tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62675095806675749912024-03-05T01:13:09.592-05:00faith{full}because when everything else fades away...one thing remains.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-90463451861631557152014-03-08T10:07:00.000-05:002014-03-08T10:07:08.086-05:00This ones for you.As far as being a Mom, I have done about every combination of Mommy-hood. Well, except for the "Have a nanny so I can lunch with my friends and be part of the Junior League" version. Yeah, that I haven't done...hmm...maybe I need to pursue that one! SO, besides the latter statement, I've hit most combinations<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Stay at Home mom with infants</li>
<li>Work from home mom with infants</li>
<li>Stay at home Mom with school age kids</li>
<li>Work from home mom with school age kids</li>
<li>Stay at home mom with both Infant and School age kids</li>
<li>Work part time with kids in preschool</li>
<li>Should I go on?</li>
<li>I think you get it.</li>
</ul>
<br />
But these past 2 years I have been humbled, in awe of and honored to be part of the elite group of Working Moms. By that, I mean, "Monday - Friday 30+ hours a week" working moms. Before you get your...ahem, all worked up (I see that eye roll)...let me remind you that I have sat in the shoes of being IRRATE when people asked me "What do you do all day?" as a stay at home mom. BUT, this, is a whole new level.<br />
<br />
SO, Here's to you...working moms! Because I have learned the following things:<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
When You are a Full Time Working Mom:</h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Mommy Guilt has a whole new meaning</li>
<li>There are still 18 loads of laundry waiting for you after work</li>
<li>Housework has to be done in a matter of 3 hours a day</li>
<ul>
<li>At the same time Homework, cooking, grocery shopping, nail painting, shaving, haircuts,extra-curricular, bonding and relaxing</li>
</ul>
<li>You have to wake up a whole hour earlier so that YOU can get a shower and dressed before your kids do (this is so that there is enough hot water!)</li>
<li>You have no idea about current events, because the days of watching the Today show are over</li>
<li>When your son calls and tells you he forgot his lunch-trombone-project-money-etc. It's not a simple as "running it up there"</li>
<li>Did I mention the Mommy Guilt, especially for not being able to attend EVERY program, etc. (why does it seem there are 3 EVERY week?!)</li>
<li>Crock Pot meals are a staple (Yuck...yuck I say)</li>
<li>Your Pintrest boards area combination of a Fantasy World and Freezer Meals and Weekly Planners</li>
<li>You have learned to turn the 5 minute drive to the CarPool line into a Complete Costume Change!</li>
<li>Your bar for cleanliness in your home has been lowered...quite a bit.</li>
<li>Your closets are NEVER to be looked in...ever...by no one</li>
<li>You are a warrior</li>
<li>You are amazing</li>
<li>You are the perfect Mom for you children</li>
<li>You Don't have to do it all</li>
<li>You don't have to be perfect</li>
<li>You WILL make it</li>
<li>You are not alone</li>
<li>You are not "Sub-Par"</li>
</ul>
<br /><br />
I am HONORED to be counted among the ranks. I had no idea what kind of brain space it would take to think about not only what my kids wear each day, but what I wear each day! (Did I wear this yesterday?) Why oh why, did I take for granted the days I wore sweats until 2 pm? <br />
<br />
I am HUMBED by the women who went before me, who were working moms before it was "acceptable". Before childcare existed or was affordable (I know, it's not affordable, but it's better).<br />
<br />
Stay at Home moms, you don't have it easy either, I know that. <br />
<br />
But working moms...this one's for you.<br />
<br />
You are loved.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-55118961390431307212014-02-14T08:22:00.000-05:002014-02-14T08:22:19.289-05:00Something I have never written about...Before I had Millie, I used to tell people that My College Fantasy had become My Current Reality...but it was more of a nightmare. I lived in a Boys Dormitory. Noisy, chaotic, pranks constantly, running around in underwear, and of course...the smells. Those smells that come from sweat, showering without using shampoo or soap, body changes and of course...excretion. <br />
<br />
Excretion...yep, that's what this post is about. Hang with me, I promise it will be worth it.<br />
<br />
One of the tools that <a href="http://weare3dm.com/" target="_blank">We</a> teach people to asses the health of their spiritual life is affectionately called MRS.GREN. It is the simple stages of life for any living organism. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Movement-Respiration-Sensitivity-Growth-Reproduction-Excretion-Nutrition</li>
</ul>
<br />
If it's good enough for 8th Grade Biology, it's surely good enough for me!<br />
It's funny, having a room of grown men and women, many with advanced degrees, still snickering when we say the word Excretion...all the mom's usually roll their eyes!<br />
<br />
<i>What do we mean by Excretion</i>?<br />
Glad you asked. Simply this: The act of Lament and Repent<br />
<br />
<i>Simple? HOW exact does one do this, well</i>?<br />
<br />
VERY GOOD QUESTION! Here is my conclusion. Lamenting is the act of grieving what we die to and Repentance is literally a change of mind, which changes the course of our actions. Let's Break it down (yes, you may beat box if you'd like...ok, that's enough)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Lament</b></u><br />
If lamenting would have been a course in College, I would have taken it. A few times. And then, I would've taught it. I am, what some may call, an intense person. I test as a Base Prophet on the Five Fold and am an INTP on the Meyers-Briggs. {If that is all jibberish to you, then just believe me when I say I can be intense.} Lamenting, is a learned art, it truly is. I think I did it accidentally, or naturally for my whole life. But it wasn't until I was 30 that I learned how to and the importance of Lamenting. It is literally the act of Grieving. Giving something it's due respect and the space to mourn that is required. We do this for people, for animals, for tv shows! Why then, do most of us not do it for relationships, dreams, personal desires, our hopes for our children? Christ told us to "Pick up our cross daily and follow him". Where do we think he's going with that cross? The Mall? Church? Bible Study? He's going to DIE! It is a daily call to die. To our relationships, our dreams, our personal desires, our hopes for our children. It is not up to us, nor about us, and we live in the tension of the in-between where bad things happen to all of us. And that, is painful. You are lying, if you say it isn't. You are delusional if you continually say it will only make you stronger ( which is true, but stop saying it...all the time...please). We need to grieve the things that we die to. They don't die, they aren't on that cross, we are. We are choosing to die to those things. Give yourself time to Grieve, I don't believe that God intended for us to ignore those feelings that he put inside of us. I think it's a gift, so that we know how much it means to Him!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Repent</b></u><br />
Now what? Am I just supposed to Lament forever, become one of THOSE people?! (tempting) No, we are supposed to Repent. Metanoia - a change of mind. Before the Spine could be explained, physicians referred to the Noose Man. Literally they pictured that there was a Noose around your neck with the knot at the base of the head and your body "hung" from it. (Think more puppet that hanging death). As the Knot was turned (by the decisions of the mind) the body had know choice to but to follow. That is where the word Metanoia comes into play. A changing of the mind, is not simply just that, it means that the body (life) will follow. You change your direction, trajectory, way of life. If that seems to be something that is easier said than done, we have another tool called the Learning Circle that we use to help people do just that, Hear from the Lord and Do something about it. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A14-15&version=NIV" target="_blank">Repent and Believe</a>.<br />
<br />
You see, that is the Beauty and Joy of this whole process. We are called to follow Christ into his death, which means that we get the resurrection too! It is not I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Yes, you may be called to die to your own personal dreams, but He will raise into a dream that is more than you can imagine or hope for. Yes, you may have to die what you hoped your children would become, but He has greater things for them, and He has what they need to bring those to reality. We are called to die to ourselves and live a resurrected life in Him! It's a beautiful exchange.<br />
<br />
So here's the challenge:<br />
-Do you need to lament an area in your life you have had to die to? It may be something recent or something a long time ago?<br />
-Do you need to repent? Have you been lamenting long enough and need to have a change of mind, and hear where the Lord wants to lead you next?<br />
-Do you need to make a choice to trust what He has for you, is better than anything we could want for ourselves? <br />
-Do you need to Trust that if He started a Good Work in you, He will be Faithful to complete it?<br />
<br />
You are loved.<br />
<br />Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-267692568503969792014-02-11T20:59:00.000-05:002014-02-11T20:59:05.480-05:00The Temptation of Loneliness I could start by writing about why I'm writing...how I've tried to start this thing back up SEVERAL times over the past year...how the Lord currently speaks to me in Blog Post Titles...or ...I could just start.<br />
<br />
Life is not easy. We have all heard it, most of us somewhat believe it, all of us have experienced it. It is a statement that is not contextualized, dependent on environment or circumstance; it touches all of us. Somehow, I feel as though I am entitled to a "pass", at least a little bit every now and then, can I get an<br />"Amen"?!<br />
If you've read the "about me" section, then you know that I have 4 children, ranging from ages 13-7. 3 boys at the front, and one caboose named Millie. What you may not know about me, is that I, am an introvert. That's right, a socializing, conversation carrying, sometimes first to speak, Introvert. Although I'm pretty extroverted, with 4 children and a chatty husband, exhaustion comes often. I have discovered that there is at no point in the day, a MOMENT when someone isn't either moving or talking. Even whilst sleeping, there is ALWAYS noise! {Insert Snoring sound effect here}<br />
<br />
"<i>Where are you going with this Court?</i>"<br />
Sorry, I'm working back up to my Blog writing...deep breath<br />
<br />Ok, where I'm going is...<br />
Life is not easy...and when it gets hard, I've noticed I have a temptation to run to loneliness. I have written it off as the following:<br />
-I'm a private person.<br />
-I don't want to bother people.<br />
-It's not all about me<br />
-I'm an Introvert and keep things to myself<br />
-It's for me to work out with Jesus<br />
-It's just a problem that I have within myself<br />
-I will work on myself<br />
<br />
But here is what I really am saying:<br />
I don't want anyone in on this with me. Inviting people into my life equates to High Accountability, death of pride and laying down what is best for me alone. Other people can win, when I refuse to go it alone.<br />
<br />
So that's it. That's the 3AM for all you speakers out there. <br />
<br />
I have grown accustomed to, and somewhat comfortable with, the slow, easy hum of loneliness. It lulls me to sleep some nights, the masquerade of strength becomes cemented on my face, the furrow in my brow conveys that I can handle a lot and my capacity is quite large.<br />
<br />
I have bought in to the lie...you are can and are meant to handle this on your own. No one else will get it and I know what is best.<br />
<br />
Lies. Meant to Kill, steal and destroy my joy and my influence in The Kingdom.<br />
<br />
Recently Mike Breen put out a blog post referencing the <a href="http://weare3dm.com/mikebreen/we-are-3dm/why-the-missional-conversation-must-change/" target="_blank"><i>Missio Trinitatis</i></a>. Yeah, I know Latin isn't my thing either. This is an AMAZING read and a profound truth. And it all boils down to this.<br />
If I'm to live as Jesus did, then I am designed to live in family. Not just friendship, not just community, but, <i>life giving - die to my own dreams - you have no choice but to deal with us</i> - family.<br />
<br />
Loneliness is not just a bi-product, it's a temptation. It feeds a lie that we are meant to be independent to remain special. To matter. To be the winner. <br />
<br />
I don't know how far this rabbit hole leads within my own life, but I know that My Family walks beside me the whole way. I have a shepherd who leads me, with love and discipline (rod and staff) and a calling that is bigger than my wants. <br />
<br />
I know that this life is not easy, but I NOW know that it doesn't have to be lonely. <br />
<br />
So, I ask you the questions that keeps me in check with the Temptation of Loneliness:<br />
If you win, who else wins?Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-10554194249973288102013-02-06T19:53:00.003-05:002013-02-06T19:53:59.909-05:00OverwhelmedWell, I'm off to a great start! I meant to write twice a week, but let's just say, I'm glad I'm getting one up! <i>( Added disclaimer...I've been writing this post since Monday...)</i><br />
<br />
This past week marked the official start to "Spring Travel" season for our family. Having one parent travel, hits families in many different ways. I actually enjoy looking around and seeing how "single parenting" works for other people. I feel that I'm in the blessed stage, of kids who are, for the most part, self-sustaining. By that I mean, no diapers, they feed and dress themselves, they can be left home alone for short amounts of time, etc. However, along with those amazing gifts, comes the...shall we say DRAMA of not having toddlers anymore. Body Odor, Acne, hormonal fluxes, Questioning who I am, wanting people to like me...fun fun!<br />
One thing I have noticed in this season, is the fact that my children don't necessarily need more or less of me, but rather they need something different from me. They don't depend on me for basic needs. If they're thirsty they get a drink, if they need to go to the bathroom they go, if they need time by themselves, they go to their room. But, what they are depending on me for is MUCH more emotional connection. It's not enough to just sit and watch a movie or read a book together...they want to have a ...<i>gasp</i> CONVERSATION! They ask me question, deep meaningful questions. They look me in the eye intently, that in and of itself a question of sorts. They want to know "Why". And not the "Why" of a 3 year old, but an honest, "Tell me how to understand" Why. <br />
It's exhausting. It's frustrating. It is OH SO time consuming. And it fills me with fear. This is the moment, the moment I knew would come, the moment that my mistakes aren't covered by the knowledge that they're Too Young, to remember what I say, or how I mess up. These conversations will be remembered. These actions will be modeled. These words will be repeated.<br />
<br />
I'm Overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
But it's not what you think. Or, I guess I should say, it's not what I usually expect of myself. I'm overwhelmed in a good way. Overwhelmed by peoples kindness and sincere prayers for my family. Overwhelmed by reminders that I am not in this alone. And I was never intended to be in the alone. (See Genesis 1) Overwhelmed by the family I've been given, a place in and responsibility for. Overwhelmed by the faith the Lord has in me to be good stewards of His children, that with Him, I am able to love them, as He loves me. Overwhelmed, that all I need to succeed, I have, in Him, who is able to complete the Good Work He started when He formed these beautiful children. <br />
<br />
I am Overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
Love, Joy, Grace, Hope, Courage...all of those things have overwhelmed me this past week. And I know, that it is not fleeting. It is not a promise that I better hold onto , because who knows when it will come again! It is a promise that endures forever. Why? Because My God is faithful, even when I am not, He is faithful. He is: Faithful.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-83632585316927804432013-01-27T13:38:00.002-05:002013-01-27T13:38:17.158-05:00(Gulp)Ahem...TESTING...TESTING...Is this thing on?<br />
<br />
Yes, I'm here. I'm a little shaky, a little nervous, a little anxious...a little new. But I'm here. And I'm going to jump right in!<br />
<br />
Yesterday my friend Megan, asked how I satisfy my creative side. Hmmm. That was a good question. I don't perform anymore, I haven't in about a year. I haven't written anything in a LONG time, and well...I don't know how I satisfy that side. I guess I ignore it! But I mentioned to her that I used to Blog, and that really enabled me to not only put things in writing that I'm learning and loving, but also in somewhat of a creative manner. <br />
That right there did it. That was the confirmation, to the stirring that has been in my heart since Christmas. It's time to write again. Even if no one reads, it's writing and in some small (very small) sense, publishing what I have swirling around in this eccentric brain of mine!<br />
So, last Sunday I began to put on paper posts that I feel inclined to write. Some are serious, some are funny (in my own head), but all will be authentically me. The new me that I'm just starting to get to know, the old me that just won't go away, the me that I'm letting God redeem, in order to leave people better than I found them.<br />
Short and sweet, that's how it's starting. Let's get this thing going.<br />
<br />
Love.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-28798077556303264422011-04-18T16:16:00.000-04:002011-04-18T16:16:57.694-04:00I'm not......<br />
was going to write dead, but I'm really not...however if you're around me right now, that is questionable...walking dead. <br />
(For the record it is going to take a good 30 minutes and tons or re-writes to do this post...why? Brennan has The Rescuers on...my ALL TIME FAVORITE kids movie...besides pippi longstockings...and Robin Hood...oh heck, where was I?)<br />
<br />
My sincerest apologies...I've been a blog delinquent...tsk,tsk...I know.<br />
<br />
So, coming back today I thought of all the blog posts I have running around my head (I think in blog posts you know). My real review of Love Wins, my tales of the goings on in this crazy exciting family, my excited recap of Spring Break (let's just say it ended well) or my thoughts on running in my Five Fingers (yes I have them and Yes, I love them) but to be honest, I just don't have it in me (refer to first sentence)<br />
<br />
So as I was cooking dinner tonight, I thought that I'd start back in on a lighter note...what are the MUST HAVES in my kitchen. Exciting!<br />
-Kitchen Aid Mixer...you don't have to soften cream cheese or butter with this puppy!<br />
-My pots and pans...I am the proud owner of more All Clad than I deserve, but everyone deserves All Clad, cooking with anything else is a travesty...I mean it...ask me more if you want to get some CHEAP!!<br />
-French Press...I sway time to time, but on a whole this is the ONLY way to make coffee. Easy, quick and the best...mmm, going to make some in a minute.<br />
-Cookbooks-My Favorites-ANY church cookbook is awesome, or Junior League for that matter...tested and true recipes, The Pioneer Woman Cookbook (so fun to look at), and Cooks Illustrated (this is a magazine, but the absolute whole package, I cook more from that than anything else LOVE LOVE LOVE)<br />
-Good Season Italian Dressing- Yes, I make the dressing, but this is a staple ingredient in so much. Especially my Mom's Spaghetti sauce ( a good Scottish version) which I'm making right now for my husbands very Italian family...oh well.<br />
-Yeast, Flour and Sugar- When groceries and money are low, these three can get you through any meal...pancakes, waffles, bread, etc.<br />
-Good...I mean GREAT olive oil!- I get mine at Penn Mac in Pittsburgh and bring it down...so very good and you'll never miss butter<br />
-Greek Yogurt, Honey and Granola-This actually stays at the office, but is such a treat<br />
-Oatmeal and Natural Peanut Butter- How David and I celebrate breakfast after working out each day (well him each day, me every other (ish) day)<br />
-Hummus-My kids first step to healthy eating...they fight over it! With veggies or Wheat Thins.<br />
<br />
That's about it...Curious...what's your kitchen must haves?Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-45162318533350052112011-03-20T19:08:00.000-04:002011-03-20T19:08:14.034-04:00Prayer part 2So many thoughts in my soul...I get so IRRITATED every time I see a facebook post of Rob Bell in an interview...READ THE BOOK! &*(%$$# Yes, I said it...it ticks me off. I've got about 20 pages left, and no I don't agree with everything, but I don't disagree with it either. I'm irritated at him too for being so much in the Gray, but I understand that, I have a certain friend that shall remain nameless that likes to not land on the black and white of issues...ask more questions than give answers...it's annoying, but in no way do I question his stance on Christ, or salvation or the scriptures, because I know him...oh wait, these people must no Rob Bell to condemn him on his BOOK TOUR!!!! Ok, ok, I'm done...grow up...ok, I'm done, I promise...for now.<br />
<br />
So what was I writing about...oh yeah, Prayer! So, on my last post I tried to make 2 points, <br />
1-Prayer is a conversation and we should pray the way God has designed us to communicate, in our own way, easily, effortlessly and uniquely.<br />
2-The more we hang around someone, we have a tendency to pick up their mannerisms, so by continuously "hanging out" with God, we may actually tend to look more like Him...strange, but it obviously worked for Jesus.<br />
<br />
Side note- I have to say that I disagree when people make a statement like "Be Jesus to them" or "you may be the only Jesus people see" Although I think we carry the weight of that responsibility, it isn't totally true. I think the correct statement or way of thinking is to be the us that Jesus redeemed. God made us to be us...not us to be Jesus...we are to be us with Jesus in us....does that make any sense? We cannot be Jesus, but we can be ourselves, completely made new by Christ and completely able to share our story made righteous by His blood. So even though by hanging with Him we may begin to look like Him, hopefully, we are still very much ourselves...which is a good thing.<br />
<br />
So, my second point that I want to touch on tonight is what are you praying for? I feel like there are two types of prayers....Redemption and Deliverance, both forms of healing. And one of those is always given.<br />
As we think on this and next time I'll break each one of these down, I want to share an illustration that I heard Crawford Lorits give once.<br />
Sometimes when we pray we ask God to deliver us from a situation...and sometimes He does...and other times it plays out more like this...<br />
A father is outside playing with his son, and the son falls on the ground and splits his chin open. (As a mother of 3 boys, this happens more often than not) He quickly scoops him up and takes him to the Dr., where it is declared that the boy needs stitches. Now, this happened in the 70's when numbing agents weren't as widely used as they are today...in fact they weren't used in these situations at all. So the Dr. informs the dad that he will have to hold the young boy in his lap and keep his arms pinned to his side, so the Dr. can complete the stitches. The dad, with tears in his eyes, scoops up his son, and tightly wraps his arms around him. The boy, scared and nervous, asks his dad if it will hurt..."yes" he says, "but I have to hold your arms down so the Dr. can do his job. And if I didn't do that, it would be a lot worse." <br />
Sit in this for a bit...think on this as you consider your own prayer life. How often do we get mad at our Father, as it seems he is assisting in a painful process, let alone, not making it stop. And it make take a lifetime to see it, but He wants what's best for us...and His redemption is promised to bring healing to situations that were not intended...but redemption can hurt, and sometimes He has to hold our arms down, so the Spirit, can put back what was broken...and there will be scars, but with scars come stories...good stories.<br />
Be blessed today, as you converse with your Father and ask Him to reveal times of redemption in your life.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-84586140299192033822011-03-17T09:37:00.000-04:002011-03-17T09:37:26.098-04:00Prayer Part 1Prayer is one of those things that alludes me...I mean when there are whole SECTIONS on how to pray in the book stores (christian and otherwise) there's got to be a problem! But I think I've figured out why there are so many books! I know, get the Nobel committee on the phone...<br />
<br />
If prayer is described as conversation, then why do we try to imitate each other? I know that Jesus told us how to pray, but saying a prayer by rote is not exactly heartfelt or conversation. But that prayer can be heartfelt...for example, if my husband were to come to me and read a poem from a book, or even recited it, dead faced, yawning in between lines and mumbling...I'd kick him. Now he may even try to make it feel more dramatic, pausing in the appropriate places and having an eb and flow to his voice...but I can tell it's just an act, and a good dramatic reading. But, if he were to look into my eyes, speak those words TO me, as if they were his own...well, you know what would happen next...right, right!!!!<br />
<br />
Or this...<br />
When I was at camp one year in High School, my roommate for the week noted that she was starting to talk like me by the end of our stay. I didn't understand what she meant, she sounded the same to me...no, it was the way in which she had conversations with people. She then pointed out my specific mannerisms, how I trailed off at the end of sentences and finished thoughts to myself, how I shook my head and looked down a lot...I never noticed these things. But it made me realize, we all have a certain way of conversing that is uniquely our own. Thus prayer...that's why often as we sit and try an learn how to pray from other people we my find useful things, but if we try to perfectly Copy them, it feels unnatural, it is unnatural.<br />
<br />
We can take certain postures and tips and phrases and even words that other people use in prayer, but don't forget, you have your own unique way of conversing...don't lose it. Look at how you uniquely have a conversation with other people. Do you use your hands a lot (GINA!) do you laugh a lot, do you usually listen and say little? Take these and apply them to prayer...it's just a conversation...Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-63132651790416077522011-03-15T16:21:00.000-04:002011-03-15T16:21:45.444-04:00soundtrack of lifeMusic...I love it...it speaks too me...through me...I think you get the point.<br />
<br />
You can learn this by asking my husband...I send him songs when I can't find the words...songs about love, fighting, really messing things up (mumford and sons is really good for relationships). You can learn it from my friends who for whatever reason, have received the good 'ol mix cd from me. Whether going through a tough time, moving away, or just because...music is my language. I think I've said it here before, that there is something in my soul, that communicates with God this way too...it's a heavenly language.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, I thought I'd give you an update on where I am musically at the current moment. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/files/imagecache/big_node_view/files/images/Mumford-and-Sons-otw.jpg" id="thumbnail" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="See full size image" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLq28vaIyMrqsbWRNcUM8Ft2f3tPObooSL-2GhPt4jAQYAir3whbC0PA" style="border-bottom: 1px solid; border-left: 1px solid; border-right: 1px solid; border-top: 1px solid; float: left; margin: 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">*- Mumford and Sons, I mentioned before. It's really funny how they have just exploded with an album that was recorded in 2009! But it's a great album and I can't wait for their sophomore project (music language for Second Record...I'm SOOO with it!)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://thegood.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/katie-herzig.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img alt="See full size image" height="80" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRvh5Y0I4k2NbUivGmokPwtdsLQzCidaIjYPkPuEm5vx2Ye5e9GgflGvg" style="border-bottom: 1px solid; border-left: 1px solid; border-right: 1px solid; border-top: 1px solid; float: left; margin: 10px 10px 0px;" width="87" /></a>*- Katie Herzig is another super stellar artist. She has a real mix of sounds, soulful, folksie, popish, it's just all there! It's just the kind of music when you want to be happy and chill. Good for laying in a hammock on a Sunny day</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohGVo7ZqGVyHBW14aXJKroL_JHvinZg3LhaJv2h6xM3nUMyFetxmGA-NA1LC6XtR1nBldqVL02_M707MBI53SaUi9tMPW4Q4l3PzQhs_zCkfsE0jvTytZBAUXunKLwEZ518PPiGdJS3Q_/s1600/1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://juleaswezelyn.blogspot.com/&usg=__FLvrpQDelGu4J4erLiMXWH5vmEU=&h=350&w=300&sz=22&hl=en&start=2&sig2=sTYM0ji0oorgBp8967InoA&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=3jZ18ULVcEGYUM:&tbnh=120&tbnw=103&prev=/images%3Fq%3DKari%2BJobe%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7ACAW%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=F8h_TZXtHs-Btgfo_ezbCA" id="apf1"><img height="122" id="ipf3jZ18ULVcEGYUM:" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQRH3DSRma34oTPnz-9RgsJEWmp9S1Hnomoii95jdzL7yppPfsNLGzGMAE" style="border-bottom: #ccc 1px solid; border-left: #ccc 1px solid; border-right: #ccc 1px solid; border-top: #ccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="105" /></a>*- Kari Jobe has just one of the greatest voices period. I love it. It's powerful but mellow, different, yet highly familiar. Her passion behind the words she sings, also familiar, just takes some songs to a whole new level...she gets me going almost everyday.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/zanelowe/BombayBicycleClub.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/zanelowe/2010/03/hottest_record_bombay_bicycle_2.html&usg=__luXbLAac2RBXWZRcu1fIAsruOfU=&h=380&w=376&sz=30&hl=en&start=1&sig2=PzQtGL6fxJPO-2R6OCz4fg&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=eChdMOC_I87naM:&tbnh=123&tbnw=122&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBombay%2BBicycle%2BClub%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7ACAW%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=z8h_TebaCI_Ptwe6scHFCA" id="apf0"><img height="125" id="ipfeChdMOC_I87naM:" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSkliGgT2Tyzz-vCgSMa7xd4YrZ9XAKO5U1l-JUoIe5hsvJDZ312PDdcQY" style="border-bottom: #ccc 1px solid; border-left: #ccc 1px solid; border-right: #ccc 1px solid; border-top: #ccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="124" /></a> *- Bombay Bicycle Club could be one of my favorites at the moment. They have been for awhile. Like Mumford and Sons, they are a real smash up of instruments and styles and unusual voices, etc. A little of everything and just some AWESOME chill music. Read a book kinda music.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi68daUUq8Kq7Gcrs5DwOMviQiR6gJbTMTGnEbCJlNmpTkjMBm0qC_fPFvASfNQ0W8wk_yUcZO_fWAp1-wXzaPs6kLt3QB_PkD9PyHYMq58cJLYsQP0Q9Rvkx6G7HCdiVtSdNOvZCe5Ql/s1600/up-monae_lrg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://houseofmakeda.blogspot.com/2010/05/janelle-monae.html&usg=__pZIaNYUqOXn1txdRMGa0qvSFhGk=&h=382&w=460&sz=24&hl=en&start=2&sig2=9hOuHzYGsol-IQPOigtySg&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=0_SATJY8xgsCjM:&tbnh=106&tbnw=128&prev=/images%3Fq%3DJanelle%2BMonae%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7ACAW%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=Vcl_TeyHNM3ytge3xoW5CA" id="apf1"><img height="108" id="ipf0_SATJY8xgsCjM:" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQjQtSTFYL6-JEE65LfU2D3EEKRL1TFhNuSpJUtfXxQh9u07qSYjXkyPJw" style="border-bottom: #ccc 1px solid; border-left: #ccc 1px solid; border-right: #ccc 1px solid; border-top: #ccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="130" /></a> *-Janelle Monae....I've got to give Lauren Walker TOTAL props for this. As well as one of my other ALL time faves...Feist. Janelle is a total change of pace for my usual set list. A little funk, a little R&B a little 80's and all ATL! She is fresh, in every sense of the word.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, those are the New Additions to my Pandora over the past year, and of course, Imogen, Ingrid and Bon Iver still get thrown in the mix, but try any of these out and you'll be please...a little disclaimer, they are not all for little ears...so be careful who's in the room</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Curious as too your musical likings</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-49584719099152939622011-03-07T10:46:00.000-05:002011-03-07T10:46:57.250-05:00The gospel, according to Wonder PetsIn the latest episode of Wonder Pets (well, one of the only episodes we watch, because it's on dvd) I was listening as Ming Ming was talking to the Emu in Australia. He was telling her that he is the largest bird there and she puffed up (as she usually does) and said that she comes from an impressive lineage too, she believes her great-grandfather was an Eagle. Well the Emu just smiles at her (the best way an Emu CAN smile) and they move along. He smiles, because she's a duck...duck's don't have any relation to Eagles...their ducks. Unless man interferes (or domestication interferes) animals don't crossbreed.<br />
<br />
And it hit me...is that what it sounds like to people when I refer to God as my father? I mean, I'm human, sinful, as all are aware of, since we so often remind them. And yet, I think I can claim God as my Father, among other intimate relational things? Really...No wonder they often smirk and move along. It's bizarre!<br />
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But what if Ming Ming were to suddenly spread her, what seem to be minuscule, wings and had a massive wingspan, only ever seen on...eagles. All of the sudden her claim would have relevance, there would be proof.<br />
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It's not a new message, our words and actions need to match. If I claim to be a child of a Father, I need to carry characteristics of that said Father...even in the case of adoption this is true! My brother and his wife have adopted 3 children, from three different parents at 3 different stages in their lives. Each of my sweet nieces and my force of nature nephew, all have some characteristics of Chad and Heidi. Whether it's the way they say certain words, facial expressions or their taste in clothes. Because of the CONSTANT interaction with their now parents, they take on traits that make them known to be part of that family. <br />
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So I am challenged that when I claim to be from a great lineage, that someone whom I stake claim in, and who in turn stakes claim in me, that I spread my wings and prove that not only to I bear a mark of that lineage, but might flight patterns model His as well.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-82654432048879811422011-02-28T13:35:00.000-05:002011-02-28T13:35:28.076-05:00Rob Bell Bandwagon...I'm jumping on...why? Well...because I want too so there!<br />
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So if you are a little late to the party and have no idea what the up roar is about...click here <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/02/26/rob-bell-universalist/">http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/02/26/rob-bell-universalist/</a><br />
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If you don't know who Rob Bell is...well, you might want to grab a cup of coffee while we chat.<br />
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So, go click that link...you MUST watch the video and come back...<br />
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Okay, so we're all caught up?<br />
Well, if you are on twitter, or maybe even FB, then this is everywhere, and everyone has an opinion and almost everyone is quite aggressive...almost foaming at the mouth kind of aggressive. My goodness, it seems like people were just waiting in the wings for the slightest little...GOTCHA! Whew, its, well, embarrassing.<br />
One such twitter post was from John Piper:<br />
"Farewell Rob Bell"<br />
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Wow...just wow. (not that I need another reason to not care for Mr. Piper...but he gave me one anyway...yes, I'm entitled to that opinion too...)<br />
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So, as people were busy tying Rob to the stack and gathering the kindling and matches...I was thinking and asking D'vegas what his thoughts were. Ever the nice and truly authentic person he is, his response was "I don't know."<br />
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So, I'm left to muddle through this alone...sigh...here I go.<br />
<br />
I have two frames of thought..<br />
1.) THE BOOK ISN'T EVEN OUT YET!!!!<br />
I am a HUGE advocate for creating an assessment AFTER getting the facts. People were using the book as a reference point for all of their arguments and it's not even available to read...seriously. As far as I'm concerned I agree with the title...does that make me a Universalist? Yoi!<br />
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2.) That being said, watching the video is enough for me...to question and tread VERY carefully until clarification FROM Rob Bell is made on his comments in the video. As much as I agree that Love Wins...it won when Christ came...God set a system in place, that created a system that was about impossible to adhere too, in order to spend eternity (and the here and now) with Him...BUT He loved us so incredibly much, that He made an out. He set up the system, and He redeemed the system and made it accessible to ALL through Christ. That shows that God is a loving and good God...not the fact He wouldn't send anyone to hell (which I don't believe)<br />
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SO, what am I saying...I'm saying I don't agree with Rob Bell...that my interest is piqued on finding out more on his stand on universalism...and that even though I think those things, I would never EVER attack or feel I had the right to ...gasp...condemn him. Ridiculousness people...call your watchdogs back and relax...<br />
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*Sidenote...For the record an author whose writing I adore and has spoken and inspired me very much, was not too long ago put on the Southern Baptist Convention Watchlist for being occultic...you may have read one of his books Ragamuffin Gospel...yeah, Brennan Manning. <br />
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Be very careful which direction the bandwagon is going when you jump on it...wolves are a little bit harder to spot when there are a bunch around.<br />
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Curious as to your thoughts...Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-36139944386439005882011-02-23T08:45:00.000-05:002011-02-23T08:45:29.706-05:00Petra - Computer Brains / Clean<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WzvWmRI9OD4?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Here is the song I was referring too in my previous post! Hair bands rejoice! Going back to the Roll-R-Skate!!</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-16494949682377868472011-02-15T15:04:00.000-05:002011-02-15T15:04:27.523-05:00So Much to say...There are probably 15 times a week that I come up with a blog post in my head...of course I don't write them down, that would be too easy and efficient. So, I sit and try to pull them from the depths of my mind. Vague...<br />
I know that most of them come from kids movies...that is really all that is in on in our house. We got rid of Direct TV, got netflix for the Wii and an antenna, LOVE it! At $9.99/month, we haven't missed it at all, and it's actually cut down on the CRAP in our house. We can truely pick what the kids watch, not just choose based on what's available. Oh that reminds me...<br />
A couple weeks back I heard someone make the comment "moral sewage running the house"...whoa...I stopped dead in my tracks, not only was that a great phrase, but it's shockingly true. Not just in our home, which I would suggest we shelter just right of middle, but in a lot of homes. Whether it's television, music, books, or mostly, our speech. Petra or Degarmo and Key, used to have a song called "Garbage in/Garbage Out" it was pre-techno, techno. It is evident everywhere.<br />
So, as I juggle continually with trying to be "in the world and not of it" this moral sewage keeps me in check. What does your home reak (sp) of? What is the fragrance that fills the air? I'm in HUGE gut check about this right now. Introspection is always good, responsibility is even better.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-40386483989727438792011-01-31T12:55:00.000-05:002011-01-31T12:55:43.282-05:00Rejoice in this again...today.<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uRUCV78IULQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="480" height="295" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Need to post this again...Feel that a lot of us out here are under attack and need to be reminded that everything belongs to Him and no weapon formed against us shall prosper...Praise Him, in the midst, life it up and lean into His love. Dancing around also lifts the spirit...my soul literally revolves with this song.<br /><br />....Your Voice it Thunders, the earth is shaking<br />the mountains now are shaking<br />Creation sees you...and starts composing...Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-81007056164494507342011-01-26T16:58:00.000-05:002011-01-26T16:58:15.698-05:00RestThe other day I was laying down with Millie...she needed the nap, not me ;-) but when I got up to sneak out of the bed, I looked over and there she was fast asleep...I couldn't take my eyes off her. She looked so...beautiful. Sleeping, lips perfectly pursed, face relaxed, and...quiet...she was at peace. So that evening as my kids fell asleep I snuck around to all their beds and got a glance...yep, it wasn't just her...and it wasn't just the little ones...all of them looked beautiful.<br />
Then last night, David and I sat down and I finally got to watch the documentary Babies...you must see it, I giggled and "awww"ed the whole way through. But there is about 5 total minutes throughout of the babies sleeping...I loved it...the mouths suckling as they slept...the expressions they make as you wonder what they're dreaming about...so sweet!<br />
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And my heart question...does the Lord think I'm the most beautiful when I rest? I somewhat think yes...as a parent, He thinks we're beautiful all the time...but I think when we climb up in His lap and rest, we look most like what He intended. Relying totally on Him...face relaxed, worry lines cease...lips aren't moving...breathing becomes steady...peace. We can't live like this I know, but we don't do it enough, I mean really rest...<br />
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Hold tight little one...slow down your breathing...think on good things...and rest.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-53771614850122278942011-01-12T12:15:00.000-05:002011-01-12T12:15:39.890-05:00A calloused HeartI'm about to be very vulnerable (to quote the illustrious Dave Rhodes)<br />
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I'm about to talk about my...feet...Ugh...I think I just threw up a little in my mouth...gross.<br />
My feet are awful...Calloused, rough...awful to touch. My feet used to be wonderful, in fact someone once told me how nice they were...but that all changed in 2000. And has continually gotten worse...why then? Well, that is when I was pregnant with Brennan...gained 40+ lbs (which I still have yet to lose, but that's another post) and my feet grew 1/2 size. Swelling, the added weight etc...it took a toll...and then happened again in 2002...and 2005 and 2006. Yes...pregnancy did this too me. My feet grew a 1/2 size with each child except Millie and my weight went up and down (mostly up). <br />
So what do I do to my poor feet? IN an effort to lose some of that baby weight I start running...wow, that brought a whole NEW realm of callouses...crazy runners feet.<br />
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It's awful, awful I tell you...but you wouldn't know unless you really looked at them...or GASP...tried to touch them (which i wouldn't allow).<br />
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So this leads to the thought I had this morning while using my pumice stone in the shower...that is so much the definition of a calloused heart. When we think of someone with a calloused heart, we think of a bitter old man, hunched over with a permanent scowl on his face, growling and mumbling under his breath...but is that really how it looks. I mean, how do you know if it's calloused unless you reach out and touch it.<br />
Nails painted, Burts Bees Foot Creme on...you'd never know to look at it. Only when you touch it do you feel the callouses. <br />
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Realising that whether the callouses came from great struggle and sacrifice(of my own : running or of someone Else's doing : pregnancy) doesn't matter. It needs to be tended too...only by regular visits for a pedicure (time and money to sacrifice) will the callouses begin to be removed. <br />
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So I ask you (ask "us" really) do you think you have a calloused heart? When people reach out to touch your heart, do you wince at what they'll find...or even more, not even feel it? You know they've attempted to touch you, so you respond with a smile, as not to hurt their feelings...but it did nothing for you...too much dead skin between the touch and the nerves...<br />
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You may have never considered yourself a calloused person...you don't scowl, you smile...you let people into your life... the "nails are painted" and you even dare to wear flip flops, so people know you're fine with your "feet". <br />
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We need to be razored and pumiced and massaged and loved...that is the only way to get rid of callouses and able us to feel.<br />
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Time for a pedicure?Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-62309371797658604442011-01-11T11:27:00.000-05:002011-01-11T11:27:44.689-05:00My name is Courtney...and I'm an addict(all reply) "Hi Courtney"<br />
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This week, I'll be trying to purge some of those addictions as I seek out God in many different ways, as Father, King, Lover and Shepherd. All of those relationships have with them different modes of communication. British Historical Dramas really bring those into clearer perspective. We (as Americans) don't know what it's like to have a King as a close friend or father or lover...it's different, I like it.<br />
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All that to say (it has nothing to do with the next part of this post) that God has really been pushing back on me...I can feel the coals being stoked and the temperature rising...the refining fire is coming. I don't fear it as much as I used too...I know it now, know that the burn isn't constant and the cooling sting of the water bath after brings healing. But refining is ever so humbling.<br />
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So the question at hand is "What do I love"? Is it God, the being, the author and perfector of my Faith, Love itself? or is it the evidence of Him that I love? I'm not talking signs and wonders stuff here, I'm talking the evidence of God...His hand persay...Do I love Him in spite of His hand or because of it? Is what happens when God steps in just icing on the cake or is it what I long for?<br />
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Thought I was SO beyond this point, but apparently not. It forces me to get to know God...again, better, more...<br />
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Is it hot in here. or is it just me?Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-61196162474713896892011-01-05T18:45:00.000-05:002011-01-05T18:45:31.874-05:00Broken toeyes...I broke my toe.<br />
Well, not really, I kicked a table (a round one at that, so that all are able to be safe) and it hurt like the dickens...and I'm cranky, and feel not good and...and....waaaaaaaa<br />
[Not to mention, my kids have decided to play hide and seek and that means Millie in her squealy voice running around yelling "Apple Peaches, Pumpkin Pie, Found you! or I'm in the closet or Hi-Yah. It's funny...but noisy and I'm yelling, don't touch the walls!]<br />
David, the saint that he is, cleaned up the kitchen, as he always does, and is walking around in Long Johns trying to think of ways to help while mumbling comments. I need a retreat...<br />
Can you have a hospital stay, like the maternity kind, for a broken toe...or at least a semi-broken toe?<br />
Sigh...Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-62605341555656487292011-01-04T16:21:00.000-05:002011-01-04T16:21:09.545-05:00WholeSorry folks...blogging...not a priority, up until now. I haven't forgotten about you two out there ( Thanks Gina and Mom!)<br />
No regrets though...right, moving forward. Picking up my Pen again.<br />
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So much is ready to come bursting out...but I've been told to keep quiet, it's okay...I can do it! Not for much longer though...so be just a bit more patient.<br />
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In the meantime, the word for 2011...Whole. The spirit just gave it to me, and promised to continually reveal as I prod along...different than any other year, in the process of choosing my word, out of a goal or plan of bettering myself...a lot more exciting!<br />
Already I feel that Whole is meant to encourage me in all areas...I guess Holistic. Not just bettering in all areas, but abiding in all as well...loving myself and those around me and within me. Also offering my whole self...that's a scary one and I'm not going to talk about it anymore and pretend it's not there.<br />
<br />
Blessings to you this entry to a new year...an exciting one at that...you can smell it in the air, feel it in the earth. Almost a constant rumbling that something is about to burst forth...my soul just lept.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-4332630153087348442010-12-09T09:24:00.000-05:002010-12-09T09:24:39.809-05:00Amelia...4 years ago ...at this moment, friends were trickling into Greenville Memorial Hospital, waiting to see if the Reichley 5 had been blessed with a little girl. We were (not that people took our word for it, Georgi-Beth stripped her all the way down just to be sure. After all, she looked just like Eli!)<br />
Our life...my life...changed forever that day.<br />
<br />
Millie's was a journey of surprise. We didn't find out what we were having...didn't paint a nursery, didn't have a shower before hand...didn't decide on names until the last minute. And on a COLD December night (after David parked at the farthest spot from the hospital and ran in saying "It's freezing out here" as my mom helped me hobble in) our fighting princess made her way into our world. (Not to mention on the day of her favorite Aunt TiTi! It was and will always be the best birthday present ever)<br />
<br />
Millie, is an anomaly to me. She is 185% girl. Babies, pink, dresses...all the ubber girlie stuff. But she could be the toughest kid I've ever met. Mentally and physically. Seriously, the girl re-defines Strong Willed! But as my mom pointed out, she's been a fighter all her life. At birth she refused to gain weight, forcing me to feed on demand for the first few weeks of her life...taking her to the doctor to be weighed every other day. Once out of that chaos...a new one in sued...one that changed my opinions of myself. <br />
At 6 weeks old Mille had RSV. I have known other families to go through this and knew it was a long and tough sickness to fight.<br />
But after another Angel (Leslie Helms) told us to take her to the ER on the night of the Super Bowl and teams of nurses blowing out her veins as she laid there on a table not fussing at all....and after she was admitted to the PICU and a specialist told us we had to wait outside...and after he told us we had a very sick baby, and they will do what they can...then. Only then did I feel helpless. All emotion left me, it still does when I think about it. I could do nothing...Couldn't hold her, feed her, cry for her, even pray for her. I just....sat.<br />
She fought...hard and strong. Pulling through the grueling treatments and tests. After a week, she was released, but had to fight another long 4 months of recovery.<br />
<br />
That was the first half of Millie's first year. <br />
<br />
She turns 4 today. She is alive, very tall for her age, allergic to nothing (which is shocking after severe RSV) and a fighter.<br />
<br />
Passionate and Loyal...traits that are incredibly evident in her life. She loves as passionately as she fights and when she chooses you...you can't break that covenant. As with all my children, I see the Lord's favor on her in ways that could truly change the world.<br />
<br />
She changed mine...forever.<br />
I love you moomsie.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-72824288933121923912010-12-01T08:33:00.000-05:002010-12-01T08:33:41.600-05:00Get it....I know I've posted about this before,but buy yourself and early Christmas present and get the new Gungor CD: Beautiful Things. I CANNOT tell you how much this has ministered to me...each day a new song hits me right where I'm at....of course track 2 and 7 start my day EVERY morning. It's hard to dance whilest driving, but I manage. Always do!<br />
Here are a few lyrics, from the title track...means something new to me every morning.<br />
<br />
All this pain<br />
<br />
I wonder if I’ll even find my way<br />
I wonder if my life could really change at all<br />
<br />
All this earth<br />
Could all that is lost ever be found<br />
Could a garden come up from this ground at all<br />
<br />
You make beautiful things<br />
You make beautiful things out of the dust<br />
You make beautiful things<br />
You make beautiful things out of us<br />
<br />
All around<br />
Hope is springing up from this old ground<br />
Out of chaos life is being found in You<br />
<br />
You make beautiful things<br />
You make beautiful things out of the dust<br />
You make beautiful things<br />
You make beautiful things out of us<br />
<br />
It only gets better...the cover artwork is enough for me...I want to paint it as a mural in my house, seriously...La'Walker, you up for it?<br />
<br />
Curious as to anyone else's thoughts on this album?Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-12036618307845222162010-11-28T19:48:00.002-05:002010-11-28T19:48:35.826-05:00Yogurt MountainAfter being introduced to this eupohoria of foodie heaven, by my phoenix...Audrina....in Tuscaloosa, one of my other fave people has informed that G'vegas now has not one...but TWO Yogurt Mountains....Can it be so??? There is a God and He does love me! (not that I didn't think that before...you get it)<br />
<a href="http://www.yogurtmountain.com/locations.html">http://www.yogurtmountain.com/locations.html</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-85002679199901579472010-11-16T23:22:00.000-05:002010-11-16T23:22:28.246-05:00Integrity...It's a shame that there are 30somethings walking around without it...<br />
<br />
Speechless, sick to my stomach and disappointed...<br />
<br />
Stop looking in the mirror, realise you aren't the only person in the world, and show...I don't know...<br />
<br />
INTEGRITY!<br />
<br />
(Going to get in trouble for this one...but it's time someone makes a stir.)<br />
<br />
I'm done.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-40897016914299563502010-11-02T11:53:00.000-04:002010-11-02T11:53:34.933-04:00weorthscipeCan you guess what word we use today from this Olde English word?<br />
<br />
Well, let's see Weorthscipe broken down is this:<br />
<br />
Weorth-Value or Worth<br />
<br />
Scipe-Shape or Condition<br />
<br />
In other words, judging the value of something...what is it worth to me?<br />
<br />
Worship...puts a new spin on it doesn't it.<br />
<br />
When you struggle with something having a stronghold on your life...well, you feel that it is WORTH more to you than not doing it. A moment of satisfaction (or a few moments depending on the vice) has more VALUE to you than doing what God has called you to do (or not do). It's simple...whatever has more worth to you, will get your worship.<br />
<br />
Yet, not so simple...lies and deceit cement vices to our legs, arms...entire bodies. Sometimes they have dug so deep into our skin, that they almost seem to be part of us...something that requires no thought or decision at all...we just do it. This is where my frustration with "deliverance" comes....it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes the only way to be "delivered" from a situation is to completely cut of our leg from the knee down, in order to get the fused vice off of us....seems to be more destructive than delivering....but here is where God steps in an truly shows off...He begins to heal the wound...sometimes a new "leg" grows back, but most often, after pain and bandaging and frustration...we begin to learn to walk with a limp. Sometimes with the aid of a crutch or cane, but we move, we go...we're redeemed.<br />
<br />
That...that God, deserves worship...the value is compared to none and worth the severing of limbs (if necessary) in order to give everything, every dream, every movement, every breath...in applause of Him.<br />
<br />
(Thanks to Richard Smith, Pastor of Hopepoint for the inspiration of this from his Sunday Message)<br />
<br />
Curious as to what You worship?Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267509580667574991.post-18080553154412728352010-10-27T15:36:00.000-04:002010-10-27T15:36:17.775-04:00Starvation /stɑrv/ <br />
<br />
<br />
[stahrv]<br />
<br />
verb, starved, starv·ing. <br />
<br />
–verb (used without object) <br />
<br />
1. to die or perish from lack of food or nourishment <br />
<br />
<br />
That's right...starvation...it's been a long time coming...I feel it in my soul, that a lot has led up to this moment, and I feel no sense of hunger or craving...only the tension of going without. <br />
<br />
My prayer has been for some time, that my soul response be primary and my flesh to be secondary...or none at all! So the Lord spoke to me the other night as I asked how I make that switch....Starve Your Flesh.... <br />
ummm, ok....I need to lose a little weight (and by a little, I mean a 5 year old child...that's for another day) <br />
<br />
No, not that kind of starvation...the spiritual sense of flesh...starve that. <br />
Well, how do I do that? In order to do that I must know what "feeds" my flesh <br />
-Music <br />
-Television <br />
-Reading <br />
-Social Media <br />
on and on...basically anything that I do, out of pure satisfaction of myself... <br />
<br />
Now, let me clarify, that I am NOT saying these things are wrong...I am in a particular process for a particular outcome and feel that most of these things will be re-introduced into my life...maybe not, we'll see. But since I am trying to "kill my flesh", a drastic thing, I require drastic measures. {Think alcoholics and how some can return to even having social drinks and others, can never be around it...again, we'll see} <br />
<br />
So, I will keep my blog up, as it's a place for my to glorify the Lord through sharing what I learn. <br />
-So far, the "cravings" have been minimal, surprisingly. <br />
-Have noticed HUGE spiritual warfare, as my flesh is reacting to the starvation...Spirit is beyond strong though and God is faithful. <br />
-So excited to see what is revealed as the death takes place... <br />
Curious what your thoughts are....(if you're reading this on FB or Twitter, I won't be there, so please leave a comment on my actual blog)Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13113705105906572865noreply@blogger.com2