Saturday, June 12, 2010
Summer 2010 Latest
Summer 2010.. has been quite interesting for me. It started out with my having some issues with my voice being hoarse. I thought it would go away because I suspected that I hurt it by yelling for the kids out at the beach and for the dog who got away at the botanical gardens. Well, many many weeks went by and it was not improving. So, I finally went to see an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor over a week ago. It was confirmed that I did hurt my vocal cords. It’s the beginning of polyps. So, I was prescribed a handful of meds and order voice rest for TWO WEEKS.. aaahhh! Does this doctor not understand that I can’t rest my voice when I’m a SINGER .. not to mention, how does the mommy of THREE small kiddos REST her voice.. I mean REALLY? Ok ok.. so I have done the best I know how. I have my follow up in a few days so I am praying that I am healed. This has been really tough on me in so many ways.
The kids have been fun since school has been out. We’ve managed the beach several times, gone to swimming pool, the aquarium and the library. Oh and forgot to mention our fun filled adventure getting thunderstormed out of our very first family camping trip...that sure was fun. But having a "stay at home and just clean or chill" day is next to impossible. My kids must be spoiled cuz they think I’m responsible for their entertainment 24/7.. I know I’m full of fun and surprises but sometimes I need to refuel eh!
I got my acceptance letter from TX A&M University to pursue my BS in Nursing.. so I’m all registered now to hit the books once again. I have a BA in Communications but why am I not working in this field? Beyond me.. maybe in the future. So, I found out a couple months ago that as a military veteran I can get my tuition & fees paid for for up to 150 hours. Wouldn’t it be silly to pass up the opportunity?! I mean, FREE education!!! I love my country! Breathing the fresh air of education as I walked the campus and halls of the university stirred up my “I love school” senses! Right now, I can hardly wait to start school again. I might feel differently in a few weeks when I’m over my head in Chemistry theories and formulas.
My mother-in-law had to have surgery again on her broken ankle. This time it was to remove the plate and screws because it got extremely infected. Then she was transferred to acute care at Kindred. I have been going to visit her and feel so bad for her because she is so helpless there. I pray the Lord heals her quickly.
Business is sooo slow in massage therapy.. across the board…so I know it’s not me. Still waiting on the Lord for that worship leader position.
That’s all I got for now.. OH OH WAIT.. Top Secret!!! Our rental house is under contract and so far the process is going smoothly. Didn’t get great offer but we sense this is a real God thing and trust the Lord will provide. It’s in your hands God!
Okie Doke. Now that’s all .. the peeps are getting restless.
The kids have been fun since school has been out. We’ve managed the beach several times, gone to swimming pool, the aquarium and the library. Oh and forgot to mention our fun filled adventure getting thunderstormed out of our very first family camping trip...that sure was fun. But having a "stay at home and just clean or chill" day is next to impossible. My kids must be spoiled cuz they think I’m responsible for their entertainment 24/7.. I know I’m full of fun and surprises but sometimes I need to refuel eh!
I got my acceptance letter from TX A&M University to pursue my BS in Nursing.. so I’m all registered now to hit the books once again. I have a BA in Communications but why am I not working in this field? Beyond me.. maybe in the future. So, I found out a couple months ago that as a military veteran I can get my tuition & fees paid for for up to 150 hours. Wouldn’t it be silly to pass up the opportunity?! I mean, FREE education!!! I love my country! Breathing the fresh air of education as I walked the campus and halls of the university stirred up my “I love school” senses! Right now, I can hardly wait to start school again. I might feel differently in a few weeks when I’m over my head in Chemistry theories and formulas.
My mother-in-law had to have surgery again on her broken ankle. This time it was to remove the plate and screws because it got extremely infected. Then she was transferred to acute care at Kindred. I have been going to visit her and feel so bad for her because she is so helpless there. I pray the Lord heals her quickly.
Business is sooo slow in massage therapy.. across the board…so I know it’s not me. Still waiting on the Lord for that worship leader position.
That’s all I got for now.. OH OH WAIT.. Top Secret!!! Our rental house is under contract and so far the process is going smoothly. Didn’t get great offer but we sense this is a real God thing and trust the Lord will provide. It’s in your hands God!
Okie Doke. Now that’s all .. the peeps are getting restless.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Celebrated My Mother's Day Early
May 2, 2010
Being A Mommy
How could I ask for more today?! Today we celebrate “my” Mother’s Day! Yes, it is a week early. The thing is, God has totally come through..but of course!.. And how could I expect anything less?
Next weekend on May 7, 8 and 9, I have my reservation for my 3 day silent retreat. I am really looking forward to it. I don’t truly know what to expect.. the only sure thing I do expect is that I will be completely alone with God.. so for that I am very excited.
Lindsey, Brooke and Chase are being so gracious to celebrate me today instead of next weekend. Lindsey and Brooke already spent the morning making me Mother’s Day cards before we went to church. And this morning I woke up with the cutest, cuddliest baby boy in the world, wrapping his little arms around me.. stroking my face. He pulled my face to his with his little hands and kissed me so gently on the lips and said, “Mommy?” I said, “yes?” “When I grow up, I want to marry you.” Talk about a way to a mother’s heart. I said, “will you make a good husband?” He said, “yes, but today I want to go fishing with Daddy, Ok?” He is so funny to me.
After church service, we all had a very relaxing and fun time at Jason’s Deli. My family brings me so much joy on days like today.
Being A Mommy
How could I ask for more today?! Today we celebrate “my” Mother’s Day! Yes, it is a week early. The thing is, God has totally come through..but of course!.. And how could I expect anything less?
Next weekend on May 7, 8 and 9, I have my reservation for my 3 day silent retreat. I am really looking forward to it. I don’t truly know what to expect.. the only sure thing I do expect is that I will be completely alone with God.. so for that I am very excited.
Lindsey, Brooke and Chase are being so gracious to celebrate me today instead of next weekend. Lindsey and Brooke already spent the morning making me Mother’s Day cards before we went to church. And this morning I woke up with the cutest, cuddliest baby boy in the world, wrapping his little arms around me.. stroking my face. He pulled my face to his with his little hands and kissed me so gently on the lips and said, “Mommy?” I said, “yes?” “When I grow up, I want to marry you.” Talk about a way to a mother’s heart. I said, “will you make a good husband?” He said, “yes, but today I want to go fishing with Daddy, Ok?” He is so funny to me.
After church service, we all had a very relaxing and fun time at Jason’s Deli. My family brings me so much joy on days like today.
Then I got to spend the afternoon reading and writing. Then they surprised me with gifts. I just love them. So, I step out of my room and there is this cute note on the floor that says, "You are going to be srprisd!" Then i go to the kitchen and the three of them pop out from hiding saying, "surprise!" There on the table was a bowl of colorful paper flowers they handmade for me, more mother's day cards (INCLUDING a card from the dog) and a "gift bag" (actually a brown paper sack) with a small stuffed toy that belonged to Brooke, a dollar and a white rock. And if that wasn't enough!!! They even made a huge bowl of strawberry jello for me. This is one of the best Mother's day I've ever had. It's the first time they all worked together with their cute little minds to show mommy love. Wow. I'm blessed beyond measure!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
I Will Not Be Silent: Stirred Up To Speak My “Piece”
disclaimer to my silent solitude: sometimes the enemy thinks he can pull one over on you at just the right time..But I feel it safe to let this post out of the bag today! Take that, Satan!
I think there are many many things that grab my attention as very legitimate causes. The things that pull my heart strings the most are children without parents, children who are abused, and children who do not have their needs met. Some of the most heart wrenching circumstances involved children who have all of the above and live in a third world country. That is something I can barely even write about with out my eyes filling up with tears. And that is probably the most extreme case of a legitimate need. But I find myself burdened for even we as adults. Because hidden in almost all of us is a child who has been wounded by someone in their childhood…either emotionally, physically or sexually…an innocent victim left with scars to bare for life.
I give Jesus Christ the glory and credit for healing many of my own scars. I am also very thankful for His forgiveness when I may have acted out from my own hurts. Not that I have arrived by any means, but He has taught me the whys and the hows of my own failings. And because of the grace and forgiveness He lavishes me with, I too am able to extend forgiveness to those who have wounded me.
I say all this in advance because I do not want to be misunderstood about my response to this very hot topic. Recently, one of my favorite Christian artists who had disappeared for 8 years from the music scene came back. Not only has she come out of hiding, she also came out claiming to be in an 8 year same sex relationship. Shocking?! You bet.. Unbelievable? No, not really, considering we are all up against a very deceptive enemy. And when someone is being deceived they do not know it.. Hence, that’s why it is called deception. Not one of us is immune to the lies and temptations of Satan…Not one! However, what we choose to believe and act on is up to each of us.
I just need to get this off my chest.. I’ve never used that expression before but I think I really understand it.. It’s like when I heard this news and got the in depth details, I was knocked to the ground by a giant monster sitting on my chest! I tried to brush it off like the rest of the everyday news but it will not let go. I happen to be very burdened by this situation because of the potential it has to lead so many others astray!
When asked if she is still a Christian, her weak answer is that she is a “person of faith.” I want to make one thing very clear. I do not judge her, nor do I personally have any right to judge her. But I believe there is only ONE truth.. Jesus said, “..I am the truth.” He is the “word” and the word is God. His word is very clear on this subject as well as many others. I’m just sticking to this one for this purpose. The bottom line here is not whether homosexuality is sin or not a sin. That has already been answered in the bible. Notice the words, DO NOT BE DECIEVED.
“9Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,
10Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.” I Corinthians 6: 9,10.
None of these will share in the Kingdom of God.
“ 11And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.
12Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.” I Corinthians 6:11,12
The difference between someone who follows Jesus and someone who believes in Jesus is that a follower denies self at all costs and obeys Him and follows His truth. This is not to say that followers are perfect and never fall. It means that sin is not a way of life for a follower of Jesus Christ. And to address the issue of someone who simply believes in Jesus? Well, in the bible it says that even the demons believe in Him and they tremble. I think we can all agree that demons do not follow Jesus. A follower of Jesus may fall into temptation from time to time but does not justify their sin as a lifestyle. Let’s face it, none of us will never be perfect this side of heaven due to our human nature. Paul even makes reference to this pursuit in the New Testament.
“12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[d] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Phil. 3:12-14
I too believe that God will make it plain to anyone who keeps seeking Him.
“15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.” Phil. 3:15
Further, the salvation that Jesus so graciously gave to us does not give us a license to live a sinful lifestyle. Otherwise, His death on the cross was for nothing!
I am greatly disturbed by her choice because now she will have a mass of followers: people who already live alternative lifestyles, people who were questioning their sexuality and faith, and a mass group of very deceived Christians to support her choice to live in a life of sin. So not only is she leading this huge sector of society, she is being loved and supported by them to continue in her choice.
This now brings me back full circle to the deeper issue at hand. I can see how Satan can use the wounds of a person’s past against them and lure them by his lies. He is, after all, the father of lies.
All of this really stirs me to speak out the Truth! There are too many broken people out there that are being deceived and need to know that there is a true God who loves them. A God that can heal their wounds and set them FREE! And THIS is the cause I desire to have a platform to tell the world the truth on!!!
And, Jennifer Knapp, I have been where you are but somehow by God’s grace I was able to see the Light (that might have something to do with the prayer covering I have from many who love me). I still love you. and most importantly, God still loves you! I will not keep silent and just let Satan have his way…I will NOT give up the good fight.. I am in the trenches beside you.. praying for you. Jesus is the only truth.. and the Truth shall set you free!
I think there are many many things that grab my attention as very legitimate causes. The things that pull my heart strings the most are children without parents, children who are abused, and children who do not have their needs met. Some of the most heart wrenching circumstances involved children who have all of the above and live in a third world country. That is something I can barely even write about with out my eyes filling up with tears. And that is probably the most extreme case of a legitimate need. But I find myself burdened for even we as adults. Because hidden in almost all of us is a child who has been wounded by someone in their childhood…either emotionally, physically or sexually…an innocent victim left with scars to bare for life.
I give Jesus Christ the glory and credit for healing many of my own scars. I am also very thankful for His forgiveness when I may have acted out from my own hurts. Not that I have arrived by any means, but He has taught me the whys and the hows of my own failings. And because of the grace and forgiveness He lavishes me with, I too am able to extend forgiveness to those who have wounded me.
I say all this in advance because I do not want to be misunderstood about my response to this very hot topic. Recently, one of my favorite Christian artists who had disappeared for 8 years from the music scene came back. Not only has she come out of hiding, she also came out claiming to be in an 8 year same sex relationship. Shocking?! You bet.. Unbelievable? No, not really, considering we are all up against a very deceptive enemy. And when someone is being deceived they do not know it.. Hence, that’s why it is called deception. Not one of us is immune to the lies and temptations of Satan…Not one! However, what we choose to believe and act on is up to each of us.
I just need to get this off my chest.. I’ve never used that expression before but I think I really understand it.. It’s like when I heard this news and got the in depth details, I was knocked to the ground by a giant monster sitting on my chest! I tried to brush it off like the rest of the everyday news but it will not let go. I happen to be very burdened by this situation because of the potential it has to lead so many others astray!
When asked if she is still a Christian, her weak answer is that she is a “person of faith.” I want to make one thing very clear. I do not judge her, nor do I personally have any right to judge her. But I believe there is only ONE truth.. Jesus said, “..I am the truth.” He is the “word” and the word is God. His word is very clear on this subject as well as many others. I’m just sticking to this one for this purpose. The bottom line here is not whether homosexuality is sin or not a sin. That has already been answered in the bible. Notice the words, DO NOT BE DECIEVED.
“9Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,
10Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.” I Corinthians 6: 9,10.
None of these will share in the Kingdom of God.
“ 11And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.
12Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.” I Corinthians 6:11,12
The difference between someone who follows Jesus and someone who believes in Jesus is that a follower denies self at all costs and obeys Him and follows His truth. This is not to say that followers are perfect and never fall. It means that sin is not a way of life for a follower of Jesus Christ. And to address the issue of someone who simply believes in Jesus? Well, in the bible it says that even the demons believe in Him and they tremble. I think we can all agree that demons do not follow Jesus. A follower of Jesus may fall into temptation from time to time but does not justify their sin as a lifestyle. Let’s face it, none of us will never be perfect this side of heaven due to our human nature. Paul even makes reference to this pursuit in the New Testament.
“12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[d] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Phil. 3:12-14
I too believe that God will make it plain to anyone who keeps seeking Him.
“15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.” Phil. 3:15
Further, the salvation that Jesus so graciously gave to us does not give us a license to live a sinful lifestyle. Otherwise, His death on the cross was for nothing!
I am greatly disturbed by her choice because now she will have a mass of followers: people who already live alternative lifestyles, people who were questioning their sexuality and faith, and a mass group of very deceived Christians to support her choice to live in a life of sin. So not only is she leading this huge sector of society, she is being loved and supported by them to continue in her choice.
This now brings me back full circle to the deeper issue at hand. I can see how Satan can use the wounds of a person’s past against them and lure them by his lies. He is, after all, the father of lies.
All of this really stirs me to speak out the Truth! There are too many broken people out there that are being deceived and need to know that there is a true God who loves them. A God that can heal their wounds and set them FREE! And THIS is the cause I desire to have a platform to tell the world the truth on!!!
And, Jennifer Knapp, I have been where you are but somehow by God’s grace I was able to see the Light (that might have something to do with the prayer covering I have from many who love me). I still love you. and most importantly, God still loves you! I will not keep silent and just let Satan have his way…I will NOT give up the good fight.. I am in the trenches beside you.. praying for you. Jesus is the only truth.. and the Truth shall set you free!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Turning Down the Noise
April 30, 2010
Funny how only God truly knows the heart. We may think we know our own heart and it makes me laugh to think that we don’t. All I know is that from time to time I can hear God calling me LOUD AND CLEAR to reel myself in from the world so I can hear Him. It’s not that easy while being a mommy of three small kiddos involved with a variety of important “missions.” So, I am taking some baby steps right now to avoid internet communication, phone calls and texting. It would be very easy for me personally.. just not that easy for my world around me to let me. It’s mind boggling to see how “loud” the world around us is…everything screams for our attention.. the world news, the local news, emails, phone calls, text messages, the radio.. the list is endless. EVERY single piece of information that is going into my mind, regardless of the source, IS the noise that is in the way of ONLY hearing His voice. No way I could shut the door to the noise completely. Not to say that His small still voice can’t get through to me.. even with the distractions. I mean, He IS God!… so, I can only imagine how much BETTER I would hear Him speaking directly to my heart if all that was eliminated. I trust He will make it happen. In the mean time, my focus is simple… simple quiet times, simple daily tasks, simple being with my family.. My crazy flesh screams sometimes when I’m in the middle of this self imposed, or should I say, “God imposed,” solitude. Then I have to gently remind it, “all is good, trust in the Lord.. don’t worry you are not losing yourself (wait maybe you are hahaha and that is not a bad thing according to Jesus who says die to yourself and follow me.) but you are not losing WHO you are.. you have everything to gain by submission.” And yet, I totally LONG for the solitude. God will take care of it all…it’s easy for Him.
Funny how only God truly knows the heart. We may think we know our own heart and it makes me laugh to think that we don’t. All I know is that from time to time I can hear God calling me LOUD AND CLEAR to reel myself in from the world so I can hear Him. It’s not that easy while being a mommy of three small kiddos involved with a variety of important “missions.” So, I am taking some baby steps right now to avoid internet communication, phone calls and texting. It would be very easy for me personally.. just not that easy for my world around me to let me. It’s mind boggling to see how “loud” the world around us is…everything screams for our attention.. the world news, the local news, emails, phone calls, text messages, the radio.. the list is endless. EVERY single piece of information that is going into my mind, regardless of the source, IS the noise that is in the way of ONLY hearing His voice. No way I could shut the door to the noise completely. Not to say that His small still voice can’t get through to me.. even with the distractions. I mean, He IS God!… so, I can only imagine how much BETTER I would hear Him speaking directly to my heart if all that was eliminated. I trust He will make it happen. In the mean time, my focus is simple… simple quiet times, simple daily tasks, simple being with my family.. My crazy flesh screams sometimes when I’m in the middle of this self imposed, or should I say, “God imposed,” solitude. Then I have to gently remind it, “all is good, trust in the Lord.. don’t worry you are not losing yourself (wait maybe you are hahaha and that is not a bad thing according to Jesus who says die to yourself and follow me.) but you are not losing WHO you are.. you have everything to gain by submission.” And yet, I totally LONG for the solitude. God will take care of it all…it’s easy for Him.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Catching Up on my Journal.. Every day is a Gift!
Don’t really know why I haven’t been journaling much this year accept for the fact that I have been keeping busy with the kids, household, and music.. and occasional massage. Ya, massage business has waned a whole lot. I’m not too sure why because even when I put forth effort to market, it still doesn’t produce much. And, C’MON, we all know I’m the best massage therapist in Corpus Christi, TX.
What’s happenin’ in My world? Ya.. maybe that sounds self-centered.. but HEY.. this is My journal right? So, hahahaha.. makes sense that is would be about me…. Well, I think it has to do with God, Me and my family.
WORK FRONT
For the past several months, it’s been so strange for me to not have a routine or “steady” focus for a job. My prayer has been, “Lord, please give me patience as I wait on your good and perfect timing…please help me to experience your joy in the midst of this strange season where I feel displaced with the gifts you have blessed me with.” Well, there are of course more prayers but that’s the one that comes to mind today.
MUSIC FRONT
The Anything Goes band has finally gotten out of the garage and we finally finished our little demo. We had the chance to play at the Ayers Event Center for a private party and that really gave us a chance to have real stage time.. with real stage lights.. real sound system.. a real audience and hahahahaha, even a REAL fog machine. I know, funny!
Aside from the fact that we were only a stone’s throw from the ghetto and I was totally out of my element with regards to the audience.. um..i suppose it all went ok. Joe Boutte, the male vocalist, and I have have the funniest “love hate” relationship. It’s funny because as annoying as he may be to many people, I love to mess with him… it’s all in love.. he just hasn’t quite gotten my sense of humor yet.. I think he’s coming around. You know how us musician types can be so sensitive! I feel like, most of the time at least, I have learned how NOT to take myself so serious. And for that I thank the Lord.
I’m still there supporting Alexis as her back up vocalist. We have had two official gigs so far. The last one was at The Centurion Fest at John Paul II High School. It’s getting better I suppose. This girl can SANG.. and her songwriting ability is amazing. You gotta check her out some time. The name is Alexis Saski.
It may appear that all this musical action is filling up my tank. I regretfully have to say, not so. I am grateful for the opportunity to take part and be a supporting role. And perhaps its just a season has me in for now…I have been told, “Anna, this is a different role for you.” I simply say, “yes, it sure is.” Part of me is totally ok with that.. I mean, who am I to complain really. I’m one of the most blessed people on this planet! There is this other part of me that knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has shaped and molded me for something specific and that specific something is to lead worship through music.
Every now and then I get an awesome opportunity to lead worship… a women’s retreat, filling in for a local church, a banquet… And I get really excited to do it. Wish it was more routine in my life. I don’t want to question God. Especially since I know that my first ministry is to my family and bringing up my 3 beautiful kids to love Jesus more than anything or anyone in the world.
I do desire to put together a powerful worship band and I believe that in God’s timing this is going to happen. I mean.. He has already given me the name.. “Undignified”.. in other words worship and praise God without any reservation and with no inhibitions!
HOUSEHOLD BUSINESS FRONT
The lease on our other house will be up by June.. aaaaah! Insert whiney voice “not again!” Ya.. so I have once again put it on the market.. have it with MilitaryByOwner.com have it on Zillow.com have it on Craigslist and just posted it on Facebook today too. Now I need to make some flyers. We are heading into a financial storm once again if it doesn’t sell.. TWO mortgages and 5 mouths to feed and clothe. I trust that no matter what the Lord will provide.
KID AND HUBBY FRONT
More and more I am doing my best to hang on to these beautiful fleeting days with my small children. Life goes by us so fast.. not to mention, everyday is like a gift and the next is not guaranteed. I have the best husband, lover, companion and friend in the world. He is so dedicated to us and works his tail off. I praise God everyday for teaching us and growing us to love and respect each other above everyone else. I truly cannot say enough about how crazy I am about my Phil.. love love love him!
And it may or may not go without saying that I too work my tail off (wish that was literal hahaha) around here keeping up with laundry, dishes, floors, bills, errands, kids’ homework, etc. Once again, I have only praise for it all. God is so gracious.
Lindsey is almost finished with 3rd grade. I’ve been helping her prepare for her first TAKS exam and I am so proud of her for her progress. Her big heart full of love and mind so full of artistic expression never ceases to amaze me.
Brooke, my nature child, is an A student in 1st grade who aims to please. Today she brought home rolly pollies in her insect catcher. I thought to myself, “wait till I tell her what they eat and she will be grossed out.” So, I asked, what will you feed them? She looked at me and said, “I will just feed them Roady poop!” Hilarious… she already planned to feed the bugs the dogs poop. Wow.. surely she is heading into science.
Chase, my sweet little man full of love and cuddly for me will be graduating Pre-K 4 in May. I have the biggest crush on him..who wouldn’t?! I cherish his sweet little hands. When I’m driving, all I have to do is reach back with my hand and he gently hands me a bite of whatever snack he is eating…THAT’S when I soak up that feel of his little fingers touching my hand…or when he proudly grabs my hand as we walk a parking lot. Sometimes I will still hold him in my arms as we are walking.. I know in my mind this could be one of the last times I will hold him in my arms as my baby boy. I’m in love with God, YES.. and I am so in love with my family!
What else can I blah blah about…. It’s a beautiful day. Think I will take the kids for a walk now before the sun goes down. Deep in my heart I am so thankful for so many blessings and I know my Jesus is crazy about me.. And I THANK GOD! Rock on for Jesus!
What’s happenin’ in My world? Ya.. maybe that sounds self-centered.. but HEY.. this is My journal right? So, hahahaha.. makes sense that is would be about me…. Well, I think it has to do with God, Me and my family.
WORK FRONT
For the past several months, it’s been so strange for me to not have a routine or “steady” focus for a job. My prayer has been, “Lord, please give me patience as I wait on your good and perfect timing…please help me to experience your joy in the midst of this strange season where I feel displaced with the gifts you have blessed me with.” Well, there are of course more prayers but that’s the one that comes to mind today.
MUSIC FRONT
The Anything Goes band has finally gotten out of the garage and we finally finished our little demo. We had the chance to play at the Ayers Event Center for a private party and that really gave us a chance to have real stage time.. with real stage lights.. real sound system.. a real audience and hahahahaha, even a REAL fog machine. I know, funny!
Aside from the fact that we were only a stone’s throw from the ghetto and I was totally out of my element with regards to the audience.. um..i suppose it all went ok. Joe Boutte, the male vocalist, and I have have the funniest “love hate” relationship. It’s funny because as annoying as he may be to many people, I love to mess with him… it’s all in love.. he just hasn’t quite gotten my sense of humor yet.. I think he’s coming around. You know how us musician types can be so sensitive! I feel like, most of the time at least, I have learned how NOT to take myself so serious. And for that I thank the Lord.
I’m still there supporting Alexis as her back up vocalist. We have had two official gigs so far. The last one was at The Centurion Fest at John Paul II High School. It’s getting better I suppose. This girl can SANG.. and her songwriting ability is amazing. You gotta check her out some time. The name is Alexis Saski.
It may appear that all this musical action is filling up my tank. I regretfully have to say, not so. I am grateful for the opportunity to take part and be a supporting role. And perhaps its just a season has me in for now…I have been told, “Anna, this is a different role for you.” I simply say, “yes, it sure is.” Part of me is totally ok with that.. I mean, who am I to complain really. I’m one of the most blessed people on this planet! There is this other part of me that knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has shaped and molded me for something specific and that specific something is to lead worship through music.
Every now and then I get an awesome opportunity to lead worship… a women’s retreat, filling in for a local church, a banquet… And I get really excited to do it. Wish it was more routine in my life. I don’t want to question God. Especially since I know that my first ministry is to my family and bringing up my 3 beautiful kids to love Jesus more than anything or anyone in the world.
I do desire to put together a powerful worship band and I believe that in God’s timing this is going to happen. I mean.. He has already given me the name.. “Undignified”.. in other words worship and praise God without any reservation and with no inhibitions!
HOUSEHOLD BUSINESS FRONT
The lease on our other house will be up by June.. aaaaah! Insert whiney voice “not again!” Ya.. so I have once again put it on the market.. have it with MilitaryByOwner.com have it on Zillow.com have it on Craigslist and just posted it on Facebook today too. Now I need to make some flyers. We are heading into a financial storm once again if it doesn’t sell.. TWO mortgages and 5 mouths to feed and clothe. I trust that no matter what the Lord will provide.
KID AND HUBBY FRONT
More and more I am doing my best to hang on to these beautiful fleeting days with my small children. Life goes by us so fast.. not to mention, everyday is like a gift and the next is not guaranteed. I have the best husband, lover, companion and friend in the world. He is so dedicated to us and works his tail off. I praise God everyday for teaching us and growing us to love and respect each other above everyone else. I truly cannot say enough about how crazy I am about my Phil.. love love love him!
And it may or may not go without saying that I too work my tail off (wish that was literal hahaha) around here keeping up with laundry, dishes, floors, bills, errands, kids’ homework, etc. Once again, I have only praise for it all. God is so gracious.
Lindsey is almost finished with 3rd grade. I’ve been helping her prepare for her first TAKS exam and I am so proud of her for her progress. Her big heart full of love and mind so full of artistic expression never ceases to amaze me.
Brooke, my nature child, is an A student in 1st grade who aims to please. Today she brought home rolly pollies in her insect catcher. I thought to myself, “wait till I tell her what they eat and she will be grossed out.” So, I asked, what will you feed them? She looked at me and said, “I will just feed them Roady poop!” Hilarious… she already planned to feed the bugs the dogs poop. Wow.. surely she is heading into science.
Chase, my sweet little man full of love and cuddly for me will be graduating Pre-K 4 in May. I have the biggest crush on him..who wouldn’t?! I cherish his sweet little hands. When I’m driving, all I have to do is reach back with my hand and he gently hands me a bite of whatever snack he is eating…THAT’S when I soak up that feel of his little fingers touching my hand…or when he proudly grabs my hand as we walk a parking lot. Sometimes I will still hold him in my arms as we are walking.. I know in my mind this could be one of the last times I will hold him in my arms as my baby boy. I’m in love with God, YES.. and I am so in love with my family!
FRIENDS
ya.. you thought i had forgotten.. lol. Well, I DIDN'T.. how could i ever forget to mention some of the great pillars of my life.. you all support me through my good and my bad.. No doubt in my mind that you are gifts straight from God above. I pray the Lord blesses your socks off for putting up with me! I love you!
What else can I blah blah about…. It’s a beautiful day. Think I will take the kids for a walk now before the sun goes down. Deep in my heart I am so thankful for so many blessings and I know my Jesus is crazy about me.. And I THANK GOD! Rock on for Jesus!
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