The Armor of God

I hope to hold onto this moment for a lifetime. This moment where I feel like The Lord opened a tiny little door, with a tiny little light to clue me in. I think he wanted to clue me in on something big he is doing in my brothers life. 

My baby brother Craig is a recovering drug addict. He has been homeless, he has lied, stolen from everyone close to him including myself. He is also sick. He has an addiction to drugs. You see, ever since I was baptized in 2011 I have felt this overwhelming feeling in my heart that he was either going to be in heaven with in the next 5 years or the only way he was going to clean up was to give his life to Christ. Yall, there were plenty of days, even this week where I still think about him dieing. But then this overwhelming feeling has taken over me and I'm at peace. 

Well by the grace of God my brother was accepted into a 5 person Christ centered rehab in canton ohio called Operation 6:12. Since he has been up There he has been thriving. Not only thriving but healing mentally, physically, emotionally etc. There is part of me that is hesitant because this is now his second rehab, but I believe that is normal for family to feel this way. Until Now. 

Let's move forward to Mother's Day shall we? My hubby and I decided to dedicate our boys to The Lord. I thought long and hard about the scripture that we were to pray about that would be the center of their dedication. It was the second word in the Bible that I found. It goes like this; "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6 11-12. I love this for our boys. Never in my wildest dreams did I think God had a bigger idea. 

Ok, fast forward to July 19. Follow? So, I'm on the phone with my brother..he is telling me about how his week is going. On my right wrist is an orange rubber bracelet that says operation 6:12. I knew it meant something but honestly had forgotten. Somehow we started to talk about how he wanted to get a tattoo that says 6:12. So obviously it prompted me to ask, what part of the bible is that again? He then says, "it's put on the full armour of God". Praise the Almighty Lord, I silently started crying, I looked up where there were a ton of stars and said thank you silently. I took a deep breath and said Craig, that was the scripture that I PRAYED ABOUT FOR God TO SHOW ME FOR THE BOYS DEDICATION WE HAD DONE BACK IN MAY. 

I know full and well that God has him taken care of already. For whatever that path may be. Recovering is hard, they fail and the succeed. And for a select few (ok, a lot) they die. As for now though, The Lord is working something big. I continue to put all my faith in him to heal my brother. To bring him to salvation. To be redeemed. Their is a song by matt redman, redeemed that has been by anthem for him since day one. 

Lord, I pray that you will continue to show him grace. That you will continue to letOperation 6:12 work and operate under your authority. Amen.   

Surgery day!

I am overwhelmed with the love and support of what I'm now referring to as family! As a mama I've been more concerned about my kids and husband! How will I feed them, clean play etc? And being in a newer area I didn't think I'd have the support that I would like I would of possibly had in Cincy for obvious reasons! 

The Good Lord had shown me otherwise!!!! I have spoken already concerning these bonds God is forming, but y'all I sometimes don't think I deserve it. I so desperately have needed these bonds with other women, clearly The Lord sees my needs before I do. Tear*

So this morning at 530 am J and I drove off hand in hand with coffee and breakfast and just enjoyed one another. Ha just kidding. Not about the 530 am part though, well and J got coffee. Boo! It all went pretty quickly I was the first pt of their day! After normal pre-op prep (I didn't cry for iv), spoke to my OR NURSE, respiratory and my personal fav the anesthesiologist!! She said that I would be sedated heavily then would get a block in my arm! Obviously all I heard was needle lol. I did a co2 test to check my normal intake and breathing, gave my hubby a kiss and off we went! 

Once back in OR I moved to the bed and as I was transferring I could see my new BFF sending the drugs through my line! I remember laying my head down and that's it!! I love her! Bahahaha

Repair wise, there was in fact a tear in my labrum despite what the radiologist said! Thank goodness because I was afraid honestly that I possibly didn't have a tear and was simply just a wimp with a bagillion dollar surgery bill ;) he put two sutures in the two tears and checked my bicep tendons which were completely fine! Praise God! 

Post op was easy and 9 hours later I'm still with out pain! I only hAd one issue with nausea as soon as I got home due to a narcotic I took on an empty tummy incase my block would wear off too soon. For now I'm comfy on the couch snacking on lemon vanilla wafers and coffee! Haha 

I'm super sad that I'm not at mission adventure week (vbs) as today is last day!!! But I'm looking forward to small group tomorrow! Come on y'all there will be Chinese food and I should just become Asian. Chinese and sushi are my favorites!!! 

 

Anyways, thank you to anyone who us praying for me, or helping my family out in any way. Your kindness is beyond my comprehension. 

 

Grosse.

  

This little guy will not leave my side. He melts my heart! He refuses to eat anywhere but with mommy!!

Gifts for the gimp

This sweet girl is helping me like crazy, true heart for Jesus.

I hate the treadmill

I have been working out. A lot. I have made a significant and life change and it comes with one major (perspective here) downfall, weight gain. Those words can bring a woman of stature no matter her size to her knees. I think we all deal with it in some fashion, others more than some. I account myself as part of the others group. I'm not proud of it. I hate it. I hate it more than actually gaining said weight. I hate that I feel selfish, as if I'm not appreciative of this body The Lord gave me this wonderful body and some mornings (ok-most right now) I cry in the mirror at any wrinkle, curve or roll. And as expected, God has shown me his power. While I was working out just this week, I was listening to a podcast with tony dungee and his wife and they were talking about blessings God has given him. I consider my body a blessing..so I took something he said and spinned it. I spinned it because I should want to work out to make my body the best it can be health wise and aestheticly. I shouldn't be working out for my own personal gain, which i now believe is why I have been so lazy at said working out!!! Here it is, my life changing new work out motto:

"God has given me this body, and I've got to glorify Him by keeping this body in its best form."-taken from Tony Dungee

Isn't that really what we do everyday? Doing everything to glorify Him and to do right by him? 

Well, nonetheless I won't be working out as hard as id like due to a recent run in with a treadmill. #stupidsprintintervals My right shoulder saved my life and my pride. Thank goodness it was 9 am so not too many people were staring at me! Although now said shoulder has a possible torn tendon. I have to get X-ray to confirm but it's pretty much a no brainier per the tp I saw yesterday! So if you could pleas pray for my shoulder to heal? It's steadily getting worse, and you guys we just don't have the time for this!!!

On a happier note, the sun is finally shining after a really grosse week of rain and hail!!! 

The boys have enjoyed the mud ha!

This is just something I found in my bible, our God is mighty y'all! He always knows just what you need to hear to remind me he has a plan for me. 

 

Mama's Day & "Coronation" Day

This past weekend was hands down one of the best. We had some family in town for the boys "dedication" at our church (hence the coronation in title). They thought it was hilarious. It was. My mom and mike came in Sunday morning, and J's parents came Saturday morning! Uncle Aaron and Nathan also came Sunday along with our sweet friends and their two girls! It felt surreal. Having some of the most precious people in our lives all together to celebrate God! What could be better?!? 

Saturday my MIL & I went to a little bookstore to see a local musician play who she hadn't seen in over 30 years!! I truly cherish those moments with her. I see her more than I do my mom, so it's so great that God gave me a MIL that i can do fun things with. I never imagined, although I was definately hoping for a strong relationship with my in laws. Most definately having a relationship with Glenn has been beyond epic. I don't have a father in my life. God surely placed J in my life for more than the purpose of a husband. He is letting me have a father. Because I'll tell you something, I don't miss the type of person he is, bit I do seriously ache for a father to point me in a direction and pick on me. And hug me like only a man can. Our God always provides doesn't he. Shoot, when we got married I just prayed to get along. That's all I wanted. Blessed beyond measure. Having faith in The Lord has kept me alive. And to see the fruit of this faithfulness is...well I'll never take them for granted. 

Don't get me wrong though, I have an amazing mama. She and I have been through the ringer a time or two. She is my confidant. She is my mom and dad all rolled into one. She deserves the world. I am so so proud of her. Sounds crazy right? The daughter saying this??? But you guys, we haven't had an easy life. She has had it not so easy. But after years and years of struggle she now owns her first home, is almost completely debt free & is the proud owner of an iPhone! For real. :) mom, I love you. 

This past weekend was more than I imagined, we grilled out with our lives ones, and prayed together over our two beautiful precious boys. This was our prayer verse:

{Cayden and mason, The Lord said, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16}

For us, this sums up what we want for our boys. We want them protected against evil and just the world in general. We want to teach them to lean on and rely on God with every need big and small. And to know they will be rewarded with life after death. And also to feel rewarded in this life, when we are obedient and pray and try to live our life FOR Christ-not just at church but everyday...he will bless our lives. More things in a positive way have happened in our lives since J and I have really been putting forth the effort to live how Jesus wants us to and by showing his love through us, has been remarkable.

Almost forgot about this little gem. My date and I at our most favorite steak and shake (blah) after running some errands.

I love when they put their hands in their pockets. Cutest. 

A shot our friend got! How cool!!!!

Standing on stage. Bright lights everywhere. 

We want to be FUN Jesus freaks! Haha 

They are sitting together and the cake didn't get pounded by little shoes. I was happy.

Look at this! Everyone is smiling and looking! Epic.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us. And thank you to everyone who is on this journey with us. We hope to glorify God in every way we can. One day at a time.

Parks are fun. & a project.

We love the park. We love to visit lots of them, and then be super choosy about which one we go back too! It's fun really just between C and I to see what he prefers more. Yesterday we went to Holland Park, which is also where the Fishers Freedom Fest is held. We had been a year ago when J did the Firefighter combat challenge, so this park was familiar. And when you move somewhere new, you long for familiarity. Seriously. 

Anyways, this park is definately a contender for us, there is indoor potties (I'm sold on that alone), 2 updated play areas, lots of swings and fire hq's is up the street so were bound to "see daddy" race by in a truck or squad. We learn to pick our battles, if they think daddy is on a ladder truck, and daddy is actually at home sleeping, then by gosh DADDY IS ON A LADDER TRUCK #dontyoudaretellthemotherwise

Our silly boy making a funny face for mama.

Hand down favorite spot for this boy. He could swing for hours. (Check out mini Daddy right there) true. Story.

After the park visit mama finally finished diy project #2. below is project #1, the magnet board! So super easy, and the newest addition is the DIY growth chart ruler! Dada ended up completing the staining for me, because he was being all man and grunting with our on-loan sander. So...let him be. 

Back to the parks...

Park #2 was Billeracy park also in Fishers. This place is a keeper! There is a seasonal splash pad and also two seperate play areas. We were there for 4 hours! That's how You know my boys were entertained! We also took a walk (still in the park) to the 8 lighted baseball fields! I snuck cayden onto a field!! I pretended to pitch to him and he hit a home run and ran the bases! So cool! 

I treated the boys to mcdonalds, which we promptly to back to the park, ate and played some more! They. Are. Exhausted.  Mamas devious plan worked bahaha

Thanks for the smile. Not.

Twins! I love love love dressing them

Alike. 

Funny faces are our forte. 

Ahh, what a beautiful day this has been! Yet loads of laundry & cleaning await me because 2 more days & the grandmas will be here, along with papaw and uncle Nate to celebrate our super special day!!!!!!

God is good

I like boring. I prefer a life that is full of intentional relationships, and a life that one may called settled. That is what we all in some fashion strive for,right? The move to indianapolis was so exciting for so many reasons, a blessing for more reasons that J and I are even aware of because y'all, we serve a BIG & POWERFUL GOD. The Lord is so so present in our lives right now, it just doesn't seem to make sense sometimes. I want to look back on this blog and be reminded if needed of God's work. He is moving mountains in my heart, and one way is through our new church which I might start calling home here soon. I thought being baptized was a pinnacle point in my existence...wrong! What has been happening in our lives since is beyond what I expected let alone prayed for. 

We are Becoming INVOLVED in Bridgeway. My heart has never been more content, but yet striving to just Comrinue to grow in our faith here is super fun!

The boys are being dedicated to The Lord on Mother's Day, so our parents and uncle Nate are coming in to town for this. One of the coolest parts?? You ready for this, the girls who will be watching our boys here soon, their mom and dad just so happened to be serving on the prayer team for dedications, guess who will be our prayer couple??? The exact same mom and dad of the girls who will be our sitters. I mean seriously!!! You guys he is working our every move.

Watching your kids show interest and talk about Jesus is epic. I want to have that impact on every kid. How different the world could be if all 4 yr olds had a knowledge of Jesus in their sweet little big hearts. Whew. 

We have a small group that we just adore. Although we haven't been often, the one time it was cancelled it made me sad. And I love the feeling of belonging. The couple, Amy and Travis that host are just beyond welcoming. The spirit is all around us here at BW and I can't wait to see where God leads myself and my family in the days to come. 

None of this would be possible with out a friend. A specific friend that I just know The Lord is placing her and I in the same room for a reason. I don't quite know what it is beyond a cool friendship at the moment, but let's just say I have felt the spirit move me to pray about working at the church. Why??? Y'all I have no church experience. I have no college degree, but I just can't get it out of my mind that I should just keep praying for Myself to follow his lead and take a leap of faith so to speak. Will you please pray for me? Thanks! 

A blog post wouldn't be complete with out photos: 

Here the boys are post 3.5 hour nap. They just look exhausted from sleeping...tough life. #not 

When they hold hands I get secretly (ok not so all the time) mushy! Not only is it a glimpse that they don't despise one another, but as parents I think we have this idea that siblings will be BFF & we know they probably will someday in due time. So waiting for a friendship to blossom is tough! 

Myself with M. Isn't his smile just make ya shed tears?! No? 

The 3 of us on a normal

Day. We have a routine, and we just have a blast. Most days are tough, but they are full of love and Jesus none the less. Pow!

Easter and a church

Easter has come and gone. This one seemed to top all the Easters previously. Some things happened financially that were beyond our control (thank GOD the establishments fixed them promptly) but due to the weekend I had to fill easter baskets, plan some kind of meal on 25$ "apology money" from target and the only $10 cash I had. I'm not telling you this to feel sorry for us. If you do then you have missed the point and should stop reading. We had some major perspective! God is ever reigning over us, in good times and bad. J and I were determined to not let this ruin this super special day!! I made a small dinner complete with crock pot Mac and cheese, sauté green beans, crescent rolls and ham! We had our own little egg hunt and best of all we had a church to go to, which is most definately becoming family. The Lord is working miracles in our lives and I can not even beginn to tell ya half of them! 

Here is a glimpse of our day!

On Good Friday we made rice krispy treat eggs! So good. Add a butterfinger egg in center and go to heaven ;)

Melt down post eggs. Because eggs were sticky?!? 

Just hanging out next to a fire hydrant on the most gorg Good Friday!!!

Boys, thank you. Thank you for your smiles and love.

How happy one can be over an Easter egg lunch!!

Easter egg hunt!! 

Family pre-egg hunt picture.

The child that is not a morning person. Sorry M, you get it from your mama!

The child that loves to be awake pre sunrise. But was super happy to get candy from the easter bunny!

My twins :)

We said, "ok guys make a funny face" bahaha

The best picture yet. Happy easter! He is risen!!!!