So blessed...

Ya know, I am so blessed. No really, I am. And if you are reading this, you are too. Let me explain...


If you've been following my blog, then you know that we have recently moved. At first, I was quite apprehensive about it. Now, I see a little bit more into God's plan through this move. I was blessed with a wonderful group of friends in A-Town. I enjoyed living life and loving life with each and every one of them. That, I think, was the hardest part about moving. Now that I am settled here in the Falls, I have another totally different group of friends...just as spectacular. I didn't trade one group for the other...I've got 2! How lucky can one person get? Well, there's more! On my weight-loss journey, I joined SparkPeople. I have gained a few, very special, very dear friends...haven't met them yet, but I hope to remedy that in the future. As I sit here pondering life and all it brings, I am so incredibly overwhelmed by the love God has chosen to pour out on me through His people. I am literally moved to tears! I am so incredibly humbled. I think I may sit here and cry for a bit...all the while thanking God for everything He has chosen to bless me with.


Have a wonderful day everyone...and count your blessings, literally. You'll get to a point where you'll run out of numbers and just sit there thanking God for all of it...I promise!


Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Col 3:15

Girl's Getaway...

Today is the day! Every year our ladies ministry hosts a 'Girl's Getaway' to Frisco. We go for a night, spend time in the Word and in fellowship with one another. I am blessed to be able to go. I didn't think it was going to fit into the budget, but God thought otherwise and put it on someone's heart to pay my way. I am so grateful.


I feel a little guilty to be so excited. I'm also a little nervous. I mean, I hardly know these women...but from what I know they are great. I also feel like God wants me to share some of my testimony with them...and that scares the crap out of me. I'm certainly human and have made lots of mistakes...more than most. But that's what makes my testimony so powerful...God still loves me enough to use me after all my shortcomings.


I am looking forward to getting away and leaving all my 'hats' at home and discovering a little more about myself. Learn who Elaina is without being wife and mother...I think that may be the scariest part. Will I like who I am?

From the same mold

I'm not sure if it's the military wife thing, or if it's the Jesus thing, but my friends and I are all cut with the same mold. Let me explain...


My last blog post wasn't the happiest. I'm sure to some it sounded like I was whining. To others, it may have sounded like a cry for help before things got too bad. And for others, well, it resonated with them...took them back to a time when they felt the same way, and they sympathized with me. It was not meant for any of those things...it was just meant for me to be able to get the junk that was festering on the inside out...somehow.


Well, today is my birthday. I turned 32. No big deal, just another day, just another year. No really, I'm not really big on celebrating my birthday. Well, the hubs and kids were up before me and decided to make homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Nice idea, but it didn't really pan out...so we have cinnamon rolls for dessert tonight! :) Anyhow, we were all just chilling around the house, me in my PJ's and the kids just lounging. Well, next thing I know, I hear a knock on my door...odd. We don't know many people here, and I didn't call anyone to come over for anything. So I look through the peep hole and who do I see? One of my best friends from A-town. Talk about a surprise!! Apparently she and my hubby were planning this since last night...sneaks! Anyhow, she brought me some 'friend plants' and said that we were going to get a pedicure. I gave her a little tour of our apartment, and off we went...well once I changed into 'out in public' clothes.


So we went and got pedicures and just spent the day hanging out. It was exactly what I needed. I'm not sure if she will ever know just how much today meant to me. Even if we hadn't left my apartment and just lounged all day, she was here. She cared enough to drive 150 miles to make sure I wasn't lonely. I must say, it was the best birthday present I have ever received...ever. Thanks D!


There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

The enigma that is my life...right now anyway

These last few days in town are super hard and super great at the same time. It sounds weird, but trust me on this. They are hard because, well, they are our last days. They are great because I have been spending time with a lot of my favorite people. It's going to be really hard to be away from all of the people who have helped make me who I am. Each of my friends have taught me something different and I am grateful for each lesson. It hurts my heart to know I won't see them for months at a time. It hurts my heart even more to know that I will not see some of them before I leave. It is so hard to know that my girls are going to be going through the same things I am...they are leaving all of their friends behind too. All of those friends that have become like brothers and sisters. It definitely is a hard thing to take as a parent. Sure, I can handle it, but they shouldn't have to. I guess it will help them to be stronger and better friends in the end. Guess it's time to become better friends with the One who will never leave us... Be blessed!


I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. Ps 119:14

Good times...

I think I have decided that I need a photographer to follow me around. Let me explain. I can pretty much have fun wherever I go. Lots of fun. The last few days have been spent with some great friends. My camera made the journey every stop, but alas, I have no pictures. :( I always tend to forget I have the camera and never take any pictures. Good thing I have a pretty good memory. I just wish I had some pictures to go along with all the great memories...it would make them all that much better! (I will try to take some pictures over the next few days) Be blessed!!!


Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

Hate to say goodbye...

I really dislike saying goodbye. I mean, it's so permanent. I'm more of a later tater, hasta luego, see ya soon...well you get the picture....kinda girl. I've had to say see ya later to my sweet cat and my annoying but loveable dog in the last few days. With only 9 1/2 days left until we leave, it is beginning to hit me that I have a whole lot more 'see ya laters' to say. Bleh. I love all of the people that are in my life, and it's times like this that make me appreciate them all that much more. I just hope that you all know how special you are to me...and you always will be. This will not be a goodbye for me....it will definitely be a see ya later!


(One good thing about see ya later's is you get a whole new perspective on the people you love. You begin to appreciate them so much more...and you get to spend extra time with them!)


Here are a few pics from today!

Friends since Kindergarten!

One of the best friends anyone could ask for...no really, she is!

I love that you can see their personalities in this picture.

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. Ps 119:160

Our next generation...

I now know how my mother felt when I was younger. Watching me grow up, not knowing where I would go, who I would marry, how I would live the rest of my life. It sure can get overwhelming if you let it. I quite often think about what my girls will be when they become adults...who they will marry, what will their profession be, where will they live. There is one thing about them that I know I don't have to worry about. I know they will be in heaven with me. That is comforting. Considering this earth is only our temporary home, it makes me worry less knowing that my girls will come home to me (and Jesus). Sure, sometimes I will lose focus and worry about the time my girls have on this earth, but I pray I will always remember to re-focus on Jesus and what He has for them. Kinda takes the stress out of parenting, ya know? I am grateful that my girls have a head start on this journey back Home compared to where I started. Thanks God for these beautiful gifts, and help me to always remember that they are not mine, but Yours.

Next generation, God-fearing CRAZIES!!

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Sometimes I just need to be reminded...

As I have said before, I'm not looking forward to leaving my friends behind. Well, the following has come out of my mouth..."I'm not going to try to make any friends. I'm gonna just keep to myself. I have all the friends I need." Or something along those lines anyway. Well, yesterday at church, a friend of mine let me know what the Lord thought about that. She told me that it broke His heart to hear me say that. That I impact so many people in so many ways just by being who I am. There are many people, close friends, who have come to know the Lord through me. Not because I am some great preacher, but because I live and LOVE as the Bible says I should. I'm no saint...and Lord knows I'm not perfect, but I try. Well, He wants me to continue to do that. So, Lord, I lay aside any aspirations (or lack there of) that I have for this upcoming move and I will walk where You want me to walk, speak what You want me to speak, love who You want me to love. I know that this is all Your doing and I will listen before I go/do/speak. Thank You for reminding me when I need to be reminded...and thank You for GREAT friends and sisters in Christ who are willing to tell me the truth in love. May I be more like them. Use me Lord!! In Jesus' name, Amen.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. Jn 13:35

So much to say, so much to say...

Ok, well not really. The song just popped into my head...LOL! Well, today was a great day. I slept in until 9:30! That is late for me, I'm usually up by 8. Anyway, we got up and proceeded about our day...library, picnic, bowling...well most of it anyway. When we got to the bowling alley, a daycare was there taking up all the lanes...we didn't wait for one to open...so no bowling.


Anyhow, today is Wednesday...mid-week service day at the church...you know my favorite place to be. :) The person who spoke tonight was awesome! One of our elders. The word he brought was perfect, hard to swallow, but perfect! During worship, I received a Word from the Lord through a very dear friend. I haven't been super excited about our upcoming move...well, the leaving my friends behind part anyway. I had pretty much decided that I was going to just go, put in my time, keep to myself and come back in 3 years. Well, I guess that's not really what He has in mind. (I'll elaborate more on that one later) His plans are always better, right? So thanks to my GREAT friend for reminding me what He (and you) think(s) of me...and how He works best through me.


I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. Ps 138:2

Celebrating freedom

Yesterday was the 4th of July...doesn't mean much to someone not from America. But to us, it's the day we celebrate our independence as a country. Not just political independence, but our religious freedom as well. So it seems quite appropriate to celebrate independence day in God's house. It was a great time of worship and a good Word. Couldn't ask for better!


After church we came home and relaxed before spending the evening with some great friends. Good food, good friends, good times...can't really ask for much more. Here are a few pictures of our great time. Enjoy.

Being silly with the sparkler...

"Lady" liberty

Just a cool pic

Love this!

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Jn 8:32

Accepting the mantle...

You know, I've never really thought all that much of myself. Back when I was younger, I had horrible self-esteem. Growing up in a rich town and not having and abundance of money was tough. I learned to be content with what we had, but that didn't ease the pain of the words from those who thought they were better than me because they had things. I'm sure they are great people...as a matter of fact, I know they are great people, but I was not like them and therefore easy to pick on. Let's face it, that's what kids do. Anyhow, hearing words from people that were harsh began to form the thoughts that I had about myself. Once I became a believer, the Lord revealed to me what HE thought of me. This started my journey toward healing.


Most people who know me today, don't believe that I once had horrible self-esteem. Not that I'm all full of myself, but I am assured of what God thinks of me...and His is the only opinion that matters. That being said, it is still quite difficult to accept a compliment from others. And it's also hard to believe people when they say how much of a difference I've made in their walk with the Lord. In April I went on a Walk to Emmaus. I can't really describe it except to tell you it changed my life. The biggest effect on me was all the love showered on me by people I did and didn't know. I was given many notes of encouragement by many of my friends. Let me just tell you...it was, wow. I can't even think of a word to describe how amazing it was. So on those days that I begin to listen to what the enemy has to say about me, I pull out these letters and reassure myself (and him) what God and all these people think of me. I also think that reading these letters help me to realize that God thinks that I AM worthy to do His work. I really don't feel like a leader, but I know that God has called me to be. I read these letters and realize how much of an impact my life and my walk has had on others...and it helps me to get back where I'm supposed to be. Back on the path carrying His mantle...


Here are a few words written that really impacted me...and still do.


"You have a compassion and a love for people not seen in most."
"I am so thankful that God put you in my life, so I could see what a true friend is. You genuinely care for everyone and that makes you truly special."
"Praying for you has stirred my spirit and I feel your love for the Lord."
"You are such a strong, bold daughter of God! Thank you for being a great example!"


I know that these words may not seem all that profound to anyone but me, but WHO they came from...that blows me away! People that I look up to, didn't even know or never even thought I impacted in any way. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to toot my own horn, just letting you know what helps to get me through those down days...


Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col 3:12-14

When reality hits, it hurts...

Well, the reality of this move is really starting to sink in. I know, I know...one would think with all the boxes, that would help...not really. Today as I sat with some of my crazy friends, I began to think that in just a few months, I will not be near enough to just 'hang out' like we always do. I won't have a friend to call if I can't make it to the school on time to pick up my girls. I won't have anyone to sit and chat with while I wait for the kids to get out of school. I won't have my Thursday lunches and prayer time. It just kinda hit me like a brick wall today. I know I will make new friends, but none like the ones I have now...and it's just not something I'm really looking forward to. I really am trying to cherish the last of my time with my friends, but the more time I spend with them, the more I realize how little time I have left.


Ok, I'm done crying now...ok well maybe not, but I'm done writing about it anyway.


The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. Zec 14:9