Those Who Sow With Tears Will Reap With Songs of Joy....

I've been absent from the blog for several months now.  While I've missed it, my attention has been on some exciting events!  A few months ago, we finally heard the news we've been waiting for so long to hear...we are expecting!  It has been a long journey, and I plan on blogging about that in the future, but God has blessed us abundantly! A few weeks after we got the good news, we found out that we won't just be welcoming one baby, we'll be welcoming TWO!  I feel so blessed and thankful for God's faithfulness and many, many answered prayers.  A friend sent me Psalm 126:5 when we were longing for a child, and it has proven so true.  We are beyond joyful and excited as we prepare for our twins' arrival.

Here they are...the first real pictures of our babies!

Claiming God's Promises!

At our weekly Bible study several weeks ago, my sweet friend Martina showed us a poster she has taped up in her laundry room, claiming the promises (straight from the Bible) that prove who we are in Jesus!  As she says, " I understand that some of the wording may come across as a little conceited...and it totally would be if I had written it about myself.  BUT God is the one who wrote those things about me."  These truths will radically change your life if you let them!  I'm taping it to my bathroom mirror as a daily reminder, and hope you will be blessed by these words as I am!  Following the picture are the scripture references.   

Scripture References: Romans 1:16, Romans 5:17, Romans 8:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 8:12-13, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, John 1:29, Hebrews 10:21-22, Hebrews 10:12, Colossians 2:13-15, Colossians 3:1-3, Ephesians 1:20-22, Ephesians 2:4-6, Isaiah 26:3, John 14:26-27, 1 John 4:16-19, 3 John 2, John 16:8-9, Galatians 3:3, Galatians 3:29, Romans 4:13, Matthew 6:33, Ephesians 3:17-20, Romans 4:19-22, John 14:30, Romans 8:11, Romans 8:38-39, Luke 10:19, Galatians 3:13-14, Romans 8:37, John 19:30

Wednesday Word

I don't know about you, but I could use a little more laughter in my life!  My mother has always said that I was a serious child and that has certainly followed me into adulthood!  Life is tough.  It is real.  And we aren't home yet, so there are some serious bumps in the road.  I've been walking through one of those seasons, where I want so desperately to control and have things in my timing.  Can you relate???  I was reading my devotion a few days ago, and it really opened my eyes to the desire God has for us to ENJOY this life - even when we don't understand the bumps.

From "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
Learn to laugh at yourself more freely.  Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously.  Relax and know that I am God with you.  When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening.  Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities - things that are beyond your control.  Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain.

Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places.  Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise.  Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing my children laugh.  I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.

Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather, take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.  My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne. 

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Proverbs 17:22

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
Proverbs 31:25

"Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is wholesome, and My burden is light and easy to be borne."
Matthew 11:29-30

Tree of LIFE Cake

I was so excited to do this cake! My friend Leah is moving to Atlanta and we recently celebrated Leah and Living In Freedom Everyday, a Bible study about living within the Tree of LIFE. We had an awesome time of worship and special guest Tricia Gunn spoke about The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: He loves us unconditionally. You can hear the podcast by clicking on the link below!
http://unveilingjesus.com/unveilingjesus/podcast/podcast.html

I love this cake....the special person and the message that it represents! And, I'm counting it as the cake that got me my first celebrity endorsement...Tricia said it was the best cake she had ever eaten! 

I'm so thankful for your friendship, Leah, and am so excited about what God will do in your life in Atlanta!

Wednesday Word

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

Wednesday Word

Psalm 107:1
"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever." (NIV)