Pray

Pray, because it makes you strong. 
Pray, to stay close to God.
Pray through rainy days.
Pray when you are afraid.                               
Pray through self doubt.
Pray, and pray boldly.
Pray through impossible situations.
Pray, because only God is worthy.
Pray through trouble.
Pray through loneliness.
Pray for more faith.                             
Pray for your relationships.
Pray for mean people.                    
Pray for the less fortunate.          
Pray for the weak.                                           
Pray, because you’re thankful.                            
Pray when you feel alone.                
Pray, because God deserves your praise.
Pray, to thank God for forgiving you.
Pray, because you’ve been made in the image of God.
Pray, because God’s power needs recognition.
Pray through blissful days.
Pray unceasingly, because God hears you always.
Pray with joy, because all of God’s promises are true.
Pray when you are afraid.
Pray when you need courage.
Pray when you're feeling judgmental.
Pray when you need a sign.
Pray when you need mercy.      
Pray for your best friend, your mom, your brother. Just someone.

Pray, because the more you pray, the more you'll understand why it's so important in the first place.

Amanda + Brack // Wedding Preview

Entitlement

When did our generation stop being grateful?

I overheard a conversation at the mall yesterday between a mother and daughter.

Mom: Honey, I'm not going to buy you that shirt. I just bought you 5 pairs of $100 jeans that you wanted, remember? I don't have the money.
Daughter: Mom, you hate me. You never get me what I want! You have the money, you're just being selfish!
Mom: I just bought you jeans! How can you say that after I spent $500 on you?
Daughter: I'm only saying it because it's true. You don't ever get me what I need. I just want these shirts.
Mom: Okay, I'll get you one thing, but you need to put all the rest back. Only one. Do you hear me?
Daughter: But mom, I know you can afford more. I'm getting two.

And on it went...and may I also mention, it was completely exhausting to listen to! I pity them both. I'm not jealous of the daughter...who apparently has masses of clothes that she doesn't need, and an attitude too big to fit into them anyway! She has such an ungratefulness that makes me hurt inside. I'm also not jealous of the mom, who not only had hurt in her voice, but she was allowing her daughter to rob her blind! Have I done something like that before? It sure made me think. We've all been guilty at some point in our lives. When did we stop being grateful for the blessings God has already given? This generation seems to be particularly bad about it, but who's to blame? Someday God will hold every person accountable for their own actions. What will he say about you?

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Colossians 4:2

Family Photos // My friend Kristi

My friend Kristi has the sweetest kids, and I'm blessed to have gotten to take their family photos a couple of weeks ago! This sweet bunch is always willing to serve others. They have lots of really wonderful family memories ahead!

Selling the Family Parrot

Ya know, I can't remember where I read this, but the other day I remember a quote that said, "Live your life so that you aren't ashamed to sell the talking family parrot to the town gossip." Or something to that effect. How wonderful is that?! I was thinking about that over and over today. Over and over. What do I say at home that I wouldn't say anywhere else? Why is should it be different? Exactly. This analogy just might make the books for years to come.

My Friend Ashley

I'm getting to know Ashley Biggers, and I like her.

This girl is crazy cool. We spend a lot of time, intentionally and unintentionally together. We go to morning bootcamp together at 5am, we office together 5 feet from each other for 8 hours a day, I see her at church on the weekends, she occasionally watches Truett for us, and she gives me a ride home occasionally, as in...today. Trust me, I see her!

The purpose of this post is to tell people near and far, that this girl is legit. What your see is what you get. She is that kind, that honest, that caring, that giving, that funny, and that sweet...ALL of the time. No joke. She's a team player. If you need a new friend, give her a call at 304-392-0998. Just kidding, I'd never sell her out that fast. :)

But When?

When did this little boy go from spitting up to feeding himself? I must have been at the store and missed it. When did he start babbling "dad" all over the house and running up and down the hallway? Was it when I was unloading the dishwasher or checking my email? And when, oh when, did he grow those 8  teeth? I was just buying pureed baby food, wasn't I? How come his whole body is too long to rock in the chair? Isn't he still considered a baby? I'm not sure if I can handle these feelings, but they are here. I didn't expect them to come on so strong, but I love this little boy...to the inner core of my core of my core of my on fire heart.