A Sunday Drive

Yesterday, Jack and I went to a birthday party after church that happened to be 45 minutes away. I love taking little trips like this. Especially when they are out in the middle of nowhere. On the way there, Jack and I rocked out to John Mayer's live album, Taylor Swift, Air Supply (yes), Hillsong, Matt Redman's "Blessed Be Your Name" (10 million times for Jackson) and even some Norah Jones. It was awesome.

On the way back home we listened to all of that again, but I really had a chance to spend some time in prayer. If you look at the picture you see that there really isn't much around me. Just trees. The open sky. And as I looked at it all, I was overwhelmed with the need for God in my life and in so many others lives right now. I wanted to tell God all about what I was thinking, but something in me stopped and I just wanted to listen. Just wait to hear what He had to say. I miss that sometimes.

And then this morning I felt really lead to read Ecclesiastes. I got to verse 5 and read this....

5:2 Do not be quick with your mouth,

do not be hasty in your heart to

utter anything before God.

God is in heaven and you are on earth,

so let your words be few.

So, that's kinda where I am at right now. I guess we just have to wait before God for us to finally see what he is going to do.

This week...

This week I....

cried.

laughed.

hugged my babies.

cried.

went to work.

blogged.

attended meetings.

got up early.

went to bed late.

slept in.

took a shower.

cooked.

ate sour candy.

drank lots of water.

yelled.

sang.

worshipped.

got angry.

gave grace.

cried.

loved.

received grace.

kissed.

thanked god.

listened.

cleaned.

heb'd. (my new word for going to heb)

bought flowers.

apologized.

forgave.

cried. (again)

mopped.

did laundry.

prayed.

battled.

grew.

was challenged.

encouraged a friend.

was encouraged by a friend.

believed in myself.

read the word.

and cried some more. I cried a lot this week. Ha! Yeah, like that is really different for me!! The best thing about my week was that I came home to a husband, who walked with me every step of the way this week (and only he knows what that means) and still told me he "loved me more than anything." I needed to hear that. :) BTW, I keep coming back to this scripture. This week once again reminded me of what God wants to give His people....and I am so glad I am part of that.

Isaiah 61:3

...to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD

for the display of his splendor.

Happy Friday!

Word of God Speak

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

I have been very convicted and challenged lately to know more of God. Not in a "rules" kind of way, but to truly know the heart of God. And the only way to do that is to know his divine word.

This week I was:

stressed

overwhelmed

confused

doubtful

tired

Sound familiar?

Then, today I got a pedicure. Ha. Okay, that wasn't really what I meant to say...although it was amazing.

I had a chance to get some time alone today. For me, that looks like getting in my car and driving around sometimes. I needed it. I took a drive out to the Verizon (a piece of property our church is looking at purchasing....with MUCH prayer and Godly wisdom) and just sat there. Who knows what will happen with the Verizon...but God is big enough to do anything when it means bringing more people to Him! And then, I thought about my week. I thought about other people I know who had a hard week. I thought about the people living in the areas around San Antonio who need God. I thought about a lot of things and before getting even more overwhelmed, I realized for the 50th time this week that God says....

stressful? discouraged? overwhelmed? tired?

.."come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I gave you is light.”

I remembered that I am loved. That we are all loved. That God has something to show us. That there is nothing he can't do or handle.

And once again, God's word spoke truth and power.

Happy Saturday!

A New Look

A new year always calls for a new look. I don't mean a new "look" for outer image (although sometimes that it is nice to get my hair highlighted, to lose 15 more lbs and get new clothes...and maybe my teeth whitened, a pedicure, and a tan...okay, STOP!)...but what I really mean is a new look for my soul, for my walk with God and a new look at life.

This year my mom bought me a beautiful new journal. I love the scripture on the front and want to hold onto it's promise. "The joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10. I believe it's such confirmation to what God has been speaking to me about. Like my blog stats, I want to live a life that reflects beauty, joy and praise. And not just a "Oh look it's happyyy Natalie!", but a joy that only comes from the Lord. The kind that you can't even explain. True Joy.

So, in honor of my new journal I had to create a new space. I am all about pretty & comfy and I think they can both be present at the same time. I have a space in my kitchen that I absolutely love. So, with a few throw pillows and some lighting I created my perfect "quiet" space. Here's to my new look!