Breaking Free-Part 1

I am so excited to have started my second Beth Moore study. This one is called Breaking Free. It is an intense 11 week study that helps Christians break free of oppressions in our lives.

Last night was the first one and although she had an entire video filled with incredible things, there was one thing that really stood out to me. It was her 6th point..."God sees the potential of His children and appoints the experiences necessary for them to fulfill their destinies (Judges 6:11-16).

For those that know me personally and for those that have read some of my "story" here on my blog, you know that a lot of good and not so good things have happened in our lives in the past 4 years. I personally think I have done a great job not letting things get me down, but it is so reassuring to know that God "appoints experiences" to make me the Godly woman he wants me to be.

I am not a loose feather just floating around in the wind. I am a person that God knows intimiately. He knows his plans for me even when I haven't a clue.

Thank you, God!

Missing the sunshine

I don't mind winter. Actually, let me try that again...I don't mind SNOW (kind of even like it), but I hate cold. Hate it!

One of the things we do to beat the seasonal blues is go to a hotel here in town to lay around the pool and swim a few times during the winter. We opted to spend our New Years Eve with the girls at the hotel this year. It was the first time Princess has been swimming in a pool. She loves her baths and splashes around, so I figured she would love the pool too. I wasn't disappointed. She loved it!

Ok, another Bug prayer

I know, I just posted about a cute Lil Bug prayer from last night, but this is too funny to not share.

The Designer was putting her down to bed. They were saying their prayers and he said, "who would you like to bless?" She responded:

"N" (we always pray for N!) :)

"Steve" (from Blues Clues)

and here is the kicker,

"the man from your work who gave me the brown M&M"

Tell me that didn't make you smile! :D

Sweet Lil Bug

As I was laying Lil Bug down for bed tonight, we were saying our prayers together. She was doing her "God bless...and she lists person after person after person...sometimes she elaborates on certain people. For example, my sisters boyfriend injured his hand a while back and she still prays for healing for his hand. Anyway, tonight she prayed, "...and God bless Lucky." She then opened her eyes and said with utmost pride, "mommy, I prayed for Lucky because he doesn't have hands to pray for himself!" I just love this age!!!!

By the way, in case you haven't figured it out, Lucky is our 110 pound yellow Labrador retriever. :)

Content

I am so content...I love my life. Sure, I have a bad day here or there, but I am such a blessed woman. I have a husband with whom I have had the rare opportunity to have grown up with. I have a beautiful, intelligent, humorous 3 year old daughter who brings smiles to my face day-after-day. I have a 4 month old baby who completes me and never ceases to amaze me. Seriously, I couldn't ask for anything more. I want for NOTHING.

Outsiders may not be able to appreciate my life. In fact, I will blog more about this later, but many times strangers would be terrified of my life. But, this is MY LIFE and I wouldn't change it for a million dollars.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the blessings you bestow upon my family day after day. You see each one of us as so important and valuable. Thank you, God, for the little things. Thank you that Bug loves to read. Thank you that Princess is such a smiley baby. Thank you that The Designer has a stable job and provides for our family. Thank you that our church is Biblically sound and growing. Thank you for the material comforts in our lives...our cars, our house, our "stuff." But most importantly, dear God, thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for the promise that when my earthly life is over, I will have the privilege of standing face-to-face with you and you will be able to judge me for what I have done or haven't done in this life. Thank you for hope. Thank you for healing. Thank you for hearing my prayers, my cries, my laughter. Thank you for caring about me. Thank you for reminding me that I matter in this life.

I love you Lord Jesus.

Humbly yours,
The Professor

The smell of rain

I am not a huge fan of rain. Sure, I like the "free" water. I love that my garden and flowers look happier after a good rain. I like that alot. However, when it rains, it is usually gloomy and I don't like that. Something about it puts a damper on my mood. Also, I hate getting wet (outside). Ok, use an umbrella, right? But I can't very easily when trying to tote Grace around, her diaper bag, her walker, my purse...is there a hand left for an umbrella?

But, BUT I love the smell of rain. That is one huge redeeming factor about rain. It smells great! And after a rain, the air smells cleaner...yep, I love the smell of rain!