check yourself before you wreck yourself.

brothers and sisters: make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. but encourage each other every day so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. we have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end in the confidence we had at first. ---hebrews 3:12-14

oatmeal & tazo passion tea.

God woke me up this morning at 6:52. I'm sure he knew how much I'd enjoy a peaceful morning after this whirlwind-of-a-week. I am overwhelmed with his power and love and how he cares a significant measure, even about the little things. He was there with me yesterday, when my total should have been well over $25 at the CVS check out, but instead it was 14 dollars. Complete with 77 cent conditioner and new foundation for under $3. It may not seem like much to some people but it's huge to me.

God keeps asking me to lay all our stress, anxiety, doubts at his feet. Surrendering is difficult but freeing. I have to ask for strength to complete what I'm called to do, but He always answers. 

He's also been reminding me the importance of practicing what I preach. In the realm of being a wife, youth leader, personal trainer, etc. I have been convicted over a few things already and am seeking strength and perseverance as I strive for and pursue excellence. 

faith.

...three hours, three tables, six customers and sixteen dollars after arriving at work i started the drive home, mildly frustrated & knowing i have little to no control over how many tables i get each shift. i felt God tugging on my heart to pray, and to have complete faith in Him. so i did. i surrendered all. i told Him i know he has the power to provide for josh & i, even though his way might not make sense to me. 

i decided to stop by my family's house to pick up a couple things, one being "a small gift" that my mom said our neighbor, olga, had given her earlier today when she went to visit her. i run in the house, hug my dad; he goes straight to his bedroom and quickly emerges with an itty bitty gift bag (the gift from olga) and i peer inside. there was a $100 dollar bill inside! i am in awe. God provides in miraculous ways. 

now i just can't wait for joshy to get home and to see his eyes when i show him the crispy cash. praise the Lord for little old ladies like olga!

starve the flesh.

Father, I ask that you would show me ways I can constantly grow in my roles as wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, personal trainer, server, babysitter, youth leader, & just simply as your child: saved entirely by Your grace. I ask that you would help me to focus, and channel my life & energy into ways that bring you glory. 

I pray that everyday, You will become greater, and I will become less. 

Fuel my heart with creativity, not just with paint and yarn, but also my imagination... Let's brainstorm ideas on how to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, bring hope to those with none. Give tirelessly to anyone who lacks anything. Love without becoming exhausted, because this is all for You.

The thing that makes my heart beat is knowing that through your relentless love, you allow me to always be growing, giving, loving. With you it is possible. 

Let's be close, God. Ultra close.

After all, it is You who sustains my heart beat and fills my lungs with oxygen.

I 

truly

am

n.o.t.h.i.n.g

without my

miracle working,

life giving,

disease healing

Father in Heaven.

(YOU & YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY OF ALL OUR PRAISE)

rooted.

What God has joined together, let not a man separate.  Matthew 19:6