Countdown...

Well, only 18 more "sleeps" until Disney World! We are so excited and the kids can actually picture when this wonderful trip is happening thanks to the "sleeps countdown". I am excited too! We are all big kids when it comes to Walt Disney World and having all 11 of us there makes it a trip worth waiting for. Can't wait for the fun and sharing the memories!

Dear Lord,
Thank you so much for allowing our family such an incredible trip. We give you all the glory for making this happen for us. Continue to keep us healthy and strong and, Lord Jesus, carry us, hold us and guide us in every step that we take and every word that we speak!

I stand in awe...

Once again, I am truly amazed. I am amazed at how God knows exactly what I need, when I need it. He is so faithful. I am not worthy.

I was, once again, reminded of how someone I love/d has moved on. Without me. It saddens me to a point where now I'm not sure how to feel. It's pointless to still cry. I KNOW God has saved me from a life that is not ordained by Him. This unfortunate life would not glorify His name. It is not His plan for me.

I'm reminded of how in the book of Peter, God tells how His disciples are led to a mountaintop, told to wait, even through a relentless storm. They are afraid. When God appears, they are scared. They are finally led to a safe place, but God does not immediately calm the storm or the waters. Instead, the disciples are shown that through their faithfulness to Him, He will not allow them harm. He will keep them safe and through the struggle, His glory, power and mercy are revealed to them. Now, through this test, they are forever in awe of His power in our lives.

Thank you, my dear friend Michelle. Your kind words of Godly wisdom and your faithfulness to our Lord has given me a breath of fresh air and perspective in this journey. He is all I need.

Dear Father, reveal your Glory, Power, Majesty and Mercy to me! I trust in You and You alone.

Word of God speak, would you fall down like rain, washing my eyes to see, Your majesty. To be still and KNOW, that You're in this place. Please let me stay at rest, in Your Holiness...Word of God speak!

Praising Him in this storm!

I love...

• That my 9 year old nephew J still holds my hand.
• When it's time to go or stop an activity, Ave says, "not yet..." as though her words will change the outcome. And, sometimes, they just do!
• How much G loves spiders and "scary" things.
• That Addie just loves to be held.
• How A refers to her stuffed animals by name: Benjamin the dog, Lumpy the elephant, puppy doggy and me as "my best friend Aunt C"
• That J and G love Alabama football as much as their parents.
• How my family gets together for Sunday lunch almost every week.
• How my kids at school say "valentime's day" and accidentally call me "mommy" at least once a day.
• How attached I become to each little child each year.
• How I cry when I say goodbye for the summer.
• How my children and family hug me and tell me they love me...even when I don't deserve it.

The true loves of my life!

Letting go, letting God...

I've been faced recently with the harsh reality of letting go of someone I love. Through this process I've learned that to truly let go, you must let God work in you. It came to me, so clearly, as I was literally on the floor. God is building me up, one muscle at a time, to make me more aware of His control, His timing, His strength and His undying love for me. I'm not worthy. I certainly have moments of weakness and doubt, but I do believe in Him and His faithfulness to me. The process is hard. I've questioned so many things about myself and I'm thankful for the struggle.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
James 1:1-3

I've learned that to truly trust God is my way to live life as He intended. I am nothing on my own.

As I've re-entered the life of singleness, once again, I'm faced with a decision. Just as someone shows interest in little 'ole me, it happens to come with the risk of losing a friend and causing someone else pain. The decision is a no-brainer for me. I know that when God hand delivers "the one" it will be just that. The one. No pain, no questioning, easy. He will say to me, "See...this is what I can do. Now it is right."

I'm letting go to Let God...

Here we go...

So, as with most things in my life, this blog was created by trend. My sister's blog became fun reading and a way to keep up with (and see) the lives of my precious nieces. Then, my dearest college friend, of whom I'm so embarrassed to say, I haven't seen in 8 years, shared her site with me. Through M, I found this one, of which I rarely miss a day reading, who shares her incredible stories.

I've been blessed in some way by each of these. I've found encouragement, hope and God's undeniable grace in each of these. Thank you, ladies!

I've decided to take this on as a challenge to myself. To live fully and faithfully to God and allow Him to guide me as I share with you. It may be interesting, it may be boring, but it is my life. If you happen to read about yourself here, consider yourself loved, in some way, by me.

So, here we go...

Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.