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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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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2014 goal setting V IV

Eeeeeeeek!  How is it the last day of January?  Crazy!  This year I have taken the entire month of January to plan and prepare for 2014 - setting goals, and creating action plans to accomplish these goals - all with the help of Lara Casey's Powersheets.  And to be honest, I kinda love it.  I love feeling prepared and having accountability.  I love taking time and prayer to decide on goals for the new year.  I'm thinking this may be a thing for me from now on...

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But ok!  My 5th a final goal for 2014 - and probably the most important one!

Goal 5  //  To make my relationship with Jesus a priority and commit to prayer.

This year I want to seek Him even more.  With more of my heart, more of my mind and more of my time.  You see, I'm pretty selfish with my time - especially since having a baby.  It's like I get a few free seconds and tend to waste them "relaxing" or laying on the couch watching empty TV.  Not anymore.  This year I am committing to taking my extra seconds, minutes and hours - and even that time that is not "extra" - and spending with Him.  Mostly in prayer.  Honestly, I struggle with prayer.  The dicipline of it.  Sure I pray when I wake up, before meals and when I go to bed, but rarely do I carve out time during my day to truly commit to prayer - other than the two second "Lord, Help me!" prayer.  I spend time reading devotionals and listening to praise music, but again, it's the "still" time that I am missing.  So this year, I'm hoping to commit to time and prayer - even when I don't feel like I have anything to say.  

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So there they are!  My five goals!  If you missed the other parts of this series you can find them here:

Part I

Part II

Part III

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choose joy

picture by me. quote via

i talk a lot about this choosing thing over here.  choosing joy.  choosing hope.  choosing faith.  well this week the whole choosing joy thing - it's been hard.  like really hard.  and i can't exactly pinpoint why.  i've had a lot on my plate lately i do know that.  but i'm always busy.  so nothing super new with that.  emotional?  yep.  but again, with me.  nothing new with that either.  whatever the reason or lack thereof, i need help choosing joy this week that's for sure.  and i loved receiving this quote in my Inbox yesterday from Anne's blog.  i needed that reminder.  and maybe you did too?

happy wednesday dear friends.

weekend and hope

The lyrics above are from one of my favorite bands – The Shelly Moore Band.  They played at my church in college a lot and the words in her music will stop you dead in your tracks.  And that’s what happened on Saturday as I was running.  In my quest to explore and discover what it truly means to be grateful this year, I have been led to investigate my hope as well.  It has me asking, “What is it that I put my hope in?”  Truly.  Do I put my hope in my family?  In my career?  Do I depend on these things to offer a glimmer of hope in my life when things aren’t looking so great?  When I have a horrible day at school and I leave with some hope that tomorrow will be more manageable.  But why do I hope for a better day?  What has given me the privilege to look to a more promising tomorrow?  Jesus.  It is because of Him that I am able to hope.  Hope for the future and trust that He is faithful.  So today, I put my hope in Him.  He is the only one that will never fail me, never leave me, and love me unconditionally.  He is where I lay my hope to rest.

Now some instagram pictures from the weekend J  username: deniselopatka

that face.

beautiful view at the brown's

sisters

birthday girl love

fill up my heart

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I am a product of my environment and the things I fill up my heart with are the things that come out of my mouth.  I will try to fill my heart with pure thoughts and words of Truth.  I pray that today I become a little less of me and a little more of Him.  

Happy Friday

PS - I'm am so excited to be sponsoring Suzels Says for the months of June and July!  Head on over and check out my button!