Trina & KJ...livin' life

this Christmas Eve

2011-12-12T15:48:00.000-08:00

I am one of those people that enjoys trying new things but also loves traditions. I do not get tired of doing the same thing on a particular holiday with family and friends that I would always do. However, I love trying new things as well because you never know when that will turn into a tradition that I will love! Christmas Eve is coming soon......A family tradition of ours is to gather and eat finger foods, watch a Christmas movie, and everyone gets to open one present. I added to this tradition about 6 years ago with my daughter, she was a month and a half old, when we attended the Christmas Eve service at Grace Community Church. I loved being able to see friends and worship together the night before Christmas. Christmas is so much more than presents and visiting with out of town guests, we all know that, but we rarely show it. Coming together to actually celebrate the meaning of Christmas was very special to me and something I knew I wanted to do with my family each year.
One thing that made it so special was that half way through the service my daughter began to cry, and as a new mother I was nervous and freaking out a bit. Chad, one of our pastors, quietly and with no hesitance, took my daughter and walked her through the halls while I enjoyed the rest of the service. I realized then that that was part of what Christmas was about....to serve others humbly. And the leadership at Grace was setting that example. What a great Christmas Eve that was.
It is part of our family's tradition now to attend Christmas Eve services at Grace. We get to worship with family and friends and I get a reminder of what Christmas is really about, getting all the 'stuff' that really doesn't matter out of the way.
There are 3 Christmas Eve services this year at Grace Community Church. There are two at Rossview High (4:30 and 6:00) and one at Kenwood High (8:30). What a great opportunity for you to start making this a tradition for your family as well. Have a blessed Christmas and don't get bogged down with the things of the world and the holiday itself, but remember why we really celebrate. Come celebrate with us on Christmas Eve!!

Our vision

2011-07-06T09:48:00.001-07:00

Just havin one of those days that we all have once in awhile.....feeling melancholy, a bit hopeless, and no joy. The visions I have for myself and my future and my family just seem so far away. I stopped everything to pray and was led to Oswald Chambers once again, I love his writings and as I read what today's message said I was reminded once again that God IS there, He DOES love me, and He is FOR me. He wants me to walk in joy and victory but He cares more about my holiness than my happiness. Once I give in to Him completely and let Him have the control, I can rest in His joy and peace. Why is it so hard for us to trust?....I pray I will remember times like these when He is speaking to me and telling me that He has not left me and He feels everything I am going through.

"And the parched ground shall become a pool." Isaiah 35:7

We always have visions, before a thing is made real. When we realize that although the vision is real, it is not real in us, then is the time that satan comes in with his temptations, and we are apt to say it is no use to go on. Instead of the vision becoming real, there has come the valley of humiliation.

Life is not as idle ore,

But iron dug from central gloom,

And batter'd by the shocks of doom

To shape and use.

God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. every visions will be made real if we will have patience. Think of the enormous leisure of God! He is never in a hurry. We are always in such a frantic hurry. In the light of the glory of the vision we go forth to do things, but the vision is not real in us yet; and God has to take us into the valley, and put us through fires and floods to batter us into shape, until we get to the place where He can trust us with the veritable reality. Ever since we had the vision God has been at work, getting us into the shape of the ideal, and over and over again we escape from His hand and try to batter ourselves into our own shape.

The vision is not a castle int he air, but a vision of what God wants you to be. Let Him put you on His wheel and whirl you as He likes, and as sure as God is God and you are you, you will turn out exactly in accordance with the vision of God, you may try as you like to be satisfied on a lower level, but God will never let you. Oswald Chambers

Ephesians 1:17-18...we are called to hope!!!

2011-06-22T09:35:00.001-07:00

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which you have been called..."Ephesians 1:17-18

I'm aware that when I come to an understanding about why I did some behavior (usually something unhealthy) I find it much easier to change that behavior. It's like the Holy Spirit opens my eyes to something that was probably obvious to others, and I get it. Then it's much easier to change that particular behavior or belief.

I suspect that was Paul's intention and desire when he was praying for the Ephesians. It may be that when our inner eyes are opened by the Holy Spirit, we see differently and thus respond to a particular action or behavior differently from that point forward. Maybe once we see what the Holy Spirit wants to change and reveals where He wants to take us, the process becomes Holy Spirit empowered.

My prayer for you over the following encouragements is the same one Paul prayed for the Ephesians: That the Holy Spirit would open your eyes to areas you might be resisting and you would come to a different understanding of His desired work in your life. Then I pray you find the freedom to follow that leadership into a new lifestyle and deeper work in your life.

Eli Machen

This is so true in my life and I love these verses....sometimes I just need the Spirit to remind me of the hope I've been called to. And there are times that I do things, big or small, that I don't even realize I am doing. A friend of mine made a point to me last night about something I do in relationships that is demanding and controlling. I was clueless to the fact that I do that, but once it was pointed out to me, I began to explore why I do that and how I can change it. My desire is to become more like Him in everything I do, and every relationship I have. God is pulling me to Him to learn more about His Spirit and listening.....listening to the things that need to be changed, refined, added, and taken away from my life. So thankful that He has not given up on me!!! What a miracle, what grace, what mercy, what love!!

Thorns

2011-06-14T10:48:00.001-07:00

"To keep me from being conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Conceit can take many forms depending on where we are in life. It could be our thinking that our particular behavior isn't as bad as someone else's, or saying to yourself, "I'm not the one who needs help" or even "I can do recovery on my own!"

Whatever your life situation is, when you take the attitude that you are strong enough and don't need help, you are in trouble. Most individuals I have had the privilege to work with have struggled with feeling weak and have fought the concept of admitting weakness.

Yet, here is Paul, one of the greatest influences used by God in His Church, not only admitting weakness but delighting in the fact that he sees himself as weak. It is through this portal of humility he enters into God's design and receivership of God's strength and power.

With all that Paul accomplished in his ministry, humility was his corner stone. This is a valuable lesson his thorn taught him.

Rather than asking God to fix, change, sober up, or remove the "thorn," ask Him what the thorn in your life is supposed to teach you.

Eli Machen

This was a great email I received the other day and it fits perfectly with what I am going through right now. I am so consumed with my struggles, my weaknesses, and my imperfections that it has turned into self-pity and insecurity, which is a form of pride. Taking the example of Paul, I must look at what God is trying to teach me through these thorns, and how can I draw nearer to Him during this time? I pray all the time that I will be a better person, a stronger believer....and God is answering that prayer, just now how I wanted Him to. My challenge is to receive these weaknesses and let God move in me and change me. Take away my pride, oh Lord, and use me for Your fame alone.

let's MOVE!

2011-05-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

I love seeing people that are not self-involved. They look around them at those that are hurting, experiencing tragedy, and pain and they want to do something about it. We all at times stop for a minute and realize that we are blessed and we do want to help other people but we don't have the opportunity, time, money....(excuses are endless) Here's a link to a challenge for churches to help raise money for those affected by the storms in recent days. I get excited to see people that step out of their little box, their little world, and realize that more is going on around them and WE, all of us, are responsible for helping, loving, caring, doing something about it! God's Word says it! We need to get out of our bubbles and stop putting so much emphasis on the things that are not eternal and that only last for a mere second, and let's put our energy, money, time, prayers, and take our families with us to start being aware of what is going on around us. Let's do God's work, and let's focus on what is eternal. That is all that matters.

If you attend Grace Community Church, we will be participating in this challenge this Sunday. Hope to see you there!
Thanks for all you do each week in the lives of children and parents!! You are all amazing!! Please take a look at this link and pray about your part as our church takes part in this challenge this Sunday......

http://caseygraham.org/tornado-tithe-challenge-strategy/#--

church today

2011-04-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Love me some Francis!!.....

http://vimeo.com/10825354//

Trust in His wisdom, even when it looks dark

2011-03-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

Almost everything I am reading about or listening to lately is focused on trusting God through tough times and through situations we don't understand.....this is a great blog about that as well. I am learning for my first reaction when crazy things happen is not to stress or get angry but to trust and look for what God is trying to teach me...He's always trying to teach me something. So thankful He loves me enough to change me.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/11/15/what-god-is-up-to-when-life-is-hard/

No Time to Lay Down- Running to Your Arms

2011-02-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

God has been doing a lot of work in my life the past couple of weeks which is what He does I think at times when things are the hardest and things are not going how you think they should be. The last two weeks have been a series of events that I would not have chosen to happen. Things have gone wrong and things have been taken away....everyone has an idea of the way they think their lives should go and when things don't, we all react in different ways. I am one to shrink up, push people away, escape from the world, and shut down. I had that temptation on Wednesday morning when I woke up feeling hopeless and confused. I opened the Word and began to pray and the Holy Spirit pushed me out of the bed (I know that sounds weird, but I didn't do it on my own!!) and I got ready and went to work. Throughout that morning I connected with several friends, accomplished a lot at work, and the Lord began to speak to me. I realized what an idiot I've been!! Wasted so much time when things didn't go my way or something was taken from me.....just feeling sorry for myself and what use was I to anyone around me, or more importantly to God?? I decided that I would not waste another minute of my life in regret. God has a plan for me, for my life, but even for today. And I dishonor Him when I spend time thinking about what I don't have instead of working on what He has for me to accomplish that day. Wednesday ended up being a great day. I had some great conversations with friends, I spent some amazing time with my daughter, and more importantly, I realized that I needed to change. My reactions to disappoint in life will not be to shrink away anymore but to move forward and fight for the day that God has given to me. It doesn't mean that there isn't sadness, tears, or moments of pain. But it's what we do with those emotions that count. The world has taught us a different way to deal with our emotions and it's all lies. We need to run to Jesus every time......
I was also talking to a friend and I was reminded that when things are taken away from us it's hard but it can be an opportunity to realize that whatever it was is not God and can never replace Him. And He is the only one that will ever satisfy completely. We read about it and we sing about it but it's made real when we experience it. I've been listening to this song a lot lately.....I'm running to Your arms, the riches of Your love will always be enough. Nothing compares to Your embrace......Nothing compares. NOTHING. If we can get that through our heads then when we experience loss, pain, heartbreak, betrayal....we know we can move on and still have all that we need. It's not just words, it's not just a song. It's truth.

2011-02-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

So thankful for Brandon Reed and the college ministry at GCC....check this out!!

http://aquacollegeministry.com/

Everyone has a story to share!!!!!

2011-02-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.michaelbayne.net/2011/02/gcom-familieswe-want-to-hear-your-story.html

Blessings & Good Times the Past 6 mos....

2011-02-01T12:29:00.001-08:00

last post

2011-02-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I talked about the sermon from Matt Chandler that I had recently listened to. When I was thinking about that sermon again last night and today, I realized that He had not yet known that he was going to suffer from a brain tumor. The amazing thing about that is that you can read and listen to him since he has gone through surgery, chemo, and all kinds of suffering, and he is still saying the same thing: God is enough. Wow, it just really hits home with me! How I desire to be a woman like that.....through tragedy, heartbreak, loss, disappointments, loneliness, fear....God IS enough and I really believe it and I really live it. My prayer is that one day I will be that woman.
Here are a few things you can read and see about Matt and his situation.....

http://www.youtube.com/user/villageChurchTX#p/u/26/SMerKVKssQU

http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/pastors/

"God is most glorified, most seen as powerful, glorious, worthy, when everything has gone wrong....and He's enough." M.Chandler

2011-01-31T13:56:00.000-08:00

We all have our days...when things are going wrong....work is stressful. kids are testing us. relationships are hard. health is declining. I've had one of those weeks...and honestly I've been trying hard not to feel sorry for myself, thinking about all the horrible things that so many people are going through. There is so much pain and sorrow out there and I am so blessed and should be continually grateful for my life. And I am. But my human nature creeps in and I have been extrememly melancholy and even broken the last few days. The Lord is so good and continues to watch over me....I don't know why I still get suprised about that at times:) I opened an old email and saw a sermon link someone sent me and listened to it. My favorite pastor.....Matt Chandler. It was amazing....so much truth that I needed to hear JUST for today, JUST for this moment. How can I ever doubt that God is real? And that He loves me so incredibly that He will do whatever it takes to encourage me and remind me He is there. No matter what.....
I put a few of the quotes from his sermon on twitter but if you have some time at work, or while you're on the comp at home, driving down the road.....listen. You won't regret the time you spent. It's a good reminder for all of us that God is there no matter what and that we don't always know why things happen like they do but He has not left us. And He never will.

http://denton.thevillagechurch.net/resource_files/audio/200805250900HWC21ASAAA_MattChandler_LukePt18-HopeInRealLife.mp3

Cross Street Live!!!!!!

2011-01-25T08:57:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iAggb_6efc

TODAY

2010-11-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Two years ago my sweet Nana left us....I'm sitting in the waiting room at Baptist while my dad has yet another hip surgery and I'm looking across the room at the exact chair that my Nana sat in while he was in his last surgery over 2 years ago. She had just lost her only daugther, my mother, 3 months earlier, and she wasn't in the greatest health herself and yet she drove to Nashville and sat through her son-in-law's surgery, just to be here for him. She made us laugh the whole time with her crazy sayings and saying whatever she was thinking (no filter!) That's how she was.....so kind and loving, fun, sweet, and a tad on the crazy side (that was the Cuban in her!) I miss her terribly....and some days I feel bad for feeling bad but I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that even though she's been gone two years and my mother has been gone three, it's still ok to grieve. My sister is reading a book and she quoted me something from it that really pierced me.....

"If you've been marked by what might have been, you don't forget. You know the day, the years. You know when the baby would have been born. You know exactly what anniversary you'd be celebrating, if the wedding had happened. You know exactly how old she'd be right now, if she were still alive. You'll never forget the last time you saw your child, or the last time cancer was a word about someone else's life, or the day that changed absolutely everything. It makes the calendar feel like a minefield, like you're constantly tiptoeing over explosions of grief until one day you hit one, shattered by waht might have been. On most days, for me, it's al right. We'll have another baby someday. I hope we do. But for today, for a minute, it's not alright. I understand that God is sovereign, that bodies are fragile and fallible. I understand that grief mellows over time, and that guarantees aren't part of human life, as much as we'd like them to be. But on this day, looking out at the harsh white sky of a Chicago winter, I'm crying just a little for what might have been......Life will keep moving, exactly as it should. No one might ever notice January 31, and what it means for me. But I'll always know.
I don't know what date it is for you- what broke apart on that day, what was lost, what memories are pinned forever to that day on that calendar. But I hope that.....hold yourself open and tender to the memories for just a moment. As one who grieves today, I grieve with you, for whatever you've lost, too, for what might have been." Shauna Niequist, from the book Bittersweet

A good reminder that is ok to grieve and realize that this world will not last.....our citizenship is somewhere else. I loved the sermon from my pastor, Chad, yesterday, where he talked about what the reality of the world is.....and the glimpse of hope that God gives us every once in awhile because she loves us....check out the sermon if you can!!! (gcomchurch.com)

Grace Driven Effort

2010-09-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

Grave-Drive Effort June 6 sermon

http://denton.thevillagechurch.net/sermons

Love me some Matt Chandler....check out this sermon!!

random

2010-09-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.break.com/break-best-videos/toyota-sienna---swagger-wagon.html

CSL!!!!!!!

2010-09-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Cross Street Live starts up again tomorrow.....It's an amazing hour of worship, fun, and, crazy characters, and videos all for kids and parents to enjoy together!!! It's not just a GCC thing.....anyone from the community is invited!! Lunch is at 12:45 PM at Rossview High ($2 donation) and the show starts at 1:30 sharp!!! For more info, check out gcomchurch.com. This is a great way for you to spend time with your child having fun and also learning something valuable, that will stick with them!! Don't miss it!!!

gcomchurch.com
gcomkids.com

months of old

2010-09-01T11:40:00.001-07:00

From Morning and Evening (Charles H. Spurgeon) on August 11th:

“Oh, that I were as in the months of old.” Job 29:2

Many Christians are able to view the past with pleasure but regard the present with dissatisfaction. They look back upon the days that they have spent in communing with the Lord as being the sweetest and the best they have ever known; but as to the present, it is as if they were smothered by a heavy blanket of gloom and dreariness. Once they lived near Jesus, but now they feel that they have wandered from Him, and they say, “Oh, that I were as in the months of old.” They complain that they have lost their evidences, or that they no longer have peace of mind, or that they have no enjoyment in the means of grace, or that their conscience is hardened, or that they are no longer as zealous for God's glory as they once were. The causes of this mournful state of things are many. It may arise through a comparative neglect of prayer, for neglected closet is the beginning of all spiritual decline. Or it may be the result of idolatry. The heart has been occupied with something else, more than with God; the affections have been set on things of earth instead of the things of heaven. A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved first and best. He will withdraw the sunshine of His presence from a cold, wandering heart. Or the cause may be found in self-confidence and self-righteousness. Pride is busy in the heart, and self is exalted instead of lying low a the foot of the cross. Christian, if you are not now as you “were...in the months of old,” do not be content to simply wish for a return of your former happiness, but go at once to seek your Master and tell Him your sad state. Ask His grace and strength to enable you to walk more closely with Him; humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up and allow you once more to enjoy the light of His countenance. Do not sit down to sigh and lament; while the beloved Physician lives there is hope; there is a certainty of recovery even for the worst cases.

Making Strides!!!!!!!

2010-08-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Hey it's that time of year again....I have a team for the Making Strides walk for Breast Cancer. So simple...you just have to join my team, and walk. On the site, there are ways to help you get donations but no matter if you get $5 or $200, you can still walk and raise awareness for this cause! It's so much fun too!! Here's the website and you can go to my page to sign up....it's under Team Watts (creative I know) Thanks!!!!!!!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=28123

you never realize.....

2010-07-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday I had two cool situations happen that reminded me of the importance of what one choice, one word, one serving heart can do and what a difference it makes. The first one was just me rushing in to hear the service and a man stopped me, who I know just from GCC and his grandchildren come to Grace Acres. He just out of the blue said to me, I bet no one ever tells you thank you for all your hard work. It doesn't go unnoticed and it's appreciated. Thank you.
What a simple statement but good grief it made my whole day!! I'm passionate about preschoolers learning about who God is and how to live a Godly live at an early age, and not for anything of me, but I do work hard and long to help make it happen. It's all of the Lord, nothing good in me! But to hear that just affirmed in me that God's ministry is affecting people, and not going unnoticed. I needed to hear that, and I know he didnt know what that meant to me.
Other thing is a volunteer that took over during a service hour so I could go to service. He kept saying I really didn't do anything but he did. It gave me an hour to break away from my to do list and all that was spinning in my mind and just worship and let God work in my heart. It was HUGE for me....yet again these people don't think they did anything special but for me it was a big deal.
Just reminds me that I have to be in the Spirit daily and listening to what He is asking me to do,and never belittle or think it's dumb or insignificant to encourage someone, serve someone, send an email, note, text....we may never see the effects but God knows and that person knows....we don't have to. That's the importance of letting the Spirit guide us even in the daily walk of life.

get on with it

2010-06-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

I went to a memorial service yesterday....to be totally honest, I of course wasn't a huge fan of them before, who is?....But since my mom and grandmother passed, I absolutely loathe them. But I went, partly because I wanted to honor and celebrate the life of a Godly, wonderful woman, and also because each time I go to a funeral it's like a huge slap to my face that I am here for a short time and for ONE purpose....NOTHING else, and I mean NOTHING else, matters.
It was another great reminder of me to refocus where I'm going with my life....what I need to cut out, and how much more of God I need in my everyday life. This is not our home....as it says in the Bible, our citizenship is in Heaven.
Reminds me of a quote I saw on someone's FB page awhile back....it said something like this, The sooner we die, the sooner we can get on with it. I think about that quote a lot. Very true.....now I just need to live like it's true.
What things in your life do you need to cut out because they just don't matter? Are you living life with no regrets, enjoying what God has given you, taking every chance to serve Him and others, and ignoring those things that just don't matter?.......

Not sure.....

2010-06-02T13:42:00.001-07:00

Not sure what to call this post....it's been kind of a challenging couple of months for me. For some reason, I've just been in an emotional funk (yes, that's a professional term/diagnosis) You know when you go through those times of just feeling blah and the most frustrating part is you don't know why....family is healthy, job is good, friends are a blessing. So what's the problem? I think that there isn't always rhyme or reason to why we feel the way we do and it has reminded me even more to trust God and NOT my emotions and my feelings each day. I've spent a lot of this morning reflecting over the past few months and thinking about how God has continued to bless me, love on me, and show Himself to me.....here are just a few shots of how He continues to give and give into my life and even though my emotions sometimes aren't on the same page, my desire is to want to give and give more to Him and for His Name. He is good and He IS to be trusted, in the ups and downs.

2010-05-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

Headed out to the Drive conference tomorrow....excited to get away for a couple days and I'm excited to see North Point, can't believe I've never been there. I always have mixed feelings because I hate leaving my sweet pea...but I know her and Papaw will be having way too much fun and be eating way too much sugar!!

I still feel sick but got some meds yesterday and praying that will help me to feel better and be able to focus this week. Today was a great day at Grace....even with all the rain, it was great to see the people that did come out, the music was amazing, and Chad was RIGHT on, as usual. He spoke a true word from the Lord and it is so applicable to my life. Am so thankful for him and Ron's obedience to preach the Word and share wisdom so I, and we, can grow in our faith and learn more about who God is and how we need to live our lives.

God is really teaching me right now about His faithfulness....over and over again I keep hearing that and in turn I am learning to trust Him more and worry less. I am also learning about whole-hearted obedience, not just giving God a few things but everything, even the things that are the hardest to turn over to Him. Everytime I do though, something amazing happens...it's such a freedom. If we could only quit being so stubborn, and realize that God knows more and IS more and if we will just LET GO of everything we think is valuable and good and ours, we can have so much more. It's a great time in my life and I love what He is teaching me and pray that I'll continue to be moldable.

Yesterday was really hard....two funerals in one day. I hate funerals.....Mom and Nana's deaths start reeling in my mind...all the memories from when I first heard the news up until I left their grave sites. I usually try to keep those memories in the back of my mind as much as possible. It was a good reminder though for me to not waste a day, love others, encourage, take risks, serve, seek Him, and focus....He's all that matters in the end. ALL. the one and ONLY thing. Good reminder but still a hard day.....thankful for good friends that encouraged me through it and were there for me to talk to. Seems like after 2 1/2 years I wouldn't miss my mom so much but it's just not that way. Grief is so complex and diverse. But in the end, I'm thankful for hope....what would I do without Jesus? Wow, I am blessed. Hope everyone has a great week and takes time out to spend with the One that matters.

who wants peace??

2010-04-26T11:47:00.001-07:00

wow, this is a great sermon about getting peace in our lives.....we ALL need it and want it....some of my favorite quotes from this....

When I have a puny pursuit of God, a half-hearted followship of Jesus Christ, it's always related to the fact that I have a puny vision of what God wants to do in my life.

The enemy...he wants to diminish the greatness of God and the life that is found in Him. The evil one constantly wants us to think we can create for ourselves a better life than God can.

You want God's good stuff, but you won't give up your stuff.

http://www.marinersmedia.org/podmedia/audiopod/20081228-marinerschurch-podcast.m4a

2010-04-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

love this thought....thankful that God has given me a heart to serve, it's nothing of me...as it says in the Bible, everything good comes from HIM!! And He has placed a deserve in me that burns to serve and love. great post on how we all should be reaching out, serving, loving, helping....it's what He desires for us to do. If we don't have love, we have nothing.....1 Corin. 13

ttp://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2010/04/help-im-locked-in-my-church-and-cant-get-out/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RagamuffinSoul+%28Ragamuffin+Soul%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Rivers & Spires

2010-04-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend at R&S!!!

I asked, and He answered

2010-04-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

I was having somewhat of a down day yesterday and feeling some insecurities about my relationship with the Lord. I was driving to work after I dropped KJ off, and I was just praying and pleading with God to show Himself to me and encourage me that I am still His child. I was feeling such doubt that after all my failures and mistakes does He still REALLY love me and desire a relationship with me? My knowledge of His Word and my experiences in the past of course said yes but you know those times when you have those doubts and just wonder if He really is who He says He is. I went through the day as normal and part of the day was so busy that I didn't even remember what I had prayed for.

Then last night I went to community group and we watched a video about being a disciple of Jesus and how He chose His disciples and believed in a 'ragamuffin' group and how they ended up changing the world for Christ. He talked about how Jesus believes in us and wants us to follow Him. I wish I could put the video on here so you could hear what he said but it touched me and I realized that was what I needed to hear from the Lord. Then today as I was working I was listening to one of Ron's sermons, Adoption, and wow, it was exactly what I needed to hear. This is such a reminder to me that God does care about us, HE cares about our doubts and fears (even when they don't make sense or even when He's told us over and over again How much He loves us), and He answered my prayer. I knew He would because He always does.....and it's usually not like I would think. It's never an audible voice, of course, but it's something so strong and so powerful and so perfect for what I am needing that I know it can ONLY be Him.

I needed that reminder that I am always going to be His....He is always going to be my Father. And it gives me more of a passion to want to serve Him and do everything I can to show people who He really is. Here's the link to the adoption sermon. It's not long, it's so powerful, and if you haven't heard it, just take a few minutes and let God speak to you..

http://www.gcomchurch.com/podcast/

Adoption sermon on 04/11

LIFE

2010-04-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

I hear story after story of people struggling, going through heartache, pain, disease, suffering.....it's a messy world. Our citizenship is not here on this earth. But the weird thing for me is the more stories I hear, the more I want to get on my knees, ask forgiveness for wasting ONE minute of being angry over something petty, feeling self-pity, being lazy, letting someone steal my joy, being a jerk to someone just because I'm having a bad day.......I mean, what am I doing here? The world is suffering and I'm here for one purpose: TO BRING GLORY TO HIS NAME.

I don't want to waste another minute where I am not serving Jesus and pointing everyone to Him. I mean He's the only REAL answer anyway, so why am I wasting what little breath I have on this life? Get it together, Trina......realize what is important and the only reason I am given another day to leave. I'm serving the One that I'm so undeserved to even serve. Amazing.....

"Is my master ambition to please Him and be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how noble?" O. Chambers

"Have I entered into the glorious privilege of being crucified with Christ until all that is left is the life of Christ in my flesh and blood?" O. Chambers

...."Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29: 10-13

Test Drive

2010-04-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

God is doing some amazing, fun, and exciting things in Grace Acres right now and I am so looking forward to sharing that with other people in our church!!! This Sunday we are having Test Drive which will allow people the opportunity to check out what's going on in Grace Acres, observe, and eventually serve......we are growing so fast and it's so cool to watch! We need check in volunteers, teachers, helpers, floaters, storytellers, overseers, greeters, the list goes on!!!! If you go to GCC and haven't found a place to plug in yet, check it out this Sunday!!

great truths shared with me

2010-04-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.truewoman.com/?id=941

Someone sent me this and I thought it was so amazing and so true!!!! Things I want to focus and work on in my life....let's believe the truths in His Word and not of this world!!!

cool post

2010-04-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.leadingsmart.com/2010/04/it-was-a-good-friday.html

Here's a cool post that reminds me of what a blessing it is to serve on a team that God has put together....I just happen to be blessed to be on the GCC team and it's humbling, a blast, and God blesses me through it everyday....

Rivers & Spires

2010-04-07T12:58:00.001-07:00

I love going down to Rivers & Spires...running into people I haven't seen in awhile, eating food that is really bad for you:)....and KJ and I always have a blast at the games. One of the other cool things about it is that I volunteer every year in the Grace area and it doesn't even feel like volunteering because it's a lot of fun. Our community group is doing it together this year which is a fun way to spend time together but also to serve!! We still need volunteers so if you want to sign up call us at GCC or go online at gcomchurch.com. It's really easy to sign up! Looking forward to a great weekend!!!!

Easter

2010-04-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Been awhile since I've really updated my blog....so much goin on and it's been a whirlwind some weeks but always good. Even through the hard days, God has been so good to me and I continually can not understand or fathom His goodness which is so HUGE when I am SO undeserving.....as David said....."How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you....." And then later on he goes on to say "In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help." Psalm 31: 19, 22

I can relate to David....I get stressed out, let fear overcome me, worry, doubt, and just the crazy emotions of life....and then I feel God is so far away. But He's NOT. If we call on Him, sometimes we have to cry out to Him, He will answer and He will be there for us no matter what. He extends mercy and grace in my life beyond what I have ever known and I can't give Him enough praise and honor for what He has done and is doing in my life. I am at the point where I want every moment to count....everything I do to point to Him. He is worth it!

So if you're in a pit, confused about how you feel about God, or just kind of in that mundane, 'blah' stage of life, open His Word, read about the amazing things He has done and know that He is still that God today and can and will get you through whatever you are going through. He will be your comforter, friend, strength, rest, and unconditional lover when no one else on the face of this earth can be any of that to you. Praise to be HIM ALONE....just because HE IS!

2010-03-15T10:23:00.001-07:00

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6005/1983/1600/Disney%27s%20Desperate%20Housewives.0.jpg

good series

2010-02-25T08:05:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a good sermon series to check out, try Matt Chandler's on Colossians....great stuff!! thevillage.net (sermon archives)

Keep praying for him and his family as he continues to battle cancer! May God be glorified!!!!!!

What Goes On Behind the Scenes.....

2010-02-01T12:02:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gY1UajxnSQ

my heart's desire...what can we do??

2010-01-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.fellowshipradio.org/

Shane Claiborne sermon.....we may not all can travel to other countries or end up in jail for serving Him, but we can ALL do something!!!

UP

2010-01-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

I think Up is one of the best love stories...I don't care if it IS a movie for kids. I never get tired of watching it:)

PRAYIN'

2010-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

So, I don't really do New Year resolutions but something I'm working on getting better at this year is praying for other people. I love doing it, I just don't do it enough. I feel like we underestimate the power there is in goin to God on behalf of someone and really supporting them in that way. The enemy doesn't want us to support and encourage each other and help protect each other....there is a lot of power in that and we just let it sit everyday. For me, I hope I can be more consistent about it and I look forward to seeing how God will answer prayers in people's lives and getting to share in that.
SO....can you help me with this? Send me a prayer request or burden you have for yourself or someone close to you...and then keep me updated on how God is working in your life with that prayer request. Just comment, FB me, or email me (katrinavw@gmail.com)
Some of the things I'm praying for in my life is learning more about being controlled by the Holy Spirit, my daughter's growth spiritually and mentally, and what God has for me this Spring! (new volunteer opportunities, school, etc.) I'm sure I'll be updating you on what God does and how He answers these things in my life....1 Cor. 2:9
THANKS!!!!!

some of my fav pics of my girl this year

2010-01-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

God's gift to me

2010-01-03T18:17:00.001-08:00

Today sucs. It's just been one of those days. Haven't had one in awhile. Lots of obstacles at work. Lots of stuff goin on in my head personally. And then just those little annoying things where everything is going wrong...I spill or break everything I touch. I can't get anything to work. My daughter is in a bad mood...just one of those days. I want to be on an island alone, away from everyone and everything. But it doesn't work that way. So I just endure it, hoping tomorrow will be better........and then I look up from the couch tonight and here comes my girl, dressed like Cinderella, asking me to help her button her dress. Then she sits in my lap and we watch a Barbie movie and make fun of the dancing dogs. And that, my friends, is God's gentle reminder to me that I'm always goin to have those days on earth, I should long for Heaven ('our citizenship is in Heaven'), but also because of His kindness and grace, He has given me a gift (called KJ) that can make me smile everyday, no matter what is going on in my life. She never fails to make me happy, make me laugh, and give me hope even in my worst day, and my worst moods. He didn't have to bring her to me but He did. And that's what makes Him so amazing.

End of the Year

2009-12-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

Trying to do some reflecting over the past year and as I weed through all the struggles, frustrations, surprises, pain, laughter, and mistakes, I really want to strip it down to...What is God trying to teach me? What was He trying to teach me this year (it was not my best ever) and I really want to 'get it'...whatever He is trying to show me. I think I've figured it out..I could be wrong, that's been known to happen, but as I was listening to this song today it hit me. He is ALL I need....not just part or some but ALL, everything. He completely satisfies.
I have spent many of the last 32 years trying everything you can think of, except God. At times, I tried some things, PLUS God....but never JUST God.. Last night, I was laying in bed feeling strangely content, at peace, satisfied. If you looked at the circumstances surrounding my life right now, from a worldy perspective, there really is no reason for me to feel that way. I should feel stressed, hurried, worried, sad, and lonely. But what I felt was peace. True peace that I know with everything in me can only come from HIM. I felt like God was trying to tell me, This is what I want to give you...just stop looking everywhere else.
So....I've come to the conclusion that this year He has been trying to teach me that He is all I need. And so....my response for 2010 is to, um, well try this out....quit looking to anything and everything BUT Him. My Savior, my true Friend, my Comforter, my Lover, my Hiding Place, my strength when I have none, my hope, my Father who loves me unconditionally. I have listened to this song again and again, and I'm praying that this will be the cry of my heart for 2010.

I left my fear by the side of the road
Hear You speak, it won't let go
Fall to my knees as I lift my head to pray
Got every reason to be here again
Father's heart that draws me in
All my eyes want to see is a glimpse of You

All I need is You......All I need is You, Lord, is YOU, Lord
All I need is You....All I need is You, Lord, is YOU

One more day and it's not the same
Your Spirit causes my heart to sing
Drawn to the voice of my Savior once again
Where'd my soul be without Your Son
Gave His life to save the earth
Rest in the thought that You're watching over me

All I NEED IS YOU......All I NEED IS YOU!!!!!!

You hold the universe....
You hold everyone on earth...

I NEED You
I WANT You
I CHOOSE You

All I Need is You.

CSL!!! You gotta be there!!!!!

2009-12-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS CROSS STREET LIVE tomorrow night!!
Dinner at 5, Show at 5:30
Rossview High
Check it out....http://www.crossstreetlive.com/

more than conquerors

2009-12-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

we are more than conquerors...great sermon that reminded me today that life is not pain free but we can still be victorious because we are His child. He loves us so much no matter what we think the circumstances in our life are telling us! Listen when you get a chance......
http://www.newlifechurch.org/sermons/sermons.jsp?mediaid=1951

He IS enough

2009-12-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

Read this blog from Matt Chandler if you haven't already. I bawled...not because I felt sorry for him or his family but because I am envious of what he has. Oh how I want the cry of my heart to be more like this...forgive me Lord for choosing ANYTHING over you. It is never worth it.

http://hv.thevillagechurch.net/blog/hvpastor/

Louie blog

2009-11-24T10:48:00.001-08:00

Great blog from one of my favs....Louie Giglio
This one really tugged at my heart, God works through our pain and I just want to be that type of obedient to Him so that I can see Him work and see Him do great things for His glory.

http://268generation.com/blog/2009/11/so-so-grateful/

A tight grip

2009-11-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

What is God teaching me right now? Or really a better way to put it is what am I wrestling with Him about, fighting with Him about, and being so stubborn about?...With most things in my life, when God said no, and especially if it was something I already had a grip on, I just gripped even tighter. The painful and at the same time cool thing that God always did was pry it, rip it, out of my hands!! Wow, did it hurt most of the time...ok, who am I kidding, it always hurt. It was painful because it was something I wanted and something I really thought I needed at the time. What is cool about it looking back is that God saved me....saved me from myself, from that bad choice, from even worse consequences that I could have suffered. In His gracious and merciful heart, He chose to rip it out where it would hurt for now, but then I could heal, move on, and experience His will for me and His blessings.
SO....what is really showing up these past couple of weeks are things that God is pointing at and going...Uh, you need to get rid of this now....most of them are things I already have a grip on. So what do I do? Do I learn from past mistakes and just hand it over? Or do I start to tense my fingers and hold on with all that I've got?...
Jesus said many times in the Bible that if we truly love Him we will obey His commands....if we truly love Him, we will give up everything. If we truly love Him we will follow Him and throw out, and get rid of, anything that is not of Him. So maybe the real question should be, Do I truly love Him??
I am thankful for what He is teaching me...I am thankful that He has not given up on me, and I'm praying today that I will open my hands and give to Him freely WHATEVER He asks for. And then, I will wait, and expect great things, because He IS God, and I do truly love Him with all that is in me.
What are you holding on to today????

one sweet moment

2009-11-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

I was just serving my daughter dinner...she touched my leg and said, "You are a good mama."
I kissed her and we giggled together. Those are the moments I live for....

2009-11-18T09:54:00.001-08:00

http://www.catalystspace.com/content/read/comfortable_substitute_chan

Very interesting blog by Chan...I'm still chewing on it. What are your thoughts???

LISTEN

2009-11-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

great sermon I heard today....my boy Matt is speaking some TRUTH!...spend some time and listen to teaching of the Word. Good stuff....thank you God for leaders and teachers who are obedient to speaking your truth.

http://theresurgence.com/matt-chandler-preaching-gospel-de-churched

2009-11-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

Pictures I talked about in the last post

2009-11-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

LOVE livin life with my community group!!

2009-11-11T08:47:00.001-08:00

Wow!! All I can say is Wow!....God is moving and shaking all around me,and I am so humbled that He is letting me see it. I love love our small group and we are studying Crazy Love right now. We had a great time last night talking about God's Word and sharing what God is doing in our hearts.....if you aren't in a community group, I don't care what church you go to, you need to GET in one!! I have experienced more true fellowship, true friendship, and true sharing from the heart, not to mention some amazing times of laughter and craziness, than I have in my last 31 years of life.

I just want to praise Him today for allowing me to be a part of a community group, and also to be able to watch lives being changed, people growing, and people gettting EXCITED about God!! That is what it's all about isn't it?? Love God, love people, and be passionate about God...get excited people. There is nothing better...I promise!! I've been on both sides, all sides, upside down and turned around....I've been everywhere....there is NOTHING better than the one true living GOD.

Here are some of my fav pics from our small group's times together.....take a look and think about getting into a group of community....you'll be surprised what you get.

daddy's love...and everything else that's been goin on

2009-11-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

It's been kind of a crazy past few weeks. About a month ago I got pnemonia, and it really knocked me down. Kylie's allergies have been really bad and we've been to the doctor more times than I can count. Then just as I was getting better I got the flu and Kylie got really sick again so we spent last week at home, laying around, taking tons of meds, watching Barbie movies, and me trying to get work done in between all of it. Just as I thought I was getting better, I woke up feeing funky and once again my doctor handed me a another prescription and said I had broncitis. Good grief, I've never been this sick so much in my life. Between trying to keep life going while feeling crappy, and take care of KJ, I've been spending time with God and asking....what is the purpose for this? IS there a purpose for all this? What are you trying to teach me right now Lord? I'm so frustrated...
I still don't feel like I have an answer (there may not be one) but I feel like I've been reintroduced to some characteristic traits of God. He's truly been my Daddy, my Caregiver, and my Comforter these past few weeks. He's been there when I felt all alone, provided when I felt like I had nothing, and He's just wrapped His arms around me and told me that it's going to get better and He's not going anywhere. I'm praying that my relationship with Him will just continue to grow, that my love for Him will grow...explode actually, and that I will fall more madly in love with the God of the universe who is ALSO my daddy. What an amazing thought...I'm still processing it all.
KJ and I were listening to one of her favorite cds that is by Andrew Peterson and listening to a few of the songs just really made me think of how God thinks of us. I've posted the words here as an encouragement to you. Think of it as Him being your loving parent today and supplying you with whatever it is you need just to make it through this season, or maybe just today.

I love you today and I love you tomorrow
I love you as deep as the sea
I love you in joy and I love you in sorrow
You can always come home to me

There once was a man that found him a treasure buried out under a tree
Sold all he had just to own it forever
The treasure is you, you see

There once were some sheep, safe on the farm
One little lamb got loose
The shepherd went out and carried it home
That little lamb is you

I love you today and I love you tomorrow
I love you as deep as the sea
I love you in joy and I love you in sorrow
You can always come home to me
You can ALWAYS come home to me.

I've got you swaddled, and I've got your bottle
And you're too loud to ignore
Your mama is sleeping, The angels are keeping....so cry no more.

Hey beautiful girl...Daddy loves you, He loves you
Most beautiful girl, in the whole wide world

Stars are all shining, the birds are reclining,
The squirrels are all nestled down.
The trees in the forest are joining in the chorus
And swaying to the sound.

I know that moons rise, and time flies
And sweet little girls get older
And then when your tooth aches or your heart aches
Will you still cry on my shoulder?

Hey beautiful girl, Daddy loves you, He loves you
Most beautiful girl, in the whole wide world.

There is a room within this house where we'll be resting
Just take a right when you get down from where you sleep
Be sure to step around the scattering of play things
Don't wake your brother with the patter of your feet.

Through the door beside your Mama's mother's paintings
Step lightly on the carpet in the hall.
Look for the shelf with all the books of Papa's reading
And the old guitar that's up against the wall.

You shouldn't feel the need to take such drastic measures
With the God of all creation looking on.
He will keep you on this night, yes, and forever-
He will keep you as He keeps us.....down the hall.

So settle in,my child, and sleep.
The moon is high and the sun is down,
And the night is deep.
Close your eyes and dream of angels' wings
And go down and down to sleep.

He is AMAZING!!

2009-10-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

Don't have time for a long blog right now but good grief, God is just blessing me like crazy! I've had a hard week personally and physically....and God knows. He knows and He CARES....He's my best friend, my lover, my Hiding Place, my strength. The last two days He has put several situations in my life that have just brought me joy, laughter, encouragement, and peace. He knew what I needed. You know how we say He alone can satisfy and He is all we need...I say that and truly want to believe it. But sometimes it's hard to really believe...but I'm one step closer today to believing that with all my heart. Trust Him today with everything you've got! Your hurt, your frustration, your anger, your business, your loneliness....give it away and expect something great. I am truly amazed....He is the God of the Universe and He is also my best friend. How crazy and wonderful is that.....

remembering....

2009-10-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today I am remembering my wonderful mother...I can't believe it's been two years. When I went out to the gravesite and saw her and my grandmother's grave, I was overwhelmed with emotion, as always. After awhile, I began to think about how grateful I was that she was a believer and that she lived her life to serve others. I miss her terribly but I am coming more and more to the realization that I wouldn't want her to be anywhere else. She struggled mentally and physically so much every day even though she didn't show it. She is so FREE now and what more could you want for someone you love deeply???....
It was also a really cool day, despite feeling like crap from pnemonia, because there were several amazing things that happened that only could be from God. It reminded me that my mother's legacy is always with me and I hope I can do the same for my daughter....and I continue to remind myself.....'our citizenship is in Heaven'.....

How God Works..

2009-10-07T08:20:00.001-07:00

I was really having a pity party this morning for myself....some things happened last night that really had me struggling emotionally and mentally, and I just shut down after KJ went to bed and went to bed myself. I woke up not feeling much better but finding myself forced to get up, get KJ ready for pajama day at school, get ready for work, and over to babysit for a friend before work. After I dropped KJ off, I was fighting back tears and the urge to drive back home and get back in the bed, and throw my cell phone and laptop under the bed.....but I decided to try a different tactic and instead of feeding the flesh and continuing to feel sorry for myself, to starve the flesh and feed the Spirit. So I had a one-on-one with God asking Him to just be everything for me today, to satisfy the huge hole in my heart, and to be my Comforter, Best Friend, and Lover. I love the song You're All I Need but this was the moment where I needed to believe it.
My Bible study last night was about having the courage to see His promises fulfilled, and I prayed that He would give me patience and hope to wait, and to keep growing, changing, and serving during that in between time. So anyway, I had some real and honest time with God, telling Him I felt pitiful, I am pitiful, blah, blah, and I just needed Him to turn my thoughts and heart around. Within fifteen minutes, something happened that I really needed to make my day easier, and my thoughts just began turning to His blessings and how He wants to use me today, to not waste THIS day.....just by coming before Him even when I didn't feel like it, He turned my thoughts from me, to Him and His glory. I've heard someone say before, You can't be pitiful and powerful. To me, that means if I'm focused on me, then I can't allow the Holy Spirit to work His power in my life.
I encourage you today that if you are stressed, frustrated, depressed, or angry, turn to God, even if you don't feel like it. Don't trust your feelings. Trust Him. Don't just believe in Him, but believe HIM. He will do what He says He will do. He will fulfill His promises in your life. Have courage to watch and see Him come through for you because He will, in the little things and the huge things.

"Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is the shield that protects you, the sword you boast in. Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will tread on their backs." Deut. 33:29

"O Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever." 2 Samuel 7: 28-29

Fav pics from Chatt so far...

2009-10-03T19:33:00.001-07:00

This is what I want too!!

2009-10-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Was reading this book on Single parenting and I read this quote from a single mom: "I face not the sorrows of a fallen world, but the saving grace of the Refiner's fire. That causes me to kneel in desperation at the Lord's feet, but not pleading for a house with a picket fence, a husband, and 2.5 kids. No, I desperately pleade for the riches of His kingdom-love, joy, peace,patience, kindess, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control! For some people these gifts may come with ease, but I insist on the wretchedness of my soul that needs to be transformed at any cost. And I trust that God is not blind or uncompassionate, but very much in control. The Bible promises us trials, and these trials are there to test our faith, make us stronger, and sharpen our character. Why then should we resist God's goodness?"
WOW....she totally put into words exactly what I've been thinking through lately and what is the DESIRE of my heart....I want HIM!...and I don't want small change, or a 'tweak', I want to be transformed. He is SO worth it. As I've been here on this trip away from the normal routine of life, I am just being reminded more and more of His blessings in my life and His hand upon my life. I am forever grateful and undserving but beyond that I want to love Him and I want to want Him just because.......because HE IS GOD.

Just a cowgirl....

2009-09-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

When my sister and I were kids, we got asked a lot by other kids 'what are you?'...translation: what race are you? People would ask us if we were Mexican, African-American, Hawaiian, all that stuff. (BTW, our mom was full Cuban) But it took me by surprise when KJ and I were at the park the other day and I overheard the girl she was playing with ask, Are you Indian? KJ quickly responded without thinking, Nope...I'm just a cowgirl. Haha, that's my girl. She keeps me laughing on days when I feel like crying!:)

adventure!

2009-09-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Loved this post!....there are SO many things I want to do but don't feel I have the time, energy,money, experience, etc....I'd love to:

-sky dive
-do missions in other countries with my daughter
-adopt a child from Africa
-work with people that are helping children in the slave industry
-get my masters in counseling
-get out of debt so I can give, give, and then give some more!
-learn to sew
....and so much more! Whatever God has in store, I want to be ready for it, not be afraid to embark on it, and trust Him that He is going to take care of the time, money, experience, etc. part of it all...I think I'm ready.

http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/09/people-will-never-respect-you-because-of-what-youre-about-to-do/

See His Love

2009-09-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

"This is Jesus, in His GLORY.....King of Heaven. Dying for ME!
It is finished! He has done it. Death is beaten, Heaven beckons me!!!.....Such a love..such a love is this for ME!"

Been listenin to this song on the way to work lately...seems like a simple worship song but God really pierced my heart about listening to the words and soaking them in. The KING of Heaven, the God of everything, loves me, and suffered for me. If I can grasp that every day, the choices I make, my attitude, my thoughts...it would all be different. I desire to never get over the cross and what Jesus did for me and I want to spend my life serving Him, every minute of every day. I want to share some of that love...that love that He has for me.

we can ALL do something

2009-09-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

I don't normally post twice in one day but I read this one earlier and it just really spoke to me. This is my heart, my passion, my dream...to one day be a voice to children here and around the world that are in need: in need of water, food, love, healthcare, whatever it is...I believe that one day God will use me to advocate for those that have no voice. So I read this post and was really touched.
http://www.flowerdust.net/2009/09/14/my-toxic-bottle-of-water/

2009-09-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.ronedmondson.com/2009/09/finishing-wellleaving-a-leagacy-a-tribute-to-my-dad.html

Love this post by Ron....it really encouraged me as a parent as I think about all the mistakes I made in the past and as a parent. God is continually working in my life and I am excited about where He is taking me and how He is changing my heart. It gives me hope for me and Kylie to be a Godly family and to serve God and others like I've always wanted to.....He is so good to me!!....and thanks Ron for that post!!

What God is Teaching Me...

2009-08-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

-TRUST Him completely....not half-heartedly or it might as well be like not trusting Him at all. Fully believe and you will know you've done that when you feel a peace. Peace in your children, family, finances, work, sickness, disappointments, and hurts...you will feel a peace, that one that it talks about in the Bible- it surpasses all understanding. That means we don't understand it, we don't know why we have it, it's just there. But I'll tell ya, it comes because you TRUST.

-God loves you.....seems simple but I don't think we truly truly grasp that. HE LOVES US. and you specifically. If you really let that sink in, your insecurities fall away, your anxiety is lessened, and you feel comfort and security knowing the God of the universe loves YOU. I was listening to a song about that the other day and I began bawling because I really started to believe it. No one can love me like Him, and if I find my comfort in His love, wow, I don't need anything or anyone but Him.

-This world is not a playground its a battlefield. I'm NOT saying we can't have fun and that God doesn't provide us with joy and times to just laugh and enjoy life. But we must treat it like a battlefield. The enemy is SO present and he is counting on us to downplay his presence so that we continue to sin, continue to let our joy be stolen from us, and we continue to be miserable when that is not God's plan for us. I'm learning to FIGHT every day....and it's so great! I feel free and I feel better than I have in years! The coolest thing is that I don't have to worry about whether I am going to win or not....that is already been taken care of. The victory is won and I just have to walk in it step by step, day by day....sometimes it's minute by minute. But that's ok, because at the end of the day what a feeling to say It was a victorious day! Thank you God!! I am so undeserving and yet YOU led me on and cheered me along the whole way!

So much more that He's teaching me...that'll be for my next blog though:)

Trin

Just Another Day...kinda

2009-08-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well Kylie's allegies have been out of control the past couple days and I hate her being sick but I confess I love the extra time with her:)...Her independent self is more likely to snuggle up beside me to watch a movie, or sit in my lap and play games or read books with me. It's such a cool time that I know won't last forever....she's such a sweetheart, even when she's sick. I'm so blessed! Today God is teaching me to live in the moment...although I have dreams, aspirations, goals, and a huge to do list, none of that mattered today because I found joy in Color Wonder, Dora playdoh, several VeggieTale movies, and tickle wars in the bed. God is SO good to me, each and EVERY day!!!!

Events Coming Up...Let's Serve!!

2009-08-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well I wanted to do a post on what God is teaching me during this new season in my life, but there is SO much so I'll have to save that for another day when I have more time....
So get this, I'm getting involved in two GREAT causes in October and am so pumped!! I want to share them with you and if you are interested in coming on board, please contact me, I would LOVE it:)....so here's the info:

***Hope Pregnancy Center Banquet- I am hosting a table on October 8, it's a dessert banquet form 7-9 PM. You can bring someone with you, come alone, it doesn't matter! It's free and the Hope Pregnancy Center is such a great ministry in Clarksville...for more info about the ministry, you can go to http://www.friendsofclarksvillehope.com/

***Making Strides-Breast Cancer Walk- I am heading up a team to walk on October 24, starting at the Titans stadium. We will walk all throughout downtown. This will be my third year to participate in this event, and it's so amazing to be a part of! If you want more info, you can contact me or go to the website http://www.cancer.org/docroot/par/PAR_2_Making_Strides_Against_Breast_Cancer.asp. If you want to sign up, you can sign up under Team Watts. Our team goal is to raise $2000. But whether you raise any money or not, you can still be a part of the team and walk with us! We are wanting to raise money but also awareness of this cause and organization!!

I look forward to serving with many of you through these events....what areas in your life is God calling you to serve? Any thoughts and ideas on things you can do in Clarksville to serve those around you??

2009-07-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

I've spent a lot of time thinking about the New Orleans trip and how amazed I was watching the teenagers serve....they served God, they served others, expecting nothing in return. No glory, no praise, no rewards. They smiled, they laughed, they made the best of what they had, they did without being asked, they loved the unlovable, and the perservered when situations were frustrating. Thank you God for teenagers that love YOU and WANT to serve you...it blows my mind. Please pray for these and others that have this heart to love and serve. Pray that they will stand strong in the years to come, that they won't be tainted by the world, and that their desire to know Him, love Him, and serve Him will grow stronger. Here are some of my fav pics from the trip.....

New O

2009-07-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

I just got back from New Orleans last night...I wanted to post some blogs while there but there was no internet access and I must confess that was driving me crazy!...I guess I realize how attached I am to my laptop and God really did stretch me by taking that away. It gave me a chance to totally focus on Him and what was going on in New O. I was blown away by the teenagers and how Godly their attitudes were, how much they had servant hearts, and how willing they were to do whatever was needed. It gives me hope for the future of our church and I'm so blessed to be able to be a part of what God is doing at Grace and in our town. I will post a few of my fav pics from the trip later on once I get caught up with all the menial tasks one must do like laundry, cleaning, and trying to get some REST!! KJ and I are so exhausted but it was SO worth it. Praise God for allowing me to be able to go, to get excited again about missions and serving, and for allowing my daughter to see a part of it and be a part of it. She loved it and I know it's the beginning of stirring inside her a passion to serve and love on others as she loves God and learns more about who He is.

2009-07-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows me knows that I am a Francis Chan fan....Love this book, his sermons, everytime I've heard him speak, he's just amazing! Someone had this clip on their facebook and I took it from her...so cool. Take a look

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=115378537000&h=ZQnWR&u=iRlcP&ref=mf

By the way, people talk about him being 'extreme' and 'radical' but I totally disagree. I think he's living out life the way that Jesus would want us to and He gets passionate about God the way He would want us to...we call it crazy and extreme but I think it's the way anyone that's a believer and loves Jesus should be living, including myself. I pray that God will show me how to give 100 percent to Him and let all the things of the world go and just be crazy about God. He's so worth it....

2009-07-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY10Mid-South?fr_id=19717&pg=entry

Walk for Strides is the cancer walk they do every year around October in Nashville. My first experience was two years ago. One of my mom's best friends has cancer and me, my sister, and my mom had signed up to walk. The walk was October 14, and my mom died unexpectedly on October 8. We still went to the walk. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I took a hankerchief with my mom's name engraved on it, and I reminded myself over and over that she would want me there even if I felt like crawling in a hole instead. My mother's friend was in a wheelchair that year. I'll never forget the look on her face when she saw me and my sister had still come to walk. It is forever etched in my memory. And it taught me that people CAN make a difference on this earth if they are willing to let God use them. My mother was a wonderful friend and she let God use her compassionate and loving heart to encourage and strengthen those around her. Her legacy was there that day.
We made it through and the next year my mother's friend was walking...she even beat our time! I was so excited for her, but honestly, in the depths of my human mind, I wondered, why did God heal my mother's friend but not my mother? The thought passed because I know the answer. God is sovereign and only He knows why He chooses to do things the way He does and I really wouldn't have it any other way. He is loving, kind, and gracious, and I trust Him in that He knew what was best.
Well all that I guess to say that the walk for strides is coming up again this year...it's a special event to me for many reasons. I put a link at the top of this post so if you're interested in checking it out please do. I'm looking for two things: people to donate money when I walk, or people to come out and walk with me. Even if you don't go all out and get sponsors and raise a lot of money, your presence there will mean a lot and raise awareness. If you're interested in either one of these, comment or email me.

I Love Being a Mom

2009-07-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

I love that when I opened my purse today looking for my lip gloss I pulled out silly putty instead. I love that even after I've cleaned the house to my perfection my daughter has made some random creation and placed it somewhere in the house. I love that on the way to work this morning Kylie asked the question Why?? at least fifteen times and I finally had to say I don't really know,baby, and started laughing. She began laughing with me....just because. As hard as life is right now and as much as I am struggling to find joy, peace, and strength, God speaks to me EVERY day through my daughter. He reminds me that He is still with me, and He is blessing me with this amazing gift that I get to enjoy every day. May I never take her for granted, and may I never forget what a huge responsibility I have as a mother to help mold and shape her to be a Godly woman who has a heart for God, family, and those around her. What a huge task...I'm not up for it, but God is...so let's go!.....

4th of July

2009-07-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July...it was a blast just hanging out with the family, it's always entertaining:) We swam in the rain, laughed at the dogs in their 'floaties', and ate way too much. We were a bit disappointed that we couldn't do fireworks that night but that didn't stop us from doing them the next night. The guys were determined that they were going to light some things on fire and make a lot of noise! Kylie liked it for awhile but the noise got to her after some time so she and Lindsey went inside and watched from the window and ate cupcakes. I'm so thankful for my family and God keeps reminding me of how blessed I am to have them in my life. Pictures are on facebook if you want to check them out....
Last night Kylie wasn't feeling really well and she just snuggled up next to me and smooshed her face up against my cheek. I could feel her breath on me and her soft cheek against mine and I thought, who am I to deserve such a sweet moment, such a pure joy, as this?

2009-07-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking about my relationship with God this morning and came upon this blog and thought it was quite profound....and actually describes my relationship with God at times, going back and forth and back and forth. But I've never come back not to find Him there ready to receive me, change me, teach me, and love me. Now that's GRACE.

Here's the blog I read this morning...it's a father talking about his daughter, The Brown One.

The Brown One.It takes her a while to warm up to you.It’s not that she doesn’t love you.She does.It’s that she doesn’t trust you.Yet.I’ve seen it happen everyday for the past 5 years.She grabs someones heart, only to crush it later, only to grab it again and make it melt twice as fast.It’s just what she does. She needs consistent relationship to trust you.
I know God loves me.I know He won’t ever leave me.I just wonder the feeling He gets when I come in and out of relationship with Him on such a regular basis.
Probably feels a little bit like my brown one.Yet He never flinches. And is Always waiting.Funny what a 5 year old can teach you about God’s love.

2009-07-01T18:19:00.001-07:00

Went to Opry Mills on Saturday with my daughter and my dad...haven't been there in awhile. It was such a fun and relaxing trip...we didn't do anything special or that exciting. We just enjoyed the day together, talked, and laughed. It was a good reminder to me of the blessing of family. God brings family in our lives for a purpose and although I will never understand why He took two special family members from me when I felt like I needed them the most, I was reminded that I had it good for awhile, and I still do. I have been blessed beyond measure with family in my life. Lord, may I never forget this blessing that you have given me...may I not take it for granted, and may I soak up every minute of it knowing that we don't know what tomorrow brings but for today, life is good.

2009-06-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Very interesting read from John Piper about tv and movies....would love to hear some of your thoughts....http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2009/4023_Why_I_Dont_Have_a_Television_and_Rarely_Go_to_Movies/

2009-06-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

do you ever feel like you are in a spiritual warfare, fighting and fighting, but you continue to feel defeated? God's Word says we can walk victoriously and He has given us everything we need to do that. How do we tap into the Holy Spirit like we need to? If anyone has any thoughts on that, comment. Also, what are some of your favorite verses that help you get through a rough day, struggle, and hard times?.....

softball

2009-06-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, for those of you that know me you know I have no athletic ability whatsoever and I do not really enjoy sports...I know nothing about football, baseball, or really any other sport. This concerns some of my fellow co-workers greatly by the way....just take a look at what is in their offices. Anyways, I do attend the GCC softball games because I think it's important for us to support the team and cheer them on. It's also a cool way to meet people that you may not even know went to Grace....check it out sometime. Friday nights at Heritage Park....times are on the GCC website.

I like it...

2009-06-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

I don't read blogs that often but I read this one today and thought it really made a lot of sense....it's funny because I just listened to a sermon recently where the pastor said that we spend too much time on 4 ways to be successful, 3 points to a better marriage, etc. instead of teaching people how to fall in love with Jesus and with the Word of God....my prayer is that I'll have more of a hunger and passion everyday and let Him refine me and a lot of the issues I have will slowly heal and take care of themselves...

http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/06/7-keys-to-becoming-an-effective-leader-of-worship/

2009-06-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

I love our community group....I didn't even know what one was when I started attending Grace Community, and to be honest I was a bit skeptical about how they would work and what purpose they would serve....But oh wow, God really kicked me in the butt with this one! just in the time we've been together, i've made amazing friends, gained wisdom, cried with people, laughed so hard i cried, and just enjoyed living life with these people in my community group. The concept seemed so strange to me at the beginning but now I can't imagine it any other way...