Build Their Daddy UP

The old familiar quote-

"I thought I loved you, until I saw you love our children" comes to mind.

Images of wrestling on the floor, chasing little bare feet down the hall, and cuddling chunky toddlers when they fall and cry...flash through my head. 

They are only toddlers.

But they honestly have the best Daddy in the world.

Yesterday was just one of those days. Exhausted doesn't even begin to describe it. You know...the day where you work through your lunch and forget you are supposed to eat? One of those. We come home to a messy house, dishes, stinky laundry, and no dinner.  Kids screaming and whining as he walks through the door. And me...looking (and feeling) like I've been hit by a Mack truck.  His smile lights up the room. "How can I help?" He scoops up the kids, tickles them with his beard, and carries them each under his arms outside.  I stand in the, now so quiet, kitchen and think to myself- wow. Such a selfless man he is right now. In the window I see them walking to the garden, Emma's mouth moving a hundred miles an hour telling him about her day. And he's listening to every word.  Luke- listening and toddling to keep up.

We all want our children to have amazing fathers, right?

What if I told you, it's easier than you think?

When I encourage Garrett, its like turning on a light switch. Motivation, eagerness, and spunk fills his eyes. Everything I desire to see in him takes place. And when I'm down, he will then have the strength to pull me through as well.

How can someone as little as me have this profound of an impact?

Because God designed it that way.

"...it is not good for man to live alone..."
Notice he is talking about the man. Women, our men NEED us. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. They need the companionship and the attention. Whether they ask for it (most won't) or not!

I know what you are thinking...because I have thought it, and still think it often: "Im tired, I dont want to be *needed* anymore, the man is supposed to seek ME out all the time." And I get it, its hard! Some of us give and take more than others.  Recently, I came to the revelation that those excuses above are lies. The devil's lies. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  How do you think he will do this best?

You got it- slowly break up a strong marriage.  Satan HATES the family unit. Because it is the best representation of God's everlasting love. So tiny little lies...they can sneak in and before you know it, you believe them as truth.

Instead, God's word tells us to live selfless. Not for self. Meaning, not what you *want* in life.  But that is opposite of what the world says.  The world says life is about what you want and how you feel.  Again, lies.  Marriage is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have. But God tells us not to give up. To push forth with effort even when we feel like there isn't any. 

Garrett and I have been together for 10 years, and just now dedicated ourselves to nightly devotion time together. In front of the Word. Uninterrupted by children, chores, dogs, feeling crummy, etc. Just us. And oh my goodness, what a positive impact it is. If I can encourage ONE mom with this, it will be worth it- dedicate time to your marriage. 

It is in need.
And it deserves it!

Xoxo,

Kay

Greek Lemon Soup

Want a spring soup that makes you feel like melting into your chair with crisp lemon flavors...

Greek Lemon Soup

8 c chicken broth
1/2 c chopped carrots
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c chopped celery
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 c fresh lemon juice
6tbs chicken soup base (unless you use homemade stock)
1/4  c flour
2 chicken breast diced
1 c cooked rice
1/4 c butter
8 egg yolk

-In large pot, melt butter
-saute carrots, onions, celery
-add flour, stir until tinted
-add chicken broth & whisk to remove lumps
-bring to boil, simmer 15 min.
-beat yolks until light in color
-gradually add yolks to soup, whisk
-add chicken, rice, lemon
-salt & pepper to taste! :)

Serves our family of 4. Enjoy!!!

He knows my name.

How well can you describe your spouse?
How well can you describe your children?

Hopefully pretty well.  Right? I mean you at least know their name...the sound of their voice...

Well... how well can  you describe your creator? How WELL do you know Him?

Music speaks to the innermost part of my soul.  For Christmas, Garrett got me the best present in the world.  A radio for my kitchen. It picks up everything in the surrounding counties...and I love it. Its not new news to anyone that I spend...oh...probably 90% of my day in the kitchen.  When one child is fed, the other is hungry.  Dishes need washed, groceries put away, and then the next meal planned.  Thus is the cycle of a Mommy.  Or I should say, a home-maker.  I cannot tell you how many times I turn the radio up to where the walls are almost shaking.  Sometimes a song will just "get me" as I call it.  And my soul wants to join every note in complete unison.  The words, the beat in the music, everything.  And sometimes it could have been a song that I heard 201 times before and it just didn't click until that moment.   In the rush of life you don't always have quiet alone time with God like YOU would imagine it'd be.  My prayer each week is, Holy Spirit, talk to me and I want to listen.  God please show yourself to me in the most simple of ways.  And lately it has been through music, because honestly I haven't had enough time in front of the Word.  But I get it through the pastors on the radio and through music.

Today, the song "He Knows My Name" by Francesca Battistelli came on.

How many times have I heard it? Probably 202. And this time- it was the FIRST time I heard it.

Listen to the words-

"I wouldn't choose me first if
I was looking for a champion
In fact I'd understand if
You picked everyone before me
But that's just not my story

True to who You are
You saw my heart
And made something out of nothing, so

I don't need my name in lights
I'm famous in my Father's eyes
Make no mistake
He knows my name
I'm not living for applause 
I'm already so adored
It's all His stage
He knows my name
He knows my name 

I'm not meant to just stay quiet
I'm meant to be a lion
I'll roar beyond a song
With every moment that I've got

True to who You are
You saw my heart 
And made something out of nothing

 

How many times do you feel like a roaring lion ready to "roar beyond the song with every moment that you've got"?  

So...today....I'm going to roar.  

Do you KNOW Him? 

Can you describe Him, His voice, and His nature? 

Just like you can your family? 

And how much do you listen to the truth and know without a shadow of a doubt that it was truth? 

If you don't, ask for it! 

God made us something out of nothing. Who's to say that he can't use US to do that with everyone in the world? HE CAN! 

Even our worst enemy, killers, sex offenders, nasty politicians...he can do it with anyone.  He IS.  And he DID in the Bible time and time again.  The entire Bible is full of flawed men and women, those were the people Jesus was drawn to.  It wasn't the people who thought they were perfect and looked down on others- it was the rude, the sick, the adulterers, etc.  Complete hope for the hopeless.  That hope should radiate out of us like beams of light blinding everyone in our path.  If we all took a long thought about that, our outlook on other people would change from judging THEM to judging the unrighteousness...which in turn causes compassion.  We will instantly want them to have the truth that we do.  And how contagious that compassion is...in its rawest form.  It roars within you like a lion ready to escape! 

He knows my name, do you know His? 

 

Blessings, 

Kay

Isaiah 55:11

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent." 

Just Breathe

Sometimes you just hit a breaking point.

And you need-to-breathe.

Ever felt that way?

Last weekend I did.  I felt like I finally hit the point to where I said, "Enough feeling overwhelmed."

God did not create, in mothers, a spirit of anxiety, or a spirit of feeling overwhelmed.  We are intended to nurture, grow, cultivate, educate, and mentor ALL day long!  Whether that is from your phone at work, or at home.  You make it what you need to.

Ran across the "Hands Free Mama" today and heard her speak a bit on air.  She talked about the same things.  Her breaking point that led her to discover the hands free approach and her advice to moms caught in the rut.  What do you do when you feel so completely overwhelmed.  Her answer was that if you feel that way, then you start small.  And you start with your alone time.  Alone time needs to be based off your family and your needs  Some people would be in the morning before anyone wakes up.  Others in the afternoon after dropping off kids to school.  And maybe even at night when the house is lulled and everyone is asleep.

Unplug from technology, grab a book or your Bible and have alone time.
Alone time to dwell, reflect, and prepare.

So this week, I am going to post one post per day of a way to not feel overwhelmed.  Not because I've got it all figured out because I DON'T.  But because we are here to encourage each other to simply live.  Live with purpose and desire.  And if we aren't doing that, then something needs to change.

Proverbs 12:25 "Anxiety in a mans heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad."

Lets make each other glad today.  Share this post or post your own stress-relieving HANDS-FREE approach!

Blessings,

Kay

What I Deserve.

What do we deserve?

The world in us wants to say -everything-.

"Our kids deserve the best"
"They deserve not to have hard trials"
"They deserve peace and happiness." ...

I've heard it far too often. And many times I've seen it consume people like a disease.

Does God want greatness for us?
Yes.
At what cost?
Laying it ALL down for Him.

That means that one of our main goals in parenting must be both to show and teach humility. (Those two must go hand in hand- teach and show)

Please stop using the phrase "Oh hunny, you deserve it." or "Our kids deserve the best". Lose the mindset that what you are trying to do for them must be perfection.  Instead teach them the gospel- you don't *deserve* anything. But your loving and caring God sent Christ just for you, even though you dont deserve him. 

People are not perfect.
Show God's grace to those imperfect people.
That imperfect workplace.
Their imperfect school.
An imperfect waitress who got your order wrong.
An imperfect pastor
Whoever you meet.
Show God's mercy and grace.

It doesn't mean you settle for less.
It means your own humility will promote HIS best and not your own idea of *best*

And honestly, it might mean that at sometimes we aren't happy. Not one place in the Bible does it say that God's number one goal is for us to be comfortable and happy. If I'm not joyful, there's something I need to address in my own thinking...not in someone elses actions or in God's actions. ((Humility))

:)

Take these lyrics today.
If its a hard day, sing them aloud.
I did yesterday.  **Phill. 2:3**

For King and Country "Crave"

Hope sleeps without me
Her sweet dreams surround me,
But I'm left out
I'll need a fix now
To believe, to feel

These rooms are dark now
These halls are hollow,
And so am I
She is hard to find now
To believe, to see

Hope is what we crave,
And that will never change
So I stand and wait
I need a drop of grace
To carry me today,
A simple song to say
It's written on my soul:
Hope's what we crave

I won't turn to dust now
Let these tears rust now
On my face
Give me the spark now
To believe, to see

Hope is what we crave,
And that will never change
So I stand and wait
I need a drop of grace
To carry me today,
A simple song to say
It's written on my soul:
Hope's what we crave

[2x]
To live, to die,
To lose, to care,
To rise above
To love again

To love again

Hope is what we crave,
And that will never change
So I stand and wait
I need a drop of grace
To carry me today,
A simple song to say
Hope is what we crave
I need a drop of grace
It's written on my soul:
Hope's what we crave

It's written on my soul:
Hope's what we crave

Hope's what we crave

Hope's what I crave

Stretched THIN.

Im sure you've heard or said that phrase- "they are just stretched thin" or "I can't. ..I'm stretched thin."

When you stretch something thin,
what happens?

Whatever you are stretching starts to become unreliable.
It gets holes, it tears, it unravels. 

People are the same way. And God did not design us to purposely stretch thin. He designed us in His image, to dwell in His peace, and REST. Nowhere in the Bible does it say, "Work to the point of frustration.  Giving Me no time of day, taking matters into your own hands." It is the complete opposite!

Lately, I've really dwelled on the phrase "Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy." It struck me one Sunday when I looked at what we were doing and wondered how it fit into this command.  Then ironically a friend posted that SAME question on Facebook.  I call it a reminder, not coincidence.

God is so methodical. He is all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful.  And he designed commands for us. Truthfully, if I had designed commandments for the human race.....it'd be a massive book. But Him-ten. Just ten! And in the midst of those ten commands is to remember one day, snd to dwell on Him. Its in there guys!!! God sees rest as SO important that he put it in the 10 guidelines to human life. How to put Him first. One thing is- - - REST.

I look around me all the time and notice people stretched thin, myself included. People who had great intentions, but have become consumed with the -work- rather than the -reason-.  People who think that we must do everything to be *happy* or fufilled.  If we are working, and do-ing for God...then it should always bring a smile to our face. Right? Even if no one acknowledges what we are doing?

I myself am SO guilty. We all are. But we should constantly be coming back to His presence for rest.

Do your very best.
He will take care of the rest.

...but in order for Him to help with the rest...you have to have a relationship with Him.

Do you?
Are you?

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." MATTHEW 11:28

Be a blessing,

Kay

Not a bad thing.

What is your initial reaction when something bad happens?

I'm sure if you're like me, you *first* say, "That's awful!"

Or if its something bad that has happened in our country you join in the chant
"we are going to hell in a handbaslet, I cant believe how awful our country is?!"

I realized recently that it is unBiblical, or more importantly unChristlike, to say these things.

Instead of looking at it as a *bad thing* like I described above, look at it like this-

God is bringing wickedness to LIGHT.
Its all coming out.
And that can be a great thing!!!

Think of all of the *bad* that is coming to light right now, that has relatively stayed hidden.

-Planned Parenthood Abortions
-Funding terrorist actions
-Poor American Leadership
-Increased Homosexuality
-Satanic worship
-Ashley Madison ...or whatever that site is called.
-Kanye naming his future child God West??

People can see this as bad.
That reveals truth.
The truth between good-and-evil.
Because WE know that there is such a thing
People can see this an be saved!
Saved from lives of torture and no hope.

We should ooze Jesus Christ in all that we do.  It should be our first and greatest desire.  Do I struggle with this? YES! Absolutely.  But I won't stop the fight to keep showing his mercy, love, and grace to everyone I meet.  I will take each reaction, each struggle, each trial through the lens of Christ.  And if I don't...point it out to me.  If you know me personally and see me on a daily basis- call me out on it!  It doesn't mean that I'll react perfect, or that you will.  But I can guarantee you, in the end, we will be different than this world.

Thats what my hope stands on.
This country is not my future
But I can help change the future of this country. :)




God, thank you.
Thank you for being greater
And living in us.
Thank he who is in the world.
Whatever may come,
Your strength is enough
Thank you for making our heart at peace.
Amist strife and evil.
Here in Your arms, we know who we are.

We repent for our nation that we live in.
And the nation that we know does not follow you.
We beg your mercy upon us and upon our leaders.
Thank you for Jesus
And for life. <3

Amen.

-Kay

America: That was then. This is NOW.

I heard a song this morning while I was watering flowers that stopped me in my tracks. Its by Josh Wilson and its called "That was then, this is now."

I'm sure this song is written from the perspective of
*to a person*
but I want you to take a moment and imagine this song being sung
*to ALL Christian Americans.*

As soon as I heard it, God told me- "Dont give up hope. You are not Sodom and Gomorrah.  (I was in the past guilty of calling us this) I'm about to release my power across America so that the world can see what you really are. They will see what is being hidden in America. The real gold." I heard it clear as day from Him.

You see Americans, He is prepping us for a massive victory.  Hearts are stirring. And its our job to help -equip those hearts to impact the world- *yep my NHCS peeps will like that. (Its our school mission)

So read this song,
let it digest
Pray that God would use you
EVERY DAY
-because HE can-
That He would equip you with peace
That radiates from you
So that others
desire what you have.

And I challenge you,
Share this post.
Share it so that more people can read this truth and get
..READY.
:) -kay

"We used to hide from the light
We made friends with the night
We were headed the wrong way on a one way track
Going nowhere fast

We got used to the dark
We thought this is who we are
And we figured that we were just too far gone
But we were wrong

‘Cause love came running like a river
And we got washed in the water
Then He said you're forgiven
Your sins are gone

That was then, this is now
You’re bought by the blood, saved by the Son the saints all sing about
That was lost, this is found
And it’s time to say goodbye to the old you now

So go ahead, put the past in the past
Box it up like an old photograph
You don’t have to go back
‘Cause that was then and this is now

We've been remade by grace
We've all got new names
And nothing we do could ever change
What He did that day

When love came running like a river
And we got washed in the water
Then He said you’re forgiven
And you belong

That was then, this is now
You’re bought by the blood, saved by the Son the saints all sing about
That was lost, this is found
And it’s time to say goodbye to the old you now

So go ahead, put the past in the past
Box it up like an old photograph
You don’t have to go back
‘Cause that was then

If we turn and confess every unrighteousness
He is faithful and just to forgive
Oh, so turn and confess every wrong and regret
And see what it means to live

That was then, this is now
You’re bought by the blood, saved by the Son the saints all sing about
That was lost, this is found
And it’s time to say goodbye to the old you now

So go ahead, put the past in the past
Box it up like an old photograph
You don’t have to go back
‘Cause that was then and this is now

So go ahead, put the past in the past
Box it up like an old photograph
You don’t have to go back
‘Cause that was then and this is now"

Move the mountain...okay no prob!

(John 14:12) "Truly I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do. And greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."

Did I read that right?
Jesus said and you will do greater things than I...

Pretty hard to digest huh?

I *Katie* could more than Jesus?
Whaat??
No really, just think about it in a non prideful way-
He means that each of us who have accepted Him, carry Him with us. Its God's will for people to be saved, and for people to be healed so that they can see Him work. We are the messengers!

Now, before you think "Eh, I dont have the faith for that. I know people can heal in Jesus name, but thats not me."

It is.

There are so many promises and provisions that we can unlock by -just- believing, and stating them! Now, how can you state them, and claim what God has given you if you dont know them? Answer is- you cant. You have to dive into His word.

Even if its boring.
Even if you dont think youre absorbing it.

Scripture says that the Word will cleanse you. It will heal you. Of all unrighteousness.  (see the picture of my Bible notes from Psalm 119- our clues from David about the Word.)

So have you sat down to read today?
Have you given yourself spiritual food for the great fight?

If not, do it! You wont regret it one bit!

"We have hope
That His promises are true
In His strength
there is nothing we (*HE*) cant do.

The same power
That rose Jesus from the grave
The same power
That commands the dead to wake
The same power
That moves mountain when He speaks
The same power
That calms the raging seas
Lives in us.
Lives in US."

Blessings!

-Kay

The Parenting Manifesto

We are THAT family.
We always were THAT family.

Limited television,  a bell to call you in for dinner-(you better not let it ring twice), saying sorry because its important,  no cussing, no nasty jokes, rarely going to amusement parks or sleep away camps, family was your rock.

Man..now...am I glad it happened that way.

The image still as fresh as yesterday-

A clunky dodge caravan puttering down the road. The fake "wood siding" on it peeled off and flapping in the wind like a windsock. I hunch down as we turn into the parking lot. Brakes squeeking and the motor sounds like a cat -literally- was dying inside it.
There they were..
all of my friends standing in the parking lot waiting. "Ugh, why didn't they go inside??" I thought to myself. I get out with the understanding that I could turn completely invisible if I didn't say a word. Mama yells, "Bye!!!! Have a good day!!!" In her holey Atlanta Braves tshirt. "Welp. There it went" I thought, they've definitely noticed me now, and probably think Im from a trailer park in West Virginia.

Little did I know- they could have cared less.
Little did I know- that part didn't matter to them.
Little did I know- my mom could have driven a corvette *easily* on the amount of money it took to send me to North Hills for 6 years.
Little did I know- my caring about what others thought, wasn't how I was raised. And it shouldnt have been my main concern.
But that's just it- little did I know.

Then flash forward 15 years and I'm the parent.
I'm the one making lasting decisions for, not only one, but two human beings. The level of wisdom (or what you hope is wisdom) rises. It breaks way to an inner beast in you to do what is right above all else. It's now that I realize what a sacrifice private Christian School was for my parents, and I value it like a treasure. They valued the fact that Christ could be the center of my education, and His name was freely spoken.

Recently our church started -July Family Nights- and adults have a choice in a few classes to take. Our choice was the "Culturing your children in faith" class. Its nice, for once, to sit on the other side of the teacher and learn. But it has sparked an interest in my heart to encourage other parents as well. This morning I ran across the Christian Parent Manifesto that a lady created for in her house- its great. Click the link to read her article-

http://wearethatfamily.com/2015/07/the-christian-parent-manifesto/

I'll be posting a recap of our parenting class each week this month, feel free to read it and absorb what God tells us about parenting!

-Kay

Ugh. It's a battle.

Its been a battle.

A battle to have joy..
a battle to be encouraged...
a battle to look forward to the years to come.

But- "The battle is the Lord's" not mine. Whew! Thank goodness, because these days I can't do it alone.

Those have been some of my feelings lately, and for my Christian friends- I'm sure you've felt it too. Now, Im not sure if "the end is near" but man, it definitely seems like things can't get much worse in our world. Millions of sweet babies killed, pridefully endorsing sin, and a government that hasn't the slightest clue on how to function....

Seems a lot like the Israelites doesn't it? They lived in some of the hardest times, and sometimes strayed away from God.

But they always came back,
and he always forgave.
Not because He had to.
Because He wanted to.

So when you feel like there is no hope for the US, there is- its Christ's love.
(Not the worldly definition of Christ's love...the I-know-Him-and-talk-with-Him-love-is-felt-in-the-heart kind of love)
And that should make us keep pressing on more than anything.  :)

Later I'm going to post a parenting post that Ive been working on. Be sure to check it out!

-Kay

Diary of a toddler.

I've been thinking for a while about how to write even just a FEW of the funny things that I deal with on a daily basis, and I just HAVE to share.

Any of you with toddlers currently, or Mommies who remember these days all too well...you will definitely relate.

Let me just say-
....this-is-my-life-with-Princess-Emma.

"Mommy, why are you spraying that smelly stuff on the window.  You're wiping it!  My hand art is beautiful.  When you turn around I will make it again on the window and the oven...and maybe the dishwasher too.  There. Perfect."


"Where are we? 

What is this stuff on the ground.  

It looks like cookie crumbs everywhere!  

You put me in this tight outfit 

...with no sleeves or pants.  

And a weird diaper.  

And rubbed white stuff all over my body. 

Its sticky, and smelly.  

The sun is bright, and I cannot see right!  

OH MY WORD...WHY did you bring me here, 

I do not like walking on these cookie crumbs.

  EWWW!!! 

**Screams bloody murder** 

That is a giant bath tub 

that splashes over there.  

I mean a GIANT bath tub.  

You know I don't like being splashed at all.  

Or do you know me at all?? 

Because if you did, you would not bring your princess here! 

DADDY, hold me!!!!"

(But in Emma language she simply screamed and said- "no beach.")

Emma's new interpretation of the word fork. You can imagine.  

She says it *clear as day* f*ck.  

There is NO changing it, 

no matter how many times we say, yes FORK! :) 

Sweet little innocent Emma has to name everyone's forks at the table.  

Our dinner conversation usually starts off: 

Emma: "Mommy's f*ck, Daddy's f*ck, Emmees f*ck.....Mommy an Daddy's f*ck"
...to which Garrett chuckles and says- "Yep, you're right!!" ;)




*My favorite*-

Mommy: "Emma, I'm going to teach you a very important song that is about America.  Its about the flag.  Here- you can hold a flag and wave it while we sing- 'You're a grand ole flag, you're a high flying flag....can you wave your flag and sing with me?"

Emma: (waves flag and sings in proudest voice) "Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity doggggggg"

Mommy: "Seriously??"

Summer "cuteness"

Wow, its been forever since I've written. Well...not that I have ANYTHING cute and tiny taking up every moment of my time...right? ;)

Life has been beautiful and crazy lately. But I wanted to share a few inspirations in decor and simplifying life-

1. Michaels and Goodwill (preferrably the one in Cornelius) are your best friend if you need to decorate. Here are my latest decor projects.

2. You can totally root late tomato plants from the "suckers" that you pull off of your summer ones. These little guys started at about an inch tall. Look at them now. The planter cups work great, and I just keep them in these little vintage desert cups to keep water around it. I will plant them in about 3 weeks. :)

3. Capsule closet- yes I did it!!! WITH two babies "helping" me. My capsule is not as small as the bloggers that inspired me. But I do have a dress capsule, work capsule, and each season capsule. Love the simplicity compared to chaos in my closet before. I also hung up all of my purses and bags so that I could see and use them. Instead of just letting them sit in a bin! 

4. Read the "she reads truth" app. Its a must! Its just enough in the morning to fill me for a little while. Right now she is doing fruits of the spirit and its a great reminder for daily life, marriage and parenting! And it distracts you from the crazy, nasty, world we live in.

....ps- Anyone tired of hearing the words Bruce Jenner?? *raises hand* ME!!! Escape from it all. Dwell in the Word, turn off the news, and just sit outside and listen to Him.

Have a blessed day and be a blessing.

Kay

I'm More Than You Think I Am...

To say that this week has been a spiritual roller-coaster is saying it lightly.
I mean WOW.

Do you (the person who is reading this) realize that you are SO much more than the life that you live on this Earth?

All these years, I have lived a life full of grace and love.  A life with two parents who devoted their entire lives to serving a Lord that I KNEW existed.  I served Him too, but with devotion, worship, and motions.

- RELIGION.-

The difference between then and now is that NOW I SEE Him.  He is there.  Right behind us.  He has not abandoned His people!  He is our best friend.  And He longs for each and every one of our hearts.  Do you know Him? I mean, really know Him? Do you know Him so much to where you can't think of your life without Him in it, and cannot get your mind off of His purpose?

-RELATIONSHIP.-



Ponder on these words: Its from a song that I "sang" for so long now and did not "hear" what the words were screaming out to my soul.

"Rumor has it, there's a gavel in my hand
I'm only here to condem
Let me tell you secrets you have never known
I think of you as my best friend.

So much has been said
Even done in my name
But I'm showing you now
Who I really am."


Face it- a time is coming.  I know you can all feel it, soon there will be so much despair that people will have absolutely no hope except for Jesus Christ.  He WILL be the Savior and the saving grace we are all searching for.  It just so happens that I rediscovered the overwhelming love through dreams and now a mountain of revelations.  The same Spirit that is in me lives inside each and every person who has accepted Jesus for what He is.

John 8:36 "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed."

So get ready.  The floodgates are about to open. :)

-Kay

O For A Thousand Tongues

Lets see a show of hands for those who have "insomnia" ?!

Probably more of you than I think.
When I was pregnant I almost saw it as a curse...but it isnt. Its nighttime that I get my most intimate time with God. My awesome God whom I have the pleasure of serving wakes me up pretty often now.

Woke up with that oh familiar feeling. The feeling of the stomach bug...yes, again! This time there was no hesitating. I started praying... "Healed by the power of the blood of Jesus, I know He is going to cleanse my body of all unrighteousness.  He says in His word If the Son sets you free you are free indeed."....

After a half hour of praising Him for what He does, I hear a little voice. I go into Emmas room and her music was playing in her crib (a seahorse called SuSu that she can turn on) so I knew she was up. I go over to her crib and she says:

"Mama oh no."

I take this to mean shes feeling sick too. I said "here, Mommy pray." I held her little tiny hand and prayed for her. When I was finished she grabbed my hand again and said "pay mama" (pray)...oh what a joy to my heart!

Our kids are seeing it. They know how awesome our God is already at such an early age. If you haven't heard Emma say the blessing over food, you need to...she yells AMEN at the end for all to hear. 

When I got back in bed I turned on She Reads Truth and go to my saved hymns. Read O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing. It was perfect. For this moment. God taught me so much...that its not about "selling" Him to others. Its about living a life of praise that is so infectious that people cant help but to have the peace that I have.

A friend of mine posted on her wall yesterday a link to a story about a mans dream and what it meant after God revealed the meaning to him. Her quote at the top was "Thats my Jesus!"
...this is how we should be daily. SO proud of our God that we cant help but scream- Thats MY Jesus!!!

Have an awesome BLESSED morning yall. ;)

Google- She Reads Truth- Oh For A Thousand Tongues..now!

I can face tomorrow.

With two little babies and a part time job that I love, blogging has been put on the back burner.  So, here is an update.

-Baby Luke is doing amazing.  Seriously, the best baby. ever.  He sleeps 10 hours at night (though he squeaks in his sleep and keeps his Mommy from sleeping..) and can raise his head up while on his belly.

-Emma had her first cold of the winter season.  Other than that, she is a healthy, mouthy, independent little thing.  She amazes us at how much she learns each day.  Her favorite activity is going outside with her Daddy.

-Katie and Garrett (don't you love how I refer to us in the 3rd person) are taking dates every so often, but we are planning on taking more soon.  Life is definitely different with our sweet ones.  We are exhausted more than we are energized.  And our "efforts" to do P90x are limited..lol!



So much has been going on in my mind. More than I can type.  We are currently living in such a trying time in our world. Its Biblical, and inevitable.  But sometimes don't you just feel like the weight of the world is too much? Like you don't see the purpose in trying? I was thinking/talking to God today and He laid this song on my heart.  I bet I hadn't sung it in years and years, and instantly I'm remembering every tune.  It is not just a song, but a promise, a hope.  We do not have to fear death, we do not have to fear bringing children into this evil world.

Well, let me share with you the song-

Bill Gaither wrote this song.  We used to sing it at Enon Baptist a long time ago when we went there.  Its called "Because He lives."

God send His son, they call Him Jesus.
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died, to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know, He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold, a newborn baby
And feel the pride, and joy he gives
But greater still, the calm assurance (wow!)
This child CAN face uncertain days because He lives!

Because He lives, I CAN FACE TOMORROW!....


What a peaceful, assuring song.  This world is not our home, and we do not have to fear what is to come.  God wants us to be prepared and to stand firm on His righteousness, even in the midst of evil.  I think of the verse, "Train a child up in the way he shall go, and when he is older, he shall never depart from it." Prov. 22:6

I hope that you have a blessed day and that you know- because He lives, YOU can face tomorrow :)

Luke's birth story

Unplanned.

That word can mean so much.

Some people could take it negatively, but in Luke's life, unplanned has really meant God-planned. Luke was not planned by us. We now call him our little "annointed one" because his conception, pregnancy, and birth are all so wonderful.

In the world we live in, its so easy to get swept away in doing things by your own plan. In a Christians walk with the Lord, we learn that God wants us to let go of our will and follow His. After all, He is the beginning and the end. He HAS been there. He knows the suffering or pain we might go through. A week before delivery, my Mawmaw and I were eating lunch and she said that that week, while praying for Luke and others, she heard God say, "For my Glory." Neither of us knew what it meant...but we'd soon find out.

Luke's labor started around midnight. I kept having "braxton hicks" that wouldnt really go away. Theyd follow a type of pattern and then get totally off. False labor. Thats what I thought. Because I have these all the time! Until one of them hit me and made me grab the dresser. Hmm..maybe not. They still werent consistent at all... not that textbook labor. Well it was at 5am that I finally laid on my side and got some rest. I called and scheduled my dr appt for the day to be earlier so that I could find out if these easy contractions were leading to something. It was a great choice to do that because I was already a 4cm! The dr suggested to break my water since I was overdue. After looking at how low Luke's fluids might be low, we thought it was a good idea. I was so nervous because I did not want pitocin. So we went in with confidence in Gods promises to us (Psalm 91) that HE would deliver this baby...and Ohh did he. This was my chance to trust God with the water breaking to start real labor, and trust Him that His plan was greater than my own.

Water broke 12:30 pm.
Complete and ready to push at 2:30 pm. Could not ask for more of a blessing!

Each contraction that I had for those two hours was taken one by one. I remembered Matthew 6 that says, do not worry about tomorrow for today has enough trouble of its own. Well...each contraction had enough trouble, so why worry about the next one?

With Emmas birth, I never had that urge to push, but with Luke...he was coming whether anyone else liked it or not! Dr. Mills almost didnt make it in time. Luckily I had some rockin' nurses who could have totally handled it on their own. :)

Since the beginning of my pregnancy, I have called little Luke a child of peace. We all know that someone doesnt usually PLAN to have kids this close...so his pregnancy came as a surprise. No prior worrying needed!

The entire pregnancy: peaceful.

Hardly any complaints, no swelling, perfect check ups, only 20 lbs gained... it was peaceful. And his birth was nothing short of that- peaceful. Contractions were only 30-45 sec, and not very painful, and I pushed for 15 min. But this was not on my own. My mind was so submerged in Gods peace that nothing, at this point, could distract me. I literally felt him take away the pain!

Here is the amazing part- during one of my last pushes, I remember looking up and seeing at least 8 nurses and doctors standing around in the room. Silent. Before I went into labor I had a strong feeling that this time Id want to bring a playlist of songs with me. Im so glad we did. Garrett turned it on for us earlier and the songs were like comforting words to my ears. So during these last pushes the song "Breath of Heaven" was the one to play. I started crying in amazement and sang along through the last pushes. One nurse said, "Okay get ready to push" in which I responded, "No God is pushing, just let him handle this!"  They all fell quiet. See...they didnt know the peace that I felt inside, but this time, they could see the peace in me. Many of them were there for Emmas birth that was much different.

It was at that moment I heard,
"For my Glory."

If there's ever a moment where time stood still, it was right then for me. Proof of His existence in what Mawmaw had said last week. Proof thst He could give me what I longed for- a short, beautiful, natural birth.  But this was for His glory- to show everyone in that room how powerful and loving our God is. Through something as "everyday" as a birth at the hospital. But for them, I dont think this was an every day birth.

If you have never heard the song "Breath of Heaven" it is from Marys perspective. And I couldnt help but think...what did she feel on that night at Christmas?

"Breath of Heaven, hold me together...pour over me your holiness...breath of heaven."

I'll put my playlist in another post in case anyone needs it.  We named it "Peaceful Playlist" and these songs are so very special to my soul now. :)

Welcome to the world Luke Dean Campbell! God has such an amazing plan for your life...we cant wait to see what it is!

organized new year!

Well its officially the waiting game. Patience is a virtue, right? Those last weeks are always the hardest in pregnancy...you want the baby here, you don't want to go through labor, you want to have it over...AH the confusion.

So, to ease my mind...I'm thinking of how to organize the new year.

Who's with me?

In between working for North Hills Admissions, being a mama, and being a wife, I plan to do a few things differently this year.

Though none of us have to wait until the "new year" to change, I think its more fun that way.. :)

Last year my new year's goal was to "simplify" our life.  For the first time ever, I believe I SUCCEEDED in a new year's goal!  I went part-time (major simplification...and not a choice for everyone I know), I de-cluttered our newly built house, finished many projects along the way, cooked more meals at home, transitioned us to eating at the table together each night, and simplified our health by finding a great natural alternative in essential oils. The only part of my house that isn't organized now is the office and garage, next on the list don't worry!

When I look back and think of everything we went through last year, its amazing.  The Lord was so gracious to me as a new mom and a fairly new wife.  We have raised a toddler together and now have an anointed God-sent little boy coming into the world.

So, what about this year? Well...I have two goals for our family.  Because you all know, and understand, MOM RUNS the family...right? :)

GOAL 1~
Organize our "office" side of life.

I am driven this year to form a family budget, and keep EVERYTHING paperwork in order.  After all, being home more, it really should be more of my responsibility to do this.

I found a great lady who has free budget binder templates.  That is what I plan to get ready this week. Here is her link- http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/  She really has great ideas with organizing your life in binders.  Some of them are a little unnecessary in my opinion, but hey....someone might need them!



In this goal, I plan to make our office in tip top organization to help promote this habit.  If you have a cluttered space it doesn't help you get motivated at all.  No more organized chaos! Anything that hasn't been used or needed in the last year will be tossed or donated.

I purchased, from Walmart, this (well, one like it but for only $5) letter holder to go by our door.  It will hold things to mail, and important documents that need to go out with us when we run errands.  NO more leaving it on the counter top to accidentaly get scooped up.

One other project in the "office organization" is a file box for each of my kids. ^^(picture above) These were found on pinterest via a lady's blog, here- http://destinationofdomestication.blogspot.com/2011/08/baby-boxes.html.

What a great way to start organizing all of that crazy paperwork and keepsakes! This is at the top of my list to start for Luke and Emma this year.  I'll be glad I started it in 18 years. ;)

GOAL 2~
 More Bible Study

With the "3 gift" Christmas, (which was really neat by the way) I purchased Garrett his own study Bible, since our dog decided to use his as a bathroom a few years ago.  He's been surviving on a little travel ESV Bible since... so I purchased him the Ryrie Study Bible (Found here-ESV Study Bible ) It is great, and we love the quality of it.

My parents, being the "sweetness" that they are, found me the journaling ESV Bible ( Journaling ESV ) along with a book on how to do annotations to connect with God in Scripture (Writing In The Margains).  PLUS highlighters and a pen to kick off the year of study.  With a new baby, Garrett and I have fallen into trying to sleep/rest more than studying the Word together.  We both hope to make it more of a priority this year.  I can't wait to see what kind of things God teaches us!

So what are your new years dreams for making life better this year?

-Kay





Recap on our Christmas- 
For those of you who were wanting to know about the 3 gift Christmas, see my last post about the meaning behind it.  This year, Garrett and I gave each other a new rocking chair for Luke's room to make those sleepless nights a little more comfy.  ;) But below are the other gifts we gave in our little family-

Emma-
Want- Bitty Baby Doll (from my childhood) with diaper bag
Need- Melissa and Doug latch board (Link-latch board...don't tell her, but this was free with old Huggies points I stashed away..lol)
Spiritual- Kidkraft Noah's Ark, which she loves! (Link-Ark Sorter)

Garrett-
Want- rocking chair
Need- A really nice pancake griddle with a warming tray for our pancake cookin' Daddy, he was so excited to make them for us Xmas morning!
Spiritual- Ryerie Study Bible

Me-
Want- rocking chair
Need- Much needed PJs ;)
Spiritual- Moravian Star for the top of our tree...I nearly cried, its so beautiful.

CHRISTmas not GIFTmas :)

Don't get me wrong...I love gifts, and I love giving them.  But oh MY how America has transformed Christmas into what you will GET rather than what we have already been GIVEN by our Lord.

 While Garrett and I have been prepping for the Live Nativity here at our house (sponsored by our church for ...over 20 years now?) ...we are reminded of the beautiful gift God gave us.  It warms my heart to know that my kids will always take part in making this Nativity reminder for the community.   It isn't flashy, it isn't fancy.
Its in an old barn with mason jar luminaries leading the way.
An old Moravian star is hung in the barn just like it is every year.
The costumes were made by the ladies of the church years ago with old underwear bands and sheets.

But its beautiful.
Its serene and peaceful.

If you haven't had the chance to come see it, I invite you to do so...with your family.  Sunday at 6:30-8 pm.

It put me to thinking... we are having two kids this year.  We have traditions to set for them, and expectations to set before them.  As a child, I loved Christmas...it was a magical time where my parents poured their heart out to give to us.  We normally didn't have much at all, and Christmas was a time of giving to each other.  And the funny thing is...Santa wasn't really ever a part of it.  GASP! I know... a magical Christmas without Santa? ...or in my case it wasn't without Santa...I only got one thing from him and he just was never a big deal.  And they stopped mentioning Santa when Matt came along (7 years later) I don't think I ever remember him asking if Santa was real.  He still had the same magic in his eyes that I did.  He'd barrel down the hallway and nearly slip and slide to get to the living room after Dad read the Christmas story from the book of Luke.  Christmas was about family and love.

I want my kids to experience this feeling.

Christ's innocent, peaceful love.

So.. I've heard a lot about the "Three Gifts" Christmas tradition and I think I'm hooked.  If you haven't heard what that is, here's a short summary.

The three gifts Christmas is a reminder of the three gifts brought to Jesus.  Gold, Myrrh, and Frankincense.  Gold symbolizes a "want", Myrrh symbolizes a "need" and Frankincense symbolizes a "spiritual" gift.  So, your focus on Christmas is to gift each other with these three things.  This keeps it simple, focused, and not excessive.  And what a great reminder of the REAL meaning of Christmas.  We say that, but... how much do we attempt to REALLY remind ourselves that Christ is the only reason you are celebrating Christmas anyway?

So this year I think I've come up with some really good ideas for both of the sweeties in my life.  Can't wait to share what they are...but for now...they are a secret. :)

And what about Santa?

Well...I've thrown around the idea of how to still bring a tiny bit of the Santa magic to my kids lives....and I really like the idea of Santa filling their stockings.  It keeps some mystery and magic (believing when you don't see) without getting out of hand.  We shall see!

What does your family do?

Strength in Sickness

Its coming, you know it.  You get that sniffle...that achy stomach.  Immediately you think to yourself, "NO. Please don't be getting sick."

That is what hit me at midnight on Tuesday.  The aching and the thoughts that the stomach flu had hit our house for the first time in years.  And oh did it.  I was the most sick of all, out of our whole family.  Its so easy to start feeling sorry for yourself as soon as you get sick...and in this case I did, which was completely wrong.  I tried "praying" and notice I put that in quotes.  My heart wasn't in it.  I was exhausted (no excuse) and defeated (still no excuse).

What are we to do then? I can tell you simply...we fall to Satan.


James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you." That is exactly what I failed to do.  I failed to resist the devil completely.  I felt sorry for myself, felt sick, payed attention to my flesh. The last part of myself that I should have paid attention to.

2 Thessalonians 5:23- You are made up of spirit, soul, and body...and you must take care of them in that order.  Your spirit (the Holy Spirit), your soul (mind, will, and emotions) and your flesh body.  How many times in life do we do that order completely opposite? I struggle with it so much.  We focus on our bodies to make them beautiful, or healthy, but the main goal is to keep our spirit and our soul healthy...and the body will follow.

This mistake of mine led to a five hour hospital visit hooked up to every IV and labor and delivery monitor you could think of, while all the time I'm thinking "Why am I here? This could have been rebuked from the beginning!"


It was such a learning experience for me in two ways.

1.) Your words and thoughts are SO very powerful.  They shape your soul...and they are YOUR choice and yours alone.  I know this in my heart so true, yet I still struggle with it like anyone else.  I've believed for years that if someone doesn't believe they will get well- they won't.  You can pray for someone, and that is a wonderful thing, but if they do not have the strength to believe that they will be healed, it won't happen.

2.) God has given me an incredible gift.  This gift is overlooked so many days out of the week, and neglected on some days too.  Of all of the gifts I've received, it is the most precious (besides my salvation).  I know you are probably thinking, oh she's talking about her Bible or scripture...well no...I include those in salvation.
This gift is Garrett.  No, I'm not putting him on a pedestal, I know better.  Throughout my life I've been taught that putting others up high would only harm my spirit and soul.  No...but I do thank God for him every day.  I do not near deserve the love that he gives.  Sounds familiar doesn't it?  Lately, through two back to back pregnancies,  looking my worst, acting my worst...I felt surely he would be tired of me.  But no.  He still looks at me like we are 17 years old.  And just this year, it has hit me like  a ton of bricks- he loves me no matter what.  I truly believe that God gave me him to SHOW me a glimpse of the Lord's love in everyday circumstances.  I grew up seeing this in my Daddy.  Even at such a young age, I understood it.  I knew that the patience, kindness, and love that he had was like no other.  I grew up seeing it, but I still always had a hard time believing God could love me so much through the rough times.  Why would he want to love someone who forgets to read their Bible, who doubts, who whines, etc.  Its an unfailing love.  And thank you Lord for this glimpse of it here on earth....I am so grateful for both you and him. <3


So...maybe this will speak to you if you are struggling with sickness right now.  Or maybe you can save these thoughts until later when you need them.  I am in no way someone to give advice.  I just don't mind writing down what I've gone through. :)

Have a blessed day!

Kay