It is what it is

Our children deal with so much. They come to us upset, and in search of an answer. We do our best to help them.  I remember the days when I could kiss them and hold them close, and it seemed to "fix everything" that was wrong in their world. As they get older, those things are bigger, and beyond what a momma can "fix". I wish I still could. It seems so unfair. I'm tired of things not "being fair", I'm tired of the broken hearts, and the tears shed because of hurt feelings....I'm tired of having to "put up with people" because life is handed to them on a silver platter, I'm tired of people judging others because of "status", or lack of "status". I get so frustrated with these things. And it seems like it is everywhere I turn. I'm tired of so much. I know I shouldn't fuss about things like this. But it's time to get it out. I know I can't fix it...And I don't need to. What needs to be "fixed" is my heart. These may be problems. But I need to let go of the bitterness, and give it to God. So this morning the kids and I  handed it over to our Father<3 We all prayed together this morning. Praying for guidance in each and every individual situation. We are all dealing with some things~and no, they might not yield in comparison to world hunger, or international peace. But to the precious people in my "circle"...they matter<3

But I KNOW that our God has a purpose for everything. We can learn from our situations. We can grow closer to the One who is in control of all things. And that is what He wants from us. He doesn't want us to attempt to handle it ourselves. Because when we do. We surely will fail. He wants us to come to Him, just as our children come to us. Not just because we are in a crisis. Not just because we need something. Not just because we are hurting. But simply because we trust Him. Love Him. Period. No matter the circumstances. These things are true for my kids, but also for me. I have been bitter about some things going on in my life here of late. Angry at people, situations, thinking things aren't fair. As I write that down, I realize even more, how I sound like a child. And this morning, I realized, I AM a child. Of the King. And He wants to comfort me, love me, listen, and more than anything, guide me. He is the way. I know. I want to find peace in the struggles our family has been dealing with. and I know He will give it. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a place we don't want to be in. We see so much more for our lives. Want SO much more. Tired of the waiting.... But this morning, finding hope in the "waiting room".

"We’re all in a waiting room of some sort – between where we’re at and where we’re headed. It’s how you respond in those waiting rooms that determine where you’ll go."~Pastor Steven Furtick

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that

Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true

People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You

Really?

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. Philippians 1:12

This verse really spoke to me this morning...It was written by Paul, while he was in prison. He was doing what God had called him to do, sharing the gospel, and he ended up in prison. But even in the depths of his problems....he knew that there was a purpose for his trials.

How can we say that?

It is so hard to have this attitude. We tend to want to wallow in our pity. I know I do. But God used Paul. He ended up in prison, and while he was there, he shared the gospel to those who were around him. Prison guards and prisoners were led to Christ. Was there a purpose in this? Absolutely. So, is there a purpose in our trials? I think the answer is the same. God will use us in our circumstances. Because what happens to me, isn't really about me....Is it? It's how I let God shine through my trials. He is the only reason we are here. To share his love with others. God doesn't bring us to him through a saving grace for us to sit here, and soak, do nothing for others, be selfish, and think we are "safe"  now that we are saved. He has called us to do so much more. How does God want you to use your life? What is He asking you to do? Take the risk, it is worth it. God will use you in a powerful way. <3 I'm willing, Are you?

The Lord is My Rock

I recently attended Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. I have listened to their pastor online for almost a year. James and I had an opportunity to attend a Scentsy meeting (the direct sales business I am a part of) in Charlotte, and I was so excited about actually getting the opportunity to worship at Elevation. Some people don't get it. And I am not asking you to. I am not posting this to create any type of discussion about contemporary worship services verses traditional worship ect. This is my opinion.....

My heart was touched while I was there. People of all types. From different backgrounds. Different ages. No one looked at skin color, tattoos, or being "different" as "bad". There is a sense of peace that comes from loving as Christ loves. I think  back to the Bible times, and Jesus loved the lowest of the low. He didn't judge someone for their past. He didn't judge someone because they were "different". He loved them with a love as only He could have. I know we can't be perfect. I know that Jesus is the only one is was sinless. But I do know that we are to strive to be more like him. Every day. Love those who are unlovable. Be there for people that others try to "get away" from. We all have faults, and we need to quit looking at everyone else's and do what we are here to do. Share the love that Christ died for......with everyone we know. No matter what. I have such a burden for this lately. I just can't seem to understand why we shun certain people away because they are not like us. Those are the people that He wants us to go to. Why can't we understand that? I want the Lord to be my Rock. In all things. I want to share that with others. Why do we let things get in the way? Why do we keep putting things before Him? I am writing this to myself as well. So, don't think I am judging. My prayer this morning, is that we will See life through His Eyes. He loves the unlovable. He has to because he loves me<3

When the waters rise

My hope is sure

When my world falls apart

I stand secure

When my way is dark

Your light breaks through

When i don't feel you near

Your word is true
Jesus your love surrounds me

You're holding my life

Holding my life
The Lord is my rock

And i won't be afraid

i wont be afraid

You're with me
When the waters rise

My hope is sure

When my world falls apart

I stand secure
Oh God you carry us

You rise above

You lift us up

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Waiting on Ian at the Orthodontist....

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Elevation Church.So that people far from God will be raised to Life with Christ.<3

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Charlotte, NC

                                                                  Scentsy Spring Sprint

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Macey  looks so much like Cade...it's ridiculous...

                                                                       Me and Holly

                                                                  Macey and Holly

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Going home from a long day at work...Thankful.

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Holly is so strong, Papaw Horne couldn't hardly hold her...lol...My daddy is crazy...He wanted to set this pic up for my "photo of the day"...so here it is...just for you Daddy<3

I think the seasons are getting confused...lol..flowers blooming in January? I say let's just skip winter, and get right on to Spring...I agree with the flowers<3

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love sharing the electric blanket with Holly....She likes it on high too...lol

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Cade thought this tiny fry box from McDonald's was hilarious...He wanted it to be my pic of the day...so here you go Cade...lol...Love this guys SO MUCH!

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DB Football Banquet....Long night, but enjoyed watching the boys. Great bunch of kids and looking forward to 3 more years of Ian playing football for the Tribe<3

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My Scentsy Team shirts came in today...and they look awesome! So excited about heading to Charlotte this weekend for Scentsy's Spring Sprint....going to be a great weekend away for James and I...and we also get to see and smell lots of Scenty's new products....Heading to Elevation Church on Sunday morning for worship...Excited about that too! <3

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snuggling with a little spoiled girl...

 took this picture with my cell....in the dark...on solar setting....looked pretty cool. =)

I Still Love Summer

There is a lot on my mind today. Not sure that this blog post will be much more than a rambling session, but it is what it is =)
July has always been my favorite month of the year. It is the month that I had an aneurysm. Was thinking today...Does that change my mind about it being my favorite month? Will the memories of the summer of 2011 make my love for the summer time change? I thought about it for a while, but honestly...my answer is no. It won't change except to make me love it more. The summer of 2011 was probably the most difficult time I have experienced in my life. Losing a close family member, major car problems, major health issues personally, major financial burdens~my list goes on and on....and lots of those things are still affecting my precious family today. Some things happen to us, and dig in deep...and seem to never let go. Frustrating. But, I am not all gloom and doom in this post...Promise. Even though all of this happened, there was a purpose behind it. I still am not 100% sure of the why? But I know that my brother in law is in heaven<3, Our car is fixed. Our Lord Healed me~not only physically but spiritually as well....We have jobs to deal with the ongoing medical bills....This past summer, I realized a lot....but I am not in control. No matter how hard we try, we can't control everything. Sometimes life happens. And without a close relationship with my Heavenly Father....I just don't know how to handle it. We don't need to wait until everything falls apart to turn to him either. We need him EVERY day. Ongoing prayer. Bible time. If you are someone who says you don't have the time. Don't talk to me about being busy. Seriously...I can relate better than you can imagine. Our schedule won't fit on my calender....it's so crazy. But one thing I make a priority is time with my Lord. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference. And then when the trials of life fall into your path. You have a friend, that will be there for you throughout it all. <3 So, I grew a lot during 2011....and for that I am thankful. So, I still LOVE Summer....for more reasons than ever before<3

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Today, Ian asked if he could make a chocolate cake for dessert...and he did an amazing job. The cake was really good...I am pretty impressed with my little chef ;)

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Had to pick Cade up from school today due to a severe asthma attack...Once we got to doctor's office, had to give him nebulizer, said he "sounded like a smoker"....lol...Cade thought that was hilarious. Anyway...what better pic of the day, that a nebulizer treatment......Our pics of the day seem to have a medical trend....lol....hope that changes SOON!

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Work.

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Hit a piece of metal on while driving...and put a gash in our new tire...Here is a pic of the huge hole....and cade posing with it =) Guess we have to remember the good and the bad...for this project...lol....At least we got our tire replace for free...because of the plan we purchased....

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Today have a couple pics...Cade had a wrestling match in Bristol...This is him and his little friend, Gage...They cracked me up...didn't have a winning day, but had fun =)

James had wanted to eat at Ridgewood for years, and we never have....so today we did...and he loved it....so had to have a pic of the sign =)

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Our first "snow" of the year....It's not really enough to call a "snow", but considering I am doing a 365 project...I thought it should be the picture of the day....Going to start this weekend putting my first couple of weeks together in my Project Life Album...Hope to upload a few pics of my layouts once I get them completed...

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went to Hobby Lobby today, and loved all the bright colors of these pinwheels<3 reminds me of Spring.....

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Today, the weather was yucky. Rain, rain, and more rain. Dark and gloomy...ugh. For a girl who loves summer....this kind of day just doesn't do much for me. But as I was heading to school to pick up my kiddos...I saw this rainbow....Like I have said before...This 365 project isn't about the "perfect" photo for me. It is simply to tell a story. So, even though there are electric wires and raindrops on my windshield in this pic from my phone...it is a rainbow. God reminded me of his promise. On this day, when I was a little down. Gotta love that.  

Then I picked up this smiling face....Miss Macey....and you can't help but smile...So today, I have more than one picture too...lol...Guess that will end up happening more often than not...But that's ok...Because it's my 365 =)

 I was being silly...and made Macey and Holly make funny faces...lol...

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Cade sitting at the bar while I am cooking supper, working on his homework. I love to watch him read. Hard to believe that he is my baby....and he's in the third grade....

I don't want to be Stuck....

"I don’t want to stay stuck. I don’t want the storyline of my faith to be eclipsed by a shift I was unwilling to make. If you’re feeling stuck, as I so often do, here’s a prayer to pray today…God, help me move forward at the speed of your direction and intention, no matter how painful the transition may be."~Steven Furtick (www.stevenfurtick.com)

When I first read  this, I had to read it a second time. This is my heart. I don't want to stay "stuck". I want the storyline of my faith to be changed. I know that God has been working in my life and in my heart the past few months...June 23rd was the day it all started. I lost my brother in law that day. The events that have continued to happen in my life and the life of my family....have seemed negative. There have been days that I honestly think, "What else?"....But then in my heart I hear this voice that says, "You are supposed to be learning from this life I have given you. Everything that you are experiencing is for a purpose. Don't just "get through" it....Learn from it. Depend on Me. Have Faith. See with My eyes. Know I am here for you. I will show you the purpose in due time." Did I actually "HEAR" those words...No. But it's the feeling that I have. So, I am trying to look at life that way. I know He has a plan for me. Praying, and trying to figure it all out. I know He will show me. In His time<3

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Today as I was sitting in the pick up line, I decided that this would be my 365 photo...lol...Three schools, twice a day...drop off, pick up, drop off, pick up...The story of my life =) My 365 project isn't a "photography skill" project. It's a timeline. A story of our lives in 2012. I plan on putting the pics together as a book...Hopefully along the way. And when December 2012 comes to an end. I will have a photo a day...It may not be the most thought out, perfect shot. But they will tell a story. My story<3 and that's what matters to me<3

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Today after church we went to eat and my pic of the day for today is my children..."calling the front seat of the van"...Lol...They are crazy...Gotta love these guys.

 Then we came home and the kids had a great time with Holly. She overcame her fear of the one step in our house...lol...this was the best pic I could capture of her....She leaps in the air...lol...she's precious.