i love decorating for christmas!

i am not sure how long i have been waiting to start decking my blog out in Christmas colors and pictures.  this is what gets me through the dreary rainy seasons after summer ends...thanksgiving and Christmas.

i love decorating for christmas!

i am not sure how long i have been waiting to start decking my blog out in Christmas colors and pictures.  this is what gets me through the dreary rainy seasons after summer ends...thanksgiving and Christmas.

the best times.

last night i cried...my stomach hurt.  i was laughing so hard.  the funny thing is that i don't always laugh because of the actual joke or situation, but listening to my friends laugh makes me laugh.

i love how different God made our laughs sound.  i love how i could hear any of my friends laugh from the other room and smile because i know who it is.  i love how contagious laughter is.  the best times in life are like last night, tears running down my face as the uncontrollable giggles erupt until my stomach begs me to stop.  i love my friends.

the best times.

last night i cried...my stomach hurt.  i was laughing so hard.  the funny thing is that i don't always laugh because of the actual joke or situation, but listening to my friends laugh makes me laugh.

i love how different God made our laughs sound.  i love how i could hear any of my friends laugh from the other room and smile because i know who it is.  i love how contagious laughter is.  the best times in life are like last night, tears running down my face as the uncontrollable giggles erupt until my stomach begs me to stop.  i love my friends.

cobwebs.

this past weekend at the beach served as a time to clear all the cobwebs in my life and refocus on the more important things in life.  like {relationships}.

this past week, i have felt my identity being attacked.  comments, situations and feelings have all hit the same sensitive button...i am too quiet.  whenever it is mentioned, pressure tends to build and it seems necessary to change, be more like someone else and less like me.  i feel the negativity and i withdraw OR fake the personality that seems more likable. 

in the midst of worship, God began clearing the cobwebs and revealing to me a new perspective.  he made me this way for a purpose.  i know...crazy, huh?  opportunities to observe, listen and discern are more obvious when i am not talking.  tiny red flags are noticed more when i take the time to take in my surroundings.  i can help catch the people who are silently slipping through the cracks.  i can be used by God. 

now i can say {thank you} when people remind me that i'm quiet.  it's a blessing.

cobwebs.

this past weekend at the beach served as a time to clear all the cobwebs in my life and refocus on the more important things in life.  like {relationships}.

this past week, i have felt my identity being attacked.  comments, situations and feelings have all hit the same sensitive button...i am too quiet.  whenever it is mentioned, pressure tends to build and it seems necessary to change, be more like someone else and less like me.  i feel the negativity and i withdraw OR fake the personality that seems more likable. 

in the midst of worship, God began clearing the cobwebs and revealing to me a new perspective.  he made me this way for a purpose.  i know...crazy, huh?  opportunities to observe, listen and discern are more obvious when i am not talking.  tiny red flags are noticed more when i take the time to take in my surroundings.  i can help catch the people who are silently slipping through the cracks.  i can be used by God. 

now i can say {thank you} when people remind me that i'm quiet.  it's a blessing.

sponsors needed!

i wish i could be doing this right now.

playing in the waves is one of my {favorite} things to do.  i will be at the beach soon, but most likely i will not be tasting the crisp ocean spray.  :o(

anyone want to sponsor a trip for me to go to tropical beach?  i would greatly appreciate it.

sponsors needed!

i wish i could be doing this right now.

playing in the waves is one of my {favorite} things to do.  i will be at the beach soon, but most likely i will not be tasting the crisp ocean spray.  :o(

anyone want to sponsor a trip for me to go to tropical beach?  i would greatly appreciate it.

casey james ♥ five years old

this is my baby boy who is not a baby at ALL any more.  he turned FIVE years old today!  i was a nanny for him and his big brother for a year starting when he was around three months old.  it was such an honor to be a part of the francis family and i miss them terribly. 

five years old.  inconceivable!  the one thing that breaks my heart and has brought me to tears multiple times today is that he doesn't remember.  the hours of snuggles and laughter are forgotten.  the never ending chorus of  "my casey lies over the ocean.  my casey lies over the sea..." is non-existent in my life now.

i didn't call you today casey.  i know that you don't really know me now and i didn't want you to feel awkward talking to me on the phone.  if i could even talk...i can barely type these words because my eyes are all blurry from the tears.

{happy birthday casey!  i love you.}

casey james ♥ five years old

this is my baby boy who is not a baby at ALL any more.  he turned FIVE years old today!  i was a nanny for him and his big brother for a year starting when he was around three months old.  it was such an honor to be a part of the francis family and i miss them terribly. 

five years old.  inconceivable!  the one thing that breaks my heart and has brought me to tears multiple times today is that he doesn't remember.  the hours of snuggles and laughter are forgotten.  the never ending chorus of  "my casey lies over the ocean.  my casey lies over the sea..." is non-existent in my life now.

i didn't call you today casey.  i know that you don't really know me now and i didn't want you to feel awkward talking to me on the phone.  if i could even talk...i can barely type these words because my eyes are all blurry from the tears.

{happy birthday casey!  i love you.}

the diamond in the rough.

last night as i was drifting off to {la la land}, God quietly reminded me of a conversation i had earlier in the day.  one of my friends asked me how my week had gone and i verbally vomited merely mentioned some of the internal and external chaos that had occurred.  not once did i verbalize what God had been doing in my life.

i was disgusted with my oversight because the closeness i felt with God last week was incredible.  spontaneous prayers disrupted the mundane and altered my focus.  wisdom and insight beyond comprehension tended to be at my fingertips when i sought Him instead of answers.


something that made me laugh this week: i was watching a tv show (can't even remember which one), and during an intense scene i began praying for the situation that the character was going through.  :o)  can't say whether it helped or not, but it did end well for the character...

an interesting thing that has come back to the surface this week is my desire to go back to school.  i still don't know any of the details of how, when and where, but i feel that God's hand is in this process.  i am excited to see how He directs my path as i learn psychology and use counseling skills in my everyday interactions with the world.

the diamond in the rough.

last night as i was drifting off to {la la land}, God quietly reminded me of a conversation i had earlier in the day.  one of my friends asked me how my week had gone and i verbally vomited merely mentioned some of the internal and external chaos that had occurred.  not once did i verbalize what God had been doing in my life.

i was disgusted with my oversight because the closeness i felt with God last week was incredible.  spontaneous prayers disrupted the mundane and altered my focus.  wisdom and insight beyond comprehension tended to be at my fingertips when i sought Him instead of answers.


something that made me laugh this week: i was watching a tv show (can't even remember which one), and during an intense scene i began praying for the situation that the character was going through.  :o)  can't say whether it helped or not, but it did end well for the character...

an interesting thing that has come back to the surface this week is my desire to go back to school.  i still don't know any of the details of how, when and where, but i feel that God's hand is in this process.  i am excited to see how He directs my path as i learn psychology and use counseling skills in my everyday interactions with the world.

one of those weeks.

yesterday i coped.  ignored life, immersed myself in tv land, ate unhealthy comfort food and just coped.  as i went to bed last night, hours after i had planned, i was discouraged and frustrated that i wasted an entire day.

today, life is back with a vengeance.  things i had shoved out of my mind came back to slap me viciously in the face.  heavy words and situations are causing fear to rise.  since the moment i woke up on sunday, it has just been one of those weeks.

God, i am desperate for wisdom to speak into these situations.  i long for peace to overwhelm everyone involved.  more than anything, i want to sit in your lap and feel your arms around me.  you are the great redeemer.  amen!

one of those weeks.

yesterday i coped.  ignored life, immersed myself in tv land, ate unhealthy comfort food and just coped.  as i went to bed last night, hours after i had planned, i was discouraged and frustrated that i wasted an entire day.

today, life is back with a vengeance.  things i had shoved out of my mind came back to slap me viciously in the face.  heavy words and situations are causing fear to rise.  since the moment i woke up on sunday, it has just been one of those weeks.

God, i am desperate for wisdom to speak into these situations.  i long for peace to overwhelm everyone involved.  more than anything, i want to sit in your lap and feel your arms around me.  you are the great redeemer.  amen!

flaming arrows! ack!

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:13-18

after writing yesterday about peaceful feet, i sure had a frustrating day.  nothing out of the ordinary really happened but i just seemed on edge.  my patience ran out quickly and the kids seemed to be driving me nuts.  during naptime i had a chance to breathe and reflect.  

so often i forget that there is an enemy.  don't get me wrong, i know that he is there...i just don't think about the fact that he doesn't stop shooting those dang arrows.  the days that i'm feeling on top of things are the days that i get attacked the most because my guard is down.  

so often i get caught up with the details and strategies of life and i think that i need to know everything.  that isn't what this verse says though.  it merely encourages you to pick up the shield and hold on tight.  doing this will extinguish a few...no, some...NO, ALL of the flaming arrows of the evil one.  that's pretty stinkin' cool.  why don't i do that?

God, i want my faith to glorify you.  everyday as i am battling through life, remind me of the truth and love that forms that shield of faith.  let me be an example to the people around me as i seek you.  amen!

flaming arrows! ack!

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:13-18

after writing yesterday about peaceful feet, i sure had a frustrating day.  nothing out of the ordinary really happened but i just seemed on edge.  my patience ran out quickly and the kids seemed to be driving me nuts.  during naptime i had a chance to breathe and reflect.  

so often i forget that there is an enemy.  don't get me wrong, i know that he is there...i just don't think about the fact that he doesn't stop shooting those dang arrows.  the days that i'm feeling on top of things are the days that i get attacked the most because my guard is down.  

so often i get caught up with the details and strategies of life and i think that i need to know everything.  that isn't what this verse says though.  it merely encourages you to pick up the shield and hold on tight.  doing this will extinguish a few...no, some...NO, ALL of the flaming arrows of the evil one.  that's pretty stinkin' cool.  why don't i do that?

God, i want my faith to glorify you.  everyday as i am battling through life, remind me of the truth and love that forms that shield of faith.  let me be an example to the people around me as i seek you.  amen!

do you like rocks?

i don't mind real ones.  but if you have been stuck between a rock and a hard place in your life you know that it's not a place you want to be.

i have equated rocks with struggle, heaviness and obstacles to get around.

last week, God showed me a different perspective.  check it out:

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water. 

 Psalm 114:7-8

In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give them. 

Nehemiah 9:15

He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag.

Deuteronomy 32:13

So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. 

Isaiah 28:16

 

So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.  

I Samuel 17:50

Then Manoah took a young goat, together with the grain offering, and sacrificed it on a rock to the LORD.

Judges 13:19

He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

Luke 6:48

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.  

Psalm 27:5

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

Psalm 18:2

i now see a source of provision, a place of sacrifice and an unyielding security.

what will you do with that stone in your hand?

what foundation will you construct with that boulder that seems to be blocking your path?

what could God miraculously provide through that unlikely source?

being stuck between a rock and a hard place has never looked better.

do you like rocks?

i don't mind real ones.  but if you have been stuck between a rock and a hard place in your life you know that it's not a place you want to be.

i have equated rocks with struggle, heaviness and obstacles to get around.

last week, God showed me a different perspective.  check it out:

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water. 

 Psalm 114:7-8

In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give them. 

Nehemiah 9:15

He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag.

Deuteronomy 32:13

So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. 

Isaiah 28:16

 

So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.  

I Samuel 17:50

Then Manoah took a young goat, together with the grain offering, and sacrificed it on a rock to the LORD.

Judges 13:19

He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

Luke 6:48

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.  

Psalm 27:5

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

Psalm 18:2

i now see a source of provision, a place of sacrifice and an unyielding security.

what will you do with that stone in your hand?

what foundation will you construct with that boulder that seems to be blocking your path?

what could God miraculously provide through that unlikely source?

being stuck between a rock and a hard place has never looked better.

peaceful feet.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:13-18

i want those shoes.

what would happen if my feet were daily fitted with anticipation to go where He sends me with the serenity that overrides my fears of failure, rejection and the unknown?

God, as i walk through today's challenges and joy, help me to be anxious only to see where you will lead me with my next step.  Amen!

peaceful feet.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:13-18

i want those shoes.

what would happen if my feet were daily fitted with anticipation to go where He sends me with the serenity that overrides my fears of failure, rejection and the unknown?

God, as i walk through today's challenges and joy, help me to be anxious only to see where you will lead me with my next step.  Amen!

i ♥ fall...

...on crisp sunny days like today!  we spent the majority of our day outside.  i am so grateful for this gorgeous weather.  can't believe it's already november!

i ♥ fall...

...on crisp sunny days like today!  we spent the majority of our day outside.  i am so grateful for this gorgeous weather.  can't believe it's already november!

:o)

two things that made me smile today... a corndog airplane and a shadow picture!

:o)

two things that made me smile today... a corndog airplane and a shadow picture!