Help. I need somebody. HELP.

January 21, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

(Or the one where she prattles on about beige paint for far too long.)

Ever since we whitewashed our brick fireplace, the need to paint our living room has been increasingly evident. Before we moved in, the house was painted a very flat, very boring beige. Now, most of the house had the trim re-painted white but in the living room area, the trim is still brown. After much discussion (we’re talking about 2 years worth!!) we have decided to keep the trim in this portion of the house brown. There is a HUGE bookcase against one wall, a wooden wall above the mantle, several doors and a stair banister that are all the same trim brown– and we’ve decided it actually IS a nice brown, and we like the coziness it brings.

BUT, that brings with it the trouble of trying to lighten up the room. The fireplace whitewash helped ALOT. And we are about to have oak floors installed in this same room.. which will both add to the coziness and add a little to the darkness. So, my issue is this:

Picking the Paint Color! Our furniture has cream, khaki and a bit of red in it. The floors will be dark brown, the trim is brown (which leads me to want a beige…) BUT, the fireplace brings in an element of “grayness” now. It looks great, but the room doesn’t get a lot of natural light so most beiges I’ve seen are almost too brown with the brown trim. Basically I’m afraid gray is too cool for the warm trim and Beige is too brown. Help.

Am I talking in circles here?

Have I lost you already?

Because this is how my thought pattern has been. IN CIRCLES.

I mean, good grief. It’s just paint. Right?

Except that the floors are now going to be installed in two weeks and they have recommended that we paint first (we will probably have to touch up after.) So I have to decide. And Lance told me as he left today, “Hey.. pick out a paint color today, ok?”

And I felt like he said, “hey give the kids three jars of glitter and then try to sweep it all up in 20 minutes, ok?” (I kid. He’s most helpful and does not ask too much. Ever.)

So I have about a dozen swatches and I’m going to get a few samples tomorrow– but here are the colors in the mean time.

Shaker Beige

Revere Pewter (This one I LOVE but all the photos I’ve seen have white trim.. so it looks crisp.)

Baby Fawn (This is actually part of the off-white collection.)

York Gray

Tyler Gray

Timson Sand

And even now, as I look at all of these they look exactly the same. So yeahhhh… But what are YOUR thoughts? lighter beige? lighter gray with warm undertones? Obviously, I’m headed to get samples and slap some of these up on the walls… I’m just doubting my own ability to choose.

Here’s some pictures of our house to help:

This mantle is EXACTLY the color of the trim everywhere else in the room. And YAY that carpet is on it’s way out!!!

This shows the combination between the gray and the beige and the brown.. yikes, you can really see where we need to touch up!

So I know I’m overthinking this. I KNOW I am.

And for the one reader who is still reading this, Thank you.

Any thoughts?!

Five Minute Friday: Encouragement

January 17, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.” –Proverbs 18:21

I like to think of myself as a pretty decent encourager of others. I know the value of a “What can I do to help?” text or a phone call just to say “I’m thinking of you.” I know encouragement is important because I often need to be encouraged.

But how am I doing with encouraging my immediate circle of influence? My husband and the two little people I live with…
How am I doing at teaching my daughters the value of encouraging each other?

Some days it is down right tough to be encouraging to the very people in my life that need it from me the most. Sometimes it’s all I can do to PARENT. Let alone nurture. ( too honest?)

But oh the place we have in their little hearts and lives when we remember the importance of speaking love to their little tender hearts.

And we CANNOT do it alone. But God’s Grace is enough.

I do NOT want to miss the unbelievable opportunity to raise up little encouragers. Little ones that go out into the world and speak healing words of love and truth to others.

But it starts with me.
Actually it starts when I truly abide in Christ and let HIM love them through me.

(stop)

I’m linking up ( for the first time!) with Five Minute Friday Here.

Sparkly Green Earrings Giveaway!!!

January 15, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

So my stack of books “to read” is getting larger instead of smaller. That’s not supposed to be the case. I started with a small stack, and then came Allume and the wonderful swag bag full of amazing books. And then Christmas and after Christmas sales and then several people had wonderful new books released– and I snatched them up. And then I realized… I have a problem. I like to buy books. I like to start reading them. I have a hard time finding time to actually sit and read. But, I’m turning over a new leaf. This year. I’m finishing books. And so far, I’m doing pretty well! All of these books I’m either reading or wanting to read are so amazing and I cannot wait to dive into them– it just requires more self-discipline and planning on my part. So here’s to FINISHING books in 2014!

And to celebrate my newfound fervor for getting up/ going to bed early enough to do some actual reading–

We’re going to do a book giveaway of one of my favorite books!!!

If you are a mom or have a mom– you will love this book. Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn is a heartwarming and hilarious look at motherhood. this book would make an excellent gift for a first time mom– or even a great Mother’s Day gift for your own Mum! The author Melanie Shankle is the author of the Big Mama Blog and she is so stinkin’ funny. AND, Melanie’s 2nd book, The Antelope in the Living Room: The Real Story of Two People Sharing One Life will be released very soon, on February 4th!!! Lance pre-bought me a copy for Christmas and I cannot wait until it arrives after February 4th! I’m sure it will be just as fun as the first.

Sooooo, I have not one, but 2 copies of Sparkly Green Earrings to give away to two of you lovely readers!!!! (I love giveaways. I just LOVE them!)

Nothing fancy, just comment down below and answer the following question…. Where is your favorite place to read a book?

Add another comment if you are a blog follower or if you become one; two entries for you!!!

This giveaway will conclude next Wednesday night, January 22nd at Midnight!!! Winners will be announced Thursday, January 23rd!

*Amazon links are affiliate links.

**Giveaway sponsored by yours truly. I just love this book and I love to share the love!!!

Favorite Things Party- Volume 1 & 2

January 13, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

I’ll admit that I am a product girl. I LOVE finding new products to try. I am definitely more likely to try something if it comes recommended by someone I trust or respect, so when I read about the idea of the Favorite Things Party– I was so excited to try it. I read up on it a bit through various bloggers that had tried it and planned one for our next small group social.

Basically, when you invite everyone to come you ask them to think of one of their favorite $7.00 items and bring THREE of that item. They bring them to your house unwrapped and then you do a fun gift swap in which everyone leaves with three new, different items to try. (Most people do more than three of the item, but we were trying to keep it a relatively inexpensive event. Next time, we will probably do more.)
Everyone also brought either an appetizer or a dessert. (What’s a party without fun food, right?)

We have now done it twice, once back in the Spring of last year, and then at Christmas time. It was a fun thing to do in early December as a Christmas party– because it really opened up the types of things you could bring– and it gave everyone great gift ideas!

Since I was WAY better at taking photos of the one in the Spring, I thought I would post those pictures first.

At the door, we had everyone place their name once in one bucket for door prizes and three times in the other for the Fav. things Exchange.

The table with everyone's Favorite Things lined up-- so fun! — The table with everyone’s Favorite Things lined up– so fun!

Bags for everyone's fun stuff! — Bags for everyone’s fun stuff!

(Bag tags printed from this cute blog!)

The favorite things I received: a GREAT cup which I use for Iced Coffee like there's no tomorrow, the BEST inexpensive lip balm ever, and this adorable little ceramic bird and a box of Tazo Chai Concentrate. — The favorite things I received: a GREAT cup which I use for Iced Coffee like there’s no tomorrow, the BEST inexpensive lip balm ever– EOS Lip Balm, and this adorable little ceramic bird and a box of Tazo Chai Concentrate.

We had such an amazing time at the Spring Favorite Things Party, that we immediately decided to have one for Christmas as well!

At the beginning of December, we all gathered together again to celebrate and share a few of our Favorite Things.

The Hot Cocoa Bar was SO FUN! I used a recipe for Polar Express Hot Chocolate I found HERE through Pinterest. It was so delicious– but definitely not something you should have every day!

Spa Water with Fresh Cranberries and Orange Slices

One of the girls made these "Melted Snowman" cookies-- so cute! — One of the girls made these “Melted Snowman” cookies– so cute!

So here where I failed– BIG TIME. I totally dropped the ball as far as additional photos! I cannot believe it but once the party got going, I lost all track of time. But, I DO remember the “Favorite Things” that everyone bought— Hand Soap, Fuzzy & Cozy Socks, Gel Nail Top Coat, Scarves, Books, Cool Pens, Starbucks GiftCards, and Jars of Coconut Oil. All such great ideas! I brought little sets of Mrs. Meyer’s Holiday Collection Countertop Spray and Hand Soap tied up with a pretty Christmas bow. I LOVE these products and *BONUS* I find my counters are cleaner because I love the smell of the spray and I use it often. Score!

This is by FAR my favorite kind of party to host. I would love to do it quarterly–and I just might. You should too!

Courage & Perfection

January 8, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

“Mommy, I want to draw it but I don’t know how.”

“What is it you’re trying to draw, hon?”

“Jesus. Baby Jesus in the manger. This needs to be the FIRST Christmas.”

“Ahh. Ok. Well why don’t I get you started with the manger and you can go from there?”

“Ok!”

I began to draw a crude little box and made scratches of pencil to make hay so she could add Baby Jesus. (My drawing skills are about a 4 year old level anyway.)

She stretched out on a blanket and proceeded to get all her stuff straightened out. Pencils, here. Paper, here. Cup of water, here. Book to put under paper, there.

I sat mere feet away, tentatively cracking my own book. Preparing to read the days’ advent reading while she drew and her little sister napped. The quiet doesn’t come often these days and I was two days behind. Just as I read three words, I saw her shoulders heave with an audible sigh.

Inwardly I sighed myself, thinking. “She’s already bored with this.” The parent in me resolved to make her finish what she started. She sighs again.

“Mommy?”

“I can’t do it. I can’t.”

“What’s the matter, Lu? You just started. You can work on it for a few more minutes, can’t you?”

“No. I can’t start it because… it won’t be perfect.”

My stomach flip-flopped as I heard those own echoed words rising up in me so very often.

“Sweetheart, it does NOT need to be perfect. Just do your best.”

“Mommy, no. No. This is different. It’s a picture of Jesus.”

“Okay… but Mommy thinks you draw beautifully. And I’m sure Jesus does too. Especially if you’re drawing something FOR HIM. God is the one who made you and He made you a little girl who likes to draw!”

Little by little she became a bit more confident. Along the way she began to truly enjoy the picture she drew until the very end, when she was positively pleased with the outcome.

But even weeks later, I wonder… Why do we do that? Why do we allow the fear of the end result keep us from making art?

Why do we shy away from doing something new, something creative, something different– or something that stretches us… all because we cannot ensure the quality of perfection?

I was, however, reminded of the sobriety that is sometimes needed. I was reminded of the need for reverence when attempting to point anyone in the direction of Christ. Especially when that picture is my own life. Is it a clear likeness?

But when God has given us a desire, a passion or even an interest in something– we need not forget that even the smallest bit of creativity is hopefully a reflection of our extremely Creative Creator. I used to think I could never be an artist. I can’t paint. I can hardly draw a straight line– (see aforementioned manger description.) but there is SO much MORE to ART than a physical canvas and a literal paintbrush.

Whether you teach 6th grade Sunday School; speech to underprivileged children, or you’re just trying to teach your 5 year old to read– Your “art” matters and you are being used. Gone are the days when we might have incorrectly estimated that there is a hard and fast line between the sacred and the ordinary. There is nothing “ordinary” that is done to glorify God. What matters is our obedience. And the outcome is not really in your hands.

Did you hear that part? Because I really need to say it again for myself.

The outcome is NOT really up to you. And we need to start these things– regardless of the feeling that we “may not have what it takes.” The fact is, we do NOT have what it takes. But He does. And this trying, this building and creating… it makes us shine brighter and gives us another avenue of worship.

Emily Freeman in her amazing book, Million Little Ways, A: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live
said it much more eloquently– “What makes us come alive goes deeper than what we choose to do in our professions and our free time. What makes us come alive is LIFE, and this life is Jesus. Painting, cooking, parenting, calculating, and conversation all have the potential to hold within them a mystery and an expression of our life in Christ.” (A Million Little Ways, pg. 30)

As my sweet four-year old revealed to me, she was afraid of beginning because she did not foresee the beauty of the ending. Her perspective was pure– but it was that of a child.

And when I step back, I see that my perspective is not always the accurate one. It comes from limited insight. But, HE sees the end from the beginning. And we will be most fulfilled when we are obedient.

So, 2014. Let’s agree to not be fearful. Pinky Promise?

You should know this being brave thing is pretty new to me too– which may be why I’m learning little lessons from watching my kiddos color. Courage. It’s not such a scary thing when we realize that it’s not ourselves we are trusting in, but He who holds Heaven and Earth in the palm of His hand.

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

The Best of 2013

January 6, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Annnnd… we’re back!

While most of you are one week into your New Year, I feel like mine has just begun. We had a wonderful 2nd half of Christmas celebrating with family and I definitely could have stayed a few more days– but sadly, reality dawned and it had to come to an end. So, Lance is back at work. Lucy’s back at school and Abby and I are making the effort to try to get our house back in one, post-Christmas piece. Well, I’m making an effort… Abby is helping by “un-doing” everything I do. Ha! Toddlers. Speaking of, she is going to be TWO in one month. WHOA.

So, here are my favorite highlights of 2013—

JANUARY:

44028830004 — Three things stand out to me– Abby is so tiny!!! And barefoot. And Lucy is so little looking! You can see the thousands of other visitors to the Happiest Place on Earth behind us!

We took a little two day trip to Disney– thinking it would be a good time to go, but we were dead wrong! Apparently everyone else was NOT back in school like we thought! But, we still had an AMAZING time. Next time we hope to go in a less busy season. Lesson learned.

In late January, Lance and I also had the chance to take a quick weekend trip to one of our favorite places and former home: Raleigh, NC! Some of our dearest friends were moving away so the girls got some Nana & Papa time and we zipped up there for a couple days.

One of our favorite visits was a coffee shop that opened after we left– Jubala Coffee! If you happen to live in the Raleigh area and you have not been there yet- Go! right now!

A Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Latte and a homemade Liege Waffle! Fabulous!

February:

Abby’s 1st birthday!!!

March:

Our favorite March event was Lucy’s first Ballet Performance in the Roar of Love. She did so great and we loved seeing our little almost 4-year old dance in such a wonderful performance.

April:

Our beach vacation was certainly the highlight of April! We stayed at a great little condo in St. Simons Island and enjoyed a relaxing week together.

Our sandy shoes at the condo where we stayed — Our sandy shoes at the condo

May:

Lucy’s 4th Birthday!

She was having so much fun, she rarely looked at the camera! Sweet little 4 yr. old!

June:

After a pretty busy spring and early summer, in June– we just RELAXED!!!

July:

Lance's 34th Birthday! — Quite possibly my favorite part of July– was that Amy and I began our morning walks! So refreshing and so good for us! Lance’s 34th Birthday!!!

August:

September:

My favorite part of September was the DotMom Conference! The fantastic weekend in Chattanooga with a couple close friends from church was just what this tired mama needed!

Honorable Mention: Painting the Fireplace!!!! This was a project I had considered for a long time and I’m so glad we finally did it!

And as much as I liked it in September, I was blown away by how it looked when dressed up for Christmas! I should have done it sooner.

October:

ALLUME was certainly a memorable part of October. I learned so much, was stretched beyond myself and found the freedom to keep writing.

November:

Definitely, without a doubt, Lance’s new job which God provided, started in November. We are still a bit awestruck at this blessing.

December:

It’s hard to put a finger on one particular event in December, the whole month was full of blessings and love. It was so nice to be able to spend a lot of time at HOME this year. For that I am very thankful!

Still Christmasing….

December 30, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

I hope you had (and are having) a wonderful Christmas.

We have had a wonderful time both at home and traveling to be with family. Christmas Eve was wonderful as we were able to attend (for the first time ever) the Christmas Eve service at our church. We’ve decided that’s a new important part of our celebration. Christmas morning was simple and perfect. We read the story of Jesus’ birth, opened presents and baked cinnamon rolls and sausage balls to take to our friends house for breakfast. Four Adults, one teen, and four kiddos– all of us in our pajamas, enjoying good food and coffee together. There’s nothing like chowing down on cinnamon rolls with your exercise partner. HA!

Here we are, NOT working out on Christmas.

Here’s a few photos from our Christmas morning—

And where much of the country is busy packing up their Christmas decor today– I am not.

Because we aren’t done with Christmas! The way our family celebrations work out, we don’t finish Christmas for about another week– so we are still in full-celebration mode! (Except for the fact that we’ve starting exercising again and I’m being more careful with what I’m eating– because frankly, I cannot wait until January for everything!)

But I’m SO looking forward to 2014. I cannot wait to see how God uses us and grows us next year. I’ll be back soon to talk about our favorite January topic– goals!

Happy Monday!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

December 25, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!!!

Stuckey-35 — And another…just to prove Abby smiles.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season close to everyone you love.

I hope you have joyful and non-eventful travel times and that the kids take looooong naps on the road.

I wish you long first sips of good coffee from a familiar mug while wearing pajamas and socks in your parent’s kitchen.

I hope you find yourself savoring the first bite (and the last!) of something your mama (or mom in law) made.

I hope you get to share meals with your grown-up (or not yet!) siblings, and smirks over the dinner table at inside jokes.

I hope you enjoy waking up next to your spouse a bit later than normal and relishing the vacation days… and hold hands!!!

I hope you stay up late watching slightly cheesy Hallmark movies with your dad–

I hope you take mental photographs of the way your children look on the lap of your grandparents (or theirs.)

I hope you hug soon, hug long, and hug often.

But more than all this, I hope you find some time over the next few days to get alone with God and THANK HIM for this great gift. He has given us so much in this life, But through His SON He has given us SO MUCH MORE.

Even if this season has left you exhausted and stressed and you are just realizing that you think you “missed it” again…

Well, don’t lose heart. It’s not over yet. Let Heaven and Nature SING!!! Repeat the Sounding Joy…

Merry Christmas, dear friend! See you in a few days!!!

(We can talk about all we ATE and share good recipes for Green Smoothies to get us back on track!)

This too, has passed.

December 16, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

So let’s see.. quick recap.

One week ago today I was in the ER with my first ever Kidney Stone. (WHAT???!!?!) Yeah. I woke up with horrible knife like pain in my back and could not sit, stand or function. My dear friend, neighbor and walking partner lovingly took me to the ER before the sun came up and sat by me and watched me writhe for 2 1/2 hrs. until I received pain meds. She sat by my bedside and took care of me in the sweet ministry that is Emesis bags and wet paper towels. Jen Hatmaker said at DotMom this year that “she has learned that just about every problem her kids have– can be cured with either a wet paper towel or a glass of water.” I’m convinced that’s true. No joke, there was service in those wet paper towels. There is seriously something so comforting about having a friend that doesn’t mind taking you to the hospital. ( Thanks, Amy! I promise to do the same for you should the need ever arise. ) She also helped watch my babies that afternoon until Lance took over and sent them home with a new Veggietales Movie.

By the time I got home from the hospital my mom had made the 5 hr. drive from Florida, (I’m pretty sure she just wanted to see my Christmas Decorations and catch up on Downton Abbey re-runs before the new season begins. Which we did–once the meds kicked in!) Also, each of our dinner meals that week had been taken care of by members of our small group. Another friend picked Lucy up from school and took care of her and the list just goes on of people that took care of us!! Such love!

Unfortunately, the same can NOT be said of all the emergency personnel we came in contact with. There should be a law against making “jokes” when your patient is doubled over groaning in pain and you KNOW you have absolutely no intention of helping her for at least another 2 hours. The meds did eventually come and life was sweet…

Until the official diagnosis came by way of the Dr with about a ‘2’ on the bedside manner scale.

Dr. What’shisname: “So you have a kidney stone.”

Me: “ok.”

Dr. What’shisname: “You know a lot of soda can cause them… do you drink a lot of soda?”

Me: “No, not really at all.”

Dr. What’shisname: “Oh well, do you eat a lot of greeny leafy vegetables?”

Me: “YES!” (hopeful, just knowing I’m about to pass this test!)

Dr. What’shisname: “Yeah, that can do it too.”

*Crickets*

So apparently I am supposed to avoid soda and green leafy vegetables. It figures. I knew all those salads and green smoothies were going to catch up with me someday. Here I was, just frittering away all my servings of vegetables and making sure I got enough vitamins like there was no tomorrow. Just eating green vegetables willy nilly– and never thinking about the consequences. Blast you, food pyramid.

So my ever gracious and compassionate Mom arrives. I don’t care who you are, you always need your mommy when you’re sick. If there’s one thing my mom is, it’s sympathetic. Which is nice, seeing as she spent all those years in the medical field– you’d expect she would have that “I’ve seen it all– get over it-you’re just fine” attitude. But not her. All I have to do is tell her I have a headache and she’s acts as though I’ve just had to remove my own appendix. It’s kinda nice. Like I said, you always need medical sympathy from your mom.

Within a day or two (or three?) I was feeling much better and things seemed to have.. you know– cleared up (out?) but I made the mistake of never making the official announcement that I had indeed passed the kidney stone.

I know this because the night before last, Lance and I had the following enlightening chat.

Him: “So how are you doing?”

Me: “Oh, I’m ok. much better now that I don’t think we’re going to catch the flu the kids have.” (Yes, the FLU!! what a week!!)

Him: “So… do you think you’ll pass the stone soon?”

Me: “WHAT??!?!?! Babe, that happened days ago.”

Him: “Really? Because people at work keep asking me if you passed it and I keep telling them no.”

So now I’m just a little embarrassed that everyone thinks I’ve just been walking around, hanging on to kidney stones for an inordinate amount of time.

Well, you know– hanging on to kidney stones and munching on way too much spinach and all.

I’m such a rebel. I might as well get a Harley.

Enough

December 13, 2013 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Nestled in the small book of Judges are a few chapters which tell the story of Gideon. You might be familiar with the part where Gideon sets out the fleece before God. We see how Gideon is a little bit unsure of if and how they will defeat the Midianites… so He goes to God, fleece in hand– hoping for clarification. God confirms. Gideon asks again and waits. God confirms a second time.

But I want to draw your attention to the part just after. God has confirmed HIS plan for Gideon, and then He begins to work. But instead of fitting the men for battle with visible supernatural armor and giving them the tools to build a giant structure which would cause the Midianites to cower…. instead He tells Gideon His army is too big. So God removes 22,000 men. Leaving only a third. Surely Gideon felt daunted, yet perhaps he trusted still (even a little? ) in what was left of their numbers.

Then comes God a second time to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying ‘My own hand has saved me.” (Judges 7:2) I can just imagine Gideon’s palms sweaty and his face clammy with fear as he watches as all but 300 men are removed and sent home. 300 men. That is a very small number to face such an army. “With the 300 men who lapped, I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand..” (Judges 7:7) Notice God says, “I will save you.” Not that there would be any confusion at this point. They were outnumbered. Completely.

And what happened? God delivered them. He provided. He protected and HE FOUGHT THE BATTLE! Gideon may have been leading them into the valley, but it was GOD’S Battle to fight and to win. And the amazing thing that God knew was that there needed to be a huge disparity between their resources and what they needed to be successful– so that when victory came, as it did– they would turn to God alone with their praise.

In her video series on Gideon, Priscilla Shirer said that this is exactly where God wants us to be. The space between our (God -given!) resources and what needs to be accomplished in His name. She refers to this space as “God Margin.” The space where He can work. She goes on to say that that He loves weakness as His strength is made perfect. I love that. Made perfect– as in lacking nothing.

Because let me just say, I am not lacking nothing. More accurately.. I feel as though I lack just about everything.

Time.

Energy. (especially given the events of the past week!)

Motivation.

Do you find yourself focused on what you do not come to the table with? You desire to have a homemade, fair-trade, every-gift-bought-feeds-a-village Christmas but your time and financial resources end after about one local artisan gift? Don’t ask “why bother?” Buy that one gift. Give that one gift. And trust God to make your small offering big for the least of these you ache to help.

Perhaps you KNOW for certain God is calling you to adopt. Your heart feels incomplete and you have space for “at least one more.” But the details are staggering and make you want to crawl back in bed. Don’t allow what you do not possess in your own strength to craft a mountain of “why you cannot.” Walk ahead. One step at a time, and when you must stop because your energy & resources run out– just wait. Wait for Him to act. If He has called you, He will provide.

Maybe it’s just… Christmas. (12 days from today.) Maybe 2 months ago you had great designs of how to avoid the rush and hustle and bustle and missing the manger altogether– but now… you might not get it “all” done if you don’t continue at breakneck pace until the 25th. You worry that you’ve missed your chance to make it meaningful and a true season of celebration of HIS birth. Start today, do something small for someone else. And pray that HE will increase your efforts and still your heart.

For some, it’s just continuing on the path that He has set you on. You know He has called you to what and where you are about– but how? How can you get there from here? GOD MARGIN.

Let Him fill the space that we are not, with ALL that He is.

Faithful.

Sovereign.

Patient.

Unceasingly Merciful.

And as we walk forward (behind Him, certainly– as He goes before us) we must walk in courage. In hope. And in the joy of the victory that is already ours. Because it is already HIS.

He is more than ENOUGH when we are not quite.