Limbo, but not really

I feel like I'm in limbo.  Ever feel that way?

I feel like it's all just floating around up in the air.

I'm not sure if it's a bad thing or a good thing to be uncertain about what lies ahead, but I can say it's unnerving.

I've talked recently about my struggles, deciding whether to go back to a full time job, parenting struggles, but I haven't talked about how my faith isn't in limbo.

You see, I know who my Savior is.  I know He's there.  I know He's in control of what lies ahead.  I'm not going to sit here and act like I'm a Godly woman, because honestly, I'm not.  I don't live a life that shows how much I love Jesus.  But, I want to.

I talk to God every single day.  When I lay my head down at night I find peace in telling Him what's on my heart.  I beg for Him to show me how to be a better christian example.

I ask for guidance in how to get to the place I want to be in my life.  And when I think that He's not listening, I get reminders that He is.

I stumbled on this little gem tonight:

"Nothing happens by chance.  You are where you are because that is where God wants you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

As soon as I read that, it clicked.  This is what I desperately needed to hear.  Even though I know it's all in His hands, sometimes you just need to read scripture to rest your mind from worries.

The beauty in me finding this, when I pulled up this scripture, I couldn't find this version anywhere.  And the source didn't list it either.  I was stumped.  What I did find, read like this:

¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Never stop praying. ¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Even though they have the same meaning, I needed to "hear" it for the simple meaning.  I am where I am because He wants me right there.

A few things I want to point out about this whole light bulb moment for me: 

* I just found this blog last week and hadn't really read but 1 or 2 posts.
* My mother always, and I mean always told me to pray without ceasing {1 Thessalonians 5:17}

He's listening.  And He's reassuring me that He's got this.  What a powerful answer to my prayers.

I may feel like I'm in limbo...but not really.

Inspiration

I know the Lord is with me. I will not be
shaken, for he is right beside me.

-Psalms 16:8

This is just what I needed to hear today...

Thought Filled Thursdays

It's been awhile, I know.  I have so much I need to put in this post, so don't runaway!

I'll start off with a funny Caroline story.  I always show her when I change the blog up, and see what she thinks.  So over the weekend, I pulled it up and asked her what she thought.

Me:  Boog, did you see the new blog design?

Caroline:  Yes.

Me:  Well, what do you think?  Do you like this one?

Caroline:  Well yea, but why do you always {lots of drama here}have to put a picture of me up there?

Me:  Because you're mostly what my blog is for.

Caroline:  Oh...well can't you just once put Tab up there?

I just started laughing!  She cracks me up.  So then I asked her if she didn't like her picture being on my blog and she said that she likes it, but I should just change them out sometimes!  I thought, oh boy...we're getting into the embarrassed age, and I'll have to take her picture off, but no, she said I should just put me & Tab on it too because it's about all of us! 

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Something to look for...Remember that Pay it Forward post?  It was almost a year ago...well if you commented on it, be checking your mailbox for a little treat!  And Elyse, if your reading this, email me so I can get your address, I seem to have lost it!

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I have really wanted a new bible for some time now, and just haven't gotten around to going to look.  Well, last week while Caroline was at gymnastics, I ran to the pet store to grab a few things.  Our Family Christian Bookstore happens to be around the corner from the pet store, and I just had this urge to go in there.  I walked in, and knew right where I was headed.  I stood looking at the wall of new bibles and was thrown for a spin.  There were so many to choose from!  I knoew I wanted more than just a standard bible, but I didn't know what I was looking for.  I was immediately drawn to the title of one:  True Identity.  Hmmmm?  Now some might say I was drawn to the super cute girly cover, but that's just not true { it was just an added bonus!}.

True Identity: The Bible for Women

Discover your true identity in Christ through his Word! The Bible that helps you see yourself as God sees you. No matter what your stage in life, you’re probably facing a challenge or a change. Whatever you're facing, you probably share your struggles with a friend. Now imagine your friend has incredible wisdom and is available anytime of the day or night! That’s what this Bible is about: becoming who you are in Christ through your relationship with him.

Features:

• 100 “Myth” articles—States a commonly accepted myth that the world tells you is true, then refutes the myth with the truth of God’s Word
• 30 “Ask Me Anything” notes—Profiles a woman from the Bible in an interview format where the biblical woman speaks to the modern readers about the life issue she faced
• 200 “Conversations” notes—Penetrating questions to reflect on, either alone or with a friend or mentor
• 200 “He Is” callouts—Highlights an attribute of God as shown or taught in Scripture and teaches how that affects a woman’s identity
• 300 “At Issues” notes—Short teaching notes on life topics such as money, sex, or pride.
• 66 book introductions
• Topical index
• Back matter articles on topics such as mentoring, developing a consistent quiet time, Bible reading plans, memorizing Scripture, etc.

I really love this Bible.  Please take a quick peak at it, you won't regret it!

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Just look at this face...

 

Caroline & Hayden

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And right now, Caroline and I are loving this!  Yummy!  We mix a little Italian dressing, pecans, and crispy onions, then put it into a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce and some Parmesan cheese...Y.U.M.M.Y!!!!

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Here's a quick look at the mailbox I was working on recently!  I can't wait to see if the customer loves it!

 

  

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I have a wall of Crosses at home, and just can't stop adding to it!  Here's a few I've transformed recently!

 

And here is a new piece I made just because!

Hope you all have a GREAT day!

Hello? Are You Still Out There?

I have so neglected my blog this last week! That's not like me! Me not "talk"? Ha....

We have been dealing with some big changes that still may or may not happen, and to be honest, it's taking its toll on me. We were presented with an opportunity, then it changed, then it changed some more, and now, you guessed it, it has changed yet again. We're not really sure what is going to happen, but I feel like He is in control, and right now...I'm waiting to be shown what's in His plan. Say a prayer for us please? We sure do need them about now!

Anyway...I do have some fun stuff to post about! Caroline's 1st day of 1st grade was today, and boy was she in full Caroline sass! Sometimes that girl cracks me up! And I have a Thought Filled Thursday to post with lots of thoughts on all sorts of things! Be sure to check in tomorrow for that post...there are just some things that never cease to amaze me!

I would probably feel so much better if I had been on here blogging out my thoughts, fears & frustrations...if I promise to be better, will you still be out there? I won't lie, I love to hear from my bloggy friends! You share the same struggles, and have some great things to say just when a girl needs a little boost!

His Mercy

I feel so compelled to share with all of you one of the greatest things in life, God's love. I know so many people have their own beliefs, and I of course have my own. No matter where your faith stands, please visit the following blog.

The Story of Audrey Caroline

Now, if you chose, you can start at the beginning of her story {there is a link in the top left sidebar}, or you can just start from here on out. This sweet family lost there 4th baby girl hours after she was born.

Angie posted a video of their time with her before she left them. The post to read is:
The Mourning and the Dancing

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As Christians, we know God's love and mercy. We know his grace. And at times like death, we can falter. It's never easy to let go of someone you love. This has been such an inspiring family, their faith is so strong, even when they face their toughest hours.

With Love,
Alicia