Okay Wednesday, what else have you got? Bring it on. It's already been a crazy day. Yesterday afternoon Josh came home early from work because he was not feeling well. He had been fighting a cold for about a week. But, now...he's REALLY sick. I think he might have strep throat. He was running a fever last night of almost 102, but, of course he's a typical man and wouldn't go to the doctor. He vowed he would be better today. Yeah right. LOL. I ended up sleeping down on the couch because he was freezing and needed the heater on to try to warm up, was tossing a turning and coughing a lot. And me being 9 months preggo, can't stand a lot of heat these days, exhausted and having to get up at 4:30 am this was not a good combo. So I went downstairs and tried to sleep on the couch. My back and hips did not appreciate me doing this. I just feel so bad for Josh because he's so miserable. So I sent him to a doc in the box today. Hopefully they will be able to give him a shot or medicine to make him feel better. Plus, I need him well soon since Lacey could be here any time. So if you think about it, say a prayer for Josh today that he feels better soon.
God sets us up for trying experiences to shape and mold us. He is the potter and we are the clay. He wants to put us through the fire so that we are refined into what He wants us to be. Not every trial we endure is from the enemy, though we like to blame him a lot. Only God knows our future and how we will be used by Him to set up His kingdom and our struggles are key in helping others see God for who He is, that is, if we endure them with faith and grace and come out the other side a stronger person... because we have learned so much about God through the experience. However, there is a break down in this formation from a child like follower to an on fire believer, when we sit and do nothing when put in the fire, when we fail to seek Him and fail to learn what He is setting us up to learn. He WILL keep dangling you off the cliff again and again until you get it! He WILL keep you in the fire until you change, until you are refined.
Christ has already given me one ultimate free gift and the rest of the promises come with responsibility. God wants me in His army, and I can not be soldier ready for battle if I am not conditioned. He puts us through trials to test our faith. Recently, I have felt targeted and have been tested physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My armor has proven weak during this time of testing. As I was praying one night, distraught over some things, asking God "why?"....God asked me, "where is your breastplate?" Honestly, I hardly remembered the passage enough to answer. Um, I'm not sure God....? So I began to read about the "full armor of God" again. Yes, that passage from your church vacation bible school when you were a kid. I asked God to speak to me over each piece of armour, explain it, and here is what I got...
Ephesians 6:10
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
The Belt of Truth:
We need to “provide for honest things not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” II cor 8:21
Ok, its time to tighten my belt. Search my heart, oh God, for any impurities, any moments of untruthfulness and make me clean. Am I standing on Your truth? When I go through tribulations, help me stand on the truths in the word of God.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Whenever the enemy tries to accuse you, the breastplate of righteousness is your trusty defense. If the Spirit of Christ dwells in you, then God receives you as His son or daughter no matter what the devil says.
"For he hath made Jesus to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (II Corinthians 5:21).
The righteousness of Christ in you is what matters — not your shortcomings and failures. This does not mean that your heavenly Father is indifferent to your sin or regards it lightly. Rather, as a loving father corrects his child, so the Lord corrects you (see Hebrews 12:5-11). At times His chastening may seem stern and unfair, but He is working to mold me into the likeness of Christ. He desires that "the peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Hebrews 12:11) be produced in my life.
In Isaiah 59, the Lord put on righteousness as a breastplate and went out to fight evil and corruption. "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke" (Isaiah 59:16-17).
The Lord shares His righteousness with His children, for they, too, must encounter evil and corruption. The world we live in is full of sin and spiritual darkness. People all around us are in desperate need of the light and life of Jesus Christ. ….you must learn to defend yourself. Walk around like you have been given righteousness through Christ, not like you are defeated! You’ll be shocked how fast the Devil will run with that kind of attitude! His righteousness protects us!
Sandals of Peace
How beautiful the feet that share God’s word (Romans 10:15) It is interesting to me that along with all the other armor spoken of in Ephesians, ready "feet" is included in that. But God expects us to share our faith with other people and to be ready to do it at a moments notice. Yet we are sent forth "as sheep in the midst of wolves; so we must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."(Matthew 10:16). God will place us in situations when we need to stand in faith, and knowing that it might be hostile, He has provided us the rest of the armor to protect us, to protect our "feet". How cool is that?
Shield of Faith
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."--- Ephesians 6:16
In Romans 10:17 Paul writes: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." We increase our faith by reading the Bible. If you want to live a life without fear you need to read, study, and meditate on the Word of God.
Helmet of Salvation
This is the salvation provided for us by Christ on the cross. It is the protection over my head...knowing that Christ has already won and taken victory over Satan. It is my promise that "it is finished!"
Sword of the Spirit
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing assunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." --- Hebrews 4:12
The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God,
" By speaking the Word, your words become energized (Hebrews 4:12)....cool!
By speaking and praying the Word of God (our sword of the spirit), strongholds are broken down in the heavens....wow, even more cool.
Just as Jesus the living Word defeated Satan at the cross, the spoken word now gives that same victory. Remember, it is not the Sword of the Spirit until you speak it. And you have to know it to speak it!!!
So put on the FULL armor of God and watch the enemy run.
I have failed at each one of these at some point. Right now, my armor could use some maintenance...some polishing....some mending. Now that God has mercifully reminded me of these truths, my prayer tonight is start the repair.
Christ has already given me one ultimate free gift and the rest of the promises come with responsibility. God wants me in His army, and I can not be soldier ready for battle if I am not conditioned. He puts us through trials to test our faith. Recently, I have felt targeted and have been tested physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My armor has proven weak during this time of testing. As I was praying one night, distraught over some things, asking God "why?"....God asked me, "where is your breastplate?" Honestly, I hardly remembered the passage enough to answer. Um, I'm not sure God....? So I began to read about the "full armor of God" again. Yes, that passage from your church vacation bible school when you were a kid. I asked God to speak to me over each piece of armour, explain it, and here is what I got...
Ephesians 6:10
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
The Belt of Truth:
We need to “provide for honest things not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” II cor 8:21
Ok, its time to tighten my belt. Search my heart, oh God, for any impurities, any moments of untruthfulness and make me clean. Am I standing on Your truth? When I go through tribulations, help me stand on the truths in the word of God.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Whenever the enemy tries to accuse you, the breastplate of righteousness is your trusty defense. If the Spirit of Christ dwells in you, then God receives you as His son or daughter no matter what the devil says.
"For he hath made Jesus to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (II Corinthians 5:21).
The righteousness of Christ in you is what matters — not your shortcomings and failures. This does not mean that your heavenly Father is indifferent to your sin or regards it lightly. Rather, as a loving father corrects his child, so the Lord corrects you (see Hebrews 12:5-11). At times His chastening may seem stern and unfair, but He is working to mold me into the likeness of Christ. He desires that "the peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Hebrews 12:11) be produced in my life.
In Isaiah 59, the Lord put on righteousness as a breastplate and went out to fight evil and corruption. "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke" (Isaiah 59:16-17).
The Lord shares His righteousness with His children, for they, too, must encounter evil and corruption. The world we live in is full of sin and spiritual darkness. People all around us are in desperate need of the light and life of Jesus Christ. ….you must learn to defend yourself. Walk around like you have been given righteousness through Christ, not like you are defeated! You’ll be shocked how fast the Devil will run with that kind of attitude! His righteousness protects us!
Sandals of Peace
How beautiful the feet that share God’s word (Romans 10:15) It is interesting to me that along with all the other armor spoken of in Ephesians, ready "feet" is included in that. But God expects us to share our faith with other people and to be ready to do it at a moments notice. Yet we are sent forth "as sheep in the midst of wolves; so we must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."(Matthew 10:16). God will place us in situations when we need to stand in faith, and knowing that it might be hostile, He has provided us the rest of the armor to protect us, to protect our "feet". How cool is that?
Shield of Faith
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."--- Ephesians 6:16
In Romans 10:17 Paul writes: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." We increase our faith by reading the Bible. If you want to live a life without fear you need to read, study, and meditate on the Word of God.
Helmet of Salvation
This is the salvation provided for us by Christ on the cross. It is the protection over my head...knowing that Christ has already won and taken victory over Satan. It is my promise that "it is finished!"
Sword of the Spirit
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing assunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." --- Hebrews 4:12
The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God,
" By speaking the Word, your words become energized (Hebrews 4:12)....cool!
By speaking and praying the Word of God (our sword of the spirit), strongholds are broken down in the heavens....wow, even more cool.
Just as Jesus the living Word defeated Satan at the cross, the spoken word now gives that same victory. Remember, it is not the Sword of the Spirit until you speak it. And you have to know it to speak it!!!
So put on the FULL armor of God and watch the enemy run.
I have failed at each one of these at some point. Right now, my armor could use some maintenance...some polishing....some mending. Now that God has mercifully reminded me of these truths, my prayer tonight is start the repair.
This weekend I had the rare chance to travel with the band. We had a fantastic time! All of our families were going to try and go, but I know Emily is still sick and Cami is very much pregnant, and we weren't able to get in to see the lights. So it ended up being the guys, Megan, myself, and Allison, Shannon's girlfriend. We had a great time even though we didn't get to see the lights. We got to go to the most amazing Mexican restaurant. People ask what was so great about it and I really couldn't put my finger on it. It was just great! We then went over to the pastor of Mountain Shadows church's parents house. They were having a Christmas party, but we got there when everybody was leaving because we had a 30 minute wait at the restaurant. See- I told you it was fabulous! I think everybody in town was there. Anyway, we munched on some delicious treats- they had a chocolate fountain with strawberries to dip in. We then went to the lodge where some of the band was staying. We laughed until we cried at all of our crazy stories. Then Jon and myself and Neil and Megan went to our hotel rooms. It was so nice to be kid free and get to spend some quality time with Jon.
We got up the next morning and went to the most beautiful church. It was made out of logs, beautifully decorated for Christmas, and just felt like home. The guys did an amazing job leading worship. We then went down to their fellowship hall- also a log cabin and had a homecoming style meal. Everyone at the church made us feel at home and boy can they cook!!
I was thankful I got to spend some time with Megan and Allison. I feel like since we all live so far a part that we rarely get to spend some girl time together. These girls are hilarious!!! I have know Allison for over 10 years, but it wasn't until recently that we were able to hang out again. I hope that some time in the near future that we girls can all go to dinner and maybe a movie. The guys get to hangout all of the time, so we are due some time where the guys watch the kids and we spend an evening of fun together.
We got up the next morning and went to the most beautiful church. It was made out of logs, beautifully decorated for Christmas, and just felt like home. The guys did an amazing job leading worship. We then went down to their fellowship hall- also a log cabin and had a homecoming style meal. Everyone at the church made us feel at home and boy can they cook!!
I was thankful I got to spend some time with Megan and Allison. I feel like since we all live so far a part that we rarely get to spend some girl time together. These girls are hilarious!!! I have know Allison for over 10 years, but it wasn't until recently that we were able to hang out again. I hope that some time in the near future that we girls can all go to dinner and maybe a movie. The guys get to hangout all of the time, so we are due some time where the guys watch the kids and we spend an evening of fun together.
Well, as we draw closer to Christmas and Lacey's due date I'm starting to feel not as stressed and more relaxed. We are getting closer to having our "to do" list done and it is such a great feeling! Her room is nearly finished and is looking so cute. We only have 2 more things that we are waiting on. My father-in-law has made us a diaper changing station and will be bringing that over very soon. And then Josh and I are going to get a pink bass guitar to hang in Lacey's room. Yes, a bass guitar. You don't think her daddy would go without SOMETHING being a bass right? LOL. It's very cute and can't wait to get it. We have a place saved on the wall for her guitar. Trey and Emily let us borrow their glider and it looks so cute in her room. Matches perfectly! So, like I said, we are ready for this little one to come whenever she'd like!
Last night Josh and I were able to get more Christmas shopping done as well. We've nearly got that list complete too. Just a few more things and we'll be done! This Christmas has been harder for me to get out and shop like I like to because I do hurt a good bit being 9 months preggo. So, to have him there to help me has been amazing!
Today I went to my parents church for their kids musical. My momma did a GREAT job with the kiddos as usual. It was so cute! It was call Aaron the Allergic Shepherd. Josh and I were originally supposed to play Mary and Joseph, but, the guys ended up having a gig down near Callaway Gardens so we weren't able to. But, maybe next year.
Today we were all supposed to head down to Callaway Gardens for the night. The guys play at a church there Sunday morning and the church graciously put everyone up in a hotel tonight, including the families that wanted to go. We originally planned to take the kids and go and see the lights at Callaway Gardens...until we found out it was $25 per person, not per car! That is just not in the budget right now. Plus I am still not feeling great, so we decided we would take the kids to see the lights at Life University here in Marietta. I know they won't be as impressive but its free!
I have not been able to sleep. The Medrol-dose pack the DR gave me is a steroid and one of the side affects is sleeplessness. I am totally there and I usually have no trouble sleeping! My body is physically SO tired but I can't get my brain to fall asleep. I just lay there, listening to the ringing in my ears. And I admit it, I am a BIG grouch when I don't sleep and I can get mean. I tried taking a natural sleep aid last night with melatonin in it. I didn't work. Tonight, I am breaking out the benadryl. On that note, I am off to find it.
I have not been able to sleep. The Medrol-dose pack the DR gave me is a steroid and one of the side affects is sleeplessness. I am totally there and I usually have no trouble sleeping! My body is physically SO tired but I can't get my brain to fall asleep. I just lay there, listening to the ringing in my ears. And I admit it, I am a BIG grouch when I don't sleep and I can get mean. I tried taking a natural sleep aid last night with melatonin in it. I didn't work. Tonight, I am breaking out the benadryl. On that note, I am off to find it.
It's crazy how fast time is flying by! In just a few short weeks our little Lacey Elisabeth will be here. My parents came out last night to help me around the house steam cleaning the carpets and cleaning out cupboards. It's amazing how many things that we got knocked off of our to do list. I think Josh will be excited to see that when he gets home from his time with Echoing Angels.
Josh has been away with EA doing tour rehearsals. I'm so excited to have him home tonight. He's taking me out on a date tonight. We're going to do dinner, shopping and a movie. I'm really looking forward to having some quality time with him.
Tomorrow a few of my friends are taking me for a spa day to get manicures and pedicures. Kind of a last hurrah before Lacey gets here. I'm sooo looking forward to being pampered. I love getting my nails done. Just a very girlie thing to do. Afterward I think we'll grab some lunch. So I'm looking forward to that.
Josh, Echoing Angels and all the families are heading to down to Callaway Gardens tomorrow. Except for me. :-( Being 9 1/2 months preggo it's too hard to travel these days. They will be leading worship at a church on Sunday morning. Just wish that I could go too.
I'm very much looking forward to a break. My last day at work is December 23rd...so just a little under 2 weeks left. Then I'll be taking a 12 week maternity leave. I'm really ready for a break. I think my pregnancy hormones have made my patience and tolerance level pretty low. So, it'll be nice to take a break, learn to be a mommy and regroup before having to go back to work.
Josh has been away with EA doing tour rehearsals. I'm so excited to have him home tonight. He's taking me out on a date tonight. We're going to do dinner, shopping and a movie. I'm really looking forward to having some quality time with him.
Tomorrow a few of my friends are taking me for a spa day to get manicures and pedicures. Kind of a last hurrah before Lacey gets here. I'm sooo looking forward to being pampered. I love getting my nails done. Just a very girlie thing to do. Afterward I think we'll grab some lunch. So I'm looking forward to that.
Josh, Echoing Angels and all the families are heading to down to Callaway Gardens tomorrow. Except for me. :-( Being 9 1/2 months preggo it's too hard to travel these days. They will be leading worship at a church on Sunday morning. Just wish that I could go too.
I'm very much looking forward to a break. My last day at work is December 23rd...so just a little under 2 weeks left. Then I'll be taking a 12 week maternity leave. I'm really ready for a break. I think my pregnancy hormones have made my patience and tolerance level pretty low. So, it'll be nice to take a break, learn to be a mommy and regroup before having to go back to work.
Last night was James' Christmas program. Trey was unable to attend because of prior EA band commitments so the proud grandparents went instead! I sang a solo, snot and ruptured ear drum, and it went well. James sang 3 songs with his class. He was SO animated when we practiced them at home, but he stood there like a lump on a log...his lips were moving but there was no one home! I even made him take a nap that afternoon. Oh well, it was really cute and the younger kids were hilarious as usual. I still can't believe that it was his last pre-school performance. He is off to kindergarten next year! AHHHH!
Wednesday night was the Echoing Angels team meeting with Patton House Entertainment management. It was a really nice evening with best friends. (Minus Cami who couldn't be with us. Missed her!) We discussed all sorts of thing....what we have accomplished this year, what needs to happen next year, song ratings and scores, and finances. It was successful and we got a lot done. Andrew Patton did a little workshop with the guys, making them plant tulip bulbs. He spoke a little mini sermon from his heart about good soil, watering, and sun light are the only things that can make that flower grow, just as they need to be planted in the good soil of Christ and watered by His living word and stay in the His son-light. It was really good. And hilarious to watch a bunch of men who have NEVER planted a flower in their life do this! And Andrew said the wives were NOT allowed to care for this plant for the guys, so I am going to have to resist temptation to water the thing when I water my other house plants. If all goes as planned, that tulip will start showing right around the time their album drops....how cool is that? A visual of God's love and promises!
On the sickness front, I have actually managed to get worse. I had that excruciating ear pain again Wednesday night, but on the other side! I prayed all night that it wouldn't burst like to other side but it did! Now I really can't hear! I called the doctor and they squeezed me in this morning at 830. He said on the scale of ok to bad, I had the worst kind of sinus infection. He said there was so much up there, it had no where else to go but out my ear and down into my chest, which is why I am still congested. I got a bag full of samples and 3 prescriptions. I am hopeful to feel better soon. He said the infection should be gone in a week or so and then my ears will be able to heal in another week. I think that is Christmas Eve. That would be good, just in time!
Wednesday night was the Echoing Angels team meeting with Patton House Entertainment management. It was a really nice evening with best friends. (Minus Cami who couldn't be with us. Missed her!) We discussed all sorts of thing....what we have accomplished this year, what needs to happen next year, song ratings and scores, and finances. It was successful and we got a lot done. Andrew Patton did a little workshop with the guys, making them plant tulip bulbs. He spoke a little mini sermon from his heart about good soil, watering, and sun light are the only things that can make that flower grow, just as they need to be planted in the good soil of Christ and watered by His living word and stay in the His son-light. It was really good. And hilarious to watch a bunch of men who have NEVER planted a flower in their life do this! And Andrew said the wives were NOT allowed to care for this plant for the guys, so I am going to have to resist temptation to water the thing when I water my other house plants. If all goes as planned, that tulip will start showing right around the time their album drops....how cool is that? A visual of God's love and promises!
On the sickness front, I have actually managed to get worse. I had that excruciating ear pain again Wednesday night, but on the other side! I prayed all night that it wouldn't burst like to other side but it did! Now I really can't hear! I called the doctor and they squeezed me in this morning at 830. He said on the scale of ok to bad, I had the worst kind of sinus infection. He said there was so much up there, it had no where else to go but out my ear and down into my chest, which is why I am still congested. I got a bag full of samples and 3 prescriptions. I am hopeful to feel better soon. He said the infection should be gone in a week or so and then my ears will be able to heal in another week. I think that is Christmas Eve. That would be good, just in time!
