No matter how old we get....

I was thinking this morning about my life, and all of the people who have influenced me and have helped me become who I am at this point in my life. Many people came to my mind, and I said a prayer for them. But the people who were on my heart heavily today were my parents. All four of them: Marc, Deb, Jeff, and Gina. Marcos and I (and our siblings) have been incredibly blessed by these four. 

 As we grow up, we have this need to prove our independence and show the world that we can take care of ourselves. Yes, this is part of life and it needs to happen. And hopefully it does. However, I will be the first to admit that I will always need dad's hugs and to share a good cry and good conversation with my momma. And just last weekend I texted Marcos to ask him if we could go spend the evening with his parents because I missed them. 

Yes, we try hard to act like we don't need our parents anymore, but in reality, we do need them. They are a big part of our lives no matter how grown up we are. Marcos and I are so lucky that we have parents that are still married. I can't even believe how rare that is nowadays. So I want to say thanks to our parents for toughing it out all these years, loving each other, and showing all of us kids what it means to have a sacrificial, beautiful marriage.

 Some of my favorite memories are waking up and 3 am on Christmas morning before the sun even comes up to open gifts with my Shivers family or playing chicken foot all afternoon while sippin' coffee and listening to the thunder storm at Grandma Clark's house. 

I am thankful today to have four parents that show their undying love and support to myself, my husband, and my brothers and sisters. They work hard and would give the shirt off their back for us, and all of our friends. I can't imagine how it feels to have little ones need you for 18 years, then suddenly leave and start their lives needing someone else. I just wanted them to know how important they are now, and always. I hope one day Marcos and I will be parents who are as loving and supportive as ours have been. 

Family is a blessing. No matter how old you are, whether your parents are married or not, or if it was someone else who raised you; let those people know how much they mean to you. I bet it will make their day.

And to those of you whose parent's are no longer with us, thank you for your strength... I pray you continue to carry your parent's legacy on until you meet with them again one day.

Autumn in the air...

         So awhile back I was able to slow down a bit and have a baking day with Timmy, Lisha (My brother Kenny's GF), and Rachel (Timmy's friend) while my Hubby was doing some work with his dad. It was nice to take it easy and bake some pumpkin pie and cookies. We also had some apple cider together because there was, like, one day in October that was actually pretty chilly. Marcos loved his pie and that made me happy. I'm still waiting for the Fall weather to catch up with us so that we can get to the pumpkin patch... my favorite. I realize I write a lot and hardly post pictures about life... so here you go. Have a blessed day.

Not sure you'd want to eat the cookies after they were finished. =)

He has been waiting so patiently for me...

Something I wrote back in February, 2008...

There once was a place,

a dark and cold place.

A place I was forced to go,

this place made me weary.

It made me empty and stole my soul,

This place made me envy.

It blinded my heart,

and made me hate.

It told a lie to the world, 

announcing I was full of filth.

This place sucks out more, 

I hate it, but I need it. 

This place tells me I am worthless,

and I believe every lie.

This place has nearly won,

I see no good, I am just waiting to die.

Just when I am ready to fall to the ground,

I see this face.

This face is nothing like that place.

I see beauty and hope for the first time,

I see strength, courage, and inspiration. 

What is happening now,

that old place haunts me still.

This face shines with love and mercy,

so foreign but I need a taste. 

Can this face really save my pitiful soul,

my life has been nothing but mere existence. 

I long to live,

I long to embrace all this is pure.

This face appears over and over again,

I fall to my knees and make this sacrifice.

I try to look back but this face consumes me like air, 

I begin to see a world without all that strife. 

I begin to feel whole and clean,

I have ran for so long without a drink of this water,

and suddenly, I am serene. 

My thirst is quenched,

I can finally rest.

This face cradles my heart,

his promise is true and is all I need.

There once was a place, 

a dark and cold place.

My LORD so desperitly trying to show his face,

I resisted until I could walk no more.

And it is now that I can finally see; 

his beauty and sovereign grace,

 has been waiting so patiently for me.

Written by: Mindy Clark

Your Grace is Sufficient.

When I have doubt: "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." - Psalm 33:4

When I am Scared: "The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear?" Psalm 27:1

When I am in need: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

When I doubt myself: "I have been Crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galations 2:20

When I fear the future: "Send fourth your light and your truth, let them guide me" Psalm 43:3

When I want to give up: "My brothers, you will have many kinds of troubles. But when these things happen, you should be very happy. You know these things are testing your faith. And this will give you patience." James: 1:2-3

When I feel weak: "My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock, my refuge." Psalm 62:7

And when I think I am alone: "Be strong and Courageous. Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". -Joshua 1:9

Lord, your grace is sufficient. 

i love....

the smell of autumn.

marcos.

daisies.

lazy days.

a good book.

cider.

family time.

acoustic.

worship.

coffee dates.

small group.

pumpkins.

the color yellow.

scented candles.

kisses from hubby.

people who smile.

quiet time with Jesus.

laughing.

greeting cards.

forgetting my worries.

finding recipes.

friends. 

colorado.

watching my husband sleep.

scarves.

good conversation.

random pictures.

movie night.

a good cry.

ability to keep learning.

smelly-good lotions.

knowing i'm not perfect.

dreaming of the future.

living in the moment.

watching people i love prosper.

thanking God for giving me more than i deserve.

make a list. forget your worries... if just for today.