Well, I'm officially a stay at home mom. My biggest dream is coming true, I honestly can't believe it sometimes. I am so thankful for the opportunity. Thankful for this blessing from God, and thankful for a husband that supports my decision, and thankful for the flexibility to be able to stay at home at all. Just a lot of thankfulness all around right now. 

I was 98% sure that I would love being at home and I'm happy to find that I was right. It definitely has its perks like Kelly and Michael making my mornings wonderful. But let's be honest, the constant snuggles and quiet times while Solomon is eating and we are learning each other, take the cake. 

Motherhood is a crazy thing. 

Crazy in how much my heart hurts when he cries or how big my heart can feel when he smiles at me. The crazy moments of victory and the super crazy low moments, because there are definitely low moments, trust me. So many friends told me that they couldn't stay at home because it was lonely and they had to get back to work for some time away. I understand that now... I never thought I would. I love every second of being at home with my baby but when the day turns to night and your husband is traveling for work and you are still alone, that is when I feel those feelings. 

I am thankful for visitors though. My mom coming over to give a hand and hold a baby, even when I call past midnight for help. Friends dropping off food and checking on us. Long hours of FaceTime with my sister in law as we both feed our baby boys. All those things are life savers and I'm so thankful for them. I am also thankful for a husband that works so hard, even when that means he has to work away from home. I know it isn't easy on either of us, but he does it with a happy heart.

In the hard moments like we had last night, I can't help but hear the sweetest lyrics in my head. The same lyrics that helped me push through labor. The same lyrics that I held Solomon in his nursery rocking in our chair, crying tears of joy during our first days at home, because he is mine. The lyrics that help me see the truth and feel God's arms holding me with love.

As I'm typing this I hear the truth in these lyrics. I hear the swing rocking my loud snoring child. I smell the fresh brewed coffee from this morning. The light is shining from the front of the house on this beautiful 70 degree, fall morning. I have all the feels today. The happy ones, the thankful ones, the tired ones (Lord, yes.) and the hopeful ones. Hopeful in the fact that this is a new day and we will conquer the unknown together. My baby and me.

on that cross of calvary

every burden has been defeated

every wretched heart redeemed

You drown our sins in seas of crimson

hymns.

I've always been drawn to music (even though I can't sing very well!!!) and when it comes to worship, I can't get enough. I've talked a lot about my love of worship and how closely that ties to my faith, so when I started working on my playlist for labor and delivery, I realized that all the songs I wanted to select were songs of praise to the Lord. I think during that time I will need to draw strength from my faith and rely in His goodness for the power to push through. I wanted to start a new study for the month of August since this will be my last month before Solomon joins our family. I wanted to find something that would help me during the task ahead of birthing him, so I decided to start with my favorite, She Reads Truth. I wasn't sure what I would choose but after seeing the Hymns Series I knew that was the right choice.

I'm really enjoying this study, and I'm only on day 3! Digging deeper in the songs that we sing to Him is so refreshing. The layout of the days are great and easy to complete. The normal bible verses to start, then the written study but then the study ends with the hymn that the day is focused around. You can listen to the song, meditate over it and just be one with the Lord. I love it. I listen to the songs several times and soak it all in, writing my prayers and reading the study. It is also wonderful to find some new songs that I wouldn't normally pick for my labor and delivery playlist, now having a strong connection to the song. 

My prayer is to find God in a deeper level in all of these songs & use that when I need it most. To truly search for Him and sing the praises to Him. My head is constantly being pulled in 50 directions right now, so finding the time to sit and worship Him, and put everything else aside has been amazing!

Have any of you completed these studies?? 
I'd love to hear what you have learned!

His Name.

One thing that I have learned about marriage is it takes work and time. I'm not saying it isn't fun, I love the work and the time put into this relationship, but it is really easy to lose sight on the most important relationship I have. The lyrics below from Bethany Dillon's song Say Your Name hit home for me. 

i’m trying to find a moment with You, these days are speeding by

this ring gives me a new point of view, i’m a dealer in my time

& if I can make a confession, my time is torn between 

the man who has won my affection, & the God who made me

oh, it all looks different

but that doesn’t mean anything has changed

still I reach for You.... when I am afraid.... & this breath that comes from You.... helps me say Your name

I know that time is precious and that my time should be spent at His feet everyday, but it is so easy to lose touch when I have a man in front of me that needs my attention. I also know that time will only grow more full when we have this little one here. Even then I want to keep His Name at the front of my mind. Being thankful and finding His Grace for my life in every moment. 

At church on Saturday night (yes, I looooove that our church has Saturday night service!) the pastor hammered all of this in place for me. It is a funny thing when you are thinking and praying about something and then God places it all in your lap to take a look at. We are going through the book of James at church and this passage was so wonderful to hear: 

{James 1} 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. 

I have to make time for His word. I have to set aside moments in my day for Him alone. I need it. I have to learn His word and do what it says, living it out. That is what I am called to do as His child. Before I am a wife, and before I am a mother, I am his child. That is the most important role in this life, the only thing that will matter in the next life with Him. 

In The Word // Exodus 15:3

Just a Reminder // Cassie and I decided to change this link up a little so everyone can have more flexibility to write and share their hearts here with us. Instead of this being a Tuesday only link up we wanted to make sure everyone knew that you can add your link to your blog post for a full week. You can even link up old posts if you'd like. We just want to hear your hearts and grow together as Sisters in Christ! We decided to change the button also to make sure there wasn't any confusion.
Okay now on to the normal routine... what God has placed on my heart recently.

At church on Sunday morning I heard this during the teaching:
"Having a warrior God, means we are at war."

Wow, right? When I heard those words it was like all of the little pieces clicked together for me. We are at war.

War within ourselves. War with other sinners. War with other believers. War with the lost.

But, war doesn't have to be ugly. It certainly can be, and sadly most of the time, it is. Just like all things in this life, we should mirror ourselves and our actions after a perfect King.
Fighting with pure reasons and fighting for His kingdom. Learning how to fight with grace and forgiveness.

Yahweh. King of all Kings. The Lord. I'm so happy to have such a mighty Warrior on our side. Aren't you? I'm glad that we have a King that will fight for us and love us fiercely!

After the service on Sunday we sang these words.... 

Greater is the one who's in us

Greater is the one who calls our name

He will never fail

Stronger is the one within us

Stronger is the one who fights for us

He will never fail

You will never fail

For Your love endures forever

Oh Your love endures forever

Open up our eyes, surround us with Your light

Your love endures forever

Mighty is the one who's for us

Mighty is the one who's strong to save

He will make a way

You will make a way

For Your love endures forever

Oh Your love endures forever

Open up our eyes, surround us with Your light

Your love endures forever

Our God is fighting for us always

Our God is fighting for us all

Our God is fighting for us always

We are not alone, we are not alone

- Elevation Church 

He is fighting for us & we are not alone.

Amen! 

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In The Word // James 1:17

First of all, James is my favorite book in the Bible. I absolutely love it. I have studied it so many times and it kept me smiling during a really hard time in my life. So, James and I are close. Another thing that I really love is All Sons and Daughters. Their music is so beautiful and listening to it while I get ready in the morning is my favorite way to start my day. 

Recently a friend mentioned that the YouVersion app has a seven day study plan written by All Sons and Daughters. What could be better than reading through the study every day and listening to their music...? Having James 1:17 a part of the study on the first day! 

He Never Changes. That is my favorite part of that verse. 

He is always the same. How reliable is His love? In a world that is always changing it is so comforting to find peace in the One that never changes. The most constant part of this life is the One who created it after all. That is something wonderful. 

As I'm writing this post right now I'm listening to All Sons and Daughters and their song You Will Remain just came on. Of course it matches up perfectly with this study. 

.....

so unchanging
Your promise is sure
never ending
Your love will endure
You were, You will be
You always are the Great I Am

.....

When things like this happen I know it is not by chance. His hand is all in this moment and every other moment during this life. Every day. His love is unchanging and I know that His promise is sure. It is so amazing to have the Great I Am guide my days. Sitting in His safety is the best feeling I've ever known and I'm so thankful that safety is never ending. 

Join us in sharing what God is doing in your heart!

Grab the button and share your link below. There are no rules or guidelines,

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The other Cassie & I love to read what you all have on your heart! :)

 

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A song on a Sunday morning.

I love how worshiping and singing to Him can do such powerful things to your heart. I’m an emotional person. I’m always the girl in church that can’t be still when we are singing the songs and I usually have tear filled eyes because I find those moments so overwhelming in the best way possible. Standing there in that big room filled with people using their voice to worship a worthy King is just something I will never grow tired of. Those moments are precious to me.

At church on Sunday morning we sang a song that I’ve heard a handful of times but just like every time before I felt the Spirit move within me. Goosebumps, heart beating fast, blurred vision from tears, all of it. Below is a video from Bethel Church singing the song…

The second verse moved my heart so much. The words are perfect.

chains have been broken

eyes have been opened

an army of dry bones is starting to rise

death is defeated

we are victorious for You are alive

He is alive. We are victorious because death has been defeated by Him alone. That is a big deal and something that I want to wake up every morning and go to bed every night thanking Him for. Truly acknowledging what He has done for my heart and my soul. He has won. Hallelujah! God be praised, Hallelujah!!

Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live. Don't put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don't have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what He says - He defends the wronged, He feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners - He gives sight to the blind, He lifts up the fallen.Protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. God's in charge - always. Zion's God is God for good! Hallelujah!

{Psalm 146 1-10, The Message}

Top of the World

While I was on the plane flying to St. Martin I decided to listen to some Bethany Dillon (Barnard). I sat there; eyes closed and spent some time worshiping my Jesus and thanking Him for the week long vacation. I set all her songs on random because it’s my favorite thing to do… listening to each song and waiting to for the next, not sure of what it will be. Then “Top of the World” started which was pretty darn fitting if you ask me…

“I’m on top of the world. Seeing for the first time, how beautiful You are. 

Here on top of the world.” 

At that moment I opened my eyes and turned to the window and saw the view from the picture above.

He is so beautiful. His clouds, His sky, all the blue colors He painted that day… everything was His and I felt like I was on top of the world in many ways. His love is such a high.

As I’m writing this I can’t help but think about the title of my blog; Living on Cloud 9.

Living in His love and relying on that everyday is truly what cloud nine is all about in my life.

The bible verse I have placed up there is spot on.......

“I will thank You, Lord, among all the people. I will sing Your praises among the nations. For Your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” Psalm 57:9-10

He is faithful and I’m so glad that I got to experience that moment.

“You Could Be the One” also came on during that flight but that’s a completely different post for another day. ;)

The top of the world is a pretty nice place to find yourself and when you realize who put you there, well… 

that makes me thankful & I can't help but lovingly sing His praises!

a song.

i am waiting on You,
i’m waiting on You.
You say You’re good to those who wait.

my heart’s discouraged,
so i come to You expectant.
You say You’re good to those who wait. 
Lord, today You know what i need to do,
but You can do more in my waiting than in my doing i could do.
so i won’t run anymore. i’m waiting on You.

oh, wretched man that i am!
free me from my distractions.
You say You’re good to those who wait.

then confession and repentance
find me in the quiet.
You say You’re good to those who wait.
now i know You’re good to those who wait.

oh, my soul, wait upon the Lord. keep your lamp filled with oil.
oh, my soul, be not deceived! wait for Him. don’t be quick to leave.
Lord, today You know what i need to do,
but You can do more in my waiting than in my doing i could do.
so i won’t run anymore. i’m waiting on You.

{To Those Who Wait // Bethany Dillon}

The first time I heard this song I got chills. I was sitting in a church filled with people and Bethany Dillon was singing those words on the stage. I remember the tears making my vision blurry. Those words hit me like a ton of bricks because at the time I was struggling. I was trying to be strong. Trying to move on. Trying to figure out how I should move on. I felt completely lost… and those words helped me find a home.

Now when I hear this song I think of the strength I found in that moment. The comfort, safety and warmth I felt in my heart and I knew that all of those feelings came straight from the Lord. I know that I am His child and that peace is like no other feeling I’ve ever felt.

Sometimes waiting is the hardest thing to do but knowing that you are waiting in His presence makes all the difference. You aren’t waiting alone. You aren’t lost. You aren’t weak. You are His.

The best thing I ever did was learn that He can do more in the time I spend waiting at His feet than all of the time I could ever spend stressing and worrying about the little things. Waiting isn’t a bad thing, it’s a crucial part of a Christ centered life and I’m so thankful that the Lord used this song to teach me that 8 months ago.

“God, the one and only – I’ll wait as long as He says. Everything I hope for comes from Him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I’m set for life.”

Psalm 62:5-6 // MSG

A man named Mr. Lewis

Over the past several weeks I’ve been slightly obsessed with Brooke Fraser’s song C.S. Lewis Song especially the first verse….

"If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy, I can only conclude that I was not made for here."

The song is beautiful and speaks of a life better than we can even imagine on this earth. It's about our Forever Home and the hope we have for that. This has been on my mind so much lately and I have been praying for a want and need for Heaven and not this Earth.

I’m not going to lie… I haven’t always felt this way. I even said once “I want to go to heaven but I’d really like to live my life first…. Get married and have a family and then I will go.” Honestly, I think that’s normal for most Christians. We want the end goal to be Heaven but we are absolutely content with our worldly life as well.

To my excitement on Sunday the 8th I learned that we are starting a new series at my church called “Forever”. Matt stared the service with talking about what Forever should look like and then he used this quote by C.S. Lewis:

"If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” 

I seriously almost started balling… I’ve never felt God’s hand on my heart more than in that moment. To have something that you’ve been praying and singing to Him about so straight forward and in your face… yes. I was shocked. I'm so excited for every weekend because this series is so great! 

I’m going to leave you with the beautiful song that has touched my life so much recently… hope you all enjoy! 

CHRISTmas Music! :)

Christmas music is a tricky thing…. Let me explain.

Every year it seems the radio stations switch to Christmas music earlier than the last and I always have a problem with it. Before Thanksgiving, heck no! After Thanksgiving, small doses. Christmas week, heck yes!

Yesterday while driving home I was scanning through my radio stations and stopped on one of my favorites, His Radio. I always lean toward that station during the month of December since all the songs are about the TRUE reason for Christmas and I completely fell in love with the song I heard.

I love Brandon Heath in general… he has a great voice and great lyrics but this Christmas song is my new favorite!!! I was seriously driving home with my tear filled eyes, it’s seriously beautiful!

Since this cold weather has officially made my heart a little warmer I thought I’d share this lovely song with you!! 

Lucky you, huh?

Hope everyone is have a great week and hopefully this cold weather is getting you in the Holiday mood as well!! What’s your favorite Christmas song??

Thankfulness!

To prepare for Thanksgiving I’ve been enjoying this verse….

“Give Thanks to God- He is GOOD and His love NEVER quits.”1 Chronicles 16:34

Such a lovely verse and full of truth. I love when I come across one like that… simple, to the point but so important for us to understand. Sometimes the simplest verses hit us the most.

This year has been so important to me. I’ve learned that the only thing I must be thankful for is God’s love and knowing His son. While at work today I was listening to some music on shuffle when one of my favorites came on. Everyone knows my obsession over the new Shane & Shane album but I’m still crazy about the oldies too!

During this past year I’ve learned what it’s like to sing this song and truly feel it. To express every word, really meaning every verse….

“Less of me is MORE of Jesus”….. “If I lose my life, I gain everything”….. “For to die is to LIVE”

All of that sweet praise is exactly how I have changed and grown during this year. I feel full of His love now, not my own selfish love and that is why I am so thankful! 

Just because I’m sweet and mainly because everyone should enjoy this song I am going to share some S&S love :)

use me, break me, waste me on You, Lord

ruin me, take me, waste me on You

for to die is to live...

to starve is to feast

and less of me is more of Jesus

Lord, i want it all

Lord, i want it all

if i lose my life

i gain everything

and at the cross

away with all death's sting

Lord, i want it all

Lord, i want it all

there is power in the blood

there is victory in Jesus

come in power, wash me clean

overwhelm me with Your presence

there is power in the blood

there is victory in Jesus

help me glory in the cross

help me find my gain in loss

 I couldn't find a video anywhere? You all should look up the song... it really is beautiful! 

I’m also thankful for my family and my friends… having a loving Mom that’s also my best friend….. my wonderful new job and the sweet people I work with every day…. My new home…. My sweet puppy.... yes, all of that is incredible but I am so glad I have my priorities in line for the first time. Life is good and I am so thankful for that!

Hope you all have pulled out your stretchy pants. I know I have mine ready!!! ;)

Cancelled Plans & A Patient Heart.

This year has gone a lot differently than I had planned. I can't help but think of that quote I've always heard...

"If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans..." 
-Woody Allen

I never understood that till recently. I've always been a planner... planning for tonight, for this weekend, and I definitely had the 5 year plan in my head. Well, God sure let me know that He had a different plan. I tried to ignore His voice and made excuses for going along with my plan instead but He finally put his foot down.

And I finally listened. 

I have to say, this is the happiest I have ever been. It's so freeing to let everything go and follow where God is leading... scary, yes. But definitely freeing. I'm enjoying the journey and I appreciate all the amazing people He has put in my life right now. I am blessed to be surrounded by ladies that are so in love with God and keep me in check. 

Even though my focus is on His plan instead of my own there are still times when I feel alone. Not sure what I should do? Not sure what my next step should be? Trying to be calm and wait for His answers but then wondering if I can hear them at all. I'm sure everyone has felt that way a time or two... it's definitely not fun. 

When I went to the Shane & Shane show on Saturday night they played one of the new songs and it so hit home for me. I know God is the center of my heart and my world but there are still times that I beg for Him to make Himself known. 

I've had those moments where I'm sitting in my bed before I go to sleep with my journal in my lap and my pen in my hand but not sure what to right. Not sure what to ask. Wanting to thank Him for everything in my life. Waiting with my eyes closed and heart abandoned for His grace and love to fill in the empty spaces that still need to be captured by God. Captured by Him so I won't have to question what I should do or how I should feel because He will guide those thoughts and feelings for me. 

So this song is perfection and I love it. I hope you enjoy it and maybe it will help you out a little bit too! :) 

and if that doesn't make you want to buy their new CD I don't know what will... the entire album is precious, just like that song. Have a happy Tuesday! 

Happy Ears

First of all let me say that Saturday night was simply amazing. I didn't even realize that Shane & Shane's new CD  was out yet and honestly, I never enjoy shows that play a lot of songs that I don't know for some reason so I was a little worried. Well, that was not the case at all... every single new song they played I absolutely LOVED. They were all awesome and I caught my self totally cheesing a few times because I was so happy!!! I bought the CD and I jammed the whole way home and haven't stopped listening to it since. Seriously, great CD and you should go buy it now! 

Bethany Barnard was amazing as usual. I want to be her... She sang a couple new songs too and they were great, I wish she'd hurry up with a new CD but I understand she's a Mommy now so I guess she's forgiven.

Freely opened the show and I had never heard of them before but I totally love them now. You should definitely check them out. The lead singer has awesome hair. He also has a great voice... so that's good too. 

As promised I have two videos that I want to share! :) I wish I could have recorded more but I wanted to sit and enjoy it, taking it all in and not fooling around with my phone.  Here's what I got... both oldies but goodies! 

Hope you all had an amazing Monday and go buy the new Shane & Shane CD NOW!!!!!!!! 

Nothing but blue skies... and a scratchy throat!

After days of rainy weather I was so happy to leave for work and not have to run to the car, ducking and dodging rain drops. I was also very excited to drive to work with this beautiful view.

via Instagram

Definitely had some rain in the forecast today but the glimpse of blue in the sky allowed me to forgive Mother Nature a little bit.

While sitting at my desk I started to squint. Not because I wasn’t wearing my glasses (which I was not) but because of the sun shining in to the office. Made me truly happy!!

Via Instagram

I’m also happy about this weekends beautiful, perfect weather for Fall for Greenville! Besides the fun to be had downtown I have a very exciting show to see, Shane & Shane with Bethany Dillon (Barnard).  

OH MY, OH MY, OHHH MY GOODNESS!!!  Haven’t seen them in YEARS and I’m just so excited. If you don’t know who they are you need to check them out. Beautiful music all for a perfect God! Pure bliss!! 

Just because I want to share the love here’s a great video of the Husband and Wife singing together... before they were husband and wife. 

Tomorrow is my friend/hair dresser’s Birthday and she has a Black and White party planned! Gotta do something BIG for a 30^th! I’m sure everyone will have a blast because it’s impossible not to when Amanda is around! She is happiness, excitement, entertainment, and love all balled up into 1 beautiful person and I can’t wait to celebrate with her! 

Now here's to hoping and praying this scratchy throat doesn't turn into something more than that. Hot tea, vitamins and off to bed early tonight for me!! 

It's rising

Church was fantastic today! It was one of those mornings when you have some drama before and you REALLY don't want to go but you also know that some worship and Jesus time is the ONLY thing you really need. Man, was I right. 

After scrambling in to find a seat and squeezed in the middle of two people having a conversation (awkward) I got settled... wrote down today's date in my notebook & placed my bible in my lap. I automatically noticed we were having communion and also noticed that my favorite worship leader was on stage. Probably not nice to say that but it's true. And this is my blog so I can say the truth! ;) He's awesome.

One reason why he's my favorite is because of the songs that he usually sings and how every single time is so heartfelt. I love that. 

Worship is one of my FAVORITE things. There's nothing like standing in a room filled with people singing a song to OUR God. Those moments when you get cold chills and tears blur your vision so you close your eyes... taking it all in and then a tear spills out the corner of your closed eyes. 

Yea, that feeling is what I have every time this one person leads worship. I love it! 

So of course I was excited when I heard the first few chords of my favorite worship song right now. It's so powerful and I've never sang it without having tear filled eyes. Since I enjoy it I thought you might as well. The video I found is just a picture and music and honestly I think that's perfect. No need to be distracted while watching the video when you can just sit silently and enjoy the words and their meaning. 

I hope you all had a lovely weekend and a beautiful Sunday. Now I'm off to bed to have some worship time of my own with my loving Jesus!! :) 

We belong to You Father

Love has come, we're orphans no longer

Brought into Your light and freedom

By the blood and the mercy of Jesus

It's rising, it's rising, the song of hope

From us set free

It's rising, it's rising, it's rising up

Hallelujah to You God of the redeemed

Hallelujah, You've opened blinded eyes to see

We will praise You

You are the everlasting light

Hallelujah to You God of the redeemed

We belong to You Father

Living for Your glory and honor

Here on earth, just as in heaven

We usher in the reign of Your Kingdom