Ready, Set GLOW

 LIVE in the LIGHT

GLOW in the DARK

Who wouldn't have an amazing time at a

BLACKLIGHT DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT?!?!

It was CRAZY! So many people worked SO hard to have a great night for our youth as well as youth in our community. We went into the night not sure exactly how many students would show up. The students continued pouring in  most of the night.

They were decked out in some major BATTLE gear. I was totally not prepared for the fierce outfits that I saw! Let me just say...I was intimidated. The students ( and adults) were decked out in everything florescent. They were ready for lights out. The AMAZING was added to by everyone decorating their faces, legs, shirts and everything else with highlighters. These kids looked awesome

and were having a GREAT TIME!

The thing that I loved most was that most of the students were visitors. We knew that

this would have a great impact but had no idea what God had in store

For the first bit the students chatted and played around...testing their dodgeball skills before the big 'T"

Also, warming up their arms...no time for cramps or weak 'girly' arms out there! After that, we all ate hamburgers and snacks. We then went into the praise room to hear the testimony of a student. Then Justin Deweese, our youth pastor, shared the Gospel. 

As he was speaking I simply felt the urge to PRAY!

The battle tonight was so much bigger than what was happening on the court. 

The battle for these students lives is FIERCE...stronger and more difficult than any battle they would face tonight.

When ETERNITY hangs in the balance, you can be assured the enemy wants nothing more than to distract, disrupt and destroy anything that the Holy Spirit could be doing.

I prayed, almost pleaded with the Lord to keep the enemy away for that moment. I prayed for lives to be changed!

FORTY THREE students...gave their lives to Christ tonight!!!

That is 43 more brothers and sisters in Christ TODAY! All of heaven is REJOICING tonight

Let us not grow apathetic to the LOST world around us! PEOPLE NEED CHRIST!!! We know HIM...why are we NOT sharing? I ask myself that same question often...

Here are two photos from tonight :)

Lights Up

 Game Time!!

We had our home study today...will chat about that tomorrow :)

In the still of the night

While most of you are tucked away in your beds sleeping...

I am AWAKE

It is an every night occurrence

From the moment that Cameron suggested we request information on the twins
my mind will NOT rest

As soon as I tuck my three little ones into their cozy beds, my mind immediately
travels to a place thousands of miles away

My heart and mind LONG to know

are these precious babies going to bed hungry

do they feel safe

has someone hugged them at all today

do they know they are loved

did someone tuck them in or do they even have a bed to sleep in

when they cry out at night, does someone run to comfort them

baby boy is coughing in the video that we received...is he still sick?

are they cold, lonely, scared?

The questions swirl through my mind faster than I can grab hold of an answer

The knowledge that THEY ARE OUT THERE...in a country that is known for its danger

Oh, this mommy  yearns for the day that I can know they are tucked in and sleeping upstairs, I long to know that I can sing them to sleep when they cry out at night.
We long for the day that we can wrap them in our arms and let them know THEY ARE LOVED.
We want to wrap baby boy in our arms and get him the medicine he needs to feel better.
We want them here with us

On the nights that the distance seems to far I am reminded that the Father is lovingly watching over and caring for these precious babies more than I ever could imagine. He loves them far more than I can comprehend and has loved them before I even knew them. He created them, loves them and longs for relationship with them.

In the midst of the chaos that lies in Congo...HE IS OUR MIGHTY WARRIOR, SHIELD AND DEFENDER

In the sorrow of the lonley nights in Congo...He IS the FRIEND THAT STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER

In the worldy hunger they may face..HE is the BREAD OF LIFE

In sickness...HE IS OUR HEALER

In the orphanage where they wait for us...HE IS THE GREAT I AM

and HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY,TODAY AND FOREVER

My arms are not more comforting than those of our Heavenly Father
My voice is not more soothing than the sound of HIS precious whispers of love
My home is not more safe than the palm of His hand

Sweet babies,
We are coming. We can not wait to hold you, show you how much we love you, and most of all we can not wait to tell you about your Heavenly Father that watched over you while we were on our journey to find you. We can not wait to lead you to the One who knit you together in your mother's womb and set you apart for such a special purpose!
You are special, beautiful and such a treasure!

Holding you in our hearts! MOMMY

Chilly and Blessed

Yesterday it happened to be around 80+ degrees here in TN...today on the other hand I think its a whopping FOUR degrees! Not really but it is COLD! I am not a fan of cold weather in the least bit! Especially winter weather on fall break..it just takes a bit of the desire to be outside out of me. I would prefer to be cuddled up in front of a fire downstairs! That only lasts so long with the kiddos...even when smores are involved!

Its been a great fall break so far though! We have not done anything spectacular. We've not gone anywhere that has blown our minds but the greatest thing has been spending time with each other. While there have been plenty of moments that I have thought these crazies may never stop arguing over what color the wall is or if sleeveless shirts on boys are really cool....I am still in love with these three munchkins! I have often sat back and watched them play ( or argue) and I am just blown away that God has chosen me to be their mommy. Most of the times I feel 100% inadequate for the job. I feel that maybe I don't say the right things, or solve the issues well enough BUT I do know that I try with all of my heart to truly be the mommy that these three need.

So, today on this rainy, cold, dreary day I am HAPPY~ BLESSED~ and a little chilly! I also thank the Lord for opening my eyes a little today to the four gifts that He has given me in my children and hubby!

Will I still trust and obey when its hard

 

 

Life is just harder than I ever expected right now. I know that sounds quite dramatic but let me assure you, if I could be on the floor kicking and screaming or tucked away in my bed all day...I would be. Its that crazy. It is right now that I feel weak and defeated. I know that with Christ we are more than conquerers and I am just having to cling to that. Life is not suppose to always be easy. We are not always going to have the answers but its through our weaknesses that Christ shows us His strength. When we have nothing left to give and feel like maybe we can't go on another moment thats when He gives us our next breath.

The truth that Scripture gives us is that in this world we WILL have troubles. It doesn't say that we might ... no, it assures us that we will. It also follows up by saying that Christ has overcome the world. Today, as I sit here just not really sure of what tomorrow will hold I can rest in HIM. Knowing that He loves me, died for me and wants the best for me.

Ive been MIA in the blog world for a bit because my world is crazy. I must admit however this helps. Please pray for me if you feel lead. It would be appreciated!!!

Run for God and a Shot in the foot

I have to say that I have been so excited being a part of the Run For God class that we are doing at our church. It helps someone like me ( not motivated to run on my own) to really get into and look forward to the eventual finish line. This is probably week 4 or so of the class and it has been going well. The group that has come out to participate is just the perfect blend of fun, serious, in shape and out. Its a group of believers trying to get healthy and finish a race together. We will be running the J103 5k around June. So, there is ample time for me to work myself up enough courage to try this running thing again.

Let me give you my 'running' history..better than that, let me give you my race history! It consists of two 5k runs and well...that is about it! The first run that I was a part of was several years ago. As I tend to do, I mark things by how many children I had and how old they were. I ran this race when I only had Alyssa and she was probably 18 months old. Soon after that race I found out I was pregnant with Bryson. which happened to end my racing and running on purpose. For several years I found it best to not run unless someone or something was chasing you. Considering that has not happened, I really found no reason to race. Until this past year.

This year I ran the Susan G Komen Race For the Cure! When I say ran we all know that I mean ran, trotted, walked, etc. BUT I made it across the finish line. We have had so many people that we know battle breast cancer. From family members to precious friends we have seen this disease fought and overcome! Words can not express how very much I respect and admire each of these women! It is an honor to watch their walk with the Lord and their trust in Him!! So..this race and these women caused me to get up off of my rear and attempt to run this race. Let me give you a small glimpse of how the day went:

After signing up and flipping out about the fact that there was no turning back we all got in line! It appears that most people didn't look as freaked as I was. I started to feel ok. Then I saw this sign..

REALLY? Was this like an alternative route or do people actually run a mile in 6 minutes. Once I opened my eyes and looked at the people around me...it was CLEAR that these people could rock out a mile in 6 minutes easy! So...I stepped WAY on back in the crowd of non runners! No shame in it!

So here is the starting line and I'm nowhere to be found! I'm somewhere lost in the mix!

This happens to be my favorite picture from race day! This is my sister Amanda, she has spent all 28 of my existing years trying to watch out for me. This day was no different. She knew I was a little nervous and this is just her! Looking back to make sure I was ok. I assure you that this was the first and only time that she looked back and actually saw me behind her...as they had JUST blown the whistle and we all got going. Within seconds she was well on her way ( after making sure I was ok and not scared to death anymore) The rest of the day was spent with me watching several people's little rear ends as they passed!

I passed my brother in law Matt...as he was heading BACK towards the finish line. So, obviously he was one of those near 6 minute mile guys. Although this picture makes him look like he is ready to do a cheer...Im sure he is doing something that runners do after a race. My arms felt to heavy to lift after the race so...maybe next time!

Here is my sis crossing the line..and looking angry :) Haha...or just worn out! Im lucky to have these two crazy racers in the family. They waited two whole days at the finish line on me ( not really) but they did wait on me, ran back to me and ran with me through the finish line! What a team! The camera guy had already gone home by the time I crossed the finish line! NO LIE :) So...J103 5k here I come...slowly but surely that is :) I will still not be at the front of the pack but I WILL be there. I consider it a plus when I live through it and don't throw up in front of people!

This brings me to now! I worked at my dad's store a lot this year and standing on the hard floor in my super cute flats left my foot less than running ready! I actually went to the doctor this morning and had to get a cortizone shot in my heel! REALLY running world?!?! I hope this is worth it! I am one tough cookie I think...and this is hurting pretty bad tonight! We shall see how the night goes! Hopefully I will be pain free and ready to train again this upcoming week!