Second Christmas

Landry's second Christmas was a success!  We stayed with my dad the night before Christmas Eve and had a bond fire made complete by popping fireworks!

They loved the photo blanket! 

Landry stole everyone's chocolate Santa! Not one Santa was safe!  Her eyes melt my heart!

Bryce got superman costumes and Aunt Han was a photo bomber! 

We celebrated my nieces birthday!  I just love this picture of her! 

My Aunts gave all nine granddaughters a scarf that belonged to my grandmother.  Hannah and I decided to "model" the scarves.  The joy receiving one of these brought each of us is too amazing to put into words!  My two Aunts really blessed us by sharing!  

Daddy's girls! It was a tough day, but Daddy assured us, we helped fill a hole in his heart!  All three girls have on Memommy's scarves. 

We opened gifts with my mom, stepdad, and brother.  My mom loved her photo book.  It was from Landry and many of the pictures were of the two of them.

I guess this xbox is a big deal!  He lit up when he opened it! I love my baby brother!

Landry and I met up with some of our best friends!

This is not all Landry got for Christmas, but it was all that we took a picture of ;0).  Let's be honest, Mom and Dad didn't get much for baby this year.  The Grandparents outdid themselves!  Granda-Clause came to see Landry this year.  Santa decided to refrain from buying and let the Grands spoil her.

This was by far one of my favorite things to do on Christmas Day.  We made a birthday cake for Jesus.  I made it by following my Grandmother's recipe.  I was able to tell Landry stories of her Grandmother while we made the cake.  Then we sang happy birthday to Jesus!

Merry Christmas to all! 

A Thank You

It is hard to believe it has been a week since my Grandmother (Memommy) passed away.  Christmas has come and gone.  Many of us felt an emptiness in our hearts that was left by a bitter-sweet memory.  We grieve our loss, but rejoice in knowing she is in a far better place.  The funeral was beautiful.  Her children did "Rise and call her blessed."  I was one of the children who was asked to read.  My Aunts wanted me to read my blog post titled, "Lord Willing."  They told me they read it to her about five minutes before she took her last breath.  I made  it through without melting down, only by the grace of God and prayers which were being sent up by friends and family

I want to thank every last one of the people who came to her funeral.  I want to thank the ones who sent flowers because they could not be there.  My heart melted seeing arrangements sent by my sweet friends and family.  When I looked out into the congregation I saw a body of believers from our home church.  My dear, sweet friends drove 45 minutes to support us on a difficult day.  I want to thank our worship leader and his wife for dropping everything so he could play the piano at my grandmother's funeral.  I want to thank each of you for allowing the love of Christ to shine so brightly!  One friend told me she was blessed to have been a part of the service.  Memommy wanted the gospel to go forth!  That is exactly what happened in those brief moments of her funeral.  Her oldest, living son preached it!   One son read it!  Her grandchildren wrote, read, and sang it!  The love of Christ was poured out on that day!

How can anyone keep going after losing someone they love and not having the hope of being reunited?  I am thankful for the "hope that does not disappoint."  I know the truth, "Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning!"  In the words of my oldest cousin, "Memommy is singing like never before, BLESS THE LORD OH MY SOUL!"

Rest in peace beautiful lady.  I will forever be grateful for the hours you spent with me and the prayers poured out on my behalf.  I will always look at Landry and remember how hard you prayed for me to have a baby.  After the doctors said it would not happened, you said only God knows.  God is in control, not a doctor.  You had so many children and grandchildren and you never showed favoritism.  I appreciated that about you!  We all knew we were loved by you.  Our spouses knew it to.  Every time you saw Jen, Alan, etc. you would say, "You are mine and became mine when you married into this family."  You loved us all and we love you.  

Lord Willing

I heard those words spoken often as I was growing up.  My grandmother, who is now 86, would always say, "Lord willing."  I remember asking her, "Memommy will you be at my wedding one day," "Will you see my children?,"  "Will you this or that?"  Her response was always, "Lord willing!"  As a child I would get so upset when she made this statement.  I thought it meant she believed death was coming for her soon.  I loved (love) this woman with all my heart and did not want to think of losing her.  She had to be at my wedding, had to see my baby, had to…

As I grow older and become more acquainted with our Savior, I realize she wasn't saying these things to be morbid.  No, she knew something I would soon learn.  She knew the only reason we are allowed to take our next breath is if the Lord wills it.  As I type and tears stream down my face, she is in bed and unable to form many words.  It happened so quickly.  One minute we are at a family Christmas chatting and the next her words are jumbled.

This year for Christmas I gave her a photo book with written details of her life.  At the end of the book I asked her what legacy she would like to leave for her children and grandchildren.  She said, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, because your heart and feelings will deceive you."  Memommy has told me often, she hopes to see all her children and grandchildren walk with the Lord.

She understood the definition of sanctification.  She knows praying the "sinners prayer" is not the end, but the beginning of a true relationship with God.  Memommy wants her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and friends to be sanctified daily!  It is a process and anyone who knows her can see that even now, she is being sanctified.  She has a true relationship with God.  If we are truly saved, only then do we have the right to call Him Father.  I know if she could form these words she would say, "The Lord willing, each and every one of my children and grandchildren will know the Lord, have the right to call Him Father, and they will be sanctified on a daily basis."  Memommy is a child of God and she does not want her family to be nominal christians.  It is clear by the words she said, "your heart and feelings will deceive you" that she does not want us to be deceived into believing anything that is not true.  She wants us to rejoice with her in Heaven and not be decieved into believing we are "saved," if we are not.  She desires us to be in a true relationship with the one, true King.

Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, brothers, and sisters who know God and are not afraid to proclaim His good and faithful name.

Memommy's Legacy

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo books are the perfect gift for any occasion.

The Roar of a Lion

"Be of sober spirit, be on alert, your adversary the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
1 Peter 5:6-11.

I have been doing a bible study called, "Lord, Is It Warfare? Teach Me to Stand," by Kay Arthur.  It has been a great study for me.  It is taking me a while to get through, because it really makes you "dig in."  In one of the chapters Kay wrote, "I've heard when lions roar they throw their voice, which causes their prey to become confused and terrorized."  The comment stood out to me, because I have experienced this phenomena.  I haven't experienced it in the sense of a real fluffy lion roaring and making me tremble (not to say this wouldn't make me pass out in fear), but worse.  Satan is referred to as an adversary, prowling about like a roaring lion.  When he throws his condemning thoughts/voice it can be difficult to figure out where it is coming from.  At times, it is sugar coated so well that one may think what they are hearing is pure and right.  They may not even seem harmful, but be certain if the voice or thoughts are coming from the devil they are aimed to harm.

We are definitely living in a world that makes sin look more appealing than faithfulness to God.  We are living in a world where sin looks fun and harmless.  Our hearts and flesh may even crave these sins at times.  DISCERNMENT is so important!  It is especially important in the times we are living in.  It is important to watch out for people who believe and profess half-truths.  These half truths are so similar to truth that it can be almost impossible to detect.

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
James 2:19

I long to have a discerning spirit.  Truth from down right lies have gotten much easier to distinguish.    A discerning spirit that is able to distinguish truth from half truth can be more difficult.  I am aware that the "lion" will throw his voice and confuse me.  I am also aware that God will make the truth clear.  My hope is one day I will 110% know when I am being lied to, even when the lies are sugar coated so well that they seem impossible not to gravitate toward.    

It is BEAUTIFUL!

Truth!  Isn't it one of the most beautiful things ever?!  To be set free by truth is priceless!  To have the weight of the world lifted from your shoulders is worth it's weight in gold!  How do I put this into words?  Hmmm.... Let me think...  Let me ask God to put this into words for me...  Walking into a pitch black, extremely quiet house that is located in the middle of no where (that is where I live) can be a scary thing!  The woods behind my house get a little creepy when it is dark!  I scurry for my keys, grab the baby, unlock the door, close the door, and lock it!  Then.... I turn the light on!  PHEW!  I feel better to be locked in my house with all the lights on (my husband does not love me leaving the lights on, but hey its for my sanity)!

That is truth!  It is a light that will shine in the darkness.  Light gives us security, because we can see!  We like to be able to see, right?!  When we are in the dark we stumble, run into chairs, tables, and whatever is in the way.  Is that just me or do you stumble over things when it is pitch black?  Then, the light comes on and the things in the darkness are exposed!  I see the chair, table, and toys, therefore I can walk around them.

Through Christ we are in the light!  The darkness has no hold on us!  We have the right to:
~Walk in a manner worthy of the calling!
~Walk with humility, gentleness, patience, showing forbearance to one another in love!
~Walk in love!
~We do not walk carelessly tripping over things, but we walk with a purpose, we are useful to the
   Lord, we have the fruit of the Spirit!
~We must be careful how we walk!  We have Christ in us!

That time of year…

It is that time of year again.  Flu and cold season!  I remember this time last year, well a little later into the season, being crippled with fear, because of a simple cold or the dreaded flu.  Then there was RSV and whooping cough.  The thought of my baby girl getting one of these kept us in all winter long.  I am not kidding!  Anyway, I have seen many blogs posting about prevention and also I have read health websites that state the key is always prevention!

Last night, I began to think about these preventative measures, but not in the form of preventing a virus or bacteria.  I began to question, why don't I view spiritual warfare in the same way?  Why not take preventative measures to protect my families hearts and minds, my mind and heart included?  Why do I wait until I am in a storm to fight?  Scripture tells us to wear the armor at ALL times!  I take the necessary measures to prevent sickness from spreading in the house (as best I can), but do I fight every day to prevent satans schemes and attacks that he prepares on this household?  I can't say that I do, but I can say I want to.  It is a desire of my heart.  I began to feel fears creeping up on me as my husband told me a story about a wreck he saw yesterday.  He saw the wreck about 20 minutes after it happened.  It was a head on collision and all four people died.  My heart, was and is, in mourning for the families involved.  Twenty minutes earlier could have changed my life.  Satan wants me to be in bondage to this kind of fear every day.  He desires that I would become obsessed to the point of not enjoying the time God has given me with my family and friends.  He doesn't want me to leave the house, in fear that my child might catch something.  After having these negative thoughts, something new happened. Truth!  Simple, truth!  I heard, "Casey, my dear, I AM in control and all that happens is in my hands.  I AM holding the family of those who were lost in that tragedy.  I AM takes care of all!  I AM giving them extra love and Casey, I AM, is in control of your life and the ones you love.  Rest my dear and trust me to work things out.  You cannot understand my ways, but you must trust me.  Begin to use preventative measure for attacks that will come.  I love you and you are my child."

How can argue with that truth?  I desire to listen and obey.  If you read this please be in prayer that I will listen and obey.  I will pray the same for you.

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

My son, do not forget my teaching,

    but keep my commands in your heart,

 

for they will prolong your life many years

    and bring you peace and prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

 bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name

 in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.

Today has been rough!  It has been more physically rough than anything.  I have been lying in bed most of the morning.  Even as I write this blog post, it is from my bedroom.  I can hear my little girl outside saying, "Ma-ma."  It is a sweet sound.  Thankfully, my husband is able and willing to be mom, dad, and nurse today.  As the day goes on, I am beginning to feel a little better.  

I was trying to sleep earlier and these verses were played out so loudly in my head, I couldn't sleep. I began to think about what this means.  I have heard it many times and been told all that happens is for your good and God's glory more times than I can count.  What?! How is being sick good?  I began to ask God to show me who He really was.  I want to believe He is good all the time.  I say I believe it, and I want to believe it always.  I asked Him to walk with me.  I can read anyone's biography and learn about them, but to really know someone you must walk with them.  Then it clicked!  Though outwardly I am wasting (we all are), inwardly I can feel the work God is doing inside of me and through this momentary affliction.  These momentary troubles are achieving ETERNAL GLORY!  Eternal is defined by Webster's dictionary as:

It. Is. FOREVER!

Sure, we all want health, but there is something more to this life than health, wealth, and things that perish.  They are just that, aren't they?  They are things that perish.  They are here today, gone tomorrow.  Through these light and momentary affliction I am forced to cling to something.  I can choose to cling to the hope of being well again (which I believe will happen), but what if I put all my hope in that thought?  Where does that leave me if health doesn't return?  It leaves me utterly crushed in my spirit.  A crushed spirit is TERRIBLE and PAINFUL!  This applies to believers and non-believers.  I am sure we have all been there.  Placing our hope in things of this world, only to come out on the other end completely crushed when we are let down.

The alternative is placing my trust in God.  Placing my trust on things above, which cannot be seen, but they are things that are eternal.  By placing my trust in God, I must say, no matter what my circumstances bring I will not be crushed in spirit.  If I become more ill or battle with hidden illnesses for the rest of my life, I do not have to become crushed in spirit.  I can allow circumstances to destroy me or they can build me up for the glory of God.  In this moment I am choosing to trust God and thanking Him for the inward renewal He has allowed.  "The inward renewal that far outweighs them all." In this moment, I see how He gets the glory and works things for my good at the same time.  It isn't the perishable things that are for my good, but the things that will stand long after the fire has consumed every thing.     

The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? 

(Proverbs 18:14).

Maybe I dreamed it...

As I was looking out of my window and into the woods I could see the rain pouring from the sky.  I felt a tightness in my chest, because I don't enjoy bad weather.  I continued looking out and saw a huge tree with layers of thick branches.  I saw a bottom branch of the tree and noticed it was oblivious to the storm brewing all around.  It seemed to be untouched by the rain.  It paid no attention to the fierce wind blowing around it, because it was protected by many layers of mighty branches.

I feel like I have seen a painting that portrayed a message similar to this before, but I am not 100% sure.  Maybe I dreamed about it.  As I looked at the branch, I could not help but think how amazing it would be to rest in a storm.  I am in a mini storm right now.  I was diagnosed with a bacterial infection that I know little about.  Some people claim it is serious and some say it isn't too bad.  All I know for sure is I have felt horrible, but I am hoping it is because the medicine I am taking.  The first day of being diagnosed,  I was told I had to stop nursing.  I called the pediatric nurse, and she told me it would be fine to continue.  My baby is almost one year and I thank the good Lord I have had adequate milk for so long.  Then, I met a woman who suffered with a severe case of this bacteria.  She has encouraged me to wean my baby, because my body is being depleted of nutrients as it battles against this stubborn bacteria in my gut.  I have been praying for quiet some time, that I would trust the Lord more.  When I found out about this stubborn bacteria that is resistant to a lot of antibiotics, I felt as if I would crumble.  It was and is another weird thing that my body will endure.  First it was the interstitial cystitis, then the endometriosis, and other strange invisible illnesses,  and now this.   When I found out it can be contagious I did crumble.  Thankfully, with precautions it can be kept from my family.  I immediately felt guilt for not trusting God in this.  If I am being honest soaking my hands in bleach will not be the ultimate protector of my family, but God will.  This is not fun.  I don't wish it on anyone.  I just pray, God will be glorified through it all.  I want to pray for healing, but it almost feels selfish.  More than anything, I want to be like that branch I saw in my back yard.  Calm, even in the midst of the storm!  I'm not there yet, because fears creep up and I begin to think this round of antibiotics will not kill the bacteria.  I think, "What if my family or someone else gets this?"  Then I think, if the antibiotic doesn't work, the world will keep going and God can still use this for His glory.  That still, small voice continues to say, "Rest, rest, rest!"  I want to listen until that small voice is audible and my fears are washed away. After the storm, when the sun comes out, I hope to be like that little branch, untouched by the storms of this life, and trusting in the God of this universe.     

Because I'll need to be reminded

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

This blog post must be written, because one day, I will need to look back and be reminded of how God spoke through my family and friends to void all that Satan tries to make me believe as truth!  The lies that say you are not worthy, no one cares, you are not special, you are inadequate, stupid, and the list could go on forever.

It all began October 24, 2013!  I woke up and heard my husband say, "Happy birthday Casey!"  What is it about being called by name that can make one feel special?  I really thought this day, the day I turned 30 would be a day of sad tears, but waking up to my husbands voice was sweet!  Alan left the room to get our beautiful daughter out of bed.  I walked in the kitchen, as I do every morning, and kissed her while her daddy fed her.  It hit me!  I. HAVE. A. CHILD!  Yes, I have known this for 11 months, but today was different!  It was my first birthday to celebrate with a baby!  I could go on for days about the whole entire week!  It actually did not begin on Thursday, but on Sunday when my Dad, Stepmom, niece, and nephew joined us at the zoo.  Then on Monday, my Mother-in-law came to town.  We went on a shopping spree and had the best time enjoying each others company.  The night ended by having dinner with family!  My mom brought a cookie cake and my Mother-in-law made a cake.  We were sitting in Johnny Corrino's with two cakes!  Tuesday, we ate with more family.  On Wednesday our life group sang happy birthday and we ate THE MOST DELICIOUS COOKIE CAKE EVER!  It was made by Lis, so of course it was yummy!

We are finally back to Thursday.  The day I turned 30!  After kissing the baby, I read my sweet card from the hubs!  In college, Alan always brought me chic-fil-a for my birthday breakfast, so we decided it would be fun to go there before having to get Landry's flu shot (the worst part of the day,which we will not discuss, because it is sad). Lets fast forward a bit.......Lis and Jen had a lunch prepared, made complete by Jen's homemade king cake!  When I walked into the kitchen, I saw this:

 I am not sure if you can tell by this picture, but it was difficult for me to hold back tears!  No one has ever done anything like this for me before!   Growing up, I had and still have family who loves me, but words of affirmation to this degree...this is a first! As I write, I still tear up thinking of this sign!  This is how the Lord delights in His children.  If you are walking with Him and have any doubt that you are loved, just know, He delights in you and sees all the potential you have, which will glorify Him.  He loves you, right down to your deepest fears!  He gets to work those fears out in you!  I don't think it can be seen on here, but one of the things they said was they loved my fear of snakes and snot and how the Lord is working out those fears in me.

The night ended with a wonderful date!  It was with my husband of course ;0).  I thought that was it!  Done!  Wonderful birthday!  I could not ask for more!  WRONG!  It didn't end there.  It ended on Friday, October 25!  Alan, Landry, and I went to Lauren and Eric's house.  Landry was about to meet Lauren's parents!  We drove up and the people that were supposed to be there (Lauren, Eric, her parents, and my brother) were there!  Yay, lets eat!  NOPE!  I opened the door and SURPRISE!  I had a group of my family in Christ screaming "YAY!, SURPRISE!"  Landry was so afraid!  This was my first surprise party and it was wonderful!  God used my family and friends to show me exactly how He sees me!  God gets the glory and it is amazing that He chose to use this group!  To God be the glory!

I also had some cards and gifts come in the mail from friends who were not able to be here!  My wonderful Emily, Rach, and Stacy all sent something in the mail!  I LOVE getting mail!  These girls are so special to me!  Here are a few pictures from this fabulous week!

 A sweet picture from my sweet Sadie!

 Landry playing with my splurge of a gift!

 Our future!

 We took a trip to Africa!  Just kidding!  

My 86 year old Grandma blowing kisses to her great-grandchild!

Landry and one of her great aunts!  My two aunts sent an audio clip singing happy birthday! 

Landry doing something she was told not to do!  I snapped this and quickly removed her from the temptation!

 My dad!

Landry LOVES her cousins! 

 Our shopping spree with Missy!

 Breakfast 

 The beautiful spread of food!

Playing after lunch!

My sweet family!