The "REAL" new year

Since the last time I have written we Celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple... Cheered in the NEW YEAR...  Said goodbye to our good friends Kristy and Nate as them moved to Pennsylvania and Celebrated my 23 Birthday!! 

The weekend before my birthday, Dave's cousin Wendy, Jason (her husband) and there 5 kids came over from Wyoming to celebrate... AND we had a blast... 9 people in our two bedroom apartment. We made some memories for sure. 

Some other news... As most of you all know I am an avid crocheter and one day at work I was approached by a women who wanted me to make her family all new Christmas Stockings... I had never made any before but I was up for the challenge.. So I got to work right away. I have completed 5 of the 7 and have been hearing of others wanting to order some from me too.  I am so excited for this opportunity to use my "crafty" gift and bless others with hand made goodies. As I crochet I pray for the person that will be receiving them. I hope that one day this can turn into something more of a career... Only God knows whats up ahead.

In the past 3 weeks we were informed that our untidy and inconsiderate upstairs family is moving & they are officially gone as of February 1st! YAY no more smoke ..... but even better than them leaving is that David and I get to move upstairs for only $100 more in rent.  I can't even begin to describe how excited I am about this change of address! We will be gaining 2 more bedrooms, a real dining room, a porch off the side of the dining room, and an entryway closet!!  I am so excited I could just dance all day!

Seriously... I came home last night after worship practice and our Land Lord was up stairs and they told us that they would be there all day Friday (today) cleaning and getting it ready for us to move this weekend... AND I WAS SO GIDDY I was dancing around like a loon getting ready for bed!

But the bad part of all my excitement... I barely slept at ALL last night... it felt like I had injected caffeine straight into my bloodstream.... and before I could really fall asleep David's alarm went off at 5:45 AM and it was time to start the day...

So I here I am... feeling like death and super excited to move upstairs.... I pray some energy materializes soon.

I was telling Dave the other day that if feels like my "New Years Resolution" time began on the First of February...

I say that because it took me almost all of January to collect my thoughts and actually have a chance to think about some of the goals I would like to Reach in 2012... So here is my "LIST"

1. Read 50 books & write a small review for each
2. I will read Scripture Every Day!!
3. Start the Process of buying a home/ maybe even purchasing.
4. Eat Healthy/Work out.... but really I just need to FIND BALANCE with these. I hope to be back in my "skinny" pants soon... (at least by October when we go on a cruise) 
5. GET ALL DEBT paid off
6. LIVE Simply... Weed out all the junk from our lives...

2012 Here I come!!

Month of Thankfulness: Day 6

If you are just joining in with me and my Month of Thankfulness you can check out my previous posts here.

Well this is being posted late... because Sunday was crazy busy... and I was extremely exhausted. David and I woke up and went to church... where we received some shocking news that I wish I could write about more... but this is not the place....

The service was all about Grace & Forgiveness and it was very moving and good...Reminding me that I didn't earn my Salvation nor God's LOVE.... But he gave it anyway... and I don't Deserve it...

And that is what forgiveness is... Right?  Extending Grace when we don't have any reason to deserve such a gesture.

Today (sunday) I am remembering what my life would be like with out Christ and I am overcome with emotion and gratitude that God...the Creator of the WHOLE WORLD.... would LOVE ME

Sorry this is a short post.... and I feel like I should have lots more to say.. but today I have run out of words...

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves it is the gift of GOD--not by works, so that no one can boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9

Month of Thankfulness: Day 5

As I sit here watching the first snow fall of the season..  listening to the Pandora Christmas Station and breathing in the sent of my new "evergreen" Candle from Bath & Body Works,
I am excited because its beginning to look like christmas!

Yesterday when I got off work I decided to stop by the mall to use my Bath & Body works coupons.... and I still had a gift card from last christmas to use up..

when I got there I was instantly put in the Christmas Spirit!!! (if that is even possible because I was already there)! but anywho.... I spent 15 mins at least smelling all of their new candles.... I TOTALLY Gave myself a headache!

While I was overstimulating my sense of smell... I couldn't help but notice this trio of people doing the same thing!  There were two women and then one of them had a son who was 4.. (I know this because they mentioned it at one point(

Anyway... the little boy really wanted this "gingerbread" candle and the mom did not like that smell at all! And told him no because they were only going to get one.

The little boy, who is wearing a bright read hooded sweatshirt and jeans... perseeds to throw a big fit and yell how he wants and needs this said "gingerbread" gingerbread candle!

My Favorite part of this story is that the mom was so Cool and Collected! She explained that they were not getting it and if he really wanted it that badly he could ask for it for Christmas. Hahaha...

I wanted to tell her!!! YOU GO MOM!

because too many parents these days allow their kids to get anything & EVERYTHING they want just to prevent a "Scene"

The mom's friend leaned over to me while the Mom was talking to her son.... and said "I am NEVER having kids!" haha

Sometimes I wish that situations would make me question if I want to have kids or not... but usually they make me want kids even more!

I Can't wait to be a MOMMY!
To have the opportunity to Raise up a child in the ways of the Lord and teach them about the important things in life!! Oh man!.... I get all giddy inside when I think about having a baby... but now is not the time, and I will eagerly wait for when I can tell everyone that I am going to be a mommy!

OKAY... back to being THANKFUL (because thats what this post is really about) So here I am watching the snow and obviously reflecting and anticipating things.... and Its SNOWING!

If you know me at all... I am not a fan of the SNOW... because in my mind SNOW = being COLD and WET and BAD ROADS!!!

But there is something so beautiful about the first snow... The way it blankets the earth in white.. and suggests a time for stillness and rest. So I am going to appreciate the first snow and be Thankful for its calm and quiet suggestion to everyone that Christmas is right around the corner!

I will chose to see the good things about Snow and try my best not to complain every time it snows this year.... because God is the one who makes it snow... it provides the earth with moisture to sustain life in the Spring....

And it is REALLY BEAUTIFUL!

A Month of Thankfulness: Day 1 & 2

***** So I have been trying to post this for 2 days now and have come to the conclusion that I must start completely over...well almost....the internet/my computer would not have anything to do with letting me post anything!!

I have been wanting to do a themed post... or a scheduled post... and I have been thinking a lot about what November represents and Thought that this would be a good time to start. So I am going to be posting something that I am thankful about every day in the Month of November..... Plus it helps me keep perspective of what the important things are as the Holiday Season approaches.

DAY 1:
November 1st happened to land on a Tuesday. Which is the day David and I go over to my parents house in the evening to watch the Biggest Loser! I think its my favorite show because its so Motivating.

This is a picture of my sister (Arianna), Anna and me if front of our churches
Christmas tree a few years back!!

First of all it reminds me of what happens when you no longer care about yourself and let your weight get out of control.. so I am motivated to stay healthy so I don't get to the point where I am so big I no longer remember how I got that way...

And 2... I love the way it is so inspiring! These people are truly changing their lives and doing the hard work that is necessary to make a difference!

Well enough about that...(this is not a post about the Biggest Loser!) its about what I am thankful for....I guess I could say I am thankful for that but What I really want to write about is a commercial I saw during that show!... or more like commercials.

It was the beginning of CHRISTMAS commercials! I know that is crazy to most of you but I got so excited and lit up inside because its that time of year!

Don't Judge!!

I just love Christmas....and I like to start early because as it gets closer, the more busy and stressful the season seems to get! And I want to be able to enjoy every second of it!  SO.. I am excited to announce that I will be putting up my Christmas tree this week!! Probably on Friday after I get off work....

******** Yesterday when I was trying to post this the first time.... David looked over my shoulder and say..."What is going up this week????" HAHA... What can I say... I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

So I guess, to tie it all back in.. I am thankful that I get to start enjoying the Christmas Season.... The season of Generosity..and remember that its all about CHRIST and how HE came into this world with a purpose...to save the lost!

AND THAT IS WHY WE CELEBRATE!

DAY 2:

Now on to the second day of Thankfulness!

I have been looking through my pictures from my Trip to Ethiopia last October and God has been filling up my heart with Love for these kids all over again!  I have also been looking at my friend Larissa's pictures because she and her husband just got back from there this last weekend!

A group from our church got to go back in October and help build up a church in Ambo, Ethiiopia and hold a Vacation Bible School for the kids many of us sponsor at NEW HOPE Orphanage. And orrigionally I was really frustrated that I wasn't able to go back.... that my timing and God's timing wern't the same!....

Uggh...I know that there is a reason for everything but sometimes its really tough being on the "human" time-line and time perspective!

I kept thinking... doesn't God know how much I want to be there?.... well of course he does! He is GOD! So eventually I came to the conclusion that there must be a reason that I had to stay here this year.

So I started focusing on that... and thinking that At least someone is going back.. And the children will still be loved on and hugged a million times!!!  I am so glad and thankful that even though I wasn't the one who got to go back... they did. And the kids there were able to be loved on and, God willing, I will get to go back next year. 

I am thankful that I get the opportunity to sponsor precious Arague and shower her with prayers and letters! And I am thankful that this world isn't about me...

Even though I act like it is sometimes and get caught up in things that have no value.... But this life is about a bigger story.. and I am glad that I get to be a small....very small...Part of what God is doing!


So those are the things that have been on my mind and heart as of late and I am so thankful that God has allowed me to LOVE Christmas so much... and also given  me a heart for Ethiopia...

Sorry for the delay in the post... technical difficulties..

Stay tuned for more Thankfulness!!

Ethiopia: please pray

I have had mixed feelings this week... and I think it is all because our church sent another team of people to Ambo Ethiopia... And I am not going this time. Don't get me wrong... I am so happy that the others are going and getting to experience one of my favorite places and see the faces of the orphans that many of our congregants sponsor.

BUT... there is a part of me that is broken inside because I am not going. My heart can't help but feel that Araque will think I don't love her because I didn't come back... or that the kids will forget about me! Is that silly? Maybe.. but I have to wonder. And will Araque connect with another person on the trip and then forget about me?

I guess this is another place where TRUSTING GOD comes into the Picture. I know that I LOVE these kids and nothing will ever ever EVER change that!! And there is always a reason for everything... GOD knows why... I Don't... and That is OK.

So I am praying for our Team these next two weeks... Praying that they are SAFE, Praying that GOD prepares their way and breaks down any walls that will keep them from doing GOD's work.

This trip will look a lot different than the previous ones.. in that instead of spending 100% of work time at "NEW HOPE" Orphanage, the team will be helping out the community of Ambo by rebuilding the Four Square Church.  They will see the orphans but not as much as we are used to... So I will also be praying that the kids understand this change and adjust to this transition well. Pray that they don't feel "unloved" or "neglected" or "unimportant".... That they understand that God's LOVE is Bigger than US and HE has called our church to help the lost and the poor EVERYWHERE!!

Some really neat things are going to happen though our partnership with the community of AMBO ETHIOPIA and I am so glad that I get to be part of it!  For example: In this past year... Faith Chapel has been able to find Sponsors for the Orphans so that each child has 3 sponsors and that fully meets NEW HOPE's Budget!!! HOW AWESOME IS THAT!

GOD has a plan for this Community!!!  Then next BIG thing the orphanage is praying for is a new school building.  They are facing the problem that many of the girls are a grade away from finishing the program and will then have to be forced to leave the orphanage.... but if there is another school building the orphanage can offer more classes and higher grades so that the girls can stay and complete their schooling before they have to leave.... (I'm not sure if that makes sense...?)

What they have don't once the boys have grown up... is they leave the orphanage and then move into a community home with a "house-mom" and go to public school (or high school)... and that seems to be working out well.... but the girls would not have the same opportunity (I don't think).... So I am asking you to PRAY with me and ASK GOD to provide a way for the School to become a reality!

GOD is BIG enough for that... we must trust HIM and BELIEVE that HE really can make anything happen!

Matthew 7:7 ~ Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.
John 15:7~If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 

If you wish to follow along with our Mission Team in Ethiopia you can read their blog here
 its a live feed (if they can connect to the internet) of what they are doing... join me in praying for them these next two weeks!

Group picture in front of the orphanage October 2010

Frustrations

When I opened up my Bible today it opened right to Psalm 106....and it was perfect for calming my frustrations with everything right now... Its kinda long.. but I am going to share it with you anyway,

 ¹ Praise the LORD.^[a]

   Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
   his love endures forever.

 ² Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
   or fully declare his praise?
³ Blessed are those who act justly,
   who always do what is right.

 ⁴ Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people,
   come to my aid when you save them,
⁵ that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
   that I may share in the joy of your nation
   and join your inheritance in giving praise.

 ⁶ We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;
   we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
⁷ When our ancestors were in Egypt,
   they gave no thought to your miracles;
they did not remember your many kindnesses,
   and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.^[b]
8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
   to make his mighty power known.
⁹ He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;
   he led them through the depths as through a desert.
¹⁰ He saved them from the hand of the foe;
   from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
¹¹ The waters covered their adversaries;
   not one of them survived.
¹² Then they believed his promises
   and sang his praise.

 ¹³ But they soon forgot what he had done
   and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
¹⁴ In the desert they gave in to their craving;
   in the wilderness they put God to the test.
¹⁵ So he gave them what they asked for,
   but sent a wasting disease among them.

 ¹⁶ In the camp they grew envious of Moses
   and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD.
¹⁷ The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan;
   it buried the company of Abiram.
¹⁸ Fire blazed among their followers;
   a flame consumed the wicked.
¹⁹ At Horeb they made a calf
   and worshiped an idol cast from metal.
²⁰ They exchanged their glorious God
   for an image of a bull, which eats grass.
²¹ They forgot the God who saved them,
   who had done great things in Egypt,
²² miracles in the land of Ham
   and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
²³ So he said he would destroy them—
   had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach before him
   to keep his wrath from destroying them.

 ²⁴ Then they despised the pleasant land;
   they did not believe his promise.
²⁵ They grumbled in their tents
   and did not obey the LORD.
²⁶ So he swore to them with uplifted hand
   that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
²⁷ make their descendants fall among the nations
   and scatter them throughout the lands.

 ²⁸ They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor
   and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods;
²⁹ they aroused the LORD’s anger by their wicked deeds,
   and a plague broke out among them.
³⁰ But Phinehas stood up and intervened,
   and the plague was checked.
³¹ This was credited to him as righteousness
   for endless generations to come.
³² By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD,
   and trouble came to Moses because of them;
³³ for they rebelled against the Spirit of God,
   and rash words came from Moses’ lips.^[c]

 ³⁴ They did not destroy the peoples
   as the LORD had commanded them,
³⁵ but they mingled with the nations
   and adopted their customs.
³⁶ They worshiped their idols,
   which became a snare to them.
³⁷ They sacrificed their sons
   and their daughters to false gods.
³⁸ They shed innocent blood,
   the blood of their sons and daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
   and the land was desecrated by their blood.
³⁹ They defiled themselves by what they did;
   by their deeds they prostituted themselves.

 ⁴⁰ Therefore the LORD was angry with his people
   and abhorred his inheritance.
⁴¹ He gave them into the hands of the nations,
   and their foes ruled over them.
⁴² Their enemies oppressed them
   and subjected them to their power.
⁴³ Many times he delivered them,
   but they were bent on rebellion
   and they wasted away in their sin.
⁴⁴ Yet he took note of their distress
   when he heard their cry;
⁴⁵ for their sake he remembered his covenant
   and out of his great love he relented.
⁴⁶ He caused all who held them captive
   to show them mercy.

 ⁴⁷ Save us, LORD our God,
   and gather us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
   and glory in your praise.

 ⁴⁸ Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
   from everlasting to everlasting.

   Let all the people say, “Amen!”

   Praise the LORD.

If you remember from my last post I was struggling with our "roommates" because they were smoking inside of the house.... well we had talked to our landlord about it and it seemed to improve but that only lasted a few days... and then there was smoke again!!! YUCK.... I so want to be able to come home and get away from everything that I am allergic to... but that isn't happening right now...

Anyway... back to God's word... I felt so refreshed after another really long night awake... due to our upstairs roomies.... they were fighting and smoking... and I WASN'T sleeping...

"Praise the Lord... Give Thanks to the LORD..."  Well thats what I did last night while I was laying in bed awake... I prayed for the couple/family upstairs that obviously not doing well... and I prayed that their kids would some how have energy so they could do well in school today... and that whatever was going on would stop so the house could be at rest.

I also prayed lots... Thanking God that I have a WONDERFUL husband who Love the Lord... He loves me.. and treats me with respect... And That I didn't have to grow up in a family that functioned in chaos like the family up stairs was...

In Psalm 106... God's people begin with praises to him... then they turn away from his love and truth and life gets really tough for them... But when it became too much... God heard their cries and took note of their distress... and for the people's sake... HE remembered his covenant and out of his Great love he Relented...and it ends with God's people praising him once again.

I am just thinking about how... even out of their suffering... God knew that with out their trials they would never fully understand who God is and what life is all about.... Bringing Praise and Glory to GOD....

I might be all over the place... and making sense to only me.. but I am SO SO SO Thankful that God hears our cries and he creates a way for us to praise him no matter what.

I am frustrated with my living conditions...

I am frustrated that I am allergic to EVERYTHING...

I hate that I fell like a "tattle-tell" every time we talk to our landlord...

I hate that because the people up stairs are breaking the rules, we might have to look for a new place to live....

BUT....

I know that God has a plan... and it will all work out in some way or another...

SO..

I will keep on Praising... keep on Singing...and Keep on LIVING For my LORD JESUS CHRIST