an overcomer

I love when plans fall into place...  Well not necessarily fall but are deliberately orchestrated by God. His plans always have a design, a purpose to fulfill and lately since I have been placing all my trust in him he has delivered in ways unimaginable. Often at times we want to choose the path our life is headed. We move forward without any thoughts of whether or not we are headed in the right direction. It's in those moments we fail to recognize that we are not in control. Life catches us and brings us down to earth occasionally. A loss, a failure, a heartbreak... Those are the deeper and more significant challenges we face as children of God. Because of sin there is a darker and often depressing force at work. The enemy knows our weaknesses and prey's on us during those time's. If you allow yourself to become a victim and turn your heart away from the Lord you may feel alone but don't give up. You are an overcomer and will pull through it! Do not allow yourself to sink in the quicksand. Take a deep breath and swim to safety, in the arms of your savior "God the Father. Just when you think He is finished you recognize that He's only just begun. Remember:

Philippians 1:6

New International Version (NIV)

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Praise God!

This post is so not NORMAL, if you're looking for the norm please look away lol!

What a terrifying and horrific day I had today, well yesterday I guess... considering I've yet to make it to bed. I started in the morning early when I decided to do something brave, perhaps stupid even. I decided to try this product that was given to me by an online campaign program where you try what they give you, write personal reviews on it and then report back to them about your experience. Well for the past 3-4 days my allergies were starting to act up pretty badly. I felt as though the pressure inside my head would explode and my brains would splatter out in sporadic patterns (like the so called big bang theory proclaims happened). Okay so not only is that a terrifically disgusting thought but I'm sure it's way out of proportion to what was actually occurring but I won't lie, it's what I was feeling. The mush floating around in the cavity between my ears has taken a sabbatical temporarily so excuse the rash humor and gross interpretation of the event's I'm describing.

I have had sinus infections in the past but this is absolutely the worst case, ever, in my experience, EVER! My eye's hurt, my body aches, my throat is scratchy, everything taste's horrible, I cannot smell (but judging by the rumble in the living room earlier tonight, that may actually be the only upside to this entire event). Go ahead, admit it... YOU LAUGHED OUT LOUD! Oh by the way, did I mention that while I was resting in the office/aka sitting on the porcelain thrown, my youngest came running in and said mommy hurry up, I'm going to poop my pants. Why do children do that? Really? As soon as I decide/well my body decides reject the garbage that I'm feeding it, my offspring come running in and before I can even sigh of relief, they come running in and interrupt that euphoric moment. Come on mom's. I know I'm not alone here.

So this is the day in the life of me. Yes a little melodramatic, chaotic and embarrassing but this is my life. Take it or leave it, I only get one so I may as well sit back, shut up and enjoy the ride. Oh and another achievement of the week, get ready... are you still here? Do you want me to wait while you read through this entire rant again? Okay... here goes. What I was always shown to be thank you in sign language, is actually (let's see how I can put this politely) uh okay, the hand gesture I was giving my friends very young child was "GET OUT OF HERE" and that is as nicely as I can put it. And as I'm saying his name and giving him this obscene gesture, he's running towards me smiling, giggling and giving me a big hug. Now that's love mama! Can't take that away, can ya Dahli Lama HUH! So I'm done. Feel free to block me after this, I understand. Oh and before I forget the dedication of the week goes out to J from L and no... L does not mean what you're thinking. I am not a L O S E R! :) peace

Renewed in His Spirit

I'm feeling confident in God's capable hands recently. I am really looking forward to attending our woman's retreat in a couple of weeks. It's always refreshing and a blessing to so many who attend, including myself. The women who organize it are so amazing and full of love for God and others, you cannot attend it without soaking in His presence. You leave feeling refreshed, renewed in body, mind and spirit. So these next 2 weeks I'm claiming God's healing for my families health, many of whom are dealing with illness's, flu and stomach viruses. I pray restoration, a clear mind and open heart for those who will attend. I pray for the leader's, that God will use them according to his will and that each and every person coming to the retreat will have safe travels. Amen!

Lead Me

I am in one of the strangest seasons of my life this year. I don't mind saying that in the past I have worried... I worried a lot! I had so many fears that it left me feeling crippled both physically and emotionally. Fear and worry are not of God, they are spiritual attacks the devil uses to gain control of our minds and hearts. If you allow them to rule your life you are giving the enemy power over you. That being said, the word God gave me this year for him was "Teacher". At first I wondered what I was going to do with that, what did it mean? Well I thought about last year and he was my "Mighty Tower". All year I had so many issues with my families health, John's job/he was gone so much... I felt alone and afraid, like I wasn't sure I could manage things. God was there with me and showed me that once again I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I made big mistakes last year, horrible mistakes and poor decisions but God loved me through them enough to bring me to a better place. I have been praying for God to give me a sense of direction, to show me what he desires from me and though I'm still nowhere near certain what that will be, I'm certain that in trusting his guidance I will make better decisions and be a better wife and mom because of it. I am allowing myself to be a student this year. His student. He is teaching me through self discipline and being in a student mindset that I am capable of learning and growing not only in my faith but also in character and as a Christian. I have a heart for missions and am coordinating a trip for the Appalachian's but I also want to start the Norma Mae Cares Foundation in memory of my mom, bless her heart. She cared for so many and gave so effortlessly love and food to anyone and everyone who entered our home. I take very seriously the task of caring for the orphans and widows, it's what God commands us to do. So yes, this year will have many challenges but I'm facing them without fear and worry and knowing God will lead me, teach me and love me through this new adventure.

Love One Another

Mommy, mommy, wake up... It's Valentine's Day and I love you! My 6 year old son woke me up with those words this morning and let me just say, I feel blessed! Both of my children say I love you, sometimes 20-30 times a day and it makes my heart smile each and every time! I love my boys immeasurably and I can't imagine my life without the joys of motherhood. Even with the terrible icky parts, it's an awesome job and the pay is priceless! I'm thinking about all of my kiddos today, Tamara, Moises and Cynthia, we miss them dearly. I can only pray that God blesses each of them with the love they deserve. I think about the children of this world that are without parents or family today and it breaks my heart. I cry for the orphans and widows. I am reminded of people, like my mother and grandmother's that gave me unconditional support and love through out my life, I miss them so much. When I envision a world through the eyes of God I imagine people like Mother Theresa, Princess Diana, Papa Joe loving the poor and it gives me hope. This day is more than about loving just your spouse and children. It's about loving perhaps the unloved, the unlovable. I encourage you to do that, show an act of kindness, give the gift of a smile or hug. You may not gain material value but I guarantee your heart will smile and so will God!

Love

In just a couple days John and I will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. Can it even be possible that its been that long? We started dating 21 years ago which means we have been together over 1/2 our life. What an amazing accomplishment! There have been struggles along the way; smiles, disapointments, laughter and tears but through it all one thing remained, our desire to love each other as God instucts us to. He has been my best friend, my comforter, my companion, my lover and provider, even a confidant. I am blessed with his love every day of my life and I thank God for giving me such an amazing man to call my own. We are a work in progress, yes but every day that we are together God is transforming us, molding us by his own design. I'm greatful for our family, our 2 sweet boys and the wonderful people in our lives who love and support us every day. In so many ways you have inspired us to try harder and to push forward during the storms. Every day is a new day, a day to love and we are amazingly blessed to do so.

Super Mom= WOW!

I have a tremendous amount of respect for moms. I remember thinking to myself as a young girl, "my mom is my own personal super hero". This of coarse followed my mom cleaning up vomit, rubbing my back for hours, making me warm jello to drink and kissing my boo boo_'s. Who does that, I mean... who besides your mom? Well these past few days I have even more appreciation for moms everywhere. You are highly underrated, so give yourself a great big pat on the back! Take a few minutes for yourself tonight. Have that cup of tea that's been calling your name for hours, soak your feet with a good book in hand and love yourself enough to appreciate a few minutes of me time because you deserve it!