Convicted

Lately it's been very easy to allow discomfort, lack of sleep, pregnancy hormones and emotions, and all that comes with being in the third trimester to dictate how I react to situations daily, how I handle tantrums with Micah, and just about everything about my day in general. I woke up very convicted this morning though. While being this close to the end of this pregnancy can cause all the things listed above, I do have a choice as to how I allow that to affect my actions, words, and outlook each day. It's easy to allow circumstances to dictate our reactions and blame our actions on things going on around us (even when pregnancy isn't involved). It's easy to say we can't control our emotions. It's easy to not take responsibility for how we handle the things that come our way each day. But, God doesn't desire for me to feel completely overwhelmed or make excuses for my actions. He desires for me to glorify Him in all I do. He desires for me to lean on Him during those times of discomfort, lack of sleep, and feelings of defeat. He desires for me to enjoy this pregnancy and the blessing it truly is. Below are some verses that came to mind this morning that have been helpful and convicting, but brought some hope and peace as well! 

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 


"Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22 

Sneak Peek at Asher Nathaniel

This past Thursday morning we had the awesome privilege of having a 3d/4d ultrasound and sneak a peek at Mr. Asher. He was a little uncooperative at first and we could only see his back, but after a few minutes he decided to grace us with a peek at his sweet face. He doesn't look like Micah's 3d/4d ultrasound pics. Micah looked a LOT like Michael when he was first born (but now he looks more like me according to most people). So far, everyone is saying that Asher looks more like me right now. He has higher cheekbones and chunky cheeks! Can't wait to meet him and hold him! Only two more months to go! 

Here are a few pictures of our sweet Asher.

He really just wanted to sleep through the ultrasound but the tech kept trying to wake him up to get some good pictures. He wanted to keep his hands in front of his face the whole time. 

Not sure if he was trying to eat his hand or maybe he was singing into a microphone! 

So peaceful! 

Smiling for us! 

Ten Years, Baby!!

Ten years ago today, I said "I Do" to my best friend and what a great journey it's been so far! We've had our share of hard times, trials, and unpleasant circumstances but we have grown through them all and are stronger for having experienced them. We've also had so many good times together and so many great memories of our life together over the past ten years. We've lived in 5 cities and 6 houses over these past 10 years. Been a part of three churches, met countless people that have had an impact on our lives, and have enjoyed every minute of it! We've welcomed our sweet Micah into our family, and can't believe he will be two in less than a month. And we are waiting to welcome Asher into our family in two months! I'm so thankful to be sharing these memories and experiences with a man that loves the Lord, leads our family, is an amazing father to Micah (and soon to be Asher too), challenges me, encourages me, and loves me unconditionally. Looking forward to many more years to come!