Encouraging Love

Ephesians 4:2
(NIV, Message, NLT)

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.


James 4:11

(NIV, Message, NLT)

Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy.

So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

Don't bad-mouth each other, friends. It's God's Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You're supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny.

Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?

Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Hebrews 10:24-25

(NIV, Message, NLT)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. ²⁵ And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

1 Samuel 3

I was feeling a little out of it this morning so I kept drifting off to sleep. In the middle of doing so the words '1 Samuel 3:11' popped in my head. So I deliriously looked it up.

11 God said to Samuel, "Listen carefully. I'm getting ready to do something in Israel that is going to shake everyone up and get their attention.

I read just the verse at first and was like... "Wow, awesomly scary and exciting"
Then I read the chapter and was like... "uh-oh"

Who knows why I flipped open to this this morning and if there's any way I can apply it in the next step of my journey but I have an open heart, mind, eyes and ears...

Maybe one day looking back, it'll make some sense to me.

What's Next?

I've been getting a bit discouraged the past few days as I do job searches. It seems like doors are just staying shut. There's lots of layoffs and the field that Tim's been doing for the past 9 years is not booming right now. All these questions are in my head: Do we go back to school and find a 'career' that will withstand the "economic times" even though we may not love it? Do we just stay put until he may get laid off and just go with the flow. Do I keep applying for dead end jobs? Do we look here or somewhere else? What's the point in thinking about what gives us passion if we can't make a living from it right now? Are we good enough?

Questions, Questions, Questions...

I started looking through youtube and I found this song...annnnd I started crying - hard. But the funny thing is that my crying lasted the length of the remainder of the song and now I'm feeling much better...and hopeful I guess?

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Home Sweet Home

I'm hoping to eventually blog about the each of my 11 days on the road - But today is a catch up day.
Clean the bathroom, Laundry, Dishes, Bills, Cleaning out the Truck, Confirm Appointments etc...

I was so glad to wake up in my own bed next to Tim this morning.
I feel pretty rested considering I went to bed close to 1 and woke up just before 6 a.m. I think I have car lag though haha.

Joshua's back to school and Caleb goes in about an hour.
It's pretty nice to be back on a schedule (and not in a car!)

Thanks to everyone who said they missed me hehe.
I'll post pictures and more details about my trip once I get a chance.
I'm so glad I went on the road trip. I have a great time.
The boys were really well behaved and I'm so proud of them.

A few people asked what my favorite part of the trip was and I definitely would have to say the time that Tim came down to Florida. Wednesday - Saturday: Disney, Mini-Golf, Playground, Pool and Hot Tub, Scavenger Hunt, Face Painting, Games, Family etc.

I'm so happy I got to hang out with Sarah, Sharayah, Kari, Laura, My Great-Grandma, Grandpa and Sharon, Tommy, Joanne, Hannah, Lia, Mikey, Laurie, Molly & Kate

I was bummed I didn't get to see Lindsay, Grandma D, Aunt Maria and Uncle Spiro and the Zizolfo Fam but I know I'll see them sometime at some point in the near or distant future.

Overall it was a memorable and fun trip and I'm happy I decided to go along for the ride : )

Day 1: NY, NJ, MD, DC, VA

I'm sitting in the dark, in the passenger seat. The boys are watching 'The Bee Movie' and are incredibly quiet which makes sense because It is an hour past bedtime. It's been snow for about an hour now, on and off heavy. I already have a sense of how this trip is going to be...Loooooong! Although the days are going to go fast because we won't get to hang out with people as much. There's much more driving then visiting.

My trip started with me getting upset with my dad and I just kept thinking "no, please let this not be like this the while trip" We also talked about religion and more about his truck driving idea for a job. The boys really have been pretty good considering I feel antsy at times. I also feel like I have the smallest bladder hahaha... Annnyway. There's one more hour left and I'm so exhausted. My dads telling the boys we'll go in the hotel pool and all I can think about is how I want to sleep. Evan just fell asleep.

I was able to see what the hype of Chik-A-Fila was. Mmmm mm mmm!
I also tried the parfait there with strawberries and granola... Beautiful!

The funniest part of the day is that this past rest stop/gas/bathroom break - Joshua asked my dad: "Grandpa, don't you have to take a dip?? You've been driving for a long time." My dad was like "Huh??" (remember he told them they could go in the pool and Joshua will not let him forget it) Anyway... He meant "dump" not "dip" but then went right back to talking about the pool.

The scariest part of the trip... So far... Is that Evan opened the car door TWICE while we were on the highway. We put the child lock on now.
The door didn't swing wide open cause I was right on it but still. He's a sneaky little two year old that is beginning to feel like he's too big for help or advice.

Well I'm done for now. Again, prayers are MUCH appreciated.
I'm looking forward to getting to our destinations but I'm trying to enjoy the journies there.

Good Night!

(I'm doing this from my phone so sorry if the auto-correct on my phone and the tiny keys on this mest some of the words up. I'm not proof reading right now)

Today's the Day

My dad should be here within the hour. I'm going to feed the boys and get them dressed. I still feel like I'm forgetting something but I'm sure it'll be fine.

I had a great night with Tim last night. I love him.

Ok turning the computer off now...I can't believe today's the day!

God Help Me...

I know it'll be fun too!!

Road Trip

After debating back and forth with myself, I finally agreed to head down to Texas with my dad and all three boys Thursday morning! I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet. It’ll be a long trip because we’re driving there. I forget already where we’re stopping but I’ll be sure to take note (and LOTS of pictures!!) I keep telling myself it’ll be fine. My dad is so happy and excited. The boys are really looking forward to it as well.
My favorite part of the whole trip is that I get to see family & friends that I hardly ever get to see. We’re going to Florida after Texas and then heading back up to North Carolina on the way home. Those are the parts I keep focusing on and that excites me.

I know I’ll need lots of patience and grace so like I’ve told a few people, I’m welcoming all the thoughts and prayers that are directed my way!

It’ll be about a week and a half and I’m going to really miss Tim. We’ve been spending as much time together as possible and enjoying every minute of it...even when I fall asleep on the couch while he watches football haha!

My bags are all packed (besides the little odds and ends like toothbrushes), the bills are up to date, the fridge and cabinets are fully stocked for Tim so I think I’m all set. There’s ALWAYS things that can be done before hand. I must have straightened up the kitchen and living room 5 times today, no exaggeration.

I just have to get through this day that started last night...I still haven’t fell asleep and it’s 4:11 in the morning. Candice, Candice, Candice... (but creating and blogging is so fun!)
So technically we leave tomorrow morning!

oh boy - it’s time. goodnight - or good morning.

Soon I'll be spending over 4,000 miles/63+hrs in the car...

Let's see how accurate mapquest is.

9 Events in '09

Here are my 9 Memorable Events in 2009:

Sorry if it sounds negative...
Although there were many great things in 09' - the anger and pain comes to the surface when I reflect back. Plus I'm going through some stuff with my dad right now... Bare with me...

1: Family Meeting (1/25)
Rick and Kari announced they were moving to Texas.
Lots of emotions surrounded that day... honestly it was not a fun time for me.

2: Laura (Feb/March...)
Laura stayed with us for a few weeks - She was here for Valentine's Day and her 18th Birthday...
I enjoyed the time we spent together : ) Things changed much after March 1st.

3: Caleb's Surgery (4/21 & 4/26)
Caleb had to get his tonsils out. Lots of doctor appointments...& a crazy sleep study.
Had to go to the ER when he started bleeding a couple of days after coming home from the hospital. We'll be paying the medical bills for the next 3 years (no exaggeration)BUT He sleeps MUCH better now!! : )

4: Tom & Nadine (May)
They moved from TX to NY to pastor our church.
They show what it is to really "Live Love" I've been challenged and encouraged all at the same time. I'm looking forward to what the future holds for me personally and our church as a whole.
I could gush even more but I won't right now : )
I love them... period.

5: Youth Room (May - Present)
We finally got a chance to raise $ and renovate the youth room after many years of it being the same. I'm soproud of the youth group's hard work and their sense of ownership and creativity with the room. It looks great and was worth the many Saturday nights we spent there working!

6: Emanate (6/10)
I met an awesome group of young adults that I've been searching for, for years!
Jason had been asking me to go for a while and I felt like I couldn't until now...well back in June. I love them. I have a great time when I'm with them whether it's in a worship setting or just hanging out being silly. I'm so thankful to have a group of friends who are around my age that all love and are passionate about God. Sarah turned her life around in a matter of months after plugging in as well and I'm so proud of her too!
I'm also thankful for the friendship that was restored after years of not talking.
We picked up right where we left off and it's so great and makes my heart happy!

7: Jobs... (Me - Tim, 10/8 - 11/3 & Dad, Nov - Present)
I stopped doing Lia Sophia for good, Quit the children's church and felt so relieved!
Tim got hurt at work and was out for a month. It was stressful at the time but I really enjoyed spending all that extra time with him cause I love him a million! I was also shown that God (through others as well) takes really good care of us. There were a lot of times that I was angry and questioning why we had to go through it, but we got through it and I'm so glad.

My dad got fired last month and he's really really happy. I'm glad that he gets a chance to unwind and relax after working so hard and being stressed out for so many years...
I just hope he remembers that we're still important and the choices he's making effects each of us. God Help Me in this new year...PLEASE!

Tim had the opportunity to add two additional worship leaders with their own team members. The process was long but it just came into effect and it'll be nice to see how everyone will grow together.

8: Babies! (Lila Kate/Laura, Jill, Laura, Tricia, Anne etc.)
My new niece was conceived and born this past year and I love her so much! We also found out that I'll be having a third niece by Laura and Eric & Jill& Bobby are having another babe... I wonder if it'll be our 4th niece or our 4th nephew (and her first son) My friends are having babies soon too. One's having a baby girl and the other is having a baby boy. Babies are fun and cute. I kind of miss having one at home...but not that much haha : )

9: House (Painting, New Beds, Furniture, Rooms, Etc...)
It was a fun time of renovating our own place. We painted the living room and bathroom, got a new/used couch, built shelves in the bathroom and got a rack for over the toilet, had all the boys in one room for a period of time, slept on a mattress in the living room because our bed-frame broke and was messing our backs up, got a new bed-frame, moved Joshua is his own room (with a new bed and comforter) I steamed cleaned most of the carpets in the house, and 'de-cluttered' A LOT. I see a huge difference from the beginning of the year to now as far as how easy it is to straighten up. I still have much to learn and do but it was a successful year of getting things together. I hope to keep going with it!

... God, Thanks for getting me through this year. And thanks for blessing me incredibly this past year with the relationships that have been restored and gained. I pray that you would continue to take care of all my needs and help me grow and learn and LOVE. I love You and I'm looking forward to how this new year will unfold.