YOUR Clothes

**Guest post by Molly tonight.**

Today in convocation, I had the privilege of hearing Pastor Saeed Abidini share about his time in a harsh Iranian prison for the last several years. He entered the Vines Center to a standing ovation. It was powerful, and it was very enlightening to now have been privy to hearing about the persecution of the church in our world. After being asked how he was able to convert 30+ people in prison even under such deadly persecution, he said something that really stuck with me. He replied, (I will paraphrase because I cannot remember his exact words), “I learned that the firmer you stand in your faith, the more the enemy retreats…” I have included this rather unrelated bit of information, specifically the quote, from this morning because I think it also resonates well with the topic about to be discussed.

(You can watch convocation online using this link http://media2.liberty.edu/)

Human trafficking currently holds the lives of an estimated 27 million people around the world.

In our American culture of “it’s all about me” we, more than anyone else it appears, seem to completely disregard this issue and instead fight over, advocate for, whatever it may be issues that are not issues in the least little bit.

(i.e., the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio just won his first Oscar and talked about global warming in his acceptance speech…)

So, this post is a wake up call!!! And also a chance for those of you who may not know much about this issue, or the organizations that are in the fight to end it, to learn.

This semester, I am currently interning with an organization out of Lynchburg called Freedom 4/24. 4/24 is a nonprofit organization that raises funds through fundraisers, donors, 5k races, events, etc. that exists to raise awareness for the sexual exploitation of women and children around the world. They partner with several organizations that work specifically with victims and their rescue and rehabilitation, including safe houses in Charlottesville, VA, India, Thailand, and Uganda. 

One of the ways they raise money is through the use of their Instagram shop, “frocks4freedom,” which sells “like new” name brand, women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories at unbeatable prices.

If you have an Instagram, follow @freedom424 and also @frocks4freedom!!! 

Not only will you be able to find really cute, cheap clothing from places like J.Crew and Talbots, but you will also be doing a small part to help those currently trapped in slavery. New items go live each Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. EST. I am one of the facilitators of the page, and I can tell you that myself, and the other two girls (Emily & Kentcie) are working really hard to get the word out and have this awesome mission grow.

I will be participating in a clothing drive for the month of April and basically, it goes something like this: If, at the end of the month, I have not worn an item of clothing for the entire month, I hang it up backwards in my closet and take those items hanging backwards and donate them… in this case to frocks4freedom. Will you participate with me?

If you are at home (Kings Mountain) and have anything you would like to donate, I would be happy to get that from you and deliver it to the office myself! I will actually be home for spring break from March 13-March 20, but can also make arrangements to get your items after that time, as well!

Your sister in Christ,

Molly

Matthew 5:43-48

Matthew 25:31-46

1 Peter 5:6-11

Grace

I have never, ever claimed that my kids are perfect.  Never. I won't start now. 

I have said..

• they are good kids.
• my kids love the Lord.
• for the most part, they try to keep themselves out of trouble. [Well, the first three do.  Gabe looks for trouble. He loves trouble. Trouble is his best friend sometimes.]

But, they are still humans....with faults and selfish behaviors and irritating habits [that all come from their dad].

And like me and you and everyone that I have ever encountered in my life, they make mistakes.

Some are just minor. 
Some are not.

Just like me and you and everyone else in the world.

I can promise you that we expect integrity, honesty, and good character from all four of them.

We are not perfect parents. [Seriously, that may come as a shock to some of you.]

I tend to see things through mom goggles. [My kids and my favorite coach tend to tell me that a lot.  I see nothing wrong with looking on the sunny side....]  

I especially view my own children through these said goggles.  I don't want to think they might make a mistake that would hurt them.

But because we are all human, they do some monumentally stupid things.  

And the goggles have to come off. [And, according to them, the smoke flies from my ears, my voice changes, and I speak in rapid spurts of "mom talk".  I don't see it.  I don't think it happens.]

One thing I have learned in this career of being Ma is that all situations are not the same. 
Some call for hugs and tears. [Sometimes a little from me and a lot from one of them or vice versa.]
Some call for lots of "I told you so". [As a parent there are some small victories in mistakes.]
Some call for moments to count to 10...alone. [Or 20. Or 100.]
And some just call for brutal honesty. [That's when you step on the mom goggles and smash them to bits.]

Yet they all have one thing in common....grace.

Honestly, I would not be the person I am today if my mom and dad hadn't done a little of all of those as I was growing up. But I certainly wouldn't be me without lots and lots and LOTS of grace.  Many times [in the past and the present], I didn't [don't] get the punishment I deserve when I've screwed [screw] up.

None of us do.

In a conversation with one of the Shorties the other night, my favorite coach and I tried to stress the importance of sincere humility. 

Not haughty humility that allows a person to get what they want and reeks of insincerity.  

True, on your face, asking-God-first-then-those-whom-you-have-wronged, honest, sincere humility to ask forgiveness for hurting others.

And yes, there are going to be LOTS of people that won't understand and will do whatever they can possibly do to pick you apart, to kick you while you are down, and to throw stones. [And, yes, this Ma got a little upset when a Tweet relating to this matter by a person who only knows how to throw punches came her way...something to the effect of "116 and all, dang" as in reference to Romans 1:16 which is used by one of my children on social media quite frequently. And this Ma had to consider the source and remind herself of what people do when they forget that grace has been afforded to them.  And she had to be gracious. You have to practice what you preach or the words are just that...words.  However, it doesn't hurt to just hit the block on some folks that want to be mean.  If I am doing what God is asking then I have to extend grace. I don't have to read mean girl Tweets.] In the end, the only thing that matters is that you are in line with God.  The world doesn't have to like you...it has nothing for believers anyway.

We have a God who loves us for us.

He wants the best for us even when we fall short...and we will fall short.

He meets us where we are and takes us where we never thought we could go.

And, in our time of need and always, when we don't deserve it,  we will find His grace.

A Holy Passion

I am reading Jen Hatmaker's book, Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity. [Please click on the links and visit her website. She is awesome!]

Wow.

I ordered it back a few months ago.  It's actually a revised and expanded version that she wrote back in 2012.  I began reading it as soon as I got it but I wasn't ready to be "all in".  I was too busy wallowing in my own self pity to worry about really focusing on what the words were saying to me.

Forty hit me like a ton of bricks. [No doubt I created most, if not all of them, and allowed them to be hurled at me].  High blood pressure, weight gain, depression, increased anxiety, recent problems with blood sugar, a stress test and visit to the cardiologist and constant issues with my stomach - and this crap [yes, I used the word crap] all started the day I turned 40 - swear. It's like my body said, "Hey you idiot!" 

To make it worse, it felt like [and still feels like sometimes] so many other people women were and are growing old gracefully.  

I feel like old hit me, knocked me down, then stood up, doing the Cam Newton Superman over the top of me. #Truth

I have some things I want to focus on this year. But I can't do those things until I put some time into myself:

• Eating healthier.
• Getting in shape.
• Sleeping.
• Organizing everything - my time, my priorities, my house, my schedule.

My life is complicated but by my own doing. [You now it's bad when I tell you what I'm about to you.] I even asked Craig to help me get organized. [I call him the budget Nazi.  And the schedule Nazi.  I make fun of his need to always know what we are doing.  I fly by the seat of my pants and it drives him crazy.] #CurrentlyEatingCrow

I can't do any of those things without doing this:
Giving it to God.

My sweet, Godly husband bought me a prayer journal.  He writes in his as he studies God's word.  I mean, seriously girls, what a lucky woman I am!!  [Just a little soapbox moment here:  If you aren't married then you should be looking for a man that wants to read his Bible more than he wants to read you...if you get my drift. Find a man that makes his walk with Christ a priority.] He reads and studies his Bible, DAILY, because he knows that God is calling him to be holy and that he cannot do that without knowing God. 

It's not that through all of this "stuff" that I haven't prayed or studied my Bible. I have but with half a heart most of the time.  [*Insert ashamed face here*] In fact, with most things the last two years, I've been half hearted....

• Running and exercising.
• Getting healthy and getting sleep. 
• Being organized.
• Teaching. [I will be honest in saying that I am disillusioned and I'm not sure what to do about this dilemma.  I will ask for prayers about this one.]
• Stepping up to help others. [This one bothers me the most.]

I've spent a lot of my break just re-focusing.  [If you've seen me out in public this has meant that I haven't really worried too much about wearing make-up or fixing my hair or really dressing like I didn't just crawl out of bed.  Everybody re-energizes in their own way. Judge me. I don't care.]  We are cleaning out our house and de-cluttering [still have a ways to go...Craig married a hoarder]. I've laughed - a lot. I've stayed up late and watched movies. [And discovered that Blue Bloods is on Netflix.  I want to be a Reagan.] Gabe and I spent most of yesterday in our pajamas, taking turns giving each other back massages. Emma and I played America Girl dolls. We've played Life. [Which is a very fun game by the way.  Emma had so many kids she had to get an extra car.  Good stuff.]

Back to the book...

In the first chapter, Jen is talking about her angst with what she was doing to spread the gospel.  She states that in the midst of the noise of her children in the car that she prayed a simple one line prayer: "God, raise up in me a holy passion." (page 11).  Just before the prayer she also wrote, "And I strongly advise against this prayer unless you are quite ready for God to take you seriously and wreck your life."  

She continues on and shares how God took her seriously and led her John 21, where Peter declares his love for Jesus three times after His resurrection.  She says it was like God removed Peter's name and inserted her name.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” 

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.   

John 21:15-17

She says that she's read these words many times but never in the way she did after asking God to work in her life.  

Blown away.  God's timing is perfect.  

Raise up in me a holy passion.

I truly believe know that God's mercy is perfect. His grace is abundant. And enough.  

I also know that James 2:26 says, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." 

I feel these tugs [and have for a while] from God. Jen Hatmaker's words, spoken through her by God, have resonated with me and pushed me to run towards these tugs.  I am overwhelmed by His presence.  

For the first time, in two years, I am excited about getting in shape and eating better and getting organized because God's plan is so much better than mine. I'm no longer just looking for a way out but looking for a way in...to feed His sheep.

Overwhelmed.
   

 

Running Hard and Fast

It goes without saying that I have been struggling.  

I see it in my own writing over the last year.  I see it in the mirror.  I feel it when I put on my clothes. 

My husband is really the only one that knows the depths of what has been going on in my head.  

To many of you, on the outside,

it looks irrational. 
it looks like I'm whining.
it looks like I'm disgruntled and negative.

Maybe I am all of those things.  Sometimes, I'm not sure.  Honestly.

What I do know, in the midst of all this confusion over why I feel this way, is that many people have been praying on my behalf.  I can feel these prayers. I know that my own husband intercedes daily, sometimes hourly, because he is a Godly man. 

Maybe it is time I share how I truly feel....

Our world is going to hell.  Quickly.  And that is a scary bit of information for a mom trying to raise four kids at different stages...college, high school, elementary.  I read this, sometimes daily: 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

There are people out there that truly do not care about others.  I don't mean like you have to take on my problems kind of caring but just being a decent human. It has taken me 41 years of thinking the world was filled with wonderful people to be slapped square in the face with this one.  I'm not choosing to focus on these people but I observe them at every corner.  [If you read my recent post  you will understand this more.]  I'm not sure if I've just become overly sensitive to the actions [or lack of actions] by others but I see so much selfish behavior all around me. So where do we [I] fit in? Why are we so scared to step up and volunteer?  Why are we so scared to reach out to others? Why are we so scared to admit that we need to do more to help those that need us? 

  "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2

Entitlement is ruining our schools and our society.  I am not an advocate for the everyone-gets-a-trophy or everyone-gets-to-play or my-kid-has always- gotten-straight-A's-so-it-must-be-you mentality.  When I hear these words at school, "Hey, that's not fair!"  I promptly respond with, "The fair just left...you should've hopped the train."  Why does everything have to be fair when you aren't willing to work for it?  Ask someone who is facing a life threatening illness about fairness.  Ask a kid who hasn't eaten all weekend about fairness. Ask a parent who loses a chid to suicide over bullying about fairness.  I've said it before and I will say it again [for good measure]...Entitlement can go die in a hole. 

"But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48

You don't get to choose when you can be a part of my life and that of my family. Left out. Not by the choices we have made but by the choices they have made.  I struggle with this, A LOT.  The six of us Shorties stick together. We are tight. Thick as thieves. Got each other's back.  You get one of us you get all of us.  You disregard one of us then you disregard all of us. My children deserve better and I won't back down from that.   

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD
The fruit of the womb is a reward. 
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, 

So are the children of one’s youth. 
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; 
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5

So I am running hard and fast towards Jesus. I want to get to a place where I feel good about myself.  I'm not there yet. [In fact, I'm a long, long way away.] But Jesus said, in Matthew 11:28-29,  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  

You may think I've shared too much.  

You may now think [or had it confirmed] that I've gone mad. Lost my mind. Am off my rocker.

You can think whatever you choose. 

Because I am remembering where my worth comes from and it has been one hell of an uphill battle.  

I will come out on the other side, much better.  

I am a daughter of the King. 

I am loved. 

I am worthy. 

I am Missy. 

 

This Moment is Enough

"Show me Your Glory"

Third Day

I caught a glimpse of Your splendor
In the corner of my eye
The most beautiful thing I've ever seen
And it was like a flash of lightning
Reflected off the sky
And I know I'll never be the same
Show me Your glory
Send down Your presence
I want to see Your face
Show me Your glory
Majesty shines about You
I can't go on without You, Lord
When I climb down the mountain
And get back to my life
I won't settle for ordinary things
I'm gonna follow You forever
And for all of my days
I won't rest 'til I see You again
Show me Your glory
Show me Your glory 
I can't live without You

Tomorrow morning, at 4:45am, I will leave my 15 year old son with a group of virtual strangers and send him 1754.56 miles [I looked it up....just saying "a lot" was not enough] on a mission trip in a foreign country. 

And at this moment in my life I am so very proud of the man he is becoming.  [Now, for those of you that know Coop you also realize that he is quite the goofball in most situations and to say he is worse at home is an understatement.]  He has grown into this man [Affectionately nicknamed Gigantor] that realizes that God has so much more planned for his life that he could ever, possibly imagine.  He was given the opportunity to take this trip after visiting my parents one weekend and going to their church.  The lady teaching his Sunday school class casually mentioned to my mom that he would be a great addition to their team, my parents talked to her husband [team leader], and God created a way for Cooper to be a part of this trip. [My dad, who has the heart of Jesus, graciously paid the expenses for Cooper to go on this trip.  How did I get so lucky to have such an amazing set of parents that are way cool grandparents?]  

He is nervous.  Phone contact will be limited for him.

I am nervous.  He will be in a third world country that he had to get vaccinations to visit...who wouldn't be nervous?

Yet, with all the anxiety about things that I have no control over, I have this inner peace that God is doing something so wonderful with my son.  God is giving him an opportunity to be speak the gospel and to let others witness Jesus in his life.  My prayer is that he puts aside the anxiety and allows God to just move.  

Next Wednesday, while Coop is winding down his first international mission trip, Molly and Craig will be boarding a plane for Honduras for 9 days.  [Poor old Emma and Gabe - stuck with mommy for 3 straight weeks...]  Once again, I get to be anxious about sending my favorite coach and sweet girl to a foreign land.  BUT, once again, what a grand opportunity God has given to my family.  Craig and Molly will get to lead vacation Bible schools, give out much needed school supplies, and best of all, be Jesus.  

It is moments like these that make me realize that my God is so much bigger than anything I could do for my family. I can't cook enough or wash enough [#truetweet] or buy enough to ever be all that they need.  Now don't get me wrong, we love each other unconditionally, but we can't ever fill that God sized hole for each other that, ultimately, is enough.  It is these moments that are presented to each of us [the Shorties, you, everyone] that give us "enough". 

Trust me.  I have tried to fill that God sized hole with other things...love, money, career, things, food...and NOTHING fills it except God.  When I stopped trying to cram all that other in there and just allowed Jesus to fill me up then it was enough.  

As my family prepares to take Jesus to the neighborhoods and the nations, I am challenged to do more.  I spoke about my "yes" a few posts ago.  I am excited about what God has challenged me to do, right here in Kings Mountain.  It has nothing to do with me but what God is doing to help some folks right here in my town.  

Jesus doesn't expect all of us to go to foreign lands. 

He simply desires our heart and He will do the rest.  That might be here and it might be a world away.  Wherever He leads us it up to us to allow Him to fill us up.  

Fill that God sized hole in your life. 

Listen when God speaks and allow Him to work in you. 

Romans 5:5 says,  "And hope does not put us to shame, 

because God's love has been poured out into our hearts 

through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

My sweet girl has a favorite verse that she has shared, numerous times, with me, her friends, her siblings, just anyone:

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, 

Ephesians 3:20

As I prepare for bed [only to get up at 3:45 am] this moment is enough. 

This life is enough. 

Jesus is enough.

[At the beginning of this post I put the words to "Show Me Your Glory" by Third Day. Besides the fact that this is one of my favorite songs it is also my prayer tonight. I don't want my children to settle for ordinary things that are not in the will of what God wants for their lives. I don't want to Craig and I to settle for ordinary things either. I pray that these next few weeks, and beyond, are moments that are enough as Molly, Cooper, and Craig see His Glory.]  

What Is My Yes?

I read a book. [Yes. I read.  Real books.]


And it was AHHH-MAZING.  Absolutely. 

I have followed her blog for about a year. 

I suppose, for about 18 months or so, I've been questioning a lot of things in my life. Not necessarily questioning God but questioning my purpose...God's purpose for me. 

What is it that He has called me to do here?

Have you ever asked yourself that question?  I have. Many, many, MANY times.

But in order for me to answer that question I have to forget about me.  
What I mean is I have to let go of all that I think that I can do on my own and give it all over to God.  

Craig and I had a conversation about this and here is our conclusion:
It shouldn't be difficult to say, "Here I am God. All I have is yours. My purpose is your will. I will follow your lead, no matter what.  I want You to be my life." 

Many times, though, this is how we [meaning I] answer:
"OK God, I am going to trust you now that I've made a mess of things" or "I am not happy with blah, blah, blah.  Can you help me?"

I love the Lord. 
I want Him to be my life. 

In the book, the author talks about her struggles with these questions and about the places she has been led when she simply said, "Yes."

It is that easy. 

Yes God. You have me.  

Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;  but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

God has so much more to offer and so many blessings for our lives.  He wants to use us in ways that we could never, ever be used without Him.  

He wants all of us.
All the time.
For every purpose.
For His glory.

I have been praying about my "Yes". I've been praying not only that I will fully surrender to God my life so that He can do amazing works in my life but about my "yes".  

God continues to to open my eyes and my heart to my yes.  So many times, in the last few weeks, God has spoken through scriptures, prayers, people, books, stories, church....just everything that I have encountered.  

He will pursue us. 
We must say yes.

Make me broken
So I can be healed
‘Cause I’m so calloused
And now I can’t feel
I want to run to You
With heart wide open
Make me broken
~Make Me by Sidewalk Prophets

You have me.

Yes, Lord.

Laying Down The Armor

Confession time....

I've had some issues here lately. [Duh...ya think Missy?]

I haven't been myself for a while. [Not quite sure who I've been.  Maybe Craig was right when said I should choose Ursula the sea witch as my Disney avatar.] 

I won't bore you with the details of this dreadful school year but I will say that my mood was compounded by the fact that I've felt so out of control in my own classroom.  Honestly, that has been the one place that felt "together" for me until this year.

Somewhere, along the way, I lost myself.

I lost my joy.

I lost my faith.

I stopped believing that I needed to give it over to God.

I am not sure where, along this journey over the last year, that this happened. Looking back on several moments I would say that it wasn't long after Christmas this year.  

There isn't one defining moment or event that happened.  

It just happened.

I stopped finding joy in the stuff that used to be me...

I haven't baked cookies or a cake in forever [unless I absolutely had to].

I stopped running/walking/moving. [I have NEVER in my life been as heavy as I am at this exact moment.  Its quite embarassing.]

I quit trying to actually worry about how I look every day. [Some of you are like, "We couldn't tell the difference."]

I stopped sending my daily text message to my friends.

I stopped listening to voicemails.

I. Just. Stopped.

There have been so many sleepless nights in the last few months.  Nights where I would, literally, sit here and think and worry and try to do life all alone. Nights spent retreating further into this place of frustration and anger.  

But, slowly, because God is so gracious and so much bigger than anything going in my life and because I know there have been people praying on my behalf, He has been speaking truth in my ear. [And when I say speaking, I mean really speaking.] He has delivered me out of this darkness.

Just like He promised.

This past Sunday, our message at church was about working until Jesus comes. As I listened and took notes, my heart began to stir in a way that it hasn't in a while.  While my toes were being stepped on, it was my soul that felt the shame over my behavior and attitude these past few months.  

The one statement from our dear pastor that resonated with me [really slapped me out of this stupor I've been in for months] was simply this:

"Saved people can act shamefully."

Idleness.
Burden.
Disruptive behavior.
Being a busybody.

Yep.  That just about sums me up. [I mean, really, there is nothing like a good, swift kick in the seat to make you pick up the mirror and say, "Oh, hey you."]

2 Thessalonians 3:11-15 

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

I have been pondering this particular set of verses for the better part of two days now.  Not only that, but God has busted this puppy right open and laid it right in front of me.  

Ya'll know I like the internet. [Sounds sort of redneck doesn't it?  If the shoes fits...] Tonight, while on Pinterest [pinning 12,458 things that I'll never make, bake, or read] I came across a blog. Now, you and I both know it was no mistake that I landed here but a God thing. 

Daughter by Design

I was led to this specific post about becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman and I began to read.  [I'm guessing my head is as hard as everyone says it is because it took me until about 1:OOam to realize that I desperately need to work on doing the things from Proverbs 31.]  

I HAVE to:

• Get up early and make time for God and prayer.
• Take care of myself - physically and spiritually. [Get some sleep. Exercise. Study and follow scripture. And yet, it is 2:15am and I am banging away at this keyboard.]
• Become unselfish and help others.
• Be optimistic. [This one hit me hard.  Craig has always called me "silver lining" because I see the good in everything...but not lately.]
• Take care of my home and car and personal space. 
• Speak in wisdom and encouragement. [Side post: I've struggling with this one lately and I am burdened.  Ya'll know I am going to fiercely defend my children when I know someone is treating them wrongly or being mean. I mean, like the Hulk. After a recent heartbreak, my son was hurting and I reached out to him, but he taught me so much more than I taught him.  "Mom, it's not bothering me like it bothers you. I promise I am fine and I have moved on.  I will not hide behind my Twitter or text messages and I can't control those that do. My God is bigger than any of this and I know that He is in control. You have to let this go because I have." Well played, God, well played.  He breathed those words through my son, not to reassure him but to reassure me. Can't argue with that now can you?]
• Work without complaining. [And again, haven't done a fantastic job with this one but I will work on it.]
• Take care of her appearance. [In my defense, my hair does have a mind of its own.  I try.]
• Take care of my life, my spiritual heart, and live in a way that honors God. 

So, I am laying down my armor [mixaphorically speaking] and I am making a promise to myself, but most importantly, to my God that I will have faith, even when I'm not sure where the path is leading me.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

I do not want to be a saved person that lives in shame because I won't just let God have it all. I believe, fully, Philippians 4:13.

We sang this song this past Sunday.  I included it in this blog because of these words:
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated
Forever. He is glorified.
Forever. He is lifted high.
Forever. He is risen.
He is alive.
He is alive.

I mean, if Jesus can be flogged, nailed, and broken so that I may know eternal life then I can say to Him that I believe in Him with my whole heart.

Piece by piece.

I lay it down.

Revolutions for 2014

I love that AT&T commercial with the kid that says he's going to make a revolution.  Here are my revolutions:

• Devote more time to Bible study. My desire is not to just read verses - I want to study the Word.  I want to understand.  I want to be consumed with God.
• Devote more time to my children.  Molly will be leaving for college in about 8 months. What we have now will never be the same.
• Devote more time to my health.  I am fat.  I have high blood pressure. My hair is falling out. I don't take care of myself. No more excuses. If I'm going to spend more time with my children I have to be here and be well to do that.
• Devote more time to others.  I have this immense desire to feed the world. [I know that sounds terribly cliché and like that song from the 80s.] I want to fix dinner for someone without them expecting it, hand out fast food gift certificates to people that just need a helping hand, pay it forward every time I go to Starbucks or McDonald's to get a coffee, send home 20 more backpacks at school, and refuse to let anyone go without food. 
• [This one is purely selfish.]  I want more people to read my blog!  I know I am slightly crazy sometimes but I have good stuff to say most of the time. 

My Bible study tonight led me to Philippians.  Here is my verse for this year:

"Forgetting what is behind me and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13b-14  

2013 was good to me - I have no complaints.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the Shorties in 2014. ***UPDATE JUST NOW @ 11:57pm - God has answered a prayer for another opportunity to make a little extra money for my family.  GOD.IS.AWESOME!!***

As always, life as a Short is good :)

Wow.

Well, if you read my previous post then you are well aware that I stepped right into a war of words.  [And I've always heard you never take a knife to a gun fight so I was ready.] Apparently, it is quite OK to quote the Bible out of context, refer to a person's freedom of speech as "spewing hate", and those that supported Chick-Fil-A last Wednesday are misguided and ignorant.  I will spare you the details [and there are many] as I have removed myself from the situation. A wise, wise woman [aka my mom] told me that it might be best to let the others carry on without me.  Honestly, I was never trying to convince anyone to "see" it my way.  I stated, numerous times, that all people have a right to believe what they choose and to speak freely.  It actually became quite comical and sent me on quite a quest.  I was thrown everything from incorrect passages of the Bible to Thomas Jefferson to Ugandans executing homosexuals - all from simply defending my friend's right, and my right, and EVERY person's right to free speech. [Of course, the consistent argument was that my speech was laced with hate because I said that I supported Chick-Fil-A's statement on marriage.  Oh, that's right....I wasn't agreeing with them so I was wrong.  Glad I got that figured out. *please insert sarcasm here*]  Believe what you want as that is our right but don't condemn because I choose to follow my morals and not your morals. 

Anywhoo [thank goodness] in other news [because there is other news besides eat mor chicken] I have changed up the blog.  I've been working on different stuff here and there but I've just not had the time to put it all together.  I added the music back [Yeah!!!] and some other stuff.  I just wasn't overly thrilled with the look I had going on the last few weeks. I wish I could do this for a living.  Seriously.  I would love to create blogs for other people. [*cough* NERD *cough*]  Maybe one day....maybe one day.

We did buy school supplies.  We DID NOT go to Wal-Mart or anywhere else during the feeding frenzy known as tax free weekend.  Now, don't get me wrong, we did visit the Wally World but we just waited until every self respecting Cleveland County redneck goes and we went at around 10pm on Saturday night.  [The words "I immediately regret the decision to visit Wal-Mart on tax free weekend" were muttered at least a time or ten by each member of the Shorties....even Gabe.]  We managed to spend quite a few Benjamins to send 4 kids back to school ~ that's without adding taxes to our purchase.  We still have 4 pairs of tennis shoes to purchase and a few clothes. [Short and I treated ourselves to a little shopping spree at the G Dub today.  We came away with some fancy, "gently used" garments.  And I didn't even spend $40.  Please, hold the applause.]  This raising kids and making sure they have all their stuff to start school is hard.  Not to mention, I [notice that is singular ~ as in just me....Short hasn't filled out a back to school paper in 11 years...that covers all of them that we've had a kid in school] will have to fill out 4,586 forms and probably drop another chunk of change for lockers, fees, t-shirts, etc. within the first week of school.  [I'm going to need to rob a bank. Soon.]

I absolutely cannot wait until Gabe goes on his first day.  He is so psyched!  It should be interesting [and probably a little embarassing depending on what story he shares on the first day about his family and himself] and I get the feeling that he will be the one that lands us in the principal's office for the first time. I can imagine my lack of surprise :)  Bless his little baby heart.  [And pray, feverishly, for the teacher's he'll have this year!!]

I would ask for a serious prayer request [or ten].  Just pray for me.  [Nothing is wrong.] I jhave a lot going on this crazy head of mine and I am looking for some peace.  Pray for Short [as well as the players, other coaches, people, etc. involved with the team] as he beings another football season.  Pray for the kids that are heading to college for the first time [and pray for the families that will be saying goodbye to them].  Pray for our leaders and our country.  This is a scary world to be raising children in and I'm not sure if I'm doing any of this right sometimes.  Pray for our service men and women.  Just pray.

Thank you God for another breath and another day...the motion inside and out.