Colt turns 2!

Colt,

Happy Birthday sweet angel!

 

Did you know that your life is an example of God’s love?

In the midst of my very darkest hour there was a little ray of light.

When I wanted to lose hope and get lost in the grief over losing my mother, I could not. There was a baby.

 

There was a baby who needed me to keep it together. There was a baby that begged me to eat and who kept me from drowning  in my sorrow. There was a baby who gave me hope and a future.

In the midst of our grief…God sent a baby….

 

 

You were a light in our darkness, joy in our pain, and a promise that our family would move forward and thrive!

I want you to always know how God has used your life, even before you took your first breath.

 

You were fearfully and wonderfully made, my sweet baby boy!

From the top of your white, blond hair… to the bottom of your dirty, chunky feet… YOU are HIS!

He made you unique!

 

Oh, and ARE you EVER the unique child! You are shy and prefer to be at home. And if you are not at home, you want to be wherever your Daddy is…

You want to sit with him while he watches TV, you want to stare at him as he cuts the grass, and you stand outside the door while he is in the bathroom. You love going to his closet and getting out his shoes…just to see if they fit your feet this time. You cry when he leaves the house and REJOICE when he gets home!

 

 

 

Your laugh is the greatest sound I have ever heard. I wish I could bottle it up and keep it forever. I have never met such a good looking baby boy in my life! The first time I got a good look at you, I remember thinking how handsome you were already.

Your Grandaddy ("Da Da Da") says you are the smartest boy in Georgia ;)! He watches your every move.

I am not sure if you ever will start talking. ..but that does not slow you down. We all know EXACTLY how you are feeling at any moment.

Your sister is your best friend! You two have a blast together.  She adores you and HATES to hear you cry.  She is your biggest defender and I pray it always stays that way.

 

But deep, deep down…everyone knows your heart belongs to your Mommy. We are a team.

 

I am so thankful that Jesus chose me to be your Mom. I can think of no higher honor.

Each moment that I get to pray over your life brings me joy. Oh, and there are A LOT of prayers!

He has used you in a mighty and powerful way already. I cannot imagine what He has in store for your life! I am so thankful to have a front row seat!

I love you Colt Man! You make my heart sing!

Love, Mommy

 

 

 

 

 

Letter to Heaven, Volume 2

(I guess I forgot to publish this! )

Dear Mama,

 Today Eva began Kindergarten! Can you believe it? Weren’t we just in the delivery room? You started singing her “Happy Birthday” trying to get her to make her grand appearance!  I guess you thought that if you started singing she would decide to come out. Nice try…to bad it didn’t work.

No, Eva has always done things her own way in her own time. She is confidant in everything she does and comfortable in her own skin. I sure do hope she stays that way.

She walked into that Kindergarten room like she owned the place. She then gave me a limit to how many pictures I could take and then she quietly asked me to leave. She said, “Mom, I’ve got this!”

Oh Mama, I could have burst into tears right in that room!  I have worries and fears for her. Trusting Jesus with her life is probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. I wonder if you felt the same way the day you went to heaven.  I looked into your eyes and said, “Don’t worry Mama, I’ve got this!”

 This morning I woke up early and prayed. HARD.  I then watched Chad crawl beside Eva in bed and whisper words of encouragement and love to his little angel. Yes Mama, he is still pretty great! Not that you doubted him!

 I let her eat a chocolate muffin for breakfast!  She only ate the top part and gave her banana to Colt! We read over a Bible verse to remind her that God would be walking the halls right beside her! She smiled!

 I cried after I dropped her off. I cried because she was growing up, but mostly I cried because I wish you were here experiencing her life with me.

But God has not forgotten me and He sent some pretty amazing women to call me and listen to this mother's heart. And of course, I have my daddy!

I just wanted you to know. I love you!
Erin
 

 

 

 

One Step Closer

Our journey to become foster parents is still in high gear. Last week we had our first home study.  We hurried around the house to make sure every detail was perfect, every crumb swept up and every toy put away. It is hard for me to describe the emotions that I was feeling. Before our case worker arrived we stopped and prayed as a family. It was a very simple prayer, yet to Chad and I, it was everything.

“Lord, this is us being obedient to you. Let your will be done. Thank you for bringing us this far. We trust you.  Amen”

The visit was powerful. We got to tell the story of how Jesus brought us on this journey. Hearing it from Chad’s lips is a beautiful thing! I got to describe Chad as a husband and father; he got to talk about me as a wife and mother.  There were words of validation and confirmation that we were, in fact, in this together.  

We have no expectations for what this journey holds. All we know is that God wants us in this place. We would love your prayers and encouragement!

We have our second home study tomorrow and then we wait! It could take several months before we know if we are approved.

I would like to share some verses and quotes that I have collected along the way that give me strength in times of doubt. Oh... and in case you were wondering… I do have doubts! EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.

 

If Jesus ever commanded us to do something that He was unable to equip us to accomplish, He would be a liar. And if we make our own inability a stumbling block or an excuse not to be obedient, it means that we are telling God that there is something which He has not yet taken into account. Every element of our own self-reliance must be put to death by the power of God. The moment we recognize our complete weakness and our dependence upon Him will be the very moment that the Spirit of God will exhibit His power. – Oswald Chambers

 

“Now the God of Peace, who raised Jesus from the dead, will equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, and HE will get the glory.” Hebrews 13:21

 

“Now to Him who is ABLE to do far more abundantly than we could ever ask or imagine…To Him be the glory! Ephesians 3:20

 

"God's call on your life, what He's asking you to surrender to right now in this season, means that He has chosen you above anyone else to do what He's asking. You are the one He singled out as His partner for a particular project. Whether it's parenting a special needs child (hello), starting a Bible Study, or even, like Jonah, reaching out to people you'd rather avoid, He's purposefully given you the high honor of being the one He deemed suited for a task with heavenly implications.

A supernatural outcome waits on the horizon for anyone who chooses to partner with God. So go ahead, sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation and accept the interruption as the GIFT that it is.

God offers you a chance to write a story of eternal significance, and it all begins...with an interruption."

PRACILLA SHIRER “Jonah”

 

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it!

Proverbs 3:27

 

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

 

“The harvest is plenty but the workers are few.”

Mathew 9:37

 

Is God calling you to a new task? Has He been pounding at your door? Ask him to show you what that looks like for you. He is patiently waiting for you to answer His calling on your life! I am praying that you find it!

Love, Erin

Happy 40th Birthday Chad!

Chad,

 I love June 11th! It's one of my favorite days of the year! Any excuse to celebrate your life makes a great day in my world!

 

HAPPY 40^th BIRTHDAY!

 

Today you have been on this earth for 40 years! Isn't that crazy!?!?!? In that short time you have impacted the lives of many. You have been a friend, encourager,care-giver , comforter, and so much more. I have always been amazed at how you jump at the chance to help friends and family in need. You have a genuine love and compassion for people. Others recognize this quality in you…which is why your phone is always ringing! God calls us to love each other. He must be so proud of the child He has in Chad Davis!

I want to thank you for the husband that you are! You loved me even when I didn’t love myself. The person that I was before Christ got a hold of my life was less than desirable. I am still not sure what you saw in that 23 year old girl…oh but I am so thankful that you chose me to be your one and only! I strive to be a Proverbs 31 wife every day. I fail at it …EVERY. DAY. Then you remind me... in your own special way... that no matter what, I am loved and adored. I am so thankful and humbled to be your partner in this journey called life. God has blessed me much more than I deserve.

I always knew that you would be a great father….but you have blown away all of my dreams and expectations. Your love and passion for our children is like nothing I have ever seen. They live for their daddy…for your smile and attention. Each day when you come home from work is like a HUGE reunion! The home that you built is our little piece of heaven on earth. Eva and Colt are so blessed to be able to call you “daddy”…and they know it! I can’t wait for other children to experience the love of Jesus through you! (wink wink)

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this family and to your friends. I have learned what strength looks like through your life... I have learned what humility looks like also.

It is my prayer that you continue to be the man God has designed…That you seek His face in everything you do. I have loved watching Him at work in your life. I can’t wait to see how He continues to use you for His glory! Watch out baby…the next 40 years will be your biggest adventure yet!

I want to share some words that Pastor Doug and his wife put in your birthday book:

                        "40" is not just another number
* For 40 days God let it rain to let His earth begin again
* For 40 years God prepared Moses to lead His people
* For 40 days Christ was alone to glorify His father by withstanding the temptation of Satan
* For 40 years the children wandered in the wilderness before making it to the home God chose for them.

It has taken 40 years for God to make you into the man you are today - husband, father, friend

Chad...you are ready...it is time!

Happy Birthday my love!

Erin

Interview with Eva, volume 1

Day’s like Saturday April 6^th, 2013 are precious! We had a busy Saturday as normal…but this time we were all together...all 4 of us... for the entire day. This rarely happens…but when it does…it is heaven! The hustle and bustle of our busy lives pulls us in many directions. Although we all see each other every day, we hardly get to enjoy the whole day as a family. We forget how magical it can be…we forget how important and necessary it is to simply be together. Eva pointed this out to us as the afternoon came to a close…she said, “This is the best day ever, because I am with my family all day!” Chad and I shared a glance that spoke a thousand words.

As I reflect on this perfect Saturday, I am reminded of how God must feel when His children spend time with Him and how important and necessary it is to simply be in His presence. Have you sat with Jesus lately? Soak Him in sweet friends…there is nothing more sweet!

Our Perfect Saturday! Let my heart never forget!

 

Softball Opening Day

 

 

Let's go Lady Tigers

 

 

Mommy's MVP!

 

 

 

 

 

She went 4 for 4

 

 

 

I think I got carried away!

 

 

Helping Colt learn to ride

 

 

Be still my heart!

 

 

growing up on the golf course

 

 

She is a natural!

 

 

 

Interview with Eva. Volume 1

5 years old

 

 

 

Love,

One grateful Mommy



 

Ready or Not! Here we go!

Last September our church did a Bible study series called “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman. This was the first Bible study that Chad and I have done together. It challenged us to look into our lives. It begged the question…”are you a true follower of Jesus? Or just a fan?”

After weeks of soul searching, daily challenges, bible diving, and a ton of prayer… we were changed. Chad and I realized that we were simply fans of Jesus …and that was no longer acceptable…we wanted to be followers. Every. Single. Day.

This is the story that stepped on our toes and opened our eyes:

A family was preparing to go on vacation for a month. They hired a sweet, young couple to house sit for them while they were away. The family created a journal for the young couple with directions on how to care for things while they were gone. The journal included directions on how to feed and tend to the animals. It asked them to get the mail and water the flowers. It told them which day was trash day and which bills to send off. The couple was excited and ready for their job to begin.

 A month went by and the family returned from vacation. As they pulled up to the house they noticed that the mail was pouring out of the mailbox, the flowers were dead and the animals were starved. The house was dark because the power had been disconnected.  The young couple rushed out to meet the family with HUGE smiles! They were excited!  They told the family of all that they had done with the journal. They memorized every line. They had friends over to talk about the journal. The couple even highlighted the important parts. They were certain that they had done a wonderful job and awaited their pay.

The family was infuriated and sent the couple away with nothing…..

 

You  see friends…Chad and I are that sweet, young couple….

We go to church, we tithe, and we even participate in a mission project or two. These are all good things ….however we only do these things when it is convenient. We do not listen for His direction for our lives. We are not obedient. We are fans!

We have not allowed our life to be interrupted.

Until now….

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. “ Matthew 16: 24-25

 Chad and I are seeking the Lord in a way that we never imagined. In our journey to become followers He has changed our lives. We are no longer content with the way things used to be…we are ready to be used by Him!

So…After many months of calling us in a way that only God can do…we have begun a journey that we NEVER imagined to be on.

We are on our way to becoming Foster Parents!

YIKES!!!!! Saying it out loud is even scary for me! Talk about a life interrupted…….

How we got to this point is a whole new blog in itself!!!!! But feel free to ask me anytime…I love talking about how our God works! But please make no mistake…This is something that Chad and I could not do without Gods calling and direction. It is such a personal decision that it is difficult and scary for me to share.

We started this journey in November. We have completed 2 months of training and mounds of paperwork. We have passed drug screens, back ground checks, and we are awaiting our final medical evaluations and the paperwork will be complete! Then the home studies begin!

We have kept this to ourselves for quite a while. We wanted to make sure that this is the direction God was leading our family. We were not ready to hear outside opinions and wanted to listen for only God’s voice!

However, we have come a long way and we are ready! Well…actually I don’t ever think we can be totally ready … but we are 50% prepared and 100% prayed up!!!!!

In reality, I started this whole blogging thing because I wanted to track our Foster journey. I want to remember how and why we started this and to be able to look back on all that God has done! Even if we never have one foster child in our home…I never want to forget how He changed a heart like mine!

I want Eva and Colt to be able to see how God has moved in our family so that they can trust Him with theirs!

Will you pray with us on this journey? Oh how we need them!

“Jesus never said it would be easy, but He said it would be worth it!” Matthew 7: 13-14      

Dreaming of a house full of crazy,

Erin

 

**our specific prayer need this week is for us to get all of our paper work complete! **

 

Letter to heaven, Volume 1

Dear Mom,

Your little boy is getting married! The Lord heard your prayer. He answered.

That blond haired little boy…the one who gave you all of that grey hair… found his girl.

I remember all of those nights we used to lay in your bed talking about Eric. You would tell me your worries and we would laugh about something he did or something he said. The conversation always would turn to the topic of his wife. We would imagine her! We would describe what she needed to be like and wonder when she would appear. You heart’s desire was always for him to be happy. I can’t count the times you would ask… “Do you think Eric is happy?” You always wanted to reach that place deep down in his heart and make sure that happiness lived there.

I kind of always assumed that I was your favorite child! The bond that a mother and daughter share is truly indescribable. But then I had Colt…and I realized that Eric held a place in your heart that I never knew about. That boy was your baby! No one could make you laugh the way Eric could! He made your eyes dance!

I wonder if Eric knows how much you prayed over his life.  I wonder if his wife will ever understand how many prayers you and daddy lifted up for her.

God’s timing is perfect! But I can’t help but think that you had some sit downs with Jesus as soon as you arrived in heaven. Because only a few short months after He called you home…he met her!

Mom, let me introduce you to Taylor!

She is MORE than we ever thought she would be. She is kind. She is smart. She is beautiful!

She is assertive but gentle. She is outgoing and accepting. She is quirky and loves to laugh. She is sweet and loving to Dad! Eva and Colt adore her…and so do I!

But more importantly…she adores your son. She LOVES him, she cares for his every need, and she encourages him.

And guess what else mom? She loves Jesus too!

I no longer worry about him like I used to. I can see the happiness radiating from his face in a way that I never have before! It is truly a site to see!

You and Dad did a great job. I am seeing a man unfold before my eyes …the man that God designed Eric to be! His life and the future he has with Taylor are the fruits of your labor. You did good mama! You don’t have to worry anymore! Now you can rest!

I love you always,

Erin

 

Mansfield Elementary vs. The Theme School

Kindergarten. 

My baby is fast approaching Kindergarten.

 I won’t get bogged down in the emotions of “where did the time go?” and “she is growing up so fast! “ At least not for now... I will save that post for August!  Because for now…right this minute.. there are some choices to make … BIG ones that will affect her for years to come.

Where do we send Eva Lareen to school?

We have AMAZING options! Yes! That alone is a blessing. We can choose to send her to the Newton County Theme School (a charter school in our area that emphasizes parental involvement) or Mansfield Elementary.

Each of these schools has excellent records and astounding reputations. When I say astounding reputations, I mean that I have spoken with AT LEAST 10 sets of parents from each school… and they have PASSION for their school.  It is unbelievably cool how these mothers get involved in the lives of their children and how much they jump into their school environments. I must be surrounded by some pretty AMAZING people because the media teaches us that parental involvement is a dying entity in our school system. Well, I am here to tell you that this is not always the case …because these mama’s are HOT and on FIRE with passion about the schools their babies attend. So HOT, in fact, that when we do choose which school Eva will attend I might have to go into hiding for a while and stay off of facebook. Because these Mama’s will come after me!

I am totally kidding… but I want to drive home the point that we have 2 great options… that not a lot of people have…and I am grateful.

The Newton County Theme School is relatively new to our county. It is a charter school that prides itself on academics, parental involvement, and much more.  All Newton county children who wish to attend must apply and be chosen through a lottery style drawing. We have applied and the drawing is held THIS FIRDAY…March 8^th!

Mansfield Elementary is the school we are zoned to attend. It has been around forever, has a small town family environment, and I have heard that the parental involvement is like none other in the county.

I have prayed over our decision for many months. I have researched, discussed, listened, and agonized over a choice. A choice that is simply not mine to make!

Eva was given to us on October 2^nd, 2007. Chad and I are entrusted with her care by her Creator. He loves her more than we ever could. Her little blond hairs are all numbered. Her future is His memory. Her life is already written. She is His!

 

He is in control …not this Mama!

This is a problem! I have always loved having control. I always think that I know best…even when the outcome of my choices prove otherwise. God has been working on this area of my life for a while. Surrender is something that does not come easy for me. I say that I trust the Lord…but do I really?

This kindergarten journey has taught me so much about myself. Lesson’s that I did not plan to learn.

For the first time I have chosen to give Eva over to Him. 100%! I choose to trust Him with her. I will not fret if she does not get chosen for the Theme School. In fact, I cannot wait until March 8^th because I am excited to see the path He has chosen for her.  

You see… this is more than meets the eye. It is not about which school is best. It is not about who has the highest test scores or the smallest class sizes. It is not about where her friends will attend. It is always about Jesus.

I like the way that sounds, don’t you?

It is ALL about Jesus!

Let me explain:

 It is about who she will meet along the way.

Who will Eva meet that will LOVE and Encourage her? What teacher will He put in her path that will ignite a fire for her future? What experience is she supposed to endure to further His kingdom? Who will sharpen her spiritual gifts? What child needs to hear about the love of Jesus in a way that only Eva can share? What lives will be changed?

These are the things that matter. These are the things with eternal significance.

So, on Friday…I will march into the BOE office and watch them draw names for the upcoming kindergarten class for the Theme school. While I am there, I will be watching God in action. My prayer will be answered...her path will be chosen... and I will REJOICE!

Many of the Mothers will be upset if their children do not get in…and my heart will break for them. But I pray that God will comfort them as He has done for me. He promises that He will. I will pray that they can release their babies into His hands and Trust!

When I gave Eva over to Him…it took the pressure off of me…what an amazing feeling.

I love this verse:

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." 2 Chronicles 20:15

Give it all to Him!

Kindergarten…Here we come!

And as Eva would say…”Let’s HIT the road and TEAR it up!”

 

Where does the time go?

1st day preK



 

 

 

Valentine's Day lesson for my heart

Another Valentine's Day has come and gone...

This year's heart day was full of many firsts: Eva made her first Valentine's Day box with her Maw Maw, Colt experienced his first Valentine's Day party at day care (they said he went nuts over the cookies!), and it was the first time I let the kids have chocolate for breakfast...totally random idea.

The day ended great...but it did not start that way.

I woke up feeling like a failure. I got out of bed on February 14th and immediately started attacking myself with reasons why I am a terrible wife and mother.
-I did not buy the kids cute outfits with hearts on them with their names neatly embroidered on the front.
- I never found the time to create the perfect magical assortment of gifts.
- I totally forgot to do valentines cards for Colt's class
- All of the cute Pinterest ideas that I envisioned creating for Eva's teachers remained just that...ideas. They got nothing.
- Chad left for work before I could give him his card....why didn't I put it in his car like I had planned?

What is wrong with me ....I don't deserve this family! I was a bundle of raw emotion...

I got dressed and quickly made a home-made card for Eva and Colt. I laid out the only gift I managed to get them on the breakfast table...one gigantic Hershey bar. I woke up my babies, told them I loved them, and reluctantly escorted them to the kitchen to see their Valentine's day surprise.

I was still abusing myself mentally for the lack of funds and planning for this "magical" day.

I was waiting for Eva to react with disappointment...

This is what I got...

PURE EXCITEMENT AND JOY!

 

ALWAYS HAPPY!

 

I was bombarded with kisses and hugs from these 2 angels. They were thrilled and I was moved to tears right in the middle of my kitchen floor.

 

 

I saw all of the wonderful things about God's love, grace, and mercy in their little eyes.

 

I realized that I had let the devil control my thoughts through my raw emotions. Satan uses every opportunity to tell me that I am not good enough. He uses my insecurities as a working mother to convince me that I have got it all wrong and that I will never measure up.

 

Their sweet, smiling faces told me that it is ALL A LIE!

 

Sweet friends, Satan wants nothing more that to tear us apart and convince us of lies that keep us from being all that God wants us to be.

 

No one will remember what outfit they wore...or what their valentine card was like. It simply doesn't matter. What Eva will remember is that mommy came to her Valentine's day party, let her eat chocolate for breakfast, and that she was loved!

 

 

But God wasn't done with me yet on that day...He had another Valentine's gift for me...I had Him working overtime!

 

My prayer for my children is that they will love God most. This is what I found in Eva's classroom!

Thank you Lord for hearing my prayers! You are always faithful!

He hears us! He loves the sound of each of our voices.

 

I know that I am a mess without Him. I don't want my children to go one day without feeling His presence and living in His love!

 

Are you believing Satan's lies that you are not good enough? Don't get stuck in that place...

 

He has so much more to give if we love Him most ... life is so sweet for those who trust in Jesus!

 





 

Eva at her preK party

 

 

My big boy looking handsome for the ladies!

 

 

 





Eva's Verse

          "The Joy of the Lord is my strength!" Nehemiah 8:10

This is the first verse that Eva and I memorized together! On Monday mornings we get a new verse and try to commit it to memory by the end of the week. My sweet, heaven sent friend, Jill, provides the verse in her blog www.shinegirlsshine.com!

What was meant to be a fun, simple exercise for my daughter has turned out to be a life changing exercise for me! I have ALWAYS heard that God speaks to us through His word. And many people have experienced this for themselves. However, I did not expect Him to teach me SO VERY much about my life through such a short, simple verse.

                                             OH BUT HE DID!

                                  "The Joy of the Lord is my strength"

It is no simple task to get a 5 year old to memorize something. We would wake up and repeat the verse...and go over it while she brushed her teeth. We would repeat it in the car in the mornings and again on the way home. I would find myself repeating it at work as well. It became apart of our everyday! I then found myself wondering what the verse meant.

                                   "The Joy of the Lord is my strength!"

Hmmmm.....it sounds nice ...but I don't really "get it".

Friday rolled around and Eva and I memorized our verse. We treated ourself to a piece of candy or two (or in Eva's case 3 or 4) and went on our way. Life went on and more verses came.

Then the week before Christmas, our Pastor called and asked me to share my testimony in church as part of his sermon. He said that Chad and I have been through a tough few years and he wanted me to share how God was getting us through. I told him that I would...hung up the phone...and started to think...

I took a few days to reflect on my life. I guess we have been through a lot in 24 months time:
- I lost my mom to cancer. She was my best friend and biggest fan!
- Chad has been fighting a "mystery illness" for almost a year...which we still don't understand. We have heard terms such as rocky mountain spotted fever, pneumonia, pulmonary lesions, lupus, and wegners granulomatosis. (google it!)
- Then a few short weeks after Chad got out of the hospital he lost his job. This was a job he was so excited about...a job that he worked hard for...a chance for financial freedom! It was a HUGE blow to his self-esteem and a blow to our finances.

So, I guess on paper all of that looks pretty rough.

but in reality... It has not been.

You see, the day my mother died is the day I surrendered myself to Jesus. I decided to give my ENTIRE SELF to Him because the way I was living before just was not working for me. He woke me up and called my name! It was time!

I decided to follow Jesus on April 7th, 2011.
It has been 1 year, 9 months, and 29 days

...and friends ...life has NEVER.BEEN.BETTER

Please understand that I did not say that life has been easier because clearly it has not been easy.

However, circumstances that should have shattered my world and thrown me into darkness and dispair did not and have not.

Instead I am OK, in fact, I am JOYFUL and STRONG and HAPPY!

Realizing this brings me back to that sweet, simple verse.

                               "The Joy of the Lord is my strength"

WOW! I understand! I get this verse now! This verse is my life.

So the next time a friend asks"how do you handle it all so well" or when someone says "I could never go through all of that!"  I will simply say: "The JOY of the Lord is my strength". This verse is my life and it can be yours too!

With JESUS there is NO better way to live.

I encourage each of you to surrender every aspect of your life to Jesus. Ask Him to show you how! And be on guard...because He most certainly will!

                                
       Our Elf on the Shelf brought Eva her first bible verse to memorize!

My Awakening

 

 

I FINALLY GOT MY BLOG!!!!!! I am SO excited! I have felt an urgency to begin a blog since the day my life was interrupted on April 7th, 2011. This was the day Jesus grabbed a hold of me and started running! On this day, I woke up from a deep sleep and started to live!  This was the day that He interrupted my "perfect" life....and I truly started to live!

 

Here is my story!

 

My mother was wonderful in every way. I could use every positive adjective to describe her. She was in love with my daddy until her very last breath and my brother, Chad, Eva and I were her world! However, as much as she loved us all, she loved God most. And God loved my mother!

 He brought her out of a difficult childhood situation and placed her into a Christian home. He gave her my daddy when she needed him most, a man who loves and fears the Lord!  I could go on and on but to say the least God has always taken care of her as only HE can do!

She lived her life for Him. She, along with my dad, taught me about God’s love, took us to church and prayed for us diligently!
The Lord called my mama home on April 7th, 2011after a battle with breast cancer.  It was His perfect timing. She was gone…And I was broken!

 

Although I had given my life to the Lord at 8 years of age, it never dawned on me that I had not GIVEN my life to him until after my mom was gone.

 

Who did I run to when I had a bad day? Mama

Who did I call when I heard good news, bad news, or any news? Mama

Who would listen to every detail of every aspect of my life with open ears and an open heart? Mama

Who else would care about my babies the way I did? Mama

Who prayed for me when I should have been praying myself? Mama

Who encouraged me to rely more on God? You guessed it…My mom!

 

The day she left was the first day of the rest of my life. Guys…this was not only because I had to learn to live life without her, but also because it was the first day I began to have TRUE dialog with my Jesus. For weeks straight I felt like nobody was around but me and God…..I would scream at him in anger in one moment and would be on my knees praising Him the next. 

I often say that that the day my mama died is the day I truly started to live. THIS IS SO TRUE!  I felt ALIVE for the VERY FIRST TIME because I started my relationship with God! And yall's…the sad thing is…I never realized that I didn’t have one!

 I have been spending all of my life in church and going through the motions! Did you know that He knew this about me? HE WAS JEALOUS FOR ME!

He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

In this past year, amongst my pain and grief, I have come to realize the magnitude of His love for me. I CAN SEE IT SO CLEARLY! Every detail was perfectly designed by Him….not to harm me but to give me a hope and a future! Girls this is NO JOKE! He didn’t take my mother away to harm me..in fact I know it breaks His heart to see me grieve! Yall…I am not sure of His reasons or of His plan for calling her home but I can tell you that He loves me SO much! Just look at what He has done for me in 2 years time….

 

Please let me brag on my Lord for a moment!

Chad (my sweet husband) and I lost our baby in September 2010. We were devastated and I prayed for the Lord to help me to understand why this happened,

Did you know that my due date with the sweet baby would have been the same week my mama passed? I KNOW that the Lord spared me from having to juggle both events at the same time! OH HOW HE LOVES US!

 

 

Me and my honey!

 

 

And did you also know that at the EXACT moment I was getting the news that my baby did not have a heartbeat my sweet god-daughter was born…..

I MEAN WITHIN THE SAME 15 MINUTES! He gives and takes away! Oh HOW HE LOVES US!

 

Reese (my sweet God-Daughter)  

Isn’t she yummy?!?!?

 GUESS WHAT? I got pregnant again and was 14 weeks pregnant when the Lord called my mama home! This is also such a wonderful blessing. He gives and takes away. He gave my family something to look forward to in the midst of our grief. A reminder of how much He is in love with us. He sent us a BEAUTIFUL little boy with his daddy’s handsome grin and my Mother’s blue eyes! OH HOW HE LOVES US!

Robert Colt Davis September 28, 2011

 

Both of our babies!

 

For years my Mother prayed for my brother to meet that “special someone”! And she was very specific about this girl! She prayed for someone to come into his life who adored him, someone who he adored,  was very sweet, and who most of all LOVES the Lord. I was concerned that this girl did not exist! Lol! However, a few short months after mom’s death my brother met Taylor! She is everything and more that we have prayed for! OH HOW HE LOVES US!

 

Eric and Taylor!

Aren’t they sweet?!?!?

 

He loves us. Each of us. None more or less than the other! We aren’t promised that our time on Earth will be without trials. One of my worst nightmares came true, and yet it has been the best year of my life. Only God can do that!

 

I pray that each of you be able to evaluate your relationship with Jesus. Open up that dialog and build that relationship! Run to Him first, not your best friend, not your mother or husband. God wants our big, precious, breakable hearts. HE IS JEALOUS FOR US! He wants us first!

 There is still not one day that goes by that I don’t miss my mom!  I think of her ALL OF THE TIME! But I know that my mom is cloaked in white, praising her Lord, and I now have the blessed assurance that I will see her again! Oh how he loves us!

 

Lareen Peeples

I love you mom, to the moon and back!

My mom and dad!

September 2011

 

The NEW face of my family! Oh how He loves us!

Love in Christ,

Erin Davis