Tuesday Truth

 

With this date marking the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedies, I had planned over the weekend to write something to the affect of remembrance for this

Tuesday Truth. 

 

But. 

 

With other spiritual struggles looming, I feel led to pursue a different route.  Not to cheapen the tragedy that took place on that September day by any means.  It's a day burned into my brain -- one I hope to never relive and one I will never forget. 

 

Over the course of the last 7 or 8 months, I've started to feel a lull in my life in the spiritual sense.  I believe that all Christians go through phases where the "heat" waxes and wanes.  Not to say that we turn away or forget about Christ, but moreso just that there are times when what we assume to be more pressing matters take center stage, and vice versa. 

 

I feel like I'm in the middle of one of these seasons right now.  To be honest, feeling overwhelmed by all of the "church" I'm doing, but still unfulfilled at the end of the day.  It's like I'm missing the big picture -- Jesus.  Redemption.  Joy.  Peace.  Fruitfullness.  

 

But that's only part of the picture.  The bigger part is me needing an attitude 180.  Little by little, certain things and situations surrounding "church" have irked me.  To the point where I've mentally tallied a pro/con list.  Yeah, because "church" revolves around me obviously.  I know that it doesn't and that it's impossible to please everyone. 

 

But there was a time not long ago where I woke up on a Sunday morning and couldn't wait to get to church and learn the Word.  Same for Wednesday.  I haven't felt that feeling in months, but still week after week, I'm there. 

Going through the motions?  Perhaps. 

Because it's the right thing to do?  Definitely. 

 

Still with all the volunteerwork and hours spent at "church," shouldn't I be fulfilled? 

 

True to my Type A nature, instead of sulking about things I obviously cannot change, it's time to turn around and focus on something I can change -- me. 

My attitude, my outlook, you name it. 

 

So things aren't going my way?  If I don't get that "it's all about me" attitude in check, I'll never feel satisfied. 

 

Is it worth searching for a new church home and the work of starting over somewhere new if I haven't exhausted all efforts in my current situation?  Definitely not. 

 

Step 1 in this attitude makeover is serious time in confession.  Asking for forgiveness.  Marking off my laundry list of sin one by one.  Painful but humbling. 

 

Pride, selfishness, worry, distrust, ungratefulness, anger. 

Ugly stuff. 

 

On a whim (who am I kidding, there are no whims with the Holy Spirit), I flipped to Psalm 32.  Written by David expressing the joy of forgiveness.  True forgiveness from a God who wants to forgive, pouring out His grace, eager to clear the slate. 

All I have to do is ask. 

 

Verse 1:  "Oh what joy for those who disobedience is forgiven,

whose sin is put out of sight!" 

 

Verse 3:  "When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away and I groaned all day long."  <-- sounds vaguely familiar  

 

Verse 4:  "Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt...And You forgave me!" 

 

And now comes the best part...

 

Verse 8:  "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life, I will advise you and watch over you.' " 

 

It's like God says, now that you've done the hard part, you wanna see what comes next??  Here, I'll show you.  I always have your best interest at heart.  Let me advise you.  Let me watch over you. 

 

I like the picture shown in verse 9:  "Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." 

Some people refuse to let God take the reigns (I've been one of them), and they stubbornly leave God only one option -- my way or the highway.  So, as a way to refine us and make us more like Christ, it's like asking for discipline.  No doubt that God prefers to take the other route -- for us to let Him fully take the reigns and guide us step by step on the path that He wants for us.  One that doesn't involve discipline or stubborness. 

 

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me enough that You won't leave in the pitiful place I am now.  Thank you for grace and mercy, which never end.  Thank you for being eager to forgive me, even when I'm not eager in extending that forgiveness to others.  Thank you for lettting me be real and loving me anyway -- the good, the bad, the ugly. 

 

This life is hard and days will come when tragedy strikes and our world is shaken (such as the events of September 11, 2001), but Your Word reminds us to

"Take heart, for I have overcome the world!"  (John 16:33) 

Vintage Back-to-School Portraits

Even though I don't have little girls, few things bring me as much joy as dolling up my "guinea pigs" and shooting portraits of them.  A few months ago, we inherited a vintage school desk from my Aunt Wendy that is just the coolest thing.  When I saw it, my mind immediately went to portraits.  I tinkered with ideas on location and outfits and then on a spur-of-the-moment Saturday afternoon, we decided to throw it all together. 

 

I had stiched up these matching faux bowties to drive home the "vintage" theme and the rest (with the help of the desk) fell together. 

 

I'm in love with how the pictures turned out and will no doubt be blowing a few of these up.  Can't help but smile every time I browse through them.

 

Harrison - 6 years old - Wants to be a dirt bike racer when he grows up

 

Seriously, Mom.

 

Sweet-souled boy

 

Brigdon - Age 2 - Wants to drive an ambulance when he grows up

 

 

They really do love each other

 

 

Because Brig can't be serious for longer than 9 seconds.

 

They look nerdy here, but I think it's cute.  Chicks dig nerds.

 

Mama's favorite  <3 font="font">

First Grade - Day 1

New year, new grade, new school.

 

Apparently, this boy spent all summer break sitting in manure because he has grown like a weed!  Busting out of his clothes and shoes, shedding the rest of that baby face, and ever quickly becoming a big kid. 

 

We are so very proud of him.  I've always refered to Harrison as my sweet-souled boy and even at the ripe old age of 6, it still rings true. 

 

He loves life, loves to laugh, and loves Jesus. 

 

I couldn't help but watch his Daddy get misty-eyed during bedtime prayers the night before his first day of First Grade.  Seems like the older we get, the faster the days fly by. 

 

At the time I'm writing this, we're a few weeks into the new school year and quickly settled back into our groove.  My children (and their Mama) thrive off of routine and boy are we (well, mainly I) glad to have it back!

 

 

 

Bags are packed!  Backpack was a birthday gift courtest of Pottery Barn Kids, lunchbox is Children's Place, and teacher gift is a DIY from Pinterest.

 

 

Picked out his own "first day" outfit and looks mighty handsome to me!

 

Sea World

We rounded out summer vacation with a few days away to Orlando spent at Sea World.  It's been years and years since I'd been to Sea World, and the boys had never been.  It was typical steamy Florida-in-August weather (h.o.t.), but we split it up into two days and the boys had such fun.

We ended up being able to get passes that are good for the rest of the year, so we're hoping to make another trip in the fall (with Daddy in tow) when the weather's better.  And just maybe we can talk him into Disney too!  (shhh!)

 

Sea World - Day 1 (with matching applique shirts, naturally)

 

Briggy and B watching the dolphins

 

Say "cheese!" -- waiting on the Shamu show to begin

 

Riding Sea World's version of the "teacups"

 

Joe Kool

 

View from the Sky Tower

 

Sea World -- Day 2

InstaFriday

Made it to week 2 of Instagram fun!  Linking up with Life. Rearranged. for InstaFriday.

 

 

Here's a quick rundown of our week through the lens of Instagram...

 

This boy made a very early start on Friday morning.  Apparently he didn't get the memo that Mama gets 30 minutes of quiet with her coffee before anyone else makes a peep. 

Cheerios for him.  Coffee for me.  Quiet for both. 

 

 Camo hat Friday!  J always says there's somethin' special bout a girl not afraid of a lil camo.  Agreed.

 

"Goin' out with my boots on"... as in Date Night!  Applebee's/Target/Lowe's/DQ kinda date night.  Without the kids. Bliss.

 

Went roller skating with our bro-/sis-in-law Sunday night...both boys' first time and mine & J's first time in 20+ years.  So. Much. Fun. 

 

This critter was fearless with his strap-on skates.  Completely in his own little world the whole night.  Better known as "Briggyville."

 

Laboring as little as possible on Monday (Labor Day) morning.  Coffee and Backyardigans - nice.

 

Decided being lazy wasn't for me and put out my fall decor. 

Yes, I'm aware this is Florida and it's still 90+ degrees outside. 

Yes, I'm aware the above-pictured banner refers to Thanksgiving. 

Yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is 2+ months away. 

Pretty sure I need the reminder to be grateful in all things. every. day.   

 

Stitched up a little applique tee for Mr. Mason's Mickey Mouse themed 1st birthday party.  (say that 5 times fast)

 

Found this on Pinterest -- Pancakes baked in a muffin tin with sausage/bacon inside. 

Bake and dip in syrup. 

A huge hit!

 

Evening walk with the boys (as well as 4 trillion love bugs)

 

Snagged this at Walmart...smells just like the real deal.  Harrison came home from school and asked where the cookies were because he thought I'd baked cookies.  Good stuff.

 

 

Thanks for checking in with us -- Have a great week!

Wordless Wednesday

(almost forgot to post this because I secretly thought today was Tuesday...I can thank the holiday weekend for that)

 

Sanibel 2012

InstaFriday

Happy Friday!  I stumbled upon InstaFriday courtesy of Lindsey over at the Pleated Poppy.  It's basically a rundown of the week's moments, funnies, screw-ups, messes, and hilarities...all displayed through Instagram.  Are you excited?  I am.

 

So, this will be a new feature for us every Friday.  I'm already an Instagram-er, so how convenient to upload them to this fun linky party at Life. Rearranged.  (yet another great blog!)  Hoping to link up with her every week

 

Here goes.

 

 

Had an entire Saturday to ourselves school shopping.  We hit two malls, Target, JoAnn and Sephora (both for me), and ended with dinner at Wasabi Japanese.  One-on-one time with my little man doesn't happen too often.

 

Rounded out summer break with one last getaway.  The boys love the pool and play area at The Fountains - our favorite place to stay in Orlando.

 

The main part of our Orlando getaway?  Sea World!  (with matching applique shirts, naturally)

 

Bakin' up peanut butter cookies on a Friday night

 

this + that = best thing ever

 

First day of first grade!

 

Stitched up matching little boy faux bowties for a vintage shoot (post coming soon!)

 

Trying to get back into a daily green smoothie (green thanks to handfuls of fresh spinach).  Though it resembles something in a newborn's diaper, this one was delish -- chocolate/peanut butter/banana

 

This little miss is having a doggy vacation at our house for a few weeks.  Boys are thrilled.  The dog will be in MIA in fear, I'm sure.

 

See ya next week!