Faith with a tummy ache

Sometimes I feel like I have all the faith in the world, and then the next minute I feel like have none at all.

Her reply to my text was " I've learn through the years to have faith with a tummy ache." Those words never left me and often time bring me back to a place of being OK, when I am fearful. I am fearful more times than I should.

When I haven't heard a peep from Caleb for longer than 10 minutes, I fear that he had another episode and he is laying unconscious in his room. When I look at Noah in the rear view mirror and see his little face staring out the window, I fear what his mind might be thinking.

The other day a lizard on my fence kept me from coming to my backyard, because he was mad dogging me. I fear that anything I put in my mouth will multiply on my hips. I fear that my inadequacy  of being a parent will jack my kids up forever and they will one day put me in a convalescent home (ok maybe that is a little dramatic). I fear THINGS more than I fear God sometimes  more than I am shamelessly willing to admit.

I told my husband I was afraid to get pregnant, because so many ladies were not carrying them full term or they died shortly after birth. WHO? he said... Um well I don't know them all personally but I see it all over instagram and Facebook. Then I realized that social media  can create unnecessary panic if you let it.

Isiah 35:4 says "Be strong, do not fear!" I love that the Lord added the exclamation point because it is like He is saying do not fear, end of story, that's it, no other way. God mentions to fear not at least 80 plus times in His word. If you think about our God, one time is enough, but you find it numerous times.

I love how he reminds us, why? Because we can allow our fear to overcome our thoughts and our minds. I have become better at catching myself when fear wants to sneak up and side swipe me in the face. Because, I recognize when I am starting to have fellowship with those fearful thoughts, the closer I become to those thoughts and the further I move away from Gods thoughts.

I was sitting at CHOC with Caleb when I was having that text conversation with my friend. Not knowing what was happening to Caleb, I felt sick to my stomach moments after I just told my husband I was at peace with what was going on.

When my friend sent that text to me, it reminded me that fear is part of parenting. Its OK to have those butterflies BUT don't forget who is in control. I am a natural worrier but when I accepted the Lord in my heart I realized that I no longer had to harbor all those thoughts, giving them to God and leaving them there was is a place of refuge for me. Perhaps you are struggling with fearful thoughts.

I want you to know that God can be your place of refuge.  I would encourage you to open the bible and look up "Fear" in the concordance... Also I want to invite you to a night filled with worship, prayer and a devotion on being fearless.

This Saturday, June 28th we will gather to prayer in the name of Jesus to heal, restore, to anoint, and fellowship asking God to help us become fearless.. If you are interested in going email me at Faithfoodfitness@gmail.com for details..

May God help us to be fearless!

Watching at a distance and being blessed!

Have you ever just met someone and  they immediately make an impression on your heart? I remember meeting her for the first time at mutual friends birthday dinner. Her and her husband were newlyweds. I remember the first thing about her, was her smile and joy that oozed outta her.

It had to be because she was just married.. give it time.. haha! But, as I got to know her and watch her from a distance that joy never left her..... and that smile? Well it never seized to frown. Over the few short years, we have become friends and I don't see her much other than the occasional run in at church, small fellowships and of course social media, but when I found out that she was graduating from college, there was this overwhelming joy in my heart and I had to share...

Amber,

I am proud of you.. I have watched you.. You may not have even noticed. You are probably one of the sweetest ladies I have met. Your Countenance oozes love and joy that makes me know Jesus is your center. As a mom, you have this gentleness about you and the love you have for your boy is refreshing... So Christ like it ministers to me. Thank you for displaying this Christ love and Patience.

What a blessing that not only your boy gets to be touched by you, but also your students. Of course the Lord would have you in the class to be a blessing to those children. I can imagine most days its hard to leave your little boy, but you do it well. And, when I found out you got the teacher of the year award it was just confirmation to what your family and friends already know. Thank you for touching our world by teaching.

The other day I found out your were graduating with your degree. So often I think that it would be impossible for me to one day step foot back on a campus. But, looking at your pictures of your graduation has encouraged me that one day I can do it like you. Thank you for showing me that it is never to late and with God all things are possible.

You posted that it was one rough year for you. I have seen you many times at church and well, I would have never noticed. Why? Not because you were faking the funk but because you trusted the Lord and your faith in God overshadowed the stress. Thank you for showing me what it looks like to really trust the Lord with all your heart.

Friend, this post may seem as a surprised but, unlike Peter who followed at a distance I wanted to take time to acknowledge what a special person you are. You have truly touched my heart and I couldn't have been more proud to know you and watch you. My heart truly leaps for Joy for you and your family, I look forward to seeing what new journey the Lord has for you. Thank you for being a great example of what it looks like to balance being a wife, a mom, a teacher and a grad among all the other things..

I know our Lord is is please, and saying well done good and faithful servant. You have not gone unnoticed! Thank you for encouraging me the way the bible talks about... the way you live!!!!!

Love you lots,
Mon

P.s. My uber talented friend made this piece for you.. I will have

Daddy & Family Pics

Shortly after we were married my husband started to attend Biola for his undergrad. Upon graduating in 2005 he took a semester off and entered into Talbot School of Theology for the masters program at Biola. 

In 2007 he took another semester off when our Asher was born. Aside from that he has been attending semester after semester. 

I seriously have no idea how he handles a full time job, school, high school ministry and still manages to be an awesome daddy and husband. 

As you could imagine there are times after tough semesters, where the road ahead seems longer than the road already traveled. And those are the times when I, have to remind him, that he has come to far to throw in the towel.

We love Biola , there is just something special about that campus. It has not been just a place of education for my husband but a place of spiritual growth. He has been blessed to be taught by many godly professors that has challenged him with the word and how to go deeper.

As the boys get older I know it's harder for him. At times he feels like he is missing out and misses the good night kisses and snuggles. Often time wondering why it didn't happen sooner before kids. 

I actually see it quite differently (perhaps because I am not the one with sleepless nights), I love that our boys get to see daddy going to school because he is teaching them A few things: 

1. You and Never to old to learn new things. 

2. If you want something continue to pursue it no matter how long it takes.

3. Never give up!

4. All things are possible when God is the center! 

5. Daddy's success is a reflection of our families ability to be flexible, encouraging and love. 

Every semester my husband complete is one step closer to graduation. And the day he walks across the stage we will celebrate as a family that we did it! We are so proud of our daddy and the leader of our home and Im blessed to do this less than perfect life with the perfect mate......

This blog was only appropriate since fathers day approaches.. Also we took family pictures a few weeks ago and it was only fitting that we did on the campus of his school... I was so blessed with what Frances of P31 Photography put together for us. Here is a sample of our day :)

Click here for the link to our family slide show