Count it all JOY

Count it all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - encouragement from James 1

I have encountered my fair share of trials in the past few weeks and as time goes on, the burden and hurt from these trials has begun to wither away. Although there are a few unsettled issues that I believe will take time and God's revealing grace to heal, I truly can say that at the end of myself, I found peace, an overwhelming sense of abandonment in my worship to Christ, and also have grown closer to a new family of His. I truly have felt this truth of James 1 come to fruition through this time.

It blows my mind that we are given a "recipe" to become "perfect and complete." What in the world?! Who does not want to become a more perfect and complete person? Although the results are mind boggling, along the way is not, and for me, has not been easy. This world is full of haters who despise the perfection of Christ in us. Not that we are perfect, but we carry the Spirit of the One who is. Testing came with tears, doubts, and satan's efforts to thwart my perspective and blame my situation on my Creator. By the power of Christ and looking at the cross, I was consistently reminded that He is my defender, Father, Sustainer, and Redeemer. In Him I have perfect peace and joy.

My worship to Him through this time has brought a closeness to Him that makes my trials pale in comparison to His love.

This weekend Joseph was taking care of Inslee while I was in my friend, Meredith Davis's wedding. At the beginning of the ceremony she fell asleep cradled in her daddy's arms. She slept throughout the ceremony and enjoyed a deep rest that the day's playtime had encouraged. At the end of the ceremony everyone began to clap and cheer as the new couple was announced. Inslee looked up for a moment at the chaos and then burrowed her head even deeper into her daddy's chest, falling back asleep.

Sometimes I want to "awake" from my relationship with God and yell with fists shaking for everyone to settle down so that my plans are not hindered. My beautiful daughter exhibited a truth that is helping me even today. When life seems crazy, loud, and full of trials, bury your head deeper into the chest of your Creator. Draw closer to Him to get the strength you need before attempting to take on a crowd much too big for you alone to handle. His closeness will impart wisdom to realize your situation's potential for miraculous peace and joy.

Fall Favorites

Fall is my favorite season, by far! Warm sweaters, hot chai tea, leaves changing color, and of course the best part is that it's the beginning of snuggle season! Getting excited about the upcoming months, I thought that I'd share some of my favorite things that make the season perfect!

-God's beauty- 

 

is displayed in shades of gold

 -comfy sweaters- 

love this one from anthropologie

 -oregon chai tea lattes-

yum

-pumpkin cookies-

my friend, Kristie gave me the best recipe for them! I could eat 10 in 5 seconds. yes, that good!

-halloween-

not because of all the evil things associated with it, but because it brings back so many memories of homemade costumes, handmade sweaters from my nanny vicki,  and fun times with my family. my mom always threw the best halloween parties so that we wouldn't be roaming the streets and didn't get scared half to death of all the gory goblins and witches!

here is some wonderful evidence of our mom's encouragment during the season. my cute mermaid sister, haley.

-bonfires-

awendaw green is a music venue where they have a free barn jam every wednesday night (or at least they used to). they would have great music, free food and drinks, and of course a nice, warm bonfire. am i the only one who loves the smell of a bonfire? in addition to all of the many wonderful things about a.g., it is where i met my husband :)

-snuggles-

with my sweet man, who looks super fine in a sweater!

-holiday decorating-

this is a picture of my and my nephew, evan when he was just a few months old. i was visiting my sister and her family in houston where it is a highly desired tradition that i go and help her the day after thanksgiving to decorate. our times are filled with laughs, crazy dances, holiday creamers, celine dion christmas album, and warm holiday cheer!

so i may have jumped the gun a little bit since we are still in the dead heat of summer (at least here in sc), but i thought that i could use a little warm encouragment to what lies ahead :)

Perspective

In just a week I will start another traveling stint that will be full of celebrations, reunions, many laughs, and yes being on the road for miles upon miles. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be able to travel with Inslee, and am extremely thankful that she does so well in the car. As I look at our busy schedule I am so very excited, but truthfully thinking about our schedule makes me want to take a nap. For a little encouragment and perspective I thought I'd share my upcoming plans.

Stop ONE

my best friend

Stacy's

bachelorette weekend

st. augustine

so excited to share with her and all of her wonderful friends in Florida (as well as mine!) laughs and good times as we celebrate the future

mr. and mrs. ray frazier

Stop TWO

back to Charleston to say goodbye to my love and to pick up my Nanny Jean and cousin, Brittany along with her daughter

layla

Stop THREE

Houston, Texas to see my brother in law, Richard and my big sis

haley

also can't wait to get my little hands on her son,

evan

Stop FOUR

heading back to Charleston to pick up my man and heading to florence, sc to join a bridal party while we celebrate

meredith and lee

 

Stop FIVE

heading to Charleston for a few days and then back to jacksonville for my bestie to be a

matron of honor

(i feel old)

maybe we can settle down a little in October?

whew!

let's do this.



Celebrating Mom

Tomorrow will be my Mom's birthday + a month. I wanted to post on her actual birthday but we were all out of town and so I figured birthday + a month was a fitting celebration.

My Mother is..

beautiful

Not only is she beautiful, but she is wonderfully

 crazy

-not her hair, btw-

She is a wonderful

Gigi

and one of the hardest working women I know

strong

I love you, Mom. Thanks for always making us laugh, even when you hurt (and for making us delicious portabello mushroom burgers last night ;) )

 love, court



My "Little" One

There's no hiding that my little Inslee is the sweetest and cutest bundle of sweet giggles that I have ever had in my life! She is always so smiley and loves to take pictures! I wanted to share with ya'll the talent of my very dear friend, Mary Melinda Little, who has captured some of my favorite pictures in this world. Here are a few of my "Little Pictures" from our recent trip to Destin, Florida.

first time at the beach

my happy girl :)

she tried to "stomp" on the waves as they came up to her

So she LOVED the beach! And the taste of sand.

sweet time with momma

grace and inslee- official beach babes

You can check out "Little Pictures" on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Little-Pictures/133338053411177

thanks, MM!

Manna for Moms

It's no secret that I am still (and probably will be in the process of for a very long time), trying to figure out this whole mother thing. I am often embarrased at my own thought life while thanking God that He being the Almighty Gracious One, is the only one who knows some of my deepest frustrations and conflicting thoughts. I never thought that my heart could contain the capacity to love like I love my little Inslee. Her cuddles, her laughs, her kisses, and even her sweet cries warm my heart to no end. Along with all of the remarkable boundaries of love pushed far beyond I had ever expected, life has arrived with new challenges. Although from the outside and mistakenly even in my mind, these challenges may seem to include lack of sleep, the mundane of changing diapers and balancing other daily tasks along with spending time with her, the main challenge that effects even the smallest of small, is the spiritual health of my walk with God.

Here is a poem I found on Manna for Moms this morning entitles "Loving Jesus"

I started my day early,

Before the room was light.

I lifted my son from his crib

And wished it was still night.

But as I held him close and said,

"Hi, Kenneth, precious one,"

I knew that as I greeted him,

I greeted too God's Son

When my daughter woke up later,

Calling, "Mommy!  Mommy!  Down!"

I picked her up and hugged her

In her worn Elmo nightgown.

I know she felt the closeness

That a mother's touch affords.

I welcomed not just Ellie,

But so, too, the Lord of Lords.

That day, I mixed some formula

And opened jars of peas.

I fixed some "pizza butter" bread

When she grinned and said, "Pleeeeease."

I heated up some leftovers;

I had to nuke them twice.

And when I fed my children,

I was feeding Jesus Christ.

I wiped up sticky cereal

And washed the dishes clean.

I straightened, picked up, put away,

And dusted in between.

I did six loads of laundry

And folded it like new.

When I cleaned for my children,

I cleaned for my Savior, too.

When my children were both crying,

I held them in my arms.

I cuddled them and whispered

That I'd keep them safe from harm.

I told them how their Father saved them

With His perfect Lamb.

When I comforted my children,

I comforted I AM.

Later on that evening,

I put them in the bath.

I washed their little bodies

As they kicked around and splashed.

I dried them in soft towels

And put their jammies on.

When I had washed my children's feet,

I'd washed the Holy One.

I cooked and cleaned and rearranged,

Made beds and taught and played.

I made sure that we had food to eat

And that we often prayed.

I died to self.  I made a home

From ordinary things.

But when I served my children,

I served the King of Kings.

To some, I have done nothing,

But to two, I've done the world.

I made eternal difference

To my precious boy and girl,

And to the One who watches over

Every pathway that I've trod.

For when I've loved my precious children,

I've loved Almighty God.

 - Megan Breedlove (www.MannaForMoms.com)

What a transforming power that God gives our minds through His word. This poem was not only a tearful reminder that my work at home does matter, but that through His truth I am empowered to please Him in all of it. How do people live this life without Him? I am thankful I will never have to find out.

Shape up!

In the common season where I realize, "oh man! it's time to shape up!" I always reach for two of my favorite DVDs to tone up and lose some inches. It's perfect for someone like me who doesn't want to pay for a gym membership and who has a little one around.

This first DVD is the 10 Minute Solution Pilates. It has a menu consisting of "Abs," "Buns and Thighs," "Flexibility," "Pilates Burn," and "Arms/Upper Body." Each segment is ten minutes and you can customize your workout so that it will play them in any order you desire! I usually start with flexibilty followed by two other segments.

 

The second DVD set I reach for is (ok dont laugh at me!) "Core Rhythms."



I got the set at Target a few years ago and it has been such a great and fun way to work out! There are 4 or 5 different dance styles including 45 minute routines to each. I absolutely love it and it makes working out challenging yet fun (especially if you get your very graceful husband to do it with you! ;) )

With both programs I can tell in just a few days that I'm melting away! Even Joseph who does P90X has joined me for both workouts and says it is a challenge!

Direction

This morning I was reminded of how blessed we are that we are given specific direction and encouragement on how to live our lives. In a world where most things are considered to be relative and are clouded by emotion, we have the very word of God to straighten us out and wake us up as to say, "hello!? I'm here with the answers to your life! I'm trying to show you what to do to have complete peace and direction!" God's Word gives us purpose with its direction. We are not meant to live lives of confusion and desperation, but of security and peace. Here is a passage that I have read a million times, but it is so applicable and extremely fundamental to our EVERY DAY and EVERY MOMENT lives. The God who created you says:

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

What a practicality. Have an opportunity to choose to say, "It doesn't matter how I feel or what I really want, what you would like or desire is more important?" What a difficult realization! We decide to fulfill others' interests above our own. This triumphs every area of our lives whether it be deciding what should be for dinner or who should take out the trash. This is all in an effort to create unity, but why is unity so important? Because we are to have the mindset of Christ Jesus to fulfill his good purpose for our lives.

I love God's direction on this issue because not only does He direct us on a practical level, and then show us WHY we are to fulfill this command, but He shows us HOW.

So HOW are we to be humble in fulfilling verse 3? The answer lies within the following verses:

Remember Christ.

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself  by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!"

I'm not sure about you, but if the very God of the universe humbled Himself to become the lowest of low, I should not have a problem yielding to the interests of others no matter how vital or flippant the subject or issue.

Empowerment to live our lives the way Christ intends not only comes with freedom and fulfillment, but it keeps our focus off the things of this world and on the cross. .

The glorious cross



Picasa Collage

I absolutely love Picasa. Picasa is Google's free photo editing and organization program. There are so many neat things you can do with your pictures! Here is a cute little collage I threw together last night!

Sleep Time~our little cuddle bug

Inslee is in love with dolls and stuffed animals! She loves to pull all of her friends in for a good snuggle at nap time!

As we are starting to nail down Inslee's sleep schedule, our favorite lullaby is, "Goodnight, My Love."

Cousins :)

We are so excited that we have been able to spend time with Evan, my sister, Haley and her husband, Richard's son! He is such a cutie and finally slowed down to love on some Inslee Bear!

I think that they'll be best friends fo-eva! :)

A first time meet!

Here is my Dad, Mark and his wife, Karen in Jacksonville this past weekend as they met for the first time Ins :) I had to wake her up and as you can probably tell, she was on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster!

 :)

Lately

Since my last post we have been extremely busy adoring our little Inslee Bear as she grows SO quickly, traveling all over the place with Joseph's job, Best Quest (like it here --> http://www.facebook.com/BestQuestTeaching?ref=ts&sk=app_14167664298), and have been able to spend time with a lot of our family in Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee! We have had such a wonderful time of fellowship with all of them and have some great pictures of our adventures!

Inslee with her "Pop!"

Our sweet girl posing for the very talented Mary Melinda :)

true love :)

Knowing that we were going to be on the road for an EXTENSIVE amount of time, our mentors gave Joseph and me the audio discs to the Love and Respect series. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his wife have put together a fantastic study and seminar based on Ephesians 5:33 which encourages us with "Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." We highly recommend for other married couples to listen (or watch the DVD) together. We learned so much about one another and how to take God's plan for His creation and make the most of it in our marriage.

More of Memorial Day Weekend

Me and my Love :) <3

GRACE!

Our boo bear getting some rays!

Finally, the best part of Tellico time is this. Sitting around laughing and sharing with one another :)

Our nephew, Evan is in town this week so pictures to come with him and his cousin "Tinslee!"

Mahogany "Sweetie"

So finally my first big project completed!!!  I'm so excited with the way it turned out that Joseph and I were trying to figure out where in our house we could keep it :)  But since there is no room for it, we will be selling "Sweetie" (the name we gave her) as soon as possible.

BEFORE

AFTER

Whatchya think?

 I love the bottom shelf!