Our Weekly Update [lol]

So I waited a little too long to have my same zeal about this weeks sermon as I did last week. It was amazing...but it really always is. It just blesses my heart to be where God wants me to be. He's talking to me a bit lately about some crazy stuff...so pray that I can have the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and trust Him with my future.

This week, our car is getting fixed, YAY Go God!
My Mum gets home, from Indiana! YAY, I missed her something awful.
Nate has another appointment with one of our Pastors.
It's always good to get an outside Godly opinion to back you up, especially when tough decisions are needing to be made. I will talk more about that at a later time. This Pastor though, is our Pastor's dad, and he has been a pastor for EVER and came to work at our church within the last few years, he is just a hoot. Since him and Nate talked to us last time, he lights up everytime he sees us, this week I walked in the door and he called me by name. I know that doesn't seem like a big deal, some of you may go to smaller churches where everyone knows everyone but there are over 3,000 people at our church for him to remember our names is just really nice to say the least. =]

I made my first batch of apple bread for the year this last weekend...three loaves. I forget how therapeutic baking is, for me. I made brownies too! I could have kept going but I held back so I could finish cleaning up the house. Our friends came over and we taught them hand and foot [a card game] which they loved. It's so nice to have good friends that we can just be real with.

So yeah nothing really new, missing my nephew a bit lately...=[ I had a dream about him the other night...Nate and I were playing with him outside swinging him around and laughing...it was glorious.

But for now we are just chilling and letting God do the driving, it's about His will not ours and it looks like some things will have to remain dreams for a time. ::sigh::

Have a great week everyone,

My Husband Rocks, He is Kind

I just back from having coffee with my daddy. I love that guy, quality time together is just AMAZING! =]

But today is Friday...which means I get to tell you why MY husband totally ROCKS! This week started a bit rough, just like the enemy to try and kick you when you are all pumped up on the word. Stupid devil. ha! So our car was towed from Disney to Lakeland because, quite frankly the tire felt like it was going to fall off. That's a bummer. Praise God my dad has AAA and free tows up to 100 miles YAY! but not so yay that we had 1 car between the three of us, God made it work though which just shows HOW amazing He really is! [like I didn't already know hehe]....Nate started his new job this week and is more excited then I've seen him in awhile,

he is SO pumped up and he got his cubicle and there was a little piece of paper from a fortune cookie that the last person had apparently taped there and left behind...it said "Your success will astonish everyone." How cool is that! I'm believing that will be the case!

So back to the car being towed. We had issue with AAA but ended up getting the tow to not count as one of the 3 my dad gets because of all the time and confusion and I ended up not paying for gas for the trip home and I got to ride in the air conditioning, not too shabby. =] So I'm talking with the two truck guy and Nate calls me, he says "I know you are probably chatting up a storm with the tow truck guy so I won't keep you, just wanted to know how far away from home you are?" I laughed, I LOVE how well he knows me.

Then when we get home, he comes outside with two bottles of water, one for me and one for the truck driver. THAT is MY husband! I know it's simple and little, but it's loving others and I LOVE that about him. So my husband rocks. Because finds the smallest opportunities to show others kindness.

So today I get to rest it on up, watching America's Next Top Model marathon on tv...LOVE that show. Tomorrow the car goes into get fixed. Michelle and Otto come over for dinner and we are teaching them how to play hand and foot. So exciting! Although things may seem like a struggle, I'm keeping my eyes open for the opportunity to break the cycle and praising Him for my victory in life that will come sooner than I think, I just know it!

Also just a couple of prayers requests, My uncle was just diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer. They said they found it early enough to remove it...there are a few ways to do that so wisdome to make the right decisions and for a quick recovery. My other uncle just had surgery and has been dealing with chest pains, healing for his body and a quick recovery. My Gran just had heart surgery a couple of weeks ago, unexpected and my Papa is having a lot of issues with his knee that the medicines will do what they are supposed to do in both of them, that they will receive healing and that we will be able to get up there soon to see them. I MISS them.

Alrighty, I think that's it, guys have a great weekend! Be blessed...and I'm sure I'll be writing soon about Sunday's word so get ready! =]

Muah,

Make Your Faith Fight

Some people with think I'm arrogant, prideful, and controlling.

I have to stop being run by others opinions, especially when they don't know where I've come from, and what I've come through.

We as Christians need to start rising up and standing up for what's right. Guess what!?!? That means people are not going to like you. They are going to be upset with you because they don't want to hear the truth that sometimes they already know. We need to start being confident in Christ, in His truth.

In church we are learning about David and Goliath. Pretty basic story you would think, at least I did. He's little, God gives Him strength to overcome the Giant that no one else wants to face...can I tell you right now David's first battle wasn't the giant on that day. Yeah he had killed a lion and a bear but there was still 3 battles between that and the giant. That is what this series right now is all about...
The 1st battle, was the battle against peoples words.
When he showed up everyone tried to put fear into him. Was what they were saying false? No. But were they seeing the situation through a faithfilled filter? No. David heard all those words of the giants size and his threats and he had to overcome fear itself. He had to choose to believe HIS God's words and promises, instead.

The 2nd battle, was against people that didn't believe in him. In David's case his family.
His brothers started second guessing him telling him he shouldn't do it. Telling him to go back home to what he knew. These were people he looked up to, his own flesh and blood. The people who matter SO much...and yet he had to leave them behind. He had to choose to live by God's words and not peoples. He still loved them sure, but they couldn't see the world through his eyes...you have to keep going up pressing on and and growing your faith people in your life that aren't helping you build need to be let go. The battle is to serious to keep people in your circle that aren't for the cause per say.

The 3rd battle, was against his own insecurity.
He had to not only convince himself he could do it, but the king as well. How did he do that? He told the king his testimony, which in turn built up his courage...No one else saw him kill that lion or bear only him and God and yet his testimony of the events made all the difference. What are the things going on in your life...on the backside of the mountain, behind closed doors, what have you overcome that few know about? That's your testimony and power! Let people know where God's brought you from, not to make you look good, but to show the Power of Christ in your life, for your own renewal of courage and strength.

So many times we let ourselves get distracted by things along the sides instead of keeping our eyes on the giant. The devil knows that if we conquer that giant we will get the spoils and he doesn't want us to even have that chance...what? who? is in your life right now distracting you from the bigger picture? the giant in your life? I encourage you to rise up. Take action. Refocus on what God is calling you to focus on. Grab hold of the word and press on, don't worry about people misunderstanding you, attacking you, people think they have a right to be in your life, that you won't survive without them, it's not true. You have to answer to God, we need to start living in a spiritual life and not a natural one. It's ALL about Him, every day every second...am I sold out? Am I a fanatic? You know I am! Some may think I'm too extreme...but I think others aren't extreme enough. We've let people roll up into our lives and speak all kinds of negative in our lives and we think because we love them we have to put up with it, we don't. Take control of your life!

Obviously this is just scratching the surface of some GREAT word so if you have the time I would LOVE for you to listen to the messages of last week and this week...if you have time for one listen to todays. Be open to the word and I have no doubt that if you want to hear God you will be blessed.

The Title is: Make Your Faith Fight http://web.mac.com/withoutwallscentral/Without_Walls_Central/Central_Podcast/Central_Podcast.html

I would love to hear if you listen and are blessed. =]
Have a GREAT week everyone and take control of your life!
Muah

This Week...

Sunday we had Ryan, Katie and Gracie over it was SO much fun. I made this amazing spaghetti not to brag or anything but it was AWESOME! hehe We've LOVE that Ronzoni pasta with extra fiber it tastes so yummy! I cut up a bunch of green pepper and red onions [which for some reason I'm totally addicted to at the moment] put a bunch of mushrooms and garlic. Used Turkey instead of Hamburger all in the sauce. Oh it was chunky and awesome. =]

We had so much fun hanging out with them all. The cats got their first real encounter with a child. haha Mowgali was terrified after Gracie chased him around the room a bit. Crosby kept moving but Gracie kept following him. She petted him and he was curious about her! haha Only one bat from his declawed little paw the whole afternoon and we recovered from it quickly. Thank God!

Gracie is just a total riot...I taught her to do this...haha isn't she a cutie!?!?

The wonders of a coffee table. hehe

We love her.

So yeah great times. Worked the last two days...Justin leaves tonight. =[ Nate has his last day at the Olive Garden on Saturday. Yay for new seasons in life.

Nothing else really going on, just working and loving life. Oh, and Sunday's sermon was amazing, he talked about the armor of God...God gives us army b/c we have to fight He will not always swoop in and take care of everything, we have a HUGE part to play. He talked about how the first battle David had to fight was NOT Goliath. He had to fight the fear that all the other soldiers tried to put in him. We have to be careful what we allow ourselves to hear, in David's case he didn't want to hear any of it. He won the first battle, sometimes the enemy tries to keep you from your biggest enemy b/c he knows the spoils you will gain when conquering him. So he tries to distract you with smaller battles...we have to identify these and press on, quickly. =] Anyway GREAT word as always, I LOVE being part of a home church. Some interesting ministry opportunities look like they be opening up and we are beyond excited with where God is taking us!

Have a great rest of the week all. =]

Muah

Typhoon Lagoon...Lagooney Goon Goon

From now until February I get into the water parks free as does my father. Which means that the 4 free passes we have were able to get my hubby and mum in for free as well! So we took the opportunity yesterday to enjoy the lovely weather and each others company. How fun!

Nate dancing to the Beach Boys...he's the cutest thing ever!

The rents pretending to be pirates...I love them.

Me and My love pretending to be pirates...can you hear us saying arggghhh!?!?! =]

I love our family [bummer that Justin doesn't like water parks]

Me and My lover.

Oh and total praise report, I was able to get a new bathing suit! Mine were all falling apart and such, I went to JCPenny and got a $76 bathing suit for $10! Yay for deals! =]

Lovely Friday, today I'm about to finish cleaning my house which isn't too messy because I've really been staying on top of it for the most part, which makes me so happy! It's rainy today, which I LOVE so I'm going to be cuddling up with a book real soon.

Tomorrow Ryan, Katie, and Gracie are coming over for dinner...I'm just so excited with life right now! This is Nate's last week at the OG, my bro is moving this week which is sad, BUT we are buying his bed from him for cheap! Which I'm so pumped about...you have no idea! I'm getting overtime this week at work which will be a nice check for next week. I'm just happy, and I know it, so maybe I'll clap my hands. =] hehe

Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend.

Muah,

Celebrating Gracie

Our "adopted" niece had her first birthday party on Labor Day. She was adorable as usual. =] I just love being around friends and babies and people. Nate had to work and I was only able to drop by on my way to work but I took pictures of course. lol Just call me Mrs Shutterbug. hehe

Here is Ry giving her something to drink, while Grandma holds her.

Mommy [Katie] and Baby

Proud Auntie [me] with Gracie

Ryan and Katie - the happy and proud parents

Since we weren't able to attend the party in entirity, they are coming over Sunday for lunch and I couldn't be more excited! Friends truly are the family you choose, and they have been such a blessing through all our transition. I'm SO glad, our friendship is back "in season" lol

I'm enjoying work SO much, and Nate is counting down the days till he starts his new one. I'm so excited for him, he's so cute...he's going to have a desk job now and he says to me "Sarah, I'm just so excited to go to the store and buy brand new pens!" haha I was giggled, he was going off about putting my picture on his desk, having an organizer...this truly is a stretching, learning, new, exciting experience. I'm happy for him, he's wanted a desk job for awhile, he's wanted Sundays off for awhile and he put in his time and hard work, and now will have all Sundays off all holidays, will get some great pay, insurance...I'm excited for everything that will be achieved because of this job. Obviously, nothing is certain as we've learned from experience, but we are praying, and we are believing that this is the beginning of that light at the end of the tunnel for us.

Other than that, working tomorrow, Friday we are all going to the waterpark together, cast members for Disney get in free till February and I have free passes on top of that so I can get Nate in...nothing like a free day of fun in the water and sun...soaking in rays and enjoying a day off together. ::happy sigh:: My rents are coming too! I love spending time with them, they are such a blessing to our family.

Hope everyone had an awesome Labor Day weekend celebrating the exit of summer and the beginning of fall. [my favorite!]

Blessings to you,

Birthday Celebrations & Victories

For my brother's 21st Birthday we took him to a Tiger's Baseball game. It was SO much fun!

[it was my first mlb game]

Me, Dad, and Mum in the backseat on the way to St. Petersburg

Nate and Justin

Our FABULOUS first baseman!

Mum Dad

Smooches at the game

Me and the Fella I want to experience life with, for all of time.

Our Family - I love these people ::happy sigh::

Me and my Bubby laughing it up

My husband is such a character...

Yummy hot dog! [all beef, the best!]

It's not about winning...but it feels great when you do!

Us celebrating our victory....

Justin too!

Me and two of my favorite fellas. I love them dearly...


Experiencing life with family is the best gift of all...I'm truly blessed. You never know when life will change, when the opportunities will lessen, I'm appreciating it so much especially right now as Justin is moving back to Michigan in a couple of weeks. I'm SO excited for him, he is being obedient to God and following his dreams, I will miss him SO much, but I know we will all be happier when we are where God wants us, if we allow ourselves to be. So I'm praying blessings on him as he embarks on the next chapter of his life! WAHOO!

Hope you all have a fabulous Labor Day Weekend!

Today, the Anticipation

Trying to overcome my major headache.

Loving my big comfy Stewart family reunion sweatshirt my bubby had designed.

Missing my hubby, [he's working a double today]

Looking for inexpensive plane tickets.

Trying to remain calm about my assessment tomorrow. [I know deep down I'll do alright]

Bursting with excitement for Friday!!! [wanna know why? then ask me!]

A little bummed, [I'm cramping]

Getting things in order.

I'm not gonna lie...it's difficult having a blog right now, there are a few out there that I have met through blogland, which keep me wanting to press on, open up and continue writing. However, there are boundaries that I must have with others that read this blog and therefore, I have to practice constraint and be a LOT more mysterious then I tend to be. Thanks for understanding.

I'm missing all my family, my friends, and I haven't seen to much of Nate this week, just enough to make me miss him a LOT more.

Life has definitely thrown us a lot of curves these last couple of years, from trying to get into school, to different jobs, looking for churches, trips we thought we could take and ended up not being able to, relationships, marriage ups and downs, friends, it's just been a ride. We've made a lot of screwed up decisions, and we've made a lot of good decisions, we are learning and growing and not giving up and so looking back, I'm not disappointed in myself or us, if we didn't learn anything from all of it, then I would be. So right now we are approaching a crossroads, we have two very big opportunities available to us, and so we are praying MAJORLY for direction, peace, and discernment. Most of the times we get excited about one thing and put all our eggs in that basket, we aren't doing that this time. We set out with a goal, and reminded ourselves that just the journey of getting to that goal would be life changing and maybe we wouldn't end up doing it...now another opportunity has arose and decision time she comes. It's thrilling, exciting, a little nerve racking, we are being cautious...but this time it REALLY does feel like we are on the brink of a new season. HOPEFULLY we've finally passed the test and can move out of this awful cycle we have been in! Now we are just waiting to find out...

Sorry it's vague, but hopefully it made SOME sense. Either way, thanks for your support and prayers. Have a GREAT end to your week,