A Christmas Chance

In case you haven't noticed, Christmas time is coming. Trees, lights, and decorations are going up everywhere. People are out shopping and it is turning cold outside. With all of the hustle of the holiday season, it is easy to get caught up in the busy and forget the blessings. 

I was sitting in the drive-thru at the bank on Tuesday listening to Air1. (side note: if you haven't ever listened to this station, please do. 107.1 fm) Anyways, I can't say I was actively listening, I always have the radio on in the car. A song comes on that I had not heard and it immediately catches my attention. The song is titled One Last Christmas by Matthew West. Let me give you a little background to this song in case you don't know it. I did my research because the song touched my heart. 

The song is based on a true story about a boy named Dax Locke from Illinois. Dax was born in 2007. He was later diagnosed with a rare for of leukemia at the age of 15 months; he was said to not make it to Christmas. Dax loved Christmas lights so his house, followed by his neighborhood, followed by his town was decorated for Christmas before Halloween. In December of 2009 Dax passed away. Dax did get to see Christmas though.

Oh my! What a story! My heart aches and fills with sorrow when I read something like this. Sitting in my car listening to this song it has me in tears. I didn't even know it was based on a true story at the time. But I realized that the events in the song are real. 

Life is busy, I get it. And holiday's make it even busier; but we all have to stop and remember that each day is filled with blessings. In this story, Dax and his mom still have so many blessings, and if you watch any interviews or videos of her, you see that she is always thankful. 

This song has inspired me to try harder to always count my blessings, because I'm human and it's easy to get caught up in the bad. This song was a good reminder for me to just stop sometimes. I have attached the video below, it includes a small message from Matthew West. Please take time to watch it. Also, I have posted the link to the website for Dax incase you want to read more about him. 

One Last Chance - Matthew West

Dax Story

Continuing the Journey... James

My journey is continuing; I finished Galatians yesterday. It was a great book. I have decided to next read the book of James. Here is just a little about the book of James:

It was wrote by Jesus's half brother, James. The book is about Christian living; sort of practical things. 

I am continuing to read the NLT version, but depending on how I understand each chapter, that may change. 

Here are a couple of verses that I really liked from my first day in James:

Dear brothers and sisters,  when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  (James 1:2 NLT)

How easy is it to get discouraged when life gets tough? Right here is says that we should always see everything in life as a blessing, a joy. 

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,  and he never tempts anyone else.  Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  (James 1:13-14 NLT)

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  (James 1:19 NLT)

I feel like I need this verse tattooed on me sometimes. As humans, we all fall to being quick to answer. Sometimes it is better to not be heard, but it isn't always easy. And it's even easier to take the road of anger. Anger is such an easy emotion to obtain, but it is hard to get rid of. Patience will help us all to follow this verse. Slow down! 😉

 

I hope each of you are taking time to read through the Bible. It is a great and wonderful tool, use it!

My Journey Through the Bible Starting with Galatians

I'll admit, I often fall short in my scripture reading. I have tried following a variety of ways to read through the Bible, but nothing has stuck permanently. So I decided to just pick a book, read it, then pick another. I'm kicking off with Galatians.

If you don't know much about specific books of the Bible, Galatians is a letter from Paul, a disciple of Jesus. I don't know why I picked this book specifically, it just stood out. I'm on chapter 4, reading a chapter a day. 

If you are looking to read the Bible but don't know where to start, read with me. So far Galatians has been great. Chapter 3 has been my favorite this far. 

Also if you're wondering which version of the Bible you should read, here is my advice: Which ever speaks to YOU. Some popular options are: New Living Translation, English Standard Version, King James, New International, and the Message. Honestly, I switch around. I find that different parts of the Bible read easier for me in different versions. So find what you like. 

Here are a couple of verses That have spoken to me so far in my reading:

For you are all children  of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes (Galatians 3:26 - 3:27 NLT)

But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:22 NLT)

Hope you decide to go on this journey with me; Or even venture on your own. Have a blessed evening!

Seeking Light in the Dark

It seems that the past few months have been filled with nothing but dark, sad, and unfortunate happenings. Really it's been longer than that, but it's beginning to weigh on my heart more and more. 

In recent news, there was the EMS worker from Jessamine County and Officer Ellis from Richmond. Both of these men were just doing their job, and things changed quickly. 

On a more personal scale, it seems that people around me are hurting and struggling. It's a variety of things; death, sickness, stress, heartache, and more. Life struggles that seem to just escalate and become unbearable. 

My heart hurts and aches for these people. I want joy, hope, faith, love, laughter, and happiness. I want to share good news with my friends and family, not the bad that seems to be appearing everywhere. 

Life isn't easy. Sadness isn't fun. Heartache hurts. These are facts, this is life. But it's still more than that. There is hope in a better tomorrow. There is a Heavenly Father we can lean on. There is a church that wants you to become part of their family. There are family and friends that want to care for you and be by your rock. 

As a Christian I know that my life on earth is temporary, and what comes after is something to long for each day. But even knowing this, I can't say that I'm in a rush to leave my earthly life. Even with all of the sorrow here, I want to live on and endure it. But I can't imagine living each day and not knowing what comes next. It has to be terrifying.  

For all of those reading my blog, I want you have a light in your life. Living in this dark world isn't easy, but with the light of Jesus, it's possible!

For all of you who have heartache, sorrow, anger, or whatever, please know that there is a light for you. And if you don't know where to look, then ask me or someone else. I want to share my love and light with you!

Here are a few of bible verses that I have used for myself lately, I hope that they may help you too. 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. 

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you and help you. 

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

Give your burdens to the Lord , and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall (Psalm 55:22 NLT)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

The New Ring

I figured it was time to continue our love story. So here it goes…

The date is June 25, 2009 (my 18th birthday)

We have spent the evening celebrating together. Dinner at Sonnys. (I'm a big eater, so all you can eat is perfect for me) We were going to head back to Justin's house to spend the evening hanging out, per my request. When we get there I head to Justin's room while he is off in the kitchen. He asks me to come where he is so I can have part of my present. I like gifts like anyone else so I happily go. I walk into the kitchen where his computer is and he asked me to sit down. 

Justin isn't much on cards, he thinks they are a waste so he had made me something on the computer instead. 

He put together this slide show of pictures of us and had music with it. I'm watching and thinking how sweet this is. Towards the end he has typed up a little sappy love piece. I turn to look at him and he says "Look at the screen!" I turn around and it says he has something to ask me. 

I turn back around to see him on one knee. BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!

It was simple and it was just us. I wouldn't have had it any other way. We were both young, me 18 and Justin 21. But it was a God thing from the beginning. 

So there is the next part of our love story. 

Enjoy a few engagement photos 

Reading Between the Lines

I don't know how many of you read, but I read a lot. I read all types of books, children's, teens, adults, etc. 

It is often when I am reading books for something to stick out to me. Sometimes its something that reminds of a past time or others it is something that makes me ponder. 

While on vacation this past week, I did a lot of reading (4 books). Two of these were by Mitch Albom. 

*if you don't know who Mitch Albom is, please read at least 1 of his books. He is a great author!

The first quote I noticed was from the book, "Have a Little Faith"

The quote is:

"When you come to the end, that's where God begins."

When I first read that sentence, I read it again, and then a third time. This passage of the book is talking about how you know God exists. No matter how far science advances, there is always a new question about the beginning or the end of life. Whenever our life halts, God is just beginning. He goes on forever! There is no time, no spot, no moment that He is not. It's astounding to think so big. It's nearly unimaginable. 

I also read other blogs. So here is a quote that caught my attention:

"Your naked body deserves the honor of being shared only with someone who is covenanted to never stop loving your naked soul."

As a person who has not always made the best decisions, and did not always walk the straight and narrow path, this quote spoke to me. Everyone always tells you, "wait till marriage" "you wait because that's what the bible says."

Don't get me wrong, I agree and I try to follow the instructions given by God, but as a teenager you don't always see eye to eye. This quote gives you more reason. 

In the article it talks about how your skin is the outer layer of your soul. How true?!! A sentimental touch can give you goose bumps, chills, a heat wave, etc. something you feel in your soul. 

Saving yourself for someone who can reach your soul makes the experience all the more incredible! I am so blessed to have found a man who speaks to my soul, who can see all of me and love me still. 

Marriage is a beautiful gift from God! Cherish it and everything that comes with it. Make memories that will last forever. Make memories that you can only make with one person. And always make sure that your other half can see and love all of you!

More Than Lyrics

Have you ever had that overwhelming feeling of praise? You may get it during bible study or during personal devotions; some may get this feeling when doing things for other. For me, I feel my heart strings being pulled during worship. I love music! Music of all kinds (literally I can listen to ANYTHING). But some songs reach out to my heart and soul more than others. Here is a small clip of a song that has recently touched my heart:

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fameAnd the cry of my heart is to bring You praiseFrom the inside out, O my soul cries out


Worship is something that I have learned over the years, varies for everyone! Some sing, some play instruments, some pray during songs, some sing with a beautiful melody. I will be honest with you, I LOVE to sing, but can't carry a tune in a bucket. I can switch to nearly any radio station, and I know the lyrics. When I am at church, I love my time of worship. It is the part of the service that God speaks to me. 

Back to the lyrics above. If you are familiar with contemporary Christian music, you may recognize these words. This is one of my favorite songs to sing at church. I get chills every time! The words in this song reach into my soul. They speak to me in words that are more than black and white. 

"And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise"

Oh my!! Did you read that?! I mean, REALLY read it. 

Has your heart ever cried out? I'm talking something deeper than a break up, deeper than the loss of a game. Has your heart ever cried out to Jesus? Have you ever felt like all you can do is say "I love you God! I adore you! I need you God! I want to do nothing but praise you!" 

I am far from perfect. My life journey has been rocky! But my soul, my heart, my entire being cries out to God over and over. I cry for help, I cry for joy, I cry for love, I cry for comfort, I cry for excitement, I cry for GOD! My heart desires to live and be more like Jesus. And I fail, time after time. But each and every time I fall away, God welcomes me back. 

"Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame"

Gods glory is astounding! His glory covers all of our faults. Here on earth, we get caught up in "fame." Whether it be Kim Kardashian or being the best basketball player in high school. Fame is something that we humans strive for. We like to be recognized. Don't you think God wants to be recognized?! Don't you think He deserves it?! Shouldn't our praise be to Him and for Him?! 

I could take each and every line of this song, and tell you how much it touches my soul. But I won't do that. Instead I beg you to take the time to listen to it. I have given you the link below, lyrics are included so you can see and hear the song. My prayer for you is that there is something out there, whether it be music or something else, that pulls at your heart to strive to be more for God. That makes you want to give every ounce of yourself to Him.

Have a blessed night, day, and week!

Once upon a time...

To continue the "get to know me" phase of my blog, I figured you readers would like to know my love story. It's nothing sappy. Just simple :)

In the Fall of 2007 we had a new guy start leading worship at church. I was in a relationship at the time, so the new guy was nothing for me to fancy over. But little did I know it would be the start of our love story.

Justin is an amazing musician! It seems he can play anything you put in his hands. He stepped up to help our church out while we were in between worship directors. Justin was not a member of the church, just a Special Music visitor. As fall turns into winter I still hadn't noticed much about this new guy. Then in January of 2008, my current boyfriend and I broke up. I had been on a crazy road the past few years; testing limits, trying any challenge in front of me, and not choosing the straight and narrow. In January I was tiring of this life. I knew I needed a change, but didn't know the plan God had in store for me.

February 29 2008 was our first date. Justin asked me to attend a show with him at Renfro Valley about a week prior. I was a wreck! Here is this guy that I have had no interest in, who is older than me (4 years) and only knows the horror stories about the life I have been living. After pacing the house, talking to family and friends, I decided it was worth a try. February 29 turned out to be the best Leap Day ever!

Skip onto June of 2008: I am in LOVE!! At the young age of 17, I knew where I was going! For my 17th birthday (which is in June btw) Justin gave me a promise ring. I know that many people view these as just another gift, but for me it was another step in our relationship. If I could have, I would have married Justin right then!

We spend the next 365 days dating. We do everything the cool kids do: dinner, movies, church, hikes, concerts, prom, homecoming etc. We spend all of our free time together. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't always peaches and cream, but it was us and it was great. Then after 365 days of dating, he pops the question!

And that is where I will leave you for now. Here are a few pictures I scrounged up from our dating days. Look at how young we were ;)

New Blogger in the www

Blogging is something I have contemplated for a long time. But I have always thought that I don't have anything to write about, until I realized I wanted to blog for myself. If others read it, then that's a perk. I hope that if someone does take the time to read my blog, they are changed for the good in some way. 

I decided to make my blog about my life, my love, and my faith. It's sort of "all about me" :) So let me formally introduce myself.

Hello!! My name is Brittany. I am a young woman living in a crazy and chaotic world. I have been married to my love since May 2010. We have been together since February 2008. We are the proud parents of 2 Yorkie's. Toby (our first adopted) and Taylor. We attend Victory Christian Church where we both work and worship. This is also the place we met (but that will be another blog post :)) I have worked for Cundiff Chiropractic since June of 2009. I am a 2009 graduate of Garrard County. Coffee is a daily must have!

I could tell you all sorts of things about me, but I figure that is enough for now. 

I am not promising this will be an amazing blog to follow, but it will be nothing but truth. I hope that you enjoy everything you read. And don't get discouraged if I'm not a "frequent flyer." I work 2 jobs and like to spend quality time with my husband, so I may skip around on my posts.



But here are a few pictures so you know a little more about me!

 Justin and I at the Brass Band Festival 2015

Justin and I with Taylor (left) and Toby (right) Christmas 2013

Taylor (left) and Toby (right) going to get ice cream August 2015

Taylor and Toby after a haircut

My coworkers and myself