Sweet Amida..

{Sweet Amida}

Welcome to our family little one.  We are beyond excited to place your photo on our fridge and pray for you often.  The first letter has already been sent and we can't wait to see you grow over the coming years.

My heart is giddy tonight as God reaches out to you through our family.  We don't have much but goodness what a blessing this is for all of us. 

You, sweet one have a special place in my heart now and I can't wait to see what God will do in this.

The mother in me is excited to in a way adopt and nurture you.  I already want to give you the world and protect you from any harm that should ever come your way. 

I love you sweet Amida.

~*~

Oh yes, I've cried over this girl and have felt a heavy burden on my heart to squeeze this into our budget.  It's important to me because it's important to God.  He placed me in a family that did not struggle financially.  I married a man that has a steady job provided by the Lord and we always have shelter, food, and much more.

I've been blessed. 

God reminded me of this recently and my eyes were open to the rest of this world.  My monthly budget may have seemed tight last week but today it's huge compared to the equivalent of $23.00 Amida's family brings home.  So we prayed and considered this option to reach further and through

Compassion International we're able to help this little one know who Jesus is, see she gets an education, food, and is prayed and cared for from across the world. 

~*~

Allergies have taken over in this home and we've lived with a constant runny nose and acquired funny congested voices.  Last night I was going to head to bible study without Darren as he had to study.  He was to keep Garrett and so I was making dinner.

REWIND*I went to walmart to get medicine and since we're on a budget I picked up $0.88 allergy medicine.  I was getting a bargain I thought! We made it home and I popped those two pills as fast as possible...

There I was standing over the stove when my world started to get fuzzy and I started to drift.  I thought, 'whoa am I okay? nope..get to the couch as fast as possible' I called to darren but he was upstairs.  By the time he came down I had drifted asleep completely against my will.  Because all i was thinking was I need to get to bible study! An hour later I came to and darren told me the time and then I went back to sleep again..against my will.

I took an antihistamine..I was not educated in the side effects and the power of TWO of these tiny pink pills. Whoa!

So here's why i'm telling you this.  I was about to head out, in the car to bible study.  If I would have been in the car..well I don't even want to think of what could have happened. But I decided this morning when I finally came to that God had sent angels to protect me last night to sit me down on that couch.

*He MUST have a wonderful plan for my life.*

I'll be more aware from here on out what i'm taking. :)

~*~

And finally this was meant for last night but like I said earlier this girl was out!

A video covering my time in the Book of James.

I can't muster the courage to admit how much effort and time went into this new layout.  But having things more organized feels wonderful!

Hopefully it's easy to navigate around now! Still have much to learn but this is a start. :)

There are a few more things to do and they will be straightened out this week!

This past Sunday a friend from church told me she has enjoyed reading my blog even though she isn't a military wife and I wanted to say this place is welcome for everyone.  It was nice to hear that she was following along!

Feedback is encouraged!

Last night Darren had duty and I decided to spend the evening doing a project that seemed perfect in my mind but I honestly didn't know how it would end up.

1.Painted boxes

2.Painted plastic shelves from my 'everything Laura loves' room

You need pictures, right?

Don't worry,

I need to finish a few things with the boxes and put things back on the shelves but then I will post the pictures under the {All Things Creative} tab. :)


She is on my 'if we ever met..i'd be humbled' list
Ann Voskamp is a mentor that i've never actually met. But daily (except for Sundays) a warm welcome awaits at her home, and she shares stories of life and love for Jesus, family, and people.  I could sit with a warm cup of coffee all day if I could learning from her.
Her book, 'One Thousand Gifts' is about being thankful in the midst of what may seem mundane.
I decided to take her dare and in a small journal you will find it's filled with gifts from God that are anything from, the way the sun spills across the wood floors to my sweet baby boy who let out the cutest giggle.  It's been an intimate time between the Lord and I as those pages have quickly filled and the numbers add up. 
Today Ann Voskamp writes about meeting Kathy Giffords and being on her show, I wonder if she knows the extent in which God has been using her?
I'm blessed to have handfuls of women in my life that I know personally as well as the ones on my 'I wish we could meet' list.
Her blog is found on the right sidebar, simply click her name and you'll find yourself in a wonderful new place..prepare to be blessed!

All things MAKEUP!

I am SO excited to share this young lady with you.  Megan has such a sweet spirit and is a wonderful teacher.

Honestly makeup is something I decided it was time to learn.  I want to look my best and have no problem with a touch of makeup! I was led to megan's youtube page where she sits down in front of the camera and takes you step by step through practical ways to do your makeup and what products to use.

I've loved that she has reccomended very affordable products since we're on a budget.  If you need some new ideas please take a minute to watch a few of her videos, it will be worth your time!

I need to post a picture of my new makeup routine. :)

The best thing has been the comments recieved about how i've worn my makeup recently.
Here is the link to her channel:

http://youtu.be/7kabzCnZniw

~~~~~*~~~~~

Who encourages you?

Guess what!

My soul is all welled up with joy this evening.  I've been pacing back and forth my home thanking God for such a fun last few days together as we've penned the very first chapter of my book.  I had a lot of fun writing and pouring myself out onto those pages.  I really can't wait to be able to share with you when this is all completed.

My prayer since i've started writing has been that even if this book leads one woman to hope again and come to Christ then it is worth all of the time spent pouring out.  Even if these words never land outside of my computer I know that God has used this time together for growth and an opportunity to trust Him.

Here is a quick glimpse into my writing space

I have loved this time with the Lord especially digging deep into His word.

~*~

This morning I set out for a run in between periods of rain.  I have been taking the jogging stroller this last week but today I felt light as a feather while running without it!  It's very neat how you build endurance over each run.  I love being able to do a walk/run and not feel guilty whatsoever!  I'm building up to a 3k and that's perfectly fine for this girl.

~*~

Well March marked the official start of our first budget.  Trusting God with everything in me in this area.  I know that through this God will bring a lot of peace in my marriage.  My fun money seems awful tiny but i've accepted it and am going to learn how to be more thrifty in the coming months.  My grocery budget is also teensy tiny but there is this wonderful friend of mine that is helping me to figure out how to plan according and make this work. 

With being obedient to God in this area it has me very excited.  For I know that God will show up in the neatest ways and I can't wait to see more of that.  He already has been blessing us!  I'm sharing this with you not to make you feel bad if you don't budget but because it has been an area for almost four years that has been closed off between Darren and I and it's a miracle to see how this all unfolded the last few months.  I know we were led around what could have been a huge problem later down the road.

~*~

Last night we had our friends Julie, Mike, and their son over for a fancy pizza dinner! It was wonderful to open up our home and spend time with new friends.

I am awful about having people over but this area i've been convicted on lately so it was awesome to have people over not worrying about the condition of my home or what I served for dinner.

Thankful for that time together!

~*~

This last week i've spent in the book of James.  When I got to James chapter 3 I was ready to go put my make up on and fix my hair to avoid the hard truth God was about to tell me.  But I sat and heard his voice; what comes out of my mouth matters to him.  Gossip, complaining, manipulating, etc. Let me tell you how this looked..the night before I had told darren something that was pure gossip.  I wasn't telling him a story from a place in my heart that cared for this person but more of a 'wow can't believe..'  It was that very next morning that God had a word just for me on this.  I had to go back and apologize to darren.  Isn't it funny how out of the same mouth that sings praises to God also comes evil?  That was the point of James 3. I want to be a genuine person and it starts first with what's inside.  I'm not perfect friends but am definitely learning!

Alright well I should get going. Hope you're having a great weekend. :)

Laura



I can't get over this photograph and every time I lay eyes on it a huge smile spreads across my face.

His first birthday was wonderful for our little family as we celebrated with good friends.  The party went so well with a laid back feel!

He's now one and has three developing words. "Momma", "Dadda", and "Ball" It hit me today that these are his first words and I couldn't believe we're creeping up to this next milestone! Words..agh! not ready but then again it's amazing and I'm soaking in these moments.

I've been having the most tenderhearted conversations with the Lord the last few days. They've consisted of confessions from me, praise, but lots of time in God's word! Having a conversation with God is when I sit with my bible open and I read His word to me and we talk through it.  I love that picture because it works. There in the quiet moments God invites me into this loving relationship with Him and it's the most sweetest thing i've ever experienced in all of my life.  I would never want to not have that time in God's presence.  There are times in the past year that the holy spirit has felt quenched in me.  Not that God's spirit left me but church, bible study, and good conversations are not enough to keep my relationship with the Lord filling. I was hungry for Him!

I also heard an encouraging word from Beth Moore on physical health and I need to pass this one along because it's a gem.  I have a handful of friends that are in this boat with me and you need to hear this.  The ultimate goal in health is freedom. God never intended us to be in bondage to food or working out. 

*Obsession is NOT Nutrition*

I have personally followed along with what has worked for Beth Moore and have loved it.

Here is the video. Two parts but well worth the 20 minutes!

http://youtu.be/gYuYrFW60e4

http://youtu.be/coIsRW28oPc

I so hope these linked up. If not go to youtube and search, "Beth Moore-physical health"

The last few mornings I've woken up early had some quiet time, fed Garrett, and then strapped him into the stroller for a run. It was not a choice to make, I just did it. It's working out well so far! I will say that this is a battle already because satan has made a fool out of me over the issue of weight.  I am a daughter of the most High and I refuse to stay down defeated in this area.  God never intended me to be in bondage in this area.  Breaking free feels wonderful!

I will have to LEARN moderation with food and let me tell you this is HARD.  There's no simple way around it.  It will take time to develop new eating habits. I say this as there is still four pieces of the best cake in our fridge. :) I don't believe in withholding for long periods of time because I go the opposite after awhile and binge. (Not fun!) It's all about moderation.  Having to change is my least favorite thing but I believe God's blessing and presence is covering me in this area.

~*~

Darren, myself, papers, extra pens, two computers, and a calculator were spread across the floor. We were sitting down to finalizing our budget.  We invited God into this through a simple prayer together.  We read from His word about not being able to serve both Him and money.  It was going to be one or the other.  We chose Him.

We learned we were going to have to cut a large chunk out of the budget we had figured out a few weeks earlier.  It was tempting to cry but I wanted to trust in God's plan for our finances.

So we crunched numbers for a good hour and talked over what was important and we tweaked our personal fun money and other areas. It hurt but we were led to a point of obedience to God in the matter of money and that has brought immense freedom.

I looked to my husband and felt a sense of peace in what he was saying and a thankfulness that it was HIM sitting there beside me leading this family.  That man has kept me when I was difficult. 

I'm a spender.  I love to buy.  But to have to learn to live with less can only be done through Christ...I'm clinging to Him friends. :) There's no other way to say it.

I can't wait to share how God works in this area and encourage you to do the same.

~*~

To my faithful readers...

This month is dedicated to my marriage especially. I am digging apart the bible, books, sermons, a bible study, and anything I can get my heart into on the subject of marriage.  I am reminiscing over my own marriage and what God has taught me because this month I am writing a chapter of my book on marriage.  It is the most intimidating thing but let me tell you to be able to write on this is a miracle because a few years ago i'd have thought you were crazy if you told me i'd be sitting on my couch typing words on marriage and how to embrace it.

I'm taking this slow and having grace on myself.  I have to go into this prayerfully everytime I sit down to study or write because the thoughts of inadequacy are daunting.

Here is what I was reminded of tonight;

When I come to God, I don't come having it all together.  He is the one who helps me get it all together! I'm so grateful for that fact.  In writing this book it seemed appropriate to wait and I let that time pass.  I didn't have a clear picture of where to start until recently. 

Yes, i'm intimidated by the whole thing but I want to write this because it's a chance to share what God has placed in my heart.  A message to embrace this life and the roles he's placed us in.  Please pray for me this month and over my marriage because i'm sure there will be bumps along the way that cause me to stumble that lead me to lose site of this direction.

~*~

For our Marriage challenge i'm going to skip to day 3 because we missed a few.  Thanks to my mom who responded on how she followed through with day one! Making my dad's favorite pizza. :)

Maybe you could do this tomorrow since it's late as i'm posting this.

1 Cor. 13:4 Love suffers long, and is kind.

I struggle with kindness towards darren and sometimes my tongue is sharp.  I love this passage of scripture as a reminder that love is not mean but it's kind.  I don't want to be mean to anyone and especially not to my husband.

Today be thankful that your husband is both tender and tough.  It may be difficult for him to be tender but if he ultimately you can't expect your husband to make you more secure. That can only be from God.  Just be thinking of how your man is considerate of your needs, even if it is the smallest thing!

Until next time!

Laura

For my son's first birthday party I had every intention of having an owl theme.  The invites I creativly put together had fun owl sayings and in my mind that's how the party would look like.  I realized today while beginning to decorate that this owl theme was all pinterested up in my mind :) (kind of like dreamed up). Can anyone relate with me!? I had to make a quick desicion to be okay with the reality that it's not but it's still going to be a wonderful day with friends celebrating our sweet boy. 

Although i've been busy cleaning today I HAD to get outside because this weather is to die for.  I took Garrett with me on our first run of the year and we both loved it.  As feet pounded the pavement I remembered how hard running is but decided to push through. 

Thankful for good friend loaning us their jogging stroller!

Then I finished weeding my flower bed in the front.  For me there's something theraputic about weeding and taking care of my own yard.  I L O V E it. Weird huh?

I'm excited for this spring to plant flowers and praying that God would allow there to be room in our budget for flowers.

I have one year in this beautiful home (as of now) and want to bloom where God's placed us and part of that is throwing myself into caring for this home and making it our own.

Yesterday morning I heard one of the best testimonies of a wife learning how to love her husband better.  Eydie Thomas spoke to a group of military women about her own journey of being a selfish wife to wanting to bless her man.  I walked away encouraged to love Darren and take care of him.  I can relate to her story because in the first few years of my marriage that's been my attitude most of the time.  In my marriage it was 'me, myself, and I'.  It's hard to admit to that but i'm learning right now how to die to myself.  Bare with me becuase this is simply not easy for a human being.  It's a supernatural act that gives me the strength to do this. 

Darren doesn't read this :) so i'm going to share this with the wives reading.  Take a journey with me please. 

I don't come to you saying i've figured this out. I'm saying that rock bottom is not fun and it's time to take back what is ours.  Satan has been given way too many strongholds in our hearts.  It can start with the simple realization that our husband is not meeting a need and then we start to gossip about him only to have our attitude toward him turn bitter and this slippery slope leads to hard times in our marriage that we can avoid.

Take 30 days to concentrate on your man.  Don't look at the amount of days just do today with me.  Committ to not say anything negative about him to a friend or even to him. 

Be a blessing in his life. 

Thank him today for something that he does, no matter how small. 

 'But laura he has done this or that to me...'

It's time to let go friends.  As Eydie talked about holding grudges yesterday I realized how rediculous it is to not forgive a friend when they hurt us.  It's freeing to say 'I forgive you and forget it, moving on'. 

I don't know your circumstances but trust me when I tell you that in my own marriage we have been at the door ready to walk out and time and time again God has pointed us to get back into the committment we made before him and love each other.  HE will give you the strength to walk through anything, trust him again.

Please tell me how you did today on loving your man and what creative way you let him know you love him!

The clock reads 5:00am and I roll out of bed quite cheerfully.  My mother would never believe that I'm intentionally getting up at this hour.  I understand how she loves the mornings now.  For me there's a peace in watching this home go from dark to light over a cup of coffee.  It's cozy and warm while I read my devotional and skim over it but this mornings devotional in 'Journey' doesn't seem to fit.  However, the words from last nights military bible study stick.  I'm mulling them over even now.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

This is God's word to me as my family treks through the unsure waters of the Military.  This describes a military family in the truest way.  I know in the years ahead there will be workups, deployments, moves, change, and so much more.  BUT God who having chose this small family will provide like he always has.

I moved to Chesapeake, VA a little over a year ago and I have a beautiful rental home, food to eat, well over 20 women that have blessed me greatly, an incredible mentor, am being stretched to serve in a teen girls ministry and the preschool Sundays, a church family that has taken us in, and a lot more.  This is God's doing, not my own. 
It is hard BUT he will provide.  I know that soon we'll be wading back into the waters and God has put into place all that we will need to make it through.

Maybe you're in a different career but never forget God chose you to be there.  Embrace it today and remember 2 Corinthians when you're feeling beaten up. There is hope in knowing Jesus Christ.  Thinking of you today!

~Laura

To write is to pour out your life as a love offering for people you may never meet, because when you do so you feel God’s pleasure in your fingertips. -Lisa-Jo (http://thegypsymama.com/)

There I was last night kneeling on aching knees tracing letters that all together read, 'Happy Birthday'.  A simple banner but as I traced, my mind wandered to that first moment he was in my arms.  No even further back to when I held that tiny stick telling me God was forming my child.  I loved him from that moment on and as this mother prepares for the FIRST birthday she rejoices in a full year with the sweetest boy i've ever met, aside from my husband of course! 

This child of mine is a rare treasure.

Some mornings are made extra special when accompanied by 'I love lucy' and a giant cup of coffee. But not before a quiet moment with the Lord being reminded of this journey to a closer relationship.  It's the most incredible thing to have Him daily.  That he willingly pursues me knowing the past, present, and future.

There are issues out of my control that leave me with high blood pressure and an exhausted husband. (poor man has to hear all that is wrong with this world when he knows for himself) I won't get into details but this morning as tired eyes skimmed line after line of a most disturbing story I fumed.  My anger only grew with the next story and the one after that.  I forgot though..my enemy is not against people..but against satan who has skillfully crafted lie after lie that has led to a disturbing corrosion of this once fine country and world.  As a follower of Christ I struggle with loving people and yet not accepting certain behaviors that go against God's word. 

I can hardly stand to read the news these days but the growing conflict around the world rings louder.  I'm so deeply hated by people in Afghanistan,  I'm deeply hated by a community of gays and transgender, I'm deeply hated by a group of Atheists, and deeply hated by a group of people who believe in having the choice to abort a life when it's not convenient for the mother. 

I'm hated. and this realization stings but brings comfort because it shows that I am right where Jesus said i'd possibly be.

John 15:18

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

When Jesus walked this earth he was seen performing the most wonderful miracles.  Caring for people and reaching out to them was his ministry.  He was incredibly bold to religious leaders along with coming to earth in the most unusual way.  He was hated for speaking the truth to people because it got under their skin and he called sin just that..sin. They could not even find fault in him but still crucified him.

I am His.  And from early on I knew this was part of the deal for following Christ.  As my freedom begins to feel like someone is choking the life out of it I have to remember what this world did to my Savior and his followers then.  If you're feeling slightly in the same boat as me be encouraged by the fact that Jesus wasn't silenced by the grave.  That grave did not Keep him and he did just what he set out to do, bring us life.  Don't walk through life feeling hopeless remember the hope we have in Christ and share His love with everyone you come to meet.  Bask in his glory and enjoy this daily walk alongside of him.  Don't grow weary when this world seems to be falling apart, look to the God who has and will always remain.

Thanking God for this reminder today!

Praying for you that you'd be strong and continue to seek Him.

~Laura~