Expecting To Be Expecting

 

Am I really expecting?

These past few weeks, quite literally almost this whole month I've been feeling sick. Do I say this every month in hopes of possibly being pregnant? Yes. Do I dream of becoming a mommy-to-be throughout each day? Yes. Am I hoping we're expecting to the point of actually becoming sick? Maybe. Is my body and my mind playing tricks on me? Quite possibly. This has happened before, many times. And yes, every single month you can just count on hearing me say, "You know what, I think this is REALLY it!". Then I come to find shortly after that it was just me thinking I was expecting--again.

Ever since my Husband and I had the miscarriage our life has been such an emotional roller coaster ride when it comes to this subject. It's been real hard to cope with the loss. My Husband and I were so very close to being able to hear the sound of our baby's heart beat. We never got to have the privilege of hearing that sound. Oh how I wonder what it would've been like if our baby was with us still. Since that day, time has been whizzing by. This second year of marriage is so very different then the first. I thought I knew my Husband the first year. I thought we were super close and so mature. We have a long ways to go, we've come a long way as well. The Lord has been gracious to us. I feel I know my Husband and love my Husband now more then I ever have. I feel my love for him has deepened. It hasn't been easy. Oh but those hard times are gems in disguise. They are good times. Because it's those hard times that have brought us to where we are now. I don't regret going through all that we have gone through. I feel like such an infant as I speak of my marriage. For I am well aware that years and years from now I will look back on this very day and say to myself..."Oh how time flies..."the closeness of a Husband's love's never felt sweeter."

As I ponder of the future...it reminds me of the present. If we are expecting now, I would be truly surprised. I have been so used to hoping we were expecting and coming to find out we were not once again. It has been a repetitive cycle. If that repetitive cycle is suddenly broken I honestly don't know what I'd think. The first question that may go through my mind would probably be, "Is this for real?". Whether my Husband and I find out we are expecting this time around or not. Either way, we will consider it a blessing from the Lord. 

Ask me why I'm glowing? Haha...recently I was told I looked like I was glowing and radiant. I jokingly laughed some, and put my hands on my belly and said in a hopeful tone, "Oh, am I really? Hmm, that sounds like a good thing!" And then laughed some more. That really lifted my Spirits and made me think, "...hmm maybe I really am...".

As I was saying, this month I have been feeling sickly. Dizzy, fatigued, nauseous, cravings aversions etc. All of which can be being caused by an impending period. So, you never really can tell. Recently, I have been treating my body the way I would treat it if I knew for sure I was expecting. I hear that helps keep hopes high, and helps one stay more positive in the waiting process. I don't have to wait much longer...soon enough I will find out if this "glow" is really what some think it is. I  am expecting to be expecting. And in all honesty- I couldn't be more... anxious. But I must set the anxiousness aside and calm my Spirit. And remember what the Bible tells us....

It doesn't say, "Be anxious for some things", or "Be anxious for all things." No, it says, "Be anxious for NOTHING".

I must keep that in mind. I must remember that God   is in control of any and all circumstances. 

I trust that the Lord knows whats' best   for My Husband and I. 

I know that whatever happens will be His will.

I know that He cares for and loves us.

I know that He knows.

Because I know that..

HE

is.   

The storms of life may rage wild. But I must remember to have peace. The peace that can only be found in Jesus. I can always find...

HOPE IN JESUS.

I will end with a quote:

'‎'Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.'' -Rebecca St. James

                      

Do you have any pregnancy advice? Ever suffered a loss? Feel free to share, it might be a blessing to someone! 

                                                                              

                                                           

Doggy Dilemma

Our new addition to the family!

My Husband and I just recently got a dog. His name is Benji (Benji Buttons). He is very sweet and I wouldn't

 trade this dog for any other dog out there! I want to give a BIG thank you to the previous owners for so

 graciously giving him to us. He is a GREAT addition to the family! It is a blessing. Well, Mr. Benji Buttons is

 quite the unpredictable little rat terrier! I have got a doggy dilemma on my hands. Benji is a sweetheart, but

 sometimes he can be maybe a little too sweet which makes play time difficult. He is also very shy. Now that 

-is where I run into the dilemma, he is so very shy! It is so hard to interact with Benji when all you get in 

response is a tail between his legs and a soft whimper. Don't get me wrong I love Benji dearly, it's just that I 

would love to see him break out of his shell. The things I try like, playing with him, giving him walks, petting 

him singing to him! LOL...nothing! Seems to work...no matter how hard I may try. Now, I have seen Benji 

warm up some...but yet, not to the extent I would like him to. See the dilemma? Lots of people have said that

 when you first get rat terriers they do tend to be very timid and shy. And then later on down the road, once

 they get to know you and your family more then that's when they will turn into this spunky hyper, energetic

 rat-chasin' dog! I've got to remember Benji is still 8 months, he's just a pup so he has a ways to go! He is still.....

..... trying to get used to his surroundings.  I'm sure it's a lot different out here in the big world then it was in his 

mommy's tummy. He's super adorable and funny...very lazy though, which the laziness makes it a whole lot 

harder to take him on his daily stroll. Does anyone know of anything that will help our rat terrier to warm up 

to us more? Let me tell ya' any suggestions I'll take! (almost any anyway). Would greatly appreciate it!

 Thanks!!

God Bless!

What about you? Have anything to share about your dog training days? Doggy Dilemma? Do share! 

                                                                                      

Book Review

Helpful History

Several  months ago (note: why I entitled this blog post, "Helpful History")...in the past, I went over to the

book shelf because I felt the need to read. My eyes skimmed over all the books on the shelf, something

though...something stuck out about this particular book, "The Purpose Driven Life". As I read that title my

mind was whizzing with thought of, "hmm...I don't know about this one." "I wonder if this book is actually

legit and can help." Etc. etc. I decided to finally store my thoughts away and just read it. I opened the book

up and I've got to say- automatically I was HOOKED! The Purpose Driven Life is a GREAT book! The

 pages are filled with inspiration and encouragement. The author makes everything interesting with the way it's

all laid out. It's an easy read. With this particular book, they have a 40 day challenge on the inside that you 

must keep committed to and stick with. It's basically a 40 day devotional. The book has journal space that

 you can write in, and it's just a neat little devo. I said it was a great book, and that is true, however there are

 some things written in the book (not Bible Scripture of course) but certain things written by the author that I

disagree with, but overall it is such a great book I just had to acknowledge it on my blog. It's not a self-help

book that's what lots of you may think that have yet to read it. It is not a self-help book. Most of what is

 written in this book is Scriptures, and the author wrote what he felt led to in accordance with what the

 Scriptures are referring to. He sort of paraphrases certain things, and expounds on things a bit. As well as,

 breaks apart the Scriptures of the Holy Bible and digs deeper into the Word of God to help readers have a 

better understanding of what the Lord is trying to say through His' people. I say go read it! Enjoy it! Learn

from it! And before reading, take the time to pray that the Lord will open up your heart and prepare it, so it

can be transformed by His power. God Bless as you continue to strive to please Him! Go get the book!

Also, I would have a Bible handy as you are reading this..and a notebook and pen it will help a whole lot for

study and reflection. (NIV is a good one). Don't delay! Get to seeking the Lord's precious face! This

devotional by author Rick Warren is a great way to do that! I pray the Lord reveals much to you! Until next

 post, 

PS: A few chapters in this book is on TEMPTATION...what it is, and how to conquer it....IT'S VERY GOOD! It helped me SOO much!!! Just FYI :D

Have you read this book? what would you rate it? What book(s) do you read for your devotional time?

                                                        

Modesty

Why Skirts?

I wear skirts because they are comfortable, modest, and easier to come by. I sometimes get stares and some people even ask questions. Wearing skirts is my own personal conviction. Just because I wear skirts, doesn't mean I am going to make everyone else wear them. Everyone is entitled to there own opinion on what is modest and what isn't. I feel wearing pants is immodest,and I feel wearing skirts below the knee or to the ankle is how a female should dress. I believe no cleavage or belly should be visible. Some may look at me and how I choose to serve Christ as too extreme and way too legalistic. I feel it's not. I used to go to an apostolic Church and wear skirts and things like that. Then I moved and left the Church and then, I dressed in tight clothing, short skirts, lots of goddy jewelry, gobs of makeup and buckets of perfume (not to mention I almost always wore heels) I was selling myself... and didn't even know it. I feel now that I am a a healthy medium. I have been on both sides. (the legalistic) and the (not so legalistic side lol). I have found the healthy medium. A lot of people say that men (sadly even women) will still look at you with lust and things even if you covered yourself from head to toe. I agree with the people that say that. However...why help them along? Why be that carrot in front of the bunny's eyes...stringing them along...silently leading them on like that? Why help them fall, and become tempted? Wearing skirts I feel has helped men control themselves. I can now have a conversation with someone of the opposite gender without there eyes glued to every part of me. I now actually get an educated response, when communicating. It is easier to communicate when making eye contact. I feel I am more respected by the instead of treated like a piece of meat. I truly feel for the men out there. Ladies, God gave us women a silent power you may not be aware of. it's called beauty! Men cannot resist the beauty of a woman. So...lets' help them out by covering up the beauty that God has given us, rather than flaunting off the beauty. Let's guard our hearts ladies. ladies. And men, protect yourselves and guard your hearts too! Modesty isn't just for the ladies. Let's protect ourselves, and our future Husbands (or wives), (for those who are still unmarried)...even for those of you who are married...guard your heart, and your body. respect others. Carry yourself like the gem you are. Carry yourself with respect, and dignity. You are beautiful. Believe that.

Some people say, "You don't have to dress modestly and act modestly and what not to be a modest person. God looks at the heart, I can have green hair, tattoos, high heels, (or not), lot's of flashy accessories (including piercings), and still be modest -because God looks at the heart."

You know what, that's true! However...if there's a godly change going on, on the inside...there should be a godly change on the outside as a result of the inwardly change... For whatever goes in, is gonna' come out.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Example: Ladies: Are you partying after Church or school with your "friends"? Do you like to go clubbing? What are you watching on TV? Is it shows like, "Teen Mom", "GLEE", The Secret Life Of An American Teenager" MTv" "Pretty Little Liars" Sister Wives"? Are you "testing the waters" and dating and breaking up, dating and breaking Do you tend to flock towards the "Loud and popular" crowd, the wrong crowd at school, college wherever? Do you go out to the movies with your girls and guy friends to go watch a movie...or? When you go shopping do you look for the tightest pair of clothes you can get into?


Guys: Are you working out just to get the ladies attention? Are you acting out and showing off -risking your life just to get a girl to notice you? Are you looking at certain sexual images to get a quick fix? What are you watching on TV? What are you reading/listening to? Do you go to the club? Do you drink? Do you spend lot's of your time with gang members, or the trouble-makers of the town m
(the wrong crowd)? Do you smoke a joint with your "buddies" every now and again? Do you get out of the house just to go look for some trouble to get into? Do you smother yourself with cologne to "attract the ladies".

So, if your putting all that in your heart and/or stuff like that...hmm... what do you think will come pouring out of that like a fountain (wellspring), into your life? What is most commonly the result?

*NOTE: You can be saved (a Christian who has genuinely accepted Jesus in there heart and wants to change)...and still take part in some of these things. Of course not all of them obviously because you have Jesus in your heart, and Jesus wouldn't allow you to do all that without conviction like those who do without Christ. You'd most definitely have heavy guilt hanging over you. Those who don't have Christ don't have that heavy guilt -which is why they do what they do unashamedly. If you say you are a Christian and yet still do all of these things, it's not my place to judge. I would suggest however, that you check your heart and your motives. Look back on the time when you first got saved and accepted Jesus into your heart, I would challenge you to look back on the day you became a Christian...when you decided to make that change, was it a genuine one? Did you understand what was going on? Did your mind say, "Yes" to God, Yes I want to follow you and change my life around. And at the same time did your heart say- "No God, I can't do this but, I will...even though I don't really understand it". It's vital that when you get saved, you understand why you are getting saved, what you are getting saved from, where you are being saved from (Hell), where your gonna' spend eternity once your truly saved (Heaven), who Jesus is, what he did on the cross for you, admitting that you are a sinner in need of a savior, etc...yes, it is a simple prayer but -it has HUGE meaning. LIFE CHANGING meaning and purpose. So, I would encourage you to go talk to the Pastor or person who prayed that prayer of Salvation with you (or talk to a genuine sold-out-for God Pastor about Salvation), and share with Him your experience, and any questions you may have about the whole thing. It is VITAL. Who knows, you may find that you never really sincerely gave your life to God. Maybe you really do need to re-dedicate your life to God. Repent, ask for forgiveness and turn to Him for real this time. Please, don't misunderstand me. If you were truly sincere about about becoming a Christian when you got saved, you are saved! If you took it seriously and understood the basics of Salvation...you are indeed saved! You shouldn't have constant doubts about whether or not you are saved. And you will always be saved. Once saved always saved! So don't worry -you cannot lose your Salvation. (That doesn't give us the right as Christians to go off and sin and party and do whatever we want). We should never take advantage of our Salvation like that. We should strive our very hardest with the help of the Holy Spirit to live our lives holy, pleasing and acceptable to God. If you have any questions about Salvation feel free to email: changeofheartdotcom@gmail.com That is an email to another website of ours. My Husband would be helping me answer your questions- He is an Ordained Southern Baptist minister, He will tell you all you need to know! And (He's my Hubby)! We'd love to hear from you! We'd love to help! No matter what religion, if you have any questions about Christianity and Salvation let us know!

The Result (To what I mentioned above the green paragraph):

• Ex-Boy"friend" after Ex=Boy"friend ("Break up after break up") (Been there)
  
• Premarital sex.
• Pregnancy
  
• AIDS, STDs
• Co-Habitation (Living together under one roof/fornicating etc. before marriage).
• High divorce rate (When you do get married, and no living together isn't marriage...even if you do have children).
• Overly dependent
• Irresponsible
• Unable to think logically and clearly.
  
• Low self esteem (Been There)
  
• Self harm (Been there)
  
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Low Grades and marks in school (Been There)
  
• Crime (Been There)
  
• Severe depression (Been There)
• And saddest of all -many times, suicide.
• I left this one blank, so you can fill it in with another common issue.
  

You may be thinking...(I have no earthly idea why and I could never fully comprehend why) but, some of you may be thinking, "Well all that stuff you listed above isn't bad...not too bad.

Well, if it's not bad what would that make all that? Good? Sorry my friend, you are mistaking.
Let's do some math:

GOOD - GOD = 0

"Good minus God, equals zero".

You can't have GOOD without GOD, for nothing is GOOD without GOD, for GOD is GOOD, and GOOD is GOD.

Think on it.

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."

-Garbage in, garbage out! Would you go over to a trash can, and eat some garbage? Does that sound tasty to you? (Some of you may sarcastically or jokingly say, "Yeah...it's amazing". Well, we all know having a 6 month old moldy maggot-filled burger and fries isn't gonna' make our taste buds happy. You put garbage in, your gonna' get garbage out.

You wouldn't put garbage in your mouth, so don't put it in your mind.

Put the good in and the good comes out

Example:

• Are you going to Church every Sunday?
• Reading your Bible?
  
• Hanging out with genuine good Christian friends?
  
• Spending time in prayer and worship daily?
• Memorizing Scripture verses that have been on your mind.
  
• Cutting back on TV time, or cutting back the TV completely?
• Being productive, keeping your mind busy with chores, housework, homework?
• Fasting? (Going without eating or electronics, or something you enjoy for a period of time, using that time to pray hard for whatever you feel you really need to pray about. Guidance, direction, big decisions, challenges, struggle etc.)
  
• Thinking (Meditating) night and day on the Word of God.
  
• Serving others in your school, college, or community. (Picking up trash, giving food to the poor, going to the nursing home and cheering up the elderly, helping out in a soup kitchen for a homeless shelter, etc etc).
  
• And sometimes, -even giving someone a smile or a, hug a"God Bless You", can turn a persons whole day around for the better.
  

Those are all indeed GOOD things. What do you think would be the result if you spent your time putting these types of of things in your heart?
The result?

• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
  
• Goodness
• Self-control etc..
  
• Humble confidence
  
• Trustworthy
• Kind
• Respectful
• Obedient
  
• Solid Christian friendships and relationships
• abstinence
• Healthy and Whole
  
• Higher grades and marks
• Successful
  
• Independent
  
• Wise
• Nurturing
• Compassionate
  
• Faithful
  
• Considerate
  
• Responsible
• Sanctified
• Set apart
• Set free
• Usually truly saved
• Blessed
  

Psalm 97:11 "Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart."

Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

This should be the prayer of all Christians:

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

In closing:

This is what I hear a lot of people say about living a modest lifestyle: "That is just religious". God doesn't want religion. He wants a real relationship with Him. I feel I do I have that real relationship with Him. Again, people may look at me and disagree. Everyone is entitled to there own opinion. I don't live to please people, I live to please my Father God and be obedient to the individual call that He has placed on my life.The paths of life may look similar...but every foot print is

different.

God Bless All Of You

What about you? Do you wear modest clothing? Skirts or pants?