Where to start! Maybe just by BREATHING!!
I feel like I have SO much to say, but no words? How does that make any sense?! So, lookout...this blog may be a conglomeration of things and venting.  

First, my beautiful babies! 

My bff just had a post about a "trying" day as a parent.. we all have those moments I am sure.. and this week it seems like has been especially trying, if not past couple of weeks for me! Lots of changes are going on for my whole family, but these two little ones sure bring SO much joy into my life & I feel blessed beyond measure that God has given them to me!!!

Secondly, besides the "trying" weeks that I have had.. the past three days or so takes the cake. Life seems completely turned upside down, nothing seems to make sense in my head, and everywhere I turn Im getting punches thrown to bring me down. Doubt, Fear, Insecurities have been a few which equal = emotional wreck = unhealthy reactions = feelings of inadequacy = bombed test! = a LOW state of mind = a VICIOUS cycle & battle over the flesh and Spirit!

SO, as I've reached a breaking point this evening while driving home from school, I decided to take God time in my car (which should have happened WAY sooner than now). I love having these moments where I turn everything off and really praise the Lord in Spirit & truth. He knows everything I am going through, beyond what I myself even comprehend I am going through. And in the midst of how I am feeling, God places a song on my heart to start praising Him with. I LOVE LOVE LOVE when this happens!

Thirdly, God is Good! 

In the good times and the bad- I know that God has my back! No matter where I am, God can come and give me a Spirit of Praise and thankfulness! God can take normal, everyday people like you and I to do extraordinary things. But often fear, doubt, insecurities, etc. fueled by excuses hinders us from accomplishing those things. We focus on why WE can't instead of WHO can!  "... greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world" 1 John 4:4. (this is a verse I turn to often) Don't let opinions and possibility of failure keep you from your purpose. Life is so short... and the clock is ticking to accomplish and do what God has set before us. 

Lindsay

Entering the Blog World!

I did it! I finally decided to take the step to enter the blog world! In fact, I've had an account for quite sometime, but just used it to see what others had to say, get craft ideas, parenting tips, cooking, etc. Myself and writing have a love/hate relationship so bare with me. I am not the best writer, but love how I feel when I've taken some "me" time to write down my thoughts. For my first blog, I'd like to explain why I chose the title "Beauty From Ashes Isaiah 61:2-3"...

Isaiah 61:2-3 says,"...to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who greive in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."

There is also a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that I got from another blogger that sums this up perfectly:

Beauty Will Rise
It was the day the world went wrong
I screamed til my voice was gone
And i watched through the tears as everything
came crashing down
slowly panic turns to pain
as we awake to what remains
and sift through the ashes that are left behind

But buried deep beneath
all of our broken dreams
we have this hope

Out of these ashes...beauty will rise
and we will dance among the ruins
we will see Him with our own eyes
Out of these ashes...beauty will rise
For we know, joy is coming in the morning
in the morning, beauty will rise

So take another breath for now
and let the tears come washing down
and if you can't believe, I will believe for you

Cuz I have seen the signs of spring!
Just watch and see.

I can hear it in the distance
and its not too far away
its the music and the laughter
of a wedding and a feast
I can almost feel the hand of God
reaching for my face
to wipe the tears away and say
"It's time to make everything new."

"Make it all new."

This song speaks so much of how my life has been these past couple years. Even when I can't make sense of everything that happens or know exactly what to do at times, in the end I know beauty will rise and come out of the ashes. Psalm 31:14 says "God is the author of life and SOVEREIGN over everything" Amen! I have decided to let God be the author in my life and stop trying to be God myself. I do not want to settle for God's second best or settle for a plan of my own making. So my prayer this evening is that you Lord direct and guide me through your Word & Holy Spirit to make the right choices! In that I have peace.. :)

Lindsay