BURSTING AT THE SEAMS! (No, really)

It's been too long! I have to say the past few weeks have been nothing but emotional for us. It's been up and down and getting round. Yep, you'll see what I mean!

On April 25th, my husband, Jesse lost his daddy, suddenly, and uexpectedly. What a rough time for all of us. Jesse did the eulogy at the service and was wonderful. They also had the Marine Corps Honor Guard there to do the presentation of the flag. Very impactful, and unforgetable. Mike was very proud of being in the military, and he served it well for many years. He fought in Vietnam and then came home to join the Coast Guard. He said he was ready to save lives, instead of destroying them. Jesse has many memories of his daddy in uniform and getting to play on base.

In the midst of all the commotion, we got to share that we are expecting our first child! We were so blessed to have joyful news to share in the shadows of what was going on. The news of a baby always brings light, and it was a much needed light this time. I know this child will bring us all joy for many years to come!

So as for the pregnancy, I'm definately FEELING IT! It's crazy how soon you just know you are pregnant. I told someone close to me that I knew thought I was pregnant two weeks before I could take the test...I was right! It's been a trying time, being that I've been experiencing what I like to call "all day sickness" on most days. Yuck! And yes, I know it's all very much worth it, but, oh boy, is it disgusting!

Jesse and I are so proud and excited, but I'm the one who is bursting at the seams....literally! I am already unable to wear most of my "normal" wardrobe, and am having to resort to other options. So, yes, I'm getting progressively rounder...day by day.

God is so faithful, and I know this baby is a gift from Him, and that makes me so happy. I am praying that He grants us the wisdom to raise this child in the way he/she should go, so that He will be honored through his/her life!

Careful

Be careful what you wish for. So many of us want to "be rich", but lately so many of the "rich" have had nothing but stress, loss, suffering. I just saw on the news this morning that the CFO of Freddie Mac commited suicide. Now here is a man who had built an awful lot of wealth in his life, and who had an incredible amount of responsibility. I obviously feel awful for his family and friends, but the thought that really struck me was, "wow...how glad I am to be a "regular" income earning citizen".

How important it is, especially these days, to know where our worth comes from...the LORD. The King of Kings! The CREATOR of this entire universe and beyond! The one and only true and living GOD! My heavenly Father who cares for me sincerely and purposefully sent His SON to save my soul. WOW...money? Who needs it!!!!

I know for believers this makes perfect sense, but if anyone who is reading this doesn't know who Jesus really is, still consider the fact that money does not fulfill...never will. What fulfills us is relationship. RELATIONSHIP. And I have found that the number one most fulfilling relationship I can have is the one with my Creator. He knows me better than I will ever know myself. Just like a scientist knows his inventions better than anyone. Makes sense to me!

So what do you want~ money? or relationship?

:) YOUR COMMENTS WELCOME!

Woohoo! I won my first Blogger Award! :)



After winning, here's what you do:

1. Thank the person who was so thoughtful for giving you this award by linking their blog to this post.
2. Put the logo on your blog or post.
3. Nominate blogs which show great attitude/gratitude.
4. Link your nominee to your post.
5. Comment them to tell them about the award they've won.

My Award comes from my friend Felicia! (Thank you!)

http://windchasers.blogspot.com/


My award goes too:

http://retrohousewife05.blogspot.com/

http://jandtfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/

http://windchasers.blogspot.com/

I don't follow many, though I'd like to find more fellow bloggers that are interesting, personal, informative, etc... any suggestions? :)

Christmas, and planning ahead for 2009

Wow...can you believe it's already Christmas time?! I'm blown away by how fast this year has gone by.

So, we're leaving Monday night(22nd) for Oklahoma, and I just can't wait to be around family and friends. It will be a quick trip, packed with good times, food, nieces and nephews...the best! I am thrilled to be getting away for a little bit.

Looking back on 2008, I am pretty overwhelmed by how God has blessed us. We are both making a living in a time when you can't take your job for granted. I am still singing and writing, and I thank the Lord for opening some new doors in that area. Jesse volunteers on the Williamson County Rescue Squad and really likes it. His business is still growing as well, thank you Jesus!

In 2009, we will be pushing my music really hard again. We really feel like God is giving us renewed 'energy' for it, and we're excited to get moving. In fact, if anyone reading this knows of a music venue near you that books bands, let me know...we may just head your way! Any music outlet is great...I'm focusing on Country and Christian music, but you all know I love singing some old school Etta James and other classics too!

We have become a part of an amazing group of people at Music City Assembly of God in Nashville, and have the greatest small group ever! You can't beat having a bunch of friends who are fervently seeking to do God's will...it's awesome serving with them.

If 2009 brings you through Nashville, please let us know! We always love seeing old friends and making new ones.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2009!

Stop.

STOP!!!! Just stop whatever you are doing, thinking, planning. Just take a minute....no take several minutes. It's really worth it!

Psalm 46:10"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

So lately God has been really wooing me to come near Him. It has been a very tangible sense of His calling me close. I love it! The verse I have above just goes along with what I've been feeling in my spirit. I bet most, if not all, of you have read, heard, or used "Be still and know that I am God" at some point in your life. If you seriously, consciously make it a point to get in His presence...whether by finding a quiet place to read His word, pray, listen to worship,etc...you will reap the rewards. And these rewards are heavenly!

So, have we all just left off the other part of verse 10? "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." That is not a question...it is a FACT! God doesn't just say things...He means it 100% of the time. So be excited! He WILL be exalted among the nations... He WILL be exalted in the earth! I for one want to be one of those who exalts Him NOW.

I have reaped the benefits of being still. And for those who know me, you know I am not naturally a 'still' person! In fact, when I first tried it, I found my mind wandered to everything but the Lord. (what am I going to make for dinner, will that agent call today, did I ever send in that check, etc) For me, the tool that helped me relax and focus was music (imagine that). Sometimes it is just listening, sometimes it's getting on my keyboard and having my own, private worship time with my audience of One! But whatever it is...the goal is to get to a place where I can just BE. Just BE and listen and wait. That's all!

Try it...try it today!! You CAN make a plan to do that. Ask someone to watch the kiddos for 30 minutes, stick food in the oven and then take a timer with you so you don't worry about dinner, or (drumroll please) skip that episode of your tv show... (I know~I'm going crazy here!)

Do it, and then please tell me about your experience. Once you've been there, let God continue to woo you into His presence...often.

Psalm 46:10"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Most rewarding show ever!

WOW! On October 4th at 7 o'clock, we put on what I will remember as the most rewarding show I ever did. Not only did I have a great time watching Bloodline, a local band of teenagers put on a great opener, but I had a blast performing for folks I know and love. Most of all, I felt this wonderful sense of giving back to a lady who has given so much to me and lots of others. Jan Sturdevant is one of the strongest, most caring ladies I've known. She is fighting cancer....for the third time. Being able to encourage her emotionally and raise some money too, is such a great feeling!! I am not one of those folks who is able to send a check for thousands of dollars...because I don't have it! BUT what I COULD do is use the talents God blessed me with to RAISE something for her....yay!

The show was a great success, I sold our of cds, sold some shirts, some special items in Jan's honour, and just had a great time.

The best part is that I got to visit with her on Monday, after all the work was done. I was thrilled to get to see her and just hope I brought a little joy to her day. I love my cheerleading coach, algebra teacher, friend. Get well, Jan: WE ALL KNOW YOU CAN. And we will be praying!!

If you'd like to help raise more money for her medical bills, you can go to http://www.gentryphotos.myphotoalbum.com

and order pictures of the show...your donation will go to Jan's special account. THANK YOU!!!

September 11th

This morning as I drove to work, and at exactly 8:46 am, the station I was listening to stopped and had a moment of silence. After that, came "God Bless America" sung by Celine, which is a beautiful, powerful, emotional rendition...and finally "Where Were You When the world stopped Turning" by Alan Jackson. It may not sound like much, but for some reason it was a very moving expression of just honoring those who went through such a tragedy, and those who continue to press on after surviving that day.

I was looking around at the other commuters and noticing a solemn feel throughout...just really moving. As all this happened, I started feeling this sense of unity among Americans...one that I haven't felt in a long while. "The day that changed America" affected all of us, whether or not we realize it. I think there is something to be said for just pausing, recognizing the strength we have proven to have as a nation, and humbly asking God for His grace that is desperately needed by a people who have turned their back on Him.

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

There is peace, love, joy, fulfillment...everything we need as human beings is found in Jesus! Once you experience it, there is just no question! Are you living your life as a reflection of Jesus? Because you know as well as I do that these times of remembering tragedy also become times of questioning faith, questioning the Lord, questioning everything! We need to be able to stand firm in HIM, and remember: If we push God out of our country, He will, as a gentleman, step away, hard as that may be. We have, as a nation, pushed Him right out! And sadly, we do reap what we sow.

Those of us who know our need for Him, HAVE GOT TO INTERCEDE on behalf of our nation!!!! Don't take it lightly, that if you know the truth, you are ACCOUNTABLE to it! And the great part is that the Lord provides the grace needed to be able to even stand and talk with Him. It is truly miraculous! Don't let that pass without really soaking it in: YOU CAN TALK TO GOD, AND HE WILL LISTEN! WOW!

So today, as you remember the day that changed us all, take the time to ask the Lord to continue to heal, strengthen, forgive us as a people, a nation who desperately needs Him.