Hey you, Judgey McJudgerson!

This weekend has been rough. Which is probably embarrassing to admit since its only 3pm on Saturday.
My children have made it their mission to master the art of not listening and tantrum throwing in only a day and a half.

Now if you have kids i am sure you all have been there one time or another. The children just don't want to listen to anything you are saying. They are running around or talking back or crying for one reason or another.
In the comfort of our own home where we  can scream our heads off   can direct our children, it doesn't feel AS overwhelming. I mean.. yes it is still exhausting but then we can sit and wipe away the tears (theirs and our own) without eyes staring into our souls.

 Its when we are in public is when we die just a little bit inside.

Yesterday I was on the receiving end of those stares. 

I had to "run" to the store for a few items (Is there even a "running to the store" with younger children?). I walked into that store not even remotely expecting what would happen in the fifteen minutes i was in that building.
My oldest decided that it was gonna "be cool" to walk backwards... almost getting hit by a cart. While my youngest was darting his way through the aisles... almost getting hit by a cart.
I told them both to either hold my hand or hold each other's hands and they let out the biggest whine/cry i have ever heard. I shuttered and so did aisle 7.
I grabbed my five items and we headed to the check out lane. And i have no idea what devils design the stores but WHY do they set up ridiculously expensive toys right at check out? I mean.. i know why but please have mercy on us.
The boys decided it was absolutely ESSENTIAL that they have the $6 cheapo cars... but momma is balling on a budget and that was not on the list. I calmly told them that they were not going to be getting those today. I did not even finish my sentence before  my oldest dropped to the ground and started crying.
Luckily my youngest is easily distracted and he got oddly excited about the little table that pulled out at check out. So he kept pulling it out over and over again hitting me in the leg twice. And of course that inspired his greatest hits and so he decided to sing AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS. So loud i could barely hear the worker telling me the amount i owe.
I literally could feel the entire store staring and whispering. Nobody would say anything directly to me but i could hear the hushes and the dirty looks.
Finally it was time to leave, which should have brought me a relief... but it wasnt enough for my boys to misbehave in the store. Oh no... we have to make a show for everyone arriving to that store.
My youngest refused to get into the car and was screaming and crying. I had to force him down, as if he was a crocodile, to buckle him up. So many people just watched and i felt like a monkey in the zoo... but like they were watching me because of the wrong things i was doing and not for entertainment.
He cried the entire ride home.
And so did i.

So if you are a parent of younger children... you probably can relate. If you have kids who are a little older... you can probably remember.

I felt defeated and deflated.

And mostly... embarrassed.

All of those people were clearly judging my boys, judging me, judging my parenting, and probably judging how i handled the situation.

When i got home and my boys were all happy again and playing i vented to my amazing online community about this horrifying event. I just wanted to have someone who could tell me i wasn't alone and ask for advice for the future (consensus was to put them in the cart!)
One momma said this: "They don't know anything about your life, struggles, worries, or all the great moments, all they see is the current situation."

I hear often when we are talking about others judging that they don't know our struggles. They don't know that your child may have sensory issues or is autistic. They don't know that your child didn't take a nap that day or that your baby is teething. They don't know that your son is having separation anxiety because you are currently going through a divorce and learning to split time for the first time. They don't know that your daughter is more sensitive then some and is upset that she lost her toy. They don't know that your little one has so much energy and just wants to run.

But you know what else they don't see and know?

They don't see your child loving on their pets when they are home. They don't know that your child really loves to dance and it brings them joy. They don't know that your son is empathetic and caring or that your daughter just learned to say her ABCs. They don't know that you just walked away from a toxic relationship to better the lives of your children. They don't know that your kids use their manners at home and asked to be excused from the table. They don't see that. They just see the current state of our children.

Those people didn't see my youngest say "you're beautiful mommy" while giving me a hug earlier that day. They didn't see my oldest singing Tauren Wells 'Known' just moments before we walked in the store ( The lyrics say "I am fully known and loved by You.)
Those people don't know that my oldest is a thinker and a people watcher. They don't know that my youngest is fearless.

They. Dont. Know. 

So hey you, Judgey McJudgerson, staring at the kid at the store, air plane, hair salon, library, movie theater, etc. Remember that you don't know what the kid is going through or what an amazing, sweet, smart, kind, and wonderful child they are!
Extend some grace, will ya?
Plus... you're only gonna have to deal with it for a little while... momma is gonna get in the car and still be dealing with it. So send her a smile and some prayers too.

tantrums and love,
Monica

my short marriage realization

Because sometimes marriage is hard. 

And messy.

Sometimes we forgive more then we laugh. 

Because there are days where we want to run away. 

Because there are moments where I need a lot of grace, and I need to extend the same amount. 

Sometimes I need to be reminded that my spouse is not perfect.... And neither am I. 

There are times in marriage where frustration takes over and communication is lacking. 

And in these moments is when I am reminded how badly we need Christ at the center. Forever. 

something I am learning and love. - Mrs V

embrace

I found this quote on Pinterest and instantly fell in love. 

A mess is probably how I would best describe myself right now. 

Today marks one month before our second son's due date. My days are filled with toddler tantrums, cleaning, cooking, cuddles, naptimes, laundry, coffee, and waddling around. My bible/devotional time is short... if at all. I put on some worship music after naptime to make up for it.... or at least to regain my peace. 

I am trying to best prepare my son, my home, and my heart for the arrival of this new blessing. It is difficult. I am trying to look at my growing body and see the beauty that is in it. We are preparing for another cross country move just a month after baby is here. 

I cry a lot.

 happy tears. frustrated tears. mad tears. scared tears. overwhelmed tears. 

I am a mess.

But i know I wont get these moments back. We wont be a family of 3 for long. My almost two year old wont always want to me to sit and play with his toys with him. My husband won't always have this schedule or this job. I may not always have the beautiful experience to stay home and do all the tedius housework. I wont always have this opportunity to carry a child. 

So, i need to embrace it. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the crazy. Embrace the beauty. and Embrace this mess. 

I encourage all my beautiful readers to embrace the mess that you are. The quirks, the flaws, the fears, the indecisiveness, the confidence, the body, the scars. All of it! You are beautiful. You are amazing. You are indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made!  

embracing the mess with love, Mrs. V

I need grace {my realization}

We all get busy.

I am at that point where I feel like I am always doing something but then I feel like I did nothing. 

My new mom life is filled with changing diapers, breastfeeding, managing NapTime, singing "itsy bitsy spider" a million times, preparing easy to swallow meals, and chasing after a crawler who wants to put everything in his mouth. 

Busy. 

The other day I realized that I am not spending enough time with The Lord. Sure... I am not doing anything WRONG. I am not getting drunk or sleeping around. I'm not killing people or cheating. I read my bible every few days and maybe even listen to a worship song. I say my little "thank you" prayer before I eat and before bed. That's good, right? 

Except, that I felt myself being jealous of other people. I was having an attitude with my husband and would even get impatient with my ten month old. I was feeling bitter about certain situations. I was NOT in a good place. I was trying to find happiness in other places. I was trying to do everything in my own strength. 

I had become stagnant. I was no longer pursuing The Lord. I was just there. 

Holy Spirit is so good and reminded me that I had distanced myself. I was not in constant relationship with The Lord. I was meeting my daily quota of a bible verse but I was not truly spending time with God. 

When I am actively pursuing The Lord then all my relationships flow from that. 

I am never going to be perfect. I know that I need my Savior and His grace daily. And when I am spending time with Him I can receive that grace and glorify God. 

His grace is sufficient for me. 

It restores me. 

It revitalizes me. 

It refreshes me. 

Friends, if you have been struggling in any way... Know that I am praying for you! 

His grace is enough for you! 

Even if you noticed that you are in a similar place as me and you have become stagnant. 

In a place where you are just living from your own strength. You don't have to feel like this! Reach out to The Lord and allow His joy to cover you. 

Ssllllooowwwww down. 

Find the joy in the every day. 

Accept His grace. 

Feel His love for you! 

Fresh grace, new beginnings, and love. - Mrs. V

A lesson from Jonah

Happy Monday Lovelies! 

Are you familiar with the story of Jonah in the Bible? 

That's the guy who was swallowed by a giant fish. 

Here is a quick recap: 

God tells Jonah to go to a city {Ninevah} to preach to them. Jonah doesn't want to do that and runs away to a boat. There is a huge storm and all the guys on the boat are like "everyone pray to your gods and tell them to stop this storm." The storm continues and gets worth and the guys confront Jonah and Jonah tells him that he is running away from God who made the heavens and earth. Eventually Jonah gets off the boat and is thrown into the sea. The guys on the ship were so fearful of such a powerful God that they made vows to Him! {At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. (Jonah 1:16 NIV)} 

Jonah gets swallowed by a giant fish for three days and three nights. He prays to The Lord and repents. Jonah goes to Ninevah, like he should have to begin with. 

{this was the fast recap and there are so many details that are left out. Make sure to read the story in Jonah 1,2,3}

I realized that I am a little like Jonah in this season.... But like opposite. 

I want to move back to California. Especially after visiting! My heart LOVES it there and it will always be home to me. 

But...... My husband and I are feeling like we should stay here. We don't want to leave Missouri missing out on what God has for us here (ministry opportunity, a lesson, friend, etc). I know we won't be swallowed up by a giant fish and we aren't intentionally trying to disobey The Lord , but I still don't want to miss out. 

Think of all those Ninevites who would have not heard The Lord if His servant, Jonah, had continue to run away. 

Let's all take a lesson from Jonah. His story is a short but important one. 

Listen to The Lord. Go to where He calls you. Bloom where you are planted! 

Lessons and love. -Mrs. V

No more striving

Baby V, Mr. V, and I have been back in Missouri for a few days. I have already worked a couple of days and we are {slowly} getting back to a somewhat routine. 

Today we have been talking about dreams. Schools and dream jobs were discussed and I realized something. This IS my dream. 

Growing up I never had great plans of what I wanted to do or be. I didn't want to be president or a lawyer or veterinarian or teacher. When someone asked what I wanted to be when I "grew up" my response was the same: a mom and a wife. 

It's true! 

I briefly went to college (one year) as a music major.... But that was because I wanted to lead worship at a church! Once I figured out I didn't really need college to do that, I left. 

So according to my childhood self - I am living my dream! 

So why am I not happier? 

The answer to that question was just realized five minutes ago as I was putting my 9 month old to bed in his crib. 

I strive.  

And "fail". 

Then I don't feel good enough. 

Which makes me not want to try.

Ew... It feels yucky to say, but it's true! 

I strive. 

I put so much pressure on myself to be a certain way as a mother, a wife, and Godly woman. I can never reach this goal and then I just feel bad about myself! 

Then, eventually, I give up. 

And that, my friends, is what happened. 

My passion died. 

I was no longer EXCITED about this beautiful life I have. 

I was just going through the motions trying not to cry everyday for yet again not meeting the unattainable expectation as a mother and wife. 

So! Tomorrow is a new day! 

I will not allow the enemy to take what's mine - my passion, happiness, joy, faith, and trust! 

I know I will fail. I will make mistakes. I will be tired. I will argue with my husband and I will lose patience with my son. 

BUT I will live with grace. I will live intentionally. I will give God the glory and I will sing His praises! 

Lovelies, if you are in a similar place and striving - STOP! Whatever it is, just rest in God's goodness. Soak it in. Breathe in His presence and breathe out the unattainable expectations you or others put on you. 

You are enough! 

You are worthy!  

Jesus died on the cross for YOU! 

You don't have to earn it, it's Yours. 

You are loved! 

You are a beautiful mess, and it's ok! 

New joy, new mercy, and love. - Mrs. V

Don't panic....

Praying for you all today on this cold Tuesday afternoon! 

No matter what is going on - remember that God is with you and holding you! 

Last night Baby V slept for only four hours and the rest of the night he was up every hour. I am two cups of coffee in and still could use more. I NEED His help. I NEED His strength. I NEED Him to be with me. 

Getting my strength from The Lord and love - Mrs. V

Fridays letters

Lets write some letters with Ashley today. 

Dear Fall,

I love you! Pumpkin spice lattes, scarves, beautiful colors, boots, football, and snuggles! There is not much I don't love about you -- except that you leave me. But I plan to enjoy every moment you are here! 

Dear Missouri, 

We have been here a week. I know there is so much more of you to explore but so far I like you. Not so much the drivers here... But I know you can't help that. Please go easy on me this winter -- I am not a fan of snow. 

Dear Husby, 

I am sorry for all my crankiness! Lack of sleep and adjusting to life with a newborn is been a lot tougher then I imagined. Thank you for grace and forgiveness even when I don't deserve it. I will try my best to treat you better. I love you so much!

Dear Baby V, 

My love for you grows every single day! I am still in awe of you and that you were inside my belly. It's so funny how every little thing you do makes me smile - even if its burping or farting. I pray for you every day; that The Lord will speak to you and guard you. I pray that you will grow strong physically and spiritually. I pray that you will know who God is and that you will live a life that points to Christ. I love you so much my little munchkin. And I always will. 

Dear Lord, 

Thank you. Thank you for my life. My prayer is that others will see You exalted in my life. You are so good. Even in my confusion - You are good. Even in my stupidity - You are good. In my disbelief, rebellion, and fear - You are always good. I pray I never forget that. I adore you. 

Dear readers/followers/friends, 

Once again you encourage me! I wish I could give you all tons of hugs. I love hearing your stories and experiences. Your testimonies continue to capture my attention -- even the ones that are not finished. Continue to trust The Lord. Remember that He wants to give you the desires of our heart. He is so good and chose YOU! He chose you long before you chose Him. 

Thank you for reading and sharing in my joy of Baby V. Thank you for the prayers and excitement during my move. You are all so remarkable and impact my life so much! 

Happy weekend!!! 

Letters and love. - Monica 

Yielding in faith

Well we made it to Missouri and we are starting to settle in to our new home sweet home! 

The trip was great! My sweet baby boy and puppy traveled beautifully and both slept majority of the time. Praise The Lord! 

Now I have a few moments to write a little post! 

So far my life has looked like this:

So many boxes!!!! 

We are chipping away slowly but surely {ok... I am doing more snuggling the baby then unpacking}. 

We had our first church service this morning and I am overjoyed!!!! 

My mother-in-love thought that service started at 10:00, so when we got there at 9:56 we were very happy to find out church actually started at 10:30! We will probably have to trick ourselves again next week to get there on time. {anyone else like this?} 

We absolutely ADORED the service and really felt welcomed. I feel at complete peace now. 

I was scared in the beginning and during the moving process, I didn't see how this was a good thing.... But God is always faithful. I keep learning this over and over and over again. He is faithful.... And I desire to be in His will. Even when it's uncomfortable. Even when it's hard. Even when it's an inconvenience. Even when I don't understand. Even when I am unsure. I still desire to stay where God wants me and leave when He says to. I am learning this in a new way. And at church The Lord just reconfirmed it. 

Is The Lord showing you anything lately? Anyone else learning this kind of trust? 

Yielding and love - Monica

{it took me three tries and two days to write this! Hehe goodness life has changed!} 

Positivity

Hi lovelies!

I received an email from a friend last night asking for some advice and prayer.
I was happy to pray for her because I want to always be an encourager and point everyone in my life to Christ.

My friend mentioned to me that on my blog it seems like I "have it all together."


This really got me thinking because I don't want ANYONE leaving my blog thinking that I don't struggle or that everything in my life is where it should be.
I don't write about my issues, insecurities, arguments with husby, or other negative things for privacy of my family and because I want to focus on the good and not the bad. I would rather share positivity then to give negativity.
Lovelies, I never want ANY of you to leave my blog feeling upset, jealous, or more depressed.
I want you to leave feeling encouraged, awakened, inspired, and loved!

I know lately my blog has been filled with baby updates and less about what is going on in my heart and {here is some honesty} it's because I am struggling currently. I am needing some breakthrough in my heart that I know will come.
Please know that I do NOT have it all together - far from it! Ha.

Husby and I argue like every other couple. Sometimes I say things I don't mean and often have to repent to him.
Occasionally we struggle financially - but God still provides our every need in one way or another!
With my growing and changing body I often struggle with my appearance.
And yes, sometimes I feel far from God's voice.

I know that we can go to someone's blog and think, "gosh, their lives are so perfect! They have x,y,z and I don't."
But remember, lovelies, we don't see every aspect of their lives.
- . - . -
I have made it a point in my social media life {and real life too} to not be negative about ANYTHING.
When Husby and I argue I don't run to Facebook or twitter to "vent".
I don't complain about my life or my pregnancy on here or anywhere else.
I try my best to ALWAYS see the beauty in life and reveal the goodness to the world.

That doesn't mean I don't have moments where I am so mad at my husband that I could bad mouth him, or so frustrated with my stretch marks that I could cry -- it just means that I don't focus on that and i don't bring everyone else into the discussion.

My husband and I always work it out. I work through my insecurities and frustrations. And what I have left behind in this social media world was happiness and positivity.

I know, for me, when someone is joyful it makes me feel joyful. But when someone is negative then I start to feel that way too. My hope is that when people encounter me {in real life, on social media, and on my blog} that they would feel the joy I have in my heart because of Jesus. That's the legacy I hope to leave behind. I am not perfect in this but I will not give up.

So, friends, if you are struggling - know that you are not alone! I am praying for you and with you! Don't envy someone else's life and take joy in the life you are given! Your breakthrough is coming because our God ALWAYS fulfills His promises! You are blessed because you have Jesus and His grace, mercy, and joy are new every morning!

Positivity and love. - Monica

Kindness & declarations

The past week or so hasn't been the GREATEST.

I have been having difficulty with someone and honestly - it's hard on me.

Every relationship {to me} is an emotional one. My emotions get attached and its hard for me to separate them when someone gives me "constructive criticism". To me- its just plain out mean criticizing me as a person. I know when I type it out it sounds so silly, but in the moment I usually end up crying to my husband afterward.
This is something I REALLY want to work on... And I am getting better. {a little progress is still progress}

What I don't want to do is get offended and then be rude back. I want to learn to keep my composure, take the "advice" with a grain of salt, and be on my way. Not get my feelings so hurt that I feel like a failure as a person.

My husband reminded me last night that I need to line up what I think about myself (and what someone might say about me) to scripture. A beautiful friend of mine, Michelle, started a blog and on it she has a list of declarations to speak every morning! Amazing powerful things to remind yourself of the promises in scripture and the things that are written toward us in the Bible! (Check out her blog - www.byloveredeemed.blogspot.com )
Today is the first day I read them and I already feel more confident and prepared for anything!

God's truth about me has to be the number one thing in my life! If I know who I am and who's I am -- it won't matter what opinion Sally Sue has about me.

And sometimes it is better to choose joy in that moment and represent it to Sally Sue. Even when we don't feel like it.

So, my encouragement to all you wonderful readers is to start declaring some truth over yourselves and see how your outlook changes and how blessed you will be (seriously check out Michelle's blog for some amazing declarations and let her know i sent you!) and also even when someone is being rude or mean to you -- choose to turn the cheek and show them kindness. We are all fighting our own battles. Maybe us being kind to them is planting seeds in their hearts.

Kind words, daily declarations, and love -Monica

*i really don't know anyone named Sally Sue. This was just for illustration purposes. (: *

Taking control of my emotions.

So... I would consider myself a pretty emotional person. I cry when I need to. I laugh A LOT (even when I am nervous and in completely awkward moments for someone to laugh or smile). I yell. I scream. And I cry again.

Now I think it is a good thing to be in touch with your emotions. I don't ever want my heart to be hardened.
BUT there can be a point where we need to take stand of our emotions and not allow them to control us.

This is where I am at currently.

The past week I have felt my emotions (and crazy hormones) control me... and I want it to change.
The bible says {Ephesians 4:26} to be angry and sin not.
Well... since I am being HONEST on my blog.... I have failed in that the past few weeks.

I have allowed my anger to overflow like a flood attacking my husband. Something I am NOT proud of.
I have let my stress get so unbearable that I have SINNED!

This next week (and forever) I want to learn to take control of my emotions. I will no longer let my emotions rule over me.
I know its not easy... and sometimes I get mad/frustrated over nothing but I have to choose to breathe and not sin. I need to take that extra moment to focus on responding in love instead of reacting in anger.

I also had to ask my amazing husband to extend a little more grace currently... but that never gives me an excuse to be mean all the time.

If you have been a little more "on edge" lately how can you work on taking control of your emotions?

Emotions, more grace, and love. - Monica

Enjoy life

I think that no matter which season we are in... we can sometimes lose our joy when we become to focused on the future.

If you are single you {impatiently} wait for the day when you are married.
When you get married you long for the day when you have a baby.
You might have a job but you work even harder to get to the next level.
You are enrolled in school but day dream of when you will finally graduate.

I am sure we have all done it at some point in our lives - I know I have.

During this month of thankfullness (and reading the #Shereadstruth devotion on thankfulness) it has really been making me think more about all the blessings I have.

I don't think life will EVER be perfect, there will always be room for some sort of improvement. And I don't think it is bad to hope and be excited for your future (I am BEYOND excited for the day I will be a mother) but remember to stop and enjoy this day, at this hour, at this moment that the Lord has given us. We have so many reasons to smile.

If life isn't EXACTLY how you pictured it... know that I am praying that God will reveal all the beauty that surrounds you. Joy will ALWAYS come in the morning, lovely.

Enjoying life at this moment and love. -Monica

When you have a bad day...

Hello lovelies!!!

Sorry i have been slacking with the posts.... you would think it would be easier with it in my phone but its not. Hehe.

- . - . -
Do you ever have weeks (or months or days) that you just feel attacked -like more then others.
Your car breaks down, you are having problems with work, you are fighting with your mom, and then there is road construction!
THOSE kind of weeks! Am i the only one?
You feel like you just cannot catch a break. I think that was my week.

It wasn't anything HUGE... Just small things. A person criticized me for wanting to be a stay at home wife/mom, husby and i got into a little disagreement, our car insurance took money out before they were supposed to which caused our bank to get overdrawn... And then i stepped in dog poo today.
Awesome.

I am feeling spiritually attacked. I felt beat down and broken. I just wanted to lie in bed all afternoon.

Now everything got fixed. The lady apologized to me for what she had said, Martin and i are communicating through our problem, insurance is doing to reimburse us, and i cleaned my shoe - but i allowed all of that to steal my joy.
My joy was gone.... And even now i am praying for it to return.

Psalm 30:11-12

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

This is my promise that i cling to.

God will turn my sadness to gladness and any hurting into dancing. I will NOT be silent. (:

If any of you are struggling or going through anything.... Cling to this promise and know that i am praying for you.(:

Dancing, singing, and love. - Monica

SheReadsTruth and praying for friends

Happy Tuesday morning lovelies!

Is anyone else confused with this time change thing?
Usually when my husband goes to work at 5:40 i can go back to sleep.... But i have been staying up since its light out. Then i want to go to bed at like 8:30pm. Hehe.

Who all is participating in #shereadstruth? I am loving this community of woman reading and growing together. {if you do not know what i am talking about check it here. }
Today was day 2 of the new study in Colossians... So if you haven't yet, join! The plan is on youversion on your smart cell. (: There are verses to read and then devotional content. Its impacting my life!

Yesterday we made some pretty powerful proclamations ... And if ton know anything about my church in California (Bethel) you would know we love to proclaim things! (:
I, Monica, have been sent on a special assignment by Christ as part of God's master plan.
Oh... It just empowers me!!! It puts a fire in my heart and a skip in my step. I have a unique calling.
YOU have a calling that is different then anyone elses. (: No one else can do it, but you.

Today we read Colossians 1:2-14 and discussed praying for our friends.
Prayer is so important! I know that i do so much better when i am being covered in prayer. My husband has a better day when i have prayed for him while he is working. The circumstances may be not what you want them... But when you have someone praying for you, your perspective changes. You still have that peace among the storm.
We were encouraged to pray a very uplifting, specific, and personal prayer for our friends and i am praying for every one of you!

Lord, i thank you for every follower and reader. Thank you that they each have a calling and purpose. I pray that You will give them wise minds. Father, i pray that their spirits will be aligned with Your will so they can hear your voice. i pray that they are honoring You with their lives, with their minds and thoughts, and with their bodies. I pray that each person will see their worth and will have a desire to honor their loving God wholeheartedly. Lord i pray that with every good work they do that they will bear many fruit and see that there efforts to do not go unnoticed by You. You see them. I pray that their knowledge of God will increase greatly and they will dream about Your goodness. They will think about.heavenly things and the revelations  flow. Father, i ask that they will be completely strengthened in all power with the endurance that they need and patience with extreme joy. No matter their circumstance. Lord, we are all in different seasons and walks of life but i ask that no matter what is going on that all these beautiful people will realize their inheritance in You and begin to thank you with all that they have. In Jesus Precious Name Amen.

I hope that you all have a happy Tuesday! And thank you all for reading and stopping by! (: (: (:

Prayers and love. - Monica

{also i don't know if my social media buttons are working because i changed my usernames... So now my instagram and twitter are both @Mrsv820. You can also like my Facebook page www.Facebook.com/mrsv820blog }

Overcoming obstacles.

Our washing machine and dryer are located in our huge garage.
We noticed a couple of weeks ago that there was a small puddle in the middle of the garage. It started getting larger and larger and we thought that the washing machine had a leak.

Yesterday my wonderful husband checked and rechecked all the plugs and hoses to fix the leak, but he wasn't sure how to fix the stagnant water problem in the middle of our garage.

He decided to use a hose and blast the water out.
When i came down stairs to check on him, there was even more water in the garage along with a very frustrated and overwhelmed man.

I thought he was just going to give up and our garage would just eventually dry up (or have a puddle of stagnant water forever).

But Martin was determined and through his frustration he kept going. He started grabbing towels and trying to push the water out but that wasn't really working. The towels got thrown on the ground.

He borrowed the neighbors leaf blower and tried to get the water out that way... But that seemed to just spread the water.

I saw my husband hit that wall. That feeling like you can't get it. You are done. Its not working. I thought (for the second time) that we would stop... But he amazed me and pushed through it.

He grabbed this piece of metal thing, angled it to the ground, and scraped the water out. It started to work!!! The water was being pushed out of the garage! He kept it up and got a lot out. He grabbed the leaf blower and dried up the entire garage!!! After about four hours of a constant obstacle he overcame it!

I hadn't been as proud of my husband as i was then. He did it! He experienced a huge obstacle and was able to use the tools he had and got through it!

Frustrations, doubt, anger, and annoyance came but my man was able to overcome.

Afterward it started making me think of all the obstacles we face in life and how often times we can feel so done. So ready to give up. We feel like the tools we have aren't good enough to get the job done or worse- they make it harder on us. But keep going. Don't give up. Persevere. Fight through those frustrations and feelings of shortcomings.
God has given you the tools to get through it. Sometimes you have to use them over and over again but you will get it.

Not only did Martin fix the problem (a leaky washing machine), he also cleaned up the mess (huge puddle of water). Remember that often times you will need to do both.

But God is gracious and is rooting you on!

If you are currently going through any type of obstacle know that you will see the other side of it. I understand it feels like it won't ever end and that you are not prepared...but you are. You are.

Let God use hard times to equip you, not to beat you.

fixed washers, obstacles, and love. - Monica

There has to be more...

Happy Friday everyone!!! (: (: (:

Any plans for the weekend? I am hoping husby and i can go to the pumpkin patch!

- . - . - . -
have you ever woken up with conviction on your heart? not guilt or shame because that is not from the Lord.... But just felt that Holy Spirit was convicting you of something?

well that was me this morning.

After waking up with Martin and getting his coffee made and water packed I went back to sleep after reading some tweets. One of the tweets was from a beautiful woman of God. i first found her corresponding with Jennifer (@unveiledwife) founder of Unveiled Wife (a ministry devoted to encouraging and uplifting wives) so i decided to follow her too.
This woman (@JenniferPepp) wrote a sweet tweet about her 3 your old daughter understanding the Trinity. Her tweets about her daughter always delight my heart and encourage me for when I will be a mom.
After I read it I went back to sleep for our little morning nap... 2 hours later I woke up with such a pressing on my heart.

I DO NOT want to be a Sunday Christian!

Now i don't think i do anything "bad" according to society's standard. I do not party or drink alcohol. I do not cheat on my husband. I don't steal or kill people. I don't litter. I try my best to be polite. I dress modestly. We go to church every Sunday and say hi to the pastor. I say my quick prayer at dinner time and I forgive.
On the outside i look pretty "good", right?

But God calls me (us) to MORE!!! How is Sundays sermon impacting the rest of my week? Am i spending quality time with Lord and just being with him? I want to be salt and light to the world... So what does that look like?,I desire to be a Godly wife and future mother. I want to teach my children about God and instill in them values. Which means my husband and i need to do them NOW!
We are called to share the gospel -- not by going to church once a week or holding a sign that says "i love Jesus" but by representing Him! Or like my old pastor would say "re-PRESENTING" Him. Its by spending time with God so that we can be more like Him.
Its not a religious thing and i never want it to be a task or a duty... But an honor!
It is a true honor that i get to serve the King of Kings. It is a joy that i can read His word and apply it to my life. Its not just words! It is the LIVING word - it should change how we live! Prayer is not just "thank you for this food and amen". It is a conversation with the LIVING God - it should change how we live!

So... This is where i am at. There is my heart on paper (well on your computer or smart phone screen).
I just really feel the tugging on my heart for change and going after Him more.

Please let me know how i can pray for you this weekend.

- . - . -
So i probably won't blog until Monday (hooray for husby being off on the weekends!).

I just wanted to thank you all for following and reading! Last time i looked i had 88 followers and i am humbled and amazed! You all encourage me and inspire me so so much!
Hugs from my little family to yours!

-Monica

Changing thoughts

Good morning!!!

thanks for all the ideas of my baby leap list!!!
I am excited to talk to my husband about it more and let you all know my list. (: (:

yesterday was a hard day because Sophia got very very sick. I had to take our poor little puppy into the vet because she was throwing up all morning.
since then she has been sleeping and not really eating or drinking.
the vet did tell us that the shot would make her very very tired. I am hoping that is all it is.
so today is just snuggle day.

I also had my little babysitting job yesterday. it is spirit week at her school and today is superhero day.
we....... well I made her costume.
she is Wonder Woman. (: (:

I found this super cute picture of my husband, sister in law, and brother in law showing off their cool new kicks. He he.

anything you have learned so far this week?

today I feel like I am learning to not give my thoughts over to the enemy.
I have noticed that I can be very anxious ... if I am not aware of my thoughts.
sometimes I can make up whole stories or scenarios in my head and then react on those feelings.
I know that is something I need to pray in to give completely to the Lord.

"Satan wants a foothold so he can get a stronghold. small place that turns into something huge." - this was on Beth Moore's twitter this morning.

I cannot allow the enemy to have a foothold or a stronghold on my thoughts.

Lord, renew my mind. Wash me clean. I know these negative thoughts are not from you and i declare that they will leave now!  I will not be anxious about my future or my marriage because my hope is in you. I trust you with all that i am and i believe in Your promises for my life.
Continue to grow our marriage and conform it to Your will. Be at our center and saturate us with your love. Speak too my and my husbands heart and show us our callings. We will yield to You. We give you praise and honor forever.
In Jesus name. Amen.

if you feel any area in your life that the enemy might have a foothold on, please pray. talk to God and give it back to him. let me know how I can be praying for all of you.

have a happy happy happy Wednesday!

Sick puppy cuddles, restored grace, and love. - Monica

Breathe

Lately i have been needing to remember to breathe and give my everything back to God.

Trust Him.

Follow Him.

Rely on Him.

Fall in love with Him.

If anyone else is feeling this way know that i am praying for you and sending you hugs.

I encourage you to pray and take some time to speak to the Lord.
Enjoy the beauty around you and remember that God is sending you love letters. (:

Breathe in the beauty and love. - Monica

a weekly recap & repentance

Hello lovelies!!! I know I have been missing for like... the past ... week. hehe. I was not feeling well... and then hubby started to not feel well either.
We are better now and he is back to work today... so I figured I should too.

So this is me right now:

I am sitting on my bed folding laundry. I have already cleaned the kitchen and the living room.

I have not done very well on the chores since last week. hehe. Although hubby cleaned the kitchen and it was sooo wonderful!!!

Bathroom and bedroom are next on the cleaning list.

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 We haven't really done anything all week -- so no special updates. We did get a wonderful canvas from Picture It Canvas that I bought from Groupon for only $39 (its worth $110)! I am so so excited and I cannot wait to buy more.. whenever they go on sale again. lol

We also went to a frozen yogurt place this weekend for a little date. It was pretty delicious. I was jealous of Martin's though. He went with a more fruity theme...... and I went with a chocolate theme. lol.

- . - . - . -

Also hubby and I had some really beautiful worship and prayer time. It was much much needed. We repented to each other and just kind of turned a new leaf. Repentance (to me) is acknowledging that you have not been living how you want to live -- and vowing to change the behavior. To turn your back from it and start fresh. To go and sin no more. {John 8:11}
Remember {this post} I wrote last week about being aware of what you say before you say it? Well I am still not perfected in it... so hubby and I both released everything and will put our repentance to action. 

"As long as he doesn't convert it into action,

 it does not matter how much a man thinks 

about his repentance." - C.S. Lewis

I encourage you all to pray and worship with your spouse/boyfriend/best friend. Take that time to be with your God and grow. Listen to the Lord. Praise Him. And if you EVER need to repent to ANYONE for ANYTHING -- do it. Remember it is more then just saying "sorry" its making a true commitment that you will change and you know you were wrong. Its amazing how freeing it is to do that. 

I pray for all you who read this that God will encounter you today and give you all the peace that you need! A big big hug from my home to yours!!!

Also make sure to check out my new facebook page. (:

fro-yo, repentance, and love. - Monica

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