My 77 Steps...

Do you wear a FitBit? It's fun...when it works. I have "friends" on my account with FB that join in on these challenges where you walk so many steps, etc. The app on my phone updates on occasion or doesn't when it wants to. Last week it said I had  walked 77 steps. Yes, I'm a rockstar. You would want me on your team, right? Turns out the battery is going out on the Zip and it won't update to conserve energy. Lame.

Just because a "tracking device" doesn't track, does NOT mean that there wasn't progress. (I mean even the Jews traveled more on the Sabbath than 77 steps. Amaright?)  Sheesh.

However, the Lord has been good and is showing me so much about the little things that I do that aren't "tracked" or noticed. They matter. It usually isn't the big things in life that side track us, is it? But the little things that over time whittle away a chunk at a time where pretty soon the foundation is gone.

Whether the battery works or not, I desire to be faithful. To walk my steps. To fulfill my word, and to show up when that's the only thing to do. As frustrating as life gets sometimes, just show up. Walk your 77 steps or your 10,000. Be there. What you bring to this life, matters.

We saw evidence of that in DC. Yes, we still are talking about it. GO if you can. It is incredible! The men and women who founded this country...whew. They showed up and went the distance. Inspiring, and encouraging to build and rebuild a solid foundation.

(Oh, and if you go to DC...be prepared to walk a bit more than 77 steps...)

And the winner is...

We have a winner, winner!!! Deana Dobson was the winner of my blog drawing that was picked at random from the comments on my blog, page and Facebook page! Congrats, girl!!!

A copy of "For the Love" by Jen Hatmaker is headed your way!!! Pm or text me the address I need to send it to! 💖💖💖

Winner was chosen by random draw.

Special thanks for all of you who participated!!!

For the LOVE

For the Love

 

FIGHTING for GRACE in a world of impossible standards.

Jen Hatmaker

 

 

I don't think I realized what I was getting into when I joined the launch team for Jen's book. I mean, I was comfortable where I was, tucked away in my small little corner of the world.

Perhaps one of my teammates said it best: Jen "didn't write a book, she wrote a community."

For the Love is one of those books that will forever be a favorite. Not just because of the uber cool cover, but the wisdom, hilarious visuals, and of course the connection you feel with her; someone who "gets" me.

 

Jen has a way with words. The kind of words that motivate and produce change. They mean something when they can do that. She is real. She is genuine and her heart that she pours into these pages is simply beautiful.

 

 

There's sage wisdom for raising kids: "Do we emphasize behavior over character? Because good behavior won't guarantee anything. If they don't love Jesus and people, it matters zero if they remain virgins and don't say the F-word. We must shepherd their hearts, not just their hemlines."

 

 

Hilarious perspective in her "Fashion Concerns" chapter that is OH SO TRUE. You NEED to read this yourself. It is totally fun stuff. In Jen fashion, "Bless."

 

 

I have laughed until I literally fell over reading this book.  Aaron followed suit. For reals. She is on point with her humor and has called the truth exactly what it is. TRUTH. I seriously could gush and gush and go on and on, but I don't have to anymore because... THE BOOK RELEASED TODAY!!!



 

 

 



Go now. All things else will wait. I promise. You can order at forthelove.com or at Barnes and Noble and even on Amazon.com.

Now that I know, I've been inspired to change. Now that I have seen, I want to act differently...only no acting. Just being a Jesus girl giving and living in GRACE.

~Erin

PS: Are you interested in getting this book for FREE? Simply comment below, and a random name will be chosen! You're welcome!

Vacation 1...Update

I told you I'd get back to you with photos and here they are.

Better late than never!

I'll have you know, it's naptime and I'm hiding from the little as she is currently peeking at me under the door saying, "Mom-mom! I done? All done naptime?"

I have selective hearing. At least for the next few (downloading) minutes! =)

I've been in the mode of "Just do the next thing." It has taught me so much this summer. To stop and relax. Enjoy and have fun. Worry less and live more.

My kids remind me daily to just go for it. Literally--they start 100 mph at 0'dark-thirty. They live life just right out there.

I digress...

Here are the pics from our vacation.
 

Day 1: We traveled into DC via my brother Adam's house...1 1/2 hours away.

 

Sightseeing started at The Washington Monument. From there we went to The World II Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial, and finally the Museum of American History. (Hands to the Heavens) It was a HOT day, but Oh!!! SO incredibly beautiful.

 

May we never forget.

 

Adam went with us. He was clearly enthralled.

 

What his eyes have seen...

 

There was not a sound that even echoed around the wall of the fallen.

Complete silence. Reverence.

One could not walk through and leave unmoved.

Tears flowed freely.

 

While the rest of us admired the sights, Libbi plotted escape...at EVERY turn.

Yes, she has a leash. We called it the "hugging Owl."

 

Don't judge.

 

The White House. So stately and regal.

May we always honor the God in whom this country was founded on.

 

 

 

This was how we ended the day. In traffic, praising the Lord for Starbucks!

 

More pics to come!

 

Much love!

The Here and Now

 What a great time we had!

 We went to Washington DC (in the general area there) for  just about  two weeks.
 Great time to relax and enjoy some family time. We are so thankful for our church family letting us get away!

 My blog is also getting ready to have some updates done to it! I met a wonderful person through a book launch team, and she's been putting in some hard work for me.

 Speaking of book launches, I'm currently enrolled in two, and I'm thoroughly enjoying them. There's very little to do on our part, other than what you would do every day on social media. Such a great time to meet so many wonderful ladies!

 My heart and my mind have been so full of things I wanted to write. I will update the blog soon with tons of pictures. It will be photo overload. Fair warning.

I'm sitting here  in the car, waiting on Cade to finish up with his piano lessons. Libby is sitting in the back watching a movie. I cannot help but be amazed at the little ways God blesses, protects, and just is plain GOOD to us

 I cannot be the only one feeling the same way. Life is so precious, so dear, and always changing. It amazes me that He has such patience with us. He goes over and above. Always.

Bless you, dear reader as I know my posts have ebbed and flowed. Life has been wonderful – crazy. School starts in a couple weeks.  Whether you find yourself getting your Littles ready for school, or just ready for your next season in life, know that you're loved and cherished today.  Stay in the present, that's where he's waiting.

The sun is bright and shining. And so are the foreheads that live in this house. The heat index is 106 today. Hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk or a lizard on a Quonset hut.

My inner-redneck is showing. I guess that's what happens when the heat gets to me! =)

Today finds the kids napping, Aaron sermon prepping and I'm here with my feet propped up, and an iced cold La Croix in hand. Lime...my favorite.

My mind is trying to apply myself to studying about the armor of God, which I'm supposed to be teaching on tomorrow, but my heart is heavy for the church itself. How very appropriate to be learning more about the armor as the day approaches.

Our country is getting ready to celebrate a birthday. A day where we celebrate our independence. Our freedom from tyranny.

Finding freedom in today's world is much like it has always been for mankind. Someone will win, and others will lose. Winning begins with these three steps:
1) Knowing your opponent.
2) Preparing your armor.
3) And Readying yourself for a tough fight.

You cannot decide to fight well or to polish up your armor when the enemy is at your door. Things that take work are difficult because it calls us to daily drill in circumstances that aren't "Right Now." Or immediate. Instant satisfaction won't work with a battle. At least in most cases, battles are hard fought. Sacrifices made. Duty and discipline. A loyalty of heart, and a unity of spirit. Characteristics of a warrior begin in the heart and are played out in his/her life as the battle rages. Time and effort have been poured into the heart and trained in the mind. Over and over, and over and over. Until fluidity, accuracy, and dependability are obtained. The finished product is what is necessary to accept and hold onto the prize.

As Jesus followers, the same is true for us. Maybe even more so.

If it is true freedom that we are after, then we have to repeat those same three steps...and hold close to what it is that we are fighting for. It was for freedom that Christ set us free. (Galations 5:10). The end of that verse urges us to "Stand firm" and not let ourselves be yoked to slavery again.

The process repeats itself. Again and again.

Perhaps as we approach this birthday, may we think past the fireworks and the "winning," and look towards the horizon as we stand firm. In our freedom. At least for today.

Summer...

Potty training is a spiritual gift, but it's not mine. Apparently.
Little Miss is trying her best to NOT go most days, but on others amazes me with her...what would you call it...skill? Or whatever.

It would be easy, they said. "Fun" was the word they used. Her cuteness calls for grace. And lots and lots of laughs.

 

 

Mr. C is going places. He dreams big and loves loyal. I'm clearly his biggest fan! (His sister "crossed over" at his "Crossing Over" ceremony, behind the scenes; trying to play her part.) That was a special moment.

 

 

 

I've done a bit of traveling...making a mad dash to Michigan to see my BFF, who came (literally) back from the grave. Be still my heart. These moments cause you to pause and magnify the important things in life. Like life. Living. Her beautiful boy "Zeke" is living proof of joy. Hope. And the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

 

(The cuteness...I can hardly handle!)

There are a couple of retreats that I'm beginning to prepare for. The Lord is really rocking our worlds when it comes right down to loving people and keeping the Gospel the "GOOD" news, not our opinions of it. The Lord is so good to us. For real.

I've started at least six posts, but none of them have been "worked" out just right. I'll share more of them soon. I'm learning so much I can hardly keep up these days. Yes, the potty training stuff has me befuzzled. I'm learning there too. Girls are NOT easier than boys. All lies. *smile

My plate has been so full, and I've been so full, that I decided to take almost all of April and part of May to unload. Remove. Take off all things "too much." These things, all these things, cause me "BIG FEELINGS." And then some. They are things that cause me instant stress as soon as I say "Yes." They cause great distress and allow me to watch the cycles of the moon at night. Night after night. When I should have said "No." Nada. No can do. Forget it.

My mercy gets me into trouble, but I'm coming back swinging singing.

This summer is going to be exciting. We've already had a tornado, flooded basement, broken toilet, melted siding, and a few knee scrapes along the way. Never a dull moment and I wouldn't trade it for anything! It has truly been so much fun. I'm terrible at pictures--big surprise. But i'm loving every minute!

It was great "chatting" with you.

Stay faithful friends.

-Erin