A stroll on the Natchez bridge....

Somehow, family time goes so much smoother when there's no plan; no agenda. We welcomed CNB home after a few days out on the road and spent the evening just being together. Dinner consisted of a good ole cheap meal from Moe's, proceeded by a drive in the country. The landscape and beauty of the countryside out on Old Hillsboro Rd and Del Rio Pike is incredible. CNB wanted to scope it out so he can take his "new" scooter for a drive out in the country this week. It's been awhile since we drove the Natchez bridge so we made the "trek" up to the top to show BEB and then got out and walked around for a bit. The view of the sunset and heavens was absolutely gorgeous! It was a delightful evening....I cherish moments with my VIPs.

"Chazown"

Today I lived with purpose. Today I had a vision.

I'm reading a book called "Chazown" meaning vision and God is using it in a mighty to reveal my giftings, passion and purpose. I started my day making a list of very specific mini-goals that align with my core values and spiritual gifts. Living on purpose with these goals has made such a difference today. On "normal" days, I find myself wandering and distracted. Unmotivated and lazy. Knowing what I "need to do" but lacking direction and dedication to get there. It's really helped me to put in writing my giftings so I can focus specifically on using them to the fullest for God's glory. I even wrote out a mission statement for my life!! It's amazing how focused I felt today just with having a plan and not my typical list of to-dos to get me through.

If you're interested in the book, check-out this link: http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781590525470

Orphan

Abba, Daddy ~

You took me in and saved me from a life of darkness and despair.
You clothed me with righteousness and gave me the bread of life.
You granted me a home and a place of honor in Your heart.
I shutter to think where I would be if You hadn't rescued my very life.
I was created to be with You forever.
Help me fight this desire to find my earthly "family" - the very ones
who cause me much pain and are against me.
Open my heart to embrace the home within You.

"Mercy triumphs over judgment."
-James 2:13

Vintage for my soul

It's been a full, wonderfully long week filled with sadness, joy, ponderings and stirrings in my heart. I did something yesterday I rarely, if ever, do. I took a guilt-free hour to wander around quaint little antique shops in downtown Franklin. The vintage findings and sights were refreshing for my soul. I picked up three beautiful pieces that brought me inspiration. Something else I rarely do....I actually purchased the items for mere joy and pleasure.
Finding #1 - A turquoise maraco/shaker (sp?) with bright flowers caught my attention. Perfect for BEB's instrument collection!
Finding #2 - This particular cross, with glass inlaid, struck me because you could see your reflection perfectly in it. A beautiful symbol of how we are to reflect Christ. It was made for the wall in our dining room.
Finding #3 - I love toile, it doesn't matter what color! In a boutique section, I found this simple black & beige toile pillow. A perfect accent piece for the old, brown rocking chair CNB has had since he was a tot.
I'm grateful for the little money that comes in from here and there to be able to make such purchases.

Facing the GIANTS of fear

So I would HAVE to say that my life has completely changed since I watched the movie "Facing the Giants" a few weekends back. God has used the message in that movie to really open my eyes to the oh-so-many fears I have (many without even realizing it). It has been so COOL to see God move me from my usual defeated self to ACTION! I accepted Christ when I was 8 years old so while I know that was a very true and real decision, I've never had a conversion story. I've never been able to look back on my life and really see a difference as far as my walk with Jesus. But, in the last few weeks, I feel like a NEW woman! So many phrases from the movie (like a chant song!) keep playing over and over in my mind. "Don't quit, don't give up at a certain point when you know you can go further. Give me more." "Don't quit 'til you got nothing left. Your very best! Your very best!" "Give God our very best in every area." "If we win, we praise Him. If we lose, we praise Him." "Don't be afraid. Just face your fear!" "You can't be afraid of failure." "Stay sharp, stay focused, have fun and honor God." "As long as we honor God, NOTHING is impossible." "Do not lose heart, do not stop fighting." "Do the best you can and leave the results up to God." "God chooses to work in our lives because He's good; because He loves us."

Jesus is meeting me where I am and has changed my heart!

Something to ponder

I read these phrases today in a book called "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper and they've been whirling around in my mind and stirring in my heart ever since. "We are more American than we are Christian. We seek more comfort, more fun, more stuff, etc." (This is me speaking!) If we truly live as Christ followers, then we would take risks, seek to give our lives away for others, deny ourselves and choose to live simple lives. In regards to stuff, Piper writes "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." As stewards of all that Christ gives, we should desire less and thus be able to live more abundantly with what we do have and what we are given for the glory of God.
Oh Jesus, I want to live like this!

Attack of the germies

As we all know, tis the season for sickness. Well, IT decided to invade our home almost two weeks ago. BEB went down first with a nasty ear infection and major throat & nose congestion and then IT slammed CNB last Friday and had him down all last weekend. I was the next recipient and spent all week in bed. We've never had it all at once so it was quite a treat! Thank goodness for the amazing support from Mimi & Papa. They graciously kept the kids (Scout & BEB) while we recooperated a few days. Wednesday night, while at my worst, I think I somehow uttered a request to BEB to say a prayer for Mommy. We're teaching her how to pray for others and it's priceless to hear what comes out of her little mouth. She immediately said a prayer something like this (I was so caught up in her words and in the moment that I didn't catch it all!) "Dear God, we just pray for Mommy's life. Pray that you what make her feel better and we pray for Uncle Jordie, Aunt Stevie, Nana, Bell, Jordie and Stevie." Right after she prayed, she said "Now you feel better Mommy!" with a huge smile. I thanked her for her sweet prayer not thinking much about the healing part of it, struggled to get out of the chair to go tuck her in bed and quickly realized that I really did feel better. It was instantly after she prayed that the pressure in my head subsided, I had a smile on my face so large and I honestly felt the sickness lifting. I praise God for her mustard seed-like faith.