Obeying Daughter

Over the past few months, I've had many reactions when I reveal that I feel led to go on a mission trip around the world.  Most have been so ENCOURAGING and willing to pray and support my decision.  Yet, a very few have questioned how I could leave my sweet babies for such a long time and travel so far away.  In an instant, they almost make me feel like a bad mother to Layton and Luke (even though I realize I'm not, and grandparents are ready to spoil them rotten next week!). I immediately feel my defense mechanisms go up.  But, then I understand, in that very same moment, it doesn't matter....ultimately, I feel proud to be an obeying daughter to the King.

Please know that leaving my husband and my sons is the very last thing my instinct tells me to do.  I feel the tug to stay in the comfort of my own home, the comfort of my own city, the comfort of my own country.  My comfort zone is completely natural for me.  Leaving...it's unnatural, it goes against my every instinct.  But leaving is what He has called me to do.

In Mark 10:29-30, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time..."

I have never left my house, to fly across the world before, to share the gospel with people who do not know Jesus.  But I am tonight.  I'm a wife of a great man, and a mother to two amazing little boys, but above it all......I'm His obeying daughter.

*Say a prayer for me as a I put my sweet boys to bed tonight, I'm sure there will be a few tears shed.

Wordless Wednesday

Just sing, " Jesus Loves Me!"

Tonight, when I was tucking Layton into bed, we were talking about Mommy's mission trip.
I said, "Do you remember why Mommy is going far away next week?"

He said, "Yes, to tell people about Jesus."

I proceeded to say, "Right, because they don't know about Jesus, and that He died on the cross for our sins." 

Then in a curious, innocent, yet stern voice he said, "Well, Mommy, just sing "Jesus Loves Me" to them, ok? Then they'll know."

I replied with a smile, saying "Absolutely, Layton, I sure will."

Don't you just love the innocence & heart of a sweet, sweet child:)

The Benefit

The benefit of having two sweet boys, back to back...

matching pajamas!

(oh, the obsession)

Another benefit of having two sweet boys, back to back...

 

neither one of them will remember what life was like without each other. 

Ronald McDonald House

Our small group from church participates in charities for the community and surrounding cities. Many times, it's in conjunction with the church, but this event....we (my friend, Andrea!) planned it on our own:)

We decided to make and serve a meal at a nearby Ronald McDonald House for families who have sick children at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. It was the least we could do. These sweet families are living moment to moment, through surgeries, doctors appointments and sitting sterile hospital rooms with their babies.  Providing a warm, home-cooked meal was a pleasure.

Did I mention that we love our small group?

Love their heart,

their passion for Jesus and their willingness to serve. 

We feel honored to be "doing" life right beside them:) 

What a blessing!

Everybody Needs a Buddy

Whether it is to ride along with & hold on tight...

or be there to push you, when times get tough.

Everybody needs a buddy called a brother. 

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Luke loves to stand on the sidewalk, and wave at the cars going by during the day.

He likes to welcome everyone to the neighborhood! :)

Solely for His Glory

I've had a lot on my mind lately.  Much that I haven't shared here.  I have wanted to several times, but I just couldn't find the words.

Let me first say, I've been feeling excited, nervous, & scared, yet overwhelming peaceful.

It is the leap of faith that I have always prayed that I would feel someday.

And then it happened....that someday is now, I feel it.

In 9 days, I, along with an amazing team from my church, will be sharing God's Word.  As Christians, we are all called to do this everyday.  Whether it be walking across the street to our neighbors house, driving across town, or flying across the country to spread the Gospel to people who may not know Jesus as their personal Savior.

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In a little over one week, we will be traveling across the world. 
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I will be sharing Christ with people who look nothing like me.  People who speak a different language than I do.  People who may or may not believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Am I scared?  Yes.  Am I fearful?  No.

Do not fear, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; Surely, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10


It's a very new place for me to be in.  If you know me at all, I am usually overly cautious, and somewhat fearful of the unknown.  It could even be said that I'm a perceptual worrier.  


But, I'm going.   Across the ocean to a land I've never seen.  Separated by 6,780 miles from my sweet husband and my beautiful boys who I love with all my heart and soul.   I could be sacrificing all I love to spread His name, to the ends of the earth.  

The most ironic part of this journey...I'm not worried.  Not. One. Bit.  

He's working in a MIGHTY way, and I couldn't be more excited.   

Could these be the hardest 8 days of my life?  Yes.  

Could these possibly be one of the best 8 days of my life?  Yes.

But this isn't about my life at all.  It's about His life that was given up for me.  
This is solely for His Glory.


Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:19

Phone Pics

                               Go Cats!                                                                    Grocery Shopping w/ Lukey

 

My cowboys:)

Layton wanted to see how soft the $3.99 pillows really were:)

Besties:)

                       Trying to escape, already.                                "What? Do I have something on my head?"

Layton at preschool during his parade.  My friend Amy took this picture & sent it to me:)  

It made my day!

Luke and I go to music class on Tuesdays, so we couldn't attend:(

 

12 month well baby check up:  24 lbs 6 oz.  That's my boy!

Layton thought his puppy needed a wash & a dry:)

Sweetie pie:)

Layton is so helpful with his little brother

Miss Ella & Cindy playing on the night of her homecoming:)

Yes, this is frequent occurrence in my house: kid standing on dishwasher. 

To the rescue!

o.n.e.

He's o.n.e.

                                                        *Photos by Michelle Rhodes Photography 

That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Psalms 30:12