Thursday, September 27, 2012

sweet disposition & faith in God.







I have been working on this post for a long time.
I wasn't sure how to word it but I think I have finally figured it out.

As many of you already know, a dear friend of mine passed away earlier this year.
Just four months ago to be exact.
She was just nineteen and she was killed in a car accident.

I went the the viewing and the funeral and was blown away by the way her mother Tammy was handling it.

During the funeral they played the song "I Will Praise You in This Storm."
I was sitting towards the back of the packed gymnasium but still saw a hand slip up in the air about halfway through that song. Connected to that hand was Tammy, Morgan's mother. She truly was praising Him in the storm. Her hands were lifted the entire time and I couldn't help but stare as she stared towards heaven giving praise to the God that gives and takes away.

Since that time she has not ceased to amaze me.
The whole point of me writing this is because
1. I am taken aback by the testimony this sweet lady is
&
2. I want you to witness it.

She has posted numerous statuses on Facebook that give God glory...

"What if...what if I would have stopped that afternoon to talk with Morgan and delayed her a few minutes...what if Morgan had driven a bigger car...what if the lady had not been going so fast....what if, what if, what if. There are a million of them. I have heard them all and i have thought them all. But all of the "what if's" completely negate God's sovereignty. If we truly believe that God is in 
control, how can we say "what if"?
I personally believe that nothing happens on this earth without first passing through His hands. Do I understand it?...no. Do I trust that God has a purpose in the midst of it?...absolutely!
Instead of focusing on the past "what if's"...we need to focus on the present "what now's".
What now, God? What can I do now that will bring glory and honor to You?
May every word i speak, every thought I have, every action I take be Christ-honoring."





"Today, I have thought about how blessed Morgan was to have such amazing friends! From grade school, to high school, to college, the Lord placed very special friends in Morgan's life to love her and help her along the way. There are too many to name...but you know who you are. Thank you for loving my Mo. Thank you for making her life so much sweeter! She loved each of you fiercely!
Now...for the mo
st important part. If Morgan could talk to you right now, I KNOW that she would want to ensure that she would see you again. She would want you to know that heaven is very real and that you have to have a personal relationship with Christ to get there. If you don't have that relationship...please don't delay! Talk to God, talk to a pastor, talk to a believer who will open up the Bible and share truth. Pursue God's purpose for your life. Just like Mo, we never know when we will breathe our last breath.
Much, much love!"





"I have to share my yesterday with you. I left the house fine, but by the time I arrived at work, I was a mess. As usual, just missing Morgan to the point of it almost being unbearable. God has truly blessed me with amazing friends! They were so sweet and supportive throughout the day.
That evening, my precious mama called me. We cried and reminisced. I was a mess again. Other friends and family 
called and texted. My last call was from Trey. He usually texts me, but said he had been thinking about me and wanted to call instead. Then...right before I awoke this morning, i saw Morgan's face and she gave me a kiss.
I said ALL of this to say...OUR GOD IS SO VERY GOOD! He has perfect timing! He has used so many friends, family, and strangers to help us weather this storm. For every act of love and kindness...may we give Him every ounce of credit. He uses those who make themselves usable. Thank you for making yourself usable. God has used every prayer, text, call, post, card, picture, story, hug to minister to my heart. I am eternally grateful!"





"You stay up and wait on them to get home. You make them call you once they make it to their next location. You wake up at all hours of the night and go lay your hand on their chest to make sure they are ok (no matter what age). You go get them (no matter the hour) when they are unable to make it home safely :) You pray that God will place His strongest angels around them to protect them from harm.
........they think they are invincible. You PRAY they are invincible. But the truth is....they are not.
That's when you come to the realization that they are God's first and foremost. They are the most precious gift that He gives. And we must learn to praise Him when He gives...and takes away. He sees the big picture. He is sovereign.
It is also then when you must realize that you have to trust Him, no matter the circumstance. As hard as it is to believe, He loved them first and He loves them even more than we do. Isn't that amazing?!?
SO...be so very thankful for the precious time that you have them. Continue to pray for them. And trust God with everything else."




There are so many more posts I could show you but I think these say it all.
No matter what you are going through God is in control and He can receive glory.

And if that isn't a sweet disposition, then I don't know what is.

Altar'd State.

Today I was introduced to an awesome boutique that gives money to great causes! They are currently having a contest looking for a photographer for their store locations. I have entered the contest and would really appreciate a vote!

It won't take more than a minute to vote!

VOTE HERE!

Thank you all!
And while you are at it like Altar'd States facebook page and check all the beautiful clothes they sell.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

not crazy, just proud.

I am not one of those crazy lets kill everyone type people.
but I am one of those crazy proud Americans.

and I find it quite ironic that in one of those middle eastern countries the other day someone was trying to burn an American flag, caught on fire, and died.

that is all.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

giddy & tired.

late night wedding planning makes me giddy.
although I should really get some sleep I am having a serious debate over mint or teal spray paint.
and also what I should do about a veil.

I also feel like I could fall asleep in this chair.


Thursday, September 6, 2012

how to save money 101.

I would consider myself fairly frugal.
and I have big dreams for places I want to go and things I want to do.
Josh and I share a dream.... going to Australia.
so we are going to go to Australia.
and while we are there we will:
1. scuba dive the great barrier reef.
2. go out in the outback mate.
and so on.

how much does this all cost you may ask..
approximately $6,000.

so that brings me to saving money 101.
1. any change you get NO MATTER WHAT put it in a jar and save it. NO MATTER WHAT.
2. open up a savings account for that one particular thing you are saving for.
3. budget your monthly paycheck and any extra budget money put in savings.
4. in your budget plan to put a certain amount in your Australia fund.
5. any time you find something in a store you want to buy but end up putting it back, put that money in the account. (this is for things you see you want not need)

now I am not promising this plan is fool proof.
I have no idea, but it seems to be working so far.
so if you trust me and you have your own Australia...
try it.