Week 31

What an overwhelmingly blessed week we had. I mean I could say that about every week, but this was one of those weeks where you just get a second wind and feel like you're sprinting towards something amazing. And we are. Every day we run another mile towards our ultimate finish line and I hope we are all showered with gold confetti. We are praying constantly for direction and we were definitely given the green light on a couple of things this week and we are so thankful for His peace in those areas.
And then there's those moments that should happen more often when you pray super specific and for a whole minute you believe that only God could make this happen. We were so blessed with one of those moments this weekend. In preparation for selling our house 6 months ago we moved a majority of our furniture out of house to declutter and simplify. Thankfully our cousins offered their basement for storage- but since we are not moving we needed to get all that junk out of their basement. So Friday we began loading things up for a yard sale Saturday. I made one trip while B and a wonderful friend of ours loaded the rest. While making several trips of loading furniture a neighbor of my cousins' walked over and asked the boys where they were taking all the furniture. They explained the whole situation to which the guy explains that he is in the business of buying and reselling things and would like anything we don't sell. He asked for us to give him a call and he would try to come by at our yard sale to have a look at everything and make an offer.

Well Saturday morning came (really early) and we made our signs, staked them out, and prepared for a hot morning. We began to discuss how much we wanted to make that day (hopefully $500) and mentally priced all of our items in order to meet that goal. We started at 8 and planned to end at 1:30 p.m. We probably had 5-10 people stop by and we sold several small items in the total of $48. And then it just kind of stopped. B had called the guy and he said he would try and stop by. We were both a little discouraged by his lack of enthusiasm, but didn't think too much of it. By about 12:30 the heat was just too sizzling for me so I ran in to take a shower and prepare for our baby shower that night.

I get out of the shower, check my phone to see what time it was- 1:08 p.m. And B had texted me stating that ever since we had moved our yard sale sign to a different place people stopped showing up. I rolled my eyes and texted him to move it back then. And then I said quick prayer... Lord if there's anyone that can make this happen it's you. It takes one minute. One moment. One car to provide what we would love to walk away with. God if this is your will we are prepared to give you all the glory and praise and we are so thankful for the opportunity to serve you with what you provide.
I dry off- walk into our bedroom and can hear hubs talking to people outside. I freeze and try to listen in to the wheeling and dealing but can't really hear what's being said.. about 10 minutes later hubby walks in with a big ole grin. He says "well that guy came by and said he wants the rest of our stuff... for $450"

...... I don't know if you can do math but $48 + $450= pretty dang close to $500.

Why I am so amazed by our God shows my lack of faith in His greatness. I am BLOWN away at His goodness. I don't know if he would have offered that amount if I would've prayed that little prayer or not but it sure does feel a whole lot more blessed having it prayed for. I know it's nothing we did and it was all a way for Him to show off how much He wants to bless us. It really convicted me of all the opportunities I turn down that could potentially bless us. Who are we to deny His blessings? I could just feel God saying HELLO been trying to do this in all areas of your life and you keep denying Me! And that's totally where I let the devil creep in and get in my thoughts. He is a LIAR. The Lord you serve can do all things and so can you with Him! Allow Him to do it! You can't win in this life without His hand in it. And it shouldn't be in it. You should be in His hand allowing Him to walk you on His path.
I am so guilty of trying to handle things on my own and put pressure on myself when this great God tells me over and over to chill out and listen for His direction. Listen to "How He Loves" by David Crowder Band.. definitely my favorite song that describes His yearning to be number one in our lives.

The Bump

Levi is such a blessed little boy already. We had our first baby shower last night and we received some much needed additions to fill up his nursery and help us with welcoming him to this world. I think I was most appreciative of the fellowship though. I had a few moments to look around last night and just praise God for the great people we are surrounded by. I reread all our cards today and it just made me feel so humbled to live this life. I am so excited for Levi to be here and meet all these brothers and sisters in Christ who have shaped who B and I are. 

Allow God to bless you this week. 

WEEK 30

I feel so incredibly blessed to have made it to week 30!!!!!! Every week that goes by, it just feels so super surreal and beyond explanation and getting this far just seems like a dream! I think every pregnant woman probably feels appreciative of each passing week some because it's nearing the end and others because they spent another week growing a little person. It's amazing.
And this week we celebrated FIVE YEARS of union with each other and God. Thank you Lord for allowing us to have the memories of the past 5 years! Most marriages begin with pastoral counseling just to get the communication going and lay all the baggage on the line and also to align your hopes and dreams with each other and God. I LOVED every session that we had with our pastor. I know he asked us the ole "SO where do you see yourselves in 5 years?" and honestly I cannot recall my answer.. knowing me it was something along the lines of having at least 2 kids and being more settled in our jobs. My heart and mind were in a completely different place 5 years ago. And I am so grateful for the bit of growth I've been blessed with. At the age of 20 years old... not a lot of life had happened to me yet. Our marriage opened my heart to a new level of love and trust and faith. Not just with my husband but with my Lord and Savior. When we got married I feel like we had a very religious "relationship" with the Lord (which is an oxymoron). We've both still got A LOT of learning to do and man I can't wait to see how He uses us for His kingdom- but the past five years have been spent growing together in our faith. It has been incredible watching my husband become this man of God right before my eyes. I know he prays for me all the time and I'm very grateful for it. But I'm about to be vulnerable.
About 2 & 1/2 years into our marriage I was praying desperately for our hearts to grow stronger in His word. The hubs was in a Bible study with some good friends so he was being fed and encouraged. One night we got in a serious fight about the stealing of the covers. (when I say serious I'm not kidding- in retrospect and probably if you're reading this you think we're idiots but it was tense) I was angry- he was angry and he stomped into the living room leaving me alone in bed. At that moment I began to pray that God would speak to both of us. I prayed that He would provide us with peace and words- and then I prayed specifically for the Holy Spirit to meet my husband 4 rooms over and lead Him back to me with His words. I then received a text message from my hubby (yes 4 rooms over) apologizing and promising to control his anger better and ended with James 1:19-20 "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." I had (at that time) never been that blown away by God. Our relationship between the three of us changed right then. I had never prayed a specific prayer like that and expected an answer. God taught me a lot that night and I'm grateful that it was over the cover monster ;-).
Our journey thus far has been filled to the brim with blessings. God has brought people into our relationship that have helped change the way we view marriage, service, and relationships. We know it has all been in His perfect timing and that makes it all the sweeter. The road hasn't always been a Sunday drive, but that all depends on the perspective. We are thankful to be allowed time to grow in Him and further His kingdom while falling more in love each day. I know I have a lot of growing to do as a wife and I hope God allows me to. We both have some room to grow- but God definitely made my man a servant for Him. B is the most giving servant and I feel incredibly honored to call him mine. Not to mention he's got a pretty cute smile. I hope the Lord allows many many years of falling more in love with Him and understanding His love.

-at Hargis 5 years later *sigh*

AND the Bump....

I know it looks like I'm housing twins. I still love it and thankful for that growing watermelon.

 God is great, and He's even greater when you ask Him to be great in YOU!

Where do I see myself in five years?

Let's see.. I'll be 30 and Levi will be about to start kindergarten (good Lord willing)- I hope our hearts are more aligned with His. I pray that 5 years from now God is our source of joy. I pray that God would always be first- then hubs- then kid(s). Most of all... I pray that He allows me more time with that handsome guy, growing in love and faith.

 

 

 

 

 

Week 29

HAPPY HAPPY Father's Day!!!! Oh my goodness! So blessed to hug my daddy's neck today. I love that man to pieces! I will always be his little girl no matter what and I'm so thankful for that. I love thinking about mine and my dad's relationship because he is such a daughter's dream for a dad! Growing up he always called me his "beauty girl" and said I had a "magic smile". I'll never forget my wedding day when he gave me away he kissed my cheek and said "Don't forget your magic smile". :-) I hope we have a little girl one day so I can watch Brad melt in her hands. Something about a daughter and her daddy- just can't be replaced.
Very grateful for my husband and father-to-be... He got his very manly diaper bag/backpack. Every time we go to BuyBuy Baby he has to check out the diaper bags and the strollers. no matter what. So that's what me and Levi decided he needed was his own bag- set with about ten compartments.
I can't wait for B to hold little Levi in a couple of months. He's already such an amazing husband and takes care of me so well- just can't wait for him to have this little boy admiring everything he does.
And to stay with the Father's Day gratitude... doesn't it feel great knowing you've got this huge, all-knowing, perfect Father who is just waiting for you to run in His arms and jump in His lap and tell Him all about your day. Oh man! God's love is just too big to describe and I'm so thankful to be His little princess- forever.

Well, went to the doctor this past week and we are measuring a week ahead- which I know that can change back and forth. So we shall see! UM- LOVE my body pillow! I don't know that I'll ever give it up! It takes up a lot of the bed and makes for some interesting potty breaks BUT so worth it! And yea that bump is getting BIG! I still love it.
So grateful for this week- it was a little bumpier but as always God's love and His truth prevailed. Allowed for some growth and a lot more trust in Him and His great plan. Praying for a big, successful week! So excited already for next week's post!!!! A little 5 year celebration of mine and B's marriage and love! Excited to share how His love has changed our love!!!!

Week 28

Talk about a week of answered prayers!! Yall if you're not praying you need to.. If you're not sure what to pray for.. THAT's what you pray for! I can't tell you how many times I knew I needed to pray but didn't know why- so I just asked the Holy Spirit to give me the words- show me what I need to be praying for. And I've noticed recently that when I'm not getting an answer to a prayer it's because I'm so focused on what I want that I'm really not leaving any room for God's plan! HELLO! I want Him to be the author of my life- NOT ME! So... when it came to our house I have had a super negative attitude about the whole thing up until about 2 weeks ago. Honestly, the main reason why I wanted our house on the market was because I am sick of being a slave to our house payment. The second reason was because we live on the main highway- with a speed limit of 55mph- and I don't want Levi running out in the road. Well about two weeks ago I was talking to my mentor and she asked why we were selling our house and I told her those two reasons. Her response was, "If you're sick of being a 'slave' to your house then why don't you ask God to bless you more?". LONG PAUSE

--This is where that whole praying for the wrong thing comes in--

For about 6 months I have been praying for our house. Not this house but our next house. I have been praying for the people who were suppose to buy this house. I have been praying for that family to fall in love with this house. I have prayed that this house would bless them.
:-)

God answered that prayer today.
I woke up this morning-- began to do the last of the cleaning on each room and while I did, I listened to worship music and I prayed over each room. I prayed that whoever comes through the doors today that they would be blessed, that they would love this house like we loved it when we first saw it. I prayed that the numbers would be just right so that everyone would walk away fairly. I then prayed that if this is where we are suppose to raise our family and call home that we would have a clear answer today.
I believe our God knows what is "clear" to us when we pray something like that-- because not a soul showed up for the open house today. Some might find that discouraging but today I am blown away at His answer. We got home this afternoon and I walked in the door and I fell in love with this house again. I came through that door feeling more blessed than ever. God continues to blow us away with His gifts. He is blessing both of us so that we're not "slaves" to our house payment. Seriously, like blowing us away with opportunities.
We've wanted to put up a fence around our yard for a while but two acres is a lot of fence! So I think we're going to opt for a white picket fence in front of our house, which I am like beyond excited about! I mean who doesn't want a white picket fence with a little gate door and a little boy playing safely and freely in. It brings tears to my eyes to imagine it.
All that to say-- sometimes we need to ask God to change our heart to align with His plan. I never would've thought to pray that God would bless us so that we could stay here. And goodness at things that came out of us having our house on the market. The things we needed to fix or clean out or update- all got accomplished because we were preparing for new buyers. I think that's another reason why I'm so excited because all the hard work that B has put in will be more appreciated by us than anyone else. I had no idea that all those blessings I have been praying over new buyers- were going to be bestowed upon us. Thank you God for surprising us once again. I am so pumped to get our house Levi ready!
BUT first we had to get my body pillow- because after all that cleaning and praying this momma needs some REST! I've already got it wrapped around me and I cannot wait to climb in bed and figure out how this BUMP is going to lay!
I know last week I mentioned taking pictures of flattering vs. unflattering clothes on the bump- maybe next week- God was just a movin too much for me to talk about clothes. So maybe next week! Levi must've learned how to swim because I swear he is swimming laps in there. I just keep feeling rolling and kicking over and over. He's an active little boy so Lord help us when he gets here.

Thank you to all of you who continue to pray for us on our little bumpy road. We feel all of your prayers! We are so excited to fill this house with more love and to finally start REALLY working on Levi's room! God is great! Hope he blesses you more than you can imagine!!!

Week 27

Well where in the world did this week go? And hello June! We spent this weekend celebrating my sweet cousin's wedding and it was so gorgeous! We had a bit of a rain scare but it cleared up just in time for the ceremony. So excited for their journey into marriage! B and his catering partner prepared most of the food for the day and it was beautifully done and it was delicious!
I experienced my first pregnancy charley horse early this morning (while sleeping). Those things are no joke and I think I might've scared B to death because I couldn't help but scream and he went into panic/protective mode. Made me love him a little more, after my leg stopped throbbing. I guess I might've possibly stood for a bit too long yesterday and should've accepted one of those seats everyone kept offering. NOTED! Sitting=good Standing=bad
So our house is still on the market and we haven't had too many bites on it. It hasn't really bothered me because honestly haven't had time to let it bother me. We've just been praying about it and knowing that God will provide exactly what we need whether that be here or somewhere else. And He has been so faithful. So much so that we've accepted the fact that this might be where He wants us and He has prepared our hearts and eased our minds on a lot of the reasons why we wanted to sell. If He continues to trust us with this property then we hope to glorify Him and are able to be great stewards of His faithfulness.
Side note B has been replacing some sink parts today and literally just heard from the kitchen "suck it sink!" Love him.
We have so many great memories between these walls, we would ask that you pray for us to be attached to His word through the decision making process. We are praying He makes big things happen!
And there's no greater God that can make it happen than the One we get to serve.
So we have got to get hauling booty on Levi Fisher's room! We have some stuff done but we have a long way to go and 12 weeks to get it done! If he doesn't come early!! I am not one of those people that orders stuff online... like ever but I think I'm going to have to do it. I found the bedding that I want on ETSY and have been holding off out of mere stubbornness. Kinda getting into crunch time on ordering things though so it's decision making time! I definitely have a clear vision for what I want for his little suite and so excited to make it happen.

I finally got some maternity shorts and had to get some maternity shirts for work. Scrubs just are not fun to wear when you have a growing midsection. Especially cause this little booger likes to move around and I think he feels like he is in jail in some of my scrub tops. So be free little Levi!! I might just do a picture each day this week so you can see what clothes can do for or against you. Some days I look 10 months pregnant and the next day I look like a supermodel-- JUST KIDDING I don't own miracle clothes ;-) but seriously there are definitely some items out there that are more flattering than others. 

I can now feel him rolling around in there which is extremely entertaining. I don't know if I want him to come out. I love having him with me. He brings me so much joy just moving and kicking around. The hubs probably thinks I'm nuts because it still gets me so tickled feeling him and watching my belly jump around. I just love it! I don't think I'll be one of those people that has 15 kids however I do love this feeling- we'll see what labor does to that feeling in a few months! For now I'm soaking up this little life growing inside of me!

Well I'm getting this kicking boy to bed!!

Remember that our God is huge. He is powerful and He is able to do mighty and great things!!!

Pray Big Y'all!!!