A Life of Gratitude

Last May I finally told a secret I had been hiding for 17 years. It was so scary but I knew God wanted for me to open up about my secret, so that I could finally live in the freedom and forgiveness He has given me. Transparency isn't easy but is what our world needs more of.  Since I shared my story, I have felt like a different person. I no longer walk in shame and guilt. I no longer worry what other folks think of me and I can almost FEEL God smiling down on me. I know He is pleased with my obedience and that feels incredible! I was recently asked to share my story on Tales of the Revolution , a podcast by Jason Vreeke. I'll be honest, I was nervous and even now, hearing my voice say the words out loud, is difficult for me but, I am  honored to have had the opportunity to share my story and my prayer is that God will use it in a HUGE way! Click here to HEAR my story Today I am grateful for all that God has already done through my story and all that He will contin

I know I've probably watched the Presidential Inauguration before but I don't think I've ever actually sat and watched intently, like I did today. I'll be honest, I was blown away by the honor my God received during the ceremonies today! I just didn't know there would be so much prayer, reading of scripture, and acknowledgement of God!  It was amazing to see the leaders of our nation standing at the Capitol building, in our nation's capitol, seeking God and asking for His favor! We live in such a torn time. There are so many folks that believe we shouldn't say God's name in political forums or have the 10 commandments written on courtroom walls or even allow students to pray in school buildings. But hearing men and women pray for our new President and asking God to bless our country, somehow that hasn't been erased. Interesting isn't it? The Inauguration has occurred this way sine 1789. It gives such insight to the way our forefathers depend

I can hardly believe I'm saying this but, I'm half way done with this pregnancy!!! I am 20 weeks today! My babies don't usually stay put until week 40 so I may be even closer than half way! I asked Bryan to take the picture above earlier today so I could put it in Allison's baby book. While he was taking it I said,  "Can you see the belly? Can you tell?"  Hahahaha, uuuuummmmmm, YES! You can tell! Geez, I'm going to be the size of a house by the end of this pregnancy! It seems like only a couple of weeks since I found out we would be having a fourth child! Its hard to believe we're halfway done, even though some days have been really long and hard. Baby Girl is the length of a banana now! She weighs nearly a pound and is growing like crazy! She wiggles a lot and her kicks are getting stronger. Her brothers are getting sooooo excited to meet her. Her room is getting painted pink tomorrow, which is super exciting, too! Today I am

 Today we got to see our baby GIRL!!! Isn't she beautiful!? Seeing her wiggling around on the ultrasound made me so excited!!!! It's really starting to sink in that we're having a daughter! And the best part, she looks perfectly healthy according to the ultrasound technician and the doctor! Bryan and the boys got to come in the room with me and watch as the technician showed us her profile, her spine, her legs and hands, her most important...the girl parts, that show "without doubt" that she is a girl! The boys were seriously filled with joy as they watched her move around! The technician even showed her in 4-D so it was easier for the boys to make out her facial features. Can you believe she yawned? It was incredible! Apparently, those three white lines are proof that we won't get another surprise at the hospital! This is a 4-D picture. She has her hands balled up, rubbing her face. How precious is she? This picture shows each leg. Her foot

Today is my Hubby's 36th birthday! It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating his 16th birthday! It's crazy how fast time flies when you're having fun! We had a nice day together, although it wasn't the day we had planned originally. The 9 inches of snow messed our plans up a bit. But, I think he still had a pretty nice day! The boys had so much fun playing in the snow! They kept saying this must be Daddy's best birthday ever because of the snow! This was Bryan's favorite Birthday gift!. We got him a virtual reality headset. It really is amazing!  We all  enjoyed his new "toy" all evening! Today I am thankful for my husband, Bryan. We've had some ups and downs over the years but there is NO ONE else I'd rather grow old with. Bryan is such a wonderful father, a loving husband, a hard worker, a strong believer in Jesus Christ, and he makes me smile every day! I am grateful that God put us together, to go through this cr

Do you ever have flashbacks from your childhood, teenage years, college years, or even yesterday? Do these flashbacks ever make you cringe? Do you ever feel embarrassed or ashamed of the things you've done or said in the past? I don't think its just me, is it?  Seriously, sometimes a memory from my college years will pop in my mind and I immediately feel mortified. Or something I said to someone as a teenager will come to mind and I'm suddenly ridden with guilt. I'll think about how I stuck my foot in my mouth or how ridiculous something I did was and I want to run and hide.  When I have those shaming memories, I have to remind myself that I no longer live in those moments. I know Satan is trying to find anything he can to drown me in guilt and shame. Little does he know....I'm not bound to those chains any longer.  I love these lyrics from Danny Gokey's song "Let Your Heart Beat Again" Let every heartbreak, and every scar be a pic

Each new year I like to start off with a new Bible Study. My friend, Valerie, gave me this new study by Amy Terry called #Refocused. So far, I'm loving it! It's simple, but very thought provoking AND there is coloring! I love to color but never find time so I really like being able to include this in my quiet time.  Yesterday we were reminded that we are each designed perfectly by our Creator. Not only did He create us, He is happy with His creation! Even on the days when we don't feel good about ourselves or we blow it big time, God is still happy with His creation. He designed us with a purpose, to pour His love into others. He also equips us to fulfill that purpose. Our beauty doesn't come from our appearance, it comes from living out our purpose in the Father's hands.  "We are the clay and You are our Potter. We are the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8 Today I am thankful for this truth. I needed this reminder! I am the work of my Fat