Just what the Doctor ordered...

Today was a wonderful Sunday.  Just what the Doctor - aka The Great Physician - ordered.  God just really knows what we need, when we need it.

This morning didn't start the way I would have liked it, but once we got to church, that all changed.  One of the songs during worship this morning was this...

As much as I know He loves us, I still sometimes need to be reminded.  God uses music so much to minister to me and I feel like it's such a beautiful way to be reminded of whatever it is that I need to remember.  So if you're needing this reminder today, feel free to listen to it as many times as you need :)

After church, we came home, had leftovers for lunch (but leftover homemade chicken & dumplings is delicious, so I don't mind those kinds of leftovers!!), then we headed to Home Depot to meet my Dad to pick out handles for Logan's toy box and to pick out paint colors for our bedroom (so excited about finally doing something with the master bedroom!).

 Logan enjoyed leading Papa all around!

Logan took a good nap once we got home and I got a few things done around the house.  Once Logan woke up, we got a little play time in, then I made a yummy dinner of crispy ranch chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes while Brandon played with Logan.  It was so yummy!!

After dinner, Brandon played with the munchkin for a little bit more while I cleaned the kitchen.  Then we took a family walk.  It was really nice!

Once Logan was down for the night, Brandon & I enjoyed a cup of coffee (decaf for me so I can sleep tonight - ha!) while watching one of our shows.

Now, I'm just catching up on some blog stuff, and getting excited about all this next week has in store - bible study, dinner with my MOPs Mommas, cookie making party (so super excited about this!), small group at our house, and a playdate.

So I've got a full tummy, a full heart, and a clean kitchen.  Can't think of a better way to start the week! :)

Ps. I'm all caught up on Logan's daily posts! Yay!!! So if you missed any, just scroll down. I'm pretty proud of myself for making it 50 days so far! Only 316 left to go :)

The Joy of Trials

As much as I don't want to go through trials in this life, I'm learning more and more that these trials are for God's glory.  Ultimately, we're here to share His love with others, so who am I to complain when God gives me this trial because I know that He will somehow use it to further His Kingdom.

I recently started a new bible study with my women's bible study group at my church.  How appropriate it is that it's titled When Life is Hard: Turning Your Trials to Gold by James MacDonald.  I was really excited about started this study when I learned what it would be because life is obviously hard.  It never really feels "easy" so I was really looking forward to it.  Little did I know that I would begin a new trial just days after starting the study.  God knows what He's doing, and He knows exactly what we need long before we have any clue.  The main verse we are focusing on is James 1:2-4 - "Count it all joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  So I am learning that, I'm lacking in something (aren't we all though?), and God is trying to make me more mature.  I am trying to see past my own pain and see what God wants me to learn. That's not to say that it's not ok to feel hurt, and sad, and upset about the situation, but ultimately I know there is joy in what I'm going through because I know that God will use it for His glory.

Another song that has really been speaking to me lately is Blessings by Laura Story.  It really is a good reflection of what I feel the study is trying to share.  You can also hear her story behind writing the song by going here. (The particular website I got the video from in the previous post, their coding has it play automatically, so if you are viewing this from my main page and not a direct link then you will want to scroll down to pause the other song before listening to this one.  Sorry about that - I'm not techy enough to know how to make it not do that.)

Ps. I've downloaded pictures, and hope to start updating the days that I've missed very soon. I also hope to get Logan's 14 month post up soon too. How is it that my baby is 14 months today?! Such a big boy!

God is Good - Always

I realize I am very behind in my posts about Logan, but I promise I will get to those.  I've still been taking pictures/video, but I haven't downloaded them yet.  We've had a rough week, and I'm not ready to share it with the world, but through this, God has really been revealing himself to me and giving me bundles of blessings and I just want to count those right now (in no particular order).

-Having my baby boy fall asleep in my arms while reading and rocking him before nap time.  I could just sit there and hold him forever.  Aside from salvation, he is the greatest gift that God has given to Brandon and me.  He is always such a source of joy, but especially so when times are hard.

-Getting news that our home appraisal came back higher than we needed it to for our refinance.  This is a huge blessing for us.

-Having wonderful family that is so loving, helpful, and supportive especially when times are tough.  They are always here for us, and I don't know what we'd do without them.

-Having friends that genuinely love us and care for us.

-Hugs, kisses, cuddles, smiles, and giggles from my sweet boy.

-Having a supportive husband that will just hold you when you need to cry, and listens to you when you want to talk about the same thing over and over again.

-Logan taking a long nap for the first time this week that allowed me to do the dishes that I have been putting off all week, and to write this blog post.

-Realizing that God knew what we needed long before we did.  Placing events and people in our lives that would help us in ways we never knew we would need them.

-Having a beautiful home that I can open up to others for fun & fellowship (and while it's not always as clean & organized as I'd like it to be, it's still a blessing).

- Little indulgences like ice cream, and coffee.  And, hopefully, maybe even going out for a lemon drop martini in the near future.

-My wonderful husband, who is not only working to support our family, but also taking classes working towards another degree, and still comes home and helps with Logan and other needs around the house.

There are so many of these little blessings in my life and I am so thankful for each and every one of them.  God truly is good.

It is such a weird feeling to experience grief and sadness, yet at the same time peace and happiness.  I know that this can only come from God.  I cannot possibly attribute it to pure chance or coincidence.  He has wrapped His arms around me, and I know that He is real, and He cares, and He is carrying me through this.  It is often said that God will never give us more than we can handle, but I don't believe that is entirely accurate.  He gives us more than we can handle on our own, but not more than we can handle with His support.  It is so wonderful to know that God is walking this path with me, and when I cannot support myself, He is there to carry me through it.

Being a Christian isn't an easy thing, and it certainly isn't meant to be.  However, I can't imagine living in this world without my faith in God.  Life is hard, and like I mentioned before, God is real, He cares, and He wants to be the one to carry you through.  I don't really know who if anyone reads this blog outside of my family, but if you don't know Him, and you want to, I'd be happy to talk with you and pray with you.  Or, if you know someone who is a Christian and would be more comfortable talking with them, I urge you to talk to them, and tell them you want to know more about Him.  I promise, you will not regret it.

I love this song.  It is such a beautiful reminder of God's love, and how He is with us always.

5 Months

Logan,

You are 5 months old!  You sure have been up to a lot this month and are still growing way too fast!

You rolled over from your back to your tummy for the first time when Grandma was babysitting on April 15th.  Mommy was sad she missed it, but you did it for me 2 days later (Daddy was out of town, so he missed it again - poor Daddy!).  I was so proud of you!  You actually did it sooner than that, but it was when you were in bed in the middle of the night, so I didn't get to see it then either.  Now, you are rolling all over the place!  You are so cute when you do it too.  As you roll from your back to your tummy you fold your arms and tuck them so they do not get in the way when you roll over.  Such a smart boy!

You have been working soooo hard to sit up.  I knew it would happen any day this month.  In the last 2 weeks you have been getting really good at it.  You can sit on your own for a few seconds, but as soon as you get interested in something it causes you to wobble.  Pretty soon we're going to have a full sitter on our hands :)

 

This week you got sick for the first time.  It has been hard on Mommy to see you sick, but it doesn't seem to have phased you too much.  You really have only had a cough and a little bit of congestion.  We are so blessed that you are such a happy baby, even when you are not feeling your best!

Your hair is getting very long.  You need a hair cut, but Mommy just isn't ready for that yet.  You are her baby, and getting a hair cut is just too much of a "big boy" thing.  One day, after your bath, Mommy was playing with your hair and decided to try to give you a Mohawk.  However, your hair gets curly when it is wet, and it just would not stick up.  What resulted was very cute, but made you look a little too pretty, so we probably won't be doing that again :)

You keep figuring out different sounds that you can make and you do them over and over.  Right now, it's screeching at the top of your lungs.  Almost so high that only the dogs can hear.  Ha!  Other sounds that you have figured out how to make are spitting, coughing (on purpose), grunting and sometimes it sounds like you are trying to make the "mama" and "dada" sounds even though I know those have no meaning to you yet.

The dogs have become one of your new favorite things.  You have really taken notice of them this month.  If they are near, you reach out to try to touch/grab them and if they are playing and fighting you are mesmerized as you watch them.

As much as Mommy wishes it was not the case, you seem to LOVE the TV and anything electronic for that matter.  Anytime there's a TV on you're very interested in it.  And, you love the iPhone.  Gigi and Papa both have one and when they share it with you, you get very excited!

Here you are watching Top Gear with Daddy

Here you are trying to take Gigi's iPhone from Poppy

Your first Easter was this month.  It will be a little while before you understand the importance of this holiday, but it was fun nonetheless.  Ms. Melodee dressed you up as an Easter bunny and you were soooo cute!  The cutest one I've ever seen ;-)

You have been teething like crazy this month.  The drool pours out of your mouth and you will grab anything and stick it straight into your mouth.  Gigi bought you the Sophie the Giraffe teething toy and you LOVE her.  Unfortunately, we took her shopping with us and you dropped her out of the stroller somewhere, and we never found her.  Lucky for you though, Gigi spoils you and she bought you new one.

 

You also got to meet one of Mommy's favorite bloggers - Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman!  She had a book signing in Houston the Friday before your 5 month birthday for her children's book that she wrote about her dog Charlie .  You, Mommy and Gigi all got to go and it was so much fun! 

You are sleeping much better now and pretty much sleep from 10:00 to 6:30.  Sometimes you'll wake up between 4:30-5:30, but all you need is your pacifier back in your mouth and you go back to sleep.  On the weekends, you eat around 6:30 and then go right back to sleep and usually sleep until around 9:00.  It is very nice for Mommy and Daddy!  During the week though Mommy has to get you up and take you to Ms. Melodee's so Daddy and I can go to work.

Papa has already bought you a real fishing pole.  He sure is ready for you to get bigger so he can take you on your first fishing trip.  Mommy is not ready yet though!

Your first vacation has been booked as well.  On June 30th, you will get to go on an airplane to visit your Great Grandma Johnson in Cape Cod.  Grandma and Papa will be going too.  Everyone is very excited!

You are so much fun and bring so much joy into our lives!  I thank God for you every day and am so proud to be your mom!  I love you so much sweet boy!

Love,

Here and Now

Over the last year or so, the authors of some of my favorite blogs have been on trips supported by Compassion International.  If you haven't heard of them, they are a Christian organization that provides support to help children of poverty by feeding them, providing them with schooling, teaching them skills to help them out of poverty and most importantly they teach them about the love of Christ.

Each time one of the bloggers went on a trip, God tugged at my heart, and I wanted so badly to help ALL of these children.  But, I never acted on it.  I'm ashamed to even admit this, but I don't know if I didn't act because I felt like I couldn't help them all, so I didn't bother to help one, or if I was worried about the money commitment, or if I felt like if I sponsored a child then I'd have to accept the reality of the situation the kids are in, or maybe it was all of those.  I just never would actually sit down and commit to providing support for just one child.  The reality of the situation is that I am very blessed, and God didn't bless me so that I could be happy or have nice things.  God blessed me, so that I could then bless others in His name.

Recently, MckMama and her husband went on a trip with Comapassion to Kenya.  She posted pictures and stories, and with each one my heart ached more.  I knew in my heart I wanted to support a child, but I still didn't act right away.  Then, as God often does, He used a song to remind me of my purpose in life.  The song is "City on Our Knees" by Toby Mac and the very first words just really tug at my heart...

If you gotta start somewhere why not here
If you gotta start sometime why not now
If we gotta start somewhere I say here
If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
From cathedrals to third world missions
Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave

If you want to hear the whole song, click here.  It is so true...why not here? Why not now?  This song reminds me that it's not about my timing, it's not about what I think, it's not at all about me.  This blog post isn't even about me or what I'm doing.  I'm not trying to say hey look at me because I'm doing this "great" thing.  It's about sharing the love of Christ that I'm so blessed to have.  It's about giving another child hope, and an opportunity to know Christ.  I may never in this life get to meet that child, but I'm giving them the chance to meet someone so much greater than me.  I have heard the song so many times since then and tonight, my husband and I are saying we are going to start "here" and "now".  We have decided to add this sweet little boy to our family.  Meet Ishimwe Jean Luc.

He is 9 years old, and has 5 siblings.  One of his favorite things to do is play soccer!  He also enjoys playing marbles and running.  We are so excited to have Ishimwe in our family!

I know so many of you are way ahead of us in sponsoring children, but if you have never thought about it, please take a minute and consider it.  It is something that is so simple on our part, but so life changing for the child.  MckMama posted this video to show just how life changing your sponsorship can be.  Is it worth me giving up $38 a month in the savings account, or spent on fast food, or new clothes, things for the house, or whatever other selfish thing I might spend it on, to offer a child the chance to grow up, and know Christ?  It is so worth it!  I am thankful to be in a position that I am blessed enough to be able to give in this way that God has been calling me to give (even though I'm embarrassed it did take longer for me to get here than it should have).  If you don't watch the entire 9 minutes, at least watch it starting around the 5 minute mark.  I will warn you, you most likely will need tissues nearby.

I may only be able to sponsor one child right now, but that is still something.  And, it is so much more than just something to that child.  It's a chance for a better, healthier, happier life, and the opportunity for eternal life in Christ.

God's perfect timing

Why is it so hard to wait on God's perfect timing?  Even though God has always come through, and I have no reason to doubt that His timing is better than mine, I still continue to get impatient.  I have this "plan" in my head and I want it to be God's plan, but obviously it's not.  So why can't I surrender and just know that God obviously has a better plan than I do?

As I've been doing my bible reading (not always daily like I'd like, but I'm still doing it, and something is better than nothing, right?), I'm currently in Exodus and have been reading about all the plagues and how God continued to harden Pharaoh's heart.  As I'm reading, I'm going, "but God, if pharaoh's going to let them go, why not just let them go."  The Israelites were getting angry with Moses because he was bringing more hardships on them.  But when you get to the end, you realize not only did God let them go, but they left with all the riches of Egypt.  God's timing is so much better than our own.  If we can just be patient, not only will He give us what we need, but He will bless us with so much more.

To take it to current day and personal experiences, God blessed me with the wonderful husband that I have now, and it came after what felt like a lot of waiting.  I didn't date at all in high school.  Not really by my own choice either.   I struggled and wondered what was wrong with me? Am I that hideous? Do I have that terrible of a personality?  Maybe some people thought that about me, but God knew what I needed and knew what was best for me.  He spared me the emotional pain of  failed relationships, and in return gave me a wonderful man who loves me, respects me, and helps to balance out all my craziness! (And is pretty darn handsome if I do say so myself :) )

Then, when we went to buy our house.  We thought we found a great house and were going to get a really great deal on it, but the house had already gone into foreclosure and we would not be able to give an offer to the bank for another couple weeks.  I was devastated.  We decided to keep looking during the time and found the house that we now own.  It is so much nicer than the house we found first and we have just loved it.  When we saw it and put the offer down, it had only been on the market for 4 days!  It wasn't my timing, but it was Gods.  And, it was perfect!  Did I mention that it also happens to be 2 minutes from a church?  That we decided to try since it was so close? That we loved and have made some relationships with some wonderful people in and I wouldn't trade knowing them for the world?  And did I mention that God's timing is perfect?

The most recent reminder that I've had has been a big one, but in a tiny package. It's been just over 2 years since we joined our church, since we met Colin and Erica, and since we learned of their journey.  From the moment I found out about it, I felt so drawn to their story.  To make a long story short, they have struggled with infertility and when we met them, they had just had a second unsuccessful round of IVF.  Shortly after we joined their small group (bible study), they began their 3rd and final try of IVF.  This time they were successful and were blessed with a pregnancy.  Soon after they received this blessing of life, they had a miscarriage.  Words cannot express how devastating this was for them, and I cannot even come close to understanding their pain, but my heart was broken for them even though I had only known them for a few months.  I didn't understand.  I was mad at God.  Why would He allow that to happen?  I struggled with that for months and don't think I even shared with anyone that it had really shaken my faith.  I wondered how a loving God could give one of His children such joy through a new pregnancy only to take it away so quickly.  I tried to still act positive when I shared their story and would tell others that I knew God was in control and had great plans for them.  Really though, I was saying those things, but wasn't believing them.  I was MAD at God and wondering if He really was in control.  I had prayed constantly for Colin & Erica and their future children, but after I learned of the miscarriage my prayer life dwindled to almost nothing.  I was hurt, angry, confused, and questioning my faith.

A few months after the miscarriage they decided to pursue adoption through the state foster care system.  As they completed all the requirements and became eligible for a placement I found myself getting very excited and anxiously awaited getting the call that their child was on it's way into their arms.  My faith was beginning to grow again and I was starting to believe that God really did have a plan and He really did know what was best.  The day finally came, March 5, 2009.  One year ago, today.  Just 4 days old, a baby boy, 6.5 lbs of Heaven, was on his way to their home. I can't tell you how excited I was.  It was such a huge answer to prayer.  I wanted to drive myself over to their house that instant, but I didn't for fear that they would think I was crazy.  So, I patiently (or maybe not so patiently if you ask my husband) waited for an "invitation" to go meet their new addition.  The next day I got that invitation and was at their house in a heart beat.  It just melted my heart to see them so happy!  I fell in love with that sweet boy the moment I held him!  What a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness!  Nate truly is a gift from God.

I was fortunate enough to get to be reminded of that faithfulness all summer long.  Every day I got to hold him, play with him, watch him fall asleep in my arms, see him learn new things, and just plain love him.  I cannot imagine not having Nate in my life.  If it had not been for God's perfect timing, where would sweet Nate be right now?  Would he have had tons of people to love him?  Wonderful parents?  Would he be happy?  I don't know, but what I do know, is that God gave all of those things to him by giving him to Colin and Erica.  And through that, I was blessed too!  Even though my struggles have been different, I have been able to be reminded by that sweet little boy (who is so full of smiles, laughter and all around cuteness) that God's perfect plan is our "light" at the end of the long dark tunnel.  We can't see beyond our current struggle (which can make it so difficult sometimes), but God can.

As I was walking through Target one weekend, a butterfly caught my eye and since I love them, I had to turn around and go see this butterfly.  It was on a piece of wall art and as I looked at it, I noticed it had writing.  As I read the words, I knew I just had to buy it.  It's a simple reminder to me that doing something is better than nothing, and to start you just take one single step.

So as we go on this journey we call life, we really only need to take it one step at a time.  God sees what is ahead of us and if we put our trust in Him, He will guide our way.  No matter how hard the step is, with faith, prayer, and His Word, we can take that step.  After all, we only have to take one, and He will be there to carry us in those times when we don't even feel we have the strength to take just one.  Even though I can sit here and write all of that out, and try to remind myself that His timing is perfect and best...it is still so very, very, hard!  I still struggle A LOT, but it's those little reminders that help me to push through.  It's just a single step...

Choices

Sometimes the choices we have to make as adults really (pardon my language) suck!  I don't want to have to choose between spending time with my husband, different parts of our families, friends, time with God, to do lists, work, etc.  There are so many things in our lives that feel important and they feel like things we should do.  But, there's not enough time to do all of those things, so we have to prioritize.

Our ABF (adult Bible fellowship - the new term for Sunday school class) recently had one of our pastors come and do a series with us called Extreme Makeover: Family Edition.  Pastor Greg talked with us about setting priorities, our purpose, and planning.  One of the things he said about priorities has really stuck with me.  He said that if you make plans with your husband or family, put it on the calendar and if Pastor Dave (our head pastor) calls and wants to come to dinner that night, should you cancel your family plans?  I was thinking wow that's a really tough decision.  His response was that if you cancel your family plans "you said yes to something good, and ruined the best thing."  (He also said that sometimes we do have to make those choices, but what he said was important about making changes mid-course was to decide the rules ahead of time.)

I'm just really struggling with balancing all of the relationships and roles in my life.  I only have so much time and energy to give, and I want so badly to be the perfect child of God, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher.  No matter how hard I try though, I'm going to fall short because I am not perfect.  Because of sin I, cannot be perfect on this earth.  I want to be able to attend every family event, celebrate every birthday & holiday together.  I want to be able to hang out with my friends every time they call, text, or invite me to something, but I can't.  I also want to spend every moment possible with the man that I love, and that God has given to me as my husband.  Unfortunately, I also have to go to work, keep a reasonably clean house (which I'm still working on but with much success), cook dinner, do laundry, check emails, etc.  I have to make choices.

Right now, as silly as this may sound to some, I really feel like God has laid it on my heart to get my life together at home, and little by little that will carry over into the other relationships/roles in my life.  I know that having a clean house doesn't make me a better Christian, but if having a clean house makes me and my husband feel better when we get home from work, so that we can actually enjoy our time together, that is honoring my husband and honoring God.  As Christians, we are called to minister to our husband (or wife) & children.  If we are busy trying to save the rest of the world, but neglect our own families then we haven't completely done what God has called us to do.  Not everyone's mission field will be the same.  Sometimes in addition to ministering to your family, you will be called to another city or country, sometimes it may be in your workplace or even your neighborhood, and sometimes, even if just for a season, it may only be in your home.  God needs people in all of those areas so having a ministry in one of those areas isn't better than a ministry in a different one of those areas.

Something else that we were challenged to do by Pastor Greg in our Extreme Makeover: Family Edition class was to write a family mission statement.  We actually did this!  Unfortunately, we wrote it back in September, but haven't made it a part of us, and truly chosen to live by it.  That is something that I hope to work on.  I'd like to share it with you so that maybe I can be more accountable to live by the words we have chosen. 

We exist to glorify God by dedicating ourselves to being passionate for God, by giving ourselves to each other in a loving and respectful way, by shepherding, educating, and inspiring our children through benevolent authority and laughter, by being an example of Christ to those around us, and by serving and encouraging spiritual growth in others.  

So to all of my friends and family, I'm sorry I have not been the best and have not lived up to my family mission statement, but I'm working on it.  Please don't be offended if I have to decline an invitation.  It doesn't mean you aren't important, because you are.  I'm working on getting things in order so that it is a lot easier for me to accept invitations :)  If you want me for a Saturday morning though, you might want to ask me well in advance.  I've still got a few dates with my duster set up. Ha!  (Speaking of duster dates, I will be posting an update soon about today's progress.)

I Will Rise

At church this morning they ended the service with I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin and as much as I tried, I couldn't fight back the tears.  I have heard it before on KSBJ but this morning as I sang the words "I will rise when he calls my name.  No more sorrow, no more pain..." I was reminded that even though our time on this earth will have many seasons of sorrow and/or pain, when we get to heaven all of that will be gone.  The sufferings of this earth with be no more.  We will fall at His feet and cry "Worthy is the Lamb."

As wonderful as that will be, as I sit here and read over the words, it also reminds me that "A day is drawing near, when the darkness turns to light."  For those of us that are Christians, that is going to be a wonderful time.  However, our time to share that beautiful gift with others is limited.  There are so many out there who are filled with sorrow and pain, but don't have the hope that we as Christians have of that day when we will meet our Father and will be relieved of that sorrow and pain.  They don't know that they are not alone.  No matter how tired, sick, overwhelmed, hurt or helpless I have felt, I have always managed to make it through those tough times.  Not because of anything I did or someone else did, but because God carried me through.  Even though sometimes I question and feel like God couldn't possibly be with me because the weight feels too heavy and I just want to quit, I make it through.  I can look back and know that had I not had Him with me, there's no way I'd be here right now. 

If you are in a time of sorrow or a time of pain, you are not alone, and I am praying for you.  If you don't know Christ, or the gift that He has given us, I am praying for you.  If you want to know more about this gift, or want me to pray specifically for your sorrows or pains email me and I'd be more than happy to -- whoop2006 (at) gmail (dot) com.  God did more than something for us, so the least I can do is this something for you.

Here's the video...

"I Will Rise"

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[x2]

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

Doing something to know Him better

Another area of my life that I'm ashamed to admit that I've slacked in is getting to know God better.  I hope to change that and to start taking baby steps to doing things that will allow me to know Him more.

When Brandon and I first married we knew we wanted to find a church we could get involved in, but never really did anything to find one.  We visited one, but it wasn't for us and then really didn't pursue anything else.

God led us to an amazing house that is just perfect for us.  Little did we realize at the time that it was more about the location of the house than the house itself.  You see, it was literally 2 minutes from a church that I had actually attended the school that it supports when I was in kindergarten & first grade.  Since it was so close we decided we might as well give it a shot as it sure would make it easier to make to it church on Sunday mornings when it's so close.  We went one Sunday and liked the service.  We got a welcome letter in the mail that same week.  The letter also included a list of ABFs (Adult Bible Fellowships - their term for Sunday School).  One of the ones listed was a young married's class.  We were very excited to learn of this because we had hoped to find a group of other believers at the same stage in life as us.  The next week we tried it out and we were so unbelievably welcomed that when we left the class that day we both knew were in the right place.

Through this class we were able to join a small group that met once a week outside of church.  We have made some wonderful friendships through this class and our small group.  God has truly blessed us with the people he has brought into our lives.  Through this group I have definitely grown in my walk with God, but I've still struggled with truly taking the time to get to know God one on one.  I think I've been overwhelmed with the thought of it that I've just put it off and basically done nothing.

Today we had a great sermon about wisdom and the wisdom to know what God wants for our lives and I realized that until I really get into His word and spend time getting to know Him and what is in His word, I'm not going to be able to have that wisdom.

Well when we left today, it got me thinking.  I remembered that on KSBJ they talked about a website that will email you the bible daily so you can read the bible in a year.  I decided that this would be a good first step for me to take.  If I'm reading His word daily then I'm doing something to know Him better and who knows where that will lead me.  I'm all signed up and ready to start reading!  If you're interested in this too, the website is http://biblicalmail.com.