Tweet I have to write (type) what is on my heart. About eternity, what is it? Well, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it this way:

ETERNITY

1: the quality or state of being eternal

2: infinite time eternity>

3: plural : age 3b

4: the state after death : immortality

5: a seemingly endless or immeasurable time eternity of delays>

 

So, there is indeed a concept of eternity, even in our world. It is hard to wrap my mind around the concept of FOREVER. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:11 that:

^"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."

 If eternity is indeed a true concept. Then how long is this life on the spectrum of eternity? It would be such a short time that its as dismissible as a piece of dust on eternity's timeline. 

 

This is a touchy subject, I know, but I write from the pains of a grieving heart. Seriously, when all around I see lightheartedness in response to our popular culture, our do what you feel, our "you do you and I'll do me" attitudes, our crediting ourselves as "the authority" on how we are to live our lives,... the idea of ETERNITY often pops into my head.

If eternity is real, after we die, what happens to the popular "I'll do me, and you do you?" SERIOUSLY,... who is really the boss when the final breath escapes our lungs? I know one thing, This makes me all the more serious about using this little speck of dust of time in eternity understanding and spreading the Truth of God. I mean, a fad, or what you say is cool, or wise, or right is not going to matter. If it does, than you are equating yourself with an ultimate authority, you are equating yourself with being a god.

 

There is a song by a talented Hip-Hop artist named Lacrae that I have been holding on to lately. in this song, he says (I believe speaking tomen who believe they are living "the good life." 

"If you keep the end in focus you can't keep it when it's over
And when it's over there's something else starts
Only thing that's really gon' matter is that hope inside your heart
What you trusting in what you lusting in
For that busty momma that's strutting in
And you popping bottles you throwing dollars
That's cool but partner this just in
That you gon' live forever whether you want to or not
Some of us gon' end up holy some of us gon' end up hot
Tell this life to keep my problems kiss my momma when I'm gone
Tell her I have no regrets and I'm home I'm home."

 

Much sincere love to all who may read this. Here is the video/song:

 

 

 

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Tweet Lately I have been studying on how to better parent my children. I just really wanted to know that they were getting what they needed from me.Well, this morning, after hearing about the tragic Batman premiere movie theatre shooting, and learned that most of the 12 victims were children, I had to take a pause.



I thought to myself, "What kind of hope can you give to a mother who after the media buzz is over, still has to go pick out a little 4'-5' casket? What can you say to her? Would she even hear you?" I doubt it seriously. You see our kids are truly a gift from our heavenly Father above. You look at them and just feel joy. You can remember what the delivery room looked like where you first laid eyes on them. You can remember how when you were down, looking at their carefree spirit gave you hope.
 Is their any condolence that can be offered that would make it all better."

The event is so fresh, and so close to our hearts at the moment that its hard to even think of such a thing. Though there is hope, what has been done as been done. It will not be reversed in this life. So should we go about our normal day and just think, "Man, that's tough...poor things." Yes, recognizing the tragedy is good, but it should not stop there. If there can be something good produced from it, then at the very least, it was not in vain.
If you have children, or children in your life, you had better love the mess out of them today. Look into their bright eyes and see what God has done. Not because you are sooooo deserving of this great gift (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6,),...No we are not deserving. BUT GOD! In His loving grace allowed His own Son to take the penalty for us, make us joint heirs, give us GOOD gifts, like children.

My gifts...

 Likewise, let us lavish gifts on our undeserving children today (I know I am not alone when it comes to children not always deserving a treat..). Show them love, show them grace!

This morning I took careful time in preparing a warm breakfast for my family. I served chocolate (almond) milk before they drank their water. I made sure to sprinkle some shredded cheese over their eggs (because that always makes my daughter smile). I prayed with them. ...As tears began to well up in my eyes, I kissed them each on their foreheads. After swimming lessons, we rode over some train tracks (just because that always makes my sons day.) There is a time for everything under the sun. A time for discipline and chastisement, and a time for grace and mercy. Let us all choose wisely, as we are now setting up or breaking down our children's understanding about our gracious and just God.

R.I.P. Little ones. Praise the Lord little ones, for he is Holy. Joy in His presence as you are now free from pain, sin, and sorrow. Bless the parents and families of these little ones. Let us pray for them.

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Tweet I went to Starbucks a couple of days ago to prepare for an interview and saw this on a magazine cover:

Umm,..Our "Bikini Ready" is going to look a little different

I thought to myself,... "Wow, is this what they are selling to us 30+ women? I am not saying it is unattainable for all of us. I am saying that its unrealistic and I definitely don't think this should be a cover photo for an article on "Women's Health."

I mean, for the majority of us who look at a magazine like this while in the check out line, does it send the message of "Yes! I can," or "Wow, I'll never be able to..." wherever you stand,...I am almost certain that there are mixed messages that pop up in our heads when we see something like this.

If you have been following this blog, you know that I put on about 13 lbs in about 4-6 months. I had decided to loose some of that. Since I started, a week ago, I've lost 4 LBS!!!!!!!!!! Yaaaaaye!

The kids lunch

Here's how I did it,

Click if you'd like to buy a copy

I DID- get up in the mornings, and meditated over my day in the Wordand in the practical things I want to accomplish. 

My son flexing after packing his mouth with Kale!

I DID NOT- focus on the negative things (that includes that new jiggly tire around my waist! LOL)
I DID- Eat lots of salad with hearty greens (Kale & Spinach), egg whites for protein, and measured my salad dressing. For more
I DID NOT- say "Hey, I'm going on a diet!" and then go grocery shopping and put the same old things in the cart!
I DID- Incorporate the whole family's meals with my diet foods.
I DID NOT- Try to go at this thing alone. For example, they ate what I did plus some whole grain carbohydrates.
I DID - Work out on that elliptical to Trip Lee's "The Good Life" for 35 minutes. This CD has
changed my world! I love a good beet and the
Lord, finally I can have both without
compromising music quality or mybeliefs! I
recommend you see what a little $5.99 can do for
you! (Click his photo)

My favorite Hip-Hop CD! Click photo to buy a copy ($5.99)

Hah! Good-bye Kanye's "Workout Plan" lol!  (Still working on doing it more than once a week,...it's a start right? *Work in Progress*)
I DID NOT- Flip to Netflix or Reality TV (ooooh,.. I wanted to!) Get chips & Queso Dip, wine and "relax" (by the way, exercise provides more stress relief than the above activity).

Keep your head up ladies! I also found this book to be very helpful as well ;)

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Tweet I would like to start out with a famous article entitled State of the Village (Original by Donella Meadows)

If the World were a village of 100 people:

The village would have 61 Asians, 13 Africans, 12 Europeans, 9 Latin Americans, and 5 from the USA and Canada
50 would be male, 50 would be female
75 would be non-white; 25 white
67 would be non-Christian; 33 would be Christian
80 would live in substandard housing
16 would be unable to read or write
50 would be malnourished and 1 dying of starvation
33 would be without access to a safe water supply
39 would lack access to improved sanitation
24 would not have any electricity (And of the 76 that do
have electricity, most would only use it for light at night.)
8 people would have access to the Internet
1 would have a college education
1 would have HIV
2 would be near birth; 1 near death
5 would control 32% of the entire world's wealth; all 5 would be US citizens
48 would live on less than US$ 2 a day
20 would live on less than US$ 1 a day

********************************************************************************

Today I had an interview for the position of World Languages Department Chair at an IB World School. Overall the interview went very well. I think I scored the most "points" when I shared why I like the circular model of leadership. I explained how knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and delegating their portion of the task/project in such a way that it caters to their strengths helps to make the best possible outcome. Diversity is beautiful! Whether we are reading the article above or working together to accomplish something.

Now as this relates to the body of Christ, the church, boy are we diverse! I grew up in an on-base church overseas, came to the USA and joined a Missionary Baptist, went to a Pentecostal church all through High School, did a missions project where my church home was Methodist, and then spent about 9 years in the Presbyterian Church of America (I have had life changing experiences in each setting,.. and have not agreed 100% within each setting). We've got the intellectuals, the feelers, the creative/artistic folks, the organized planners, the conceptual folks and the detailed folks. We have those that claim you must be Holy Ghost filled and those that are comfortable with the Holy Spirit in theory. My point? We are all different. The most important thing we need to have in common is the belief that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life,...that none can come to the Father (One true God) except through Him. We should have in common the belief in the divinity of Christ.

Now, on any other topic,... let's be real, some are probably right and some are wrong, and vice versa AND the mature realize that we now all see dimly and that there will be a time when we know/see fully.

So what do we do with this information? One thing we need not do is build walls and constantly  criticize one another's worship styles. We don't need to make people feel like less of a Christian for their lack of theological/doctrinal understanding. We don't need to make anyone feel like less of a Christian because they may not be in tune to how the Holy Spirit is moving during a service (or anytime for that matter.

We should realize this: 1 Corinthians12:12-26
In short, we are all members of one body. . Each of us is necessary. The hand and the foot will have different jobs and different perspectives...but those differences combine to make one incredible body. Jesus said: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”^, 

So, whether we play guitar and sing Christian Soft Rock, or make beets to biblical Hip-Hop, or play the organ and violin ^{While singing hymns. Whether we no dancing, or dance like David, Whether we do or don't lift Holy hands, or say Amen out loud,... If the essentials are their,.. don't be overly critical. Don't compare yourself to others to feel worthy. Love}

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Tweet This one is going to be short but sweet. I was watching the movie A Thousand Words  last night. It was funny, and packed with principles. Principles of healing. The big idea that I took from it was that "The truth shall set you free"
John 8:31-32
³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

This is a very practical statement Jesus used that can be applied to many areas in our lives. Now about healing. You will continue in a cycle of hurt, anger, and reaction based living if you do not know the Truth (capitol "T" hah!). In healing, it is necessary to understand the truth about why you are hurt. It's important to admit the truth about why you may feel less than, angry, etc.

Chances are it will be difficult to do this. Some of us have been in a repetitive cycle of pain, sorrow, and/or anger for a long time, some of us since we were kids. This applies to men and women. OK, we know women talk more,... Don't get me wrong, but there is nothing like when a man shares the truth about whats on his heart. This world is full of sin and brokenness it effects us all. Let us find peace in the Truth of God's Word.

The Lord is after the Way the Truth and the Life. Find your answers in the person of Him and the work he did for you 2000+ years ago.

My husband shared His heart with me this evening. What a privilege, an honor, and furthermore a picture of the connectedness & submission of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank you God for a marriage that grows stronger with time (and kids...).

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Tweet Life is a precious gift. Yes, even with all of the ups and downs, highs and lows. We face some tough stuff. Some of our challenges are caused by ourselves. Some are caused by others. It is important to note the difference, especially if you want to grow.

For instance, I cannot control the behaviors of others. I can however control myself and the way I may or may not react to the things going on around me...This  by the way is like a FULL TIME JOB! I mean it's hard. It is hard enough dealing with our enemies. (talking to myself..)"Am I now saying that I must now make a conscious decision to deal with the enemy within?" No, I'm not trying to be spooky. But think about it, if we don't manage our expectations of how a situation may or may not turn out, If we don't examen how well we are ecalating or deescalating a situation (or our temper for that matter) are we not by default our own enemy?

Philippians 3:12-14 - Even Paul, as mature as he was, did not consider himself to have achieved perfection [maturity] such that he could cease striving to improve. He forgot past achievements and pressed on to greater accomplishments.

Sometimes I feel like Paul when he asked the Lord over and over to remove the thorn from his side. Or like Jesus, when he asked if it was at all possible to remove this cup from me. I must however yield to Gods plans for my life.

He's so committed to us in that way. I want to point out two points of encouragement [and my prayer for us] when we say "enough is enough!"
1.) When we are sick and tired of dealing with the same old stuff: His grace is sufficient
            ~ 2 Corithians 12:8-10
⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2.) When you are wondering "Why me!?" Its because he loves you and promised to finish what he started in you on that faithful day that you declared Him as Lord and Savior over your life.
         ~ Philippians 1:6
⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

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So Good,..

No relationship worth having is "give, give, give..." There has got to be some sort of reciprocity. Such is the case with a friend of mine. I help her garden, and she helps me get back on track with my eating. Wow! I never met a real raw food specialist before!

Preparation for breaded Basil Eggplant!

 Anyhow, lets take it back about 2 years. I owned the webpage GoodStewards.net, a site where I would give healthy eating tips  and have people sign up for tours at local markets and health food stores. I did 80% of my shopping at the farmers market, I knew the nutrition facts on a plethora of items, and neither of my children had eaten "baby food." I cooked healthy balanced meals, and wood put a portion in the food processor for my babies. I even made all of my household cleaners, creams and lotions.

Kale Salad Avacado-Lime Dressing

Put a little SPICE in ya life!

The must haves!

Kale Salad with Avacado Lime Dressing. Thanks NK for the recipe!

 What happened? Glad you asked. Life happened. the teacher salary has been in the same place for the last 7 years. Not what we planned at all. So I went back to work. Now we eat whats most convenient. The kids have a pallet for processed foods and so does the hubby. I buy natural cleaners. No Goodstewards.net. Someone bought it (and wants to sell it for a small fortune). I might make it to the farmers market every other month,.. SHAME!

I would like to give a shout out to all working moms who work hard to balance home, kids, and hubby (also to those without a hubby) be strong girl, God's grace is sufficient,...trust Him). I must also acknowledge the At-Home-Moms! That was some of the hardest work I had ever done (and loved!).


So, I'm Womanning up! I'm doing the best I can to make sure my family is eating right, and fighting against the (typical) USA trained pallets to enjoy healthy foods.

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Tweet This morning I woke up early, kissed the sleeping family and headed in town (Atlanta). On my way I stopped at the fun Little Five Points Starbucks, got a Skinny Vanilla Latte and tried some of their new Refreshers (Caffeinated Juices...interesting concept...I'll take it!). I met a dear friend ans aspiring Gardener at Home Depot. Today would be the day that her gardening desires and dreams would come true. We picked up various items that would allow us to amend her soil ( #GeorgiaClay), build a raised garden, and plant indoor seeds for her fall garden.

It was hard work,.. from 8am-5pm. All physical labor. I was however refreshed to be able to be apart of this project from scratch. She realy wants a garden,.. and I can help. You know, its funny how focusing on others instead of yourself can be rewarding. By the time we broke up the soil, added all of the necessary amendments, worked them in, built a level raised garden on a slope, and saw that it all looked well, I was so amazed and proud of us. I also thought, wow, this 3 year hobby/study of mine has really taught me a lot. I mean I knew exactly how to amend her type of soil without looking at any texts.

The real test was the "Soil Tester." At the beginning of this project, the soil tested (pH) alkaline, with no fertility. At the end I was excited to get my testing cups and fill them with our new amended samples (oooh ...Science!) It felt so good to read the meter: "Ideal pH balance, Ideal fertility."

The ironic thing is. I love gardening. I spend so much time and effort into this hobby. Unfortunately, my property does not get enough sunlight to have the garden of my dreams. THe garden I know I can. create. But somehow, through helping my dear friend in her new and sunny garden space allowed me to feel a shared success and sense of accomplishment.

As I was sharing about my day with my husband. I could tell that he was wishing I had the same sunny set up. He then told me I had a package. I had ordered a beautiful Vera Bradley set for my laptop 3 weeks ago,...storms in the USA had delayed my shipment for 2 weeks..... But youknow what, it came right on time. Today, I too got my garden (of flowers) on my new Vera Bradly bag and slip cover. ...I'll take it!
Thanks for the whispers of love God!

An unexpected surprise...

My Flowery bag,.. I sooooooo love this bag. Its my first Vera Bradley!

Bag and matching laptop slip cover...

From my garden: Apple Mint, Roses, Zinnias, Peppermint blossoms, and Lavender :)

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Tweet Today my sweet baby girl (yeah she's 5,.. I know, I know) did something that we have been working on her not doing. I was O.K. until she lied to me 3 times about it. I felt like it was time for a "bop, bop." I really didn't want to. I told her to go upstairs and that I would be right behind her. I prayed that the Lord would lead me and oversee what was about to happen. I trusted Him.

So, I get upstairs and begin to explain to my daughter why she was going to get a"bop, bop." She had such a lookof regret in her little eyes. Right as I was about to give the first "bop." I saw a female dear and her little spotted fawn walk into our front yard. They stopped right in front of Chloe's window! "A dear!" I said. Chloe looked at me "A dear?" as if she thought I was crazy,.. I'm sure she had her mind set and prepared for the "bop, bop."

I mean what do you do? A real dear stopping right in front of the window! Of course we went outside. They walked toward the woods bordering our property. I yelled "Hey dear!" They stopped and looked at us for about 30 seconds before going in the woods. Chloe and I went back to her room.

In light of the distraction and my post yesterday, I realized how closely that fawn was following its mom,...always looking to see which diriection she might take. It was totally dependent on her. The fawn needed security. At that moment that's what my little Chloe needed. I put the "bop" down, looked her in the eyes and said. "Baby, I love you. I love you no matter what. I love you right now. I love you when you lie to me. There is nothing you can do to change that. I picked her up and held her. She immediately gave the loudest screaming cry I had ever heard from her. I let her get it all out as I rocked her in my arms. When she finished, we had a good talk about obedience and lies. Then, we all got dressed and had a family outing at Noah's Ark Zoo.

Why the long story? I prayed that God would lead me and he did. He is faithful. I mean all I had to do was ask, and he sent a beautiful doe and fawn from his creation as a divine intervention. I am not saying you should never discipline your child with some sort of "bop, bop." I am saying that God is faithful, and if you ask, he will lead you.

I'm trying to be faithful with some things myself. I have gained 13lbs in the last 3-4 months. So that makes me 5'4" weighing in at 140! So I went to the gym today to begin a (hopefully) faithful journey in fitness. I should DEFINITELY pray that same prayer right!?

Workin it out to Trip Lee's " The Good Life" Record!

The "Before" photo

Wow, I've got my work cut out for me in a word where the "Real Bacon Bits" display is next to the health drinks!

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I mean,.. Who writes this late without a SNACK!?

Bear with me as I paint this picture of today's sporadic and seemingly incohesive events:

I had a pretty busy day today. I woke up, went to work on some curriculum stuff (super nerdy fun,... right! I'm sure most don't share that sentiment :( lol). Walked out, saw the Fox 5 Channel outside giving a report. I thought to myself,...'more furloughs?'

It's nothing new. Somehow this time, I wasn't all gloomy. I have to give the Holy Spirit and God's grace credit for all of that! ...Nonetheless, peace is a really good state of being.

I decided to chuunk my veggie Garden and make a rose bed,.. so that took a couple of hours. I worked with my children on this project. It is so great to see them working hard. It's even better to see them working hard for "mommy." I must also add, that usually, getting rid of something that I have dedicated myself to (my veggie garden) is difficult.

This time, it wasn't.

I didn't get angry once today with my children (despite their little persistent self-asserting wills and a few cases of disobedience)...I showed them love.
I learned something so profound in these last 24 hours....it's called... (Drum roll).....GRACE!!!!

Yep, I have been in church my whole life, and just understood the tip of this thing called grace. So, what brought about this new understanding? I'm glad you asked! I am reading this book called "Grace Based Parenting." Needless to say, I'm just fresh out of chapter 1 and it has not only changed my parenting, but my life as well.

WARNING: I'm about to be super transparent... After reading about how to parent my children,.. I began to reflect on the way I was raised and could hardly believe how much the way that you were parented has a profound influence on the way you view God's grace. I mean, I have known the Lord for years,...but never had I begun to grasp his grace like this.  As a child and a young adult I worked very diligently at gaining the approval of my mother...It never came. I wanted to be secure in her love for me. I wanted to know that she loved "Erika,..just because." I wanted to hope and I wanted her to hope that my gifts would one day flourish. I wanted her to see me as 'beautiful.' Unfortunately, I most often didn't get that. And if I did, it was only in fromt of a crowd of other admirers.
I want to be clear that I love my mother, and I think her parenting came from a cycle that started long before I was conceived. I do not resent her, I can actually see much of myself in her (thanks to God's grace). But I am sharing this because I realized that that's how I treat God. I set up these boundaries with Him and keep Him at arms length because I know He knows my every sinful thought, word, and deed... and deep down I still feel the need to work hard for His love. Oh how this legalistic pattern must grieve my heavenly father. He has loved me since before I existed on this earth. He loves me more than I can conceive.
Now, I'm still working,... not to earn His love, but because  "To see the law by Christ fulfilled, to hear his pardoning voice, changes a slave into a child, and duty into choice!"
Love Ya DAD!!
signed: Your Little Girl

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Tweet If we're honest, as we look back over our lives, we can see clearly distinct seasons. There are those fresh Springlike seasons when everything is new, or when we got a fresh start in some area(s) in life. There are those Summers, when celebrations are happening, people are together, relationships are strong,.. There are the Autumn-like seasons when some of our spent blooms begin to wilt and things may be a bit moderate. And oh, the Winters... wow,... signs of life are not easily seen. The coldness in your circumstances can keep you distant from the ones that love you the most (True love, not that emotional stuff:) ). The crisp cold air can make it even hard to take a deep breath,...

I am not sure what type of season I am heading into, but a new one is definitely approaching. My husband and I are 30 yrs. old, our kids are walking, talking, reasoning with us,... I think we are all feeling a bit more grown up. All the while not boasting,.. just recognizing the changes around me.

A manifestation of this change is getting ORGANIZED!!! AHHHHH! ...It (organize) used to be a bad word, and to those of you who know me, you know what a creative mess I can be! ... With the help and leadership of my husband (this organization thing makes me like  a fish out of water!) We turned our playroom into an office!

Not to worry, the toys are still here,.. just in better suited places. Seems simple,.. but oh what peace there comes in being efficient and purposeful in your choices brings.

Kids Space. Can't wake to "IKEA" or Craigslist or Thrift it up!

A little fresh-picked inspiration from my garden! Lavender, Roze, Zinnia, & Balm Lemon...

Hubby enjoying his new space! Master photographer doing post processing...

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Tweet It's funny how heading into the clouds can be a beautiful thing.

Beautiful bridge heading back to St. Simons from Jekyll Island on our fist family vacation...

So its been almost 2 years since my last post. Pretty sorry huh? That's the problem with some of us,... so many ideas and creative thoughts that its hard to focus our [my] energies and meet goals. Hence the phrase "Jack[ie] of all trades and the master of none."

Well lot's has been going on. In short, trials, tribulations and distractions (all allowed by my heavenly Father) have really rocked my world these last couple of years. It has been difficult loosing family to death, and having to create new boundaries for other members. I lost  a dear friend to suicide. And we moms and wives know that raising and maintaining healthy marriages and children is a constant challenge (sometimes more than others). I went back to work this passed school year to a Middle School where  World Languages (I'm a Spanish teacher) are essential to the curriculum, but I where I have no classroom to really teach the way I would like. We've been praying about moving churches. And just when I think it couldn't be any worse, I drive home one day to find my husband & kids marveling at something in front of our yard...

All I could see was a brick, so I parked on the street and ran to them. I look down and Curt, my husband had killed a copperhead by throwing a brick on it,... gross right? No, what's gross is that 15+ little baby coppers squirmmed out of its belly! THE SNAKE WAS PREGNANT! I got back in my car, drove into the driveway as if I was not disturbed. As I parked, I totally FREAKED!

Pregnant Copperhead that had been busted open! Little babies squirming about! Gross!

With my head on the steering wheel I asked "God, what are you doing?!" I had had enough! Nothing in my life seemed steady. All I had known to be comforting was no longer there. All that I had wanted to accomplish is still not done! ... or so I thought.

When I confessed Christ as my Lord and Savior, when he sought me out, when he purposed my life, before creation began. He did not promise me perpetual bliss, sinless living on earth or a free and painless ride on the sanctification train! No, He promised to conform me season by season to the image of Christ. I had to DIE to myself. I had to let the Holy Spirit take ownership in my soul (he could not just be a renter). And like an ambitious home-owner, HE had been renovating this fixer-upper ...Me. Tearing down walls, ripping up floors, gutting out the things that have no good use and purpose in my life. (homeowner metaphor courtesy of this Sunday's sermon @Bluprint Church :))

I know this was deep; but for the next 21 days of posting, I am committing to sharing the GOOD He is producing in the midst of it all! The hope he gives in my daily life. The hope that has to be in place in order for us to "act-right," in the midst of our sufferings.

I don't know all the answers, but I invite you all on this 21-day journey.

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

A reminder of the hope and joy that is to come. Thank you for my family Lord!

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