Happy Birthday...

... to my Love! wish you many more Pookie & I pray that I'll be able to share them all with you:-)

Where am I?

During this mornings devotion from In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley this sentence was what stuck out the most to me : "He has already mapped out the perfect plan to get you from where you are to a flourishing spiritual life."

It's obvious to me that I'm not at the flourishing spiritual life, but where am I?
This summer has been a triumphant, humbling & unsuccessful spiritual walk for me. Highs & lows, in that order. I have felt really close to God & very distant. I have felt secure & really lost. The tide was turning & then unexpectedly crashed on my head. From being a source of encouragement & prayer for others, I'm at a place where I'm struggling & need such a source.

It's the little things that God says & does that make a difference in my heart & this little sentence He just now showed me has given me a little boost of confidence & hope~ He has already mapped out. Right now that is all I need to know.

I won a giveaway:-) Thank you CG!

I won a giveaway from the beautiful CG Blogger of A Country Girl Blogs, and I recently received it in the mail. I loove it & I'm excited I won! I've only tried the Avon lip stix in Romantic Rose so far & I really like it:-)



♥ Avon On-The-Go Eye Shadow In Lavender ♥


♥ Avon On-The-Go Eye Shadow In Green ♥

♥ Avon Arabian Glow – Shadow Stix In Intense Bronze ♥

♥ Avon Arabian Glow – Shadow Stix In Emerald ♥

♥ Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Dial-A-Glow Anti-Ageing Moisturizer SPF15 ♥

♥ Avon Lip Stix In Romantic Rose ♥

♥ Avon Glazewear Extreme Lip Gloss In Pale Pink ♥

♥ Shimmer Lip Gloss ♥

♥ KLEANCOLOR Nail Lacquer In Fairy Lover ♥

♥ KLEANCOLOR Nail Lacquer In Beach Blue ♥

♥ Avon Nail Polish In Cotton Candy ♥

♥ Hair Bands (x3) In Bronze/Gold/Brown ♥

♥ Beaded Bracelets (x3) Multicolor ♥

Pumpkin Pie took this pic for me

What I see when I look at this picture is strong life. Life that despite the dirt splattered on its leaves, is still growing and spreading.

Would you like to go out with me?

Pookie & I had a date evening/night on Monday, since it was a public holiday & the Pie was at Grammaw's house.

It was relaxing & ended way too soon, but now it's in my special memories section of my brain that induces secret smiles whenever I visit it.
We started with dinner here:


awesome view!!!



And delicious seafood!


Then we ended by going to see this:







Can't wait for the next date night :-)

Overcoming Sin

I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32 vs. 5

Christians sin daily. Sometimes presumptiously. Went back to an old way that God had previously freed them from. Sometimes the guilt they bear is so great they stop walking with God. Fall out of fellowship. But it is at times like these we should really cling to Him & hold firmly His hand.

But how can the guilty mind grasp that. "I knew better but I did it any way; I've caused so much pain; I made someone else sin; Even if God forgives me, I can't forgive me; I'm not strong enough to walk with God, I keep messing up!" Ever felt like this, maybe worse? thought it didn't make sense because you are so imperfect?

Well turning back from God is EXACTLY what the enemy wants us to do when we give into sinful temptation. Do we want to give satan anymore victory over our lives than he already got? I'm sure noone wants to keep fighting the deceiver over & over again about the same weakness. How do we move on with God after an episode like giving in to temptation? Whether it was one time or repeatedly, God is waiting for you.

Tell Him exactly what you did even though He already knows. We must admit when we are wrong. Ask Him to forgive you & accept that forgiveness. Many times we dwell on things God has already forgiven us for & live in defeat. Jesus can use anyone for anything. All sin does to a believer is make them feel worthless & believe the lies that the enemy would rather have us believe so we can't accomplish God's perfect will for our lives.
God can remove any influence of sin from your life no matter what it is, if we sincerely ask Him.
John chp 4 vs. 13 & 14 " Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

Don't be defeated by your weaknesses, confess them & ask for help & definately continue in the walk of faith.

Vacay from work & blogworld:-)

I've been M.I.A. lately because of vacation. It's really fun so far & some awesome things have happened.
So, I recently returned from NY where I spent alot of quality time with my sisters (soo fun & well needed, we hardly get to see each other!) Pumkin Pie was spoiled rotten the entire time & she loved it; once again refusing to return to Jamaica ( This has happened everytime for the past three years, guess she's a city girl at heart).
I'll share a few pics of our time there. My vacay officially ends next week but I feel revived & ready for work again:-)
God has definately been gracious & provided for us in many awesome ways. All glory to Him:-)

 





Mother-daughter bonding!

Extraordinary

It always amazes me each time when I grasp just a little of the magnificence that is my God. Reading scriptures like Isaiah chapter 40 you can't help but be in awe of the Creator of the Heavens & the Earth. At times like that you wonder why you ever have doubts & fears when you serve a God so Huge,Unstoppable, Mighty & Limitless just to name a few of His characteristics.
But that's because we have limited minds. We want to understand everything, know what is to come, be in full control so we try to fit things, situations, God even, into our thinking. When we do that we limit what we think God is capable of. We see & understand only what we want or allow ourselves to.
But we need to realise that the Heavenly Father is limitless, we won't be able to fully comprehend Him in this mortal body & limited minds; but we should seek to know Him more & not limit our lives in Him.

Isaiah 40 vs 28-31- "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

So to my Extraordinary, Everlasting Father in Heaven I say as the psalmist David said in Psalm 31 vs 15a- "My times are in thy hands:". Who or what else would I ever want to give full control of my life but my Limitless Creator!

Father

To the two best dads I know
My wonderful beyond words dad


And my awesome Pookie


I hope each day that God blesses us with together, that I show you both just how much I love & appreciate you.

Dealing with inward sin

The natural person lives independently of God and His purposes and does not respond to life in harmony with God's plan for him.

~Neil Anderson's Daily in Christ devotional, June 16

Sometimes I feel so ashamed when I behave like a natural man, which is explained by the apostle Paul in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1-3.{1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.}


What I'm referring to are the times when I get anxious about something or the other, I know I just get on it & don't stop. I get annoying to say the least & many times anger the person who has to deal with me at the time. Then when things are put into perspective, I really didn't have to behave that way at all. I was indeed giving place to the devil & allowing his lies to lead me to believe that a situation was worse than it was. I saw this scripture this morning & it was a great reminder:-
Colossians chp. 3 vs. 14-15 "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Charity (love) is never exercised when I behave this way. And I'm not paying attention to the peace of God, when I'm causing someone else to get angry or hurt. I'm not thankful for that person when I let pride determine how I react. Realizing my sin, I am immediately repentant. I don't like the picture the truth of the Holy Spirit is showing me & I want to change. I am NOT a natural man! And I should live always as the daughter of God that I am.

I'm so glad that God cares so much about me to help me in my relationship with others. If He hadn't revealed it to me, I would still be in denial that I'm a nagger. Now I know the changes I have to make & I'm trusting in God to do that work in me. Scripture does warn of the enemy who wants to lure God's people into destruction & ungodly behaviour. A cunning enemy that would destroy my relationships first, then leave me isolated & open to more sins.
I'm unto you devil! And thanks be to God, Jesus is already victorious & you're already defeated:-P

Thank God It's Friday & It's Fashionable~TGIF&IF

So my three year-old is a self-proclaimed "Princessa" & many times she wants me to join in on the tutu-ruffly fun. So in order to adulterize my whimsy, I have found that vests are the best way for me to get away with wearing a tutu:-)





Black H&M top
Entry jean vest
black tutu gifted *tag says Sele




Sweater Project black top
BCX grey vest
lace pewter tutu thrifted
(these pics were uploaded from my phone, hence the quality)

Count Your Blessings

Even if you feel like this:- 2 Corinthians chp. 3 vs. 8-9-"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed:"
There is Always something to be grateful to God for. One basic thing that in & of itself is a miracle, is Life; that's something we can always be thankful for. Then there are smaller things like, the unexpected (and much needed) cash I found while rifling through my handbag:-) And it is important to note from the scripture above that despite all those trials we are not distressed, not in despair, not forsaken & not destroyed. As a Christian, one can enjoy hope during the roughest & toughest of times. This is a part of the victory that God alone can give.

Feeling down or a little depressed is easy to shake off if we follow this basic practice of giving God thanks for stuff that's going right or even stuff not going right at all but could be worse! It always surprises me how these "I thank you fors" add up. Then I think, things really aren't so bad at all!
Join me in Counting Blessings: I always liked this song by Johnson Oatman jr, 1897 :-


Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,



When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,


Count your many blessings, name them one by one,


And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.







Chorus:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,


Count your blessings, see what God hath done!


Count your blessings, name them one by one,


And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.






Are you ever burdened with a load of care?


Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?


Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,


And you will keep singing as the days go by.






Chorus






When you look at others with their lands and gold,


Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;


Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy


Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.






Chorus






So, amid the conflict whether great or small,


Do not be disheartened, God is over all;


Count your many blessings, angels will attend,


Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.






Chorus

The Tearing Down of Garrisons

It is no secret what my country is currently going through. Criminal forces have risen up against the security forces in battle for control over Tivoli & organized crime in general. Extraditions, distrust of government, a country held hostage by years of corruption & little distinction between who is good & who is just plain bad. People brainwashed for subsistence.

It is easy to say that if this & that was not done then we would not be in this position. There are allegations and accusations but how will all that help the people of a nation who hang their heads in shame & disgrace at the turn of events? It all boils down to SIN. Jamaica has more churches per square mile than any other country, and therefore the country & it's people are under constant attack from satan and the forces of evil. No one has ever once proclaimed Jesus & not received enemy opposition. But what appears to occur slowly & surely starting with just one life giving over victory to the devil, then another then another etc. things have become rapidly immoral & sinful.  2 Corinthians 11 vs. 3-"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." 

People who have no hope in a life committed to Jesus Christ don't understand that these things must come to past. Ephesians 6 vs. 12-"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." This is an example of what the Bible means by "perilous times", "wars and rumours of wars". God hates sin. Sin can have no place in Heaven. Jamaica is full of God's people. Sin has to be destroyed and the people repent to save our nation. Christians! Renounce the lies and deception of the enemy. Be set apart! Psalm 26 vs. 9-12-"Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord."


Now with boldness and with the Word of God as our guide, we need to fast & pray away the violence & shame. We need to praise God & run the corruption and evil out of our nation. 2 Corinthians 10 vs. 4-5-" (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

Thank God It's Friday & It's Fashionable

Just three months ago I had a terrible sprain in my right foot, my right knee had been previously broken & hurt in the process so it was no fun at all. I used crutches for a few days & had to keep my foot wrapped in the days. At work they graciously let me use a downstairs office until I could comfortably make it upsatirs on my own again.* I work at a local teachers' college that was originally the first hotel in my town, so it's mucho old. No elevators etal*

For awhile I really thought I would be sentenced to wearing flats for the rest of my life; It was that painful. Pookie had to massage my foot every night for weeks, he did most of the cooking etc. as well. I really love him, and that whole experience made me appreciate him more. Well back to the reason for the post. There is absolutely Nothing wrong with flats, I love them but at the time of my accident I wasn't wearing them often enough. Well after two months of flats I was starting to really miss my heels, some outfits just didn't look the same with flats. And I had alot of those outfits. My work actually encourages at least a small heel as it provides "a more professional look".

I prayed alot for full healing for my foot but everybody had a horror story of why sprains were worse than broken bones. A broken knee that I had for years always acted up on me, so that didn't sound too hopeful. But about  four weeks ago I realised things weren't so bad & I could actually wear some of my heels again.
So I had this one pair that I was afraid of trying again. I've had it since last June & I think I only wore it twice, four inch pumps are not in my regular diet. Three inches I'm really comfortable with. Well this morning I decided to brave it since my foot has been feeling 100% for weeks now.

...So today I'm giving God thanks for where He's brought me from & I'm wearing these... in grey
I went to bed at 2am this morning, so I had no time to take a pic in my shoes, maybe later:-)



Nine West Women's Hearts Mary Jane,Black Leather,6 M US

Where does your confidence lie?

James Chapter 4 verse 10- "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Last week I read a Neil Anderson's devotion Daily in Christ 5/12

and he put humility in perspective for me by simply stating that "humility is placing confidence in Christ, instead of in ourselves."
I don't know about anyone else but the whole concept of humility has left me a little confused before reading that devotional text. I had always wondered if taking great care in my appearance, being too defensive etc. meant I wasn't practicing humility. Then it was as clear as the day after rain, whenever I do things or plan to do stuff or if I ever think about situations from my ability, with no regard for what God can do through me or for me, then I'm not being humble. Humility is not having a low self-esteem but having a confidence in every situation that God will work things out.

Also, when I was in the second grade, I had a teacher who used one word to describe each student and that word started with the same letter as our first names. She described me as "Meek Moya" I thought at the time that it was because I was quiet & reserved. And like many other people I related meekness to weakness. Neil Anderson put this simply as well "Meekness is great strength under great control". After seeing it explained like that I am humbled that my teacher had seen meekness in me at that age and it made me reflect on the work God was presently doing in my life. I have seen where I've been learning more & more to place all my confidence in God about EVERYTHING! And placing my trust with Him has led to His strength totally enveloping me & seeing me through them all.

A few months ago I had spoken about my husband's work situation in this post. Well it lasted about a month and he's been unemployed since. It doesn't help that our country is facing some really "trying " times. Well we had to change alot of things we did. And persons who have gone through this or are going through a similar situation can testify that none of it is easy. The only easy thing is trusting God to take care of everyday. But sometimes it's hard to reach that place of easily trusting Him.

It becomes easy when we realise that the God we serve is Powerful, Almighty, Owns everything, and there is Nothing Impossible for Him. So I know Who I serve, in Whom my confidence lies and this has been my rock for the past couple months. The Creator of the heavens and the earth knows what He's doing and what He has planned for our family:)

Thank God It's Friday & It's Fashionable

The outfit I'm wearing today is one I feel totally comfortable in; It's definately a "go-to" outfit since I don't usually need to iron it. I love the classic feel of it & I feel oh so feminine in it:-)




Blouse: Mom bought it somewhere in NY, the tag says Voice
Skirt: I don't remember which store I bought it, the tag says Geri C. New York
Shoes: Madden Girl, bought @ Marshalls (I think I paid $25 for it)
Bag: Gift with purchases from Macy's

Sweet as Pie

This morning my little girl says to me: "Mommy, I want a hug!"
Me: "Aww." (hugging her)
Pie pie: "I thank Jesus for the gift of you to me"*whispers*
Me: (heart melting & forming a pool in my stomach)


Us going to church one Sunday:-)

NB* Ignore messy room please! Cannot edit/crop photo here @ work!

Thank God It's Friday & It's Fashionable

One of my favourite accessories right now is the cardigan. It can add sophistication, comfort or just 'spice up' any outfit:-)  Adorable belted or not, buttoned or open, it's a wardrobe staple in my book! Enjoy the pics.



I couldn't help adding some cute ones from jcrew for Pie Pie!

Thursday's Prayer

James chapter 4 verse 8a "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

Yesterday while fasting, I came to realise a few things about my present relationship with God: too many things were coming between us, I wasn't making as much time as I could for him, and my doubts & fears had been steadily increasing because of the first two reasons.

Sometimes I wonder what my purpose is in a certain situation & why I feel disconnected from God when I'm trying to seek him about something important. And if I would only ask myself these questions, I would know the answer. Do you find that your daily devotions have just become routine? Are you spending less time each day in meaningful prayer? Do you really make enough time for God each day? Do you obey him without considering yourself?

I realised that self gets in the way alot with my walk with God. What do others think about me?-When His word instructs us only to be concerned with what our Master thinks of us. I don't feel comfortable & why should I go out of my way when it won't benefit me? etc. Self. Pride. Idolatry. When something else determines our actions and beliefs over what God wants us to do or believe.

I have continuously & for too long made self-doubting get in the way of my relationship with God. It is a lie from the enemy, when God tells me I can & I say I can't, I'm not ready yet.


"Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I renounce every lie of the enemy in my life. Father help me to live in the freedom and victory I have in You and Your salvation. I pray for a healing touch from You, renew my mind, my heart, my body and my soul. Master Potter, remake me in Your wonderful image. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

Thank God It's Friday & It's Fashionable

I can't forget how a year ago I was struggling at work because I didn't have the "right" clothes. I wasn't unprofessional but with limited funds and a boss that cared too much about the length of my jacket, I was frustrated and usually always second guessing my outfits. So I did what I normally do when feeling like this, I prayed. And God answered my prayer in a big way. I started receiving alot of brand new clothes from family and I even had a little New York shopping trip, that could only have been afforded because of the Lord's intervention. May I say that my God is a stylish God! The clothes I've received have been beautiful, just lovely.

Well fashion has always been a part of who I am. My youngest sister and I have been designing & making clothes (although not very well) since we could properly hold a needle. So with that I'm starting a weekly Fashion Fridays post, similar to what I've seen on a few blogs that I like.

So with that said, I've fallen in love with a few pieces from Stella McCartney's kids line. I think they are so adorable & Pumkin Pie would love them as well. Enjoy! And if you think any one of them is a "must-have" I've included the links. And contrary to popular beliefs, sweaters & jackets are very much needed in Jamaica:-)

Gap Stella Mccartney Chunky Cardigan Gap Stella Mccartney Skinny Zipper Jeans Gap Stella Mccartney Ruffle Top Gap Stella Mccartney Beckett Summer Jacket Gap Stella Mccartney Crochet Shift Dress Gap Stella Mccartney Piped Mini Skirt

Word for today

Ephesians chapter 3 verse 20- " Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

I heard this scripture in a song this morning & half an hour later it was the closing verse in an email devotion. Coincidence? I think not, I don't believe in them. So I subconciously started to think about it & wondered why God wanted me to pay special attention to that particular word today. So I broke it down:-

DO- to bring to an end by action; to perform completely; to make ready for an object, purpose,or use; to put or bring into a form, state or condition; to suceed; to answer the purpose.

EXCEEDING- exceptional in amount, quality or degree.

ABUNDANTLY- in a sufficient degree; fully, amply, plentifully; in a large measure.

ABOVE- Superior in rank, position, or number; greater than.

So the "him" being God is able to answer the purpose exceptionally & in a large measure greater than I ask Him or think is possible, based on the God given power of the Holy Spirit that works in me. This reminds me of the scripture in Isaiah 55 vs 8 & 9:-


""For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

I'm human, so many times I have prayed & had an idea of how I wanted a situation to work out in the back of my mind, all the while saying to God to let His will be done. Very presumptious I know; but with experience came maturity & I've seen many times where things have worked out even better than I could ever imagine it would! Because God did it "HIS" way & not the incomplete way I came up with.

Example, over two years ago an awesome job opportunity came up for my then fiance, now husband. It didn't work out even though we prayed hard. He, however, received another job offer & took it. Fast forward January of this year & he bumps into the man that made that job offer we had prayed so much for. He said he's ready to go now & he still wants him for the position. Ok but he already has a stable job, what to do? So I prayed of course, and the answer is a resounding Yes! Take it. So he accepts renewed job offer. Literally a few days later, totally unrelated, he gets laid off from two year old job, before he could even resign!

 And once again I'm amazed at God & His timing! How he saw our needs before we even knew them & provided for us! (Imagine living on just one paycheck for more than a couple months right now!)
The Lord showed me that my husband didn't yet have the experience he needed to do this renewed job over two years ago, that's why our prayers had been diverted for a couple years. I couldn't have imagined this solution to my prayers in a million years. And I'm humbled by the fact that my God is so amazing & has so much vision and cares about little us so much. He puts so much thought into each of His creations, each of our lives, & I wish the whole world knew & realized that. There's a reason why we hear phrases like "God is Love" because He truly is the definition of love.

And according to the power that worketh in us reminds me to pray according to the will of God. For example I pray daily for my husbands salvation, how do I know it is the will of God? because in 2 Peter 3 vs 9 it says "The Lord is..., not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." So now I'm believing that God can bring back (because he was in fellowship with God before College) Pookie in a remarkable way.

If you are a believer of Jesus Christ with me, hold God true to His word for us today and see what amazing things He can accomplish in our lives.

and that fadeth not away

"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you," 1 Peter 1 verse 4.

There are times of great problems and instability, when one looks to God for help, then things calm down and seem to be resolved. Suddenly, other undesirables attack the same situation and your strength crumbles once again...

Seasons of peace may fade but the inheritance I have through the blood of Jesus NEVER fades. It will be wonderful from start to eternity, and nothing can take it away from me.
As I write with tears in  my eyes, in this earthly body bound by pain & hurt & reject, my hope & eyes look toward heaven for what is reserved for me there. As I look above from where my help comes, the Lord reminds me not to dwell on pain & disappointment but to focus on the Holy Spirit in me; Revealer of all truth. Who reminds me that this world too shall pass, my problems will fade but the place Jesus has gone to prepare for me won't.

So I'll gather strength from the Lord & not my weak efforts. And learn what I need to carry on in this life.

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" verse 7

If You're Happy & You Know It...

I received my first blog award from ParisPink at The Pink Polka Dot. Thank you so much, I love it! Her blog is fabulous and you should definately visit.

So here are the rules:- List 10 things that make you happy. Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day and link back to the person that tagged you. So Here goes my list:)

1) Surprise visits at work from my Pookie!!( Can you tell I'm excited he was just here?!)

2) One of those mega-watt, sunshine & rainbows plus dancing rabbits smiles from my pumpkin pie ( I testify that these smiles make any dark cloud look like tasty cotton candy)

3) The sea- with or without a beach I can't help the blissful feeling.

4) Anything my mommy cooks

5) Movie dates with my youngest sis- we laugh at the most random things at exactly the same time even if it's not a comedy:)

6) When God reveals more of Himself to me- and I'm just in awe of His greatness.

7) Cuddling up in clean sheets

8) Hanging out laundry & taking them off the clothesline outside, it's the most peaceful & relaxing time, I promise. (However, I don't care much for the actual washing and putting away process.

9) To get I love yous & kisses all over my face (oh joy!) and random "thinking about you phone calls especially from daddy.

10) Seeing my family happy, instant mood booster!

So now I'm awarding:
Dr.Drama at A Voice of Reason and (In)sanity- Hilarious blog & I love her style, sh'e a professional & she cooks! A woman after my own heart:)

Jen at Beautiful Mess-Psalm 40- Such an inspirational blog & her great attitude gets me every time.

Kandee Johnson at Kandee the make up artist- Talented & the definition of sweetheart:)

Dana at MADE- Mega creativity & adorable kids:)

Brittany at Que Sera Sera- Interesting & must-read blog, plus I would shop in her closet!

Whitney at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife-A fantastical & entertaining blog, besides she's the only other person I've seen that uses the word 'horrid' besides myself & Enid Blyton:)

Melissa at The Missionary Mama- If I met Melissa in real life I'm sure we'd be fast friends!

Lauren at Thread by Thread- I just see God shining right through this woman & we've never met

Heather at Heather Drive- My first blog love & oh my! All those recipes!

April at dot...dot...dot...- A sassy & fun blog & she always seems to have a great attitude:)

The Challenge

Well I've done the women's marriage ministry challenge already (see previous post with link) but the lessons that it teaches are ones to emulate in everyday married life, so I'm glad to do it again. The first two challenges went well, because Pookie & I have both come to expect an intimate greeting from each other when he gets home.

 Last night though we had a stupid fight about something insignificant and it brings me to today's challenge about respect. Pookie was trying to avoid any disagreement & I felt ignored. This is a cycle I have to keep praying about to break. When we respond based on feelings, it usually blows things out of proportion and leaves us feeling quite silly when tempers have calmed down. Doing the challenge again helps me to remain focused on making the changes in me & my marriage, a permanent part of our lives.

At the beginning of the year I came up with the idea that we should make a united effort to spend more "just us" time despite our busy schedules. The idea is to have a date night once a month, where I'm in charge of January's date, him February etc. The rules are it should be low budget, so that we get more creative & see how much thought the other person put into their date planning & because our aim for this year is to completely get out of debt. There will be no complaning about the date eg. If I plan an event that he doesn't think he will enjoy then he can't complain about it ( this has been a problem of sorts because my husband doesn't like to step out of the box even though he usually loves the experience & I want to be more appreciative of him & his efforts). Also, the date can run anytime that month, the other spouse just needs enough time to organize babysitting and ensure it doesn't clash with work, etc.

Well this month was a trial run & since it was my idea I went first. So Pumkin-pie had a sleepover with grandma & I planned my date for that night with alot of prayer (you see if this date bombed then the idea would be a no-go with Pookie). There is a decking above our verandah (quite common for Caribbean houses) and the view is awesome up there especially at night. I had gotten some fried wantons, which we both love, from the retaurant we had our reception & anniversary dinner. That and some hot chocolate with marshmallows.

It had been raining heavily that afternoon & it made me worried but then I prayed that God would help me with a way to make it work. The rain stopped & the weather was perfect. It was just the right amount of chill for cuddling & enjoying our hot chocolate. I enjoyed it fully & so did Pookie. We talked for hours up there and discussed our hopes and dreams. Quite romantic it was & cheap too:) I can't wait to see what he'll do for February and I'm praying that he follows through and not give up on us spending time together, because that's what I'm after. These connections that make everything seem worthwhile and that God is indeed smiling down on our union.

'Til Death

My marriage is very important to me, even more so that we have experienced some very trying & "deal breaker" times. The Lord places alot of importance on the institutions of marriage & family; And it is guidelines from the Word of God that has kept me going in my role as a wife. I have discovered a blog dedicated solely to marriage based on the real life experiences of its author Aimee Freeman. Check out http://www.womensmarriageministry.blogspot.com/ it is encouraging & she is about to embark on a 14 day challenge that has reinforced all that God was trying to show me on being the wife He called me to be.
So if you have a great marriage & even a not so great one, join in the challenge & spread the word & get a lot of people following God's will for successful marriages & the way He intended for them to be.

Surely Goodness and Mercy...

...shall follow me all my days.

Lately I've been coming up short. And this happens, part of life I think. Just not getting anything done right, lots of mistakes in almost every life area and people you care about being short or simply annoyed at you. This happens too. Feeling down about it. This happens as well; to me that is.
Add to that mucho financial setbacks and in my mind things escalate. I'm the type of person that sometimes worries about money, meal planning, parenting, marriage, other relationships until I have a headache. Worry is a sin that I've been trying to shake for awhile now; sometimes successfully but somehow it has crept right back. What does my Lord say about this? "Be careful (anxious or worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4 vs 6.

So I pray about it. This worrying is my weakness and often how the enemy tries to keep me from the full joy I have only in the Lord. This is how he tries to disrupt my identity in Christ, by trying to trick me into taking up my burdens and struggling with them when Jesus already said that those with their heavy burdens must come to Him and He'll give us rest.

So God delivered me from my downcast spirit this afternoon with a song. It reminds me that He doesn't love me because of anything I've done or not done well, but because He's Good & Merciful. So all my feelings of not being enough at times in this life doesn't warrant me being down on myself, for my God is more than enough.