Just Nuggets

A Braedan Update

It's been awhile since I've given all you family an update on B!

The latest and greatest is that we've been focused on having him read and like it more.  He's a good reader... but he'd rather be throwing a football with his dad or playing with Legos.

So... we got serious.  We decided he will be reading a book a week and then taking an "AR TEST" from school that he can do at home on the computer.  If he gets a certain amount of books read and 80% or higher on the book quizzes... he will get an award and treat at the end of the school year.

Now, his first rebuttal statement was, "But I don't want an award and treat." 

We said, "Well, that's okay... if you don't want the award and treat at the end, when they give it to you just say 'thanks, but no thanks" and go back to your seat.  It will be okay."   :)

We surely wouldn't want him to get an award and sugar he didn't want.  :)

I trekked over to the library and got some books.  I didn't realize the books he has to read are AT LEAST 150 pages.  Basically, he went from reading 20 minutes a day to reading an entire book in 6 days.

Can I just tell you... he hasn't complained.  I've written the pages he needs to read on a sticky and he has been known, now, to get up in the morning (on weekends) and read his pages for the day.

And, he got a 90% on this last test.

Oh, forgot to mention, his dad is paying him $2 for each book read and a quiz grade of 90% or higher.  He gets $1 for a book read and 80% quiz grade.  AND... (this might be why he reads now) if he gets below an 80% on his quiz grade... he owes us $1.

That might have been what got his head in the game.  (Thank you Leticia for this GREAT idea!)

Money.  The power it has is crazy.  Its literally a piece of paper.  Funny.

Waiting!

I need to tattoo the below saying where I can see it daily! 

I wonder why it is... that I think God needs MY help to accomplish what He's promised?  Why do I think that I am some sort of super-woman... and God depends on ME to accomplish His purposes?  I wonder if I will get this before I die?

I can be the instrument God uses if I don't get ahead of His timing and do it in my own strength or with my OWN plan.

We can all be used as amazing instruments in God's ultimate, amazing, supernatural plan... if we just hold tight... and wait.  Wait on Him.  We can either do it in our own strength and have it turn out half-ass or not turn out at all... OR wait on Him... and watch it unfold with His perfect grace and favor!

We have some great examples in the Bible... which makes me feel SO good! 

Abraham was promised a child that was going to bring him descendants that numbered the stars in the sky!  But, he waited and waited and waited... and no child.  So, they took matters into their own hands.  His own wife said, "go have a kid with my helper, Hagar."  So, he did.  (Wow, Old Testament ways were so different than today huh?  Then, again, if I really think about that comment, maybe not.)  This was not God's plan.  And, God's plan ultimately came to pass and was amazing!

Rebekah had to trick Isaac that Jacob was Esau to get the blessing, even though he was promised the blessing from birth. They took matters into their own hands, even though God promised this blessing to Jacob.  They just couldn't wait, I guess.

Our story is SO MUCH BETTER AND AMAZING... if we just wait on God's timing.  I have to remember this over and over and over.

Side Note:  I know I did one thing right... I did wait for my husband... 39 years.  I could have made some things happen before that, but didn't (or tried and God protected me HA).  My marriage worked out more amazing than I could have ever imagined.  I need to remember THAT story when I'm tired of waiting on the others!  HA

My Heart is Changing!

So, in my last post, I said I was going to give away a jacket on Friday when I was out and about... and then give away jacketS on Saturday with one of my bestie's who was in town!

It turned out very interesting.  I'm new at this so... I really, really, really have to depend on God.  I don't know where to go... who not to offend... etc.  And, come to find out, I have to learn to LISTEN too.  

Friday, it was SO cold... 30 degrees WITH the wind chill made it about 20+.

I'm driving down a main street and I look over and this guy is one of those "wave your arms and sign to direct your attention to a business" guys... and he has this very thin costume on and no jacket or gloves.  His face and hands are bright red.

Come to find out, it was someone I knew.  So, I give his step dad a call and leave a message... "Yeah, your step son it standing out on the street, working, FREEEEZING with no jacket or gloves on with red skin."

He called me later to thank me for the call... he was able to bring him a jacket.

Not that this is going to surprise you in the least... but... THIS WAS THE DAY I WAS GOING TO GIVE AWAY A JACKET!!!!!

I forgot.

So, after our friend called it dawned on me... OMg... I was supposed to give a jacket away today.  But, instead, I called my friend to let him know.  I'm so lame.  I forgot.

I called our friend back and asked him if I could bring him a jacket, but come to find out, I didn't have one big enough to fit him and he, as he said earlier, had already done it.  That made me feel a little less LAME!  But, just a little.

DAY TWO... I'm a little more on the ball!

One of my bestie's from Nashville came all the way out to visit!  So, I had done my homework and one of the families we delivered the tree and meal to, needed jackets.  I got the right sizes... dug around in the generous pile of NEW jackets my mother in love bought for the "mission" and we were off.

We had BRAND NEW JACKETS for these beautiful people... AND BONUS... my friend speaks Spanish.  

We got over there and they cautiously opened the door.  Surprised to see us again, they pointed over in the corner, where the Christmas tree was still standing, and said it's so pretty they want to leave it up.  (My thought was... well, a dried up tree doesn't belong in the kitchen... but that's just me.  I leave burners on all the time on accident.)

We zipped the little girl up in her new jacket and I think she might have slept in it last night.  She is the reason why, I probably will continue to go over there.  She is precious... a little fireball... will do something amazing with her life... I can tell.

This was the interesting part.  I, of course, don't know a lick of Spanish, so I'm standing there, like a dumb person, smiling, while my friend is talking away.  

Come to find out the mom thought we were there with jackets to get her to join our Church.  She had kept asking me where our Church was.  And, my heart really was pure, come to find out, because I was thinking, we are here to bless you with jackets... not tell you where to go to Church.  

I mean, why on earth would anyone just deliver jackets to those who needed them?  We must have an ulterior motive.  Right?

Sad.

I love my friend and she knows our heart.  She said, "We are only here because God put your family on our heart to give you these jackets and He loves you.  There is no other reason."

The lady was relieved and then we departed.

Again, sad.

Sad that we couldn't just GIVE a gift.  She thought we wanted something in return.

I hope she really experienced that love from our visit.  I hope she was sitting down later and thought about it and really just smiled.

People, myself included, have ruined the genuineness of just loving others, expecting nothing in return.  My heart is changing for people.  I don't feel like I expect anything when I give to others, however, I'm not sure.  I'm loving giving it away... and walking away with a pure heart, that I had no other intentions.  That feels good for sure.  

And, that's what God has called us to do.  People will know HIM... by our love.  And, THAT is my ulterior motive.  My prayer is that through loving others, without maybe even saying a word, they will know the powerful and amazing God Who created us all.

beINVOLVED... who knew that giving away a jacket or two or five, would cause so much revelation!  I hope in the next five years, we will have books to fill with stories about how God loving us and us loving others... impacted SO many people and changed lives!

It's never too late to donate to any of our beINVOLVED causes OR let us know if you know anyone in Roswell that has a need!  Go for it!  

Move on over...

I am loving reading Genesis.  Okay, I must admit, I'm a tad behind in my One Year Bible reading... which has really turned into my One Year Old Testament reading.

I've decided to just get through the Old Testament in a year.  It's thrilling!  And, I'm loving all these encouraging stories.  Plus, it keeps my CSI mind reeling with all the gross stuff too.  (I'm trying to lay off a little CSI and NCIS more now... because when I walk my dog next to the trees and slopes... I keep glancing over... expecting to find a body.  And, that's just NOT right!)

Genesis 24 is SO encouraging!  It has a lot to do with asking God... and a lot to do with letting God lead you.

Abraham's helper is sent out by Abraham to go find his son, Isaac, a wife.  So, can you imagine the guy riding on his camel... with 10 others in tow... and he's like... okay... I know what area to go to... and I know what area to stay away from... but how in the world out of all these women am I to find the right wife.

Ahhh... yes... I'll pray to my master's God.  (I don't know if he believed in God or not, but I'm sure, after his request was answered speedily... he surely did!)

So, he throws down a sort of fleece with God (love it).  If a woman comes out and I ask her for a drink of water (he was hanging out by the well of the city) and she offers me her water AND THEN asks if she can also water ALL my TEN camels... THIS IS THE WOMAN.

That was his "sort of" fleece.

Now, how much water can a camel drink?  And, 10 camels?  That's a lot of water to offer to get for some guys camels.

However, it unfolds, quickly, just like that.

Before you know it, Eleazar's (Abraham's helper... who was actually his eldest servant at his house) prayer was answered, it went down perfectly like he asked and he was humping it over to Rebekah's parents home... to meet the family.  Oh, and before all that, Eleazar had to make sure she was a woman from the right lineage.  Which, she was.  Whew. 

And, it was all incestuous at that time... because ALL people came from Noah and his kids right?  So, this was like Lot's sisters grand-daughter or something like that.  But, I digress.

The one line that gets me is: 

Genesis 24:27b ~ I being in the way, the Lord led me.

So, basically Eleazar took a giant faith step.  He went out... (remember, sandals and camels and long walks in the desert to other lands... wasn't like 30 minutes down 85 or the 405) and then thought, I need God's help here... made that fleece... it was answered speedily... and then... found himself walking home with Rebekah.

But, in the middle of all that it says he bowed down and worshipped the Lord.  Probably right next to the well, after Rebekah told him the good news of her lineage.  :)

AM I STEPPING OUT IN FAITH THESE DAYS AND LETTING GOD LEAD ME?

I find that we pray... then kick back and let God do His thing when He's saying, "Hey, thanks for the prayers, can you actually BELIEVE what you are asking me and take that BABY step... and have a LITTLE faith?  Then... watch what I can do!"

I know God can do whatever He wants to do even if we're lazy and have no faith.  However, how much more will He do if we actually BELIEVE and take that tiny step of faith?

WHAT AM I DOING TODAY, TO TAKE THAT STEP OF FAITH?

Well, we have a zillion coats to give away.  It's 24 degrees outside.  I don't want to venture out there myself... WITH a coat.  But, I'm going to.  Today, I will give at least ONE away.  (I being in the way, the Lord WILL lead me!)

And, tomorrow... one of my besties will be here... and we will certainly give away some more!

That is what I am doing, today.  My little step of faith that with my EYES FULLY OPEN God will lead me where I should go.

I'm sure it will be a great story.  Stay tuned!

 

Hard or Harder? | The Little Big Show -

I’ve thought, I’ve read and I’ve heard building a ministry is the most difficult proposition in the world.  There are countless books, blogs and publications written on launching ministries and planting churches.  The “How To” resources seem almost limitless.

via littlebigshow.me

Thought this was a really great blog post... thought I'd share! Enjoy!

Perfect Faith

It doesn't exist.

And that, makes me very happy.

Can you imagine if God called us to live perfect lives?  Yikes.

Sometimes I think certain people would like that from us.  I know I've expected it out of others at times.

Abraham is used as the Bibles classic example of a man of faith.  He is known as "the father who believes."  How awesome is that?!  He messed up so much... but the Bible says, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness."  (James 2:23)

REFRESHING!

It's so awesome to read about ALL Abrahams blunders and know that God still loved him,  still stood by His promises to him, still was very gracious and patient with him.

I love how Abraham, not only once, but TWICE, told two different Kings that his wife was his sister, because he feared they would take his life if they found out his BEAUTIFUL wife, was actually his wife.  Crazy.  His fear over-powered the fact that his wife, was HIS wife.  He was willing to take the chance and give her to the kings to spare his own life.

And, God spared them both times.  He spared Abraham's life and he spared Sarah's humiliation.  In the midst of our fear and our not so wise decisions, God can still spare us!  And, He does!

Thank God He is gracious and patient with US too... not just the crazy people in the Bible.

I find it funny that Abraham had faith for the really BIG things... like when God told him to sacrifice his ONLY son... but then when it came to things like telling a King his wife was actually his wife... he didn't trust God to take care of that situation.

Abraham trusted God with a lot of the BIG... but not always the little.

I find myself relating to him quite a bit these days.  I find myself trusting God for the BIGGEST thing in our life... building this Church and building this ministry, beINVOLVED.  Trusting God for some pretty crazy things... because heck, it does not make ANY sense whatsoever.

BUT... we need new tires on our truck and I find myself wracking my brain how this is going to work.  How we can afford them?  What if they blow out before we save up the money?... etc, etc, etc.

God wants our small stuff too.  He wants it all!

All God asks for is that we have Faith in Him.  Not perfect Faith... just Faith.  As small as a mustard seed, actually.  When we have Faith and Believe... we are made righteous.  No works can give us righteousness.  Doing the right "thing" won't give us righteousness.  Looking the right way, won't give us righteousness.  Saying the right thing, won't give us righteousness.  Reading the Bible and praying, won't give us righteousness.  It is a gift... by having faith and believing in our living, loving God. 

That's it. 

Plain and Simple.

Matthew 17:20 ~ So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

James 2:23 ~ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.

 

Instagr.am Photos from the past month!!

I've been lagging in the iPhone photo department lately!

My office is moving (and this sign is posted in my new "digs" area).  Well, MY office isn't moving.  MY office is still in my home!  But, the entire office is moving about 10 minutes away from my house.  It's REALLY nice... but it's a lot farther.  I still go in about 1 day a week... so not THAT bad!  And, it has a helicopter landing pad... so if I get a copter anytime soon... that 10 minute commute could go down to 2.  :)

The first 2012 photo!  My husband looks great at least.  Happy New Year!

Got the surprise of the year when Jason sent me out to LA to watch Trishee get married.  It was literally a 24 hour trip (with 12 waking hours spent in LA).  He used the last of his miles and the last of his Marriot points!  What a GUY!

Lori, me and Mel!  Got to see these two while at the wedding!  Good times!!!!

Got to meet THIS guy for the first time while at the wedding.  Jagur.  Cutest 3 month old!  Melanie & John know how to reproduce!  WooT!

My new slippers to wear around the cold house.  LOVE THEM!

Braedan... trying to be patient before opening gifts at Nana and Papa's!

Two of my favorite people in the world... that I also got to see at the wedding!

The CPOP... trying to get in the Christmas spirit!

CPOP.  My favorite time of the day... when he's content and taking a nap!

 

Just Launched

My brand new PHOTOGRAPHY website!

I built it myself!  Okay, maybe I had some templates to help me out!  However, how cool is this?

Go check it out AND tell ALL your friends!

JUST NUGGETS PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE

 

Perfect... for your CALL?

Thank God we don't have to be.

What is your call?  Your purpose? 

Side note:  if you're having one heck of a time figuring this out and this question frustrates you to no end... seriously... read:  The Cause Within You by Matthew Barnett.   As much as books these days are getting a little ridiculous... it is one of the most IMPACTful books during this season... and you won't be disappointed!

Abram... is a perfect example!  God made a huge covenant with him!  Did he fulfill his call just perfect?  HARDLY! 

Love that!

Have you killed someone?  (maybe not with a gun but with your words?)

You're forgiven.  Get over it.

Have you had too much to drink at certain times to just deal with stuff?

You're forgiven.  Get over it.

Have you been a terrible parent?

You're forgiven.  Get over it.

Have you had a hard time liking yourself?

You're forgiven.  Get over it.

Have you hated?  Or, are you hating right now?

You're forgiven.  Get over it.

Do you hold on to control?

You're forgiven.  Get over it.

GET OVER IT.  BECAUSE JESUS IS OVER IT.

Abram... for GOODNESS SAKES... told his WIFE (the gal he was married to) to pretend she was his sister when they were in Pharaoh's home.  Why?  So Pharaoh would treat him well, because his wife was BEAUTIFUL.  So, if Pharaoh thinks Abram's wife is his sister... Pharaoh can then do what he wants with her?  WHAT WAS ABRAM THINKING?????  But, no.  God spares Abram and sends a plague and then Pharaoh catches on.  He even asked Abram... "What were you thinking?  What if I took your WIFE as my own?" 

Hello!

God still stood by his Word/Covenant with Abram.  In the midst of all his blunders.  And, that Pharaoh one... was one of MANY!!!

Love that!

Get over your sin... your blunders... your issues!  God still has your CALL right in the palm of His hand.  He sees past our stuff and you can TRUST HIM to continue on.  You can TRUST HIM to heal your stuff.  You can plain and simply TRUST HIM!

What are you waiting for?

How much more does He have for me and you today?

Abram did dumb things... just like me. (however, gosh, I'd never pretend Jason was my brother, no matter how good looking he is!  HA)  He is an awesome example of Who our living, loving God is!

Gods covenant with Abram (in case you wanted to read it yourself):

Genesis 12: 1-3 ~ Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Don't be overwhelmed by your call.  Just day by day... move forward.  God WILL reveal as He sees fit.. He will give you the necessary "tools" to make it happen (you don't even need to worry about money) and He will be there to LEAN on... when you take things into your own hands... and realize you can't do it alone!

WooT!

Don't let Noah be the only example! What is YOUR call?

I love how God (in Genesis 5) uses Noah... and how Noah is such a great example to us today.

1.  To be obedient to our call.  What has God asked you to do lately?  Are you?

Noah was told to build an ark.  WHAT?  Can you imagine?  I don't think he lived by water.  Nor were there any floods back then.  But, because "Noah walked with God" and God knew Noah had a heart for Him, he told Noah to do something... that was completely and utterly out of his limits... and he did.  He had to fully trust in the living, loving God.  He was ridiculed.  He was mocked.  He was hated.  BUT... he was LOVED!

2.  God is full of grace and love.  Even when He hates what He sees around Him.

It took Noah 100 years to build the ark.  And, all the while, he "preached" to the people around him what was going to happen.  What a GREAT heart our Lord has.  Even though He wanted to destroy humankind, whom He created, because of their wickedness... He gave the world at that time... 100 years to come to know Him. They had ONE HUNDRED years (give or take) to turn from their wicked ways.

It doesn't sound like anyone did. 

If you have a call on your life that God has asked YOU to do... don't be discouraged!!  No matter how long it takes, there is a GREAT reason.  Don't think about quick results... think about how GREAT the results will be in GOD'S TIMING!

It's all about Him.  His timing.  Being obedient to the call He has on your life!  You won't miss out if you're really trusting, following and obeying Him!  And, it will turn out the BEST if you are!

And, in the midst... display the grace and love He has for us, on others!  You will certainly be blessed!

WooT!