"You Can't Give Away What You Don't Have..."

Today was a WONDERFUL day!!!! (PS...for those of you that don't go to NewBreak, the title of this post is one of Mike's famous one liners that I LOVE and it truly fits my day today).

This morning started out with me waking up before the kids (no alarm) and getting to have a wonderful quiet time. I even was able to take a nice long shower before the kids were awake...heaven! It's the little things in life, right?!? It's definitely a choice to have joy in your heart, but it also helps when you are able to start the morning off peacefully! A little after I was showered and dressed, I heard my beautiful kiddos. Madison woke up in a wonderful mood (such a difference from yesterday) and Hudson was just as cute as can be! I don't think I've ever mentioned it, but he is just too cute for words in the morning. The first thing he does when I walk in his door in the morning is blow me a kiss and reach for me. The next thing he does is start looking for Madison and he just keeps saying, "hi" until she responds to him. It's seriously the cutest thing ever! What a joy to wake up to such a happy little boy each day!

Alex was able to call this morning around 8:00 am and we were able to talk to him for about forty minutes before we had to head out the door. It was wonderful, since like I've mentioned we haven't really been able to talk audibly with each other. It's pretty much been email!

Church was wonderful this morning. Pastor DJ spoke about our devotional lives and the importance of growing in our prayer lives and in the quality time we spend with God. There were a lot of wonderful takeaways this morning. I loved Pastor DJ's quote, "lack of communication {with God} is the Devil's playground."I encourage you all to evaluate the time you spend with God, just as I was encouraged to do so today. When you make it a priority, then it will become a life principle (another Pastor DJ takeaway).

My dear, sweet friend Veronica was so encouraging at church today (that is truly one of her gifts). She asked me if I'd be interested in helping the women's ministry with writing devotions because she really enjoyed my blog. What a blessing! I have been writing this blog daily for Alex, so that he can keep up with our daily goings on and God is using it for so much more! I am truly touched by the kind words that Veronica shared with me and be a few of the emails I've received in regards to the same thing.

This afternoon, while Hudson was napping, I was able to help Madison work on her Valentine's Day Cards for her class. She is so excited for the little party her class will be having. Being the room mom, I'll be making cupcakes and bringing them after their lunch. They will all be handing out and sharing their Valentine's Day Cards with each other! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I am so thankful that I have this fun activity on one of my favorite holidays. If I can't be with the love of my life on Valentine's Day, I'm happy showing love and helping to create happiness for Madison's class.

The kids had AWANAS tonight. While they were there, Brittney and I went to Kohl's and I found the last of my accessories for my homecoming outfit!!!! I am sooooo excited! My outfit is complete. Then, tonight, I finally found a headband for Madison (that is the right color) on Etsy and ordered it. Their outfits are complete!

I am so looking forward to this week! It's going to be so much fun! It will be a week filled with extra love and hearts...two of my favorite things! I pray this week finds you smiling and enjoying the beauty that is life!

**Please continue to pray for sweet Tori! Thank you friends!**

Psalms 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Keep on praying.”

Philippians 4: 6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”.