Just because...

Sometimes I do silly things when I'm by myself and I wonder if Jesus thinks it's funny too.

A great example would be two minutes ago when I was goofy dancing in my bathroom...all by myself! :)

I'm glad He delights in me.

Pressing On

Whew... It's been a week! We drove a total of 1,576 miles to go to a wedding in Tulsa, OK. It was lovely! We were able to spend some time with my family in Independence, MO on the way down and back. All in all it was truly a blessing!

This week has been wonderfully challenging as we prepare to welcome our little guy into the world in the next 7 or so weeks. God has been so faithful to Nate and I as we've been preparing for our latest adventure and as we are approaching a whole new chapter of life. 

I was a bridesmaid in the wedding we attended. It was amazing. I am so excited for my friend and her new hubby! The whole weekend was breathtaking! God was truly in it all. I was able to meet some incredible people and spend time with people that I love dearly. 

We returned to Independence on Sunday for a baby shower. I was so blessed! We had 20 or so people show up, which was great considering it's a holiday weekend. I am so amazed at the generosity of friends, family and people that barely know me. The whole situation was overwhelming. Even now thinking about all of it just amazes me. 

We're back home now and looking forward to having Nate's friend come visit with us for a few days... How blessed we are to see so many people we love in a week! God is so faithful.

I've had some moments over the last two weeks that have been overwhelming, where I feel like I can't go forward or backward...I've had moments where I've felt, stuck.

And then I came across this...

Philippians 3:12-21

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

With that it mind I don't want to miss one moment to follow the voice of the Father. So I've made a choice to set aside the crazy weeks, the bad days, the physical ailments, my insecurities, my plans and press on toward Jesus. I await a Savior who transforms me each day until the day He returns for me. I press on toward the goal for many reasons but mainly....

because Jesus made me His own.

Growing as I'm GROWING

I have learned so much about myself in the last 6 months...it's amazing! My husband Nate and I have gone through several life changes this year from work, school, church, friends, and now starting a family. I never would have seen some of the changes coming and yet I'm thankful for each one.

About our most recent change....being pregnant is an amazing experience. One that has changed how I look at so many things. I was thinking the other day while I was driving about our little bundle of joy. I was thinking about how wonderful and excited I was to be a mother and then I had a thought cross my mind...

I know that so many people have said that being a parent opens up a new understanding to the heart of God. This doesn't surprise me, but like most things you never understand it until you're going through it. I was thinking about how excited I was to get to know our little guy and to see his personality and that I loved him so very much.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!

Before we have a relationship with God, He is so excited thinking about us, how much he loves us, and how desperately he wants a relationship with us. We on the other hand have no idea how much he loves us or how crucial a relationship with God is to our lives. Then we get to a place where we finally meet Him. As we grow we get to know Him, His love for us, and the great plan He has created for each one of our lives. Only as we grow do we see God for who He truly is - Our Awesome, Powerful, and Loving Father.

Our little guy has no idea how much we love him or how we are sick with excitement to meet him and watch him grow....but one day he will! :) He has no idea how crucial having parents is for his well being or how we will lovingly care for him.

There are so many parallels I could get into...but you'd be here for the next week!

More than anything I'm so thankful for the blessing that God has given me in our little boy. He is without a doubt a gift.

My hearts desire is that I will continue to grow in knowledge and understanding that comes from spending time in the presence of my Heavenly Father. He is the reason that I live and move and have my being. (Acts 17:28)