Good Morning Everyone.....

I am so excited about what God is showing me this morning that I couldn’t resist grabbing the computer and writing to all of you. First, let me share with you how my quiet time began. This is similar to my daily experience. I waded through the laundry that needs to be put away, the dishes that needed to be done, the bottles, the child that may or may not be down for a long nap, the empty doggy water bowl and the temptation to text a friend and FINALLY ignored and sat down to start my time with the Lord. So often (well most often) it begins with a sheer act of obedience. I usually have no idea where to begin, I rarely feel very “spiritual” and I usually begin by thinking (just to be honest) is this really going to help. Well, boy was I in for it today! I opened a study that I have been doing on Friday mornings with an amazing group of woman; however, I haven’t always been excited about the study itself. A little too “simple” for my taste. (not to dare say that is a godly attitude, just being honest) After spending months and years with Beth Moore (not literally, just in spirit) really digging in, this tiny paper back didn’t do much to peak my interest but I knew the Lord had led me there and today was a perfect example of how He knows best! Duh, I know, but I am learning.

SO, the study, the scripture was Hebrews 12:1-11. Please, please grab a Bible and read. (Since I know you are online just open a new tab and type the scripture into google.) It will make more sense that way. Well, basically, I don’t get real excited about the verses in the Bible that say things like “consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trails”. I am learning that they produce fruit but it still doesn’t really give me a warm fuzzy but this Bible Study brought in the kind of Hebrews version of this concept and it honestly made me smile. Ok, so maybe I have a heighten sense because I am now a parent, but the whole concept involves the discipline of a parent and the things that stuck out to me like a flashing light were a.) the fact that really good parents are usually the BEST discipliners and obviously have the most unselfish love and b.) It says for us to endure hardships as discipline so discipline isn’t always about sin. So for a.), when I look at moms I want to model, I always love the way they discipline, not like a screaming bull horn but like a controlled, thought through, set of actions to bring about the best character in their children. Also, I look back and one of the things I am most thankful for in my own mother is the way she kept me in check. So, why don’t I respect the Lord all the more for being willing to discipline me, not as a screaming bull horn but as a thought through lover of His children? Why do I always get mad and pout when He keeps me in check? Why do I want that for my own child, but not see how He would want that for me? **Flashing Light, Flashing Light**

Ok, as far as b.) goes, this is where I really got excited. So to endure hardships as disciple, that could be a little confusing but look at it as the Lord being the Heavenly Father that could give us EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING we wanted. That is the key, He is rich in resources, He is rich in health, He is rich in everything! Think of the richest earthly father. One that could materialistically give you anything, one that has the most influences, could get you into any college, any surgeon, any job, anything, BUT, because he was wise, sometimes he chose not to. That is the key to our Father’s discipline. When looking back over my childhood, the mother I respected the most and already model today did just this. She had the resources to buy her children many, many things, but she chose to give them a clothing allowance, a list of jobs they could perform in order to make money, a matching system when they wanted to attend summer camps, water only at restaurants, the list of wise parenting decisions she made are too many to write, but she built work ethic, she built responsibility, she built integrity and had she not, she would have built brats. We’ve all seen it, the parent that thought by giving their children all they wanted they were showing love and we have ALL politely avoided being around those kids (and sometimes now adults) because they were intolerable. Same with God. He loves us alright, much too much to be our magic prayer Jeanie. He loves us enough to say NO! He loves us enough to make life not one big play ground or we too would be intolerable (and honestly sometimes are). So when you are seeing your circumstances, seeing your life, wondering why on earth God doesn’t care, please remember, God disciplines those He loves and obviously that must mean YOU!

Finally, today, I didn’t get a house, I didn’t get at home internet, I didn’t get new clothes, a flat tummy, my dream job, or a date with my husband but I can promise, after hearing a word from my Savior but most amazingly my Friend, I got joy that no money, situation, circumstance or relationship could touch with a ten foot pole (that’s my Tennessee coming out). I was pursued by my King with insight into His “whys”. I was spoken to by the Being that causes this earth to rotate on its axis. Now that my friend is why I waded through the laundry, dishes, distractions and sat down with the Word. It may not always be such a WOW moment, but Jesus please don’t let me take a chance of missing one again!

Kelly

Priorities.............

I am such a literal person that I love when the Lord gives me a way, a sign, to know when I am doing something obscure such as following Him or keeping my priorities in check, wrong. I like Math because a+b=c and I like laundry because it is either done or it isn't but things that are subjective per say are much more difficult for me. This morning I felt like the Lord showed me that if we keep our priorities straight we will have much fewer frustrations and that often frustration can be a sign, a red flag, that things are out of wack and I need a sign, really a flashing bill board but this has certainly helped. For instance, if my family is REALLY first then when Cross needs to be fed and daddy needs a lunch packed my brain will already be moving in that direction because they are my priorities, it will be natural. The problem arises when my priorities are out of wack. Now when that happens and Cross needs to be fed and daddy needs his lunch packed I am huffing and puffing and rolling my eyes because I WAS TRYING TO PICK UP THE HOUSE for Pete's sake. Sometimes when the house needs to be picked up and dinner needs to be cooked, I get irritated and what I am really thinking is I WAS TRYING TO WATCH DR. PHILL!!!!!!!!!!! So, if you find yourself frustrate today, ask God if your priorities are out of wack. Maybe your husband (or wife) is looking more like an annoyance than the person you are supposed to be building up in life. Maybe those darn kids that won't hush up need some loud dancing music and some family time. Maybe that job that God has called you to needs to stop working around you and you need to start working around it. Whatever the case, I am learning a red flag for priorities, FRUSTRATION!

Drum Roll Please.............

We just started solid foods (as you can tell).


We really aren't sitting for more than 30 seconds but boy are we proud!



We have one good Daddy!!!!

Hello everyone! Hope you all had a great holiday weekend. I had a subtle hint recently that you all would appreciate some more photos of Cross so I am here to deliver! hahahaha Honestly, we haven't had any exciting "tricks" until recently but boy are we growing now! Cross will be 6 months old next week so I will be sending details of our check-up once we have them. I am thinking we are back on track for football season! :) J is doing awesome at his new job! Please continue to pray as he prepares for more of a kick off in the fall and I am hoping to have internet at home this coming week so I may not be as much of a stranger! Enjoy the pics! Love you all and thanks for living life with us!
K

More Blogs Please....

Ok, I am wanting more blogs to read on my favs so please send me cool blogs that you read often so I can have more relax time reading! Love you all!
K

Faithlessness

Hey everyone! I am sitting at a coffee shop maxing and relaxing! Just read an AMAZING blog and thought I should for sure share! This is one of my dearest friends back home and if there is one person in this world who loves her Jesus it is this girl! She called me the other day and said, faithlessness is a SIN!!!!!!!!! She is right, it is hard to hear, but it is true! What are we doing in this life that looks like Jesus instead of the norm! Check out faithlessness for sure!


www.erinblair.wordpress.com

Happy Mother's Day to all.....

Hello everyone! I want to wish every Mother or Mother to be or Mother wanting to be out there a Happy Mother's Day. This will be my first with Cross actually outside the tummy and I can say from the bottom of my heart that this is by far the all time greatest calling as well as blessing I have ever received. We have one good God that He would take a chance on someone like me to raise someone like Cross! I love you all, especially the mommies who are doing this alone either because of the war or because of other circumstances. You keep up the good work! God is honoring your faithfulness!

Because of His Grace,
(very proud to be) Cross' Mom

Arrival or Departure

So many of you have asked, “how’s it going?” “How are you making it?” Others have been even so sweet to encourage saying, “I don’t know how you are handling all of these changes so well?” Some have looked at us like we have fallen off our rocker and still others have said the kindest words my soul has ever heard which are, “we feel like God has brought you here just for our family.” Often I am finding that if for no other reason than that, has been what has gotten me through my day. I did the blog “rolla coasta” which is still my state of being. I am just learning another terminology to describe my present mental wellness or lack there of, arrival or departure, either/or please. satan has recently chosen a new line of offense for my personal attack. Most of the things he is using these days I would have said I had mastered, conquered, learned as truths and moved forward. Some of you seasoned Christians are laughing already. My cry to the Lord today is I would like to either “arrive” in my walk while on planet earth or “depart” plant earth as quickly as possible. EITHER/OR PLEASE! See, more and more I am developing proof for my patented bumper sticker that reads “Christians aren’t perfect, we are just forgiven”. I am morbidly anticipating departure with a whole new excitement and desire. A friend and I were talking today about how as new Christians it sounded a little odd to long for Heaven, a place where worship and praises never ceased. For those of us who like a little variety in life, that sounds odd at best and not so exciting at worst. I mean on earth there are so many great things, marriage, kids, jobs, toys, vacations, hobbies, the list goes on and on. So what has changed my mind, changed my excitement for this thing called Heaven, well what has changed my mind is honestly this thing called earth. So filled with disappointments, so filled with failure and picking ourselves back up by the boot straps (whatever that means) and starting over. Can’t we just move along with things, can’t we just go on ahead to our true “Home” and finally enjoy “arrival”. See, in Heaven you won’t say anything stupid, you won’t have to forgive anyone, no one will let you down, no worries, no hurts, no breakdowns, no break-ups, no waiting, no temptations, no patience, none needed. Maybe it’s not what I will have in Heaven that honestly excites me the most, maybe it is what I won’t have that really causes me to “long”. I am certain God’s glory should have been more than enough, but with my selfish nature, it still seems to be about me. Please don’t go around saying “I’m a little worried about Kelly. I think she may have flipped for sure this time.” I honestly believe I am finally “getting it”. See I use to buy into the lie that this world had something to offer. Now I am finally realizing, that alone is the greatest lie of them all. So why doesn’t Jesus come on back, why is He putting me through this thing called life that often resembles unwanted torture. His Word is very clear on this one, in 2 Peter 3:9 the Bible says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Is God waiting on you? Is the whole rapture being postponed in Heaven because God is up there pleading your acceptance so that you can join the greatest thing this world does have to offer once He arrives. If so, and know that I mean this from the bottom of my heart, join now. Stop the wait, we have a party to attend and I am certain He wants you there!