Asher's Baptism

Sunday October 18, 2015

Jesus in my heart

We were discussing Asher's upcoming baptism when Macie asked why we get baptized and I explained. She then goes on to say that she has God and Jesus in her heart and that she puts them there every day! Oh my heart!

Can I Just Say

I love God!  I really do! I love to see Him in action in my life and in the lives of others. When we put our trust in Him and depend on Him for all things, it heightens our awareness of His presence and heightens our awareness to His activity in our lives. I love that I have friends who give me sound, Biblical advice. That they don't say the things that the world says, but they speak TRUTH straight from the Bible. Sometimes it's hard truth, sometimes it's gentle. But let me be clear, I want the truth regardless if it's emotionally satisfying or not. I love my friends encouraging me with Scripture. I appreciate how they don't try to influence me to sway a specific way but support me in whatever, and join me in prayer, or share a specific verse. I love how their compliments sound a lot like, "Girl, that's the Holy Spirit in you!" Love, love, love these amazing women of God. And I love my God. And let me tell you friends, trials of this life will come. But they are so much more bearable when you place your faith in the One big enough to handle it and surround yourselves with friends who point ya back to the One.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - Jesus, John 16:33

Something I've Learned

I've been learning new things lately, one of them being it is not my place to point out someone else's sin. Instead, how 'bout I look at me and examine my own.

Ah yes, to some degree I knew that already  BUT it can look different varying the situation.

For example, you hurt me. So bad. So I point out all the things you did that hurt me. And though what you had done may be wrong, it's not my place to point out your sin. Instead, I should reevaluate my actions and see if I sinned. And if I have, I need to go straight to God and ask forgiveness, then come to you. 

I'm learning this as I walk through it. I'm not on the other side of it yet. But I can only assume there is a time and place to say, "Hey! When you did this or that, it made me feel this or that." I'm trying to learn balance, when and how to say what, as the motive of the heart matters as well.

The last week and a half has been one of the most emotional roller coaster rides I've had the (dis)pleasure of being on. Another thing I've learned is to just go to God in that moment. I don't have to wait for a quiet moment to call Him or shoot Him a text. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing I can send a prayer Heavenward and it's amazing the peace that follows. It also helps to have friends who somehow maintain this unconditional love for you even when you have been nothing but a consumer of the friendship lately. And what more, those friends love you by saying hard things, and always pointing back to God.

I want to add, even if the person is spewing words of hate at you, including your sin, you have the choice to not retaliate. Instead, remember "a gentle word turns away wrath" Proverbs 15:1. I love seeing this verse in action! Also, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:2. It's good to be mindful of that verse before we respond. Lastly, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Romans 12:19.

We don't have to fight this battle. We don't have to repay hurt to those who hurt us. We can rest in the truth in God's word. He's got this. 

Friends, let us "not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21. 

Cub Scouts & Pumpkin Patch

Asher just joined Cub Scouts (he's been waiting to join for years!). He had his first Den meeting Friday October 2nd. He is a Wolf.

Sunday October 4th was his first Pack meeting. It was at the local pumpkin patch!

Kisses From Heaven For Asher

Tomorrow morning we go to the hospital for Asher to be put to sleep and have (lots!) of dental work done. This is something I've been putting off for nearly a year. Ya see, last year Asher had a tooth pulled and ever since he has had dental anxiety. It has become so bad that he kicks, screams, and chokes even while under the influence of  "gas". Right now he has an abcess tooth that is badly infected and he also has cavities. I have tried to help him heal naturally, though sadly I started too late in the game and his infected tooth is BAD and needs immediate removal. From here on out, I hope to help Asher so that he does not continue to have these dental issues.

Now, we have received confirmation and "kisses" from Heaven throughout this that have been a comfort to this mama's worrisome heart. 

When I first agreed to the hospital procedure, the soonest appointment was a month out. Asher's tooth and the entire area is red, swollen and causing him great pain. I scheduled it anyway and they put us on a call list should an earlier appointment open up. Next thing in order, insurance  -  we all know how fun they are to deal with! ;)

Kiss One: I get a call at the end of the week saying something opened up on the 15th. Score! Before I even hung up, insurance beeped in; we're all set to go! God knew with the surgery being moved up that I would feel all the more pressure to get all things insurance in order and so He was on it! Insurance literally called me while I was on the phone with the dentist office.

Kiss Two: I started a new job. My boss was very kind and understanding to allow me the day off to be with Asher, and even was cool about me talking to the hospital for a good 15 minutes while on the clock! It's always good to have an understanding employer. 

Kiss Three: This is a big one because it means so much to my guy. The hospital told me to bring a toy or something that is of comfort to Asher. I was telling him this and he said he didn't have one, that the only thing he would like is his beyblades. We ordered beyblades from China 1.5 weeks ago and was told it may be October before they arrive. Well, we get home this afternoon and there's the package waiting by our door! Thank You Jesus!! I made sure to point this out to Asher as a gift from Heaven. Now he is feeling better about his day tomorrow and having his item of "comfort" with him.

So now when I'm tempted to fear, I remind myself of these things and how God is all up in this, working this all out for the good of OUR Asher John. What a great Father we have!!!

Macie's First Day of Pre-K

Tuesday September 8, 2015

And she loves it!!! Loves it, loves it, LOVES IT!!! No complaints here! She will be going Monday-Thursday for about 3.5 hours, so it's not too much. It's weird for me not having her with me 24/7 because she is my one child I was able to be a SAHM with from pregnancy on. But this is a great experience for her, and again,  it is short days so not bad at all. Next year she will be going to school with Asher and that is so wild to me because when I look at her I still see my 7lb 9oz baby!!!