Be Still

I spent dusk sitting in a deer stand in the woods behind our house. No, I'm not a hunter (though Hubby is), but I couldn't resist taking some time out of this constant life of mine to just sit, without distractions. I always enjoy watching the wildlife that our farm offers and what better way to really savor it then to sit in the midst of it all. 

I let my mind wander, just sitting up there in that stand, soaking in the fading sun. I needed this quiet time. This week has been tough. Medical issues with various family members. So I just sat and watched God's handiwork around me. 

"Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him..." ~Psalm 37:7 

Hope Spoken

 

Hi ladies! My name is Jayme. I am a wife, momma, daughter, sister and grace giver/receiver (although I struggle with that last one at times...well, if we're honest here I struggle at times with all of my titles) :) I work part time as a paralegal at a small law firm here in western Kentucky and the rest of my time is spent chasing around a 14 month old boy.

 

I'm so excited to be attending this conference in March, but at the same time somewhat hesitant. Part of this is because I know absolutely no one, but thankfully with this link up I can meet some friendly faces. The other part is I pray that I can be real to myself and really take away what God wants to share with me. I want to wholeheartedly embrace all of the love and grace that will be shared throughout the weekend.

 

Random fact about me: I'm addicted to reality tv shows (bachelor/bachelorette, anyone??).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listening

"Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. ~Psalm 34:8

My daily calendar at work brought this verse to my attention today and it was a reminder that was desperately needed. This verse evoked the picture of someone with face upturned, arms wide opened, fully exposed and trusting. Then while driving, my radio turned to K-Love, the song "Live With Abandon" by the Newsboys came on. Have you listened to the words?

Chasing after this world makes me tired

Praisin' my own name leaves me dry

There's gotta be so much more to life than this

A higher calling that I missed

I want my life to count, every breath

I wanna live with abandon

Give You all that I am

Every part of my heart Jesus

I place in Your hands

I wanna live with abandon

I'll drop everything to follow You

It's only Your hands I hold onto

There's gotta be more to life than this

A higher calling that I missed

I want my life to count, every breath

I'm not looking back

I'm done with that

Wanna give You all I have

A song that I have heard multiple times and really enjoy. Today though, the Lord knew that I needed to hear this, to reinforce what I took in this morning on my daily calendar. That I need to "live with abandon" with my arms wide open, face upturned, fully exposed and trusting. Running to Him. No hesitation and I will be blessed. Why? Because he is good. Oh so good. 

Can I share how thankful I am that I actually listened to Him today? So many times I fail at the listening part. I let my own thoughts, doubts, fears, insecurities consume me. But now, for today, I want to live with complete and utter abandon. 

And honestly I'm living with a wonderful example because that little boy in my life is full of trust and genuine love.

So what's He sharing in your life?

  

Party

As promised, here is Mason's first birthday party. Since we now live on a farm, what better theme to take advantage of for a party?!? Especially since I found the perfect invite on Etsy. 

The cake (courtesy of Connie Bobo) was designed using the invite and it turned out perfect. And delicious!

Decorations were simple and went along with the theme. 

Mason's cake was made by his grandmother and the creative topper was made by a family friend and coordinated perfectly with the theme.

And the birthday boy...well, he wasn't quite sure what all the fuss was about. 

Just eating some grub before the main event.

And the main event. Well, in our minds. His, not so much.

(Really, must everyone take pictures of me??)

(See ya!)

The farm party was a success and everyone enjoyed coming together to celebrate this little guy's first year with us. Because that's what it is really all about. A celebration of life, of the joy (and survival) of our first year of parenthood and the appreciation of the "village" it takes to help out in this journey.

(Photos courtesy of my brother who did an excellent job!)