"Love at Last Sight" Review

Being a newlywed, I find myself very eager to read any and every book that has to do with love. I guess you can say that I'm interested in being the best wife for my husband! I found this book "Love at Last sight" to be very practical and helpful in the area of relationships. I am guilty of racing through life, not stopping to smell the roses...let alone, stopping to invest more in the relationships that God has blessed me with. This book is great for helping anyone and everyone grow to be present each day when communicating with people, those we love and those that we aren't too fond of. Even more, they challenge you to go to the next level and really be intentional in this area in discovering the other person's needs. This book is one that you will want to go back and read again and again...at different seasons in life. It is definitely a lot of content and practical help in a short amount of time. There's so much to say and I feel as though I want to read this again very soon. Overall, a challenging and thought provoking read that will be sure to help your relationships if you apply it to your life.

Leading it and Loving it

I stumbled across this great ministry called "Leading it and Loving it" last year...they are a ministry dedicated to ministering to ministers, focusing on Pastor's wives. It's still weird to put myself in this category! :) but as I have dug in and connected with their blog and recently their virtual conference, I realize I have a lot in common with the other women engaged in this ministry. The last three weeks they have hosted the "JustOne" virtual conference and I've tuned in every Monday night to listen to several pastor's wives and women who are in leadership positions in the church speak specifically about the struggles of being in ministry.

I've done a lot of self examining these last few weeks and have related with many of the speakers. At times, it's almost been "discouraging" because I come away with some great stuff and realize how I have all these issues! haha I didn't realize I felt THAT way, or I that I've had the same frustrations, or that I wish certain things with ministry would change...But I'm grateful to hear from other people that are all in the same boat, trying to accomplish the same goals, and running into the same roadblocks. It's been encouraging and challenging! They've addressed marriage, family, church ministry, church planting, church betrayal, friendships, appearance, character...you name it! I love that God is giving me these great things now, early on in ministry. Life has been great, marriage has been amazing, and ministry is continually changing into some great things at our church. I'm grateful for these words of wisdom now so I can be more prepared for the challenging days down the road (you know they will come sooner or later!) Here are some random "nuggets" I've heard in the last few weeks that stuck out to me:

• You are leading with your life, whether you like it or not. So LEAD! Don't think of it as a curse but as a blessing!
• We must be careful about our demeanor...our attitude can speak volumes.
• Don't forget your first love, Jesus. He is why you do what you do.
• "God's work done God's way will never lack supply" Hudson Taylor
• Be the best YOU that you can be. Be the best Missy Moore that God desires!
• Don't ride the spiritual coat tails of your husband.
• Who am I leading? Who am I intentionally influencing? Who am I unintentionally influencing?
• First, I am a Christ follower. Next, I'm a wife! What does my husband need of me?
• Ministry can be lonely if your husband isn't your #1 confidant! Keep him #1!
• Intimacy=to be fully known. Intimate with God, intimate with husband.
• Confession is useless unless there is transformation.
• You don't drift into a good marriage...it has to be intentional.

One more week left of the conference!

Wait and See

I love the song by Matthew West entitled "Wait and See". I love these lyrics: "There is hope, for me yet, because God won't forget, all the plans he's made for me...I have to wait and see, he's not finished with me yet."

I find so much hope and peace in the thought that God isn't finished with me, despite my mess of life. I love that God doesn't leave us where we are, even when we want to be content where we are. He knows what's best for us and wants to help us get to the next place on our journey...which is always better than where we were. But as much as I love that He keeps leading me to the next level, I know that with progression is change. And with change, is character development. I have found that usually character development comes in the areas of discipline, patience, endurance, and so on...aka: the hard part of change. I know I should move, but this selfishness in side of me doesn't want to deal with the character development.

Tonight my husband preached an awesome and challenging message in his series "Understanding the Times". He talked about how we need to be honest and realize our current condition with God and ultimately admit that we don't have it all together. (This is just the beginning and the first step to understanding the times that we live in and understanding our belief system vs. God's belief system) It seems like it's such an easy concept to say "I don't have it all together, I'm not like Jesus...duh!", but I see how in my life I can put up the front and act like I have it all together. Of course I wouldn't say that I'm Jesus Christ, but with what I think I know and my attitude in sharing what I think I know, I can at times reflect this. Sometimes I'm not teachable...sometimes I get bored with church...sometimes I think that certain messages and sermons don't apply to me. What I realized tonight is that I do not have it together. I am not Jesus Christ, nor am I close. I am on a journey and have not arrived at the final destination. They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem...well there you go!

Alex mapped out 10 stops that people make along the transformational process to be like Christ. (If you didn't listen to the message...you should! go to www.newlifekc.com) I realized that out of the 10 steps, I am at number 6. I am in the category of "experiencing prolonged spiritual discontent." I think that I am on the back end of this category. The last 2 years, I feel like I've been in this state of wanting more...but not moving. I've felt like at times I am in this "spiritual coma" where I am almost on Auto pilot. But the last 6 months, I believe that God has really been moving in me where I am headed for the next step in the process. In August, I had a complete moment of brokenness. I realized how sinful I was and that I had been breaking God's heart in a certain area of my life. I confessed, and got right with God (which I should have done long before). I believe this is the bridge to the next stop in the process of "experience personal brokeness". I see that I've tasted this, but I haven't lived in this brokeness state. I see the broken state as someone who realizes that they are nothing without God and lean on Him in every area of their life. I'm praying that God would help me to move to the next step in the process. I want to know Him more and be fully dependent on Him. But "wanting it" and "living it" are two different things. I haven't been fully dependent on Christ in my life. I've tasted that dependency, but I'm praying that God would help me see how I can fully depend on Him. I know I can be SO independent!

I'm not sure what is next, but at least I realize where I am and I know where I want to be. Please be praying for me as I move to the next step in this journey with Christ. He's not finished with me yet!

present minded

God has been speaking to me so much lately...especially when I think about all that has changed since I last blogged in April. Life is EXCITING! I'm in a new season with my job, our youth ministry has moved to a new season in a new space (much awaited space), and really life has just been so unpredictable and interesting. God is really keeping me on my toes! I've enjoyed seeing His work in my life and in others' lives..especially my family. I am so grateful that He never lets go of us, even when we tend to stray. His love is amazing!

Lately I've been reading this devotional, Jesus Calling. It's a short daily reading that takes scripture from the Bible and puts it into Jesus' words...as though He is speaking directly to you. I've been so encouraged and reassured of His promises as I have read this devotional. One of the things that God has really been speaking to me about is being present in the moment. This is one of the excerpts from Jesus Calling..

"You need not fear the future, for I am already there. When you make that quantum leap into eternity, you will find Me awaiting you in heaven. Your future is in My hands; I release it to you day by day, moment by moment. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow. I want you to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Don't be distracted by future concerns. Leave them to Me! Each day of life is a glorious gift, but so few people know how to live within the confines of today. Much of their energy for abundant living spills over the time line into tomorrow's worries or past regrets. Their remaining energy is sufficient only for limping through the day, not living it to the full. I am training you to keep your focus on My Presence in the present. This is how to receive abundant life, which flows free from My throne of grace."

I love the underlined part! This has really spoken to me because I know that many times I carry the weight of the future on my shoulders in the present, especially with work. I carry this weight around in the evenings, hours after I have clocked out. I carry this weight around when I sit down with my husband for dinner and when we pick up a movie to watch. I carry the weight around all day, even on my day off when work is not on the agenda! My husband has been so good about keeping work stuff at work, but I've struggled with this in the past few months. It has become such a burden and stress in my life. While reading this devo, I realized that this is not the way that God wants me to live and this is NOT the abundant life that Jesus has promised. When we live in the future, we miss out on the present. I'm learning to be present in every area. When I'm at work, I'm present at work...not dwelling on things I need to do at home. When I'm at home, I'm present at home...not worrying about things that I need to do at work. When I'm at church, I'm focused on God...not over thinking and analyzing the task list I need to accomplish for my Sunday. It is so hard to be present, when we are living life in fast forward mode. I fear to see how many times I have missed the present blessing because I am concerned with the unknown future. And that's the thing...there is really no reason in fretting over the future because it is unknown. The only assurance we have is this very present moment.

My prayer lately has been: "God, help me live in this present moment. Give me your eyes to see what you see. Help me to place my burdens and worries on you so I can enjoy the abundant life you have promised. Thank you Jesus, amen."

4.25.11

This weekend was so amazing...just what I needed! :) it started with getting off of work early on Friday, then driving to the *mystery* location that ended up being Springfield! We got a hotel there and enjoyed a weekend away from KC! This included a yummy dinner at our favorite restaraunt, Macaroni Grill-


and just hanging out and shopping. I must say...I have a pretty incredible husband! He did it all and for no reason in particular...just because. And lets just be honest-the "just because" times are the best!

After a relaxing, fun, and enjoyable getaway it was Easter Sunday. Church was so alive and exciting! (I even got goosebumps at one point!) it is so awesome to come to church and celebrate Jesus and God's AMAZINGNESS! I love Easter!

So a great, AMAZING, wonderful weekend that I will never forget!

....But then what happens this morning? THE DAY STARTS HORRIBLY! Go figure, right? I woke up so tired, its pouring outside, and I had to be at work early. Things with my meeting didnt go as planned and I found myself extremely discouraged and frustrated. Honestly, I'm still trying to walk it out right now...tryin to keep positive. I've been praying and leaning on Jesus all morning-which made me start thinking, What if I didnt have Jesus in my life? It hit me that I have a Savior that I can lean on and give all my burdens to...and He is right there with me! And not only that, but I realized how much I take Him for granted. I realized that without His death on the cross, I wouldn't have the hope I have when I call to Jesus for help. I realized that there are so many people on earth that have no hope and no one to lean on when they feel discouraged and defeated, like I felt this morning. I am SO grateful for a RISEN savior that is always near, cares about me like a father, and will be sufficent for all of my needs. Thank you God for not giving up on me today!

3.21.11

"So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil & watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, & cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet" James 4 [The Message]

I'm having one of those days. I don't know why and that is more aggravating than anything else! The moment I woke up, I'm having issues...it's funny when I reflect back, but in the moment I was a huge cranky angry monster! Then I get to work and it's a day that requires patience...and let's just say that I don't have alot to give! (Thank you Alex, for your prayer for patience the other day! This ones for you!) I just feel overwhelmed...and I think I'm guilty of letting my emotions get over my mind. Yes, I know that we talked about that at church yesterday. Yes, I know that in life group I said that I would work on it! Well...here is the test! This is going to be one crazy week and I am feeling burdened by everything going on-even though it is all good stuff! Why is that? I am too emotional!

But, the great news is that I just spent my lunch break with Jesus and things are better and on the up and up. I cast my burdens to him (at least in my brain...I'm working on my emotions following my brain) and I'm trusting Him with this day. And the next day. And the next day. He is the constant in my life and the faithful one! I love that when you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. I experienced that today and although my problems are not gone, I can feel relief knowing that God has it under control. He is so merciful and good and I am so thankful for the grace that I have been given on this day. I'm totally underserving...to say the least. Thank you Lord for your love! Time to live out the rest of the day!

God of this City

Hearing alot about the tsunami in Japan this morning...and my heart breaks for the people affected by it. It is easy to just say that we will pray for them or say "man that is crazy!" It is easy to be fascinated with these natural distasters and forget about the people involved. As I read about it on twitter, facebook, and hear about it on the radio and news, I think about how these are God's people. Each one is God's creation, whom He loves so very much. It is sad to think about the pain that these people are experiencing through this time and the struggles that they will have in the upcoming days. Things like this do not get better over a couple days or weeks...they take months and years. The best part is that God is bigger than this tsunami and He allowed it to happen...why? Not sure. But we can take confidence that He is the ultimate healer, provider, and will see things thru to the end. The song "God of this City" by Chris Tomlin comes to mind. The hope and prayer would be that all involved would turn to Jesus and trust Him with their lives and future! "Greater things are still to be done in this city!"

3-3-11

Sitting at work...thinking...waiting on hold...why not blog right now?!?

The thing most on my mind today was from last nights youth service. We talked alot about how the choices you make today will determine where you are tomorrow. It seems obvious but few people look at their choices and how they will impact their future. So I'm examining this in my own life and looking at my daily "deposits" in life and what they will produce tomorrow. I was really changed last night by a girl that visited our youth group. I was asking her about life and what she likes to do for fun and in her spare time. My usual question is to students is to ask about sports and if they play any because that is something that I could have common ground with them on. She told me that she has a physical condition that prohibits her from playing sports that require running but she hopes to be able to play volleyball next year. I asked her what else she likes to do in her spare time, like shopping, hanging out with friends, or go to the movies (ya know-typical teenage girl stuff!) Her response caught me off guard! She told me that she enjoys using her extra time studying the Bible and getting to know the Lord better. She said that is her main focus right now in life.

Lets just say I didn't expect that response! It is so rare to find a student that has that heart...shoot-I'd like to meet some adults that have that heart! At first you want to say "That's odd!" But then I realized that there was something about this that was so awesome and I really admired. My extra time is sometimes so wasted. I was challenged by her response for sure! I know there are many times when I want to take a lunch break at work so I use the time to go shopping or run errands. How much of that little extra time in the day could I use to spend to get to know God better? This girl has some wisdom that I could learn from!

Joyful.

It's interesting the difference in what we perceive to be true and what actually is reality. I find myself going back and forth with thoughts of "what would it be like if...?" or "someday it will be like this...." And I have this big picture in my head of what it will look like, how it will feel, and how awesome it will be! I had that about marriage. I had a dream of what it would look like and how pleasing to God it would be. That was one of my passions in singleness: Grow and mature so that if God wants me to get married, I will be ready. I was so determined to do "marriage" the right way and it was such a healthy thing. I gave myself to God, trusted Him with the outcome, and lived life the best I could to please Him. I look back now and see the depths of his faithfulness, grace, and direction in my life. I see the deep maturity I developed that my friend's were missing out on. I see now that God was using that season in my life to prepare me for the season I am in now...and I must say: This season rocks! What I perceived...is actually true!

I find myself this morning completely full of joy. It is the joy that is deep down in side that is not circumstantial. (I know this because I have a killer stomach-ache right now but I still find such a peace in my heart!) I feel so grateful, so thankful where God has placed me. He has poured out tremendous grace on me! I was telling a friend I haven't talked to in months that I feel like this time in my life is exactly right. This is what it was meant to be and I have no doubt that I am right where I should be. It's like this season is how it should have always been! I've struggled with contentment and I see that God is walking with me and helping me through it. He is faithful!

...well that is all I have time for now. Thank you to person who put me on hold for 14 minutes so I could type this up :)

Best Valentine's Day Gift!

It was a great evening...dinner made by my husband with a few surprises too ;) He is too good to be true. AND...he gave me this wonderful gift: http://www.impactyouthkc.com/blog/

hundred more years

so I'm stoked about the new Francesca Battistelli CD that is coming out in March. For some reason, I feel like she is writing songs about my life. I fell in love with her first CD, and many of the songs on there spoke EXACTLY to my life. God has definitely used her music as a ministry to me! Most recently I have gotten excited about her new album because she released a song off of it called "This is the Stuff". I just so dig the lyrics (not to mention the fun beat)! But the big thing is realizing that God will use anything for good...even the junk. Sometimes I can be frustrated with life, circumstances, stress...and I realize that this is what God is using to shape me. Some of her lyrics are:

"In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use"

I have felt this way so many times! Frustrated with "the stuff" in life...but really its not all that bad and God will do great things if I respond and grow through it...not just go through it. This year my challenge to myself is to embrace contentment. If we are content, we let God use our mess for great things.

As I think more about the music of Francesca Batistelli, I smile thinking about what songs she wrote and how she spoke to me. This may be cheesy, but really, her music impacted me so much in that season of life! (Mostly 2008-2009) Here are the tracks and what they meant to me:

Free to Be Me: I was going through the whole "identity" stage of thinking about life, where I fit in, what that season was supposed to be like. Free to be me is...well..reassurance that God created me how I am and has great plans to use me!

I'm Letting Go: I learned I needed to surrender my plans and dreams to God...all that I hoped for in life (marriage, children, white picket fence) trusting in Him to fulfill the desires in my heart.

Unpredictable: When I got into college, I had a picture of what things would be like and what God would do. I realized that I put God in my mind as being so predictable...like I was writing God's story, instead of He writing mine! I had to learn to let God be unpredictable :)

Blue Sky: This one was a "picker upper" for me on the album. I remember driving to work (only a 4 min drive) and I would blast this to put me in a good attitude and mindset so I could be ready to do what God was calling me to do that day.

Forever Love: It was a long song, written for God...and I realized that even a man will not be my "forever love" only God will be my forever love! I wanted to sing a love song about a guy and how we will be together forever...but I saw that God had this place in my heart.

Someday Soon: Quite possibly the song that gets me to smile the quickest and brings back so many memories. The song was about "someday soon" falling in love. She wrote this song before she was ever with anyone, but I found myself singing this song and thinking about my now husband-even though we werent even together yet. Sorry! I couldn't help it :) And now I looove singing this song and knowing this day has finally come!

It's Your Life: Pretty much the one phrase that sticks with me is " everyday the choices you make, say what you are and who your heart beats for". I realized that my life reflected what/who was first in it. You can't say God is #1, and make choices otherwise.

Time in Between: This blog is named after this song and it is because I thought it spoke deeply about this season of life I was in. I knew it was a season of transition and preparation for other great things God had for me. But I realized that every great thing has a "time in between" for the purpose of preparation.

So anyways...I think it is so awesome that God uses music to reach us, encourage us, and challenge us in our lives. He took me through that season, to be ready for this one. And now, God will teach me things in this season, to be ready for the next. How GREAT is our God!

new year, new blog!

a new blog is here! just need to fix up a few things.

...good thing I have a wonderful husband to help me out! :) to be continued!

Jan 5 2011

Thoughts from today:

IN OR OUT? My tendency with God is to either be in or out…its not that I’m going from wanting to be in or out…but rather, I feel like I am either “in or out” with Him. If I am making strides in life, being fulfilled in what I do, and seeing fruit=I’m in with Him. BUT, if I am lacking the emotional side of things, not enjoying where my life is, feeling blah=then I’m out with Him. I really struggle with this whole “in or out” thing with God. If I look at obedience, I see that no matter what I am trying to obey God. That isn’t really the issue because then I could say that I was in or “out” with God if I wasn’t obeying Him. But I am trying to. But right now, I feel like not much is going on with Him. Not much to talk about, not much to get excited about. (Bad right? I think so too..but I’m sharing some honest thoughts even though I know the right answer to say)

PROSPERITY GOSPEL: I don’t like the thought that believers have a right to the blessings of health and wealth and that we get it by confession of our faith in it. The whole “name it-claim it” thing bugs me. But there is a truth in prosperity with God. He WILL bless you if you follow Him and you CAN have the abundant life with Christ. He wants us to have the prosperous life…but it comes to us by our choice to have faith AND obey his commands. But there is undeniable interest in

GOOD ENOUGH?: I’ve had the attitude before of “I’m good enough for God.” Maybe I didn’t say it…but I thought it and I didn’t realize how I thought that way until a couple years into knowing God. Then I realized the depth of my sin and the shame that comes with it…then I fall into “I’m not good enough for God.” Once again…balance.

CHILDLIKE FAITH?: Have I lost this? Have I made things too complicated?

Leave your baggage at the door!

No one likes baggage...especially on planes.


The airlines charge extra and people go crazy trying to fit everything into their carry on so they can store in the overhead compartment...resulting in angry flight attendants who get conked in the head trying to fit it up there. Then you have the people walking in the airport with their baggage. They drag it along, bumping people, and running little children over. I don't like baggage. On my last flight, it was so awesome to just have a purse with me and that is it. Traveling with baggage is such a pain.

Baggage also stinks in relationships...but everyone has it. Ya know, the stuff that you wish you didnt do but you did and thus you were who you didn't want to be? It's that stuff that you have to share with someone that you wish you could never speak of again. No matter who you are or where you came from, you have baggage. Lots of junk that shouldn't be there. I wish I didn't have the baggage I have. It wasn't fun in courtship when I had to share that baggage...but I am grateful that by God's grace my baggage wasn't as big as what it could have been. We all have baggage.

But lately I have felt like when I meet with God in my quiet time, I am always bringing along this baggage. It is the stuff that I keep bringing up OVER and OVER again...and it is the stuff that I still a crappy Christian with. I come to God and ask Him to help me over and over again for the same things, even though a lot of the change is dependent on me. I don't like coming to God with baggage that I am still holding on to. I guess God doesn't mind the baggage as long as we are able to give it over to him...then we can be relieved we just get to carry the purse around :) Anyways, I just thought of this analogy while eating my lunch at work. I guess I'm tired of approaching God with the same baggage that He forgave me for a long time ago and is still waiting for me to give over to Him. I don't like feeling like I did this morning when I spent time with God and I felt like I had to "catch up" with Him. It was almost as if I was saying, "Where do I start?" I don't like this. I want to be constantly sharing my life with God so this whole baggage thing doesn't build up with Him.

These are some thoughts today...Eh, what a weird day it has been....

love.

Lately, it's been incredible to see what God has been doing in my life and the people around me. Sometimes I think I feel like God is in standstill mode...but when you really stop and look around, you see what great things He is doing. He is doing great things in my friend's lives and my family. He has also spoken to me alot lately, reminding me of the potential my life could reach and the things that He wants to do with me. Through praying, reading, and worship, I feel like God has been helping me see that I've been missing the big picture of life. It's like He saying, "You are missing the point." Life is not about the past and old, so get rid of it. Life is not about being comfortable, so step out and risk...have some faith. Life is not about perfection but willingness to obey God. All of these thoughts have come to my mind in the last week. I do believe that this time in my life is a time of preparation for something greater, but I'm not going to take advantage of the moment because He wants to do great something TODAY.

It has been so cool how God has lined up over and over again a message on loving others and living as Christ so that they can come to know Him. Between our weekly womens book study, our Friday night college Bible study, education hour, church service...this has been the reoccuring theme for me. (We even VISITED a church and heard a message revolved around the same theme!) It is like God is transforming my idea of love, evangelism, and impacting the world. It is a whole new perspective for me...so much more OUTWARD, less about me more about others. The more I live I see, this life is not about me.

My heart is set on Christ and it feels so good to be at work and thinking about Him more and more. I think that is what happens when you begin to read more of His word and begin to see things the way He does. That has been my prayer, "Help me God to see life the way you do and to see people the way you do." It is hard to not get caught in my life, the plans I have, and the worries I have. Gotta quit thinking about ME!

Anyways, it has all been super exciting. Being married rocks...especially for the fact that I can hash out some of these thoughts about life with Alex. It has been cool to have the ultimate teammate on my side pursuing Christ together. God is truly graceful and good to us. I've also enjoyed seeing God work in Tanner and Brooke's lives and seeing our leadership team grow. It all brings a smile to my face! Did I mention I love FALL?? Ah favorite season!

Back to work I shall go...just had a quick lunch break with some chicken noodle soup. I leave with these final words...

Isaiah 43:18 "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it?"

Mother Teresa: “Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”

Mrs. Alex Moore

So it is exactly TWO months from July 10th, 2010....the date I was gushing about in my previous post. Yes, I have been married for two months and it has gone by FAST! Things have been great...very fun, entertaining, and lots of good laughs. I'm convinced that laughter is the best medicine for marriage. I may not be an expert...but I think a little (or BIG) giggle here and there smooths things over.

I would like to get back to blogging my thoughts again like the good ol' days. I realize that I don't tend to blog much anymore for two reasons: 1) We dont have internet a home (which is a good thing) 2) I have a husband I can blab to now...ha. Maybe it would be best for both of us for me to blog more!

Anywhoo, I am uploading some pics of our wedding onto my facebook page. Lots of smiles...what a splendid day that was.

June 30th, 2010

10 days away…well to be exact it is It is 10 days, 4 hours, 32 minutes until Saturday, July 10, 2010. That’s the big day, the wedding, the exciting time where life with Alex begins. I think sometimes I am still in shock about it all. I mean when I look around, it is all normal and right. No one is surprised we are getting married, everything is running smoothly and things are ready to happen. Everyone has embraced this and is very excited with no hesitancy. Sometimes I want to stop and just think that this is truly too good to be true. Something will go wrong and this will stink, right? WRONG.

I think when you allow God to be active in your life and the center of why you do what you do, things can seem too good to be true. We shouldn’t be discouraged about this but encouraged. We know that life will have its ups and downs, its valleys and the mountains. Right now, I’m in the mountains. Life is great, exciting, and there is so much to look forward to. I am looking forward to the last days before the wedding. I am looking forward to the preparation, decorating, and celebrating. I am looking forward to getting ready, walking down the aisle, and being carried away by my prince charming. I am looking to escape from the world for a week to be with the only person in the world who knows me in and out and who I love so much. These are all things that make this time of my life a mountain top experience.

I think that it can be hard right now because it is so busy and there are things that I wish I could make time to do…Like blogging, for instance. I also like to read, run, play soccer, and bike etc. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been happening either! I know that my plate will get to be more full as the days go on, but I also know that if I play my cards right I can have a life of responsibility and enjoyment. Marriage doesn’t mean the fun ends….rather, marriage means the fun multiplies. I am looking forward to the fun!

Probably the other thing that I am looking forward to after getting married, as lame as this is, is routine in life. I feel like my schedule has been out of whack since May with all the changes that happened. I can’t wait to get into a routine of things and get back to being able to relax more because things are in place and how they should be. But no worries, just because things are different than normal doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it. I keep reminding myself that is a season of life like no other before and I want to enjoy it and know that it will be gone soon….

My Beloved

I love this Kari Jobe song and I have been thinking about God's perspective on it and how he would sing this to us...


You're My Beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me My love

You're Beautiful to Me ,So beautiful to Me
Under My mercy come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you my child

I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your *cares* down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me

I'll breathe My life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength
I'll take you to My quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole

You're My beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love

A house be not clean if dust lay upon the floor in a pile
Nor be a conscience if sin forgotten with just a smile
But lay that sin upon the Cross both today and tomrrow
And your soul will be healed of all uncureable sorrow

Though a house be still filthy is the dust thrown out
For there still lingers the cobwebs without a doubt
Although the conscience be clean the memories remain
Grace and Mercy through confession thy soul shall obtain

Extenuate my multiple sins I do not dare to do
Nor if to fall seventy times a minute I have not a clue
As to the weight of my sin alone that was put upon You
Not even to think of all the sin that was washed for life anew