2012: a year in review

In the past year, the Lord has done a lot. I have seen His goodness in joys and sorrows.

January: I began again meeting with Cary KH at Starbucks on Monday nights. We went through Barbara Hughes' "Disciplines of a Godly Woman" and A.W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God. My time with Cary really helped me hunger for God's word. It's amazing how God uses a 16 year old to grow my faith! I also continuing leading a Bible study with 5 Calvary Christian School seniors. We studied T.U.L.I.P. Great conversation about the sovereignty of God and such sweet time over coffee with those girls. Dear to my heart.

February: My mom came to visit and went to our women's retreat with me. She also supported me(as did D.R) as I ran my first half marathon in Kennesaw, GA. It was a great experience. I'm thankful the Lord allowed me to train injury-free and run with joy. Even if it was 55 degrees and misty raining the whole time! Don't know how I didn't get sick!

March: D.R. completed Airborne school! So proud of him! Not much else happened in March.

April: D.R. & I vacationed in Amelia Island. It was a quaint, romantic time. D.R.'s 27th birthday was celebrated with lots of sweet friends at our apartment. Grilled meat, football, chocolate cake = happy husband.

May: D.R. and I decided that he would deploy in the winter. In the same week, I lost my job at Calvary Christian school. It was a heavy-hearted month filled with many tears and time on my knees with Jesus. At the end of the month, we went to Ringgold for Memorial weekend. It was a fun time with DR's family.

June: June was an unemployed month for me. I spent my time organized our e-meals menus, cleaning out closets, drinking coffee with friends, and experimenting in the kitchen (since I had the time). I got on quite a health kick and cut out red meat, milk, and sugary cereal. D.R. was not a fan of some of the meals I started making which included words he says he can't pronounce (quinoa, lentils, tabouli, kamut)haha! I really enjoyed my new way of eating and felt so much lighter on my feet...but I did miss my iron-filled steak eventually. I haven't jumped back on drinking milk b/c I'm addicted to almond milk. It's so much tastier and 1/3 the calories of ff milk. score. At the end of this month, we took a week vacation to Key West/West Palm Beach for my friend Tia's wedding. It was a blast! The "clean eating" got put on hold cuz I had to get my Key Lime pie and Miami Vices! DR & I stayed at a resort on the beach in Key West. It was bliss. My favorite part was going on a 3 hour jet ski cruise around Key West. So much fun! Plus lots of prime time tanning. We finished the week back in Palm Beach with my family celebrating the 4th of July and my birthday (July 5) The traditional cook out in the back yard by the pool with sweet church families and then fireworks over the intracoastal in WPB. Finished off the night with fro yo from a shabby chic place on the waterway. Yes, I am blessed to be from south FL. It's too much fun going home. At the end of this month, I started running with Kaci Lesley and Madison Montgomery. 6:30 runs 3 times a week, in the summer humidity. I felt super dedicated... but this did not last long. I loved my time with Kaci/Mad- learning more about their lives and sharing mine with them. Running and Jesus really bonded us!

July: In the middle of this month, we had our youth summer "missions trip" right here in our city, Columbus. We traveled 10 minutes to the other side of town and worked alongside a church in an urban part of town. It was an incredible week of laboring alongside brothers and sisters with dark skin! It was awesome to do service work here at home. Watching our teens and volunteers love on the people of "Bibb City" was so heart-warming. As our leader Zach stated, "we are not fixed people coming to minister to broken people. We are broken people coming to love on other broken people." It was a hot (90s) week and most of our time was spent outside doing lawn care and kids club (a vbs type schedule each night). I was challenged a lot that week as God revealed to me how much my time and choices are idols. I want to be in control of when I get up, what and when I eat, what temperature I hang out in, who I sleep next to. I got to choose none of that... and it was so good for my selfish self. Ain't nothin' more humbling that sleeping 8 deep in a tent with teen girls who haven't showered in 3 days. Bonding at it's finest. :) At the very end of this month, I went to a fitness conference in Atlanta. There I got certified to teach Zumba. I also took over 20 classes within the weekend and learned a lot of great work-outs to use once I start personal training. While there, I got to meet up with a sweet friend, Nobie Ennis for dinner at Chipotle. It was great to catch up with her! The next night, my inlaws and husband drove to Atl to eat dinner at P.F. Changs with me. Good eats, good workouts. Happy girl.

August:At the beginning of this month I got a memorable call from my little sister informing me that she is pregnant! I couldn't be more excited to meet Jaxson in mid-April! I know Kirstie will be a great mom and God will teach her so much. (my time will come someday...Lord willing) Until then... Aunt Danelle & Uncle D.R. will love that little guy!

This month we celebrated 5 years of marriage! D.R. took me to dinner at a local steakhouse and then we brought a bottle of wine back to the apartment and watched a movie. I can't believe it's already been 5 years. So thankful for my God-fearing, handsome husband. The day after our anniversary, we left for a week long trip to Myrtle Beach, SC for DR to attend a continuing education conference. I attended the school of sand and shells for the week. No, I studied up for my upcoming Personal Training school...but I did sleep in, eat a delightful breakfast, take runs in pretty nearby beach communities, and get prettied up for a dinner date with my man every night. It was rough. We were blessed to get to celebrate our 5 years all on the Army's dime since DR was required to go. Lots of twisting of the arm.

This month, we also said goodbye to two of our dear friends, Zach & Chelsey Smith. Zach got accepted to medical school in Atlanta. We are so proud of him but bummed that they had to move. They are definitely heart friends. You know....the kind that you tell your crap to cause you know they love you. The kind that you wanna vacation with. I miss them but they will always be near and dear to us.


Oh, and I went back to being a brunette. Crucial piece of information.

September: This month we went on a marriage retreat put on by the Chaplain at D.R.'s job. It was a refreshing weekend with D.R. We talked a lot- about us, about what we want God to do in our hearts, how we can better serve and love each other. It was a great couple days in Panama City Beach.

D.R. traveled to San Antonio, TX for his OBLC (Ofc. Basic Leadership Course) for trauma and deployment readiness. He did some crazy stuff which I am unauthorized to share. Let's just say, he got a very real taste of what it would be like overseas in a war zone. At the end of his training week, I flew out and joined him for a long weekend. San Antonio is a neat city. Lots of fun tex-mex restaurants, the river running throughout the downtown, the strung white lights and Latin music everywhere you go. Plus they had one of the hugest (is that a word?) Forever XXI I've ever seen! It took over a department store in the local mall. I was in shock. D.R. graciously dropped me off there for a couple hours while he went to Best Buy, local boot stores and did other man-activities. We got to meet up with our friends, Nate & Delaney Trimble for a day of sight-seeing and shopping.

October: I know it seems like we went on a lot of trips....because we did. This month we went on a mountain getaway in Blue Ridge, GA. It's become a McNew tradition to go to this spot. We love it. Beautiful trails to hike, quaint shops and restaurants, and breath-taking views from the cabin porch. It's a weekend of relaxation. My mother in law and I went on a 3 hour hike while the boys watched the GA game. I love me some dawgs but they missed out! We found a beautiful waterfall. It was a sweet time with her. I have a great relationship with my m.i.l. She gets me. I am blessed.

I also started my Personal Training Certification at Columbus State University and finished up in mid-November. I am currently working towards my practical internship hours. I am loving it!

November: Not much before Thanksgiving so I'll jump to that. We went to Ringgold and had a great time with D.R.'s family. Family, football, pumpkin pie, 8k turkey trot, black Friday shopping, family Rave Movie night (to see Skyfall:007- great!) The last night of our trip, we had a farewell party for D.R. Many of his childhood friends came. It meant so much to D.R. to reconnect with these friends and family and to be sent off knowing he's loved and prayed for.

December: D.R. & I took a long bike ride. I've been wanting to do that for a while now and the weather was perfect. 55- a little cold for D.R.'s liking but I thought it was great! We were wiped after! Got a pizza and enjoyed the rest of the night. That was a special date. On the 7th, I dropped D.R. off at Ft. Benning and kissed him goodbye for 5-6 months. My heart was in my chest the rest of the day but I knew that God was on our side. We are going to make it through this time. He made it safely within 4 days of travel and settled into his new routine over there. We were able to talk on FaceTime every couple days which was incredible! On the 15th, the dog & I packed up and drove down to Boynton Beach for almost 3 weeks. It was a great trip. So relaxing and comforting to be with mom, dad, Kirstie, Aaron, Buddy & Granny. Christmas was not as sad as I thought it might be. I think because I was surrounded by loving family, I didn't dwell on my husband being a world away in a war zone. New Years Eve was hard. We went to Carrabba's (mom, dad & I) and then went to Atlantic Ave to meet up with the Shoe family and walk around. Couple kissing everywhere. No one seemed to be able to wait until midnight. I was super sad. I was super mad at the Army for a few moments. We left after about an hour and went to the Shoe's house to watch the ball drop and make smores. D.R. called me on FaceTime at 11:58 and we watched the fireworks outside together- We rang in the New Years "together". It was special. And sad.


It's already been more than a month. 4-5 more ahead of us. I am tired of being husbandless. I'm tired of cooking dinner for one person every night. I miss him. Sometimes champ sits down and stares at the recliner for a while. I think he wonders where that man went.

The first half of 2013 will be spend apart from my husband. The Lord will sustain us. He will keep us faithful. He is the lifter of my head. He is my provider, my shepherd, my shield. I know He has good in store for us. I trust Him and I'm so thankful that I have butterflies in my stomach when I see D.R. calling....


speaking of!! Happy MLK Jr. Day friends. Hope you all get a day of rest tomorrow.

Saying Goodbye

Friday, I kissed the love of my life goodbye for 6 months. D.R. is deployed until May to Afghanistan. He made it there safely (I talked to him today). So thankful. I can't describe all the emotions/thoughts I've experienced in the weeks leading up to Friday, December 7. Here are some of them:

"nights will be hard"
"does Champ realize he's leaving?"
"I can't stop staring at his face- I want to memorize it"
"...I'm gonna have to take the trash out"
"the bed is gonna seem so big"
"i won't wash dude clothes for 6 months"
"i will grocery shop for one"
"what's a premium? a Roth IRA? uh-oh, I need financial help"
"will he have any Christian friends in Afghanistan?"
"will I enjoy my independence?"
"I hope he's not scared."
"what if he doesn't come back?"
"am I supposed to be a widow at 28?"
"do I trust God?"
"God, will you keep him from temptation?"
"God, will you keep me from temptation?"
"I have to go to church alone."
"I'm going to have a lot of 'me' time."
"I don't like to call people."
"Will this be good for our marriage?"
"will he miss me?"
"I wish this day would slow down."
"You're in control, God."
"I'm afraid."
"These arguments are so frustrating."
"thank you for a sweet, intimate night."
"6 months of no sex..."
"6 months of no dates."
"6 months...."

We've known about this day for 7 months. It's here and although my heart is sad I am expectant of the Lord to do something great in our marriage. He is always working out all things for our good and so I know that this too is part of His good and perfect will. Help me trust you, God.

D.R. & I were able to spend a lot of time together in the past months. We took some great trips: Amelia Island, Key West, San Antonio, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, Blue Ridge Mountains. I'm thankful for those memories.

My husband is precious. He sent me a letter an hour after I dropped him off (via email). He had written the letter a week prior. My chest was tight and the tears were flowing as I read how much he loves me and hates that he doesn't show it well sometimes. He said how this time apart will be for our good and make us thankful for each other. He recalled things he admired about me and gave me confidence that I could make it through this. He promised he'd be a better leader in our marriage. He apologized for his sin that hurts me and God. I was, once again, thankful to have a believing husband. I don't deserve it. God is good to care for me by giving me D.R.

I know that with God's love and our Christian community around us, we will make it through these months and love each other and the Lord more deeply.

I talked to my mother in law the other night and I told her that no matter what, our lives are about glorifying God and enjoying Him forever- whatever that means. I want to hold my dear husband with loose hands- because he is a gift. I pray the distance will be over come May but if it is not, if the Lord, in his sovereignty, has a different plan, I hope I can trust my Savior.

He is a good Dad.

He knows what I need.

He knows what D.R. needs.


He will take care of us.

The dangerous allure of the Gray

I recently watched Skyfall, the new 007 James Bond movie. I saw it twice actually cause it was that good. I love a good action-packed Daniel Craig movie! This one was especially thought-provoking. It seemed to have the theme "tradition" strung throughout it. James Bond is getting older and isn't as fit or sharp as he was in younger years. Plus, the new "management" wants out with the old ("M") and in with the new younger, fresher-faced crowd & ideas. A more hands off/technology approach rather than face to face combat as is tradition in Bond movies. M's character is always one of my favorites. She's hard on the outside but maintains a motherly, protective side for 007. She stands for justice and getting the job done no matter what the cost. Evil will not prevail.


All that to say, it got me thinking.... In our world today, we don't want to pick sides. We don't want to ruffle people's feathers. We want to avoid confrontation and patriotism to what we in our heart of hearts hold dear. For example: I witnessed (well, kindof eavesdropped on a convo), at Publix the other day between a woman whom I see at church (but don't know) and another woman. Theywere discussing their children's extra curricular activities (soccer, cheerleading, ballet) and then the woman whom doesn't go to our church started cursing up a storm talking about one of her daughter's coaches. F**ing this and D**m that. And to my sad surprise, the church woman was agreeing and nervously laughing along with her. My impression of the church woman was tainted from that happening but I thought, "wow, how often do I do that?".... Do I join in and "participate" in ungodly conversations b/c I'm too afraid to stand on the side of righteousness? Am I ashamed of the gospel? Now, this woman at my church may not be an unbeliever but in that moment she was acting as if Christ was not the Lord of her life. I was convicted and began to think about how many times I (without even realizing it till later) fall into those situations. It's not ok. It's not God-honoring. I can, very respectfully, say "you know, I don't think we should talk about so & so that way. It's not right." or just walk away.

This is just a small example of what I mean by "the dangerous allure of the gray". The Gray is the place that's comfortable. A place that strives not to offend anyone else and certainly not to put self in the hot seat. I think we, as believers, need to be aware of the devil's efforts to draw us into the "gray". I know in my life, I am tempted to downplay God's wrath and upplay His love. I think, "Oh Jesus (and my husband) will forgive me if I choose to spend 2.5 hours on myself today instead of cleaning the house." Boy, am I good at that one! Not that getting your nails done, exercising, or going to Starbucks to read are poor ways to spend your time but we all know when we are neglecting responsibilities that God has given us in order to feed our selfishness. Just last week, I had the vacuum out, coffee table pulled back onto the tile and everything off the floor- ready to vacuum my dog-hair covered house when.... "SQUIRREL"... I was distracted by a text message sound which sent me into texting mode then to Instagram mode, then to "I'll just check my email real quick" mode and before I knew it, it was time to head out the door for work. Chores neglected again. This is what the devil does. He makes you think that it's ok to just sit down for 5 minutes and instagram- or it's ok to eat that sleeve of cookies or it's ok to just look at one picture on the internet. A tiny trail of enticing morsels that leads to a steep drop off. Spiritual warfare is real. Sisters (and brothers), we need to be aware of where we are vulnerable to temptation and sin. Is it hanging around a certain person that always ends up talking about other people in a negative way? Is it standing in your pantry telling yourself you'll only have one cookie? Is it sitting at your computer when no one is home and spending your day away on social media sites or inappropriate sites? Where are you "prone to wander"?


In Skyfall, M's speech towards the end is one of the most relevant I've heard in recent hollywood movies. I think it's right on:

"Today I've repeatedly heard how irrelevant my department has become. Why do we need agents in the double O section? Isn't it all quaint. Well I suppose I see a different world then you do. And the truth is that what I see frightens me. I'm frightened because our enemies are no longer known to us. They do not exist on a map, they're not nations, they're individuals. Look around you, who do you fear? Do you see a face, a uniform, a flag? No. Our world is not more transparent now, it's more opaque. It's in the shadows. That's where we must do battle. So before you declare us irrelevant; ask yourselves - How safe do you feel?"

"The shadows", "the gray" is our vulnerable spot. That's where we must do battle against the great Liar, the devil. He would have us believe that it's ok to compromise here and there and before you know it, you're staring into the mirror at someone you never wanted to become. Don't allow him to win. Pray incessantly for our gracious heavenly Father to make you aware of your temptations. He is faithful to provide a way out, that you may stand up under them! God exists in the light. We must choose the light side every minute of every day. Not just in the morning when we walk up and read our Bible. But at the traffic light, when the cute guy next to you is smiling at you. Will you look away? Every decision matters. Every decision is an opportunity to please God or please Satan/self.

I pray that today you will choose the Light!!

smashing the idol of the scale

I wish I could take credit for this blog post but it's as if this woman is speaking straight from my heart. I'm not quite at the place where I can throw my scale away but I hope to get there. "God told me to share something that I don't want to. He never ceases to do things that surprise my feeble little human mind. I eat really well at home, but if I'm at a party or a dinner out with my husband, my rule is to eat and enjoy. And I do. After a few parties and events, ahem, :) I gained a couple lbs. I expected it. But you know what? Every morning I weighed myself, and it made me upset. Really, though, who really cares about 2 or 3 lbs.? I did. And I let it get to me. My morning weight often affected my emotions for the rest of the day. But one morning was different. I stepped on the scale as usual, scoffed at the number that wouldn't budge no matter what I did, and as I was getting ready for the day, God whispered this to me: Cast down your idol. Throw away your scale. A number on a plastic box doesn't deserve your emotions, your attention, your heart. It hit me like a ton of bricks. In the name of self-discipline, I've spent years entrapped by a number on a plastic box. I have spent years bowing down to my scale with my emotions. I let a number that tells me the effect gravitational force has on my body affect my soul. Does that sound ridiculous to you too? My heart started beating like crazy as I imagined a world free of even knowing what I weighed. Before I could shove the idea away, the Spirit helped me and I told my husband, "I think I'm going to throw away my scale." I told him how much I let it affect me {as if he didn't know...}. He told me he thought it was a good idea. When I came home from the gym later that week, the scale was gone. For the last month {and the first time in years}, I don't know what I weigh. It was only one little idol, but it had a big part of my life. Throwing out the scale was like cutting off my hand. I know it had become an idol in my heart. I know Satan had a stronghold in my life because of it. I sometimes still want to go get one and forget I ever took it out. That's how ingrained weighing myself was in my life. But God was gracious to me and let me see what it was doing to me. I don't like sharing about it, honestly. It's too personal, too close to home. I like to keep my heart to myself, especially when it gets uncomfortable. It was an idol I closely protected. But God is so much bigger than me. He knows what I can pretend is a good habit can be an addiction in my heart. What the world sees as self-discipline can be dangerous to my soul. Matthew 5:29-30 29If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. I can be healthy, I can lose weight or gain weight, and I don't need a number to tell me that's happening. I just want to encourage you, if you're struggling with this weight thing, don't let it become a stronghold in your life. It's not the weight that's important. It's the state of our hearts. Satan offers us the apple just like he did with Eve- it looks good to the eyes on the outside, but God knows what's behind it. If there is something like a scale in your life- something that seems good on the outside, but controls or affects the way you feel in a way that is not pleasing to God, cut it off. If Pinterest makes you lust after a life you don't and can't have, cut it off. If Facebook brings jealousy to your heart, cut it off. If Twitter makes you long to be part of a clique that you're not, cut it off. If you're a blogger and your stats control the way you feel every day, cut them off. Block that page from your browser if you have to. If you see someone who is prettier, or thinner, or better dressed than you, and you feel envy, stop looking. Take those thoughts into captivity. It is better that we lose social media and gain a few pounds than lose our souls. Who is our god? Does the one true God have all of our heart? What are we keeping back from Him? For me, it was my physical body. I wanted to control what I looked like. And He's still working on me. All.the.time. Walking with God is both the hardest and the easiest thing I've ever done. Getting rid of a scale was really hard for me. It would have been impossible two years ago. But God is so good, that He made it so easy. I wanted to do it. Because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. The chains of sin are broken. We don't have to stay in them. We can be free in Christ. We can share our weaknesses, because He is God, and we are so desperate- so broken and in need of a Savior. What are your strongholds? What are your idols? Give God all of you, and I know He will take them out. He will smash them under His feet. We praise you God, for redeeming our hearts, and rescuing us from the chains of sin. Thank you Lord, that we can boast in our weaknesses because in them you are strong. We can trust in you! I would love to pray for you if you have something in your life that you know God wants you to cut off. He can do it sweet friends. He WILL do it if we ask!!! email me at mandy@ biblical homemaking .com. If you have something you're struggling with, chances are someone else is going through the same thing. If you are struggling, or God has done something in you, please feel free to share in the comments- praise Jesus, we have a community of sisters in Christ here that can rejoice and pray for each other! Living in Christ is a beautiful thing!

fill my tank, why don't ya?!

my love tank (language) that is. Mine being physical touch and a close 2nd: words of affirmation) D.R.'s is acts of service with a close 2nd: quality time. We went to a marriage conference a few weeks back put on by the chaplain at D.R.'s work. I was half thrilled and half "eh, really?" about going. D.R. was actually pumped about going; I think because it was initiated by his workplace and he was basically told he had to go (time off work!) It was in Panama City Beach, FL at a resort- not too shabby. Fully paid for and D.R. got paid time off. Ok Jesus, we're going. The main topics were on love and respect. I need to feel loved. He needs to feel respected. I know this is Biblical. I know this is true. Ever since we got back, I have noticed how much more D.R. loves on me when I do a few things, 1. look at him in the eye when he's talking to me. (not simultaneously do dishes, or check Instagram) 2. let him finish his point when we are in an argument/discussion and not interrupt. This has been really hard for me. I just want to refute things he says along the way that just aren't true but no matter how justified I feel in "speaking up", he still feels disrespected when he can't finish his thought. (and my sweet man can take a while finishing a thought. many analogies are needed) 3. have the house & myself cleaned up when he gets home from work. a lot of days I, ashamedly, stay in my work out clothes.... all day... because... I love them, and then I shower after dinner. I'm not the most pleasant thing to hug when he walks in the door; hair throw up in a still-wet-with-morning-sweat bun, 0 makeup, salty/sticky body. No good. I want my husband to actually DESIRE me when he gets home. Soooooo, I guess I should shower ahead of time. Don't hear me wrong, he loves me sweaty too :) but I would rather feel pretty for him even if it just means smelling fresh. 4. I need to stop disrespecting him with my eyes. Even if I'm not saying, "I don't respect you right now." I can sure communicate it with my looks of distain. How ugly! It's hard for me to put love and respect on equal playing fields. Everyone needs to be loved. Even men! Doesn't love mean anything to them. Yes, it does. But it takes it's most important form in how we show them respect. Ah, if I could just remember that each day. Respect to my husband is not a mushy card left on his truck. It's sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with him for a 3 and half hour football game while he explains every gosh darn play. I have a thankful husband. It's one of the things I love about D.R. Every night, he thanks me for dinner. He notices when his army undershirts have been folded and put away and he thanks me. He even thanks me for the measly amount of $ I make per week to contribute to our marriage. He is a thankful man and doesn't take the blessings we have for granted. D.R. is loyal. If he tells you he will do something, he will get it done. In college, he promised he'd be at my first dance show production (which I co-choreographed). It fell during a GA game that he, of course, wanted to watch but he came. AND, we weren't even talking. He had told me he had feelings for me and I didn't (at the time) reciprocate- so we parted ways as friends. It was hard. He came, that night, to see me dance- broken, rejected heart and all. I felt the size of a pea when I saw him. Loyal. D.R. is compassionate and generous. He sees needs around him and pours himself out. He often stays late at work, not because he's researching medications or refilling the medicine cabinets but because he is talking with a distressed soldier who is going through a divorce or having PTSD. He cares about people- body and soul. I really admire the work he does on Ft. Benning for our soldiers. It has definitely increased my respect for him. With all this said, D.R. still leaves me feeling dry and empty so many times. I feel so unloved and unnoticed sometimes and he just stares back at me like, "what's wrong? didn't I do good?" I am from mars. He is from venus. Or the other way around... We do not speak each other's love languages and we DO NOT fill each other's love tanks on a consistent basis. But when we do, life is good, I mean really good! When I am acting respectful, I EXPECT to be loved in return. This doesn't always happen. And vice versa. When D.R. is acting loving, I don't jump into respect mode necessarily. I'm reminded of 1 Peter 2:21-23 when it talks about how Christ exemplified doing your part even if others are not doing there's. Marriage is a 100:100(giving w/o expecting in return) ratio not 50:50 (you do your part, and I'll do mine) "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly". If I could just keep my tongue on a leash when I feel wronged, I could save us from a night of hurt. But I usually don't. I'm prone to give some nasty retort and stir up his unlovingness and further disrespect him. The whole point being, and if you're married you know this, we need to respect our husbands whether or not we feel loved by them. Hard stuff my friends. Follow the great Lover of our souls, Jesus! He was reviled and unloved more than we'll ever know, and He did not revile back. What did he do? He kept entrusting Himself to his Father, the just judge. Also important, we need to recognize when our husbands are trying to love us in their own way and be appreciative.

Love is a choice. We love BECAUSE He first loved us. This is what spurs me on to love my sometimes un-lovable, un-respectable spouse. I have been unconditionally loved by my Savior. For this I am very thankful.

lovies

These are my lovies [things i love] lately: The cool breeze that hits my face as I walk out the door in the morning. Glorious! Dri-fit capri pants. I could live in those things. I have gotten fearless- I wear them to Publix, the post office, Target... even walked around the mall in them. ha! Pumpkin flavored things. Coffee, candy, cookies, muffins, creamer, mmmmm! I need to run to Publix and buy pumpkin pie spice to sprinkle on my cereal in the morning.. ooooo, are they still open? 31 Days of Grace Devotional book by MTW (Mission to the World). It's gotten me back on track meeting with my Savior in the morning. It's short but deep and so refreshing. There's nothing like morning God time. It sets me on the right path for the day. Instagram. Why oh why did I start? I'm 100% addicted. :) Running with Kaci Lesley & Madison Montgomery. I was getting burned out with running but since running with those 2 ladies, I have a renewed love for the simplistic sport. Kaci is full of life at 6:30 a.m., always filling my ear with fun stories and really... waking me up! She is a consistent woman. I have loved learning about her life as the wife of a music minister, as the director of Teen Advisors, and mother to one adopted precious little boy. And Madison, sweet, gentle, determined Madison. She's the strongest 18 year old I know. Both women inspire me in running and in life. Like training for a marathon (which they are both doing), life is about just keeping going with the little things- being faithful to the end. Even when it hurts, you know you must keep pushing through to receive the blessing. I hope I can train for a full marathon one of these years. The women in my church. I know you don't know these women but God does- and they are precious. Allison Ross, Susie Trammell, Kathy McGilberry, Bridget Adams, Bridget Bohannon, Brooke Douglas, Jolynn Morris, Betty Schuster, Marnie Reynolds, Alicia Newton, Liz Thorne, Dot Emerich, Margaret Sue Mosley, Alicia Mason, Cam Addison, Lea Moore, Juli Pope, Jackie Fleenor, Anna Rodeheaver, Diane McGowan, Dorothy Bryant, Sarah Zevak, Pilar Cobb, Kacky McLendon, Bess Kendrick-Holmes, I could go on. I have been missing out on getting to know these women. No more. I am determined to invest more time in women's lives- to get to know them and to BE KNOWN by them. That's hard for me. Trusting people with my crap. But we are made to live in fellowship- to bear one another's burdens and rejoice in joys together! Zumba music. I love it! I listen to it in my car constantly, 1) because I need to practice the dances in my head but 2) I just love the beats.... haven't a clue what they are saying as it is in espanol (ha!) but da-gone if my hips and shoulders are uncontrollable when that music is on! Fun stuff, my friends! I really can't wait to start teaching it! Cinnamon. I can't eat my cereal in the morning without it sprinkled on top. I loveeeeee cinnamon. Spicy, sweet, warm goodness! I can't wait to bake with it when it gets chilly outside. Mint mouth wash. I think you're only supposed to use it twice a day but I do it at least 3x. I have to keep myself from swallowing it. That's weird. Champ face. Just his cute face. I could look at it all day long. Watching football with D.R. I know, that's weird too. But it means a lot to him and I love seeing him so passionate about something. It's fun to celebrate victories with him. :) Well, that's about it. Happy Thursday! Get outside, Fall is creeping in!!

today's mercies are for today's troubles

I can definitely get anxious about the future. Lately, I've struggled with anxiety a good deal. Anxiety about being alone for 6+ months when D.R. deploys, anxiety about beginning a new career in personal training- will I get any clients? will I be helpful to them?, anxiety about starting up small group again- can I bear my soul to those people all over again this year? anxiety about thinking of being a parent one day- will I ruin my children, be cruel to my children, will I shut down when things get hard? Stop Danelle. Today has enough trouble of it's own. I forget that God has told me He will never give me more than His grace will sustain me with. God was so sweet to me this afternoon. I opened "A Godward Life" by John Piper (one of my favorite devotional books) to one titled, "Today's Mercies for Today's Troubles"..... Ok, Father I'm being still and listening... "Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (author's translation of Matthew 6:34) Part of saving faith is the assurance that you will have faith tomorrow. Trusting Christ today includes trusting him to give you tomorrow's trust when tomorrow comes. Often we feel today like our reservoir of strength is not going to last for another day. The fact is, it won't. I know I feel this way mid-run. Especially on a long run, say a 12 miler. After 6 or 7 miles I think, "how am I going to run 12 miles again in two days?" But our reservoir is only full for today. Tomorrow it will be filled again- for that day. There's an old Swedish hymn, "As your days, so shall your strength be." is based on Deuteronomy 33:25 and it gives us this assurance that God will give the proportionate mercies each day. "Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what he deems best; Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest." I tend to despair when I think that I may have to bear tomorrow's load on today's resources. God wants me and you to know that we won't. Today's mercies are for today's troubles. Tomorrow's mercies are for tomorrow's troubles. The manna in the wilderness was given one day at a time. There was no storing up. That is the way we must depend on God's mercy. You do not receive today the strength to bear tomorrow's burdens. You are given mercies today for today's troubles. Tomorrow the mercies will be new!! "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:9) "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will act!" (1 Thessalonians 5:24 author's translation)