convictions frame the activity of your faith

A few Sundays ago my pastor said something that I have played over and over in my mind.  He said, "Convictions frame the activity of your faith."  And then he went on to say, "Faith requires actions." Convictions.  Activity (aka ACTIONS) and faith.  I think we can all agree that the old saying, "actions speak louder than words" rings true in almost every way of life.  I read parenting blogs and books all the time that say the best way to teach your child anything is to show them.  (Side note: becoming a parent will surely expose your weaknesses faster than you can blink and has left me calling out to Jesus at ALL hours of the day for HELP!  Because for real, I'm trying so hard to not screw it up.  Luckily G is still too young to call me out, ha and even luckier still, Jesus covers me in grace).  But if we claim to have faith and believe that Jesus is who he says he is, isn't the best way for others to know what we believe by the way we act?  I believe that words have power too, trust me.  And that we have to be bold and gracious in the words we use, but what about our actions?

There has been a fire stirring in my heart for a little while.  Something I've kept to myself for awhile too.  I needed clarity, I needed focus and I needed Jesus (and maybe a little kick in the pants!).  All of those things, all coming from above, have provided me with convictions.  Convictions about callings on my life that I have yet to answer.  Convictions that I can't ignore.  I used to have such a negative attitude toward convictions.  The word in itself scared me.  It's because I associated it with guilt.  To me, they were one in the same.  Gosh is that a lie.  They could not be farther in meaning from one another.  Convictions provide clarity and focus in a world that tells you, "anything goes."  Convictions give us freedom.  Freedom to pursue God's will for our lives un-phased by the lies around us.  

And then I got in the car.  And this song came on.  It's one of my faves.  So I unconsciously turned it up and started my jam session.  Only to be convicted again by the words of the song.  

It ought to be more like falling in love, than something to believe in

More like losing my heart, than giving my allegiance

And then I started thinking about the time I fell in love with Matt.  We were youngins' with each other as a priority.  I wanted to tell all of my friends about how wonderful he is (and still do!).  I wanted to spend all my time with him, and learn more about him and about the things that he loved.  We were only dating for less than 9 months before we got engaged.  I was just so excited.  That's why I love this song so much.  Because that's how it is supposed to be with Jesus only a million times better, because Jesus is the only true, pure love that we can know.  Shouldn't I want to tell everyone about Him?  Shouldn't I want to spend all my time with Him?  Than why don't I?

Life I suppose?  But this is where my wandering heart has been lately.  Digesting convictions, acting out my faith and singing praises for grace the whole way through.  Oh and dressing up my toddler in her elephant costume every day attempting to get a decent photo.  (She makes a reallllly cute elephant y'all.)  

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend and I pray you won't shy away from your convictions.  Meet them head on and figure out which way they are leading you.

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September Scripture Challenge + Pictures of My 1 Year Old

Lately between battling the 'tude face (pictured above) and loving every second of my walking baby, I've been trying to fill up my cup with things and people that are encouraging and good for my soul - and one of those things is the lovely Kristin Schmucker.  Her blog is a breath of fresh air and I have decided to join her in her latest challenge - The September Scripture Challenge.  You can read more about that here on her blog.  I will be going through Galatians, although I haven't purchased her devotional.  Just reading along with my other devotionals - Power Thoughts, Jesus Calling and Power of a Praying Wife.  Matt and I are also rereading The Five Love Languages because trust me people, having a baby will change your love language - or at least it did for me.  So will you join me friends?  To commit to being in the Word every day this month?  It could be for five minutes for 2 hours... 1 verse or 3 chapters.  Just fill up your soul with truth.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  If you would like to join comment below so I can email you.  I'd love to have an email group of encouragement going!

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!!  And seriously, how is it already September?!?!?!?!

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when all you can do is pray

last week one of my best friend's sweet baby boy had a super high fever and was just not feeling well.  they frequented the doctor's office (and even emergency room!) that week and endured long nights of pushing fluids and holding their angel.  my heart achingly broke for her (and her hubs).  luckily that sweet one is a tough one and is feeling much better.  but whew!  that was a long week even for me, miles away, worrying and praying for that babe so i truly cannot imagine that of his parents.  

having a sick baby is the worst.  as a mom you would give your right arm to be able to take all of the sickness out of their innocent little bodies and put it into your own.  but you can't.  you just can't.  and while the doctors will send you home with some good advice, and an antibiotic at times, it doesn't take the worry away.  at all.  G has had a runny nose since she starting breaking in her top back molars (her last two might i add!) so while i was worried about our baby friend, all week i was constantly saying to my husband, "oh gosh, i hope G's runny nose doesn't turn in to a nasty virus too!"  and all week, said amazing husband would reassure me and comfort me.  

because sometimes you worry and fret about things you simply can't control.  whether you are a mom or not, this is real life.  and sometimes all you have is prayer.  and thankfully that is all we need.  sometimes i feel anxious if "all i can do is pray."  i feel helpless but gosh is that a lie.  prayer is a powerful thing y'all.  but we are fixers, us humans, and when we can't fix what is broken or sick or hurt, we get frustrated.  luckily we can pray to The One that can fix it.  he can fix it all.  heal it all.  mend it all.  so all of this ramblings was to say that man, i'm glad we have prayer.  i'm glad i am free to pray to a god who loves me and my child and "works all things for the good of those who love him" (romans 8:28).  i'm glad he eases my worries and strengthens my trust with prayer.  god is so good.  

and did i mention by baby turn 1 this week?!?!?!  cue the happy/sad tears.... all week.  speaking of prayer, please pray for matt because i am sure to be an emotional basket-case this week :)

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doubt vs faith

via

feelings are fleeting and unreliable.  i've know that for awhile.  but sometimes my emotions still get the best of me.  i love this quote as it reminds me that decisions made in faith are the right decisions - no matter the ebbs and flows that life brings.

now off the G's last month of Kindermusik!  happy hump day!

xox

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Easter Sunday 2014

free printable found HERE

Easter Sunday was the best this year.  Matt and I went to church Saturday night, which was great so G could get her morning nap before Easter brunch.  On Sunday, we headed to brunch with my family around 11, came home for a family nap then headed back out for dinner at Matt's parents house.  All in all it was great.  Lots of food, family and celebrating the reason we celebrate.  So thankful for that truth.  He is Risen!  We are freely forgiven.

And now some pictures from Easter Brunch..

my sissy and i

the lighting is terrible in this picture.  and i have no idea how to edit it to make it better.  but the joy in this picture cannot be tamed.  i love those 2.  these are my people.

PS - Would love to send y'all over to one of my new favorite reads - www.allkindsofthingsblog.com
Here's a little note from sweet Elizabeth!

Hi! I'm Elizabeth~ I am an elementary teacher turned mommy of two - From recipes and DIY projects to organizational tips and thoughts on faith and parenting, my blog includes "all kinds of things" that I hope will encourage you in your day-to-day journey! I would love to connect with you - You can find me at www.allkindsofthingsblog.com, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Bloglovin'

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GEORGIA'S BABY DEDICATION

Sunday, April 13, 2014 was such a special day  Matt and I chose to dedicate Georgia at the church where we grew up and were also married.  We are Baptist, so our ceremony is a dedication as oppossed to a christening or baptistm.  We were so blessed by the family and friends who came and supported us.  After church, we headed over to one of our favorite spots downtown, Jester's, where Georgia proceeded to get naked.  She lovessssss to be naked.  So, off with the gown it was!  And everyone enjoyed the delicious food by Jester's and then it was time for cake.  

her cake was not only GORGEOUS but also DELICIOUS (strawberry filling?!? yes please!)!  Thank you Heather Sutton!

my sweet parentals

so much fun so she passed out on her nanny mid bottle :)

For favors we gave out cross cookies with G's monogram on them. The cookies were made by Marcia Foushee and were delicious!  We also used these labels from Tiny Prints to stick on each package.
The labels matched her invitations below too!

labels found here

invitations found here

** If you are in Wilmington and would like contact information for either Heather Sutton (cake) or Marcia Foushee (cookies), please email be at denise.lopatka(at)gmail.com  I cannot speak highly enough of either!  Their products were wonderful, affordable and my guests are STILL talking about how delicious they both were.  **

** Thank you Tiny Prints for the gorgeous invitations and labels.  I also cannot say enough good things about Tiny Prints.  They are truly my go-to source for anything paper related and can make any event more special and unique. **

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