Stacy Navarro's Blog, page 2
June 26, 2015
Beach Days!
Yesterday was a beach day. I always LOVE that; it's my happy place.
Judging by the variety of people who joined us, I'd say I'm not alone! Screeching toddlers, grandpas seeking salt water soothing, splashing teenagers, even those pensive faces strolling the shoreline...we're all drawn to it.
You can count on it, you know? My family & I drove there confidently believing the ocean would be right where it always is.
Often just sitting and listening to the waves crash is satisfying enough.
Other times I'm compelled to take a dip in the cool water. It's refreshing, but a little scary; it holds so much mystery we don't know. Those powerful tides are just beautiful; awe inspiring.
All I can say is, it's true; creation does speak His name! The Lord is even deeper than the sea, but I can't help but think of Him when I'm there...we're drawn to Him, He is powerful, refreshing, beautiful, mysterious, healing, joy-inducing...
He is there whether we acknowledge Him or not!
I pray we remember to hunger for time with Him even more than for our getaways to the beach. He rejuvenates far more than the sea!
Praise our ever faithful God!
I love you guys, He loves you more.
#seekHimdesperately
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20
Judging by the variety of people who joined us, I'd say I'm not alone! Screeching toddlers, grandpas seeking salt water soothing, splashing teenagers, even those pensive faces strolling the shoreline...we're all drawn to it.
You can count on it, you know? My family & I drove there confidently believing the ocean would be right where it always is.
Often just sitting and listening to the waves crash is satisfying enough.
Other times I'm compelled to take a dip in the cool water. It's refreshing, but a little scary; it holds so much mystery we don't know. Those powerful tides are just beautiful; awe inspiring.
All I can say is, it's true; creation does speak His name! The Lord is even deeper than the sea, but I can't help but think of Him when I'm there...we're drawn to Him, He is powerful, refreshing, beautiful, mysterious, healing, joy-inducing...
He is there whether we acknowledge Him or not!
I pray we remember to hunger for time with Him even more than for our getaways to the beach. He rejuvenates far more than the sea!
Praise our ever faithful God!
I love you guys, He loves you more.
#seekHimdesperately
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20
June 17, 2015
Getting addicted to God's Word-cuz it does things to you!
I'm here, behaving like a complete scripture junkie once again. He speaks through His word; what else can I say?! It gets me so high I start jabbering like an excited three-year-old.
I confess, I am one of those people who needs God to grab them by the collar, shove their face in the Bible and say "Here, look at this! Quit making excuses about how unworthy or different you are. Get out there and let me use you, ya big chicken. I love you, daughter!" He knows that about me, and He does it because I ask Him to.
This time it's Hebrews that's got me high on my Lord. This week I haven't been able to get past the first four chapters. I just keep reading them over and over. (2:14-18, 3:8&19, 4:12,13&16-if I have to narrow a few special verses down)
He knew we needed rescuing. So He lowered Himself so He could help us; put Himself in our place, understand how we feel, conquer it all, and offer a way out.
Still, we often refuse to accept it, or seek Him.
I know there's a chance you're offering a large sigh of impatience thinking, "we already know this." But I never want to let it cease to amaze me! He breathes through His scripture if we ask Him to. The verses will grab us, reach into our soul and say-Can you believe this? Be in awe of your God the Father! This closeness to Him is addicting!
Hebrews 2:18 "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted."
-He understands, go to Him! Read His word and you'll get addicted too, cuz it does things to you! There's nothing like God's love and power and mercy and joy and....
#seekHimdesperately #livelifebrave
I love you guys, He loves you more!
I confess, I am one of those people who needs God to grab them by the collar, shove their face in the Bible and say "Here, look at this! Quit making excuses about how unworthy or different you are. Get out there and let me use you, ya big chicken. I love you, daughter!" He knows that about me, and He does it because I ask Him to.
This time it's Hebrews that's got me high on my Lord. This week I haven't been able to get past the first four chapters. I just keep reading them over and over. (2:14-18, 3:8&19, 4:12,13&16-if I have to narrow a few special verses down)
He knew we needed rescuing. So He lowered Himself so He could help us; put Himself in our place, understand how we feel, conquer it all, and offer a way out.
Still, we often refuse to accept it, or seek Him.
I know there's a chance you're offering a large sigh of impatience thinking, "we already know this." But I never want to let it cease to amaze me! He breathes through His scripture if we ask Him to. The verses will grab us, reach into our soul and say-Can you believe this? Be in awe of your God the Father! This closeness to Him is addicting!
Hebrews 2:18 "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted."
-He understands, go to Him! Read His word and you'll get addicted too, cuz it does things to you! There's nothing like God's love and power and mercy and joy and....
#seekHimdesperately #livelifebrave
I love you guys, He loves you more!
June 3, 2015
What are YOU smiling about?!
"Crazy how I often find myself full of joy while climbing the most challenging hills. I'm pretty sure it's because that's usually when I'm begging God for help the most!" ........here's how I finally put that thought together.
It's been one of those mornings where I bounce out of bed and slide across the wood floor BEFORE I have my coffee.
(Ok all you non-morning people who just rolled your eyes, hear me out)Surely you've experienced those moments when you're uncontrollably hyper and happy, (hopefully)...one time of the day or another.
Anyway, feeling this peaceful excitement that I can't contain has made me recognize the fact that it had been missing!!!
While I wondered how this usually Tigger-like loca had started fading, there was a bigger question to answer.
The quest was on; I desperately wanted to know what had caused this ecstatic joy to return.
After racking my brain, I was sure I had the answer!
I'd just been on a writing tangent; a crazy one even. Finishing a book that's only halfway done in four days so you can enter into a contest is silly.
Welp, I set my mind to it anyway; wore headphones to drown out my four teens, allowed them to live on leftovers and frozen pizza, kept my hubby awake by jumping out of bed every five minutes to jot down another brain storm, and prayed like a mad woman.
Guess what? I did it! In reflection I figured writing was my calling I'd been neglecting to do it on a regular basis...being unfulfilled was probably the cause of my Eeyore-like demeanor.
I'm happy to say, later when I was on a walk; automatically praising my Lord for the sun on my face, the truth hit me. I realized the ACTUAL reason for the return of my uncontainable joy, I already said it once...I PRAYED LIKE A MAD WOMAN.
While trying to make the deadline I'd been begging God, "Help me, show me what you want me to write, Help me, guide me to what you want, help me." AND He has!
Hard to admit I sometimes need a reminder not to give in to the temptation to put God on the back burner or even look away from Him for a second.
If I keep Him first, I have no need to take the easy way out; rather push myself to do the hard things in life. If I cling to God while I do it there's no doubt I'll get where HE WANTS ME & have a few people asking; "what are YOU smiling about?"
"Crazy how I often find myself full of joy while climbing the most challenging hills. I'm pretty sure it's because that's usually when I'm begging God for help the most!" So why not cling to Him like that ALL the time!
#seekHimdesperately
#livelifebrave #withajoyfulheart!
It's been one of those mornings where I bounce out of bed and slide across the wood floor BEFORE I have my coffee.
(Ok all you non-morning people who just rolled your eyes, hear me out)Surely you've experienced those moments when you're uncontrollably hyper and happy, (hopefully)...one time of the day or another.
Anyway, feeling this peaceful excitement that I can't contain has made me recognize the fact that it had been missing!!!
While I wondered how this usually Tigger-like loca had started fading, there was a bigger question to answer.
The quest was on; I desperately wanted to know what had caused this ecstatic joy to return.
After racking my brain, I was sure I had the answer!
I'd just been on a writing tangent; a crazy one even. Finishing a book that's only halfway done in four days so you can enter into a contest is silly.
Welp, I set my mind to it anyway; wore headphones to drown out my four teens, allowed them to live on leftovers and frozen pizza, kept my hubby awake by jumping out of bed every five minutes to jot down another brain storm, and prayed like a mad woman.
Guess what? I did it! In reflection I figured writing was my calling I'd been neglecting to do it on a regular basis...being unfulfilled was probably the cause of my Eeyore-like demeanor.
I'm happy to say, later when I was on a walk; automatically praising my Lord for the sun on my face, the truth hit me. I realized the ACTUAL reason for the return of my uncontainable joy, I already said it once...I PRAYED LIKE A MAD WOMAN.
While trying to make the deadline I'd been begging God, "Help me, show me what you want me to write, Help me, guide me to what you want, help me." AND He has!
Hard to admit I sometimes need a reminder not to give in to the temptation to put God on the back burner or even look away from Him for a second.
If I keep Him first, I have no need to take the easy way out; rather push myself to do the hard things in life. If I cling to God while I do it there's no doubt I'll get where HE WANTS ME & have a few people asking; "what are YOU smiling about?"
"Crazy how I often find myself full of joy while climbing the most challenging hills. I'm pretty sure it's because that's usually when I'm begging God for help the most!" So why not cling to Him like that ALL the time!
#seekHimdesperately
#livelifebrave #withajoyfulheart!
May 4, 2015
I don't deserve this
I'm celebrating; it's kinda what I do. Ask anyone who knows me at all and they can probably tell you my favorite holidays are my kiddos' birthdays. Why not take advantage of a chance to make someone I love feel special?
So, today I realized it would be a shame not to be sure and recognize this past year...
It's been a year today since, "that day"; that's what we call it. The tests told them it wasn't a stroke, but I still found myself looking into the eyes of my loved ones and seeing the panic. I wanted to jump off the hospital bed, hug them all and go fix dinner; that wasn't an option. The right side of my body wasn't very cooperative and swallowing was a challenge.
I'm not going to take you through the step-by-step craziness we went through. I do, however, want to tell you that I totally agree with what one of my friends said. Very early on he commented, "you don't deserve this".
I couldn't agree more!
A husband who sought out Drs. and alternative medicine to help me, four kiddos flopping on the bed and laughing with me everyday, family and friends so attentive we had to ask them to back off-I don't deserve that!
Time slowed to a crawl when I became a fixture in my own home! Suddenly you're aware of all the things you aren't worth. What a temptation to roll over and give up that is. "Why is this happening to me?" Oh, forget that question! Why not?
I soon realized I couldn't wait until I was better to be happy. After all, it's easy to SAY you have faith. This was a chance to live it. Don't go all crazy, I'm not saying there weren't plenty of moments I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs or just forget waking up! I'm saying my God is faithful enough that He held me close just because I asked Him to, even though I didn't deserve it.
I've got four teenagers. My husband teases that he can't believe the conversations I have with them sometimes. But I want to be transparent with them-that's a scary thought, I know. But I have a feeling it's no secret to them that their mom has faults Ha. These are the verses I knew I needed to focus on. So I asked them to remind me & call me out....
"Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18....
Like it or not people have been watching me closer because of what's happened to me. Who knew how I walked is so interesting?...crooked/slow, I could feel people's eyes on me assessing. Too they're watching my walk with the Lord. I'm imperfect, impatient, frustrated. Still He is faithful & fills me with love and happiness. I pray those watchers will realize that; God's glory.
I was given the joy of celebrating the "little things"...tying my own shoe, feeding myself, writing one handed...Ha, it had been years since I'd remembered to be thankful for those things!
More and more have come.
I was blessed to watch my first daughter graduate high school, cut up a watermelon on my own, walking a mile without a cane(then two, then three), get to continue teaching youth group, climb at Forest Falls with my family, riding a bike, seeing Texas for the first time, attending a writer's conference, climbing stairs with a baby in my arms again...I don't deserve any of it! I mean, how is it fair that after only a year I'm nearly restored back to how I was? I am blessed beyond explanation.
Regardless, here I am CELEBRATING! I don't know how to go about this blog. This is very personal and I don't know why I'm sharing it with everyone or why I think you should care. It just feels wrong to let today go by without expressing my thankfulness. I praise the Lord & thank Him for giving me unending joy! I pray He is glorified even in this emotionally written jumble!
To anyone who's uttered a prayer for me, THANK YOU! I can't even tell my family and friends what their love is to me! Unconditional, encouraging, selfless love has surrounded me! I don't deserve it!
Love you guys, He loves you more.
So, today I realized it would be a shame not to be sure and recognize this past year...
It's been a year today since, "that day"; that's what we call it. The tests told them it wasn't a stroke, but I still found myself looking into the eyes of my loved ones and seeing the panic. I wanted to jump off the hospital bed, hug them all and go fix dinner; that wasn't an option. The right side of my body wasn't very cooperative and swallowing was a challenge.
I'm not going to take you through the step-by-step craziness we went through. I do, however, want to tell you that I totally agree with what one of my friends said. Very early on he commented, "you don't deserve this".
I couldn't agree more!
A husband who sought out Drs. and alternative medicine to help me, four kiddos flopping on the bed and laughing with me everyday, family and friends so attentive we had to ask them to back off-I don't deserve that!
Time slowed to a crawl when I became a fixture in my own home! Suddenly you're aware of all the things you aren't worth. What a temptation to roll over and give up that is. "Why is this happening to me?" Oh, forget that question! Why not?
I soon realized I couldn't wait until I was better to be happy. After all, it's easy to SAY you have faith. This was a chance to live it. Don't go all crazy, I'm not saying there weren't plenty of moments I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs or just forget waking up! I'm saying my God is faithful enough that He held me close just because I asked Him to, even though I didn't deserve it.
I've got four teenagers. My husband teases that he can't believe the conversations I have with them sometimes. But I want to be transparent with them-that's a scary thought, I know. But I have a feeling it's no secret to them that their mom has faults Ha. These are the verses I knew I needed to focus on. So I asked them to remind me & call me out....
"Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18....
Like it or not people have been watching me closer because of what's happened to me. Who knew how I walked is so interesting?...crooked/slow, I could feel people's eyes on me assessing. Too they're watching my walk with the Lord. I'm imperfect, impatient, frustrated. Still He is faithful & fills me with love and happiness. I pray those watchers will realize that; God's glory.
I was given the joy of celebrating the "little things"...tying my own shoe, feeding myself, writing one handed...Ha, it had been years since I'd remembered to be thankful for those things!
More and more have come.
I was blessed to watch my first daughter graduate high school, cut up a watermelon on my own, walking a mile without a cane(then two, then three), get to continue teaching youth group, climb at Forest Falls with my family, riding a bike, seeing Texas for the first time, attending a writer's conference, climbing stairs with a baby in my arms again...I don't deserve any of it! I mean, how is it fair that after only a year I'm nearly restored back to how I was? I am blessed beyond explanation.
Regardless, here I am CELEBRATING! I don't know how to go about this blog. This is very personal and I don't know why I'm sharing it with everyone or why I think you should care. It just feels wrong to let today go by without expressing my thankfulness. I praise the Lord & thank Him for giving me unending joy! I pray He is glorified even in this emotionally written jumble!
To anyone who's uttered a prayer for me, THANK YOU! I can't even tell my family and friends what their love is to me! Unconditional, encouraging, selfless love has surrounded me! I don't deserve it!
Love you guys, He loves you more.
April 29, 2015
Oh Brother!
The boys walked out the door this morning discussing the design of the zipline that would join their neighboring houses someday. I couldn't help but giggle. This was after a morning of razzing each other about who got the last bowl of coco puffs and how the other never filled the chickens' water full enough.
I take these moments as small proof that siblings are one of God's ways of helping us learn to live with each other. Nobody's perfect. No matter how much you love someone there will be moments you're annoyed or disagree with them. I think too often today's society encourages people to run the second things aren't going their way. I pray my kids are learning to forgive and make the most of the time they have with their loved ones.
Little example, I know, but moments like these warm my heart. I even smiled when I heard my daughter Alexis mutter as she pulled out of the driveway...
"Well, no offense, but I don't plan on living next door to any of you."
Hey, knowing your limits and thinking through decisions is in there too! :)
Boy is life with four teens fun! #blessed
*And, hey, wouldn't it be fun if the zipline thing really happened?!
I take these moments as small proof that siblings are one of God's ways of helping us learn to live with each other. Nobody's perfect. No matter how much you love someone there will be moments you're annoyed or disagree with them. I think too often today's society encourages people to run the second things aren't going their way. I pray my kids are learning to forgive and make the most of the time they have with their loved ones.
Little example, I know, but moments like these warm my heart. I even smiled when I heard my daughter Alexis mutter as she pulled out of the driveway...
"Well, no offense, but I don't plan on living next door to any of you."
Hey, knowing your limits and thinking through decisions is in there too! :)
Boy is life with four teens fun! #blessed
*And, hey, wouldn't it be fun if the zipline thing really happened?!
April 1, 2015
April Fools-laughing at myself
I'm out numbered 4 to 1...I gotta step up my game!
The kids are off on Spring Break this week. So don't ask me how I was caught off guard when I arrived home from a trip to the store. Vaseline gushed between my fingers as I turned the door knob, yuck. So, predictable me went to the kitchen sink to rinse them off. Of course, as soon as I turned the water on I was sprayed in the chest since the nozzle was taped.
Best of all? I giggled & left it so the next victim could get drenched. So, an hour later when I went to rinse some squash....yep, I fell prey once again.
This is what happens when April 1st happens during Spring Break; teens have all day to plan my torture.
I'm so blessed to live in a playful home; just laugh at myself & throw a towel on the floor. Cuz someday I'm gonna miss this!
The kids are off on Spring Break this week. So don't ask me how I was caught off guard when I arrived home from a trip to the store. Vaseline gushed between my fingers as I turned the door knob, yuck. So, predictable me went to the kitchen sink to rinse them off. Of course, as soon as I turned the water on I was sprayed in the chest since the nozzle was taped.
Best of all? I giggled & left it so the next victim could get drenched. So, an hour later when I went to rinse some squash....yep, I fell prey once again.
This is what happens when April 1st happens during Spring Break; teens have all day to plan my torture.
I'm so blessed to live in a playful home; just laugh at myself & throw a towel on the floor. Cuz someday I'm gonna miss this!
March 20, 2015
Stay out of the pigpen!
Happy Spring!
I'm typing this while intermittently attempting to keep our new puppy out of the pig pen...he doesn't understand how frolicking around in the mud with an almost 300 lb. piggy could be hazardous to his health.
Anyway, just wanted to share I'm excited about God's Word. It never ceases to amaze me how He'll fill me up if I just ask. I've read Luke 12 tons of times, but wow is it loaded! Christ teaching us the fear of God, what to value, how much He loves us..!
My poor family once again got a crazy text from me encouraging them to read it cuz I love them, but He loves them so much more. I know, most of the time I don't lead family devotions the conventional way,but when you've got four teenagers that are crazy busy you encourage when and how you can! My prayer & love for them is constant, I try to live as an example, own it when I don't...they're watching whether I want them to or not; how humbling!
I couldnt tell you how our giant pig, Porker, so easily entices the pup, Jake,to sneak into his pen. He leans against the fence to make an entrance for him to squeeze through and "have some fun" in that squishy mud. Its just more than Jake can resist. It just scares me to death when I parallel that with us and the danger we are constantly in to fall into temptation. (I know, I should've been a gymnast. I love to parallel :) )
Anyway, excuse my honesty, but the world is a pigpen, yet it's so enticing. We all just want to fit in it so badly....crazy. All it leaves us is stinky and covered in mud; usually limping a little from getting stomped on once or twice. Shoot, if we don't realize the dangers and get out of our sinful ways we're goners, done...eternally damned. Oh, how we need to cling to Christ! If we call on Him, He'll wash us clean; and give us the Spirit to help keep us out of the pigpen.
Maybe this is an unfinished blog to some, but my time with the Lord and the coffee are kicking in. I gotta get moving! What a struggle it is, if I'm honest, to express what His Word does to me.
I just want to say open the Bible prayerfully with an open heart. He'll fill it! I hope it'll leave you understanding exactly what I'm talking about.
Love you guys! He loves you more!
I'm typing this while intermittently attempting to keep our new puppy out of the pig pen...he doesn't understand how frolicking around in the mud with an almost 300 lb. piggy could be hazardous to his health.
Anyway, just wanted to share I'm excited about God's Word. It never ceases to amaze me how He'll fill me up if I just ask. I've read Luke 12 tons of times, but wow is it loaded! Christ teaching us the fear of God, what to value, how much He loves us..!
My poor family once again got a crazy text from me encouraging them to read it cuz I love them, but He loves them so much more. I know, most of the time I don't lead family devotions the conventional way,but when you've got four teenagers that are crazy busy you encourage when and how you can! My prayer & love for them is constant, I try to live as an example, own it when I don't...they're watching whether I want them to or not; how humbling!
I couldnt tell you how our giant pig, Porker, so easily entices the pup, Jake,to sneak into his pen. He leans against the fence to make an entrance for him to squeeze through and "have some fun" in that squishy mud. Its just more than Jake can resist. It just scares me to death when I parallel that with us and the danger we are constantly in to fall into temptation. (I know, I should've been a gymnast. I love to parallel :) )
Anyway, excuse my honesty, but the world is a pigpen, yet it's so enticing. We all just want to fit in it so badly....crazy. All it leaves us is stinky and covered in mud; usually limping a little from getting stomped on once or twice. Shoot, if we don't realize the dangers and get out of our sinful ways we're goners, done...eternally damned. Oh, how we need to cling to Christ! If we call on Him, He'll wash us clean; and give us the Spirit to help keep us out of the pigpen.
Maybe this is an unfinished blog to some, but my time with the Lord and the coffee are kicking in. I gotta get moving! What a struggle it is, if I'm honest, to express what His Word does to me.
I just want to say open the Bible prayerfully with an open heart. He'll fill it! I hope it'll leave you understanding exactly what I'm talking about.
Love you guys! He loves you more!
February 13, 2015
I Can't Help It-I'm a Runner!
I have a confession to make; I am a runner...AND THAT IS TOTALLY FINE! Don't get me wrong, I won't be taking first in any races or get featured in the paper. I will, however, stop "taking it easy" all the time! Gasp!
The lesson that many have directed me-to slow down and hear God-have been a helpful reminder. I really have learned to take the time to focus, and even rest. My relationship with the Lord is strong, but I admit in my past I've been a bit of a people-pleaser. Deciding to say no sometimes helps me do what I say yes to with 100% gusto.
I'm going to be really candid for a minute, though, and say that all this rest is making me sluggish. I wanna burst with joy and run around. Sure, just like choosing what projects I take on, I have to be cautious about the placement of my feet to make sure I don't lose my balance. Still, going full bore at something is me, and I'd stifled my identity for awhile.
Lately my walks have been tempting me. The hills that drive me up and down give me the urge to take off running. I've held myself back till now; heeding the warnings to be careful.
Today...I was ready. In fact, I had no choice, I took off running. I'm sure I was a sight bobbing back and forth uncoordinated, but who cares! It was exhilarating.
In case I haven't made it clear, I'm not only talking about physically going for a run. What about being called into action for what you believe? What about being myself?!! Not taking risks to do what you really feel called to do because you're afraid you'll fall...Who lives like that?!
My Heavenly Father has created me this hyper being. I can't apologize for that any more; doing so has taken away my easy smile! Surely I can combine all my energy with the lessons I have learned and serve Him better.
I am so grateful for His faithfulness in my life. He wants to use imperfect me.
The lesson that many have directed me-to slow down and hear God-have been a helpful reminder. I really have learned to take the time to focus, and even rest. My relationship with the Lord is strong, but I admit in my past I've been a bit of a people-pleaser. Deciding to say no sometimes helps me do what I say yes to with 100% gusto.
I'm going to be really candid for a minute, though, and say that all this rest is making me sluggish. I wanna burst with joy and run around. Sure, just like choosing what projects I take on, I have to be cautious about the placement of my feet to make sure I don't lose my balance. Still, going full bore at something is me, and I'd stifled my identity for awhile.
Lately my walks have been tempting me. The hills that drive me up and down give me the urge to take off running. I've held myself back till now; heeding the warnings to be careful.
Today...I was ready. In fact, I had no choice, I took off running. I'm sure I was a sight bobbing back and forth uncoordinated, but who cares! It was exhilarating.
In case I haven't made it clear, I'm not only talking about physically going for a run. What about being called into action for what you believe? What about being myself?!! Not taking risks to do what you really feel called to do because you're afraid you'll fall...Who lives like that?!
My Heavenly Father has created me this hyper being. I can't apologize for that any more; doing so has taken away my easy smile! Surely I can combine all my energy with the lessons I have learned and serve Him better.
I am so grateful for His faithfulness in my life. He wants to use imperfect me.
February 9, 2015
My kiddos' birthdays-One of my favorite holidays!
Woohoo, Today we are celebrating my son, Ben's 15th birthday! When asked my favorite holiday I often respond, "my kids' birthdays!" They are truly evidence that God blesses me more than I deserve.
Though some have made attempts to convince me that a birthday is just another day, I am determined...a birthday is an excuse to make someone I love feel special! How can I do anything less than celebrate?! I'll risk the titles of silly and immature.
Throughout my nineteen years of motherhood our home seen many ups and downs. Regardless, I've always been blessed with the means to drape a few strands of crepe paper around my kiddo's room and hang a homemade sign that will greet them when they wake up. Sometimes they're accompanied by balloons filled with a few dollars, other times a candy hanging from their doorway.
It's not much, but still fun! I hope those memories will encourage them to do what they can to bring a smile to someone's face. That's often what opens the door to an opportunity to share God's love with someone.
I gave a taste of how much I love my kiddo's bdays in my book, Singlehanded!
-"In the morning light, I opened my eyes to see streamers taped around my bunk. Sixteen one dollar bills were attached to them. Mom lived for that stuff. I rolled over to look at the bunk underneath mine. All I could see of Baine was his left foot sticking out form under his blanket. I wasn't surprised when I glanced across at the twins' bunks and saw they had each hung homemade birthday cards for me on the edge of their beds. My mom has a way of rubbing off on people. It was goofy, but I still liked it."
Though some have made attempts to convince me that a birthday is just another day, I am determined...a birthday is an excuse to make someone I love feel special! How can I do anything less than celebrate?! I'll risk the titles of silly and immature.
Throughout my nineteen years of motherhood our home seen many ups and downs. Regardless, I've always been blessed with the means to drape a few strands of crepe paper around my kiddo's room and hang a homemade sign that will greet them when they wake up. Sometimes they're accompanied by balloons filled with a few dollars, other times a candy hanging from their doorway.
It's not much, but still fun! I hope those memories will encourage them to do what they can to bring a smile to someone's face. That's often what opens the door to an opportunity to share God's love with someone.
I gave a taste of how much I love my kiddo's bdays in my book, Singlehanded!
-"In the morning light, I opened my eyes to see streamers taped around my bunk. Sixteen one dollar bills were attached to them. Mom lived for that stuff. I rolled over to look at the bunk underneath mine. All I could see of Baine was his left foot sticking out form under his blanket. I wasn't surprised when I glanced across at the twins' bunks and saw they had each hung homemade birthday cards for me on the edge of their beds. My mom has a way of rubbing off on people. It was goofy, but I still liked it."
January 25, 2015
Giveaway!
Calling all young-adult fiction fans!
I'd love to have you read my book, Hand Over Your Heart!
*As exciting as it was to win Crossbook's Writing Contest with this manuscript, hearing from my readers is even better!
For a chance to win one of two copies of Hand Over Your Heart, enter my Goodreads Giveaway.
Good Luck & Happy reading!!!
I'd love to have you read my book, Hand Over Your Heart!
*As exciting as it was to win Crossbook's Writing Contest with this manuscript, hearing from my readers is even better!
For a chance to win one of two copies of Hand Over Your Heart, enter my Goodreads Giveaway.
Good Luck & Happy reading!!!
