Saturday, January 23, 2016

Zeke's First Middle School Dance!

Friday January 15, 2016



Cannot believe I have a child old enough for school dances - craziness! He had fun! He went with his friend from school. He said he did not know a lot of the song because all I put the radio on is Country (and Christian!). LOL! Poor kid. Guess I should allow more radio freedom, huh? He had a good time. What an exciting time in his life!!

Asher's First Pinewood Derby Race

Friday January 22, 1016

Waiting in anticipation! 

#3

#3



Brotherhood of Scouts!



Asher was a great sport cheering everyone on! He genuinely wanted the best for everyone participating! He did not win, but he did not complain at all but instead celebrated with those who did win! Proud of my Scout! My handsome Wolf Cub!



Friday, January 22, 2016

My Sweet Boys

My sweet Asher baby...he told me he's going to look for a wife who looks like me and acts like me and that they're going to name all their children Emma Jr. or Emma Senior or Emma Freshman. LOL. He said I'm the most beautiful girl in the world, y'all. Zeke gave me a sweet compliment the other day saying who wouldn't love me because I'm beautiful and nice. heart emoticon heart emoticon<3 <3 <3 heart emoticon Who needs a man when ya have such sweet boys like mine?! They're good for my confidence. ;)


Waiting on Zeke to get out of school.
1/15/16

Zeke and I the night of his first ever middle school dance!
1/15/16



wink emoticon




Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Not Even

Not even three weeks into the new year and I've already had some hard lessons...

1) Releasing "control" of my children to the only One who is in control.
2) The freedom in defending my self-worth even when I feel worthless.


Saturday, January 16, 2016

Blessed

As I was leaving school yesterday it hit me just how blessed I am. I have amazing teachers who are kind and helpful, who allow me to bring Macie with me and she basically takes over their offices - but still, they are supportive. I have an amazing job working with some of the most amazing women out there. I have incredible friends up here (& everywhere). And it was snowing yesterday so that's icing on top of the cake.  ;)wink emoticon But seriously. Is our situation ideal? No. Is life perfect or easy? Heck no! But ya know what, it could be a whole lot worse. I am so grateful to be living in Bismarck. It feels like it could be home! I'm so thankful for all the above and then some. See, there's always grace even in the midst of less than ideal situations. It's like everything and everyone in our lives right now have been placed there strategically.. I still find it funny that 5 years ago I would kid around about living in North Dakota (having known NOTHING about the state) and sure enough this is where the kids and I end up! I have peace in knowing this is where we are meant to be. I am EXCITED to see where the kids and I will be one year from now, two, three and so on...
"The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person. They have made a habit no matter what to notice, pause and choose.
Noticing something for which to be thankful no matter what circumstance they’re in.
Pausing to acknowledge this something as a reminder of God’s presence.
Choosing to focus on God’s presence until His powerful peace is unleashed.
If you are longing to experience the powerful, unexplainable, uncontainable peace of God, pause and whisper this prayer with me today:
Dear Lord, will You help me to notice things for which I can be thankful in each circumstance I face today? Will You help me remember to pause and acknowledge this as evidence of Your presence? And will You help me to remember to choose to focus on Your presence until Your powerful peace rushes into my heart and helps me see everything more clearly? Thank You for the reality that being thankful truly changes everything. In Jesus’ Name, Amen." Lysa TerKeurst

Friday, January 15, 2016

Struggling With Confidence

At some point along this journey in my life, I went from being a confident young lady to an insecure woman. I know there's things and relationships that have affected this. It has gotten out of control. Last night I broke down in tears...I was beating myself up with horrible thoughts and words...I was self-harming in every aspect. And sometimes, this is what I do...because I forget my worth, I forget who He says I am.

In addition to reaching out to a few close friends (who lovingly pointed me back to the Cross), I stumbled on this. Actually, I didn't so much stumble on it as it was placed in my lap from God no less.



"Confidence doesn’t come from doing everything right or having it all together. Confidence comes from knowing we are loved. Jesus gave it; she received it.


We can find confidence, no matter how unlikely it may seem to us. Confidence to push past our barriers in order to receive and return Perfect Love.


Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. Nor do you get it from the perfect childhood or the model marriage. Rather, it comes from knowing you are loved by the One who gave His life for you."
Lynn Cowell

Have I told you before how much I love Proverbs 31 Ministries? Wow how this shook me to my core. I knew it was a word from the Lord. Thank you, Father. Like said above, Jesus gave it; she received it. I receive it, Father.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Just Be Held

Casting Crown's song "Just Be Held" has got to be one of my favorites right now. Just pay attention to this words, folks. Body chills, fo'real. I can relate so much right now. I just love this song.

"Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong

But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control

There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go


So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still

But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will


And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands


Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
And where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your restIn the arms of the God who won't let go"




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZitK6_IMQ

New Years Eve 2015/Year End Review

Thursday December 31, 2015

Goodbye 2015. You taught me so much. And I'm so very grateful. 

But this lesson was the best of all: Immediately, speak the name of Jesus over every worry, every stress, every uncertainty, and every need. There is no other greater power or more assuring calm.
Jesus. Only Jesus. Forever Jesus. - Lysa TerKeurst


What a year 2015 has been! So many changes, hard times, and good times --- but through it all, God has remained faithful. In 2016 I look forward to continue to grow in Him, seek Him, may He prune and refine me. I pray this for my children; and for a desire to truly know and love Him. May 2016 be the year where health in all aspects is gone after, where more positive growth and change is made as an individual. I hope to discover more of an identity as to who I am outside of being a mom. And lastly, for the kids and myself, may we all thrive in school! :)

For New Years Eve I had a co-worker/friend come over with her kiddos. She is also a single mom of 3. We have so much fun together; always laughing up a storm! What a joy and gift from Heaven her friendship is to me!

I love catching my kids in the act of getting along ;) and playing a sweet game together.

We were trying to get a pic together but the kids wanted to photo bomb it!




All our wonderful kiddos.



Trying to do the duck lip face, challenge to us by the pre-teens. ;)








What a fun way to start the new year! So thankful for these new friendships being created.

Happy New Year, everyone!