Sunday, March 26, 2017

Words from the Service...

In honor of our son, Garrison Isaac's passing in my womb at 19 weeks over 3 years ago (Jan 31st), I'm revisiting my blog and finally posting. I had forgotten I had actually put the following together in March 2014 and saved it as a draft that I just now discovered in my blog's folder. I never would have thought we would find ourselves in such a difficult journey then and now as we've had 2 more pregnancy losses in 2016. We're constantly leaning on God's guidance and protection through it all, that's the only way we keep our sanity :)

So here we are...


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I've compiled all the readings and order of service for Garrison's memorial together for everyone that would be interested to read. I know some of you were there, some weren't able to make it or some were far away in virtual internet land.  It's a lot of text so don't feel compelled to read it all. Following this is a VERY touching story that my mom wrote those days after the service with photos included from that day called "From a Distance", a.k.a. This Will Make You Cry A LOT (so grab a kleenex).

I hope all of this paints a better picture of what we've been through, what we've learned and where we're going for you to see and understand.  Possibly for anyone else that has also gone through a miscarriage and could bless you and help you. 

 Garrison Isaac Johnson Memorial Service
February 6th, 2014
Gone to Heaven January 31st, 2014
Mountain View Funeral Home

Pastor Officiating
Bo Noonan
New Community Church
Tacoma, WA

“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”
Psalm 30:20-22

Order of Service

Welcome
Prayer and words from the Pastor
We would like to thank people for coming, to pray for Garrison and for the opportunity to honor him. While he was with us only a short time, God used his life, his strength and his joy to help us learn so much about ourselves and we’re so thankful to have him for the time he was with us.

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William & Leah’s Hope for a Child (Shared from Bo)
We would just like people to understand a little of our story. We have been married for 7 years, been trying for a child for almost two years. When we found out we were expecting a baby we were overjoyed, the opportunity to be a father, a mother, raise a child in Jesus and experience what it’s like to know the fullness of family experience that God has gifted us to help us grow as people and provide comfort to us, through His love. Soon after being pregnant Leah began having issues that jeopardized the pregnancy, which lead to bed rest, her bed rest soon became a struggle of constant prayer, drawing closer to God in faith that he would be ok. God used this time in our life to break down the old us, and taught us so much about ourselves, and how strong we could be, by leaning on Jesus. We named him Garrison, for his strength, when he hung on throughout the pregnancy, and after William’s father Gary. We named him Isaac for laughter, giving us joy and surprises every step of the way, even when doctors were convinced we were having a girl, but in our hearts we thought he would be a boy, and blood test results proved it and we laughed with joy.

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The Gift of Garrison Isaac
Writings from the parents

From Leah: 

What I’m Thankful For
Feb. 6th 2014 By: Leah Johnson
Thank you so much for being with us today and honoring Garrison’s life. The past 4 months have been a difficult and trying time for us but incredibly rewarding.  God has given us so much strength as we’ve had to make big changes in our every day lives, expectations and desires. As well, the opportunity to be Garrison’s mom, as hard as it was, has been a blessing and I wouldn’t wish this time away for anything. This is what God has shown and taught us through Garrison’s life in this bittersweet season that I’m incredibly thankful for.

I’m thankful for having an Unshakable Peace
-From the first signs of concern, I have had an amazing sense of peace and calm about the pregnancy. I knew that no matter what, God had his hand on Garrison and He knew what he was doing and by that I felt at ease. I still had some anxieties but overall I knew I could only do so much because God was in charge.

I’m thankful for William’s care and concern for me and Garrison while on bed rest
-I was amazed at how well he took over the household duties, cooking, cleaning, bringing me meals and being such a protective and loving husband. I honestly didn’t know he was capable of so much until now. Through this I feel incredibly confident of what he’s capable of for now and the future and know that it is all by the strength and grace that God gave him. I am truly blessed by it and have a deeper love and appreciation for him because of it.

I’m thankful for all the praying friends and family near and far
-We’re amazed by the blessing of having so many people pray for us and Garrison. From both our parents churches, our relatives and friends and churches in other states and of course everyone here in WA, it’s a blessing to know so many people care about us. William calls all of you “Prayer Force 9000” J

I’m thankful for our family that took care of me and Garrison while on bed rest
-My mom had a change of employment soon after we were advised that I need to go on bed rest. Even though this change was hard for her, it was a blessing to have her available to come take care of me and be my mom. Cleaning, decorating for Christmas and being with me to talk has been very encouraging and a blessing.  As well, my brother in law Ted, sis in law Beth and my mom in law, Becky have also been available to come take care of me, bring me food and do household chores which has been a huge blessing too.

I’m thankful for my faith being strengthened.
-I’ve never in my life leaned onto Jesus as much as I have now for understanding and strength. He has revealed his word to us through scriptures in the “Jesus Today” book given to us by my parents which we read together. From the very first day, it has brought us comfort with verses and encouragement of hope and reliance and trust in God. I took several verses like the one in the service program which I memorized then wrote them down on index cards and taped them around our house for us to see and dwell on.
-We have a calendar hanging in our room created by an amazing painter and for the month of January there is a picture of Jesus’ hand on a pregnant woman’s belly with the outline of the baby inside. We saw that and were comforted of knowing that Jesus’ hand was/is on Garrison and is taking care of him. As well, we’re reminded of exactly who God is by breaking down the walls that we’ve confined him in.
-I got an email from cousin Adrienne where she shared Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you…”, she reminded me that no matter what the doctors say we know that God’s plan is good and brings  hope and a future for us so there is nothing to fear! She said she was praying for God’s glory to shine through every dr appt, visit and experience, for God’s peace to reign in our lives and for his word to continue to breakthrough and fill our hearts and minds with his TRUTH. I can say without a doubt that God has certainly answered all these prayers and is continuing to do so.

I’m thankful for God’s perfect Timing…
-We are grateful for the amount of time we had with Garrison, he was with us long enough for me to feel him move around in my belly and be comforted to know he’s there and have that experience.

-We had a breakthrough while praying for Garrison after our last ultrasound, when the diagnosis was grim and we felt numb to the situation. We declared in Jesus’ name for healing and a miracle and felt God’s presence in the room. I no longer had this passive attitude for the concerns about Garrison, instead we believed that we need to fight for him and what God is capable of. He can do a miracle just like he did 2000 years ago, he is still active and working in our lives so we shouldn’t believe in anything less. We have a choice to fight for Garrison and the chance to live; we can no longer just stand by and wait. For those 3 weeks after the visit we prayed together every day and night in Jesus name over the baby, the most praying we’ve ever done in our marriage. I know that God did a miracle in our lives, maybe not exactly as we hoped; instead Garrison is alive now in heaven and completely whole and perfect. 

-We are thankful for our financial stability through William’s job and God providing for us so we didn’t have worries of me being on bed rest and not being able to work.

-As difficult as it was, losing him at home which was several days before our next ultrasound appt, was an experience that showed me how much God loves us by the people that were there to take care of us. The paramedics that came to our house, Sionna and Christine, the L&D nurses, Jennifer and Andrea, the midwife Bernadette, and the chaplains, Wendy and Russ, who were waiting for us as we arrived, were all absolute angels.  They were caring, patient, attentive, sympathetic and understanding As well, my sis and bro in law were able to come see us and waited with us as we were cared for at the hospital till 3am when they took us home.

I believed God was preparing me for something big…

-In the week leading up to Friday, I felt more comforted by hearing a wonderful sermon by David Jeremiah, called “The ups and downs of life”- He read Psalm 30, which spoke to me. It reads “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me…Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”  He also read Job 1:21 21 “…the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  After hearing this, I was comforted and knew that if God were to take Garrison that day it would never be for nothing, I trust in the Lord to do what is in his plan and am grateful for what God is doing and will continue to do.


-A week ago, while feeling like I was at my breaking point, being tired of bed rest and physically strained I saw a post to a link on FB from my cousin Adrienne, to a song by Hillsong United. That day she was going into the hospital to have her daughter Charlotte and called this her “anthem song”. I had heard the song before but not really listened to the word but then I clicked on it the link and read the lyrics on the screen and began to sob, believing this was for me to see and hear just at this moment of struggle.  I felt touched by the Holy Spirit and knew he was breaking me, taking away all my pain and sorrow and letting me trust him completely, beyond what I could fathom and believing that he was preparing me for whatever was coming next..

Finally, I have joyful Anticipation for the next season of our lives…
-Our wish for the next season of our lives is to continue to honor the gift that Garrison has taught us by making some God-inspired changes. We want to start saying “yes” to more opportunities of spending time with our families, getting back to church, joining a community group, etc and to stop making excuses of being too tired, stressed, depressed, over-worked, etc. We want to stop being afraid of the outcome, of being judged or worried about what others think.  We want to make more God-inspired changes at home, with our time and energy that we know will bring us closer, keep us stronger and help us be more like Jesus….like my aunt Pam says “To hold each other tight and press our ears to heaven.”
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What Garrison the Stronghold Taught Me
Shared by William

Pray day and night
As Jesus into our life each day. Thank him for all blessings, good and bad. Ask forgiveness and his help relentlessly knocking on the door, just as the woman with the oil, or the woman as she tugged on Jesus’s garment.

Be a servant
To Christ, to spouse and children, family, friends, and community. Be a servant to all in heart, willingly and desiringly to help the world around us. The desire to make things better and others to feel loved.

Our time here is fragile, but God is not.
While we lose people we love, people suffer, all around, every day. Our time here together is fragile, so embrace it, do what God has planned for us. Live life to the fullest, it’s better in him each day. With His people, speaking to Him, in His will. So when you look back you know, you did the best you could, and it’s up to God now.

While our time is fragile, we did the best we could, and God did the rest. In faith, God took Garrison Isaac as he laughed in the comfort of his mother’s womb, and this day, he lives on, in heaven, with Jesus, with his Grandpa Gary and loved ones, looking down on us, he’s strong. He’s laughing and he feels our love and hears our prayers, forever, Amen.

Love is what matters most.
Love in Christ, love with family, love together, quality. More time together, forget dollars, possessions, pride, the sins of man, radical change and re-prioritization to love God, family, and people first, above all.

Be a Garrison, and fear not
God doesn’t want us to be afraid, for he knows the plans for our lives and they are good, even for baby he gave him love, and laughter, and peace to take him outside the struggle when it was time. Being strong doesn’t mean not crying, or longing, it means, have hope and faith that God’s plan is good and he will be here, when it matters most and always forever.

A true stronghold has no walls
There’s no need to put up walls in our life, fear of not being loved, fear of being judged, fear of not doing the “right” thing by the standards of man. Tear down the walls that separate us from God, family, God’s people, loved ones, family, friends and everyone else. In faith, open your arms and except everything, just as Jesus did for us all, on the cross, without fear, with God’s strength, from the inside out. Let it come rushing in and be a stronghold for Jesus.

Forgive and be free
Forgive all and forgive ourselves. Everything is all part of His will. God knew these things and set them forth before we were even born. Gods ways are beyond our understanding, but he uses times like these to take the dark things and make them light, so that he may draw us closer, in love, with Him. 
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Song and Reflection
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail” by Hillsong United
This is a song that spoke to Leah, from a band we have loved for many years. It’s an uplifting song that is about relying on God’s strength during struggle. We heard this song just before we lost Garrison, and felt that God was preparing us for the great unknown. 

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Following thoughts and a prayer for Garrison
We want to pray that Garrison is with loved one’s, with Jesus, that we know that God took him, when he was still in joy, that there was no struggle, and that through the love and prayer from everyone around us, family, friends and parents, that we was a beloved baby, and that he feels our love, and that we thank him that he was so strong for us, that he’s looking down on us, feeling our love, until one day we are reunited, forever.

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Lullaby to Garrison (Sing-along)

All Through the Night
By Sir Harold Boulton
We got a book of lullabies for Garrison, to sing to him in the womb, he moved around a lot, and this one we sang to him that put him at ease one night, to allow Leah to sleep.

Sleep my child and peace attend thee,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will lend thee,
All through the night;

Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
I my loved ones' watch am keeping,
All through the night.
Angels watching, e'er around thee,
All through the night
Midnight slumber close surround thee,
All through the night

Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones' watch am keeping,
All through the night.
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Blessings from Family and Friends
--Processional to burial-- 
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Reading from Psalm 37 by Bo Noonan

Closing Prayers, thoughts, and releasing of doves at grave site
(Yes, we got to release DOVES, we had no beforehand knowledge of this going to happen :)



Words shared from Bill Straley, associate at the funeral home
This is sweet old man, Bill, shared some wonderful words and visions of Garrison's spirit being now in heaven though his body is still here on earth. 

Placing of the casket then parents and family partaking of placing earth on top
Also a very touching end to the service, where Bill gave anyone the chance to place a small spade-full of sand on top of Garrison's casket.

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FROM A DISTANCE, FEBRUARY 2014
by Jody Lee Collins (grab a kleenex)



“Mommy, where is that man going?”  The little boy leaned in for a closer look.
His busy mother glanced up. “What man?”
“The man with the flowers.  He’s carrying a bright, colorful, big pile of flowers.”
“Where is he, honey?” She stretched her eyes, looking in the distance.
“Right there.  And he’s all dressed up. “The little boy put down his toys and pointed.
“Oh, oh. I see him, honey.  He’s wearing his Sunday best, too.  It might be a party, but wherever he’s going, it must be important.”
“He’s not really smiling, tho’, mama.  I don’t think it’s a party.  People are usually smiling at a party, but he looks a little sad.”
The boy and his mother watched and waited.
The Sunday best man held the flowers carefully as he walked through a doorway.  All was quiet inside; someone came up to say hello.
“Now he’s smiling, mama.  But his eyes look wet and it’s not raining.  In fact, it’s very, very cold out today.
Why are his eyes wet?”
The little boy was still, watching, wondering.
“There are other people coming in to the room, but no one has any presents, just more flowers.”
The mother turned her head.  “I see, honey.  Yes, it must be a special occasion.”
“Where do you think he’ll put the flowers?  They look very heavy and he’s being very patient.”  His mother agreed, “He is being patient, indeed. And quiet.”
“I wish I was there to help him, mama.  I’m strong—I could help him and maybe I could make him smile.”
The eager boy shivered, as if he was cold, but it was just excitement.  He felt he was witnessing something very, very special.
His mother reassured him. “Yes, you have a strong name; I think he feels you there with him already, son.”
“Look, he’s stopping. Oh. Oh, the flowers, mama, he put the flowers right here in front where I can see.
And right next to a card with some writing on it.  Mama, that’s my name!   Are all these people here for me?”
“Why, yes, I guess they are.  The flowers must be for you, my precious, strong, laughing boy, my Garrison Isaac.”



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Friday, February 28, 2014

He knows what we Need



It's been almost a month since Garrison went to heaven. We're still healing, putting back the pieces of our new lives and continuing to move forward as God is showing us what's next. There are so many thoughts, memories, stories, and glimpses from our lives to share about our experience of losing him. In order to not overwhelm you with too much right now I will just share about what I know. I will always have opportunities to share more as time goes on and as God reveals more to us in the future but for now I'll tell you what I know.

I know that music is therapy. God can use music to heal our souls and speak to us in ways that normal words can't. This is and was the song that brought healing to us and is still the 'anthem' to Garrison's passing.  I heard it two days prior to that day, reading and hearing the words, believing God was breaking me and preparing me for whatever He is going to do next. We played this at his service, the whole eight mins as we sobbed and reflected on what God is/was doing with us. God knew exactly at the right time what we needed to hear, to bless our spirits and nurture our souls. He has a funny way of doing that, ya know?


Here is "Oceans (Where feet may fail)" by Hillsong United


Monday, September 10, 2012

What God has promised...

Yep, I'm alive.  Pretty cool huh? It's been nice to take a break from blogging, feeling like one less thing is on my plate to think about and feel guilty and not doing.  Well, it's my Monday off, the kids are back to school (I'm speaking in a more global term, we don't have kids, yet) and I'm feeling inspired.  The sun is out this morning as it finally rained over night after 49 days of NO rain here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, yes that is possible.  And it's starting to feel like fall, which I absolutely love, love, love.  If the rest of the world knew what the weather is like here in September, the warm days, 60-70 degrees, some rain here and there, almost cool enough to start to wear jeans and long sleeves, they don't know what they're missing. And I get very reminiscent of the time when I met my husband almost 7 years ago Sept 18th, 2005, on our first/blind date for dinner at Le Pichet in Seattle.  It's fabulous.

Now thinking and dwelling (my mother's blog), on these verses since last night as I read them to my husband while lying in bed, as we talked through all the hardships and 'sufferings' we have endured this last year.  Nothing major, but just the every day grind of responsibilities, projects, work, our health, marriage, finances, the future, our spiritual walk...well I guess it is major.  We've just needed some hope, some inspiration, some motivation to continue to do what we're doing and knowing and having some FAITH that God WILL do what He has set out for us in our lives and we cannot forget that.  These verses sum it up completely, be encouraged if you are struggling through things too:


Romans 4:20-25 NIV

"(speaking of Abraham) Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”  The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.  He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."

I love how there is emphasis on what Jesus did for US, that he died for OUR sins and OUR justification, not for any of his own glory or gain.  This shows how much HE TRULY LOVES US!


And my favorite verses, Romans 5:1-5

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Dwell on these words and don't take them for granted, they are God's inspired words and they have some serious power.  Be blessed!



Homemade delicious Peach, Apple (from our backyard), and Plum crisp I made last Sunday

Thursday, July 19, 2012

As far as right now goes...

Well, seems like I'm taking a break right now, as it is still summer and honestly blogging right now just feels like a chore.  Maybe when it snows another 7 inches and I'm bundled up and finally get the urge to blog then I'll probably come back.  Thanks for all the encouragement and what not so far, I'll keep in touch with you soon! Blessings,

Leah

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Lessons and other other things

Alright, have to post now before I run away and do something else.  Life has been busy this past month with family parties and babies being born, as well trying to get through personal things, learning life things, marital lessons, etc.  The weather has been much cooler than the rest of the US, but abnormally muggy, in the 60s-70s and cloudy.  Mr. Sun has not been making his much needed appearances!  I started a veg/herb/fruit container garden back in April which has been taking off pretty well, I've had lots of snap peas to harvest, chives, parsley to cut fresh into meals, and have been anticipating harvest a ton of baby zucchinis when they're ready.  The early girl hybrid tomato plant has exploded with lots of yellow blossoms but no fruit yet.  My alpine strawberry is very happy but makes very tiny fruit, which I wasn't expecting, should have done some research on what type to get for bigger size. I also have 3 garlic bulbs going, some blueberries, and bell pepper and 2 sad dill starts that have barely started but needed to be replanted in their own pot, I don't think they like sharing space with parsley.  It's been much easier growing all of this on my back porch, right outside my living room so I can just hope right out and cut whatever I want and not needed to put on shoes to walk out to through the wet grass to my now neglected garden bed.  I just have a huge bush of thyme growing and some mint that came back from this year's bad winter.  It's a lot easier with containers growing things because of the ease of moving them with the change of sunlight and the soil stays warmer than the ground which makes the plants happy :) I will post some pictures soon of the amazing bounty...

Today I'm planning on taking the bus up to Seattle to dink around a bit while my husband is at a MasterArts class for graphic illustrators/animators/designers in Seattle Center.  There's more to share about life right now, our quest to get rid of our debt by working through Dave Ramsey's amazing Total Money Makeover.  As well more family events to get to next weekend best friend's bridal shower/bachelorette party, then husband's cousin's wedding, then visiting bro and sis in law and all the babies all down in Portland/Vancouver area! It's going to be a whirlwind of craziness.  I have been enjoying pressing through and getting connected to the ladies in my SDG writing group, getting emails with the questionnaire I put together and learning more about you all! FYI--I am on Facebook and would like to connect with you there, my profile is here, so please friend me on there and we can probably get better acquainted that way!

And just a reminder to some of you that can relate to what I've been learning: Remember that through all your struggles, frustrations and discouragements in life right now, that Jesus is walking with you through it all.  It may not seem like it, you might feel like you're standing in a fog with no where to turn or answers but He is with you, He has not forsaken you and forgotten you.  You are His beloved child, His creation and He is ALWAYS creating a new, perfect and blessed work within you.  It hurts, its sucks, it's difficult, but through it, you will be blessed.  Sometimes you need to get down on your knees, I mean literally, cry it all out, tell him why you're pissed, give it all back to Him and simply say, "Give me the words to say because I don't know how to say them." Then you wait for His guidance, instruction and Holy Spirit to push you to do the right thing and guess what? It works, you'll be surprised!  That's what I've been learning :)

Read what this sweet gal has to say about encouraging your family and husband, I like it :)


Staying connected here:




And not to forget my amazing mom and her writings:

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Short but sweet!

Had a very eventful, fun and memory-making weekend with my family and the babies and seeing so many people I haven't seen in a long time... First, read about the main event here at my mom's blog.

Now you can see pictures that I took with my husband's 'older' Sony semi-fancy, fat lens camera that I got to play with and take several good shots.  Tell me what you think. We went over to my parent's house first before the wedding reception to see them and my brother's family visiting from Vancouver for the weekend...

William having fun with baby Luke (our nephew).

Luke (8 months) and I
 
At the party, the middle kids quickly ran in all directions and found this fun bench swing.

Peter, Abigail and Paul

My cousin Jeremy and his beautiful bride, Amaleah.

My dad and the kiddos cuttin' a rug!

My uncle Dave (on the right) chatting...

The kiddos greeting Amaleah

Cutting the cake...

Smooshing the cake...

And dancing...

Traditional Groom/mom and Bride/Dad dance :)

To read more about my family's story and how this all happened, again, go here.



Thursday, June 07, 2012

Joyful Anticipation!


 Yes! Feeling like I'm finally stayed 'in the mix' of things with getting comments, email replies, follow-ups, forwards and feedback from all you ladies in my writing group and it's feeling good! I think I've squashed the enemy's lies well enough but I'm gonna keep it up...

Today I had a full day off and planned to meet one of my bestest friends, Hannah, in downtown Seattle while she's on a short bit trip up here from Santa Cruz and staying with friends in Ballard.  I took the bus to Seattle from Tacoma, met her at Westlake, shopped for a much needed good-quality, preferably leather work purse for her (finally found at the Clarks store), as well got some baguette sandwiches at Le Panier at Pike Place and had some good conversation and catching up.  It didn't rain and we were able to talk about almost everything I could think of to talk about in the short 4 hours we visited.    It has been very wonderful to know her for as long as we have-32-ish years, and still keep in touch over the miles and years.

Hannah and I before she had to get on the bus back to Ballard.

On my bus ride to and from Seattle I was able to journal and read my 'Insight for Living' devotional book--even though it was May's issue, I just read the one from the 6th day, the verses Psalm 25:4-10. It had some pretty good meat to chew on, about meditating on the word, getting wiser and more disciplined, therefore more hopeful and at peace and ultimately having a 'joyful anticipation' in your life that only comes from knowing Christ.  When we are obedient and disciplined with his will and direction in our lives we're more in-tune with what He's doing.  You build up a trust between you and your heavenly Father by demonstrating wisdom and godliness, therefore He enables you to impact others greatly.  It's about knowing the truth that only Jesus can supply you with, the power that He gives us through the Holy Spirit, and using that power to strengthen your own walk and spread that to others.  Here's some more thoughts from today's devo:

"With all this available to us, wouldn't it be wise to invest our time and energy in building the truth of God's Word into our lives? The other activities which clamor for our attention seem so important or pleasurable, but none of them can offer us the spiritual riches of a life grounded in truth."

And in other news, one thing you may not know about me as how much I love to bust a move at any moment that I'm listening to something that wants me to bust a move.  Lately, I've been rocking out to Chris Tomlin's 'newer' album "And If Our God is For Us", which has several really good worship tracks.  Many have been over played on the radio one too many times, but there's one song that we've sang at church so far, "No Chains on Me" which I totally dig! Here is a video with lyrics for you to check out, please watch, get the album, rock out!


Yeah, I stole this from Pinterest, woot woot! I LIVE by this motto...

Still staying connected here...



And if you didn't get figure this out already, my mom blogs here:  Three Way Light