Outdated Blog = Busy Mommy

I know - I know ..... it's been forever.  Isaak is 3 months old!
All I can say is that I'm loving every minute of being a mommy!  It seems like every day he is doing new things, and so far I've enjoyed this stage the most.  Of course I loved my cuddly sleepy baby when he was 3 weeks old, but his personality & movements just captivate me now. Here is my top ten list..... the new things he has done since my list update:

10.  He loves sucking on his hands, and in no particular place, just whatever he can fit in his mouth.  Sometimes he gets so in to it that he gags himself.  I laugh because you'd think he would avoid doing doing that.  He puts himself to sleep this way.  Each night I lay him down, and he immediately puts the hand in his mouth and sucks away!

9. I find him captivated my the most random things, the ceiling fan, a lamp, anything bright or flashing... I can tell he's definitely concentrating more.

8. He can see from a distance.  I can now be a across the room and he can see me....I made him smile from across the couch the other day!

7. He has re-kindled a love with his swing.  In the middle of the day it makes it easy for me to get things done.  I don't know how long it will last  - but for now it's GREAT!

6. He watches TV (uh-oh is right).  It just made realize how careful daddy & I have to be about what we watch....even this little - it's a touchy issue with me.

5. He's learning day by day to make new noises, and each new one he makes almost surprises him..... kind of like he didn't realize he could do it.

4. He smiles more than he cries..... for now. =)

3. He doesn't scream AS much in his car seat. Don't get me wrong, he still hates riding in the car, but not as much. haha, do you like my optimistic outlook.

2. He loves his daddy's beard

1. I saved the best for last... last night, I put him to bed.  I came in his room this morning, and he was at the opposite end of the crib, and had ROLLED OVER!!!!!  what.... I wasn't ready for that. My little boy is growing up!

Here are a few 3 month photos...... this little boy has changed my world! (for the better of course) 

Blessed....to be a blessing

Last night Amick and I were putting away some more of the wonderful gifts and items that we have received for baby Isaak, and I actually caught myself complaining because we had too much stuff and not anywhere to put it...

THEN

I read this blog this morning (http://www.sevenchicks.typepad.com/)
... and my heart turned inside as I realized how blessed we have been through this entire journey. My mind went back to some words from my Papa, he always says:
I am blessed so that I can be a blessing.

Shouldn't that be true for all of us?

Anyway, I am posting this morning in case any of my readers are compelled to give as well.

Please copy and paste this link below:
(I still cannot figure out how to post links through blogger, grrrrrrrr!)

http://sevenchicks.typepad.com/sevenchicks/2008/10/family-in-need.html

My refuge

A good reminder for me, and for whoever else needed to read this today.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
Psalm 18:16

not a fight.....but worth fighting for

I love those words, from Warren Barfield.......he is talking about love (see lyrics below)

I write this morning after seeing the movie "Fireproof" with my hubby over the weekend. I recommend this movie to anyone:

1) who is married, wants to be married, is preparing to be married, who is married and doesn't really even know why anymore.
2)who liked the movie "Facing the giants"
3) who is a secret Kirk Cameron fan, or a not-so-secret Kirk Cameron fan!!
4) who needs a good date night movie to go see

Anyway, I will not give away the point of the movie, or even try to describe it, because I hate when people do that, it always puts expectations in my mind that are never met, haha.

But - the movie was a deep breath of fresh air for hubby & I...and a good reality check too.

I just want to vocalize in blog-land how truly blessed I am to have the husband that I have. I am in complete awe, that God set him aside for me. As different as we may be or seem, and as crazy as our relationship can sometimes be - I WOULDN'T WANT IT ANY OTHER WAY. He is my light, and my everying next to my Savior! I could go on, but it would fill up line after line of mushy expressions, that should be written down on paper or said directly to him! I need to do that more.

I will close with lyrics from a new favorite song that was featured in the movie, it's by Warren Barfield, and each word rings soooooo true.


Love is not a place to come and go as we please;
It's a house we enter in, then commit to never leave.

So lock the door behind you, Throw away the key,
Work it out together - Let it bring us to our knees.

Love is a shelter in a raging storm.
Love is peace in the middle of a war.
And if we try to leave; May God send angels to guard the door.
No, Love is not a fight-
...but its something worth fighting for

To some love is a word that they can fall into.
But when they're falling out, keeping that word is hard to do.

Love will come to save us If we'll only call,
He will ask nothing from us but demand we give our all.

Cause I Will Fight For You
Would You Fight For Me
It's Worth Fighting For.

I'm here

I love moments of profound insight......here's one.

True power and inspiration can be found when knowledge is combined with a passion for Christ, and then put into words. Right??

Basically - that's what the Bible is. God spoke His words through men that loved and served Him. I adore and respect His word above any other book. But I also believe, however, that the Lord is still in the business of speaking through people. It is just our job to listen and respond.

One thing I've learned about my relationship with God is that He DOES speak to me. BUT, He will most often not reveal Himself again until I've shared what I've learned with as many people as possible. There was a time that I had this down. I was posting journal entries and writing emails 2-3 times a day, because it seemed like the revalations were overflowing. But somehow over the past year or so, it just hasn't been like that.

Complacency maybe? ...and yet - I find myself complaining because I feel like God hasn't wanted to talk to me in forever.

I think I figured out why: I just stopped listening.

In college when my life was being totally & radically transformed by God, I can remember thinking "How could anyone ever just think that they don't need God, that's just stupid"

But I find myself falling into that rut every once in awhile - especially while things are going well.

The past few weeks I have just been yearning for something. I tear up at every worship song I hear. I read about what God is doing in other people's lives and I literally light up inside. I am beyond anxious to be used by God...and all of this stuff is going on inside, but it's like my feet are glued to the floor. I've grown up knowing that pride was a bad thing, but I never really realized it was strong enough to inhibit a person from following the Holy Spirit. There are some serious chains to be broken. But I think I'm ready.

Yay again, for moments of profound insight!

What can I say......he loves me

my hubby's art skills........fantastic huh!

Elohim Clothing

Elohim Clothing (hubby's T-shirt/design business) is expanding!!

A big T-shirt company in California - "C-28" was very impressed with his designs and has started selling several of his shirts in their California based stores and on their website.

If they are popular and sell during this back-to-school period, then they will continue to carry his designs and sell them in all of their stores across the country. This could be huge!

So, if you'd like to support Amick and this opportunity, go to the website below and buy a shirt!!! (then forward this info to everyone you know, so they will buy a shirt)

The four designs are: (see website below)

Lion of Judah
Sin Entangles
Pursuit of Honor
Falcon

click on this link below to purchase:

Go to Elohim Shirts!!!!!!



Be Blessed!!!

sometimes it's the little things

I saw this on another blog....and it really did make me smile....

It's funny how my God is in everything! I just don't take the time to notice.

Be blessed today!

it's been awhile

I feel like I've neglected this blog lately...It's been my outlet for so long =).

It's mostly because I'm so much busier at work lately, I don't have time to sit and gather my thoughts enough to write them out. We don't have a computer at home, so evenings aren't possible either.

But I wanted to post my newest inspirational song - in case it lifts anyone else up the way it did me... I had hubby burn this song on a CD for me, and I listen to it EVERY morning on the way to work. After 2 months, it still makes me feel so loved.

The song is by Meredith Andrews, and I promise you will not be let down if you download it and listen to it. No matter what stage of life, what problem, what circumstance you are going through, a reminder that we are not alone and that we are truly loved is sometimes all we need!

I just picture my God singing that over me... "Christy, I'm the one who's loved you all your life".

"You're not Alone"

I searched for love...When the night came and it closed in.
I was alone, but you found me where I was hiding.
and now I'll never ever be the same,
It was the sweetest voice that called my name.
saying...

You're not alone, For I am here
let me wipe away your every fear.
My love, I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
and I'm the one who's loved you all your life
...All of your life.

You cry yourself to sleep,
cause the hurt is real and the pain cuts deep.
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend, and everyone else long gone
You've had to face the music on your own,
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
saying...

You're not alone, For I am here
let me wipe away your every tear.
My love, I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one who's love you all your life
All your life...

Faithful and true... Forever
My love will carry you....

Moment of blog silence....for the green honda.

Well today marks a sad day for me, I said goodbye to my trusty green honda that was so faithful to me through college and my first years of marriage. After high school, my faithful marshmallow (white honda civic hatchback =) hit 240,000 miles and I decided it was time for something new. So me and my daddy went to the car lot in search of the perfect car to take to college. After much comparing, I found her...she had no name, I just called her "green honda". In 2001, that 1997 Honda Accord looked brand new to me, and I took out my first loan to pay off that car. I faithfully made 4 years of payments all the way through college, and finally in 2006 called her "mine". After 2 wrecks and 165,000 miles, I feel like I said goodbye too early. But we traded her in for a little truck for hubby. He loves his new truck, and I'm happy we did it, but I still feel like a piece of me went with her, we knew eachother well..... (deep breath).




Goodbye Green honda, thanks for everything!

Day Seven - Ephesians 3:14-21

Today is day 7. I wanted to end with a passage that has meant so much to me for many many years. These verses were actually spoken as a prayer from Paul to the Ephesians.

But for me personally, I can remember being young, and laying with my grandma (Mimi)....she would say to me, "I have a prayer for you". She would get her Bible and turn to these verses, and she prayed them over me, and everywhere there was a "you" she replaced it with my name so it sounded like this:

Precious Father,
I pray that out of Your glorious riches that you will strengthen Christy with power through your Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in her heart through faith. And I pray that Christy, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ - and that Christy will know this love that surpasses knowledge, and that she will be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

I know it might sound silly, but to this day, whenever I hear those verses, I smile, and remember my grandma praying that over me. It's something I do now for the people I love, I've even prayed it over hubby and our new little baby growing inside of me. There is POWER when God's Word is spoken out loud, don't ever forget that!!!!!!!!!

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21

Day Six - Philippians 4:8

I've been a Christian almost all of my life, and it still amazes me how many times we as Christians get so caught up on the most minute issues. I have met people who are so consumed with proving a certain action or belief to be right that they almost lose sight of what being a follower of Christ is really all about. I do not say that in a judgmental way - because I will be the first to say I've been known to justify my actions. But still, I believe God gave us His word so that we could have a simple answer to the questions that this world tries to make so difficult.

How far is too far??
How many drinks is considered "Excess"??
Does association really make me guilty??
The list goes on........

Questions like this are completely absurd to me. I mean, really!!! Think about it. We have been called to live a life that is set apart, holy, transformed from this world. And if that is the case, then why are questions like this even necessary? I don't think the God I serve lives in the "gray areas". Simple as that. So that's why I love this scripture soooooo very much. To me it serves as the answer to sooooooooo many of the world's difficult questions. Seriously, ask a question, any question, and then use this verse as an answer! It works EVERY TIME!


Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if ANYTHING is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things!
Philippians 4:8


And that right there deserves an AMEN!

I love my amazing God.

Day Five - Luke 5:5-6

"OK Lord, Because you said so..."

How many times in life do we face situations and decisions that make absolutely no sense, and turn and question God first?

I can't tell you how many times I find myself testing God, His will and His plan. You'd think by now I would have realized that He really is in control, regardless of what I think or how I feel.

But I'm comforted in the passage below to know that even Jesus' disciples had a hard time understanding the "why's" in life. They learned after awhile, that regardless of how strange or confusing life seemed, following Christ was always the best way!

after fishing all night and catching NOTHING, Jesus told his disciples at the last minute to throw out their nets on the other side of the boat!
and.....

"Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught a thing. But because you say so, I will let down the nets. When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break"
Luke 5:5-6

Let's get to the place where we can boldly say: "Lord I don't understand, but OK" "God, this makes no sense, but I'll do it"

I have a feeling we won't regret it! I am honored to serve a God who sees the big picture, because as much as I'd like to believe I know what's best for me....that in actuality is the farthest from the truth!!!

Day Four - Philippians 4:11-13

I think that if you ask any Christian what their favorite Bible verses are, this one is bound to show up in the top 5, always! For the longest time, it was the same for me. It was our squad verse in cheerleading, it was the verse I quoted during any difficult time, it was the verse I passed along as encouragement....and the list goes on.

But I'm sharing it today - not because of that reason or because of its popularity, but because that verse and SPECIFICALLY the one before it has taken on an entire new meaning to me over the past year. In this chapter, Paul is writing yet another a letter of encouragement, and he tells Philippi that anything is possible with Christ, but he prefaces that by explaining how he knows that.

I truly believe a Godly woman or Godly man can really stand in faith and claim God's promises when they have been tested and seen God prove himself faithful. It takes power to say in the middle of a storm: "I can do anything with Christ". It is not easy to admit that God is faithful, when the world is crumbling down around you. But I believe Paul is a perfect example of a man who went through it all, good and bad, easy and hard, happy and sad, but still was able to stand strong in Christ alone.

I long to be at that place, where I can repeat these words, and truly believe it with all of my heart.

I have learned to be content WHATEVER the circumstance.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in ANY and EVERY situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength!
Philippians 4:11-13

Day Three - Lamentations 3:21-23

If you have been keeping up with my blog for any amount of time, then you have probably heard me reference this passage once or twice. That's because I love it, and I think that it holds so much power when spoken out loud (TRY IT, you'll SEE!!!) Honestly, it's so good I think someone should turn it into a song...(Hmmm...maybe hubby should do that)

Anyway, I came across this passage about a year ago while sitting in Panera Bread. There are some mornings that I can manage to get up early enough and spend some time reading and drinking coffee before work. This was one of those days. I don't know what brought me to Lamentations, but about 3 chapters into reading, these verses jumped out at me at the most perfect time. It was as if God said to me:

"Christy, do not despair!!! Your life is not over, today is a NEW day! I am always faithful, do you hear me??? I AM ALWAYS FAITHFUL"

I cried in my coffee that morning =).... It was through those verses that I literally felt God reach down and put His arms around me. Oh how I needed that.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; GREAT is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23