Triumphant Return

So I've been absent from blogging for 2 years and alot has happened...

Men have become women...

Marriage has been redefined (legally)...

and America's favorite dad has been accused of rape 

(boo! where's a pudding pop when you need one?)

But that's just an account of the world's happenings.  Me?
Well I've been...

teaching...

mommying...

Whole 30-ing...kinda :)...

getting into Zumba....

(this is sweaty me, after a workout, can't wait to get my hands on a Cliff Bar!)

and growing & changing

 I know that the last description sounds sort of vague, but I'm not quite ready to do a "couch session" about all of the spiritual upheavals I've battled the last couple of years.  However, I will tell you that this blog post's title does not lie: I do return triumphantly to blogging, for several reasons:

1. Two years ago the above roll call of life experiences would have severely depressed me with it's absence of: marriage, having another baby, and taking a mission trip.  Though I still live without these things it has taken me 2 years to realize that:

• I am single for God's glory (and babies come with marriage...at least my next one will!)
• and I have plenty of local opportunities daily to share the gospel

2. Overall I've come to embrace (and steady remind myself) of the fact that in due time God will give me more, for if I tire out from running with men, then how can I race with horses (Jeremiah 12:5)?

3. Furthermore, these years have served as a reminder that I worship a sovereign God. You know that part about His will? Yeah, it WILL be done! 

God is doing a good work in me that will not be complete until I am face to face with Christ Jesus.  And this work he's doing has at times been painful, resisted, chaotic, joyful and did I mention painful?  But, I've come to realize that "God cannot build our character without our cooperation.  When we submit to Him, He will work to make a finished product that is more mature and complete.  God wants a perfect work." (Warren Weirsbe). 

And so this is why I return triumphantly.  Confident in the blessings so far and prayerfully seeking spiritual contentment for my position in life right now.  Everything is not perfect, I am not perfect but I know the One who is and I desire His perfect work in my life.

Reflection: Have you stepped away from something or someone?  In that time has God strengthened you and provided a more righteous perspective?  Can you return triumphantly in your walk with Christ?  I hope so!

Disclaimer: while I am happy to return to blogging, please do not be disappointed if you do not see posts weekly, semi-weekly, monthly, semi-monthly, annually...you get the point :)  I'm still doing teaching, mommying, and so on but I will be sure to share a blessing from the lessons I endure!

Finally Headed to Bloglovin'! Follow my blog with Bloglovin

So I finally got around to loading my blog to bloglovin, so if you're reading this on your bloglovin' blogroll I guess I have succeeded.  Geez, that's alot of "blog" beginning words in that last sentence :)

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4662259/?claim=s6csuambz56">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Summer Reading Anyone?

This post is long overdue, but thankfully summer isn't over yet, in fact it has officially just begun!
This is the perfect time for getting in reading that we're all usually too busy to do during the other seasons. So, if you're wondering what to stick your nose in I'm happy to present FOUR great choices from newly crowned Author and personal friend of mine, Oleeta J. Radley! 

amazon.com

About this book: My relationship is centered on God's plae in our lives and the type of relationship He desires and His rightful place in everyone's life; regardless if you're single, dating, or married.  If anyone doesn't have a personal relationship with The Lord, this book explains and walks you through how to obtain one.
*This one is first on my list to read!

amazon.com

About this book: Here Ms. Radley writes concerning issues within the body of Christ.  Complaining, judging, carnal presence, etc.  It also outlines solutions to those issues and emphasizes how these issues are external and tangible yet the solutions point to internal changes that are needed.  Change must occur from within and the evidene will show externally.
*Dang, maybe this one should be first on my list! :)

amazon.com

About this book:  This book lives up to it's title as it analyzes the definition as well as the condition of being insecure.  While insecurity can cause much hindrance to growth, Ms. Radley's writings illustrate that we can overcome anything we have been struggling with our been bound by.

amazon.com

About this book:  Now if you're like me in considering everything in life has some big meaning then The Little Boy: Dreams and Visions, is the reading for you!  The Little Boy provides insight and detail to a way that God communicates to us. It demonstrates how God is present in every situation of life. God always talks to us. Sometimes we get distracted and are not able to hear Him clearly or effectively carry out all that He is intending. Dreams and Visions are one way that the Lord speaks to us. This is a way that we have no other choice but to give our full attention to the Lord and allow the Lord to show us, take us places, and make us feel certain things. (www.amazon.com)

So, there you have four wonderful reads to choose from for the summer...what the heck read a book each season and get through them all!  These books are available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ebay, there are also electronic versions available.  Hope you all get to take a peek and perhaps leave some feedback!
Happy Summer Reading!

"Lucy! You got sum splainin' to do...."

I know, I know. I have been a very bad blogger lately.  It's not that I haven't had much to say. To the contrary, I have lots that I could talk about, but I'm not sure how to say it all.  My mind has been one big jumble of hopes, decisions, dreams, doubts, and spiritual ponderings.  Besides that, here's what I've been up to in pictures:

Did a little graduating... :)

Choosing paths...

Making these babies...Homemade Calzones!!  (Pic & Recipe from Simply Scratch)

Watchin' this little girl grow and have fun!

I will try to post more, but I'm on a spiritual journey, learning and realizing things.  When I'm in this place I'm highly reflective without words. I keep it all inside and I share some with my journal.  I'm living out the creed of this blog: Life doesn't just hand us lemons, it hands us lessons and there is a blessing in every one!  Hope you all are learning from life's lessons...I sure am trying.

Oh, one more thing I've been up to...

Yep. Deactivated that baby. Not sure if I'll ever return, but life is still good without it. :)

Far Beyond Impossible

I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine.  Come to me with positive expectations, knowing there is no limit to what I can accomplish.  Ask My Spirit to control your mind, so that you can think great thoughts of Me.  Do not be discouraged by the fact tht many of your prayers are yet unanswered.  Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust in Me in the dark.  The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the situation. Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention.  Keep your eyes and your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life.

---Excerpt from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

*Something happened recently, and it is really challenging my mission to live fearlessly.  It is causing me to work harder to stay in the Spirit.  It is putting my faith to the test.  It is giving me a chance to fully rely on God's Wisdom, Power, and Goodness and see How Great Thou Art.  Though it is sometimes hard to live out, I know that He CAN do far beyond what I think is impossible.*

Fightin' the Flesh

Photo by Crazy B

You know you shouldn't watch that movie.
You know you shouldn't dwell on those thoughts.
You know you shouldn't listen to that song.
You know you shouldn't daydream so long.
You know you shouldn't go to that website.
You know you shouldn't look twice at that handsome man {I repeat: Don't.make.eye contact.}
You know you shouldn't post that on Facebook or hit "like" on that status.
You know you shouldn't send that email.
You know you shouldn't drink that.
You know you shouldn't lose your temper.
You know you shouldn't abandon your beliefs to "fit in".

Time and again you shouldn't, but answering the flesh you did.

"And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."  Galatians 5:24

Use To

Art by Pepperbunbun

I use to really resent my Ex for cheating...
leaving me to raise our daughter on my own
And then I realized 
That I have a stronger bond with her than the parent not at home
And of course, God's been with me all along
So I haven't done this alone 

I use to be so sad 
Then get so mad
That my Ex's cheating ways caused our separation...
And then God directed my mind to  a revelation:
HE delivered me from a loveless relationship.
No longer bound by lies
I'm free to walk in the way of the wise

I use to be so envious 
That my Ex had moved on
But God in His infinite wisdom
Showed me in the book of Psalm
Not to be jealous of those who do wrong

Now 4 years later...
Striving to follow my Saviour
There's still much to get use to,
But Thank God
I don't do the things I use to.


*Psalm reference can be found in Psalm 37:1