His eye is on the sparrow

So much....

2010-07-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

Wow! I don't know where to begin b/c it's been a little bit TOO long since I last wrote, but that's ok, since my life has been almost too full to write. ha! Let's see....since March...ALOT happened....I got very pregnant w/ our 3rd angel. Along w/ a difficult pregnancy, being sick the entire time, I had my 2 precious, rambunctious boys to juggle. What a whirl-wind, but what a blessing to be a wife & mother! May 14th, 2010 @ 1:30 p.m., God brought our sweet Annabelle Hope into our lives! It was an amazing experience, yet again, giving birth is the most beautiful thing I think I will ever go through. Truly, what a beautiful little girl God gave to us! A day that was full of so much hope! Annabelle is 7 weeks & I am feeling so much better. God truly carried me through those first weeks....that were very difficult. My emergency c-section was so unexpected that up until now, I was so sad & bitter about not having Annabelle vaginally. BUT, what JC & I knew all along, was that GOD KNEW and was in control the entire time. I am now, resting in that, have let my sadness go & am trusting & finding peace in the arms of Jesus. My hiding place. My king. My comforter. My peace. That is where I desire to find myself everyday.

Now, as July has set in...& we are a family of 5...I am embracing each new day as it comes. Trying and tiring at times, but God shows me how to channel all of my thoughts, emotions, desires so that I can raise these precious little cherubs as best as I can. It's not easy, but I cherish every moment.

I have lots of photos that I will post soon....I'm actually backed up on doing that & regret not doing it sooner. :-( Getting these photos developed is a whole 'nother ball game. I want to, but it's so time consuming....so for now, I will post.

Today is a new day! I have been given much so much that I am thankful for. I pray that I walk in humility & revere to all that God has done for me.

Away from it all....

2010-03-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

Been out at my dad's house in smithfield for a few days.....

just a random idea I had earlier this week...& it worked beautifully!

We've been going through A LOT....& I needed some sort of change of

pace/scenary. So do the kids....so they have really enjoyed playing out

here....and best of all, the weather has been impeccable! Today is

supposed to be even warmer!

It's been a blessing to 'retreat' here....just sort of away from

all the hustle & bustle of 'life'. I don't have to stare at my bills

on the desk, or continue w/ the endless cycle of laundry. Just

nice to 'breath' for a bit.....do something different & not my usual

weekly routine. I like that I gave myself freedom & grace to do

this b/c it was def worth it.

We may go back home today b/c I don't want Garrett to miss another

day of school, but until then, I'm going to sip on my cup of coffee and slowly

enjoy my day.

Hope

2010-03-12T10:36:00.001-08:00

I love this picture....I'm posting it to remind myself, that my hope in God, is all I need. He will never leave or forsake me...& my trials & challenges in life, have ONLY drawn my heart closer and closer to Him.

Boys & the grateful heart!

2010-03-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

Well, spring is almost, officially here! ha! We have been really enjoying these days of 60 degrees! What a difference & a treat! Those 20's & 30's were ouchy! I'm not a fan of cold weather & dark, gloomy days. So, my favorite time of the year has begun and our boys are loving it too. JC is best at making great memories w/ them & lately, it's been kickball in the backyard, building them wooden swings, hung from our oak tree or a ride around our yard in the wheel barrow. Fun, fun! I love that my boys have this awesome yard to run & play in. What a blessing! I am 29 weeks & feeling 'in bloom'! ha! Enjoying my last days of carrying this precious girl & cannot wait to hold her. About ten more weeks & she'll be here! We are so excited! We'll be painting her room this weekend & adding girlie touches to it. What a treasured time of life!

Thank you God for all the many blessings as we grow as a family!

Spring...

2010-03-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

I am getting more & more excited about the upcoming weeks & months. God has been 'birthing' beautiful things within JC & I, & it's been hard work, but we are already seeing the benefits of the 'seeds' we've planted start to bloom. This week, I plan on washing some baby girl things, picking out paint color for her room & hopefully deciding 100% on her name.

I am seeing, as I pier through my windows, on this chilly, yet warm, sunny, spring day....trees & flowers budding. I love it! We have a dogwood tree in our backyard that I CANNOT wait to see bloom. Right now, it has tiny, precious buds. JC worked in our flower beds this weekend and

spruced them up a bit. I dead-headed my pansies one last time before they die off. They have perked up and & are happy to look at.

Spring has sprung....and we are very thankful!

Growing boys & our baby girl!

2010-03-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

Wow! I really can't believe God has given me three precious, gifts: my two boys & baby girl in utero! wow! How honored and thankful JC & I are! The boys are growing like weeds...literally, eating everything in our cupboards & have energy like to marathon runners! They are my daily cup of joy! Garrett, who will turn 5 in May is in his last year of preschool, hopefully headed to kindergarten next year! He's growing & learning so much! He's lost all his baby fat, slimming out...it's wild how he's looking like a young boy, rather than that toddler faze. He's amazing - brings a smile to my face all throughout my days. He is an awesome big brother too. Gideon & he play so well together...although, at times, it's like WWIII in here, but I love how they are with one another. Gideon just turned two, so we are attempting potty training, hopeful he will be out of diapers once baby girl has arrived in May! Lots going on, but oh so thankful & soaking up every moment!

I am 27.5 weeks pregnant with our girl! We are thrilled beyond words! We are narrowing down the name, but not 100%. God will show us. I am well. Tired, bloated & still dealing w/ my naseau, but regardless, we are thankful we have a healthy baby girl! JC has been incredibly patient and understanding...such an amazing husband & father. I am so blessed.

We are now in March...THANK YOU JESUS! Last couple months have been a very "dry season" financially for us, BUT, we've learned alot about managing our money, budgeting, using only cash...& taking Dave Ramsey course has been incredibly helpful. We are entering our 6th year of marriage, with 2 boys, 3rd one on the way....and having learned a great deal about life & where our hearts should be....it's been alot, but we would rather learn now, then later. God is healing & restoring things in our lives & teaching us so much about forgiveness and repentance. It's been beautiful seeing the healing & growing taking place.

As March is now here, JC will be starting his landscaping contracts back up...which will be a huge relief & blessing. I pray as we enter this new business season, we watch where we spend our money, how we spend it & manage it. That God would give us wisdom & discernment to make certain we don't repeat the same mistakes. Our goal is to learn & then teach our sons (heritage) how to be good stewards of what God has given to us. One step at a time, planting "fruitful" seeds, sowing Godly seeds, so we can reap the benefits of the kingdom.....carrying that on for our children.

Will post new photos of us & the kids here soon.....I love writing, even if noone reads it. :-)

Blog on my friends, blog on....

New seasons....

2010-01-27T11:00:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe how long it's been since I've blogged...so much going on, yet so little time, to actually sit down & compile all my thoughts, memories, hopes & dreams! Yet, today is today & I desire to jot down a few things that bring me much joy!

Boys are doing amazing...we have ALL entered a season of health! Thank you Jesus! December & part of January was filled with doctors appts, medicines, fevers, coughing, sleepless nights, & aches & pains! BUT -- in the midst of that, I've been carrying this precious LITTLE GIRL! Yes, we are having our girl & completely thrilled, excited, overjoyed & THANKFUL! God, you are SO good.

So, even though we endured tough moments w/ sick kids & sick us, we've managed to plow through, & thank Jesus for carrying us, making us well again & being hopeful of so much.

This little girl, we are anticipating the arrival of, is going to be such a treat - for ALL of us! The boys can't wait to have a little sister. And, me, well....I'm smitten. We haven't chosen a name...YET. There are so many beautiful ones....so time will tell. We may surprise everyone with her name. I am 22.5 weeks....she is healthy & so am I. That alone, is more than an answer to prayer.

In the meantime, we are enjoying life & all that God continues to show us. It's almost february, my favorite month b/c Gideon will be turning 2...it's full of red & pink hearts & it's a short month! wahooo! I am truly thankful & blessed to be a mother to the most beautiful kids.

JC is my rock. Words cannot truly describe how thankful I am to have such an amazing husband. He walks with me through "thick & thin". We are an amazing team. I am excited about our future together.

Love to you all....& God-speed to all you mommies....you are treasures to your kids!

Christmas....

2009-12-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

I anticipate this time of year so much b/c it almost makes me feel like a kid again! I love Christmas, the excitement, the wonder, the family, the fun, the coziness of just being in my home w/ my husband & kids & always, a beautiful time to reflect on the birth of my savior. It's not so much about going crazy shopping or seeing myself strive to make the holidays perfect. I simply love how Jesus is my center even more this time of year. JC & I enjoy showing the kids what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. It's neat to see their faces when we talk about baby Jesus being born, the wise men...the story is magical & such a beautiful reminder of God's love for us.

This time of year as well, is a difficult time for JC's job. Work really slows down, so it really forces us to put on the breaks with spending & yielding our temptations. Which has actually been a healthy thing. It's not easy, but it realigns our focus even more, which we hope will teach our kids a thing or two about the meaning of Christmas.

I've got some photos....so enjoy....more thoughts I will write soon...today w are baking Christmas cookies....fun, fun!

Time goes by....

2009-11-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

My, I can't believe it's almost been a month since I last blogged....so much time, so much to share, yet so little time to write. It has been a good month...November has flown & I cannot believe tomorrow is the last day of the month! I enjoyed this month, as it was full of many wonderful things. Just to name a few: I entered my 2nd trimester with sweet baby...I feel pretty awful, but am truly thankful for a healthy, growing lil' bean. JC & the boys are pretty excited too! We find out the sex next month! yay! Hoping for some pink, but no matter what, the gift of another child is more than we could ask for!

Let's see....oh! I turned 34! Yeah, I"m gettin old....feelin old too these days! ha! Guess its those boys that keep me on my toes & wipe me out at the end of each day. I cherish every moment of this amazing life given to me, so 34 or 94, I'm certainly a happy, blessed & thankful woman.

During my birthday...we had a pretty strong Nor' easter...wasn't so fun, b/c we lost power for 2 days....it was pretty cold, lots of candles & fires, but it got old real quick. We managed....made a tent...got alot of take-out, since I couldn't cook. Wasn't so bad, b/c I was with 3 incredible men!

Also, JC and I hosted our very first Thanksgiving in our home. We loved it! It was loads of fun & surprisingly, I wasn't stressed one bit. My family is so amazing & everyone pitched in, brought tons of food....we did enjoy cooking the turkey..it was fun slathering it w/ butter & stuffing it w/ herbs. It turned out pretty darn juicy and perfect! Yay!!!! Our first thanksgiving was a success! Would do it all over again too!

Over all, we've been really happy in this new house. I have loaded some new photos...we've done quite a bit to upgrade this place: painted, put new locks on, new blinds, painted some more, re-wired most of the electrical, new kitchen sink & disposal, re-vamped our fireplace, new bathrooms were done b/f we moved in, new appliances & tile in kitch. The house looks pretty nice....we have loved nesting & making it our own.

This weekend we christened it with Christmas lights & put our warm touches on it for the holidays. Today we decorated a beautiful, fresh, fat tree. Kids enjoyed it as well....many broken ornaments to show for that! :-)

We are very thankful....busy, busy, busy these days, not much time for blogging, so not sure when I'll be back. Until then...happy reading...love to you all!

New home, my boys, new season......THANKFUL!

2009-11-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Well, been almost a month since I last wrote....lots of stuff has gone on for us...we're busy, busy, but I can honestly say, I wouldn't trade my life for ANYTHING! God has been so faithful to us! He continues to show JC and I His love for us, even through the "daily" days of life.

We have moved. We love our new house. We love living in va beach. Our boys now have a backyard, a tire swing....we have a house that we truly feel "at home" in. We have painted, updated, cleaned & pretty much made this house a place that is warm, inviting & hopefully, a long time stay for us.

JC has done an amazing job on our yard...planting pansies, mulching, rose bushes, gardenia bushes & hydrangeas....all his doing, without my nagging! ha! The yard looks awesome & inviting. I love it! I can't wait to put christmas lights everywhere...oh boy,....love the holidays & in our new house! yay God!

Here are some photos of the house & the kids! Love to you all! Happy November!

Control

2009-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

I learned alot this past week....that if I try to be in control of ANYTHING, it almost 99.9% of the time ends up NOT going the way I want it too! It's sort of funny actually, b/c I am very "inside the box"....I love plaid, so that in and of itself, describes how I roll! So, with our move, being a bit drawn out, tiring, frustrating, backwards in every way, really taught me, that even when things don't go the way I had hoped, God knew all along, & it didn't bother Him. He knew & KNOWS that we had to go through that bumpy week, in order to realize that if we let HIM be in control, no matter what the chaos or the insanity of that moment, He's there. He's going to carry us through it. He's got it covered. He's taken care of EVERYTHING.

So, why am I worried, frustrated, tired & just plain confused when things like this happen. Because it didn't go my way. That is sad to me - oh well, I'm human & can seriously be a flesh-ball, as my sweet hubby likes to say.

As of today, we are staying at my mom's still we can get the house in livable condition. I don't want to rehash all we had to do.....but in a nutshell, we had to "evict" our landlord, & practically renovate this house. It is a great, solid house....wonderful for our family to grow in, but we were greatly deceived. We learned alot in this process. "Control" was a huge thing.

It's much easier for me to let God be God. Let Jodi be Jodi. Simple that way. God ALWAYS knows better than I. I trust more than I did a week ago. I know He took JC and I through that exhausting experience to bring us one step closer to His heart. Funny how we have to go through ikky things to love on the Father, but we'll all better in the end for it!

I will post photos of the house soon....right now, it still needs our "love".

I'm tired....going to bed now. Thank you for reading.

Change & fall is in the air!!

2009-09-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Not too much to report, other than we are now, down to 7 days left in our townhouse here in Portsmouth....I am surprisingly going to miss this place, but only for a few reasons. We moved here when I was 9 mo. pregnant w/ Gideon & so, for most of his first 2 years of life, we've grown as a family of 4 and seen so many beautiful changes taking place in my kids lives. It's been wonderful, having the honor of being my boys mother and getting to see all God has done & all that God is going to continue to do!

I am thankful for the many blessings and favor we have on our lives. God is so good to us. I am tired in many ways right now, as we move to this next house, BUT, like always, I am rejoicing with pure, pure joy, at the home God hand-picked for us. It literally fell into our lap....we didn't have to do anything to control this outcome of a wonderful home, in a wonderful neighborhood! God did it! yay God!

So, for today, I am thankful. No matter what is on my "plate". My "to-do" list is large, but I am taking small bites & breathing in & out, & resting in the arms of Jesus to take care of all that only HE knows what we need.

This may be the last post for a while, until we're all moved in & somewhat settled.....I will update w/ some fun photos here soon! Until then, enjoy this wonderful day, the fall that is in the air, and the change that God is doing, even in you!

Life

2009-09-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hello again....I have a few photos of the mix of life, packing, growing, cute, silly, little boys, & soon-to-be warrior men!!!!

Silly boys in boxes!

Garrett's gotta have his sword!
Gideon got ahold of the markers - thank goodness they are non-toxic & washable! yeesh!

Here are a few photos of the mix of life, packing, & growing, cute, silly, little boys, soon-to-be warrior men!!!!

Love to you all!

xoxoxo

Proud mama jode

Packing, moving....ahhhhhh

2009-09-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I cannot believe how long it's been since I've written....truthfully, I don't have much time to even write today, so this will be short....hmmmm, where to begin?

God did find us a precious house, in virginia beach. We are so excited. It was definitely a 'needle in a haystack'....really unbelievable rental that comes w/ everything. Location is awesome, quiet, old neighborhood. Perfect for our growing famil & JC's business. The owner is doing all sorts of upgrades and renovations b/f we move in, which is the icing on the cake. The yard in the back is 1/2 acre...w/a shed & oak tree. My boys will love that!

My sweet husband is like a little boy on christmas morning....he is so excited about having a garage & shed. Having run our own landscaping business out of apartments for the last 2 years, hasn't been easy. God answered our prayers in many, many ways.

We feel blessed. Undeserving at times, but we know our God is a good God and wants to bless His children. We have waited 5 & 1/2 long years living in apartments to enjoy this amazing house. We don't know what to do not having to share our mailbox with someone or parking space. Yipee!

For now, we are 2 weeks and counting.....we are thick in the midst of packing, boxes, & messes. I have been a little overwhelmed not really about the moving, just about all the little details to keep on top of. Bills, running a business, getting more accounts for my husband, budgeting, staying organized, cooking, cleaning, it sometimes gets hairy mainly b/c we are in the midst of moving. I'd say, once we're settled in this new house, I'll start to feel at ease again. JC and I just have a lot on our minds, trying to be responsible and wise in all we do.

God is ultimately in charge of all the teeny-tiny details and I need to rest in that. I pray we have peace and the move goes smooth for us & the boys. Change is good. Hopeful of what God has in store for our family & our future. Good things, come to those who wait. That would be us! Thank you Jesus!!! You deserve all the glory!

For now, I must go....will post photos of the kids playing w/ boxes & our moving adventure very soon!

Keep on, keeping on!

His eye is on the sparrow.....

2009-08-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I got the title of my blog, literally from God speaking to my heart one afternoon....I knew there was a scripture for it, but I was sitting....desiring to start this blog, & all of a sudden, it stuck: 'His eye is on you Jodi'....then of course, 'His eye is on the sparrow', followed my brain waves shortly thereafter. It was fitting. Perfect. It meant many things to me....so I went with it.

Well, yesterday, a man I don't know, came across the title of my blog....and sent me something very interesting. He sent me the link to the 143rd anniversary of the song/hymn that was written by Civilla Martin, of this title 'His eye is on the sparrow'......

It's beautifully written, which I have copied and if it isn't exactly perfect, down to every word, that truly explains my life & my heart. It's neat how God has brought this all together....how it means so much to me, in so many ways. So enjoy reading this little portion I have taken from the history of this hymn.

"Another song of Civilla Martin’s came in 1905 from the comment of a friend. She and her husband were visiting a Mr. And Mrs. Doolittle in Elmira, New York. She had been bedridden for nearly 20 years, and her husband was wheelchair-bound. But the godly couple continued to have a joyful, positive outlook. When Walter Martin asked their secret, Mrs. Doolittle replied, simply, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

It is a reference to the words of Jesus. “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will….[“not one of them is forgotten by God,” Lk. 12:6] Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29, 31). The song that resulted from this encounter was later made famous by converted actress and blues singer, Ethel Waters. She even entitled her autobiography, His Eye Is on the Sparrow.

Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant Friend is He;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Seasons....

2009-08-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a week or so since I last wrote.... & I've got quite a bit going on in my brain, so I'm not sure if this is going to be short n' sweet....?

God has been doing alot with us this summer. There's been alot of "stirring", but it's been good.
JC and I have really enjoyed the summer with our boys. It's been a fun, but very busy summer. Mainly, JC's work load, which is huge, is what makes the summer fly by. He is pretty consumed by his business, but that is a huge blessing too - better than the latter! :-) I am good - just a bit tired. My boys have both turned a corner in the last month, where their energy levels & interaction with one another is truly amazing, but crazy at the same time. From every little thing boys do, well, mine have done it! ha! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being home with my boys, to train, teach, mold, develop and nuture - however, as any mother knows, it's work. My rewards are priceless & treasured. I have held every moment, difficult or not, with my boys in a little golden, treasure box in my heart. It's times like these, that I cherish, grow & learn the most!

As the summer has dwindled, we've walked through different "seasons" of good change. Change that is creating us into who GOD desires for us to be, as husband & wife, parents & for my boys as well.
JC is an amazing team player in all of this. He is an amazing husband, father, best friend & son. I couldn't have been more blessed when God brought him into my life! I am honored to be his wife. He chooses each day to love God first, his family second & then everything else just falls into place. It's my husband who reminds me that whatever "season" we are in, is when we give our best, regardless of how hard or easy it may be. JC is my rock & I love doing life with him!

Seasons do however, ebb & flow...... & are apart of who we are & how God carries us through each one.

We are looking forward to this new season of change, as we are moving! yay! October 1st!!!! wahoo!!!! God brought us a beautiful house, in a very much desirable neighborhood. This house was built in the 50's, so it's got all the old, nice hardwood flooring we love, solid house, built well, new roof, all kinds of beautiful upgrades & amenities that the owners have put their heart & soul into. It's a one-story, which we love. It's not huge, which we prefer & yet it's got years and years of us growing with it. The biggest blessing about this house, is that the location is perfect, the neighborhood couldn't be any more ideal for a growing family like ours & best of all, it's got a working garage, nice long driveway, & a 1/2 acre of a yard in the back w/ a beautiful oak tree as it's centerpiece! Having lived in apartments for the past 5 years with no yard, no storage, this couldn't be any more wonderful!! Now who doesn't think God is in the details!!!

He always give us the best and more! We are thrilled for this blessing of a house! There's so much potential and what we love, is that we are adding our own touches, that will make it ours. We can buy it, but we're in no hurry to do that. Just taking it one day at a time as renters. It's easier that way. The fact that we can move in, in a little over a month, is exciting too! We'll be in there by fall. yay!

I trust God, no matter what. Even when nothing makes sense, even when there are no answers, even when hard times come. I knew He would have something special for us. This house is my home. I can't thank God enough for all He has done & is doing. He's not finished with us yet - the amazing stuff, has ONLY BEGUN!

So, this next "season" God will carry us....He will have the answers & He will direct our every footstep. We are to simply soak ourselves in His love daily & trust in His plans. If tomorrow, this house slipped through our fingers for some reason, then Praise God! I don't want it, if it's not God's will. His will for us is perfect. Trusting in that alone.

We will be busy this next month, packing, pitching, purging, organizing & preparing, so if you read this, please keep us in your prayers. Thank you!
More seasons to come, I'm sure....until next time....love all you blog readers.....

Blog on....

Fun in the sun.....

2009-08-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

We have really been enjoying our summer - needless to say, it's been an oven, but the heat makes you appreciate the AC and when fall arrives! yay! I can't believe school starts in 2.5 weeks! My big Garrett will be in Pre-k. He's excited, as we are! So, we are enjoying some of our last summer days, outside in the sun, splashin in our kiddy pool, doing what we can do enjoy the summer God has given to us. We've also had some amazing thunderstorms to cool off those hot days...which we love & the kids go wild when it thunders!

These days are times in my life that I truly cherish and wish wouldn't go by so quickly.

We hope next summer, we will have more of a yard for the boys to play in & a little more space to run. But for now, this cozy house & tiny backyard is what God has blessed us with & I am very thankful!

Here are my boys, taking in the warm, summer days together!

My favorite Scriptures...

2009-08-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd blog some of my favorite scriptures that I daily bathe myself in....no matter how happy, content or completely crazy I am feeling from one day to the next, these verses recharge my spirit & remind me of who I am in Christ. The woman God created me to be. It's easy to get lost in who we are b/c of our role(s). I cherish being a wife, mother, sister, friend, chef, laundress, taxi driver, prayer warrior, nurse....you name it, us mommies are truly blessed, but it's in those times where I sort of forget who I really am, that I am reminded through these beautiful words from my heavenly father. I pray they encourage you the same:

These verses are taken from the amazing bible, 'The Message/Remix' by Eugene H. Peterson...I LOVE the translation...hope you do too:

Romans: 8: 15-17 " This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next papa"? God's spirit touches our spirit & confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us - an unbelievable inheritance!!!! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!

Psalm 91: "You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge". I trust in you and I'm safe! That's right - he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His HUGE outstretched arms protect you - under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm."

Psalm 31:24 " Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon."

Romans 5:3-4 "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling short-changed. Quite the contrary - we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever."

More to come.....

Summer daze.....

2009-07-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

We are loving the summer time! yay! It's been insanely hot, but that's summer! The boys and I have been finding creative things to do inside, when it's too hot to be outside. I made them a little book corner, when I found this great bookshelf @ a thrift store for only $10! I love finding deals like that! I had fun booking all their books & some toys in it and getting their little kiddy chairs & a lamp set up. Garrett said it reminds him of his preschool class.

Let's see....we have made picnics on our living room floor when it's too hot....popsicles on the back porch, tents when it rains, library on dreary days & of course, race tracks through out the house. Sword fighting when we get really bored! ha!

It's been a blessing of a summer and I am thankful for the simple, fun times we've had. No extravagant vacations needed here....we are just enjoying being together as a family & I'm thankful it doesn't take much to make us happy!

My boys are growing like weeds....literally. They both eat like two 15 yr old boys! ha! It's unreal what they can consume in one sitting at the dinner table. I am thankful for the food God does provide....it is amazing how fast it does disappear. LOL! Love these boys!

JC and I are enjoying each day .....regardless of any "bumps" we may hit. That is life...& the more transparent I am about reality...the healthier I feel about my perspective on things.

We are looking forward to more summer fun w/ our boys....more family times & soon-to-be preparation for Garrett's 2nd year of preschool! yay!

Well....that's all for now....more photos and random blogs to follow. Have an amazingly, blessed day all you bloggers!

xoxoxo
Jodi

Trust me Jodi....

2009-07-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

"When is the time to trust? Is it when all is calm, when waves the victor's palm, and life is one glad psalm of joy and praise? NO! but the time to trust is when the waves beat high, when the storm clouds fill the sky, and prayer is one long cry. When is the time to trust? Is it when friends are true? Is it when comforts woo, and in all we say and do we meet but praise? NO! but the time to trust is when we stand alone, and summer birds have flown, and every prop is gone, all else but God.

"When is the time to trust? Is it when hopes beat high, when sunshine gilds the sky, and joy & ecstasy fill all the heart? NO! but the time to trust is when our joy is fled, when sorrow bows the head, and all is cold and dead. All else but God."

- Streams in the Desert (Author Cowman)

I pray, God gives me strength to trust, no matter what the days may bring! Thank you Father!

Our future home.....

2009-07-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

House hunting, as we all know, is sometimes, a living hell. Yep, I said it. Oh well....sometimes it can be the truth when it comes to trying to find a home.
We are on the "hunt", b/c a home that we really desired, in a beautiful neighborhood, close to school and church...well, fell through the cracks. Yeah, the crackity-cracks! ugh!

We were beginning to be "strung" along, I guess you could say and we didn't want to get tied up with something that seemed so 'unpredictable'....so we have felt peace about letting the house go and starting the search again. yuk! But yet, there is something in my spirit that tells me, GOD HAS SOMETHING BETTER.

So now, it's the waiting game. However, we were hoping for something to find sooner than later, as Garrett begins preschool next month. Our hope was to get beyond the chaos of portsmouth/norfolk tunnels and hopefully start our fall school year in greenbrier....but yet, once again, God apparently has a different or better (i hope) plan for us.

For now, all I know to do is to trust God with all the details. It's hard to do that, b/c in reality, we don't make much money, so we can't afford much......so my dream home, will have to wait.
Five yrs of marriage & two amazing little boys....our dream home w/ a yard might just have to wait a little longer. God-willing, I pray, it's sometime this year, we can at least find something closer to school...etc. For now, like I said, all I know to do is trust.

Trusting isn't easy, especially when life hasn't been easy. We haven't been handed things on a 'golden platter'.....we've had to endure much and work hard. Which is honestly, the way it should be. But even working hard...doesn't mean earthly riches.....it's kingdom blessings.

I'm going with that for now....whatever God desires and wants, is what I want. JC and I are determined to do whatever we need to do, to have a heart like God. If that means, sacrificing, living below our means, not "keeping up with the jones's"....than that's what we'll do.

If nothing else, being content right where God has us.....is what I'm going to do.

Our future home....is in God's hands, not ours.

P.S. this photo is something I've always dreamed of....one day, maybe, one day....

My boys enjoying their summer!

2009-07-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from our fun experience @ Water Country USA! We had a great time....no crying, no poopy diapers...it was actually amazing how smooth & fun the day carried on! We'd do it again for sure! The boys loved every minute of that LONGGGGGG day! I'm very thankful to my sweet husband for taking a day off in the middle of the week to bless us with this!

Good Times w/ Family!

2009-07-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

WOW! I can't believe it's almost been a month since I've blogged?? Where has the time gone? Oh, wait, I know, I have a husband & two small boys....that's where it went! ha! I have so much to write, but yet, part of me, really wants to keep it sweet & simple. :-) Think I may do the latter.

The month of June...well, as you can see on my last post, I was sick. Won't go into detail of that, b/c thank goodness, I'm just about 100%! Praise God! Been eating well, taking lots of probiotics, herbs & water. I think my body just wanted to get it all out and over with! yay!

The month of July for us, as been wonderful! I am very thankful!
4th of July was very fun...as we gathered with our family, cousins and planted ourselves on the waterfront here in p-town and watched the fireworks together! Very beautiful night indeed.

The kids and I have just been enjoying the summer, as each day brings. JC has blessed us with taking a day off from work here and there, so we can go to the water park(s). The boys have LOVED it....it's been a treat & a blessing!!!

I can't believe July is almost over.....sort of looking forward to Garrett starting back up at GCA preschool. He is too!
Not much else going on...other than, God continuing to shape & mold us as His children. It seems to be this 'eb & flow' thing...it's quite beautiful, actually, seeing God "stretch" & "prune" us...b/c it's only b/c He loves us so much! :-) I love that thought alone...that HE LOVES US SO MUCH! I think, if life was fluffy & easy & we were in this "bubble"...we wouldn't need God as much. So, I'm thankful, that there are "bumps" in the road, even big ones, b/c it's all for LOVE, His Love!

Alrighty, a little bit more lengthy than I wanted, but my thoughts get rollin and I can't stop sometimes. I've updated a few photos of our summer fun that God blessed us with! yay!

P.S. I am no longer a "facebooker"....hee....I needed a break from that world...just consumed me sometimes and I didn't like that. My hubby & kids are more important than that facebook rat-race....& I also was convicted that I spent more time on FB than in the word. ouch. That was a tough revelation, but glad I had it. Thank you God!

More thoughts to come....love you all!

I've been sick :-(

2009-07-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

So, not sure where to begin, this will be very short, as I'm STILL sick. I"m claiming healing in my body, in JESUS NAME right now!!! I've had bronchitis and sinus infection and so for 3 weeks now, I've been fighting this. I'm exhausted in every way, but managing some how. God has given me alot of strength, b/c with 2 small boys...being a sick mama, AIN'T NO FUN AT ALL! I am very grateful that I have my herbs, probiotics, supplements, fish oil...and unfortunately, my meds to help me..along with much needed daily, or hourly prayer.

The boys have been awesome as I've endured this funk. Thankfully, I've taught my boys to enjoy doing nothing, just reading, playing, movies, not having to go somewhere or be somewhere...ALL THE TIME. Being sick is no fun, but it has taught me to yield to having to "DO-DO-DO". I'm learning to just let things go more, relax and let my boys be boys. So, maybe not being 110% is good sometimes. Not having to be "on". Is actually a healthy thing for me.

Ok, so I think I've run out of energy to finish typing, so nap time, here I come, AGAIN!

If you've read this, please pray that God would restore my energy and strength and this virus would dry up and FLEE! I am full healing in my body, RIGHT NOW!

More fun topics will be coming soon....it's time for me to rest & not keep up with everything that I have allowed to float away.

Bloggin more later....peace to all!

Thankful for a husband who's like no other!

2009-06-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful, amazing, fun, relaxing weekend we had! It was father's day, so we pretty much celebrated all weekend! I never imagined 5 years ago, 2 son's later, that I would be in love with JC this much. Through tough times, happy times, sad times, baby births, you name it, we've conquered just about every "mountain" in 5 years, that I don't believe many married couples face! We have had "valley" moments together and "mountain top" moments....which makes us who we are today. ROCK-SOLID!

I couldn't be more thankful for the many, many, blessings of being married to a man, who loves Jesus first and more than me! Yes, my husband loves Jesus more than me. Might be a shocker to some of you - but I'm glad he does, b/c that means, his heart is in the right place, which then means, everything falls beautifully in place.

JC is a rare find. He's unique, creative, sensitive, talented, crafty, smart, handsome as ever, well, I could go on forever, which is why I married the man. Oh yes, and he's a man. A rock-solid, Jesus-freak man! ha! He's devoted and dedicated in every way.

Our 2 sons, are so blessed to have him as a father. They really look up to him. They even try to act like him sometimes, which is super cute. Our boys, are a gift from God. In the 5 years we've been married & 2 boys later....I couldn't be more thankful.

No material thing, house, car, vacation, or fancy-schmancy piece of jewelery....basically, there is NOTHING material on this earth that can fill that kind of love tank. Only the man, who God hand-picked for me.

In a way, I'm sort of glad we don't have it "all". I mean by "all", all the materialistic things on this earth, b/c I don't think I'd truly be as thankful. I want us, as a team, to work hard at whatever it is that God desires for us to have. It's all a blessing, but doing it the right way, being good stewards of what we have, is truly all that matters to us.

I could have the dream house, or the dream vacation or all the nice dreamy things to fill my home, but when it comes down to it, those "things" aren't fulfilling. They are just "things". The only thing that fills my spirit, is my heavenly father & then my husband. I couldn't ask for more. That's it. I'm content.

I love that God has revealed these things to me over time. I want to learn. I'm a sponge. I'll never be perfect, or have the right answer or do everything I'm "supposed" to do as a "perfect mom"....but one thing does remain, my heart for Jesus. My love for Him first & then my love, JC.

At the end of the day, this is all that truly matters. Thank you Jesus for your love, & for giving me the love of my life: JC!

Sickies.....

2009-06-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting couple of weeks....hmmm, where should I begin?
Well, my sweet Garrett...has been battling a nagging cough for 3 weeks now. We have enjoyed our summer thus far, however, this cold of his just won't go away. His doc says, of course, that a normal cold last up to 14 days...well, golly-gee, it's been a whole whopping 3 weeks and nothing has changed. The nice thing is that he's got his appetite and no fever. Prayerfully, as his mama, I have been asking God to dry it up and boost up his immunity so we can enjoy this blessed summer.

I thought winter was for colds? I'm so confused.

Well, now JC and myself both have colds...thankfully, they are just colds and no fevers..etc. Although last weekend, I fought my cold pretty bad...body aches, chills, all that lovely flu-like funk. My adoring husband took care of the boys & maintained the house! It was interesting to see him juggle laundry, the kids, making food....sort of funny, actually, but of course, he did an amazing job, regardless of how it was all done.

I learned something this past weekend, while lying in my bed sick: that no matter how funky life can be, when mama's can do nothing more than lie in their bed b/c they are sick & not keep the house running perfectly, made me realize, that IT IS OK to let it all just go from time to time. To NOT be perfect and have every "I" dotted and "T" crossed.

I'm not saying that getting sick is what I want to happen, in order for me to really open my eyes and see things in a different light - No, I am just thankful, that even in the midst of sickness, that God can still show me things that I wouldn't normally see if I were healthy.

Ok, that was odd and deep and confusing sounding, but it made sense to me. ha!

All in all, I DO NOT like being sick. Who does? Nor do I like to see my sweet kids suffer when they are sick. Sickness isn't something I should fear, in fact, it's something I should embrace, but truthfully, a cold or sickness here and there, actually is good for the body. It teaches the body to fight things off and build up more immunity. Isn't God so amazing how He made our bodies to endure things & to naturally fight things off.

I need to remember this blog, when the winter months roll through and my kids & fighting bugs. Prayerfully, as I seek God, in all things, whether sick or healthy, I want to maintain a certain kind of peace and joy in my life. A place of just being content, no matter what the circumstances are.

Right now, we are healthy and strong. What a HUGE blessing that is! wow!
I am truly thankful for the "sickie" days.....b/c in some way, something new is built within me. God is always at work on my heart, no matter what my immune system is doing. I just pray I can keep that focus when I'm not well. hee!

Ok, so NOT really sure what this blog post was really all about??? hmmm? I'm actually a little confused? maybe its the foggy head I am having from this cold! ha! Ohhhhh, I think I'm being funny, but to some of you, I might just be having a very dry sense of humor? Oh well -- I guess for me, just writing today, cleared my brain and allowed me to "breath" a little.

I leave you with this:

"Father in Heaven, when we are down to nothing, I know you are up to something. I reclaim my physical health in the name of Jesus. I speak life into my circumstances and into lives today. I declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper. And I thank you Father, that nothing is over until YOU say it is."

Faith...isn't easy

2009-06-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Faith isn't free! That is what I have discovered. There is a price to pay. It just doesn't happen over night, or in the middle of the day....faith, is like when you plant tulip bulbs in the winter and it takes them several months to push through the dirt & bloom in the spring.

That is how I am feeling right now. Like a tulip bulb, deep in the ground....not above the earth yet, just barely poking my head above water...literally...before the sweet, little sprout sticks it's head out and then....BOOM - there's the beautiful, perfect, happy, pink or purple...tulip!

Right now, there is so much uncertainty. I can't explain it in great detail, b/c it's too tiring to do that. So, in a nutshell....well, we are really struggling.
We're not like most americans with huge mortgages, thank goodness. We are just a simple family, running a couple businesses from home, not using credit cards, TRYING to live below our means....& STILL making ends meet, is unbelievably difficult.

I don't know what's going on??? I'm starting to think is it me? what have I done? what have I NOT done? I'm confused. I am angry. I am sad. I am scared. I am feeling very faithless. I know who I need to trust. Not my husband, but my savior. My father in heaven. He already knows...He is in control...& He's not surprised by this. He knows the outcome.

I just wish, I could trust. I wish my faith was a little stronger.

Help me God! Help me find my way back to believing. I"m exhausted.
I want more of the Father IN ME! Help me daddy-God to trust, honor, love & cherish you.....no matter how hard the days may be.

Let my faith be a light shining for my kids to see. Let my faith be a light shining for those that are lost, find their way. I feel so empty right now. Please rescue me God!

Ok, so I prayed through this blog...but that's all I knew to do, b/c my heart is aching. When there's nothing left....pray.

More later....I'm tired.

Summer is here....

2009-06-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today, for some reason, officially kicked off the summer season...it's nice having Garrett home more now...we have planned out some fun things for the summer, but nothing crazy, b/c we are pretty content with whatever the days bring us!

I love where we live...at times, but for now, it will do. We have a little kiddy pool in the backyard & a picnic table & grill...so we enjoy the summer evenings & watching the boys splash around. Simple, yet very fun.

There are so many little DAILY blessings that I know I take for granted....& believe one of them, is having an amazing husband who loves me, NO MATTER WHAT & 2, very healthy, beautiful boys! Life can get very "DAILY", but it's in the daily things where I am refreshed and reminded of God's amazing blessings that only HE has hand picked for me (us).

My boys & I went to visit their great-gramma & great-grandpa today. PRICELESS! What beautiful memories I am making with my children. Just talking or sitting with gramma & grandpa and listening to them tell stories...well, here's that word again, PRICELESS!

WOW, how grateful I am! The beauty of family and of a heritage MONEY CAN'T BUY!

My grandparents love Jesus, & that is the one thing that makes it so special.

My boys see in their great-grandparents love for the Lord & I love that my son's are able to surround themselves with such a generation as that. It's very rare to have family around like that!

I was AGAIN, reminded of what to be thankful for today!

To top off our fun, summer day today, spending time with my kids, my family & popping over to see my husband...well, love, family, Jesus, just having eachother, means more to me, than anything on this earth.

Thank you Jesus for all you are doing & the promises & blessings you continue to pour into us each day!

Here are some fun, recent photos of my boys & I @ the beach this past weekend & a few other pics of my son's playing in the sprinklers with their cousins!

Life...well, PRICELESS! Summer is definitely here....

Life...

2009-06-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for my life. In so many ways....this week, especially, something has triggered random thoughts of being "thankful"....such as:

~Gideon, my 16 mo. old talking jibber-jabber...it's priceless
~Garrett my 4 yr old....well, it never ends, but every moment w/ him, is a gift. He finished his first year of preschool and this week, is his first week of summer. He has been asking to go to school, telling me what clothes he wants to wear to school and that he misses Mrs. Jessee. It's been so much fun, just listening to all the thoughts going through his sweet lil' brain. I love it!

JC and I are incredibly blessed to have 2 healthy, amazing little boys. I want more, don't get me wrong, but I am truly content. If this was it, & it was all God desired for us...than, I'm happy as a clam!

God is doing a work in JC and I right now. It's a very "stretching" period we are walking through, but I am thankful for it, b/c it only has drawn me closer to my heavenly father & has forced me, literally forced me, to depend totally & completely on HIM. The Father. It's HARD to do, but I know that in this "season" of growing & pruning, that is the only choice that I have.

Trusting the Father comes w/ risks. But WELL WORTH THE RISKS! wow!

I am amazed at when we've endured a "trial" of some kind, & then look back at how we got through it.....JESUS is the ONLY way we got through it.

All that said, b/c I want to remind myself that this life ain't easy...I am beyond blessed & have been given SO much, & just journaling my thoughts on this, is a beautiful way to really, truly think about ALL that God has done & IS GOING TO DO!!!!

Today is today. I'll receive it for what it is. It hasn't been easy, but I'm trusting the Father, no matter what!

ok, today I went deep...oh well. If you're reading and it's too deep, too much...GET OVER IT! hee!

Love to all....thank you Jesus for who you are & all you have done for me! I am eternally grateful!!!

More bloggin later!

My 4 yr old, sweet, lil' man

2009-05-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this photo of my sweet, 4 yr old son Garrett! He is almost too cute! Ok, ok, I"m biased, what can I say. Just want to squeeze those cheeks..and I'm reminded that I am beyond blessed to have such a Jesus-loving, kind, happy, zealous, healthy, young boy! Thank you Father for giving me the gift of my son!

Catchin up on life....

2009-05-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been several weeks since I blogged all my thoughts....lots of thoughts, as usual, so this blog may be a tad longer than normal...but thankfully, nothing too crazy has been going on...just doing life with my amazing family!

Let's see....it was our anniversary, Garrett's birthday & mother's day all in one weekend this month, which was alot, but oh so fun! 5 years of amazing marriage, a 4 yr old son & to be honored as a mama, was some golden nuggets of good memories to hold on to!

Gideon & Garrett are growing like weeds. Gideon (15 mo.) has taken a few nice falls, which every new-walking toddler does. We have a bleeding cut, scrape, face, or lip about once a week now, on average! ha! I don't worry any more, b/c it happens ALL the time. Bound to happen w/ boys anyways! Garrett (4 yrs) is a hoot! He and I have some of the best coversations about bugs, birds, trees, how people grow, God..it's so cool to hear his questions w/ all the curiosities that go along w/ them.

My boys play so well together..it's been cute to see them wrestle, cry, fall & laugh together. Having two boys is awesome, although, I didn't know, as their mother, that it would take so much physical strength to raise them! Let's just say, my back hurts & my brain! ha!

I have been amazed at all God has blessed us with. It's very simple...we love Jesus & He loves us right back...& even more. Our blessings are not material so much, they are eternal. Things you can't "buy" here on earth. That is what I love our our life, as the Lawrence's. We know how "fleeting" things here are on earth, but how eternal our relationships & love for the Father in Heaven are.

Nothing truly matters to me anymore, other than my faith & the faith my husband & children have. Now, how's that for a 'golden nugget' to take with you! :-)

Ok, so it's almost the end of May...which I CANNOT believe is almost over. Summer is here!!! Garrett's last week of preschool is this week...then it's SUMMA TIME! WOHOOOO! I do have a few things planned for us that will be fun to do this summer, but other than that, I plan on having fun with my kids, whatever we end up doing.

All for now I suppose...here are some fun photos of the boys in our tiny pool, in our tiny backyard. We're hopeful for the future of a bigger backyard someday. Someday..I'm ok with that, b/c it's ALL in God's amazing hands!

All my love to your bloggers out there!

Peace,
Jodi

Celebrating 5 years!

2009-05-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

WOW! I cannot believe it's been 5 unforgettable years since I tied the knot with my sweet husband! Goes by way too fast! I wish I could marry him all over again. That day, was a day from God. An extrordinary day! A day I will always remember.
Here are just a few words that describe that day:

~Bliss
~Peaceful
~Happy
~Beautiful
~Spring
~Blossoming flowers
~Family
~Friends
~Yummy food
~Dancing
~Best of all, making a covenant before God & our family to love, honor, cherish & walk through anything & everything together, no matter what!!!

Wahoo! I love this man! What a man, what a man, what a man! & He's ALL MINE!

Thank you God, for giving me such a loving, trusting, committed, devoted, hard-working, passionate, giving husband. You gave me "gold" God! Thank you! I can't thank you enough for giving me this amazing gift of a husband, a best friend, a soul-mate, & companion for LIFE!

Oh how I love you JC!

Tonight we will enjoy time alone, just you and me. That's how it all began....then, we dove into our amazing life together and created 2 beautiful boys & one sweet angel baby that is waiting for us in heaven. I love our family & how we've grown. I love how even through the unbearable, tiring, sad, trusting, stormy, times, we've endured, we're still going strong. It's only to the glory of God & His grace, that we are on rock, solid ground & walking this earth together. Thank you JC for loving me....

Posting wedding photos soon...for some odd reason I can't get our scanner to work...

More blogging to come, but for now, it's celebration time!!!

Psalms 8

2009-05-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

"O Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise b/c of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands: you put EVERYTHING under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

Well, that sums up where my spirit desires to be today! What powerful, touching, intimate words that are literally written on the heart of God. Oh how I love Him so! Today is today! I am so grateful for even the "tough" days....the good days, sad days, wishy-washy days, funky days, peaceful days, rainy days & even the days where everything might seem "black". Some of you reading may know what that means....to me, "black" means, you are in the "valley"...possibly right exactly where God wants me to be, so I can recognize HIS amazing love, grace, patience & compassion and SEE with HIS eyes what He wants me to see in that particular day. Ok, that was deep, but that's who I am.

I have a vase of tiny, red roses sitting on my desk & I can't help but think about the time God took to create something so beautiful & detailed and perfect. Just like His love for me!

Until we blog again....

My Man...

2009-05-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I am looking forward to riding in the car, ALONE with my dear husband.
We are going on a date, to the movies with some awesome friends! I can't wait.
It's not often, hardly ever, that JC and I get to be alone, other than when we're in our beds sleeping. ha! I am thankful for this blessed time that God allowed for us to be just be together....ALONE! I emphasize the word "ALONE", as most parents can totally relate to that word: they either A. alone w/ their kids or B. alone with NO KIDS! That will be us this evening! ahhhh! NOT that I don't adore & treasure my kids....I do think for any parent w/ kids, being alone with your best friend can really be amazing. Even if it's just riding in the car, talking or not talking.

JC is my best friend. He is someone I know I can trust, cry with, be utterly transparent with & know, that no matter what the day looks like, he's ALWAYS there.

I am so thankful to God for bringing me such an amazing man in my life. A man who God can trust. A man who loves Jesus more than life itself. Even me! :-) I'd prefer that. A man who works hard, puts his family first & comes home with a smile on his face, despite what the bank acct. says, or how many piles of mulch he plowed in 100 degree weather that day. I love his warm heart, tender smile & the love that he always blesses me with.

Next week will be our 5 year wedding anniversary & what an amazing 5 years it's been. It's been hard work, trials, babies, crying, financial strains, love, love & more love & pressing through all the muck & mire & we're still going strong. Love & marriage is more than just a commitment we made in front of dear friends & family & God. It's a covenant of become one flesh. Of honoring one another, cherishing eachother, being there through the "storms" & the "sunny" days!

I love my life with my man! He makes my tummy funny just looking at his blue eyes! I know, cheesy, but its that kind of stuff that makes it sooooooooooooooooo good.

Thank you Father for blessing me with JC!

More to come next week as we celebrate 5 beautiful years!!!!

Thoughts...

2009-05-01T06:44:00.001-07:00

Thoughts...
I have alot of things running through my brain today....I guess every mother does, but one thought that keeps coming up or should I say, 'revelation', that I keep having is to write a 'love letter' of forgiveness to someone close to me. I don't have any idea where to begin, but I know this is something God put on my heart to do. I'm praying it through, thinking it through (obviously, which is why it's such a HUGE thought) & letting it rest in the hands of the almighty father of mine. What I mean by 'love letter'...is b/c I could choose to get angry & upset about some pain this person has caused, OR, I could choose to just love them, regardless of circumstances, past issues, etc.

I do pray, that over time, God the father, would give me HIS words, HIS heart, HIS ears to hear & HIS eyes to see, ALL that He desires of me, as His child, in order to do something like this.

Writing is much easier for me....& not talking over the phone would really work, plus they don't live here locally.

So for now, my "thoughts" are to love, honor, cherish & bless this person in all I say and do, no matter how painful it really is. That is what I desire to do. I"m not going to "strive" to do it, just simply do, as my heavenly father would do if He were in this situation.

More thoughts on that later...

For now, I am thankful, blessed, trusting, loving & worthy!

Here is an e-devotional that I pray encourages any of you who may be reading today:

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- May 1, 2009:

Let your heart be still and your mind be clear. There is much to accomplish in this season, and your work needs to be established by raising the standard of purity with clarity of vision and purpose. Refuse to allow the enemy to derail you through distractions. Maintain eternal perspective and righteous focus. This time will produce good fruit if your will rise up in the Spirit, overcome the works of the flesh, and be about your Father's business. The devil is your enemy; go to war against everything that is carnal and ungodly, says the Lord. Victory is assured!

Romans 8:7 "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be."

JOY

2009-04-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

JOY

Haven't blogged in a few days....just busy, busy with life I guess. I am home today, on this chilly, quiet tranquil day with my sons & we're babysitting a sweet little girl, she is precious! It's always fun to see how my boys interact with a girl. It's fun to watch, actually.

I don't have much to say really....just alot going on in my head, but can't find the words to write.

I am filled with much JOY, regardless of circumstances or just plain ol' life.
I love my life. I love what God has given to me. I love the word 'JOY', b/c there is something so simple yet satisfying about that amazing word. I am thankful to be given JOY, no matter what's going on.

JOY for me, always comes in the morning, when my sleepy-eyed boys wake up, the smell of coffee, the presence of God in my home, the warm hugs from my husband...there is something so timeless of that JOY that presents itself to me in the morning. I love it!

I thank my God every time I am elated with that JOY!

Today is today....filled with JOY, no matter what that may look like. It's the perspective that I try to keep for myself daily.

Psalm 30:5 "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but REJOICING comes in the morning."

Rainy days....among other things

2009-04-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Rainy days....among other things

Today is actually a sunny, beautiful day! We had some rain over the weekend & we took a few pics from inside our house of the boys watching the rain. It was cool, different, just hangin by a window. I guess it's the small things that put a smile our faces. It's the little joys that we grab hold of and hang on to. So we can recall them when we are faced with "tough" days. The little, simple moments like rainy days at home with my kids, are actually, the best days. It's a time for us to explore closets, make tents, read stories under the covers, jump in puddles after the storms have blown through.

Lately, I have seen God take my hand & say "take a step back Jodi and look what I have given to you..." and I am in AWE of just that! What HE has given! My amazing, heavenly Father! He has done so much already and continues to do more in us!

We are excited to see what's around every "corner" or "season".
Rainy days...I tend to find myself reading more, talking to God more, being inside can either drive me nuts or if I choose, it can be the most amazing, cozy day on earth.

JC and I visited a new church this past weekend, called 'The Hope Center' and BOY! Was it full of Hope or what!!! wahoo!!! Go God! It was awesome! The atmosphere was full of the holy ghost. You could literally feel it on your skin! It was a place where we felt completely tapped into the spirit and free! We were warmly welcomed & by the end of the service, someone(Heather Clark - worship leader) had a word for JC. It was beautiful & timely AND the 2nd same prophetic word we received about a month ago. She had said that God can trust JC's heart & he is a man of excellence & like Johnathan in the bible. A man whose heart God can fully trust! wow! We received it with humility and joy. It was amazing. We are walking in a "season" right now, where we really needed to hear that. It was confirmation that God is doing something in the supernatural. We are just waiting patiently for Him to move & for Him to lead us to the next step.

I guess you could say, "rainy days" are full of mysterious ways of God, beauty of His creation & pure enjoyment with my family.

Love & hugs to all! Going to sit in the sun for a bit.

Blessings!

Sunshine..

2009-04-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Sunshine...

I can't believe the amazing weather we are having this weekend! Wow! Thank you God! We have enjoyed our weekend thus far....nothing crazy going on, just being together. Sometimes, that is enough for me. I had coffee this a.m. with a dear, dear friend. She is 16 weeks pregnant, with her first, so we reveled in all the newness that she is experiencing with her first pregnancy. She and I were actually pregnant at the same time, literally, the same week, until I miscarried. Our due dates were 2 days apart. I am thrilled for her...she and her husband are so excited, as they should be. I loved seeing her, catching up with her, & giving her those brand new, unopened lil, teeny-weeny, swaddler diapers.

Later on, I went with my men to get haircuts. It's so cute watching your almost 4 year old sit in a hair cut chair & talk about how he wants to look like a skate boarder. I never really knew skate boarders had certain haircuts, but I guess to my Garrett they do. It was cute. My hubby always leaves the hair chair, looking a tad bit hotter. ohhh, how I love those guys. Me & sweet lil' Gideon just hung out, practicing his walking outside while we waited. Any day now, Gideon (14mo.) will be walking...he's just about there but not too confident yet.

I am enjoying this day, b/c it's filled with the beauty of life & what blessings God has given to us. It's easy to find something wrong or to get frustrated about something, but this weekend, I have chosen to set aside the things that "bug" me, or the constant keeping up with everything....just really letting it go.

I love my life. It's so full & blessed. I couldn't be more grateful! And that sunshine, I just wanna kiss it! I love the sun on my face & the salty, sweaty faces of my boys after playing outside. What a gift my life truely is! Thank you Jesus!

Tired...

2009-04-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Tired..

Today, has been one of those days...I just don't have the energy to do ANYTHING. Right now, both my boys are napping, which is what I should be doing. But, many thoughts fill my brain, so off to blogging I go. It's been rainy this week, so I guess the saying, "April showers bring May flowers'...is very true. The sun hasn't really peeked out too much, which usually gives me a pep in my step, but not this week. It's my sweet Garrett's spring break from pre-school and we're home. I've tackled a few projects like ironing, organizing spring clothes for the boys, giving away things/items/clothes we don't need to a homeless shelter. Sort of feels refreshing doing a little "spring" nesting/cleaning.

The boys and I journeyed over to our favorite thrift store today, as it was the perfect day for bargains, plus it's dark and rainy, so with cabin fever looming, we strolled to find some good deals. And we certainly did! I bought the boys 13 pieces of clothing for ONLY $13! What a bargain! These clothes were in impeccable condition AND to top it all off, they were Old Navy, GAP, Polo & JCrew! I was stunned at the deals AND how completely adorable my boys will dress for a buck a piece! Wow! God is good - looking out for us, even in the small things. He cares about bargains too!

Well, like I stated in my title, "Tired"...that is what I am. So I must close, with this verse, that has propelled me in my spirit today: Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

Be well my blogger friends.....Blessings!

Catchin up...

2009-04-14T05:23:00.001-07:00

Catchin up...

It's been a couple of days since I last blogged...so, there's no tellin what I'll come up with in here...maybe some random thoughts, but thoughts no less. I had a wonderful weekend with my family. Friday was low-key...I went to a fun dinner party for my lil' sister's birthday. It was fun sippin on some wine, chatting, huggin necks and best of all, getting a surprise visit from my dad. He swept into town unannounced, and we all loved it! So we spent saturday out in smithfield with him & the cousins. Very relaxing, fun but always chaotic at times when we all get together. Let's see, there are always boy fights we are breaking up b/t Judah and Garrett. ohhh, and someone always gets hurt or hits....and nevertheless, right before we leave to head home, Garrett gets stung by a wasp...randomly, inside papa's house. He didn't like that boo-boo, cried a bit, benedryl & ice helped, then he snoozed the whole way home.
It's always fun to be out there in the countryside of Virginia. What a blessing to have that cozy home where we can gather, laugh, argue, ya know, all the drama that goes along with one big family! Love it!

Sunday, we had a lil' egg hunt for Garrett...Gideon watched. We have a postage stamp backyard, so it didn't take long for him to find the eggs, but what fun & joy he got out of it. We enjoyed this easter, b/c Garrett was really into it, loved the egg hunts & continued to inform us as to what easter meant to him....we loved how at school, he was taught the beautiful meaning of easter.

All in all, it was a nice weekend, that carried over into Monday, and we had the day to spend with JC. Instead of a mundane monday, we were able to play around, head to trader joe's and just enjoy another day together.

More to come....

Easter.....

2009-04-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Easter

Today was Garrett's Easter egg hunt at school. It was so much fun being around kids & parents & teachers whose focus was on the true meaning of Easter. We sang songs with the kids, iced easter egg cookies, prayed & then went on an egg hunt, on this amazing, beautiful day in April! I had fun, of course, what mom's don't love carrying around a 14 mo. old who can't walk yet, who wants EVERYTHING in sight! ha! I must say, going to my kids school parties, is a part of what I love about being a mom. Because before long, they don't want you at their parties! ha! Today's weather for Garrett's easter party could not have been more beautiful! I am so thankful God gave us a fun day outside with all the kids! I have a poem that Garrett brought home from school that could either represent the colors of eggs or jelly beans, or whatever little 3 years olds want to imagine & what Easter means to them:

- Green....upon the ground for Jesus for his parade one day.
- Purple...that Jesus shared with his friends a meal of bread and wine.
- Red....that Jesus loves us so much that he died for me and you.
- Brown...reminds me of the sad place that was our Jesus' grave.
- White...who gladly said, "He's risen! Our Jesus is all right! (I love that one!)
- Yellow....reminds me of that Easter and what our God has done.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will have life even if he dies. And he who lives and believe in me will never die." John 11:25

Ohhhh how I love the minds of children & what amazing promises that they learn at school from their teachers. I enjoyed today, being with my sons, hunting for eggs, enjoying the sunshine & the smiles on my boys faces as they inhaled candy! ha!

For now, I leave with a sensitive spirit to how important & special the life of Jesus Christ is to me on this Easter weekend.

He is Risen! Let's continue to celebrate His life not just on Easter, but every day for the rest of our lives.

Our Boys

2009-04-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Our Boys

I thought today, during my boys nap time would be a good time to reflect on my precious cherubs that God has temporarily given to us! I say "temporarily", b/c truthfully, they are HIS & He has given us the honor & privilege to raise them up here on earth.

My first born, Garrett James Lawrence, will be turning 4 May 9th.....we can't believe how quickly he has grown & oh what a joy it has been to see him evolve into each stage. He was our early, early marriage baby! Our 5th wedding anniversary is the day before his birthday. I went into labor the day after our 1 year anniversary! Wow! What an amazing, exciting, first year of marriage that was! Phew! Garrett is unique in many ways. We love his heart. He thinks of others. He loves to pretend he's flying. He loves cars. He loves wrestling with his dad. He loves huggin & kissin on his lil' brother. He LOVES to talk. And I mean T-A-L-K. But what lil' munchkin doesn't. He is full of life and challenges me in many ways. (in ways you wouldn't imagine!!) It's very humbling to have a 4 year old that corrects you when you say something you shouldn't say. wow! The biggest thing we adore & cherish about Garrett is his love for Jesus. I couldn't be more thankful for a young heart like his, that is already sold out for Jesus. What a blessing!

Now, my sweet, precious 2nd born, Gideon James Lawrence. Ahhhh - he's still my little angel. Doesn't talk much, so it's different challenges with him, but I really wouldn't call them "challenges", just amazing, cute, adorable stages of a toddler. He is 14 mo. and exploring like crazy! Having an older brother, he's definitely doing things Garrett never did. It's too cute to see the beauty of how God creates the minds of this precious lil' ones. Gideon is curious about everything & takes it all in. He's quiet at times, watching Garrett & doing alot of thinking. It's amazing to see both of my sons love on each other AND take after their dad, in many ways.

What a joy our children are to us! Every day with them, is a gift from God. I don't know I would know what to do without them. They make me confident & sure of myself. They remind me that I'm a good mommie & that I don't have to be perfect. They are also a huge reminder of the union that JC and I have. We created these precious boys together & look forward to creating more babies! :-)

I am thankful. I am looking forward to more life with my family. Seeing God do the things He does with us, together, is quite amazing. I love our boys!

Hope

2009-04-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hope

Today, I am up for sharing the "valley" we walked through this past March. I would say, in hindsight, that God used a full month of testing so that we could be sharpened, refined, & ready to be propelled into more of what He wants us to be. At first, in the midst of a miscarriage, you don't see the "testing" as a good thing or a fruitful place. I saw our miscarriage as though we had really lost something - but ultimately, we gained something. We have a child who is now in the arms of Jesus AND we took a step forward in the lesson of 'blind faith'. Plus, when you walk through a fearful, sad, experience with your beloved husband, it always brings you closer together, in a way, that I can't really explain. All in all, God was standing right next to us last month, holding us up, as we lost angel baby #3, I have the flu for 2 weeks, Garrett got sick with it, then Gideon came down with Croup. I think for an entire month, I had my share of the "funkies". That is what I like to call all of that. Sickness & sadness wrapped up into one. yuk! But, never for a moment, through all the "funk", did I forget that I was forgotten. I may have had moments of doubt, (what human doesn't?) but not for one second, did I think that my heavenly father had forgotten about us.

I do believe everything you endure is NOT FOR NOTHING! Is that even correct grammar? oh well, it's my grammar! ha! I know that our family "trials" or "funkies" are for the good that God wants to bring to us.....He doesn't want us to just sail through life, He loves us too much for that. He wants my husband and I to reach deeper, deeper than we've ever gone. So deep, that it feels uncomfortable. That's a good place to be -- well, that is what I am discovering. Being comfortable isn't healthy. For us anyways....He has so much for my family, that just a month of the "funkies", although was enough for me, was God's way of showing us how to TOTALLY depend on Him & Him alone.

I also realize, that all the "funkies" we experienced is apart of life. And sometimes it's just "life". But, I interpret it on a much deeper level....so that I can connect with my Father in Heaven. I can look back at last month, even with the dreary, dark, sad, confusing, horomonal days, and say, "yes, this is for my good". Thank you Jesus!

The title of my blog, "Hope", says it all. It's my word for the year! The next baby God gives to us to care for, their middle name is going to be "hope". It just explains everything, in the purest way! In God's way. He is Hope. He is mercy. He is love. He is all-knowing.

I am giving Him my "weights" & taking His wings!

This bird house, my dear, sweet husband bought for me last month, in the midst of everything, this bright, pink, happy bird house, put a smile on my face and reminded me, that we can "nest" in God's arms and rest, knowing He will feed us, take care of us no matter what! I like to think of that bird house, every time I look out the window, that I'm covered, snuggled closely by my Father, no matter what storms rage outside my window.

Nap Time

2009-04-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Nap Time

I couldn't resist...this blogging thing is too fun & addicting. Now I can see why so many do it! It's nap time here at the Lawrence home, ahhhh, the sound of the birds & the quietness of my boys snoozing away. This is "me time" when my boys nap. I don't have this piece of time everyday, but most days & I am grateful for it. It allows me to think, pray, plan, hope, dream & of course, look forward to seeing my sons & my beautiful husband walk through the door. For now, my 'nap time', will be a savored time spent with just me. So many thoughts running through my head, but for now, I will close with this: God is working all things together for our good. I am claiming only good things for my family & a future that is filled with hope & more joys than we can contain. I am looking forward to all God has in store. We have paid the price for trials this winter, & so with spring time here, I am trusting for only good things for my family. And so....my 'nap time'...continues....ahhh!

Spring

2009-04-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

Spring

Well, this is my very first blog...and I'm not really used to putting all my thoughts onto a computer, so forgive me, if this blog isn't written that well. I am used to old school of having a journal and all my thoughts, feelings, & journey's through life get written down....so we'll see how this goes. Might be fun...
So, it's spring and what a winter it was! ha! I guess I can laugh at that now! But there was a "season" we walked through this winter that was more than any blog could describe. Let's just say, I am utterly thankful for where God has brought us. So much has happened in our lives over the past five years of marriage, babies, sickness, financial crisis'....you name it, we've been there. I am sort of sad that I haven't been more faithful in documenting all life has brought to us as the Lawrence's, but it's never too late to begin I guess. For now, spring has sprung, new life, new joys, new moments with eachother - I can't think of anything I am more grateful right now, then my amazing, rock-solid husband and 2 precious sons. What a treasure from God my loves are to me!
Here is a recent couple of pictures of these amazing men in my life! How blessed I am!