A Life of Gratitude

 Just 9 days ago I signed a lease on a little space only block diagonally from the Planned Parenthood in Winston-Salem. That same evening I began asking for friends and family to donate furniture and other needed items. The next day donations started rolling in. I've been organizing and decorating and preparing the space for the past several days. We're still waiting on a TV for the kid's area and I need to install the changing table as well as put a storage cabinet together but other than those things, the place is completely ready. I cannot even explain how pleased I am with the office! Everything looks perfect! It's hard to believe everything (except the memorial) was donated! I feel like I'm currently living out Psalm 23:5 which says, " You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings."  Entry way Entry Way Bay Window Brand new couch! A cu

The past five days have been absolutely amazing! After 4 months of searching for a building for Not Forgotten Ministries to be housed, I found the perfect little spot only a block away from the Planned Parenthood in Winston Salem. I signed the lease last Wednesday! I let friends and family know that we hoped to completely furnish our new location with donated items. Less than a week later, we only need a few more things and the space will be completely furnished and we haven't spent a dime!  The key to Not Forgotten Ministries' new office! Our beautiful entry way of all donated items. As I've cleaned, arranged, organized, and decorated, I've been in awe of God and His provision! Our space is not only furnished, its beautiful! I am so thrilled with everything! And amazed by the timing too! Since March I have been on a crazy journey. God has been leading and I have been following. I know  many of my friends and family do not truly understand. I have walke

Last week, I drove 20 miles each way, twice a day, to take Evan to summer camp. Every morning and afternoon, as I drove down the interstate, I saw this random street sign. It is placed near the edge of large piece of land. There are no roads going through that land. There are also no roads across the highway either. Just grass, bushes, and a little for sale sign. Interesting, huh? A street sign in an area that has no roads.  I was perplexed by this sign every time I saw it. I kept wondering why the sign was there. The first few times I drove by, I didn't even notice the word on the sign. After a couple of trips back and forth, I realized it said, "Worship." I found myself wondering what I could learn from that fascinating sign. During one of my trips to and from camp, God revealed something that spoke to my heart. Just as the "Worship" sign is right in the middle grassy area with no roads, we need to worship right in the middle of our mess. When t

Tonight was Family Movie Night! We put away the phones, tablets, and video games to just be together and watch a WonderPark. It was a really cute movie. The kids loved it.  We really do have more than one couch but sometimes we find ourselves all squished on the same one! As you can see by these photos, Allison didn't sit still. She ended up in everyone's lap, eating popcorn out of everyone's bowl.  Today I am grateful for time together as a family. Even if it is just watching a movie together while  and chasing after the 2 year old so she doesn't spill the popcorn all over the house. Being with these sweet people God has blessed me with is my favorite thing to do! 

It is becoming abundantly clear to me how true the Bible is when it says, " For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,  but against the rulers, against the authorities,  against the powers  of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12. As our kids grow up, Bryan and I want to teach them how to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. As we are teaching the kids, we're also learning ourselves. Honestly, its pretty awkward to learn this as an adult. I've never really thought much about spiritual warfare or how to protect myself from the enemy. It's odd now, to start thinking this way. I love watching my kids learn how to fight this way-- from victory! How awesome will it be for this to become fundamental for them as they grow!? So, on this very rainy afternoon, my family made the armor of God! This is right up their alley anyway but they seriously loved doing this activity. I wasn'

This year we hosted our fifth annual  4th of July cook-out. We always have a lot of fun eating, chatting, and watching fireworks. This year some of the kids also went fishing in our pond. We had a great time with friends and family, celebrating the birthday of our country! Today I am grateful for fun times with family and friends! Our yearly 4th of July party is something I always look forward to. This year's party was the best yet! I am also thankful for this wonderful country we call home. It's definitely worth celebrating!