Debate verses Truth.

There really is no debate on what is right and what is wrong. It is but it should not be. God has truths but humans like to debate opinions. The Bible is a book set in stone with no error and it will not change. You either believe it or you don't, but its still going to exist. People have opinions and they all differ but the BIBLE tells us what God says. God clearly tells us what sin is, how we should live, and what laws we should follow. Sin is sin whether you murder, commit adultry, steal, get drunk, or use His name in vein. The world measures sin by judicial system but God sees it all the same. I saw an illustration where we see buildings from the side and some are big, others are small... that is how we view sin. God sees it from above, viewing something from over head shows a horizon  where they all look the same height.  What are you passing off as a restaurant building when its really no different than a sky scraper? Great example!  

Oh Lord, forgive me of the sins I have committed and make me a better person. Please open my eyes to those things I often shrug off as human nature when its really a sin. I want no wicked ways in me, nothing holding me back from growing closer to You, and no room for Satan to distract me from what truly matters. Help me to love unconditionally, only point fingers at myself, and help those in need no matter the cost. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for showing grace and mercy to the fullest.  Amen

We should stand firm on the gospel of Christ no matter the cost. Do not give in to worldly  views, human laws that constantly change one minute to the next based on whose getting offended, what man says is right, how the world sees sin, etc (Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.") We have the answers people, let's all just pray and open our Bible and read till we find them all. Watching the world will only confuse you. Take hold of the truth that never changes. Stand firm on that truth.  We will not go unnoticed in the eyes of God  and if you think about it, we will not go unnoticed in the worlds' eyes either. It may stir up a "debate" but it exposes the Gospel.  

God did not say standing firm for Christ would be easy and with out ridicule, but we will be blessed for choosing HIM over the world (Matthew 5:10 says "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."). Yet, if we deny Him we will suffer the ultimate consequence (“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.). What will you chose to do when challenged about your faith???

"As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

 Joshua 24:15 

Busy?

Yeah, Yeah, I know... Everyone is busy during the holiday season!  I think that's why this study hit home. One of those perfect timings from God to show me to get my focus back on Christ this Christmas in every aspect of my day not just at times when I think about it. I mean, I didn't think it was possible for our family to get any busier really. Between  Chris' work traveling, the new house building,  Aiden's first time in school, and all the things the winter/holiday months bring for gatherings and parties is it possible to have any free time? Well, lately it has been. The cold temps have kept us home and from working on the new house and we are trying to relax!

Anyway, busy is something I am used to so naturally when I read my devotion tonight it hit home... HARD. 

I have been reading (again) one of my books called Becoming a Woman of Extraordinary Faith by Julie Clinton. So good. 

Tonight was about "Finding God's Beauty"

If you see any beauty in Christ, and say, "I desire to have that," God will work it in you. - G.V. WIGRAM

Read Psalm 27 and focus on verses 4 and 5 in that chapter.  Very eye opening how David's focus was solely on Christ.

As I read a little further in the book, this paragraph stuck out to me. I read it twice and couldn't quit thinking about it because BUSY is what I am. If you are a busy person, too, just think what is keeping your attention and time from God.

"If Satan can't make you bad, he will make you busy. Being busy in the "good" of things often robs us of the "best" things. Busy has wisely been defined as Being Under Satans Yoke."

WOW. That hit me hard. I don't want to think that by being occupied and busy is being under Satans hold to keep me away from the things that matter... God, Ministry, Fellowship, Bible Study, etc! Although, I do make time for this, I don't do as much of it as I have or should. Its true when you think about it. When life is busy we often put aside the most important things.  What is the first thing you skip out on when you get busy? What do you forget to do? How does your schedule change? Just think about it. I know I have. 

Remembering Gracen

October 2nd, 2011 the loss of our sweet baby, Gracen. Oh how this day brings up such emotion for me. Two years has passed so quickly yet seems so long ago.  I can still remember the few months being pregnant and the loss of a baby I long to meet, long to hold, and long to say 'Mommy loves you!'

Exactly one week from the loss of Gracen, this song was played during the first church service I was able to attend after bed rest and the miscarriage.  It touched my heart so much that day with raw emotions still running in my head, God knew exactly what I needed to hear. He let me know that He never left my side and cared about me... cared about Gracen. My child was first His and only after a  very short time was once again with his/her Father in Heaven again! My heart was saddened for a while yet through prayer, devotions, and song I found comfort and had peace knowing what I was going through was not to punish me but to make me stronger in Christ (Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28) . It hasn't been an easy two years but its been a teaching two years. I have learned so much about my faith and my relationships. I am blessed. I had a few months with my baby and only I got to experience that life. I have a beautiful, loving, energetic, smart boy here on earth that brings such joy and love to my life daily I can't even imagine having more than that! I don't deserve to be his Mom but God allowed me to be. I don't deserve to be Gracens mom, but I have two children because earth is not my home but Heaven and that is where Gods promised both Aiden and Gracen to me! One day I will hold Gracen for 'ten thousand years and forever more' alongside my husband, Aiden, and my God. A family complete for eternity. Oh how good is our God. Who else can promise that?
No one but the Great I Am. 

We will release our balloons to Heaven for Gracen's second heavenly birthday before we start our day tomorrow (today). We participated in the "Walk to Remember" by CrossHeart ministry last year and I so wish I could do it again this year as it brought so much closure and comfort last year. I highly recommend it for families who have experienced the loss of a child no matter what stage in life. Gracen will be honored on the shirt and in our hearts. Here is pic from last year of us walking to remember Gracen. 

Here is another song that caught my attention during our loss two years ago and still stops me to a time of worship.
We are still waiting for another miracle from God and while I am I plan to honor God in all circumstances in life.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The day we found out we were expecting our second baby. Little did we know God never planned for us to meet our baby this side of Heaven.

The Great Debate!!

I say its the "great debate" but really Chris says its up to me... so I am debating in my mind over and over and over!! lol
I really like both styles and both fit the house, so its a matter of which to choose to fit it best. I started out wanting dark cabinets then went with lighter  -  now I have no idea!  Probably because its decision time and what I pick stays which scares me. Why? I don't know because we have other rooms decided already picked fixtures, floors, cabinets, and even color of walls in most. I think "Will the lighter look dirty?" "Dark floors cost more." "Will darker cabinets make it too dark in there?" Kitchen is harder and I need to be more confident at this point since we've already broke ground and our cabinets will be custom made. Help!

I have given three "very similar" kitchen ideas. Which do you like? Comment with A, B or C please to help me nail it down!

A) Dark cabinets with mixed floors (light and medium tiles) and light cream counter tops.

B) Light cabinets (also called antique white) with darker counters and dark floors and mix of dark island and vent hood.

C) Light cabinets (old white finish) all around. Darker floors and fixtures with medium counters.

Again, these are all just similar ideas... we have customized a few details we want already so just need to nail down color schemes! Thanks for your inputs... my brain is flipping between each one daily. lol I wish I could put all them up in the house to decide what I like best. lol

Focusing North

We need to start focusing North... Up... to Heaven! That is where our answers are. Nothing in or of the world will satisfy everyone, at the same time, for all time. Jesus is completely satisfying and for "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:3). In Christ alone, we are made whole. Heaven is where there will be no compromise for the laws are already in place. The answers are in the Bible, we just have to open it. Wondering if what's going on in the world, choices in your life, the new (earthly) law that just passed or people trying to convince you of something is right or wrong? Open your BIBLE start reading, visit the Christian store and pick a Biblical based (that is very important) devotional or study guide on the topic in question, and PRAY! We as Christians can not compromise with the world or the people in it that are not following Christ, we are to stand out and stand firm on what God says even if it causes us to lose our everything... our job, friends, family, and even our life! 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

www.Biblegateway.com 

And just because I am a big Jeremy Camp fan... I picked this one because there are no images, words, etc to distract so if you would just take about 4 minutes, close your eyes, and listen!

Remembering Gracen

Its August, which means that's the month we got pregnant with our second child, Gracen Hoshell, in 2011. Gracen has been weighing on my heart lately... probably because 1) the reason I just stated and 2) my "baby" is starting Preschool next week.  I saw these post this week so thought I would share. Its amazing how God places these in front of you when you need it. I am not alone, there are many who have lost babies at every stage in life. I WILL see my baby one day and if I had to choose here for a short while or there for ETERNITY I would have to say God did exactly what was best. I will just love extra hard on my Aiden for now! That boy has my heart and I love him more than words can say but Gracen also has a special place in my heart as well. Life is a life no matter how small, God created us all. 

 My Dear Mother:

I did not die young.
I lived my span of life
Within your body
And within your love.
There are many
Who have lived long lives
And have not been loved as me.
If you would honor me
Then speak my name
And number me among your family.
If you would honor me
Then strive to live in love
For, in this love, I live.
Never ever doubt
That we will meet again.
Until that happy day
I will grow with God
And wait for you.

--Author Unknown

 

 

 

Oh Foot Praise!!

Have I mentioned how great God is? Oh yes I have and I will say it again and again!!!!

We had Aiden's check up on his foot on Tuesday. It was to see if the cyst on foot bone has returned. To give you a little recap... We were worried about his pain complaints so scheduled with Campbell Clinic. Drs found a "questionable spot" on his bone by xray in October 2012 so returned every month to monitor it. Nov xray it had grown a little so they scheduled us for the dreaded LeBohneur appointment for MRI where he had to be put to sleep and did an extensive scan. Results were in right around Christmas break and the nurse said it was a "cyst" and no need to come in till after the first of year! That was good news in itself as they told us we may have appointment a week from results if it was something serious. So I could breathe a little easier just by that. January 2013 we went and saw Dr Beaty (Chief Ortho Dr) who did repeat xray to compare to December scans and prior xrays.  Aiden, by this point, knew the routine for the "spaceship" ride! When Dr Beaty came in with results from that "ride" he tells us the spot is no longer visible by xray so its possibly gone! What? Yes! God healed our son (for the time being) and heard our prayers! I truly believe that. What other explanation do you have for the way things completely changed? Spot they had never seen in a child his age, wasn't sure what it was, it was growing, we had to monitor and have MRI after so many xrays then all of a sudden in a matter of weeks its GONE! He went from hurting, waking at night, spot growing to no complaints and no cyst or spot seen! So, we were to come back in three months to give him time to run and play on it as the weather would be getting prettier so we would be more active and also to see if it was a fluid filled cyst that may fill and drain and just was so small it wasn't seen at that appointment. Tuesday was our three month mark. Aiden is now a pro at this so I even go to walk behind the glass during xray instead of holding him down or standing beside him to hold his hand like I have done both in past! Results showed clear again!!! Praise God. He gets all the glory. I reflect on Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 when I think about it. We now don't go back for 6 months only to make sure and then if its clear we will be a year out and then not come back unless he complains again! We praise God for the results now and if we encounter it again, we will pray He leads us through it. Thanks for everyone who helped in the lifted prayers to our amazing, gracious, master physician!

I have deleted the prior "foot" posts to make room for new things so I have included some pics from those here too.

 

New Journey!

God has brought us opportunities that we sure don't deserve. Grateful yet undeserving. We bought our current home October 2004 as a foreclosed older home in the country.  Since we weren't getting married until March 2005 we had time to remodel the home during those months and that is what we did. Devoted all free time to that so we could spend our first night there the night of our wedding! It all came together. We have resided here for almost 9yrs and have been given the opportunity to expand our home.  As we had done when I became pregnant with our little boy 4yrs ago, we searched for a home In Desoto Co. No luck on "the one" or the right price for us. So we stayed still and waited. Last fall,  we began looking again for homes or land on the question "could we build?" Lots of prayer and asking God to show us what to do especially since school age was approaching for Aiden in a few years. God made a  way and paved the steps so we followed and He led us to a neighborhood that we really like and an open lot  which we were able to purchase quickly and began the building planning process! We signed on it March 2013 around our anniversary (how cool). I know, you're thinking STRESS and DECISIONS! lol You're right but we decided that remodeling our first home in the midst of Chris having a full time career job and playing competative softball and Me full time in college, part time working, and planning a wedding at the time and making it through that we should be okay this time! Yes, we're busy now, too,  but we are also closer in our relationship and are giving God the glory for this new journey in our lives. I pray we make it through with less stress and better compromise than before. lol 

Here are some pictures of the process so far... God is good.

The day we signed for our lot

 Love this kid. He's excited about "upstairs"

Cutting grass for the first time!

September... we have flags and markings for floor plan!

 September 23rd 2013 - We broke ground

 

 Later that day... its finished :)

 

More to come!!!

Spring Cleaning!!

Spring is upon us... about two weeks away to be exact. Don't forget spring forward is this weekend too! Longer days, fresher air, more options to go and do (especially free things like parks, pool, backyard play, etc). I love it! 

Seems like everyone gets "spring fever" to clean come March. We clean the house, windows, closets, flower beds, etc. but do we ever try to clean up our insides? Why not take the time to look at our hearts and clean them up too! More Bible study, fellowship with Christian people, prayer time, positive mind set, witnessing, doing more mission work and less self absorbed things, donating time and money to causes that will make a difference in our fallen world. You never know what you may find that you've looked over a million times before! I think of this song when I talk about all this... 

*Matthew West - My Own Little World*

  Although its not easy and often hard to find but we are called to give our time, our strengths, our  shoulders to lean on,  show compassion/love/understanding, be a light for God in darkness, our testimony to those who could use encouragement, our talents, our money...  Can we do that with out expecting anything in return? For the glory of God? 

I am guilty of focusing on me and my family but God has also been working on my heart for a while to bring me out of my comfort zone. That really happened when we lost Gracen in 2011 and I am so thankful I listened to His calling for me to share my story and give others hope in the same situation. Just through this experience God has showed me so much. So much about reaching out to others, leaning on His word, and deepening my faith! My eyes are open to so much more. Through Bible study, devotions, and just praying for God to open my eyes its totally transformed me here. Its not easy all the time and life always seems to trap you into your own bubble again and again but God has bigger plans for all of us and if we let Him he can help us live out that plan!

 Just ask yourself this:  Are you doing the same in public as you are at home behind closed doors?  (Matthew 6:5-7 ) 

Spring clean your home and your heart!! 

Psalm 51:10

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me."

Heart Talk

If you need more 'heart talk' with God then start today!! When your mind starts wandering, you stress, someone hurts you, you sin, etc just turn to prayer and ask God to help you overcome the situation/mood you're in!! He can do it! Sometimes He grows us by letting us stay in the situation/circumstance/mood we're in at the time to make us lean on Him MORE and submit to His Will. Its not always easy or immediate but that is the point. To depend fully on Him and trust HIS WILL. Every day we can learn something... something more about ourselves, our God, or our purpose for life! If you have a heart for God then you have a heart to pray, disciple, fellowship, worship, and dig into His Word more and more. Don't let time stop you, don't let a circumstance stop you. God says we need to make time for Him first, all else can wait, and He will make things  fall into place.  I have a hard time not stressing over things. Its how I was wired so I have to be diligent in prayer in that area! Something I have to work on... daily!

I have made four trips to the Christian stores in the past month. It really helps to just walk through the aisles looking at books and trust me one or some will just pop out at you! Pick it up, ask yourself is God trying to tell me something by this, and then buy it! Don't just stop there,  make a point to read it. My family, and I have spent hours in Lifeway this month, it seems, and we all find stuff that catches our attention. A always pulls a book or video off the shelf and of course looks at the Boz series and Veggie Tales stuff!! He got a handful of new books our last two trips and I am so grateful he wants to read them and learn more about Jesus at this early age. I pray we can saturate him in the Word and love of Christ so that when the world gets a hold of him (at school, public sports, etc) he will stand for GOD every time! We picked up a bunch of material ourselves and have made a pact to make time during the week to sit and do our individual devotions while listening to Christian music at night before bed instead of just watching tv. Its been great! God is really speaking to ME through those books. Lifeway was having a sale so we stocked up and I am anxious to get to the others but for now I am focusing on what He has to say through these! Here are the two I am starting with (on the left),  Unglued is my next read.

Joshua 24:15