Sometimes when I have a bad day and I end up in tears over one thing or another I will hear this playing through my head.  Almost like her voice still echos to me even though she has long since passed.  But she was SO right.  There are so many things in life that I think could be solved with a little less GRIPING and a little more praying!  True?

I recently started reading a new book called “I Told the Mountain to Move” by Patricia Raybon.  It’s all about praying effectively.  I believe this is a book that I purchased shortly after “that horrible time” a few years ago but I had not made the time to read it.  Now as I delve into the book it has really made me think.  We sit in church on Sunday and the pastor will “Lets all bow our heads and pray… Dearest Heavenly Father, etc etc etc…”  So formal and proper.  We all do it.  Hands folded, heads bowed.  We even teach our children this is how we pray.  But really the HEART of prayer doesn’t come from a church pew or from a bowed head.

I can remember the first time Troy had dinner with my family.  I was mad at my mother about something and of course, she asked ME to say the blessing over dinner.  I still think it was spiteful but nonetheless I did it.  Out came my “prayer”.  “God, mom wants me to say the blessing over this food, and here goes… bless the food… thanks”.  And that was it.  Troy has laughed at me for YEARS now over that.  He said it was like I was dialing up my best friend to have a chat on the phone.  But really, is that so far from the truth?  For me, even though that prayer WAS a bit half-hearted, I have MANY prayers today that are almost similar to that day.  They are CONVERSATIONS with God.  I tend to think of God as my Heavenly Father so most of my prayers start with me calling Him by that name.  I rarely find that I use flowery language.  Some of my best prayer times come from when I am driving so eyes shut are hardly an option. There will be a beautiful song come on the radio that will move me and inspire me to be thankful or convicted and I will let loose.  I sometimes find that my prayers are a little like a therapy session where I unload the days troubles.  But really, if you truly think about it… and that old camp meeting song… “He will hear our FAINTEST cry… answer by and by.”  I honestly believe that God loves to hear from us… straight from our hearts and if our hearts are burdened THAT is when we should CAST our cares on Him.  Have we forgotten that HE is bigger than all of our cares, troubles, struggles, burdens, hurts, happiness, joy, good days and bad days?  I have not forgotten that.

I also think that some of the most effective prayers I have ever prayed have come from a desperate time.  Desperate times call for desperate measures I guess.  Back when the “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelets were popular there was another acronym.  P.U.S.H.  Oh boy!  Is that the acronym for me?!!!  If I am good at anything in life it is PUSHING until I get something done!!!  P.U.S.H. stands for “Pray Until Something Happens”  How true how true.  Maybe that is why some of the most effective prayers come from desperation!  Finally, at that point, you are able to PRAY without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Pray always.  Pray on your face with tears of sincerity.  You pray and you cry out and boom… a miracle.  And so many are shocked.  Elated but shocked.  But WHY?  Should we not pray EXPECTING that miracle to happen?  What happened to faith as a grain of a mustard seed? (Matthew 17:20)  If there is one thing I can say about myself is that even when doubt creeps ins… I still EXPECT that my Heavenly Father will rescue me from ANY situation.  I BELIEVE strongly that anything that happens is NOT outside his plan and that ALL THINGS work for the GOOD of those who serve Him.

I think that the KEY to having prayer that WORKS.  Prayer that MOVES mountains… is CLAIMING those promises.  You must TAKE that Bible that lies on your bedside table and USE it.  It is a TOOL to lead and guide us through life.  Anytime you have a decision to make… get in the word.  Anytime you are at a crossroads… get in the word.  Anytime you hurt… get in the word.  There is an answer for EVERYTHING in your life… in the word!  There is also instruction on HOW TO PRAY… in the word.  Prayer is mentioned 511 in the King James Bible… Did you know that God has given us 511 instructions on how to pray yet many of us flounder through our daily prayers with nothing more than “Dear God…”

I truly believe that prayer should be a conversation with God.  Sometimes, just like a parent, I think that God needs a little reminding.  I take every opportunity to remind Him that HE has promised us GREAT things.  That HE has moved mountains.  That HE has parted the sea and that I EXPECT Him to do the same for me and He has done for Moses, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, David, and many more who have come before me.  Throughout the day, when things go wrong instead of complaining (which I do enough of!  I will admit it… I am not scared!) I try to look at the situation and CLAIM the promise.

Take for example this past week.  We had some major upset with Kyleigh’s medical bills…. Bills from 4 years ago to boot.  I dug in my heels and said to God (as I was on hold with the 5th person) “I do not accept this debt!  You gave my daughter life MORE ABUNDANTLY.  You have HEALED, RESCUED and RESTORED her body and now I expect that the work which you have started in our finances will also be the same.  I BELIEVE that You are able!”  Not more than 1 hour later… I received a call from KMSF saying that they were writing off all of the bills due to “incorrect” filing.  Is it true that they were trying to Balance Bill me? Yes.  Was I NOT responsible for that in any way because of Kyleigh’s three insurances?  YES.  BUT….  that could have turned into a bigger struggle than just a few hours worth of phone calls.  It could have gone to a lawyer, to court, to many more levels.  BUT… it didn’t.  It was FINISHED.

So…I challenge you today… when something comes your way that is not positive that you would look that opposition STRAIGHT in the FACE and CLAIM the promise that your Heavenly Father has given you to protect and keep you!!!  Start practicing this and see how quickly all of your cares melt away!!!Recent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• November 12, 2009 -- For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear…
• August 19, 2009 -- Wordless Wednesday
• March 5, 2010 -- Priorities.
• January 14, 2010 -- New Year, new prayers…
• December 16, 2009 -- What faith has done.

We did it!  Schmidt Studio & Gallery has been put on the “publication” map!  We were featured in this summer’s installment of Tops in Lex’s Wedding Edition.

I have to brag a little because we were being featured with the TOP 5 wedding photographers in Kentucky!  I guess that makes us ONE OF THEM!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!  It feels a little strange to be “known”.  As much as I love my photography, I am also my own WORST critic.  So anytime I see our work beside someone else’s I think of what I could do BETTER.

I do have to say what a privilege it is to be here, in this place in our life, running this studio, and getting to WORK every single day, doing something I love.  This is not a JOB for me.  It is a truly expressive and beautiful way to live.  Spending the MOST special day of a couple’s life with them, as their sidekicks… it is always an honor!  Maybe that is why our wedding couples are so special to us and why we like to keep them around long after the wedding is over…. who knows.  We are truly blessed with a thriving business in a declining market.  We are blessed to be acknowledged for our work and to be listed among “the best”.  We are SO excited to see what new opportunities this will bring to SS&G and to our couples!

You can pick up your copy on stands at various Bridal vendors in Lexington NOW!!!  Or visit the digital issue through the link above… YAY!Recent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• November 8, 2009 -- Christmas Card Preview!
• August 28, 2009 -- Another few faves from Gulf Shores…
• August 24, 2009 -- What the world needs is people who have come alive…
• August 19, 2009 -- Wordless Wednesday
• August 14, 2009 -- “Never a ship… sails out of the bay

When Nota` sang this song it was all over for me after that… they had already won!  In the finale Jay Sean comes out on stage and surprises them during the reprise… it was A W E S O M E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am already counting the days until their album.  They have one song on Itunes but this one is by far my favorite… so until it comes to Itunes I will have to keep listening to Youtube!

Nota` boys………. you rocked our world!  You deserved that title, record contract and prize money and we were SO happy to see it go to the right people! If you want to see something funny… you should see Owen singing and dancing to Nota!!!!!!!!!!! I should record it… its a riot trust me!

To the other finalists… The Beelzebubs... just wow. I truly hope that they make some broadway show out of you guys. I would be there in a heartbeat. AND close to my heart… the Voices of Lee from Lee University in Tennessee... these guys go to college at the University which is correlated with the Church of God (cleveland TN). I grew up an Assembly of God / Church of God girl soRecent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

Random Posts

• January 17, 2009 -- They Say…
• October 5, 2008 -- Room 433… stop by and say hi!
• August 12, 2009 -- Nine years ago today…
• August 14, 2007 -- They came for her…
• March 5, 2007 -- Doing better

But… through the the trials in my life, the obstacles, the pains and struggles… I’ve SEEN miracles… just happen.  Silent prayers get answered.  Broken hearts become brand new…………… THAT’S what faith can do.  Yes, I was listening to this song by Kutless and I realized what an anthem this is for my life.

What Faith can do ~ Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think its more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You do have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That’s what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Have you ever been to THAT point in your life when you were SURE that there could be NOTHING worse?  You were positive that there was NO way that your life could be ANY harder and then… it got harder, more stressful, sadder, and another heaping helping was placed on you… yeah THAT place… I’ve been there.  Some days, I am STILL there.  It really is true though that sometimes you have to FACE the clouds to find the silver lining.

You end up in these “messes” and you find yourself floundering to get out.  You cry out for help and sometimes the help comes in a form in which we may not even recognize it.  So what defines US as Christians, from the rest of the world?  WE have faith to carry us through.  WE have a HOPE that NEVER ends… EVEN when the sky is falling.  WE have the ultimate safety net and even though we may fall… sometimes even hard and from a high place, He is there to catch us.

From the outside, it may looks as if we are somehow “cursed” by these “afflictions”… WHY if we are Christians and in the FAVOR of the Lord do we face these horrible things?  Because we are being refined.  When you think of a beautiful piece of blown glass you often times don’t realize what kind of process that glass went through to become that beautifully formed vase you see before you.  That glass was put through the FIRE.  It was twisted and turned, poke and prodded.  Refining that piece of glass and forging it into a piece of artwork was not a dainty process although the end product may be just that.  Delicate, elegant, beautiful.

I think so many times we get caught up in trying to “figure it out”.  Or at least I know I do.  Sometimes though, all He is asking us to do, is to let GO and let HIM do the work that needs to be done.  To allow him to be that glass blower who stick us, his beautiful pieces of artwork in that fire, pulls them out, blows into them the breath of life and send them on their journey as a beautiful finished product.

As you can tell from the last blog posting, its been a down few days.  I had such a great week last week.  I felt great.  I was able to get out and make some coupon runs.  I was able to stay up past 9 pm and actually enjoy watching TV with my husband.  I was able to do the laundry and play with the kids.  To go OUT to eat instead of asking Troy to just run through the drive thru because I was too tired to do anything else.  I made a few trips across town without falling asleep ( yes… I am nearly narcoleptic some days ).  It was wonderful.  I long for more.  I tried not to count how many days I felt good just because that would also mean numbering the days that I don’t and that number… is not one that I want to dwell on.  And then it hit.  I went to get out of bed and had to MAKE myself.  I had to drag my eyelids open and stumble my way to the bathroom ( yes I really do stumble until my CSF flow can be re-established from standing quickly). I tried to drink a mt. dew…. no go.  Put on some upbeat music… nada.  And then Ky was poopy… I went to lift her up onto her changing table… I tried three times to get her up there and finally I had to go get a step stool and let her climb because I physically could NOT lift her body weight up 3 ft to the changing table.  I muddled through that and sat down on the computer to try and get some work done.  Unable to access the server … no go there to.  I felt like going and crawling back into the bed and saying… “reboot”.  I wanted to start all over again.  I thought out loud “this is going to be one of those impossible days… when NOTHING goes right”….

Before the words could fully escape from my mouth I felt that tugging at my heart… I remembered this song.  “Impossible is NOT a word… its just a reason for someone not to TRY”.  I thought to myself… I could sit right here in this chair and give up on today.  I could whine and pout about how its going to suck and nothing is going to work so why even try.  I could sit here and say I am done… but somehow, I have never been the person who has been allowed, by my convictions to “give up” because believe you me there have been some times that I really would have liked to!  But no, not me.  I have been called, to be the person who God has determined that my testimony will be to overcome the odds when I don’t “stand a chance”.  I am the person who my spirit rises up and tells me that I CAN… no matter what the situation looks like.  I have often felt like maybe this could be a bit of a double edged sword but how much more am I blessed that my Heavenly Father trusts me to walk through these things KNOWING that I won’t give up… ever.  He has searched my heart and knows my anxious thoughts (and trust me … I have a lot of them!!! LOL).  So today… my scripture of the day is (of course)

Psalm 139

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

And of course the song inspiration of the day is “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. I hope that it can become an anthem in your life. I hope that you find that hope that doesn’t EVER end even when the sky is falling. I hope that you see miracles just happen and your silent prayers get answered. I hope that when the world tells you that you CAN’T that YOU will tell it that you CAN.

Recent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• March 5, 2010 -- Priorities.
• December 14, 2009 -- Hide and Seek
• November 11, 2009 -- It can’t end this way….
• February 4, 2010 -- FOR SALE!!! 1804 Hopemont Court
• November 12, 2009 -- For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear…

We hide from ourselves. We tell ourselves that we are strong and happy and not hurting when really we are. We tell ourselves that we are OKAY when we are not. We bring all of these obligatory feelings on ourselves. NO, you don’t HAVE to feel it necessary to do this for this person, and go here for this event. You don’t really even have to WORRY about what will be said if you don’t.

The ONLY person in the world that you cannot hide from is the ONE person we run from the most sometimes. Yep… God. Why we run from him I don’t know because of all the people in life who will criticize how clean your house is at your party or whether you were present at this event, GOD, could care less yet we spend so much of our lives asking HIM to wait until later to try and satisfy the obligations to so many who really don’t matter. To satisfy these insane lofty goals that we place on ourselves! Sigh………… and yet in the middle of our 4th trip to Target to get the flour you ran out of you hear Him…. “don’t leave that buggy in the parking lot”. “Hold that door for the little old lady who is struggling under 6 packages” “Be a little kinder and use your HORN a little less when you drive.”

Now, you may think I am crazy but the above statements are all conversations I have had with God in the past three days. I set out on my way home from Target and I said… tonight, I am too tired and too “down” to deal with Clays Mill Road (for a multiple MANY reasons… I hate that road… not to mention that they keep tearing it up and there are potholes and patches everywhere…). BUT Clays Mill Road is the main artery for me to get back home from Target or Meijer… so WHY on earth would I drive all the way 3 blocks out of my way to get home? To AVOID having to “deal” with all the crap. To avoid that pit of my stomach, hold back the vomit FEELING I get when I start to see that park on the right. Because I didn’t want to DEAL with it. I wanted to hide.

I had determined not to go down that road and had the alternate plan in my head. I packed my bags into the car, got in, turned on the radio and headed out… down Reynolds I went, around the roundabout and by that time I was singing along to this song: (How man Kings? by Downhere)

How many gods have poured out their hearts to ROMANCE a world that’s torn all apart?

I totally lost it sitting at the light at Keithshire and Clays Mill. Balling, heaving tears. It was as if God was asking me… HOW MANY other people would do for you what “I” have done? And yet you would rather HIDE from this than to TRUST ME and lean on ME. How could I? How dare me. I sat there in disbelief that after EVERYTHING that I have been through with MY God that I would STILL find myself avoiding, hiding. Have I ever known Him to NOT see me through? Has HE ever failed to provide just what I needed? Has HE ever left me? Never has… never will. As I looked up from my tears the light turned green and the song on the radio changed. I realized something in that minute.

We seek HELP from so many different sources. We look to our friends and family to shoulder our burdens with us. We look to our church families to help carry us. We look to our spouses to pick us up when we can no longer walk on. Yet the ONLY person we NEED to seek help from in life… is God and so many times HE is the last one we look to. It seems that sometimes we only REMEMBER to ask him for help when there is some catastrophic event happening before us. We have no problem calling on God when a family member is dying or an accident has occurred… and those times, as we should, we cry out. But we NEED Him, we NEED our Heavenly Father’s love, grace and companionship every single day. We NEED to seek him for everything in our lives… good and bad!. I found myself thinking of this when I was standing in the aisle of Target. That ONE toy that Ross asked for had been out of stock all week… (I had to get it at Target because it was a deal… long story but after coupons it took a $75 toy down to $9.99!!!!!) and finally my eyes graced the boys of that toy. I instantly took out my phone and called Troy to tell him. No answer. No worries, he was working on the drywall I am sure he didn’t hear the phone. So I called my mom… no answer. My dad’s cell… sometimes they leave her phone when they are out together… no answer there either…. darnit its 7 pm… he is playing Santa somewhere. And then I thought… man I just want to tell SOMEONE! It was killing me. When all of the sudden I hear that still small voice that says… “Tell me”…. I was like… oh yeaaaaaaaaah!!! “hey God I cannot believe I found this, I have been looking everywhere and Ross is going to be so happy and I got my deal and all my coupons and this is the best night ever… I never thought I would find it.” His simple reply… “who do you think put that toy on that shelf?”………… silence……….. tears………… right there in the middle of aisle 7 of Target Toys section…. HE was the one who made this seemingly impossible thing happen and yet He was the last one that I wanted to tell. I felt very ashamed of myself.

Each day. I am learning what it means to have a PERSONAL relationship with my Heavenly Father. I know that some people may not understand what it is to “talk” to God … and I am not talking “Dear Heavenly Father we come to you today” prayer style talking. I mean talk. I mean TELL Him whats on your mind and in your heart. and then LISTEN.

The song that came on the radio next is my song inspiration of the day.
NeedtoBreathe – Washed by the Water.
“EVEN when the rain falls, EVEN when the flood starts rising
EVEN when the storm comes, I am WASHED by the water……
Even when the earth crumbles under my feet
Even when the ones I love turn around and crucify me.
I won’t EVER EVER let you down.
I won’t fall.
I won’t fall.
I won’t fall as long as YOU’RE around me.”

If I were to write the lyrics for my life they would look more like this:

“Even when the doctors don’t know

Even when your husband says I have go

Even when your friends disappear

Even when your mother doesn’t want to hear

Even when the rain falls

Even when the flood starts rising.

Even when the storm comes.

I am washed by the water.

This whole thought process brings my mind back to

Hebrews 10:

¹⁸And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. ¹⁹Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Jesus paid the ultimate price and His body was made the ultimate sacrifice for ME. So that the veil could be torn and so that I could come directly to the FEET of God and yet we take that for granted. What a gift and price to take for granted. My prayer today is that I would know, every single day, that I can (and should) talk to my Heavenly Father at any time. I do truly believe that He would like to hear from us sometimes other than to just ask for something! So today… I challenge YOU… talk to Him. If you see something beautiful… tell Him. If you find something funny… tell Him. Go to HIM first and make a conscious effort to do so for a few days and see how your perspective starts to change quickly.Recent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• March 5, 2010 -- Priorities.
• December 16, 2009 -- What faith has done.
• November 12, 2009 -- For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear…
• November 11, 2009 -- It can’t end this way….
• November 10, 2009 -- Heroes and Villains

So, my dearly beloved is working furiously to correct this problem.  Thank God I have a programmer for a husband!  LOL

At any rate…. I think its also safe to say that “I” am having technical difficulties!  I am normally a pretty creative (I think) and festive person and this year I have just had a mental block.  I am SO excited and LOVE the holidays in ways I cannot explain but this year, I just cannot find the motivation to get it together.  Last night I FINALLY took my tree skirt to be monogrammed (been on the list to do since oh say… September), and picked up some more coupon finds along with a few new laundry baskets ( I am a instituting a new method to the laundry room that is currently a PIT!).  There are so many things I WANT to do and trust me … my house looks like a bomb went off….  but I just cannot find the energy to do it.  I end up on the couch with the kids curled up and watching dora or sitting on the computer trying desperately to motivate myself to at least get some photographs proofed but no sooner than I open the program does a headache set in that grips my head, travels down my spine and ruins every muscle in my body.  I have never give a lot of thought into being “disabled” mostly because I guess I never thought it would happen to me…. now I sit here, the very definition of disabled, and it sucks.  I rarely have the energy to drive so I am honestly glad that we are down to one vehicle and even getting the energy to go out with the kids to dinner is a challenge.  I feel like I could use a good dose of speed.  My docs ask if I am depressed… honestly… no.  Unless its totally subconscious and I have no idea that I am and I am internalizing it and that is coming out in my ability to function.  But I generally think life is good, and beautiful and the holidays are here (they ARE the most wonderful time of the year after all!) and my house is close to being finished on our never ending list of remodeling tasks, and I am ready to bake and wrap and decorate and ….. I can’t find the energy to get off the couch.  And that sucks too.

So I have decided to try and combat these “exhausted” days with prayer.  I figure if people can have a prayer “diet” I can have a prayer kick in the pants motivator adrenaline rush!!

My prayer adrenaline rush for today is: PSALM 30

¹ I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me.
You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.
² O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you restored my health.
³ You brought me up from the grave,^[a] O Lord.
You kept me from falling into the pit of death.

⁴ Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!
Praise his holy name.
⁵ For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

I truly think that there is some form of clarity that comes from reading a passage in multiple translations.  There are many points of view from each translation of the Bible that can give insight to any situation at hand.  Hearing the scripture in another form, another translation sometimes helps one to pin point the “ah ha” moment that helps them apply the scripture to their life.  So I think its also important to read THIS scripture in “The Message” translation.  It is powerful to understand it in this way as well at the New Living Translation above.

¹ I give you all the credit, God— you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.

^2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.

^4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to His face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.

I have nothing to add… that pretty much says it all.  I would say that THIS translation is exactly how I would have translated this scripture into my own life.  He got me out of this MESS… He pulled me (and Kyleigh and Troy… and every human being for that matter) out of the grave!  But there is something still so true about the last line of this passage in the good old King James Version:

⁵For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

But JOY cometh in the morning.  Enough said……………

Today I am praying that I would be able to be filled with that Joy that is the breath of LIFE straight from our Heavenly Father.  I am praying that he breathes life into my soul and energy into my bones.  I am praying that He would allow me to be productive but most of all to be a BLESSING to anyone I come into contact with and in order that I should do that that He will remove from my bones their exhaustion and turn my mourning into DANCING.  That God will allow this morning and every morning ahead to be THE morning that the Joy comes.  For it to be the day in which beauty rises from the ashes.

Musical Inspiration of the day: Beauty will Rise- Steven Curtis Chapman

Recent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• April 28, 2010 -- Have a little talk with Jesus…
• March 5, 2010 -- Priorities.
• December 16, 2009 -- What faith has done.
• December 14, 2009 -- Hide and Seek
• December 5, 2009 -- Believe….

I made this cute little banner to hang over our manger scene.  I saw it on Etsy and thought… I can make that!!!!!!!!  So I did   LOL  As it hangs in my living room it makes me smile.  I walk past it and it truly helps me to remember what it is that I believe.  (Want to WIN one of your own??  read to the end of the post to find out how!!)

I can honestly say that I have deep seeded beliefs.  My entire life has been molded and shaped mostly by my faith and by those who have taught me what SHOULD BE even if that isn’t necessarily what IS.  I know that people are affected by their life experiences but for me it seems that instead of being shaped by experiences in my life, I have been affirmed by them.  If that makes any sense…  I haven’t been changed by these experiences but I now cling to these things that I believe, even more tightly now because I KNOW that these things are true!  From the abundance blessings that have been given to me I know that I am a daughter of the MOST high King.

So today… I will let you in on a few things I believe:

I believe that God, is our Heavenly Father who seeks prosper us and not to harm us, to give us HOPE and a future.

I believe that Jesus, the Son of God, was sent to die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and to make a way through himself to the Father.

I believe that the Holy Spirit completes the Trinity.  I believe that the Holy Spirit is real and lives inside me every single day.  I know that this is true because I can feel that sweet tug and gentle guidance that the Spirit gives me in times of need or joy.

I believe that the Bible is not just reading material.  Its a real, living, inspired God breathed instruction manual for life.  I have read the Bible from cover to cover.  I believe that it important to KNOW the Bible in its entirety to be able to correctly interpret the sum of its parts.

I believe that we are to live according to the laws of Moses but in the FREEDOM of the Church of Acts and in the spirit of the Apostle Paul and the Corinthians.  When Jesus died the veil was TORN and therefore I am happy that we can live in a church that has the freedom to worship.

I believe that the world is a beautiful place, that humans are good whether they have gone awry or not.  I believe that everyone has the ABILITY to do good and choose the RIGHT over the WRONG.

I believe that there is a RIGHT and a WRONG and nothing in between.  There is no gray area.  There is no justification.  I choose not to be lukewarm because I would rather not be spewed from His mouth. (Revelation 3:16)

I believe in the Truth.  I believe that half truths are lies.  I believe that “thou shalt not lie” and I have a very guilty conscience which rarely allows for stretching the truth!  LOL

I believe that my life was divine instituted and the plan for it was conceived long before I was.

I believe that everyone has a purpose in life and once their divine purpose has been fulfilled their time on earth is finished.

I believe that there really is something to be being a “good” person.

I believe in random acts of kindness.

I believe that lots of things that happen to us in life are RARELY about “us” and more about who we are to BE to someone or what we are charged with doing to help someone else.

I believe that you are to choose the right no matter what the outcome.  It doesn’t matter what the bum on the street is going to do with that dollar bill, you are to provide it to him.  Whatever you do for the LEAST of these brothers… you have done for Christ.  (Matthew25:31-46)

I believe that there are miracles that happen around us each day.  We should take a little time everyday to be still and know that HE is God.  To SEE the wonder in the world that we live in.

I believe that you must STAND for SOMETHING or you will FALL for ANTYTHING.

I believe that Christmas is magical and that there is nothing more beautiful that the glow of a Christmas tree.

I believe that children can hear the heartbeat of God.

I believe that love never dies.  I believe that love bears ALL things, believes ALL things, HOPES all things, ENDURES all things.  I honestly believe that LOVE never fails.  It may get lost along the way but it will never fail.

I believe that the best smell on earth is warm baked cookies and the smell of my own pillow.

I believe that no matter how hard you try you will eventually fail at something in life but that should not stop you from trying.

I believe that no matter hard you fall you can ALWAYS get up and move on.  There is no “laying down to die”.

I believe that sometimes you have to help YOURSELF.  There is only so much that others can do for you.  Sometimes even Doctors need your help to be able to help you.

I believe that you should live like you were dying and enjoy every single moment and every single breath.

In the spirit of today’s post… I am offering a little giveaway… I handmade myself this bunting to go over our manger scene this year and I want to share this with YOU!  Leave a comment and tell me what it is that YOU believe and I will randomly choose a commenter to receive a copy of my “believe” banner to add to your holiday decor!  YAY!!!!!  Comments will close on Monday at noon.  I hope to ship this Monday afternoon so that you can get it ASAP!!!  So get those comments rolling and let me know what it is that YOU believe!

Recent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• November 24, 2009 -- Be Still my heart… (er.. nose)
• November 12, 2009 -- For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear…
• November 11, 2009 -- It can’t end this way….
• November 10, 2009 -- Heroes and Villains
• November 9, 2009 -- 7 weeks Till Christmas

We could spend all our lives in the “coulda, shoulda, woulda….” land.  I will be the first to admit that I am BAD about having a knee jerk reaction about issues in my life.  You see this wall of adversity and think there is NO WAY … how on EARTH?  And then I panic.  Panic turns to fear and fear to panic and its a vicious cycle.  Then it seems to explode from my mouth without thought or discipline and BAM there it is.  I get frustrated and upset and I just let it go.  And it is then that I hear God calling to me… “BE STILL”… for me God probably needs to change that to be “BE QUIET”…

I was listening (to yet another!) a sermon online the other day and the pastor was talking about Psalm 91.  What a POWERFUL chapter of the Bible.  I mean REALLY is that not a battle cry?  My favorite verses are:

Psalm 91:9

⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

¹⁰ then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

Yeah okay so that means you are UN-Godly if things come your way?? NO.  See you have to read ON in that book…

¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

¹³ You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴ “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

You see God never said that he would REMOVE the lion and cobra from our lives.  He never said that he was going to give us a “yellow brick road”.  He DID however promise us that we would TREAD upon the lion and cobra when they came into our lives and that he would RESCUE us.  For Him to promise that He would rescue us that must mean that we were in some kind of peril does it not?  Because THAT is how testimonies are built.

My mother used to tell me to be CAREFUL what you pray for because rarely does God just hand over what you want on a silver platter, but He WILL give you the opportunity to LEARN or to ACHIEVE what you have asked.  But we have to be CAREFUL to thank God for those opportunities.  To praise Him in the STORM because that is when He does His best work.  During the storms of our life is when God shows up and “shows off” (my mama is a funny lady… saying that out loud makes me smile because that is what she says all the time!)…. because if you were not in a pit God couldn’t deliver you from it.  If you were not SICK He couldn’t miraculously heal you.  If you were not in financial straights He couldn’t work a MIRACLE.  Because God shows up in our time of NEED.  I think we try for too long in ourselves to “make it”.  We struggle and fight and kick and scream when all we really need to do is say “Daddy God… I NEED you… I NEEEEEEEEED you to take care of this…. I NEEEEEEED you right now to work a miracle and to REMOVE this obstacle in my life….. I NEEEEEED you to allow me to overcome this and show me HOW and NOW”.

If there is one thing I have learned in the very recent past is that you have to be specific with God.  I kind of think that God has a sense of humor… maybe not such a good one either (or shall I say one that doesn’t line up with my own).  Like if you ask for a raise and you get one but then your health insurance doubles and you end up not getting a raise at all.  Or if you ask for a NEW car and you get it but its not “new” just NEW to you.  Or if you ask for wealth and he blesses you with 20 children… would you not argue that you are RICH?  See… sometimes I think we don’t even KNOW what we need.  Sometimes I think the best prayers are those that come with no specifics.  The simple prayer of  “Father God… I NEED YOU…” that is all.  Because truth be told… that is all we REALLY need in life.  If HE is there them WHOM shall we fear?  No one and nothing.

Recent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• November 11, 2009 -- It can’t end this way….
• April 28, 2010 -- Have a little talk with Jesus…
• March 5, 2010 -- Priorities.
• December 16, 2009 -- What faith has done.
• December 14, 2009 -- Hide and Seek

I took this photo at one of our fall weddings this year.  I looked up through this perfect sunset and there Troy was in perfect silhouette.  It brought tears to my eyes… I am not usually one to get emotional over that kind of stuff.  I think all too often, when you are married for so long, you start to take things for granted.  You know it happens, I know it happens, let’s just be honest with ourselves.  In an instant all of the last year flashed before my eyes and I thought of where we were last year and where we are this year.  What a difference a year makes.

One of our new favorite inspirational pastors is Jentezen Franklin.  He pastors a church in Georgia and we were listening to one of his sermons this evening entitled “It can’t end this way”.  Have you ever gone through something in your life and just known that THIS is not how life is supposed to be.  You just KNOW that God has bigger and better plans for you than this and you wondered how on earth will this ever work out..?  Yeah… been there.. still there honestly.  There are some BIG “demons” that we are facing down right now.  (And yes I know that there is bound to be someone who will interpret that incorrectly… my word to them… ITS NOT ABOUT YOU.. this has nothing to do with you… this is about ME and my family and MY life.)  There are so many things in life that threaten to steal our peace and our joy.  Financial struggles, marital stresses, problems conceiving a child or dealing with relationships, health issues the list goes on and on.  There are a million things that bring us down every single day.  Have you ever thought… It CAN’T end this way… ?  I have and I do.

Right now, our family is at a turning point in our lives.  There are so many decisions to make and so much confusion.  I told Troy the other day that I felt like last year my life imploded and this year is the plume of smoke that comes afterward.  But there is SO much smoke I cannot see through it.  I have really been “down and out” at the many things that are invading our life recently and thinking “how on EARTH will this work out okay?”  Then I heard this sermon from Jentezen Franklin and it struck a chord in me when he said “I REFUSE to allow it to END this way.”  That is so true for me.  We have worked TOO hard…. through TOO many things to let it end this way.  Honestly this is not about our marriage… that is good right now… but so many other things… I REFUSE to allow this happen.

“If ever there was a time when we were willing to give EVERYTHING it is now.  There is no time to be relaxed spiritually now.  For some these times will bring out the worst… for others the best.  What STARTED in the fire… must NOT end in the smoke.  You need to rise up and say “It’s not going to END this way.” I refuse to start out a volcano and end up a drip.  I refuse to get on Holy Ghost social security and talk about the good old days. ”

I look at my life and I think.. I canNOT give up now.  Its too late.  We have come too far.  We are 90%. It was amazing to me to hear Jentezen reference the fire and the smoke since I JUST said those exact words to Troy this week.  Its always good to know that God will confirm his will and his word.

The ONE thing that I know is – that my God… my Heavenly FATHER has promised me great things.  He has promised us ALL great things.  I refuse to allow my CIRCUMSTANCE to define me and my family… because we are better than that.  I know that God has Troy and I in training.  Right now we are in the darkness and HE is going to give us a voice that we will proclaim in the light.  Because you see, I asked God, a long time ago for a testimony.  I asked Him to give me a voice to proclaim HIS glory.  What kind of proclaimation am I to give right now?  I fail to believe that my testimony is done developing.  I fail to believe that.  It CAN’T end this way.  I won’t accept it.  Just like I did NOT accept the events of last year… I do NOT accept these things that are rising up against our family now.  I do NOT accept our financial situation.  I do NOT accept our family relationship issues.  I do NOT accept our health issues.  MY God my God…It CAN’T END LIKE THIS!!!!!!  I know that I know that our brightest days are  ahead.  I may have been burnt but I am NOT banished and I will accept NOTHING less than God’s promise for OUR life.

Because the people who are able to proclaim God’s greatness are the ones who have been through something… those are the people who can shout because they have NEVER been forsaken… they have been down but not out.  The have been “burned” but not DEAD.  “Its one thing to DANCE when you have never been knocked down.  Its another thing to dance when you’re dancing on broken bones…” ~JF

When everything in you cries and aches… that’s when its time to GET UP and keep going.  So today, I choose to get up.  Out of my self pity and my worry.  Out of my sorrow, grief and doubt.  I choose to GET UP and proclaim the promises of MY GOD that my Heavenly Father has given me a purpose.  I have an inheritance in Christ and I have a book of promises… and ALL of those promises are YES and AMEN.  I am 26 years old and I am just getting started… the brightest days are ahead for me and my family.  “But as for ME and MY HOUSE… we will SERVE THE LORD.” Joshua 24:15.  I haven’t come this far to allow the enemy to ROB my family of my victory.  It CAN’T end this way and it won’t.

I highly encourage you to take 20 or so minutes and watch those videos.  This is the actual message from Jentezen Franklin.  It had to be broken up for You tube but start at #1 and move through #3. OR go here to view the uninterrupted sermon:

Jentezen Franklin: “It Can’t END this way.”

I promise it will change your heart!

Recent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• December 16, 2009 -- What faith has done.
• November 12, 2009 -- For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear…
• March 5, 2010 -- Priorities.
• February 5, 2010 -- A parent’s love…
• December 14, 2009 -- Hide and Seek

7 Weeks Till Christmas: Organize Your Family’s Holiday Calendar

Photo: Country Living

1. Write down some descriptive words. Take a few minutes before the craziness of the holidays sets in and physically write down what the holidays should MEAN to you.  What do you WANT the holidays to be above the presents and lights?  It doesn’t matter what Martha Stewart’s Christmas scene looks like if its not what is best for YOUR FAMILY.  For us I came up with the following:

I want Christmas to be: Warm, Comfortable, Happy, Magicaly, Sentimental, Special and a Spiritual Experience.

2. Update your Calendar. Go to your calendar NOW.  Write down all of the events that you have for your kid’s schools, activities, church, plays etc.  Get it all down on paper so you can reference it and not overbook yourself.  Now… research the things you WANT to do to make your holiday “word wishes” come true.  Is there are special play or ballet you make a day of?  For us, in our family, we MAKE time to go to the living nativity Walk Through Bethlehem, at our church.  We also love to go to the Southern Lights and this year I am DYING to do a Cookie Exchange (a la my friend Ali!!!  She did one last year and it was one of the best experiences of my entire holiday!).  So those are things I will carefully map out to make sure that we have time for them!

3. Evaluate your Commitments. Is there is enough WHITE SPACE on your calendar to leave time for you to ENJOY the holidays?

4. List the rest of your priorities. Nothing like “get in the car and flee the city to the beach!”.  For me these are my other priorities.  Schedule “family” Christmas time for each of our families and extended families.  Yes this may take some balancing but its worth it for my kids to know that they are loved and to feel the warmth of the season that I remember so well from being a kid!  Bake Cookies!  A LOT of cookies!  Namely like 100 dozen!   We bake from the minute Thanksgiving dinner is over until after New Year’s brunch.  Make and Take Christmas gifts to Ky’s doctors.  Sleep in on New Year’s Day.  Have brunch with family on New Year’s.  Drive around and look at Christmas lights while the kids eat cookies and drink hot chocolate.  Play in the snow.  Just PLAY.  Work a puzzle.  Make Monkey bread!

5. Smile, Laugh, Relax. Don’t force yourself to be so BUSY enjoying the holidays that you forget to ENJOY them.  It does happen so remember to slow down, sit back and feel the magic!

For the full article and to see more great tips on organizing your Holiday Schedule visit SimpleMom.netRecent Comments:

• Michele K. says Impressive you really are accomplished with regards to writing. I love Xmas that’s why I also have a comparable web [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]
• Laura says I Love it!!!! And we use the newspaper bags for diapers and enema extras too….its my way of recycling [more]
• Deana Begg says Very good article! This is a highly beneficial website in which you have. [more]

• November 7, 2009 -- 8 weeks til Christmas
• October 28, 2009 -- 9 weeks until Christmas…
• October 13, 2009 -- 11 weeks and counting (’till Christmas of course!)
• November 9, 2009 -- HOT DEAL- FREE photo Christmas cards!!!
• October 19, 2009 -- 10 weeks ’til Christmas (prozac anyone?)