Full of Joy

I am borrowing this concept and title from my writing group. We use the "Feedback Corner" to have other people read and critique our work, but today I have a little bit of a different purpose in mind. I know I already mentioned the Beth Moore simulcast I "attended" a few weeks ago, and how powerful it was (and still is!) in my life. One thing has really stuck with me though, and given me an awful lot to think about. Since I can't sit down with Beth and ask her my questions, (I would absolutely DIE if I ever got to go to Starbucks with Beth and have a heart-to-heart!) my wonderful counselor suggested I ask YOU, my blog world. Beth had said something like, "I am not chained by fear anymore, but I still get afraid." I am in the battle of my life to lose the shackles of fear that hold me down. To actually hear someone proclaim they are "no longer chained by fear" blows my mind, and gives me incredible hope. I can't even fathom being in th...

Whoa. My heart is racing. A couple days ago I found out about a program through LifeWay and B&H Publishing for bloggers and readers. I ecstatically applied and could not sleep that night over the anticipation. A little backstory. Less than 2 weeks ago I attended a Beth Moore simulcast in Lancaster. I thought it was something I was dying to do, but less than five minutes in, I knew Jesus was the one who wanted me there. It was a life changing day. I didn't expect to be spoken to by Jesus so uniquely and personally. Jesus used Beth to speak words of life, hope, healing, and passion that sparked a renewed connection with Him. I'm really grateful for Jesus, and for Beth. That woman is anointed. Those who attended the simulcast were offered the opportunity to order her new book, "Audacious". I jumped right on that because the book is essentially the simulcast in written form. I wanted more! The book arrived, and I dove right in. At the end of chapter 3, Beth asks...

Sometimes a post just begs to be written. Take it or leave it, but I just had to get this out there. For the last couple of days, my kids have been sick. I've navigated new waters, and have stepped into the sea of crazy as I care for two kids with fevers and congestion. Jase's fever has been going on longer than Basye's. Whenever he has a fever, I am on edge. He has a history of febrile seizures, which is really frightening. I've been so effected by this, I even started counseling. There's a determination in my heart and mind to overcome fear, whether or not my circumstances change. If you struggle with fear, you know there always is, and always will be something to fear. There's always going to be circumstances, so my journey of overcoming has been about grasping onto Jesus in a brand new way. Scripture is a huge part of the fight. It's one of my main weapons. Recently I've been stuck on the word trust . There are many verses that talk about not f...

Very recently Chuck said, "I wonder when I'll get a motorcycle?" I had to laugh to myself in wonder that he actually believes he'll get one someday. So I said (ever the realist), "I wonder when I'll get a brand new wardrobe?" We chuckled at ourselves and our vain little dreams. But then I shared in sincerity that it was my dream to get my own laptop so I could write, blog, and keep up with the pictures I take on our camera. Guys. God heard me! He heard my heart. Just days later a friend text me and asked if I still needed a laptop. Chuck still hasn't been able to fix the Mac we have, but I've always liked PC's better. (I'm fully raising my hand to be the PC nerd.) After several texts, she proceeds to tell me she has a BRAND NEW, never been used, still in the box laptop she was willing to give me. I was shocked! Chuck went and picked it up from her that night. I still can't believe it. I'm so thrilled!!! Friend, if/when you read ...

In a few days my baby boy will be turning 2. Sniff sniff. 2 just sounds so incredibly old. We are entering a totally new era here. This boy of mine brings such joy to my heart each and every day. He makes me laugh quite often, and I would probably laugh more if I could spend less time getting angry. ;) Jase runs on maximum capacity at.all.times. He is smart. He is intelligent. He is fearless. He is brave. He is an overcomer. He is BUSY. He runs. Like everywhere he goes. He went from crawling to running, I think. He is super curious. Ironically, one of his favorite cartoons is Curious George. My Mom gave Chuck a Curious George stuffed animal as a joke once becaue Chuck is a crazy curious person. Now that George is one of Jase's favorite stuffed animals!) He is saying more and more words every day, and it's such a blast to hear what he'll come out with next. He is starting to repeat words that I ask him to repeat. My heart just melts to pieces when he says, "Pleeeeease...

There's been a lot of chatter on our part about this housing process we are going through. (Mostly via Facebook.) To be clear, God has provided us with a house that we love. After MONTHS upon MONTHS of searching, HOURS upon HOURS of looking houses up online, and COUNTLESS discussions with Chuck, we both finally landed on the same house. Lest you forget, we did put offers in on two different homes, but they both fell through. We're hoping the third times a charm. After finally agreeing on the same house, it ended up being a short sale. Or shall we say UNshort sale. It's an incredibly tedious process, but our realtor gave us the best and worst case scenarios, and we made the decision to put an offer in. The house has everything on our wish list except the location. Waa waa. Chuck will have a 25 minute commute (NOVA friends, please stop laughing), and we'll be about 4-5 miles from the nearest grocery store. That may not sound like a big deal, but we've had the luxery...