Christmas Part I

On the Friday before Christmas, my family and I traveled to my sister's home to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family.  My kids always love spending time with their cousins.  And it's always entertaining to have 5 children under the age of 10 in one house.

And for the record, Addison has no problem being the only girl in the bunch.  She adores all of the attention!

On Saturday, we celebrated my nephew Carter's second Birthday (who turned two on Christmas day)!

Sweet Carter, you are such a joy and I am so thankful to have you in my life!  I can't wait to see the amazing things that you are going to do with your life!

Addison and Finn got a quick nap in the car on the way back home.  We rushed home after Carter's Birthday party to go to Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at our church.

Spunky and I had spent a lot of time praying for the Candlelight Service at our church.  Our church had went above and beyond to invite the community to our church for the service.  We had handed out invitations at the Christmas parade and we handed out ice scrapers at stores on the Saturday prior to the service.  So, when I entered the sanctuary (early) on Saturday, I was moved to tears when I saw the entire sanctuary filled to the brim.

The service was so so beautiful and touching!  

And after the service, I was hoping to get the perfect family photo (possibly for next year's Christmas card) and yeah...that didn't happen.  THIS is the best that we could get.

After the service it was time to go home and decorate cookies, feed the reindeer, read the Christmas story and open more presents.  But, more on that in the next post!

13 years...

13 years ago today, we said I do!

I was 20 years old and I had no idea what it meant when I said "For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer."  

We have been through so much on our little adventure.  

3 pregnancies, that resulted in 2 healthy babies.

4 operations.

3 homes.

And one love story that I would choose over and over again!

Thanks for being the Spiritual leader of our home, my rock, the best most hardest working father of my children and my best friend!

I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else!

I love you more each day!

Here is to 130 more years together!

My Tinsel Is In A Tangle...

There is a sign in my office that reads "Don't Get Your Tinsel in A Tangle".  We all laugh about it and say it a few times a day when we see a colleague beginning to get stressed.  However, I have read that small sign at least 5,000 times this week and I have thought to myself, that sign is talking about me....my tinsel is in a tangle.

A little more than a week ago I received a text message from a friend.  It said "Girl, I got your Christmas card today and it is awesome!"  Followed by "You must be superwoman!" She was referring to the fact that I actually had family photos made, sent out Christmas cards while working 40 hours a week, being the wife of a Children's minister and raising my little people.  I had to laugh out loud when she said that I was super woman!  I replied with, I'm not super woman....just sleep deprived!

This Christmas season has been busy.  I have expected too much of myself.  I have said yes to every invitation to each and every Christmas party.  I have wanted to spread Christmas cheer to all who are near.  I have wanted to help each person who has come my way.  I have wanted my children to have another "perfect Christmas".  I have wanted to bake the perfect Christmas cookies, have each gift wrapped perfectly and go above and beyond with each Christmas tradition.  However, I am broken and ragged and I am sick of trying to be perfect, and seeing the perfect postings on social media isn't helping.  I'm tired of comparing my attempts of being perfect to everyone else.

I have suffered.  My quiet time has suffered.  My family has suffered.  If you have been around me you have suffered.  And I am sorry.  I have done a crummy job of pointing you to Jesus during this Christmas season.  And that is what Christmas is all about.

I want to show my children that Christmas is about Jesus.  Christmas is about our savior who came to Earth to save us.  Christmas is about giving our gifts, our hearts and our time to those who need it. We can not help every charity.  We can not help every person who is cold or who is hurting, but we can try. If we can not physically meet their need we can pray to God, our creator to help them or to prick the heart of someone who can help them.

I am going to enjoy the next 8 days of this Christmas season.  I will enjoy the people that surround me and throw out the expectations that I have in my head of what Christmas is supposed to look like. I will help those that I can and I will pray for those who I cannot help.  And I will try and look like Jesus a little more each day.

Photo courtesy of alyssajhoward.com

Being Thankful in the Darkest of Days...

It is easy being thankful on the bright sunny days.  I remember on our last trip to the zoo on a warmer day in March.  The winter months had been extremely cold and dreary (I despise winter).  There were weeks when I longed for a warmer day outside with my babes.  When that Saturday finally came, I noticed the sunshine in my daughter's hair.  I noticed the brighter smiles of my children. I was thankful.  I repeated over and over that day "Oh thank you Lord, for this perfect day at the zoo."

Scripture tells us that we are to be thankful for each and every situation.  There have been several situations in my life where it was difficult to be thankful during dark days.  The one that sticks out the most was in January, 2008.  My husband had just fallen off of a roof, shattering both of his arms.  I had to stay with him in the hospital because it was impossible for him to get up to go to the restroom on his own, feed himself or to even reach the nurse call button.  That first night, was one of the darkest nights in my life.  I remember lying on the cold green plastic chair beside his hospital bed that night.  I was so so bitter.  I was mad that he had fallen from that roof.  I was mad that I wasn't able to rock my 14 month old baby to sleep that night.  I was even mad that I was cold and sleeping on that cold recliner.  Frankly, I was mad that God had allowed him to fall from that roof.  My heart ached from all of the anger.

I woke up the next day, still mad.  I waited on my husband hand and foot.  People came and visited us in the hospital and I tried to hide my anger with a smile.  People that we barely knew brought food, prayed for us and even brought us money and gift cards.  Ladies volunteered to do my laundry, switch out with me so that I could spend some time with our daughter.  Some that lived close to the hospital in the city even offered for me to come and nap at their homes.  Nothing helped my hard, cold and angry heart.

After pastor after pastor visited with us, scripture was read to us and warm hugs swept over my body.  My hard heart began to soften.  On our fourth day in the hospital, my husband endured his first operation.  I kissed him goodbye as tears fell off of my cheeks.  Four hours later, his surgeon called to tell me that his shoulder was completely shattered and that he was lucky to be alive.  "Come again, I said?"  He repeated himself "Oh yes, his shoulder was shattered, and there was a piece of sharp of bone near his brachial artery. Your husband could have bled to death after his fall."

That one sentence turned my heart into mush.  After that point, I began to notice the little blessings in this situation and to be thankful .

I was thankful for the man next door and for his family who sang inspirational songs as they came and went each day.  I was thankful for his sister's ring tone on her phone "When the Saints Come Marching In."  I was thankful for the nurse who brought me my favorite soda on more than one occasion, when I didn't even ask for it.  I was thankful for the cleaning lady who came and spoke to me each day.  Her smile lit up the room when my husband was knocked out from pain medication.  I was thankful for our great family friend "Uncle Butch" who sat with me during each one of my husband's operations and who visited the hospital each day, sometimes allowing me to go and spend time with Addison.  I was thankful for my parents caring for Addison, cleaning our home and praying for us.  There were many many things that made me thankful during our 10 day hospital stay.

However, the one thing that tugged at my heart the most was one night while walking back from the cafeteria, I noticed a sign on a bulletin board.

It read:

For Sale

3 bedroom

2 bath home

Furniture Included

Must Sell due to medical illness

I went back to my room and wept.  I had been so selfish.  So many other people were in that hospital hurting so much more than we were.  So many others were in financial trouble because of their illness.  My husband was alive, he would eventually have full function of his arms.  God spared his life and I was thankful.

Once I made that realization, the sun began to shine a little brighter.  My husband endured physical therapy earlier than he anticipated. He pushed himself to make a complete recovery, and even though it was a rough road and a long recovery. I am thankful that we endured those dark days.  It made our marriage stronger, it made our home life a little sweeter and life is better because of it.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

Silence...

I'm still alive and here...

Lately, I have had several people message to make sure that I am still okay & I am!

If you are friends with me on Facebook  or Instagram, you may have noticed that I have been absent for the past couple of weeks.

I have taken the past two weeks to reflect and pray.

Because in this crazy world where we can have microwaved popcorn, diagnose our illness over the internet and redecorate a room by pinning the perfect color scheme, furniture and floor samples.  Sometimes all of this busyness and convenience makes spending time with God inconvenient. Sometime we have to cut out all of the busyness to find true Godliness.

So, please bear with me.  Please pray with me for the things that I do not understand, for the things that I am most thankful for and for God to show me how to be still.  I will be back soon...

"Be still and know that I am God..."

Psalms 46:10

Friday Favorites 11/4/16

Hello friends!

It's November (ugh!)...  I'm not a fan of colder months!  I am loving that we are still having warmer temps in the south and I found it hilarious last weekend that I was looking at Christmas decorations in my shorts and flip flops!

However, let's forget about the weather and carry on to my Friday Favorites for this week, shall we?

Adorabella Salon and Merle Norman Cosmetics -- If this gorgeous tree doesn't put you in the Christmas spirit, I'm afraid that there's no hope for you!  

I'm so thankful that I discovered this little gem in my down town!  The ladies that work there are super duper sweet and knowledgeable.  They are always friendly with my kiddos (they may even say that they are the "best kids of the day")...not sure if I believe them or not!

I love that they always know exactly what to do with my crazy locks, have such a wide variety of products including gorgeous bags, scarves and make  up!  I seriously love this place & I hate it when my appointments are over because I don't want to leave!  If they ever hire anyone to sweep up hair, I'm turning in my application!

Thanksgiving Decorations- Anyone who has visited my home knows that I stink at decorating for every day occasions.  I am trying to change that because I feel that my home is happier and more peaceful when things are changed up a bit. However, I despise spending a fortune on decorations!  Thanks to the wonderful world of Pinterest, I found this adorable centerpiece or decoration for my mantle!  Let's see if I actually accomplish this, but find out more  here !

Uninvited Online Bible Study -- A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I am currently reading Unvited by Lysa TerKeurst.  I love it, but with also doing the Beth Moore James study and another devotional, I am moving at a snails pace!  I recently upped my game when I started doing an online video study of Uninvited.  This online video series has encouraged me to continue reading Uninvited and I love Lysa's personal touch with each video.  I also learned that Proverbs 31 ministries has other online Bible Studies that I plan to look into in the near future!  Find more information here !

Thanks friends!  I pray that you have a blessed weekend!

Happy Dateaversary

14 years ago, a 25 year old guy asked a 19 year old girl to dinner at a Greek restaurant and out for coffee afterwards.

And the rest is history!   It hasn't always been great, but I'd choose you over & over again!

Happy Dateaversary!  Hoping for many more!

xoxo 

Whispers with God: My Quiet Time Routine

Several people have asked me lately how I manage to have a quiet time routine and / or "why do you always carry that pink notebook around?"  So...I thought to answer both questions effectively, a blog post would be best!

Being that I am a working mom, with a 45 minute commute each day while being married to a bi vocational Children's minister, finding the time to have a quiet time routine is not only challenging...but essential!  I would best describe my quiet time routine to be...creative!

A few of you are probably scratching your head right now.  Probably thinking "how in the world?"  "What does she mean essential...I think that her plate is too full to add in a quiet time."  However, when I do not have my daily quiet time (or at least every other day quiet time), my day is in shambles.  I find that I am easily agitated, short with those around me and generally unhappy.  My quiet time gives me time to read my Bible and to reflect on what God is whispering to me.  It also gives me strength for the coming day and a calming attitude.

On a perfect day (which happens probably 4 out of 7 days per week) I rise up by 5:45 AM at the latest, Bible, devotional and journal (the pink notebook that I carry around) in hand and walk to the living room with my favorite fleece blanket wrapped around me to my favorite chair or even outside to the porch swing to watch the sun rise.  Sometimes, I stay in bed underneath the warm covers with our lamp on the nightstand on.  I read a passage in my devotional (I just finished Drawing the Circle by Mark Batterson).  I am currently doing "Experiencing God" by Henry T. Blackaby (a devotional that my husband has encouraged me to do for years).  I generally expand my reading of the scripture in the Bible (usually The Message version) and then I journal.  My journal entries vary. Sometimes they are simply lists of praises, confession of sin and requests.  Other times, my journal entries include scripture verses, paragraphs of needs that I have in my life and some are stained with tears.  

My journal does travel with me in my purse on most days. Sometimes, I find myself longing to talk to God throughout the day, so I may find myself in my car on my lunch break writing my prayers and needs to God.  Sometimes, I will run across someone who has asked me to pray for them and I want to jot their name down, so that it is not forgotten.  Other times, I may run across some inspirational quote or scripture that needs to be jotted down.  My journal is a mess, with no consistency and various shades of ink (and maybe some crayon writings).  However, to me it is beautiful. It is filled with hard days and days of praise where my prayers were answered and glimpses of faith and trust of answered prayers to come.

It is not necessary to journal.  I find that I enjoy writing in my journal because I can look back and see the answered prayers that have occurred and the many times where God pulled me through.  I also enjoy writing in my journal because sometimes when I am praying silently, my mind starts to wonder off...I can be balancing the check book or even organizing the pantry.

Some days, it is much easier to hit the snooze button 57 times instead of getting up to spend my quite moments with God. Sometimes, I am distracted first thing by the vibration of a cell phone and my quiet time does not happen when I first wake up.  I am not proud of these days, but I am human.  On these days, I find that I am rushed and I often do a quick devotion on a great app called "First 5".  There is nothing wrong with this great app.  However, I often feel that I can get easily distracted by reading my short 5 minute devotional with the pop ups of email, Facebook and banking alerts.  

Sometimes, we as humans are distracted during our quiet times with things that aren't "bad things".  Such as doing the laundry, packing lunches and doing a nightly work out.  None of these things are bad, but it keeps us from doing the best thing -- Spending precious moments with God!  Sometimes, when it is necessary to do these things (because your children cannot go to school with dirty clothes and no lunch) I normally put my ear buds into my phone and listen to a pod cast.  Some of my favorites are New Spring Church in Greenville, SC or Curtis Jones of Bayou City Fellowship.  Funny story -- one Friday evening my husband knew that I was having a bad start to my weekend when I came home from the office, went  straight to the shower and instead of singing in the shower or listening to music, I was listening to a pod cast sermon....for 45 minutes!

I also find that I have quiet time in my car on the way to the office by listening to praise and worship music and sometimes by listening to inspirational speakers.  I love this cd that I got at a women's retreat last Spring.  You can order yours here. On this CD you can listen to 10 minute encouraging messages from Lifeway Women.  I have laughed and cried with these speakers on my way into the office.

I also encourage my children to get into the habit of doing a daily quiet time. I love having a family devotional time each evening to get into the Bible and to also practice our scripture memorization.  Unfortunately, this does not happen each night, but we strive to make it part of our nightly routine.

Whatever you do to honor God with your quiet time, he will respect and welcome you with open arms.  God desires to know you on a deeper level and to have a daily relationship with you.  When you have a quiet time with God, you get to know him in a more intimate level.  When you express your thoughts, fears and worries to the creator of the universe I believe that he smiles at you and welcomes you to His throne!

**If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at imaginehisblessings@yahoo.com! **

Friday Favorites 10/28/16

Hello my dear friends!  TGIF!  I am so so excited that the weekend is finally upon us!  Phew it's been a long week!

Let's get this weekend started off right with a few of my favorites!

Church Street Depot-  I discovered this little gem of a restaurant this past summer and it is now my favorite place to go and grab a big ol' burger!  So yummy!  I also love the glass soda bottles (my kids were so confused as to why they were drinking out of a glass bottle)! Ha!  They also have amazing looking milkshakes as well, but I've never had one!  Hopefully someone will take me out to eat here this weekend! Hint! Hint!

Find more about Church Street Depot here

Haalloween Costume -  One of the reasons that I enjoy Halloween is seeing the hilarious Halloween Costumes. I especially love the inflatable ones.  This my friends, is my favorite Halloween costume this year!  

And if you would like to have your very own "Inflatable Riding Gorilla" costume.  Head on over to bonanza.com or by clicking here.  I just hope that you will come and knock on my door for some bananas candy on Halloween!

Beth Moore "James" - We are doing this study with the women's ministry at my church on Wednesday evenings and I love it!  I have learned so much already and I am excited to see where this study takes us!  Grab your own study here !

Thanks to everyone for tuning in!  Have a happy and blessed weekend!

Fall Break Trip...

Last weekend our family combined Addison's tenth Birthday and a fall break getaway.  We decided to conquer an indoor water park about 2 hours from our home.  The kids didn't know where we were going, so this was a surprise!

I think that they were most excited about the bunk beds!  I absolutely loved the room!  My kids despise sleeping together, and let's face it no one sleeps well with a kid!  I loved that each kid had their very own bed.  I was worried that they would fight over the top bunk, but it turned out that Finn was pumped to have the queen sized bed all to himself.  And yes, he's wearing his goggle's on his head!

 

The water park was fun and they had just the right amount of activities to keep my kids occupied!  I loved the hot tub!  Everyone there was really nice and accommodating!  I loved that there were a couple of restaurants right beside the pool area that weren't overly priced and the food was pretty decent.  One disadvantage, was that you had to walk through an arcade to get into the water park (nice marketing strategy!)  However, I gave each kid a set limit to spend each day and they (mostly) complied!

I have been dragging this week!  This is definitely not a place that you can go to relax.  We were on the go the entire time!  My husband, "Spunky" and I joked that we felt like we were spending the night at Chuck E Cheese! Ha! I  am thankful to have this weekend to recuperate!

Friday Favorites 10/21/16!

Hello everyone!

It's that time again...we made it to Friday!  Yay!

Here are a few of my favorites for this week....

Umgee clothing -- I have stepped out of my jeans, t shirts and converse sneakers box and stumbled upon Umgee clothing.  I. Love. It!  All of the pieces are so unique and the pieces can be dressed up for an evening out or for church, or dressed down as well.  This is the first piece that I purchased.

It is not evident by this photo, but I love the lace top of this dress.  I also love the local retailer that sells this line. The ladies are so sweet and friendly and the items are also reasonably priced.  My husband cracks up, because the little local boutique also sells the grass seed that he uses for his clients.  You should have seen the puzzled look that he gave me when I told him where I've been purchasing my clothes!

"No Longer Slaves" by Jonathan David and Melissa Helser - I first heard this song last Sunday at church and I love it!  I bawled my eyes out (so much that I had to turn around and ask the sweet lady behind me if I looked like a raccoon before meet and greet)!

I am no longer a slave to fear

I am a Child of God

You split the sea so that I could walk right through it

You drown my fears in your great love

I am a Child of God!

Fun Nails - I have recently loved keeping my nails painted (something that I haven't always done).  Being that I'm an 80's girl, I'm a sucker for glitter nail polish.  So... I may or may not attempt this in the near future...

So cute, don't you think??

Have a great weekend and do something that makes you smile!

God is so good!  

Ephesians 3:20

Dear Daughter, I Want You To Know....

This sweet girl turned 10 on Wednesday!  I am thrilled with the young lady that you are growing up to be.  I am so thankful that you are so full of life and so compassionate toward other people.  I pray that you continue to find joy even throughout the hard times!

There is still so much that I want my dear daughter to know.  So, I decided to take some time to compile everything and document it (since my blog is like a journal to me).

Dear Daugther, I want you to know:

1. You are Beautiful: On 10/12/06, you entered this world at 9:20 PM.  You were the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen.  And you still are!
Not only are you beautiful to me, but you're beautiful to God.  The God that created the entire universe, thought that the world would be a more beautiful place with you in it (and he was right, as he always is).

I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

So, please do not ever put yourself down.  Please do not ever compare your appearance to others.  Do not let anyone else tell you otherwise.  God created you to be unique and you are beautiful!

2. You are Loved: Oh my word, when I found out that I was pregnant with you, I was so over the moon with excitement!  Your Dad and I fell in love with you right from the start!  We even talked to you in my belly! Not only do we love you more than words can say, but the God who created you loves you so very much!

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

My sweet girl, I know that there will be times in this life that you feel so very alone and unlovable.  However, please remember that even in those times, you are never ever alone and you are always loved by The Father (and your Mom and Dad too)!

3. God has a plan - Sweet girl, as you grow older you will see that growing older isn't always so easy.  You will be faced with difficult decisions.  Some will be easy and some will not.  Sometimes, you will make the wrong decision...and that's okay too!  We all mess up a few times.  However, God always has a plan for your life.  Sometimes, that plan isn't the easy one either!  However, his plan is always the perfect plan!

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

And sometimes, his plan isn't instantly revealed.  Sometimes, it takes even years for God's perfect plan to be revealed (your Dad and I prayed for 7 years when he desired a position in ministry...7 years before God's perfect plan was revealed)!

4. God gave your gifts - Not only are you a gift, but God gave you gifts to bless others.  God gave each of us talents to bless others.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen 1 Peter 4:10-11

If your gift is baking, please bake for others...your family, the homeless, use your skill to bless someone else and make their day brighter.  

5. Always be a friend - You will be faced with times during your life when it is much easier to follow "the crowd".  Please always be kind to everyone, never leaving anyone out or alone. Always treat others the way that you would like to be treated.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12

Even though it is not always the easiest to love others like Jesus loves us.  It will be a blessing.  It is not easy to love someone after they have hurt your feelings, but please remember that Jesus always loves us, no matter what we do.

6. Do Not Worry - My precious girl, as you know your Mama worries about everything and I always have!  When you were in daycare the first year, I drove those poor teachers crazy!  I called to check on you several times per day.  Sometimes, they would even hold the phone up to your ear so that we could chat!  There was no need for me to worry, you were in excellent hands.  Even more, God loves you so much and he was watching over you even when I wasn't there!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Sweet heart, whenever your heart feels overwhelmed with worry-- pray!  God will hear your request and you will feel his perfect peace wash over you.  I have come a long way with my worrying, by praying !  

7. Remember the quiet - One of my favorite authors, Lysa TerKeurst states "We must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world."  This is so true.  Please remember that your day will go so much smoother if you talk to God at the beginning of the day.  You are like a sweet little sponge and if you soak up God's word before going about your day, you will be more likely to leak out his love on others!

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  Matthew 6:6

I pray that your children will also see your devotion to God and that they will see you reading and studying God's word.  It is my prayer that many generations to come will know about God and his love for us!

8. Live to be you! My precious little princess, you have always lived to the beat of your own drum! I remember when you were younger and took ballet classes each week, you always insisted on wearing your rain boots with your tutu!  It was adorable, but you got some funny looks.  However you were happy! Don't stop now!  God designed you to be YOU!  Please do not compare yourself to others, do not compromise your beliefs.  Live free because you are loved by the father!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

You my darling are my joy!  I love being your Mommy and I love seeing you grow up each day.  I love your sweet sensitive heart and how you care for others.  Please do not ever change!  I look forward to seeing all of the great things that God has in store for you. Live loved, because you are loved by the Father!

Lots of love,

Mom

Lately around here...

Wow!

I just realized that it has been over a month since my last post!

Honestly, I have been feeling slightly overwhelmed with life since school started back in August.  Some days are long and busy....some days I find myself longing for a cup of coffee and a good conversation with a friend.  Nonetheless, most days I enjoy the season of life that I am in.

Six months ago, my husband was granted the job as Associate Children's Minister at our church.  There are really no words to describe how excited we were to take on this position.  I didn't find it coincidental that he took on the position, almost 7 years to the day that he announced his call into the ministry.  He is 6 months in...almost daily he says "Can you believe it? I can't believe that I've got my dream job!"

I myself have learned a lot in the past 6 months.  I have a new respect for pastors and their wives and families.  I have learned that there are sometimes that your husband isn't present for a family event, because he is ministering to another family, or attending a conference...or sometimes you wake up in the middle of the night to find your husband bowing in prayer beside your bed because he is truly burdened for another person.

My children and I love that my husband is now in ministry.  Sometimes it means that they have a little extra craft time on the weekends...



Like these adorable bee hives that we created and hung over the weekend!  Addison and Finn also play an important role in children's ministry event planning.  I am also humbled with how they often pray for their friends at church during our devotion time at home.



Our first church event trip to a local apple orchard!

I have also felt convicted lately that I do not know enough scripture to recite when needed.  I wanted to start to memorize scripture myself and I wanted my children to be able to memorize scripture as well.  So....I purchased this beautiful chalkboard and placed it on the mantle in our living room.  Each evening during our family devotion time, my children and I take turns reading it over and memorizing the verse.  This is our second verse since the chalkboard purchase.

"And the child grew and became strong in spirit."  Luke 1:80

This week seems just as busy as the last few have been, but we're gearing up for a special kid to turn 10!

Lots of love!

Saturday Smiles...

I was attempting to do a good Friday Funnies post, however...after work on Friday turned into the grocery store (ugh!) which turned into pizza delivery for dinner and then turned into an evening at the fair.  I did however manage to check one item off of my bucket list...I milked a cow!  Not sure why I ever wanted to do that because it was pretty gross!

Anyway, I have recently discovered my new favorite mom band.  Their name is The Texting Yoga Pants and if they ever decide to tour, I will be their groupie!

I still can't drive a mini van...even though my children beg me to get one, complete with the tv in the headrest!

I could have starred in this video!  There have been many days where I thought I would have to choose between doing my hair and my make up!

Hope that you smile this Saturday!

To My Girlfriends: I Miss You!

Oh my childhood BFF, I miss you!  I miss the days when we would say "I'll ask my mom if you can come over and you ask your mom if I can come over...deal?"  "Deal!"  We were inseparable!  We would spend 5 days together at our elementary school and we would still long to spend all day together on Saturday's.  We spent the night together on the weekends, shared our deepest darkest secrets sealed with a pinkie promise and shared bologna sandwiches together on warm Saturday afternoons.  I miss you! I miss hearing our innocent giggles while making shadow puppets on your bedroom wall, I miss being scared of the creeks of your house on a Friday night and you lending your favorite teddy bear for me to snuggle. I miss knowing that you were my BFF...for life.  Most of all, I miss our friendship.  I miss having someone to stand up for me against the bully on the playground, I wish that you were in my life today.  I wish that I could tell you all of my deepest secrets and have you stand up for me to the bullies in my life, and I miss that I can't do the same for you!

I walked into the first day of middle school with my childhood BFF, she thought that my white short overalls were awesome!  I walked out of my last day of middle school, with completely different people, my childhood BFF was no where to be found.  I remember the pain that I felt when I realized that my childhood BFF and I were going different directions in our lives.

  To my middle school girlfriends, I miss you. I miss that you taught me to be brave enough to ask the boy to dance, I miss writing you notes and taking longer to fold the note than to actually write it.  I miss getting excited about your Birthday and taking an hour to pick out your $10 gift from Wal Mart, because it had to be perfect.  I miss thinking that you  were the coolest girl on earth!  I miss having you there to lift me up after my first heartbreak, I miss having you by my side to have my back when I stand up for myself and I miss having you encourage me to try new things! Because even when we're older, we still need to try new things once in a while!

I remember staying on the phone for hours talking to my middle school girlfriends (on 3 way) about the perfect outfit to wear on my first day of high school.  I remember sitting beside you in that huge auditorium during freshman orientation.  Did I even get a picture of you at graduation?  I remember feeling hurt when you chose your boyfriend over me.  I had (secretly) wanted you to break up and come running back to me.  I waited and waited, but sometimes high school sweethearts actually stay together for better or for worse.  In the end, I couldn't be happier for you, I'm glad that you avoided the heartbreak of break up's and that you got the guy of your dreams!

To my high school girlfriends, I miss you!  I miss being brave and being the first person to ride in your car!  I miss late nights of pizza, football games, concerts and staying out way too late.  I miss our conversations about what we were going to do when we were older.  There are moments with you that I still hold in my heart!  I miss you, I miss the memories that we shared.  I miss the person that I was when I was around you...a fun girl!  A girl that had no worries other than zits, curfews and Biology.

I was thrilled when I got the shiny diamond on my finger! I couldn't wait to call you!  I was thrilled when you went with me to shop for my wedding gown and you agreed to stand beside me on my wedding day.  I probably would have treasured the moments a little longer, if I had known that this would have been the last day that we would "hang out".  I remember blowing you a kiss as I rode away for my honeymoon, and then moved to the city.  Weeks became months, months became years...and one day I bumped into you when I visited family in our hometown. Everything was awkward...you were with your new friends.  I felt a slight sting as we hugged goodbye in the coffee shop.  I am so thankful that technology has progressed and I can see your beautiful kids on Facebook. I love reconnecting with you when we occasionally bump into each other at a 5 year old's Birthday party.  Who knew that my biggest social events would ever be at Chuck E Cheese's when I'm 33??

To my adult girlfriends....I probably miss you the most!  I miss the days when we would sit for hours and sip coffee.  Discussing everything from stain removers, marriage problems and the thrill of new blessings on the way!  I still see you.  I see you at soccer practice, I see you at the PTA meeting, I see you at church, but sadly we do not connect.  We have light conversation "Have a lovely week."  "Hope that the baby feels better."  "Let me know if you need anything." We always say that we will get together soon!  However, it always seems that something happens...work happens, an extra soccer practice occurs,  the baby gets sick, family comes in unexpectedly.   Life happens! We always say that we miss each other, but I truly miss you.  I miss having someone to connect with.  I miss having someone to listen to me when I'm wondering if I'm doing this parenting thing right, I miss sharing tears with you after the disappointments in my life.  I miss being there for you!  I miss knowing what is going on in your life, I miss caring for you.  I miss bringing you a meal when everyone in your home has snot coming out of every orifice of their bodies.  I miss having someone who needs me and I need you too!

Eyes, Ears & Heart

I just wanted to pass along some items that I am currently reading / listening to/ making my heart beat. I am hoping that it will be an encouragement to you!  As always feel free to email me at imaginehisblessings@yahoo.com if you have any questions, comments or suggestions!

Eyes - I am currently reading Univited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely by Lysa TerKuerst (5 gold stars for me for spelling her last name correctly on the first try).

I actually pre ordered this book at Lifeway & picked it up the same day that it was released !  I could not wait to get my hands on it and now, I can't put it down!  

Since reading this book, I have uncovered a lot of hurt that I have had in my life and I am working through it to forgive.  My favorite quote from this book, so far is:

Bitterness, resentment and anger have no place in a heart as beautiful as yours. 

- Lysa Terkeurst

I'm saying too much...go and pick up your own copy!

Ears- I have recently fallen in love with the Christian group "For King and Country".  Their songs always seem to come on the radio at the exact moment that I need them.  Within the past 6 months or so, we started playing Pandora softly in our home.  I was so excited when I found the "For King and Country" Pandora station!

This is their newest song.....don't you love it?

Heart - About a year ago, I read "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson.  It completely changed my prayer life!  The day that I went into Lifeway to pick up "Uninvited", I noticed "Draw the Circle: " The 40 Day Prayer Challenge" on the sale table ( I may or may not have squealed)!  

"When you pray to God regularly, irregular things will happen on a regular basis." - Mark Batterson

I am currently on day 11 and one thing that I have noticed is that my quiet time has gotten a lot longer!  I started writing in my journal the other night and I was so consumed in my quiet time, that before I noticed an hour had went by and my husband was snoring beside me!

What are the things that have pricked your heart lately? 

Friday Funnies

Enjoy these Friday funnies!  

P.SA.: If you're a lady over 35...or er...29, please empty your bladder (or secure your Depends) prior to watching!

A joyful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

How Did I Get Here?

Disclaimer...This has been one of the hardest blog posts that I have ever written.  Leaving our "old church" was one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make. I have laid awake in my bed for many nights, trying to put the words together for this post. I did not want to write this.  However, I continued to feel God urging me to write this.  Much love and thanks for reading!


It was Sunday and I got out of my car with my coffee cup in hand and I was greeted by our friend Mr. R on his golf cart in our church parking lot.  This is one of the many things that my children loved about our church.  Being rode into church on the golf cart.  As I noticed the beautiful sunshine and how it reflected off of the mountains, I immediately thought "God is so good" and I reflected the many changes that have taken place over the past year.

A year ago on this Sunday, we were still in church.  However, it wasn't the right church for us.  It was for a season, but like seasons...they change.  We loved our little country church that we actively went to for over 8 years.  We worshiped with family, it was not uncommon for a cousin, grandparent or aunt or uncle to be the Sunday School teacher of my children.  It was also a common sight to see little ones being rocked to sleep of a family member, or someone as close as family in the church choir.  The small country church was full of love. Our pastor loved his congregation, often times you would see a group gathered at our pastor's home to split and stack wood for the winter months.  We would also frequently gather at the soup kitchen to serve those who were less than fortunate. So, you may ask...why did you leave a church filled with such love and harmony?

To be honest, I'm not quite sure myself.  However, I do know that like puzzle pieces that sometimes get warped when my children have played with them too long, they get warped.  They have a hard time being put back together.  The puzzle piece of my family started not to fit quite right.  We still felt love, we were still being fed the gospel, but we wanted more of something and things started to feel like they didn't fit just quite right anymore.

I remember the Sunday that my husband suggested that we visit the church not far from our home.  I had quickly dismissed this suggestion many many times because "they watch the church on a screen, how is that any different than enjoying the service from the comfort of my living room?"  He would always shrug his shoulders and walk away.  However, on this Sunday I didn't dismiss his suggestion.  I only said "okay, we can try it, but if F gets upset walking into his classroom, I'm leaving."  My husband agreed and off we went....to a different church.

We drove up the big hill and found a parking spot and quickly a lady in capri pants ran out  to greet us...hugging us!  We received other numerous hugs and warm smiles as we walked into the door.  You could feel love and I felt my anxiety of a "different church" leaving my body.  We escorted A to her kids classroom where she found numerous other children around her age playing games and a teacher, Mrs. P gathering materials to teach the group of children.  She warmly introduced herself and Addison began being immersed in the activities that were provided.  We told her goodbye, but she didn't even turn around to hear us as she began to make new friends.

Then it was off to F's classroom.  He ran right in!  I think that they had him with the play dough. He ran right up, took a seat and he was sucked in as well.  His teacher warmly smiled and promised to find us if he needed us.  I looked at my husband as we walked down the hallway to the sanctuary and we both agreed that in all of the years that we have been in church, our son has NEVER just walked into a strange classroom without wailing for us to stay with him.

We were warmly welcomed in the sanctuary.  We loved the contemporary worship music and all of the young families that began to trickle into the sanctuary.  People our age. We quickly stood and began to clap our hands to the music and I even began to cry at how powerful I could feel the love of God in the sanctuary.

For years, my husband and I have wanted to feel accepted and to have friends around our age.  We occasionally were invited to cook outs, but other than people that we met at work, we didn't have many people that we could call up and ask to "hang out".    While we had a few people in our lives that we could do this.  We longed to sit in a small group with others our age and receive Godly advice, wisdom from the older generation who has been in our shoes. We also longed for our children to have a community of friends and activities for them while my husband and I could worship and not have to worry if my children decided that it was time to go during the middle of a worship service.  I could slowly see where we would fit into this church...

As the service began, it was so powerful that I quickly forgot that I was watching it on a screen.  Especially when the pastor at this church stood at the end to speak.  I shed many many tears that day.  It had been a long time since I had experienced the love of God so powerfully in my life.

As the week went on, I received a phone call from the pastor and cards from two people telling me how much they enjoyed me how much they enjoyed meeting me and that my children were well behaved....whoa!

I was dreading the next Sunday.  I didn't want to leave our old country church, but this new church was so intriguing.  My daughter asked numerous times during the week if we could "go to the new church."  She loved all of the other children in her class.  My husband admitted that he loved the service and that he would like to attend at least once again.  I agreed with him.

A year later, I will admit that leaving our "old church" was very very difficult.  It was hard to leave people that I have grown close to over an 8 year period.  However, looking back I knew that in the months prior to leaving that I felt that something was missing from my life.  I wanted to grow in knowledge  and see God's love in my life.  I wanted a community of other people that I could call on if needed and I wanted people that needed me as well.  I have found that in my church.   I can see my children growing up with their church friends.  That's not something that I could have received from watching the service on tv...

We received a community!

I will not be shaken...

As I sat and watched the late night news to watch the horrific events unfold in Dallas, Orlando, Nice, Paris and so many other places across the world, I grieved like so many.  I hurt for families that would learn that their loved one would not be coming home that evening.  I grieved for friends and colleagues who would learn that there would be an empty seat in their office or at their next gathering.  I also grieved for my children, because our world doesn't seem as safe as it did 20 years ago.

As my husband and I sat and discussed these events and how they unfolded, we quickly made comments about how to keep our children safer, we must shield them more....we will not go out of the country right now...we will consider getting our concealed weapons training... and the thought of private school and a home security system were on the list as well.  Not that any of these thoughts were a bad thing.  However we came to the conclusion that no matter what we did....

JESUS

LOVES

THEM MORE!

I love those who love me; those who look for me find me. Proverbs 8:17 MSG

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.  Ephesians 3:17

I love my children more than life itself.  I love how they come into my room on a Saturday morning and drift back to sleep.  I love seeing their little eyes close and their precious mouths opened with their heads rested on my chest.  I love seeing them laugh and play in my back yard with lightning bugs dancing around them.  I love my children and I love being their mother.  However, I know that I can't always protect them. I have to rely on my Heavenly Father who has greater plans for them.  God has greater plans for my two precious children than I could ever imagine; and I know that he will use them for their good and his glory.

I know what I'm doing.  I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.  Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

God can do anything, you know- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG

I know that it is difficult not to worry about our children and their future.  However, during those times of fear I have to understand that fear does not come from God.  God is all things good and pure.  I have to trust God's ultimate plan for my children's life, pray that God will protect us and cherish each moment that I have with them.

Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.  Philippians 4:6

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8