Puppies! ...& other living creatures...

Look what happened this week...

How precious is this...

Despite being a very active dog (that's her, the blurrrr) Aggie is a wonderful momma!

These are always some of my favorite moments on the farm!  Getting a chance to witness new life, no matter the species, is always a blessing and an opportunity to soak in the goodness of A wonderful Creator.  

The three "steeds" of the hillside looked so pretty in front of the setting sun, I couldn't pass up the candid moment, unfortunately this pic doesn't accurately capture it!

Keep an eye out for more pics of these precious babies, I'm sure they will steal the spotlight often!!!

God created ...every living creature that moveth, ...and God saw that it was good! Genesis 1:21

Waiting on the holes to be filled...

Lately I have struggled with something.  I haven't been able to give it words, so I'm not really sure how this is going to go.

I have been through most (if not all) of the emotions one would expect after a miscarriage.  But ultimately I knew I didn't want to be the girl who no one can say "baby" around.

Or invite to baby showers.  

Or talk about pregnancy.

I had to choose between joy of all the new life I am surrounded by, or letting the circumstances steal the delight in celebration with my friends and family.

I absolutely still have days of sadness.

Days of questioning.

Times of heart ache.

I still have moments of weakness when I see others experiencing things that have been taken from us.

One would expect pain with the reminders that we will not be bringing home baby in just a few short months.  But I have been caught off guard by how often I have to remind myself that wont take place.

I still catch myself shopping racks of baby clothes, reading cloth diaper how-to's,  making plans that are no longer necessary... I am a mom with-out a child.  Worse than being reminded by the world that we lost a child, Is having to remind myself that I lost a child.

We as women have been designed this way, it is woven into are existence.  I have witnessed this my whole life growing up on a farm.  So many times I have watched an animal loose their offspring and immediately start to "mother" something else.  A couple years ago a doe lost her fawn during hay season.  She started to think that a small dog was her baby and she hung around for months, often times even acting as if she thought she was just one of the dogs.

As I was navigating these feelings I have been dealing with, I began to consider something that is happening in our yard right now.  We have a guinea hen who had disappeared for awhile and we knew she had probably nested down somewhere she had been laying eggs.  Since she is the only one we have we knew that the eggs would never hatch.  She soon reappeared, we don't know if she just sat until she knew her time was up, or if something disrupted the nest, but either way she had been preparing for a flock of littles, and yet, she had none.

A couple weeks later we got some newly hatched chickens and guineas.  Our guinea hen would circle there pen and talk to them all day.  She would protect them from anything that came close to their pen.  When we began letting them free range she keeps them close.  

Her desire and design to be a mother is at work.

I am sorry to drag on with this critter talk, but I have no words of my own to describe this feeling of "loss" or "emptiness," and these examples put life to these feelings.  Something I took away from the flock in the yard...

They needed a mother as much as she wanted to be one.

Unfortunately, our own "species" if you must, is not without orphans.  

Children who need love and care.

It is said that every hole we have within us is God shaped, and only He can complete us.  

He does not leave the orphans fatherless (or motherless), and His plan is perfect.
Empty "holes" will always be "whole" with God's perfect plan...in His Perfect Timing

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October is Pregnancy & Infant loss month and through this vulnerability I hope to bring awareness to the struggles of loss... and the Hope of fulfillment through God's perfect plan.  I don't know His plan for us yet, but I do hope that through following along, you will also find hope.

Remember, Revive, & Rejoice

This past week we have met every night to gather in one name to lift up our voices in prayer to the One we know can bring us revival.

two or more... and Him.

Each night many voices from one body would petition requests to our God.

So many hearts in one room, sharing testimonies of one thing...Suffering...

hearts hurting for loved ones so dear

young ones gone too soon

suffering of exhaustion, hearts worn thin

souls in need of outpouring

suffering of loss

Our souls long for revival, but what for? To take away all our suffering?

Or to remind us of it?

Jesus constantly left us the commandment to "Remember"

We are not meant to heap happiness over our pain until others can no longer see, it is still a fire burning so deep inside.

Rather, what if we remembered or sufferings as a reminder of the Hope we have in Jesus's name!

 ^"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

This past year for us has been a special kind of trial, but it would be a shame for us to not see the Glory that was revealed through every painful step.  This verse became a lifeline for me, in it a powerful reminder that as hard as the here and now seems to be, the peace of God is an unfathomable comparison.

So what is revival? A time to remember the Glory that has come and is to come from the sufferings.

"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:19-25

Let your heart cry out to God, remembering all He has brought you through, most of all, setting your mind on the Glory to come.

I am so thankful for the blessing of community. So thankful for a time of Revival.  A time to remember and celebrate the Glory that is our eternity.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6

A weekend of messed up plans

So, it's been awhile...

My fault, I know! 

I have been exhaustingly busy.

However, this last weekend I had a chance to get away for a conference I do my best to attend annually.  And oh boy, it was just what I needed!!! Every person I crossed paths with shared something  that seemed to pertain directly to me, and while I can't give you details (it would give something away that is saved for a later date) lets just say it was clearly a divine appointment!!! 

The eWomen conference comes at the best time every year and is ALWAYS a blessing!  This year I got to share it with these three amazing women...

I was super excited to see/hear Angie Smith.  Her story and testimony have been a source of hope for me during some trials we faced earlier in the year. Every year we volunteer at the conference and I had even signed up to work at Angie's product table.  So I was a little bummed to find out that she was unable to make the conference.  But God always has something in store for us doesn't He...

Angie's stand in for the weekend was Lisa Harper, and she and her daughter were such a blessing...He knew just what I needed!!! Lisa's testimony of adoption and some of the amazing stories of Grace she has witnessed captivated my heart! I also picked up this book...

I thought it sounded perfect for this season of life! Hopefully I can find time to dive into it!!! 

Although I still look forward to one day hearing Angie Smith speak, Lisa's story was exactly what I needed!!!

Another year older (not me)...

With the end of September also came a special day...

This guy...

...got older!!!

Happy Birthday Brett!!! 

I'm glad God saw it fit for us to do life together and look forward to what crazy will come our way next!

"I can't let the day end without saying Happy Fathers Day to this man right here...some may dare to say He is not a dad, but he has made a life long impact on so many kids! He loves every kid he knows as if they are his own.  Maybe one day he will change diapers, play catch in the yard, braid pigtails, and be called "daddy"; but until then we have the faith in knowing ours is in the arms of the greatest Father, and will only know a Perfect love!"

I posted this picture/post back on father's day.  He is so sweetly reading a good night story to a friend's little girl who we love so much!  

Love you Brett

How to save the most on everyday shopping!

Save even MORE for everyday purchases!!!

I used to be coupon superwoman!!! I lost my way for awhile and every time I bought certain items I would be sick because I just knew there where coupons available I wasn't using.  Money I was letting slip through my fingers.  

Recently I have been more conscious of my spending/saving and have been taking advantage of coupons.

BUT, this isn't about coupons, it's about all the other ways you could be saving and earning money that you are letting slip by, more than likely because you didn't know about them, but that is changing today...

Here are resources that you can use as stand alone, or in addition to clipped or digital coupons for even more savings!!!

#8 - Survey Mini

 Survey Mini is gives you occasional surveys that you can participate in and at the end of the survey you get coupons to local retailers, free items, or points.  Points can be redeemed for gift cards, with hundreds of retailers to choose from!  Surveys are quick, easy and don't require any purchases.  The ap uses your location and provides surveys for recent stores and restaurants you have visited!!!                                                                                       

Click Here for information and download!

#7 - Shrink
 Shrink will not be useful to everybody.  It only offers deals and rebates for specific brands.  The brands are mostly specialty brands for health foods.  In my area where we only have retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and local grocers, most these brands are not available to purchase anyways.  But if they are brands you use there are several deals and rebates available!

Click Here for download

referral code: BTWQKG

#6 - Snap

 These next few are all pretty similar aps.  Look through the available rebates and select ones that match items you normally purchase or plan to purchase. Even if you are purchasing an item with a coupon you can redeem an available rebate.  Then "snap" a picture(s) of your receipt.  Once you reach $20, request a check be mailed to you! How easy does that sound!!! Earn money back on items you are already buying!!!

Click Here to get signed up and start earning TODAY!

#5 - Checkout 51

 Checkout 51 is pretty much the same thing as Snap.  Double the money and use both!!!

Click Here for more info and download!!!







#4 - Mobisave

 Mobisave is similar to use as Checkout 51 and Snap.  Make sure you put your rebates in your cart BEFORE you checkout!!! Then scan your receipt.  With Mobisave it will transfer your rebates straight to your paypal, there is no waiting til you reach a minimun limit!

#3 - Shopkick

 With Shopkick, you earn points just for shopping,you dont have to buy anything, you just have to shop, you get points for walking in and more if you scan a few items around the store!  Points ad up quick adn can be redeemed for gift cards.

Click Here to start earning now.

#2 - Find&Save

 If you are familiar with Ebates for online shopping (Sign up here for a free $10 gift card of your choice) this is very similar but for in-store shopping.  Just scan you receipts for cash back, either a specific amount or percentage.  The ap also provides weekly ads for local stores.                                                                                                                                                                                                        Click Here to start earning!

#1 - ibotta 

 This is my favorite!  Most of the rebates available on ibotta are also coupons that are available to clip or print, so you can double up the savings!!!  You just have to unlock the rebates and then scan the item and scan your receipt!  The earnings dont start there! The more people you are connected with you earn extra rewards.  Some of these are several dollars and ad up quick!!!  Dont pass this one up!!!

Get started NOW, Click Here

Also checkout these other money saving Aps!!!

  

The Importance of Each Other - Guest Post

Today I am so happy to introduce you (again) to one of my good great friends Katie from Walking in Unity.  Katie's love and passion and desire to know more about the Word of God brings me so much joy!  When she asked what I wanted her to write about it didn't take me long!  This last year I have become so aware of the importance of community and fellowship in our lives.  Having a community of  God loving women has been the wind beneath my wings (cheezy but true) that brings me back up closer to our Father!  And who better to encourage you in this than one of those women in my life...

Are we assembling? Are we uniting?

              You are my “one another”

                         

  You sister, daughter of the one true King…

                                  You!

Hebrews 10: 23-25
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."
 
  As we hold fast & faithful to His promises, we are to hold “one another” up in love and encouragement
WE are to Assemble together
 
  Rather it be at church, in a living room bible study or in the deepest underground church- we are to assemble

Why is this important you may ask?
1st Because our Father said so!
2nd together we share our faith and our prayers together, that we strengthen “one another”- and tell me who can’t use some strengthening in this world today?

He tells us in....

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

How can we do this sisters?
     if we are not assembled together
                if we are not united
                        if we are not there for “one another”

Ephesians 4:11-13
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

     That “body of Christ” mention in vs. 12 is the church.
      It is us- “one anther” united to do His works through Love and Fellowship with “one another”

How do you sisters assemble together with “one another”?
Do you encourage one another?
Do you pray with one another?
Do you study His word with one another?
Do you rejoice with one another?
Do you weep with one another?

Remember…………

                Matthew 18:20 says….

                            “For where two or three are gathered together in My name,
                                       I am there in the midst of them.”

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Thank you so much for joining me again for the Blog-tember link up!