embracing ... a lot

I'm attempting to play with instagram
and actually put myself in the picture too.
I know I've mentioned this is ever so hard for me.
It really is.
So I'm pushing my boundaries here, being in the picture
and even sharing it with you.

I'd much rather show you this little lady

who has become my walking partner.

She actually changed into this outfit for walking, 

because every girl needs a nice cardigan and skirt

to exercise in right?  of course.

Tonight she came out after bath decked out as mommy.

I was dying.

I actually shot video, which eventually I take the time to put up on here.

This is her in a 'mom uniform'.

She has on my shoes, my hat,

a cell phone and some mama chia.

Dying I tell you.

Because her whole persona,

her walk, everything changed.

Do you ever wonder how your kids perceive you?

Well, tonight I found out.

And as she was describing me

she said, "Mommy looks like, like a princess."

At eight p.m., me still decked out in the workout wear I put on

at seven this morning with the intention of fitting it in at some point,

only it never worked out.  I was feeling far from a princess.

So as I'm tossing laundry in the machine I pause sort of shocked and say, 

"Really, you think Mommy looks like a princess."

And she said, "Yea" so matter of factly, "God's princess."

This might sound so cliche, I know.

But honestly that's her heart.

And that's how she sees me.

And that is a lesson that even in my un-worked out in sweats,

in my end of the day exhaustion from

what felt like an eternity on the road

battling traffic

and mishaps here and there

God still sees a princess!

Ok..one last little bit of an announcement.

I have a warrior boy.

So excited to introduce him to you.

Want a visual checklist for your son (or yourself) while you're in his room.

We MUST, MUST, MUST gear up every day.

Do you forget sometimes?

I know I do.

But now we have no excuse with this reminder.

He's in the shop now, and can be customized if you'd like.

And for more embracing the camera fun...head over here.

Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord

Oh how fitting these prints are in the midst of the 100 Reasons for Joy project.  It didn't actually occur to me until I began to write a title for this post.  The scripture is from Psalm 100:1 "Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord."

Or you can get the print with a bold graphic font on the bottom.

I'm finding a repetition of JOY in my life today and I know when this happens it's not a coincidence.

This drawing was done three years ago as an idea that became a mural in the music room at our children's preschool.

Here's what it looks like life size.

My joy #78 is getting to offer this joyful scripture art print to you in the etsy shop now.  

I made two different prints, turning the butterflies pastel or primary colors to fit your room's color scheme.  I can adapt the colors even more if you'd like, just send me an email here or through etsy.

Another fitting joy moment.  Our pastor today gave a Christmas sermon today(click the link and you can hear or watch the whole thing). He spoke about the message the angels sent to the shepherds who were poor and in reality quite lowly in the eyes of society at the time.  

Did you realize that?  Did you also ever think about how God didn't change their circumstances.  They remained poor, but in the midst of their circumstances he brought them GREAT JOY.  

He does the same for us today.  That is my joy #79.  I've seen first hand this year how the Lord held me up through very painful circumstances and has brought me Joy in Him.. taught me how to have Joy in Him no matter what.  He can do the same for you.  In the midst of whatever circumstances you face, He can bring you Joy.  

Our pastor also pointed out how the shepherds didn't keep this message to themselves, they spread the word of the good news of our Savior, Messiah, Christ the newborn King who was sent to be a light and a hope for all of us.  

He also quoted "Joy To The World" and again pointed out the line that we're to REPEAT the SOUNDING JOY.  I loved that his sermon had JOY spoken all throughout it.

He asked all of us at this time of year to be sure to repeat this story, HIS story, HIS gift working in the midst of our lives and the JOY he brings.  

Join me in sharing your story, the story of Him working actively in your life today.  And let's rejoice over this truly humbling gift that God sent his only son for us so that we may have everlasting life with Him.  Amen!

Warriors For God

I need reminders A LOT.  Reminders for bringing preschool snack, for birthday presents, for appointments.  This mommy multi-tasking brain needs post it notes, giant calendars and text messages just so I 'don't forget.'  


But most of all, I need reminders for the TRUTH.  Seriously, how often do those darts attack your mind and make you doubt or forget what God says and the power you have in Him.


That is one of the many reasons I wanted to make this scripture painting from Ephesians about the armor of God.  I really wish I had room to put the entire scripture up there.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Ephesians 6:10-17

I call her my warrior girl.  She reminds me to take up my sword and fight!  

I know most of you reading this probably already know what the armor of God symbolizes, but in case this isn't something you've learned about already I'd love to share this link that explains it in more detail.  I used this website with a story and craft activities to teach my kids about the armor of God a few years ago. 

I once had a friend who is also a Christian speaker say, "Ladies we're going out to battle putting our flimsy sundresses on and we're getting clobbered.  We must put on our armor every single day.  Don't take a step out of bed before thinking about arming yourself."  

How often do we forget this?  The great thing is, every day is a new day and we get a new chance to suit up.  Isn't it awesome that we have this strength that is not our own to draw upon.  I know I couldn't get through anything without knowing my Lord goes before me.

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron."

Isaiah 45:2

"If God is for us, who can be against us."  

Romans 8:31

I'm getting closer to opening an etsy shop selling these prints under willow of wonder.  This has been a dream of mine for a couple of years (it was derailed a bit by the enemy's schemes), but praise God I think it'll be open by December first.   I see this opportunity as a 'beauty from ashes' for me and a small way to share the gospel.

I've been burning the candle a bit at both ends. But I'm just so happy doing it and praise God I've had the energy and His strength and guidance through this.  I can't wait to share it with you!

I'm linking this to YOU:Create, so head over there and see the other  posts.