Slavery

Yall are probably thinking, What?!  another blog post today?!  I'm trying to stay more in touch with the blog world and keep it up.

I have a video to share with yall today.  It's only 3 minutes long, so please take a moment to watch it.  It's powerful and moving.  It's why I have joined Freedom 21 here in Auburn.  To learn more about Freedom 21 visit the website here.  Slavery does still exist today.  There are 27 million men, women, and children that are enslaved today.  And it's not just in other countries...it's here, closer than you think.

This video was made by the END IT Movement.  Click here to go to their website.  I promise you won't be the same after watching.  Let's end this for good!  Let's shine the Light of Jesus on all of these situations to abolish the slavery, sex-trafficking, and bondage that happens everyday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMyExi2q-ZI&feature=youtu.be

What a week!

This week has been so emotional for our country.  I cannot stop thinking about all the people in Boston and it's communities.  And this morning I found out about Texas.  How do you get past something so tragic?  I have never been in a situation like that but I hope they know Jesus b/c I know I couldn't do that without Him. I have been praying so hard for the families of victims, the victims, and for the weeks and months ahead of rebuilding what has been shattered. 

My Jesus Calling reading today was about the Peace we have through Jesus and His Presence.  It begins with "Peace is my continual gift to you" and goes on to explaining that He gives us "sufficient Peace for the present when you come to me by prayer and petition with thanksgiving". 

I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around all of those people.  I pray that they draw close(r) to Him.  I pray they receive His Peace...it is the constant in the chaos of this world.  We have Hope through Him that we can overcome these kinds of things if we stay continually connected to Him, to the One who gives us His Peace.  He is the Light in the darkness we face day after day.  I am thankful He is on my side, and that nothing is too big for my God!

Please join me in praying for Boston and also for Texas.  Pray for our country.  Pray for those who have selflessly cared for those wounded.  Pray for our President and all those who make important decisions.

Pray.

Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 4:16
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Weekend review

These pictures are a little out of order but oh well!  We had another great weekend :)  It was pretty laid back but I love those every now and then.  We started the day with Mark's tball game.  Our friends, Jill and Matthew came up for the day to visit and stayed for church on Sunday.  It was great seeing them and getting to spend time with them.  We don't get to see them nearly enough, so it's always a special treat to have them visit.

We went to one of favorite places for lunch, Schlotzsky's.  I'm so happy it's back in Auburn.  I could eat it every day ;)

We ended up just walking around Tigertown and browsing a few stores.  Of course the kids loved going to Petco.  Mark asked for a fish about 10 times, but luckily I didn't give in.  We have enough going on at our house right now, and we have a bad track record with fish lately.

The day was perfect! We all wanted to be outside to enjoy it.  I think the kids played on this guy for at least 30 minutes ;)

Alyssah was trying to feed it the wood chips.  She got so frustrated when the mouth wouldn't open! haha!

We headed to get ice cream before going home.  Christopher met us there.  He loved the men's conference, and got back in time to visit with us at Bruster's.

Hanging out at Bruster's while the adults were talking.  They were being so sweet and listening so well.

I tried to get a picture of her in front of the tiger, but she would not be still...

We ended the night by eating dinner at Loco's!  The kids loved the fried pickles, but who doesn't ;)

We are blessed beyond measure. So thankful for true friendships and family.
Hope all of you had a good weekend. Have a wonderful week!  Be back soon :)

Tball

Mark had his first tball game last weekend (04/06).  It was such a fun day, and he had so much fun.  He's loving it and so am I ;)  

 He is wearing his Daddy's baseball number :)

 Us with our sweet boy!  I wanted a family picture but Alyssah was so tired at this point since it was during her nap time.  I'll have to get one before the season is over.

 Mark and his buddy, Cameron.  We have been so blessed by Cameron and his family.  They are incredible friends, and I'm thankful for them being part of our church family.  I look forward to watching these sweet boys growing up together.  Their sisters are going to be a hoot together, too!

Here's a little video of Mark at the game.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekends.  I'll post about ours later this week.  I just wanted to share about our first tball experience before I left that out.  Have a wonderful week!

random thoughts of the day

Hey all!  Happy Friday :)  I'm looking forward to the weekend. 

Tonight, my hubs will be in Bham at the men's conference, Catalyst, that our church has once a year.  It's his first time going, and I can't wait to hear about what God does.  It will be good for him to have some guy time too.  I'm looking forward- weird- to cleaning tonight and watching some tv after the kiddos go to bed.  It's nice to have some alone time every now and then.  I must catch up on the housework too ;)

Tomorrow, we have a tball game game in the morning, and I may take the kiddos to get a treat of some kind.  I love taking them on little dates.  I used to do it a lot more of it but lately we have been so busy.  I need to start doing more one on one dates with them too.  They enjoy it, and I love having quality one-on-one time with them!  It's hard to spread out my attention sometimes.  I def want them to feel equally loved.

Christopher and I got a new book that we started reading, "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan.  We are going to start using it for study time for the two of us once a week.  I just started reading the intro, and I'm hooked!  It's so good.  I hope to share some of what we learn with you guys.

This is a random post but I'm kind of random sometimes, and I def have random thoughts whirling around in my head on a daily basis.  Don't you?!

Highlands hosted Passion:Let the Future Begin tour at our college ministry, ONEAUBURN last night.  I snuck in on the fun (I wasn't actually the oldest person there so that was a relief.).  Our college ministry rocks!  If you are in Auburn and are in college, you should check it out.  God is moving!  It was awesome worshiping with so many young(er) people that are on fire for Jesus.  I'm so glad I was able to be there and see the Spirit move.  Praise God for the hearts that were reached! 

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!  I'll be back soon :)  Blessings!

Our new babies

We have now added some sweet ducklings to our little fam!  We are prob crazy, but how cute are they?!?  The kids and I got them Monday, and they have been so good with them.  Last night was the first night that they really interacted with them.  We get them out every afternoon when we get home and let them bathe and "swim" while I clean their little home.  After dinner we get them outside and walk around with them.  They follow us around and are so sweet!  They love each other too; always side by side ;)  Check by for updates...I'm sure there will be lots of funny stories!

 We named them Huey and Louie!  At the time, Louie was the "little" one but they are pretty much the same size now, so who knows how we will tell them apart from now on.  Oh and they are 1 1/2 weeks old.

Mark loves holding them, but Alyssah just enjoys watching them ;)  I'm sure she will warm up!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!  Yay!  It's almost the weekend :)

My sweet Alyssah

I wanted to get a few of A wearing her cute Easter shirt, and she was being pretty cooperative.  She's really hard to photograph sometimes!  I really can't believe how big she looks these days...she's growing waaay too fast. 

Happy Monday!  I'm really not a fan of this day of the week, but at least it's about halfway over! ;)  Here's to an awesome week.  Blessings!

Kiddos update

My kiddos are growing SO fast!  I can hardly believe it.  I'm so blessed to be their mother.  I can't imagine having sweeter babies.  They are going to make such an impact on this world, and I cannot wait to watch it unfold.  My greatest prayer for them is to love God and do His will, take part in building His kingdom, and bring others along for the ride :)  I have been praying this over them a lot lately as they are getting older, building friendships, and being exposed to more things at school and just out in everyday life.  I know one day I won't be able to control who they are with and what they choose to spend their time doing.  I just pray that they have a strong faith and are strong in the Word.  Here are a few pictures of them lately.  I took some of them individually a while back too for their birthdays so I will share them later.  These are just some everyday snapshots, enjoy!

Mark now weighs 38 lbs, 12.8 oz and is 42 inches tall.  He is so handsome and such a charmer.  He knows how to make this Mommy feel loved.  He is a great helper with his sister too.  He always looks out for her.  He is all boy!  He loves to play ball and throw the football.  He can't wait for summer so he can go swimming.  He asks me almost everyday if it's summer yet! ;)  Bless him.

Alyssah now weighs 29 lbs, 3.2 oz and is 33.5 inches tall.  She is such a ham and knows she is the cutest thing ever.  I could just stare at her all day.  She has so many expressions.  She loves her Daddy to pieces, but still loves for me to hold her and cuddle her.  She loves to help me with laundry, which isn't always successful, but it's cute.  She helps unload the dishwasher.  She loves to have a bow in her hair and lets me fix it every morning.  I guess making her wear all those headbands and bows as a baby paid off ;)  She is such a girly girl, and I love it!

I am so thankful to have healthy, happy children.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness that I get to have these two in my life.  Thank you, Lord.

Things I'm excited about lately!

So I know I say this every time I write a new post, but I've been away a while...Life keeps me busy!  My two precious ones def keep me going and going, not to mention housework and spending time with the hubs, and staying involved with our church.  All things I love, but I do miss jotting down thoughts and keeping up with them and what's going on in our lives right at this particular season.  It's so fun to look back and see how things play out or just see all the abundant blessings we have!

Right now, I'm very into Jesus Calling.  You seriously need to read this one guys.  It will bless you immensely.  It's a short devotional for each day with a few verses of Scripture.  I love starting my day with a focused thought to keep me on track as I go about my daily activities.  I'm consumed right now with being in the Presence of God.  Just those words.  They send a peace throughout my heart and mind.  Sigh.  I'm so in love with my Savior.  I could just sit with Him all day, basking in His Presence! 
This song is one of my new favorites that we have started doing during worship at Highlands.


Your Presence is Heaven

Who is like You Lord in all the earth?
Matchless love and beauty, endless worth
Nothing in this world can satisfy
'Cause Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry

Your presence is heaven to me
Your presence is heaven to me

Treasure of my heart and of my soul
In my weakness you are merciful
Redeemer of my past and present wrongs
Holder of my future days to come

Your presence is heaven to me
Your presence is heaven to me

All my days on earth I will await
The moment that I see You face to face
Nothing in this world can satisfy
'Cause Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry

Your presence is heaven to me
Your presence is heaven to me

Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus
Your presence is heaven to me
Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus
Your presence is heaven to me

Listen here. You will love it :)

We are starting tball games this week!  We are supposed to have one tonight, if the rain holds off.  If not, we will have one Saturday, and it's going to be perfect weather!  I def have Spring fever right now.  Ready for the cold weather to be gone for good ;)  Mark is SO ready!  I just the age he is at right now (most days)!  He's so fun and just wants to know everything.  He's so sweet with his sister, even when she is annoying ;)  Some days he looks so grown, and I can't believe he's almost in Kindergarten.  He is starting to roll his eyes and huff when he doesn't like what I tell him and that is too much for me at 5.  What?!  A preview of teenage years, and I'm NOT ready for that.  Hehe!  I will update with tball pictures after the weekend.

My sweet Alyssah is still throwing tantrums, but they are getting better.  She is just stubborn and when she can't do what she wants, you know it ;)  Being 2 is pretty frustrating I guess.  She just can't quite say what's bothering her and she just wants to be so independent.  Her vocabulary is getting better though, and she is starting to let me help her more now that she realizes it's much easier with a little help sometimes.  That's true for us all though, at any age. :)

I will update on their stats from their check-ups soon.  I've been meaning to do that for about a month now...
They had a clean bill of health, and Mark got all of his shots for Kindergarten.  It went well considering.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.  I will get caught up on that too.  I have a lot of blogging in store for me.  Hopefully Sunday afternoon I will get it done.  Our Easter was laid back and fun.  We had a wonderful Resurrection celebration at Church of the Highlands.  Amazing worship, power testimonies of God's redemptive power, and a great message.  It is available online at www.churchofthehighlands.com if you would like to check it out.  God is SO good!  I hope you know the One who cares for you and died for you.

Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend.  I'll be back soon :)