August 31, 2010
August 23, 2010
Verse of the Day
Psalm 94:18-19
When I said, "My foot is slipping", Your love oh Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.
When I said, "My foot is slipping", Your love oh Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.
August 22, 2010
Aquarium
So yesterday Julia and I took a trip with my father to the Aquarium in Long Beach. We had a lot of fun and the weather was beautiful. Julia loved being able to put her hands in the water and touch the baby sharks and sting rays. Mommy was a little nervous to let her but she did a great job listening to me on how to touch them the right way. Im pretty sure that was her favorite part....oh and picking out her souveniers of course:) I got her a bag of the different sealife that we saw there (plastic ones of course) which she now is constantly carrying around the house. We also got her a stuff animal Sea Otter and a little cup with a straw. This was the perfect place to take Julia, because she is still so young she has a short attention span and wants to roam around and doesnt sit through all the shows and exhibits. The aquarium is small and only has a couple shows. Most of it was roaming around and getting to touch different sealife and Lord knows this little girl is very hands on and wants to touch EVERYTHING..lol....enjoys the pics:)
Recent Picture Slideshow
So here's a little slideshow of some fun we had last week, going to the park and ice cream sundaes to celebrate Julia turning 20 months:) Enjoy!
August 20, 2010
Julia is 20 Months.....
I know its a couple days late, but hey, I have a life:)
So Julia turned 20 months on Wednesday and its starting to make me a little sad that my little bug is going to be TWO in just four months! To celebrate her little milestone I put together a little goody bag from where else....Target! If you know me, you know that Target holds my heart! Julia even knows when we are at Target, when we pull into the shopping center she yells.....YAY TARGET! Sad, I know but I love it:) Anyway, it wasnt anything huge, just a couple of new books, a new plate and dish set, some stickers and a little indoor ball to play with. My mom decided she wanted to do something special too and came home with all the yummy ingredients to make Ice Cream Sundaes. She was in heaven, of course, and me being the sugar Nazi that I am had to work hard at just letting her go for it, the excited look on her face helped me get through it:) I love how much this little girl is loved, I got quite a few little text messages and notes saying Happy 20 Months to Julia, it felt really good in the midst of hard times to receive such love from some family and friends:) My main prayer and effort throughout this whole process is to make it as smooth and easy as possible for Julia and for her not to feel as though she is missing out on anything and I just want to thank some of you for helping in that effort with me!
My little girl is learning new things everyday and it amazes me how quickly she picks up on things. I was telling a friend of mine the other day that she is now starting to pray out loud on her own, so far its just a "Thank You Jee-us Amen" but hey that works for me and Im sure it pleases God to hear this precious little girl say Thank you to Him:) We also started doing a little devotional every night before bed and in just a short time she knows the routine. When I get her out of the bath she starts saying, "I read about Jee-us, mama, I read my bible". The book we got is so cute, its in biblical order and it comes with a cd so that after the short story you play a song that corresponds with what we just read.
I also recently bought of few of the dvd's from the Preschool Prep Series, Meet the Letters and Meet the Colors. I figure we are going to take it one at a time with these, I dont want to overwhelm her and I also am very adamant on making sure she is allowed to just be a one year old and play and have fun:) I also got her a pretty large size playdough set, so that is a really fun way for her to learn her colors as well.
I have some new pictures that I am going to make into a little slideshow, so hopefully I can fit some time in tonight to post it. Hope everyone is doing well, I know a lot of you have asked me about my facebook and if I am going to put it back up. The no facebook journey has been amazing and as much as I miss keeping up with some of you, eliminating that distraction for right now has been the best idea and the biggest blessing to allow me more time with the Lord and also more time to have one on one visits and chats with people I would have normally just posted a quick hello on their walls. I definitely am going to finish out the month without it and we will see what happens next month:)
Love,
Julia Noelle's Mommy
So Julia turned 20 months on Wednesday and its starting to make me a little sad that my little bug is going to be TWO in just four months! To celebrate her little milestone I put together a little goody bag from where else....Target! If you know me, you know that Target holds my heart! Julia even knows when we are at Target, when we pull into the shopping center she yells.....YAY TARGET! Sad, I know but I love it:) Anyway, it wasnt anything huge, just a couple of new books, a new plate and dish set, some stickers and a little indoor ball to play with. My mom decided she wanted to do something special too and came home with all the yummy ingredients to make Ice Cream Sundaes. She was in heaven, of course, and me being the sugar Nazi that I am had to work hard at just letting her go for it, the excited look on her face helped me get through it:) I love how much this little girl is loved, I got quite a few little text messages and notes saying Happy 20 Months to Julia, it felt really good in the midst of hard times to receive such love from some family and friends:) My main prayer and effort throughout this whole process is to make it as smooth and easy as possible for Julia and for her not to feel as though she is missing out on anything and I just want to thank some of you for helping in that effort with me!
My little girl is learning new things everyday and it amazes me how quickly she picks up on things. I was telling a friend of mine the other day that she is now starting to pray out loud on her own, so far its just a "Thank You Jee-us Amen" but hey that works for me and Im sure it pleases God to hear this precious little girl say Thank you to Him:) We also started doing a little devotional every night before bed and in just a short time she knows the routine. When I get her out of the bath she starts saying, "I read about Jee-us, mama, I read my bible". The book we got is so cute, its in biblical order and it comes with a cd so that after the short story you play a song that corresponds with what we just read.
I also recently bought of few of the dvd's from the Preschool Prep Series, Meet the Letters and Meet the Colors. I figure we are going to take it one at a time with these, I dont want to overwhelm her and I also am very adamant on making sure she is allowed to just be a one year old and play and have fun:) I also got her a pretty large size playdough set, so that is a really fun way for her to learn her colors as well.
I have some new pictures that I am going to make into a little slideshow, so hopefully I can fit some time in tonight to post it. Hope everyone is doing well, I know a lot of you have asked me about my facebook and if I am going to put it back up. The no facebook journey has been amazing and as much as I miss keeping up with some of you, eliminating that distraction for right now has been the best idea and the biggest blessing to allow me more time with the Lord and also more time to have one on one visits and chats with people I would have normally just posted a quick hello on their walls. I definitely am going to finish out the month without it and we will see what happens next month:)
Love,
Julia Noelle's Mommy
No Matter What...Kerri Roberts
I’m running back to your promises one more time, Lord that’s all I can hold on to, I gotta say this has taken me by surprise, but nothing surprises you. Before a heartache can ever touch my life, it has to go through Your hands, and even though I keep asking why, I keep asking why,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what.
When I’m stuck and there’s nothing else by myself, I’m just sitting in silence, there’s no way I can make it without Your help, I wont even try it. I know You have Your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing, whatever I might be feeling, God you are my hope, and you will be my strength,
Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s ok if You don’t, I’m not here for those things, the touch of Your love is enough on its own, no matter what I still love You and I’m gonna need You
This song among a few others has been a huge encouragement to me. I know that God can shield me from the pain of emotions that I have been feeling and the ones I have yet to encounter, but I know that if He doesnt, if He allows me to feel every bit of grief and pain I know that there is a reason for it and that He wants to use them to build Godly character in me.
No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what.
When I’m stuck and there’s nothing else by myself, I’m just sitting in silence, there’s no way I can make it without Your help, I wont even try it. I know You have Your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing, whatever I might be feeling, God you are my hope, and you will be my strength,
Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s ok if You don’t, I’m not here for those things, the touch of Your love is enough on its own, no matter what I still love You and I’m gonna need You
This song among a few others has been a huge encouragement to me. I know that God can shield me from the pain of emotions that I have been feeling and the ones I have yet to encounter, but I know that if He doesnt, if He allows me to feel every bit of grief and pain I know that there is a reason for it and that He wants to use them to build Godly character in me.
August 18, 2010
August 17, 2010
August 16, 2010
Streams in the Desert
So Im reading this small devotional right now called "Streams in the Desert" Its just a one page by date devotional that is all about going through trials and finding Gods peace and joy through these times. Ive only read a few days worth and it has already blessed me so much. Im also reading a book called "When Love Ends....and the ice cream carton is empty"....funny title I know but so far its great. Talking about emotional healing and making better choices and dealing with all aspects of the pain of a break-up. I was reading and looking into more parenting books, but I really feel like God is telling me I have that part of my life under control and that God is guiding me and giving me enough wisdom for raising Julia right now. That as much as I try to bury and ignore the emotions of going through a divorce and just focus all of my energy into being a mom, I need to dig deeper and deal with the hurt I am trying to pretend doesnt exist.
So here is a passage that totally blessed me today from Streams in the Desert.....
"The best things in life are the result of being wounded. Wheat must be crushed before becoming bread and incense must be burned by fire before its fragrance is set free. The earth must be broken before being ready to receive the seed. And it is a broken heart that pleases God. Yes the sweetest joys of life are the fruits of sorrow. Human nature seems to need suffering to make it fit to be a blessing to the world.Where would our faith be if not for the trials that test it? Or patience without anything to endure? Or experience without tribulations to develop it?" LB Cowman
So here is a passage that totally blessed me today from Streams in the Desert.....
"The best things in life are the result of being wounded. Wheat must be crushed before becoming bread and incense must be burned by fire before its fragrance is set free. The earth must be broken before being ready to receive the seed. And it is a broken heart that pleases God. Yes the sweetest joys of life are the fruits of sorrow. Human nature seems to need suffering to make it fit to be a blessing to the world.Where would our faith be if not for the trials that test it? Or patience without anything to endure? Or experience without tribulations to develop it?" LB Cowman
August 15, 2010
August 11, 2010
"The Idol in the Mirror"
Pastor Greg Laurie....Daily Devotional....August 11th 2010
Jesus replied, " 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
— Matthew 22:37–40
Oscar Wilde said, "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." Indeed. And Whitney Houston sang, "The greatest love of all is easy to achieve. Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all."
That we love ourselves is pretty much an established fact. I don't believe it is necessary for us to learn to do it.
Ephesians 5:29 says, "No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church." Some people worship their bodies. They worship every day at the First Church of the Perfect Physique. They just can't get enough of working out. It becomes addicting. They become obsessed with it. However, some people definitely could benefit from a little exercise. Yet there are others who certainly go overboard when it comes to their appearance.
A survey revealed that 94 percent of age 18-and-under girls wish they were more beautiful. And 85 percent of women over the age of 40 said they were not as attractive as the average woman. They feel this way because they love themselves. If they didn't, then they would be happy they were ugly. The truth is that we all love ourselves.
When Jesus said the second greatest commandment is "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39), He was not saying that we need to learn to love ourselves so we can then love others. Rather, He was essentially saying, ""Hey, you already love yourself. That is obvious. Love your neighbor in the same way. And love God even more."
So the sin is not loving yourself or caring about yourself. The sin is loving yourself more than you love God. And for some, their idol—their god—is facing them in the mirror every morning.
Jesus replied, " 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
— Matthew 22:37–40
Oscar Wilde said, "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." Indeed. And Whitney Houston sang, "The greatest love of all is easy to achieve. Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all."
That we love ourselves is pretty much an established fact. I don't believe it is necessary for us to learn to do it.
Ephesians 5:29 says, "No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church." Some people worship their bodies. They worship every day at the First Church of the Perfect Physique. They just can't get enough of working out. It becomes addicting. They become obsessed with it. However, some people definitely could benefit from a little exercise. Yet there are others who certainly go overboard when it comes to their appearance.
A survey revealed that 94 percent of age 18-and-under girls wish they were more beautiful. And 85 percent of women over the age of 40 said they were not as attractive as the average woman. They feel this way because they love themselves. If they didn't, then they would be happy they were ugly. The truth is that we all love ourselves.
When Jesus said the second greatest commandment is "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39), He was not saying that we need to learn to love ourselves so we can then love others. Rather, He was essentially saying, ""Hey, you already love yourself. That is obvious. Love your neighbor in the same way. And love God even more."
So the sin is not loving yourself or caring about yourself. The sin is loving yourself more than you love God. And for some, their idol—their god—is facing them in the mirror every morning.
August 10, 2010
Year 26 begins.....
As I sit here and just ponder this last year, I think...Wow, I have been through a lot! I have seen a lot, experienced a lot and just been through a lot of life. God has allowed me too experience quite a bit of pain and disappointment, but more than that He has allowed me to experience a ton of good and I have grown so much from everything. I never thought that I would be in the situation I find myself in today but it definitely has allowed me to really know and experience the love of God. That although people around me may disappoint me and let me down, He will never leave or forsake me. The biggest thing in my life that has brought me so much joy and life is for sure Julia(big surprise). Seeing her little face reminds me everyday how much God has blessed me and that the good in my life definitely outweighs the bad. Everyday is a new adventure with her and she has taught me to really soak up and appreciate the little things in life. Being this little girls mommy has instantly changed my life and my outlook on everything. Every decision I make with her in mind and I pray God continues to give me wisdom in raising her.
Year 25 started out pretty rough, with Robert and I being pretty newly seperated and me starting the journey of single parenthood. Luckily, my parents have been such a huge help and support to me. I dont know where I would be without them. As much as I try not to rely on them to help me care for Julia, they are always there for me when I need a break and Lord knows we ALL need a break sometimes:)
In the last year I have experienced a deserting spouse, a loss of jobs, Julia entering toddlerhood, the discovery of a heart murmur, my aunts breast cancer which grew into amazing family unity, my stepdad being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, some family division, letting go of old friends and embracing new ones. Now as I begin year 26, I know the struggles are not over but that some of those year 25 difficulites have produced great love and strength....I begin this year with sadly, the beginning of a divorce, entering terrible two's, a cancer free auntie, a wonderful job and a group of cousins on my mommys side that have become closer than ever before. I am so grateful for the things God is teaching me about family, friends, and just life in general. Finding people that can encourage, love, and even convict you is so important. Whether blood relatives or new found friends and everyone in between these people in my life have made such a difference at my outlook on things. Most importantly is my focus to please and obey God. In everything I do, I desire to please God. As hard as it has been sometimes to not just give up and do things my way, perservering and doing things God's way has such a greater reward and I have so much more peace in my heart for the decisions I have made. I look forward to what God has in store for year 26 and know that as long as I am truly following Him, whatever fires lie ahead I will emerge "pure as gold".
Year 25 started out pretty rough, with Robert and I being pretty newly seperated and me starting the journey of single parenthood. Luckily, my parents have been such a huge help and support to me. I dont know where I would be without them. As much as I try not to rely on them to help me care for Julia, they are always there for me when I need a break and Lord knows we ALL need a break sometimes:)
In the last year I have experienced a deserting spouse, a loss of jobs, Julia entering toddlerhood, the discovery of a heart murmur, my aunts breast cancer which grew into amazing family unity, my stepdad being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, some family division, letting go of old friends and embracing new ones. Now as I begin year 26, I know the struggles are not over but that some of those year 25 difficulites have produced great love and strength....I begin this year with sadly, the beginning of a divorce, entering terrible two's, a cancer free auntie, a wonderful job and a group of cousins on my mommys side that have become closer than ever before. I am so grateful for the things God is teaching me about family, friends, and just life in general. Finding people that can encourage, love, and even convict you is so important. Whether blood relatives or new found friends and everyone in between these people in my life have made such a difference at my outlook on things. Most importantly is my focus to please and obey God. In everything I do, I desire to please God. As hard as it has been sometimes to not just give up and do things my way, perservering and doing things God's way has such a greater reward and I have so much more peace in my heart for the decisions I have made. I look forward to what God has in store for year 26 and know that as long as I am truly following Him, whatever fires lie ahead I will emerge "pure as gold".
August 8, 2010
Birthday Fun!
So yesterday we had a small bbq for my birthday. It was so much fun and just what i needed to relax and surround myself with some family and friends. I am so thankful for everyone that came and am sad for the few that couldnt make it, sorry it was kind of last minute but it was still a great time:) I am so bummed that i didnt get very many pictures, i was just so busy relaxin and spending time with everyone that I totally forgot. I did get a few towards the end of the night and made a small slideshow.
Here's to year 26! Excited to find out what God has in store. I finally feel like my life is starting to move forward and cant wait for what my future holds, with my little love by my side, of course!!
Here's to year 26! Excited to find out what God has in store. I finally feel like my life is starting to move forward and cant wait for what my future holds, with my little love by my side, of course!!
August 7, 2010
August 2, 2010
A new vision.....
I feel that this blog has two purposes now. Number one, to share my experiences and wonderful moments being Julia's mommy! This little girl has changed my life for the better. I never imagined I could love someone SO much. She is in my every thought and decision and my goal for her is for her to know and love Jesus. I dont care if she has a college degree, lots of money or every success in the world. As long as my little girl desires to love and serve Jesus, I have done the job God called me to do in her. Of course i want her to know that education is important and i want her to strive to be her very best in everything she does, but I also know that I will stand before God and answer for the things I taught her of Him and at the end of this journey, my only desire is to hear my God say to me "Well done, my good and faithful servant". Number two, this blog is to share what God is showing me through this journey called life. My life has taken some crazy twists and turns, but God has been my constant and my focus. I know that as long as i keep my eyes on Him and what He has promised me, then I will overcome any circumstance that comes my way. Lately I really feel Him shaping and molding me. I feel Him stripping things that I need to let go of. Hurt and bitter feelings, family drama, and things that have been taking my focus away from Him. He has been showing me more and more that I am not of this world, that I am to be different and to not be suprised if people i thought were my friends or my family start to reject or push away from me. There are a lot verses that talk about this, but a few that stick out to me most right now is John 15:19 "If you were of this world, the world would love its own, yet because you are not of this world, but I chose you out of this world, therefore the world hates you". Luke 21:16-17 "You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends. You will be hated for My name's sake". And 1 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers, for what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" So i guess for me to feel this way from some people I should be rejoicing because it means I am doing something right! As difficult as it can be I know that God has a specific calling on my life and that to me is so much more important than fitting in and being accepted by others, because in the end I know that it will only matter what God says of me. Even through this hard process, I have made some wonderful friends that have the same goal and mindset that I do and it has been so awesome to share and encourage each other. There have been times of laugher, tears and convictions, but i have come to learn that the true Christian life is going to involve conviction and correction and the way to determine a true Christian is how they respond to that conviction from others. There have been times that I feel convicted and my first reaction is to be offended or to justify myself, but then i realize, maybe this is an area I need to change in, an area that God is using someone else to bring conviction to my heart and say I want to work on this with you. Once i realize it, I feel such a sense of love and care from God. That He loves me so much that He would take the time for me, to teach me and grow me in area that needs to change.
Sorry this post was so long.....in the few short days that I have been less distracted, He has already shown me SO much and I am so looking forward to what else He has for me!!
Sorry this post was so long.....in the few short days that I have been less distracted, He has already shown me SO much and I am so looking forward to what else He has for me!!
IN or OF this world?
Just a little devotional I found, kind of bringing home the last post about not being of the world:) Enjoy!
Question: "How can believers be in the world, but not of the world?"
Answer: When we read of the "world" in the New Testament, we are reading the Greek word cosmos. Cosmos most often refers to the inhabited earth and the people who live on the earth, which functions apart from God. Satan is the ruler of this "cosmos" (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19). By the simple definition that the word world refers to a world system ruled by Satan, we can more readily appreciate Christ's claims that believers are no longer of the world—we are no longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles of the world. In addition, we are being changed into the image of Christ, causing our interest in the things of the world to become less and less as we mature in Christ. Believers in Jesus Christ are simply in the world—physically present—but not of it, not part of its values (John 17:14-15). As believers, we should be set apart from the world. This is the meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life—to be set apart. We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to retain the insipid, corrupt mind that the world creates. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2). This is a daily activity and commitment.We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is necessary if we are to be a light to those who are in spiritual darkness. We are to live in such a way that those outside the faith see our good deeds and our manner and know that there is something “different” about us. Christians who make every effort to live, think and act like those who do not know Christ do Him a great disservice. Even the heathen knows that “by their fruits you shall know them,” and as Christians, we should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit within us. Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us, but we are not to immerse ourselves in what the world values, nor are we to chase after worldly pleasures. Pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was, but rather the worship of God.
Recommended Resource: Balancing the Christian Life by Charles Ryrie.
I have to ask myself this question, everyday! Am I set apart? Am I different? Or do I fit right in? Is my desire to stand up for God or to just keep that aspect of my life on the down low? Am standing with one foot in the world and one foot with God?
Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me, is against me. He who does not gather with me, scatters abroad.
Revelation 3:15-16 I know your deeds. That you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot, but because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold. I will vomit you out of my mouth.
Question: "How can believers be in the world, but not of the world?"
Answer: When we read of the "world" in the New Testament, we are reading the Greek word cosmos. Cosmos most often refers to the inhabited earth and the people who live on the earth, which functions apart from God. Satan is the ruler of this "cosmos" (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19). By the simple definition that the word world refers to a world system ruled by Satan, we can more readily appreciate Christ's claims that believers are no longer of the world—we are no longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles of the world. In addition, we are being changed into the image of Christ, causing our interest in the things of the world to become less and less as we mature in Christ. Believers in Jesus Christ are simply in the world—physically present—but not of it, not part of its values (John 17:14-15). As believers, we should be set apart from the world. This is the meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life—to be set apart. We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to retain the insipid, corrupt mind that the world creates. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2). This is a daily activity and commitment.We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is necessary if we are to be a light to those who are in spiritual darkness. We are to live in such a way that those outside the faith see our good deeds and our manner and know that there is something “different” about us. Christians who make every effort to live, think and act like those who do not know Christ do Him a great disservice. Even the heathen knows that “by their fruits you shall know them,” and as Christians, we should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit within us. Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us, but we are not to immerse ourselves in what the world values, nor are we to chase after worldly pleasures. Pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was, but rather the worship of God.
Recommended Resource: Balancing the Christian Life by Charles Ryrie.
I have to ask myself this question, everyday! Am I set apart? Am I different? Or do I fit right in? Is my desire to stand up for God or to just keep that aspect of my life on the down low? Am standing with one foot in the world and one foot with God?
Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me, is against me. He who does not gather with me, scatters abroad.
Revelation 3:15-16 I know your deeds. That you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot, but because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold. I will vomit you out of my mouth.
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