I wonder what would happen if we all started focusing on the positive things in life? I wonder what would happen if we all started focusing on the love of God and focused on all his good works instead of focusing on all the things that are going wrong and how people are still not getting it right? I wonder what would happen if we all took time out of our day to lend a helping hand and to give to those in need?  I wonder what would happen if we all started focusing on bettering our lives by learning from people that are bringing hope & love to the word instead from those that are bringing us down with discouragement and lies?

I wonder what would happen if we all could be united on at least one thing which is instead of focusing on how others need to change we started focusing more on how we ourselves need to change?  Do people know us as someone with good character or as a person with integrity?  Do people know us as someone that is loving & kind and slow to anger?  What would happen if we were?

What would happen if we continually asked God to lead our way and to give us His wisdom and in doing this we truly removed all distractions and listened?  What would happen? God is with us and if we just came to Him with all our heart and focused truly on Him I bet our lives would change & our world would change. 

I long to know what would happen.  I know it can't happen with just me but it can happen by starting with me so why not start it with you too?  :-)

I have learned God's love by being with the church, serving my Lord Jesus, reading the bible, but most of all through Ryan.  Love to some is just a word but God's love is a deep love that satisfies the soul.  God's love is patient, kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it doesn't dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth!  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.  Love never fails!  And that is the truth!  This is the love that Ryan and I are called to.  It is real and it will change your life forever!  

Many of you know this love and I am so ecstatic that you have been blessed by our loving God.  But there is a world full of those that have never even come close to experiencing God's love and my heart aches knowing so many suffer.  

I grew up in a dysfunctional home.  You know... the typical life like divorced parents, alcoholic step-dad, wondering if the electricity will go off next, and so on.  Unfortunately what was known as dysfunctional is now the new normal.  This has to stop.  Some might be thinking why? We are a people that want to be free and not dragged down by God's principles.  And I say why not?  Are you really living a life that is free or are you running from your troubles and trials.  Do you feel trapped and feel like there is no way out?  Do you feel like there has to be something more than this?  Do you feel like everything is falling apart and nothing good can come out of your life?  I'm sorry but that is not freedom!  I felt all these things before I experienced the love of Christ.  I did not know how to love until God placed Ryan in my life and introduced me to the one true God... Jesus. 

If you are wondering where God is... just look in front of you.  God uses people.  Who is that person that shines so bright that you can't help but want to know more about them?  Who is that person that is always asking you how you're doing or if you need help?  Who's that person that is different from the rest because they choose not to follow the crowd?  Who's that person that loves you no matter what you throw at them?  Who's that person?  That person for me just happened to be the man I married and I thank God for him every day.  God is love! 

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." 
I John 4:15-16 NIV

So I came to the conclusion that I LOVE BEING MOMMY!  I love everything about it!  I love my kids so much and I love helping them to become what God has destined them to be.  

Right now this is who I am.  It took me awhile to be OK with this.  I was constantly searching out who I wanted to be instead of just following what God has me being.

I'm a "stay at home working mom".  I love it!  At times I miss the social interaction but having my sweet Harmony with me at home and having the freedom to go to all Joel's school activities has been a blessing.

This year I am going to really embrace who I am and who God is creating me to be.  I can only imagine what God has in store for 2012.  Each year has had its ups and downs.  It's how life is, BUT WITH GOD I know that He has great things in mind.  I have been blown away by His faithfulness and love.  I am thankful for what God has given me.  He has given me far more than what I could imagine.  

You know the phrase "Let go and let God."  Who doesn't?  So why not do it!  I bet you'll totally be amazed at what happens.  It doesn't mean you won't have hardships because you will.  We live in a fallen world and life is going to throw things at you.  
But in those times God can give you peace... if you let Him.  

I love my husband and the example he leads.  He knows that God has him right where He wants him.  He knows this because he is a praying man that is constantly in God's word.  He knows God's voice and is obedient to it.  I have struggled with this.  I always feel like there is something more.  Which there is... but it's all in God's timing.  Wow!  I can relax now.  I am so glad that I don't have to have it all figured out!  

No... we don't have a big house and tons of money but we have our needs met and a life full of God's goodness.  We are truly grateful.  God did not call us to serve ourselves but to serve others and "us" is not just meaning Ryan and I but ALL OF US.  You are created to impact the people around you.  Look where you are now and see who God has in your life.  Ask God what your purpose is.  How are you to help, serve, influence, empower, direct, lead, and love people?

"You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.  The entire law is summed up in a single command:  "Love Your neighbor as yourself."  Galatians 5:13 & 14 NIV

The joy that comes with scented candles, twinkling lights, green and red everywhere, loving on family, opening gifts, and the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ marks another wonderful time in life that will always be cherished and anticipated again.

One of the joys of Christmas that I just love is the excitement that my children express. Everyday is so much fun! The kids started the Christmas season by coloring a fun Christmas coloring page from the Daily Times. Joel colored Santa Clause, which brought up conversation about who Santa was. Ryan and I tell the kids that Santa is Jesus' "helper". He helps by coming every year to spread love, joy, and give gifts to everyone. Now Joel asks almost everyday, when will Santa come? We tell him it will be soon but not until we take the last figurine off the Santa Calendar.

Another great joy that Christmas brings is celebrating with friends and family. 
I love going to Christmas parties. We always sing carols, drink cocoa, and 
eat great food... love it! Ryan and I will be going to the Rock Box this 
season to see their Christmas production. I am so excited! I love that place! They have some of the best musicians and 
some of the funniest acts. 

Oh how I love visiting with family. I love my family and I thank God for them everyday. We always have great conversation. 
Now, what to get them for Christmas... hmmmm... I struggle with that. I never know what to get, but when I do give it, 
I love the joy it brings!

I especially love seeing my kids open their gifts! We try not to spoil our kids by buying stuff for them all the time. I haven't even had to buy clothes for them because I have been blessed by my sister in law, who has handed down her kids clothes. Joel and Harmony get so excited when it comes to packages. They pretty much love anything they are given. Joel even likes getting new clothes which is unusual for a child. He likes to look cool he says! 

The greatest joy of Christmas is celebrating Jesus! Everyday I worship Him and thank Him for all that he has done for me. During this time of year America honors Him, at least that is what Christmas was created for. 

I live and breathe because of Jesus. The life that He has given me is priceless. The Lord has given me more than I could ever imagine. The more I experience God through Jesus the more I fall in love with God. The Lord wants us to live a life filled with joy and love. Heaven on Earth is available for everyone if you just let Him give it to you. Lay down your life and give it to the Lord. He will show you what to do and how to do it. As Bill Johnson would say, "More of You Lord in more of me!" The Lord loves you. Ask the Lord to show you His ways and to help you to see what he was thinking when he created you!  

I love fall!  I love everything about it... the cooler weather, leaves changing color, chili, hot cocoa, and most of all knowing that the holidays are just around the corner! 

This past weekend I went to the 
Women of Faith conference at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.  It was so refreshing!  I laughed, cried, and worshiped the Lord with 10,000 women!  The speakers were so uplifting and encouraging.  I got to listen to Andy Andrews, Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Lisa Whelchel, Brenda Warner, and Sandi Patty who also sang along with Amy Grant and Mandisa.  It was awesome!  I even made the paper! 
Check out photo #3!

It was great to be reminded that I am not the only one that feels as if they are wearing to many hats... wife, mom, chauffeur, leader, friend, business owner and so on and so on.  Wearing all these hats definitely drains a person but I would not change anything.  I love my life.  It can be overwhelming at times but that is where the Lord comes in.  He showers His love on me and gives me that strength that I need.  

I am also so thankful for my loving husband Ryan.  I love him so much!  He is always going beyond my expectations.  I never would have thought that I would have someone love me as deeply as he does.  This weekend is one of those times where he went over and beyond!  Ryan encouraged me to go to this conference and he gladly took on my many hats for almost three days!

Thank you sweetie!  I love you!  

Wow!  I can't believe it's almost August!  So much has happened!  Our boy Joel graduated kindergarten in May and will be starting 1st grade soon!  He had such an awesome experience!  They went on so many fun field trips such as Sea World, Lost Maples, and other fun places.  He is also already in 1st grade math & reading!

This summer we had so much fun visiting family.  We first celebrated Ryan's parents 40th anniversary with his brothers and their families.  We met up in Salado, TX at a retreat and had great fellowship and ate way to much.  Ryan's parents are such a blessing.  They are a true example of God's love!

We then went to Galveston, TX to visit my dad and step-mom.  We had such a relaxing time.  We went to the beach about 7 PM each night when it wasn't too hot and right before the sunset.  It was beautiful!  We also watched the fireworks on the 4th of July from the beach.  We arrived just before sunset and got a seat right next to the water.  The kids had so much fun!  They chased and kicked the waves as I sat and read Dani Johnson's book, "First Steps to Wealth."  Then we watched the fireworks.  We were right underneath them!  It was the most incredible show I have ever seen!   

Our last adventure was to Austin, TX to see a cousin of mine get married and to visit with Ryan's brother Chad and wife Kelli.  We stayed for 4 days.  Chad and Kelli have a boy and a girl that are the same ages as Joel and Harmony so they played and played!  They had so much fun and didn't want to leave!  My family from Missouri came to the wedding too!  I got to visit with my grandparents, my mom and step-dad Randy.  After the wedding they came to our home here in the hill country and stayed for 3 days.  We had some good family time.  I'm so thankful for them and so blessed to have them in my life!

Click on the images to enlarge.

What an awesome celebration we had this Easter Sunday!  First, we had an awesome praise and worship service at Impact Christian Fellowship where we celebrated Jesus and His resurrection.  The spirit of the Lord was so heavy!  His presence was so glorious... as we loved on the Lord He in return poured out His love on us!  It was heavenly!!! 

The best part of the morning was seeing my son get baptised by his daddy!  Loudly Joel proclaimed, "Jesus is my Lord and Saviour!"  It was beautiful!  My son was immersed into the water and resurrected a NEW BOY!  It was such a glorious moment!   Oh how I love Jesus because He first loved me!  Thank you Lord!