word. We are digging deep into His word this year at church as we are going through The Story series, and I want to learn so much more than I do. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." My prayer is just that; that the word of God would not only be absorbed in my mind, but that it would sink deep down into my soul and marrow, and that His word would be hidden in my heart. I pray the same for you all as well. Have a blessed Sunday.

Major Craft Coupon Savings

     Last night was a major craft savings score! I had a 40% off coupon for one regular priced item at Hobby Lobby, and I found a high value $5.00 off any purchase of $5.00 or more coupon from Michaels. I was ecstatic when I came home and added up my total's. First, let me tell you what I purchased. At Hobby Lobby, I bought one yard of fabric and a package of sponge brushes. At Michaels, I bought two straw wreaths and two large rolls of yarn. So a total of six items. Ready for the total? Drum roll please...$9.17!!!! I couldn't believe that I got all of this for under $10.00, and I am so excited about the wreaths and yarn, as I am going to use them to make some super cute yarn wreaths. Here's a breakdown of the prices:

Fabric and Sponge Brushes- $7.52

Two rolls of Yarn- $0.61

Two Straw Wreaths-$1.04

He will Rejoice

  

     My favorite verse in the Bible is Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." How amazing is it, that God sings over us? I don't know about you, but I find this to be absolutely incredible. Since I work at a childcare facility, I get to rock babies often as they sleep. Sometimes I myself may sing a quiet song, or say a silent prayer over them, and I definitely take great delight in the sweet little things. I have often thought about how similar this must look, when our Mighty God sings over His children. In my mind I picture Him pulling us close to His chest, and singing the most beautiful of melodies to us, as He quiets our anxious hearts. Today I encourage you to rest in His peace by leaning into Him, and feeling His unending heartbeat as He holds you close, and quiets you with His unfailing love.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

     So, my brother has been on me the last two Sunday's at church about not posting a What I'm Loving Wednesday segment. In order to satisfy him, let me begin with this...

1.) Today, I am loving my brother. You wanted it...you got it Aaron! No seriously, I really do love my brother so much and am so proud of him these days. He is, and has always been the best big bro., and I am so thankful for him.

2.) I am loving The Story. The Story is a book written by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee, and is a narrative of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Beginning this weekend, our church is starting a year long sermon series, using the The Story as our guide along the way. I am so excited about this, because although I have studied the Bible for many years, there are still plenty of things I don't understand. The whole purpose of  this series is to help us find our place in God's story. 

3.) Crafts, crafts, and more crafts. As I stated in my goals for 2012 (update coming soon) I want to take more time out for crafting. I have found that, for me, crafting is a huge stress reliever. Here are a few projects that I want to complete this year...

Are these not the most adorable things you have ever seen? They would also make great gifts!

 This is actually a cover for a Kindle, but I was thinking about making a much smaller version for our i Pod touch.

I love this cute pom, pom necklace, and am definitely going to try to recreate this.

Yarn wreaths are so easy and fun to make. I made one back in the fall, and love the colors used in this one for Spring. 

 Speaking of that fall yarn wreath, I just remembered that I never posted a picture of the one I made. I am very hesitant to show you this, simply because the lighting is terrible. One of these days I will break down and get one of those fancy DSLR cameras. The colors shown here aren't exactly the colors in real life. The coral looking flower is actually a deep orange color, and the magenta looking one is actually a deep red color, etc. 

     As you can see, I have many projects to keep me busy for a while. Good thing Kathleen and I are starting our craft nights soon :) Well, I think that's all for tonight. Have a good one.