A better plan

April 2012. I took a huge leap of Faith last year and hopped on a plane to meet/visit a special someone in Hawaii that I had grown very close to over the past 8 months. My best friend. I was scared but excited. Nervous but confident. Giddy but wanting to vomit {in a good way of course, ya?}. What I didn't know was that two months later we would be eloping on a beach, committing ourselves to forever.

Many of you might know of Mrs. Sarah Tucker. She is such an amazing woman. She posted this a couple days ago and it just hit home with me.

"Someone wrote me this morning about a broken heart. I have the biggest heart for anyone going through heart break. I had my heart broken into pieces when I was 21. And if I got what I wanted at 21, I would be miserable today. Heart break hurts worse than open heart surgery. And I know both. But had I not have gone through that I wouldn't have such a full heart today. And if anything I went through it to tell this girl that Gods plan is better. Pray for your future husband and I promise God will knock it out of the park." -Sarah Tucker

I went through a lot before meeting my husband, more than I think most women go through. But, if I hadn't... I wouldn't have been the woman I am today, the woman my husband needed/needs me to be. I'd be miserable. 

God knew what he was doing.

tuesday reflections

One Year

A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A YEAR.

A year ago today I sent a random message to, unbeknownst to me, my future husband. Yep, that's how it all started (for those who are new to this blog). A simple Facebook message sent to a handsome Soldier Boy. It was so cheesy, but you know what...he responded and the rest was history. It was beautiful. A lot of you here saw it all unfold. There is so much we don't know about each other, but then there is so much we do know! I love my best friend, my Soldier, my Husband.

 

April 2012

Married June 2, 2012

God has such great plans for us all. Most of the time it's right under our noses. We just have to trust in Him and his timing. It's always perfect.

Jeremiah 29:11

From the Heart

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, KEEP YOUR HEART STRONG

When you let go and give the reins of your life back to God, he will amaze you. I've been doing a lot of reflecting this week of just how amazed I am. I never thought my life would take this turn, that my love story would be written this way. It is FAR better then I ever dreamed it would be. He is so good.


{ps- i'll be a little MIA for the rest of this month. xoxo}

Friday's Letters!

{y'all he did this for five minutes! apparently he didn't want it to be bed time}



Dear Jax baby, you are the bestest furbaby ever. 


Dear April 13th, be kind to my sister today, it's her birthday! She feels super old (25) and I find it my duty as her older, more mature sister to rub it in as much as possible. Muahahahaha. 


Dear Life, you have been wonderful this year. 


Dear Body, we are finally getting along, let's keep it that way, I kinda love it. 


Dear Shorts, after years of despising summer because I hate the way I look in shorts, I have finally found comfort in wearing you again. Welcome back into my life. 


Dear God, you have shown me so much the past few months. My heart has been changing. Thank you for taking me the long route sometimes. I know now that I needed it. 


Dear Francis Chan, I am reading your book Crazy Love again (because I was able to DL it for free on my Kindle! Holla!) and it's really sinking in this time. You're an inspiration. 


Dear Soldier Boy, 8 days! EIGHT DAYS. Can't wait to walk through that airport and see your handsome smiling face. And I kinda sorta can't wait til we are FB official. Hehehe. Love you!




Have an awesome weekend friends!

Life's Storms

Thank you for ALL the sweet comments on yesterday's post! Y'all melt my heart. 

I am just so ready for Hawaii (10 DAYS!) I need a break from everyday life and a mental break from weight training and to be with my other half.

As soon as I get back thought I have big plans: new job and I will be starting a new training program by James Wilson. I'd love to do CrossFit but it does not fit my budget at all. Pretty bummed about it.

Oh! And I can't WAIT to show y'all the big changes coming to the blog! 

You may have already noticed a slight title change.

xoxo

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was my devotional today. It was too good to not share. I know so many people who have been facing some really tough storms that life has thrown their way. I hope this encourages and comforts you. 

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation."

Life is filled with storms of one kind or another. In the midst of those storms, we tend to respond as if God has somehow been caught off guard. The storm makes no sense. We can't explain why terminal illness strikes godly people. We don't understand how our strongest friends can become our fiercest critics. The anguish of a broken marriage or the overwhelming heartbreak of a prodigal child drives us to doubt God's purpose, plan and provision. The fear of financial ruin paralyzes us. God understands.

The Bible is filled with men and women who were storm survivors – people of God who endured great pain and weathered intense life storms because they chose to follow Him. The Apostle Paul, known for persecuting and murdering Christians, was forever changed when he met Jesus Christ. While God gave him a life of great power and eternal impact, it was also a life filled with great storms. Paul learned to "patiently" endure the troubles, hardships and calamities that came his way. (2 Corinthians 6:4 NLT)

Because grain was a precious food source to the Romans, threshing grain was a natural part of every day in ancient Rome. In pictures of early Rome, one man is always seen stirring up the sheaves while another rides over them in a crude cart equipped with rollers instead of wheels. Sharp stones and rough bits of iron were attached to these wheels to help separate the husks from the grain. This simple cart was called a "tribulum" from which we get our word "tribulation."

No Roman ever used his tribulum as a tool of destruction - only refinement. God uses our trials and storms as tools of refinement to build in us endurance. The word "endure" comes from two Greek words that when combined, give the meaning "to remain under." It is the capacity to stay under the load, to remain in the circumstances without running away or looking for the easy way out.

The purpose of every storm is to purify and cultivate endurance. Like Paul, we may sometimes feel as if we are being torn to pieces under the pressure of circumstances. But his challenge to the Romans compels us to re-examine our perspective and response to each storm we face. "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation" (Romans 5:3-5 NLT).

Endurance is never passive. It is the picture of a soldier staying in the heat of the battle under terrible opposition but still pressing forward to gain the victory.

There are few things that we can count on in this unpredictable life - but we can count on storms to come. We can also count on God's continual and unfailing strength for those storms. When the hard times come and when bad things happen, we do not have to wonder where God is. Instead we can hold on to the promise that is found in Jeremiah 16:19, "Lord, you are my strength, and my protection. You are a safe place for me to run in times of trouble" (NLT).

An old seaman once said, "In fierce storms we can do but one thing. There is only one way to survive. We must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there." Richard Fuller commented on the old seaman's words:

"This, Christian, is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no light. Only a single course is left. You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may -- winds, waves, cross seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers -- no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness and his everlasting love
in Christ Jesus."

No matter what storm rages in your life today – no matter how fierce the winds or how high the waves may be – where you are is no surprise to God. Heaven is not in a panic. Keep your gaze on Him and your glance on the raging waters. "Lash yourself" to Him and He will supply everything you need to stand firm in the storm.

via Bible Gateway

He Lives!

Source: thejoycottage.com via Olivia on Pinterest

Good Friday

TRUE LOVE IS SACRIFICE.

Good Friday Passion Movie Montage Madness from g8waypro on Vimeo.

"For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." 
John 3:16 (NIV)






Wishing you and yours a beautiful Easter weekend. Take time to reflect and remember the true gift given this weekend.

Palm Sunday

{picture by moi}

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" {John 12:13}

Friday's Letters

+

Dear Jesus, I love the things you are showing me in my life and through my study through Paul's letter to Ephesus. Dear Jax, I love your puppy kisses and your quirkiness. Dear April, please get here already. Dear Soldier Boy, you make my heart go pitter patter, especially when you tell me how beautiful I look right after a date with the gym and for laughing at my deliriousness. I hope you feel better. Dear World, why can't we just all get along? Dear Olivia Palermo, you are my style icon and I wouldn't mind if my hair looked like yours. Dear Green Monsters, you are the shiz. Dear Civil Wars, I can't wait to get lost in your melodies tonight.

Have a lovely weekend friends.

Thankfulness- Week 1

THANKSGIVING

-giving thanks in everything- 

prepares the way that God might show us His fullest salvation in Christ.

For each day in November I am going to log things I am thankful for!

Inspired by One Thousand Gifts and EUCHARISTEO.

In giving thanks, one finds Grace and Joy. 

Feel free to join in if you'd like.

Nov. 1

The ability to run. 

The beauty of the dark, cool, quiet, calm morning.

Coffee.

Nov. 2

The 23 flavors of Dr. Pepper.

Feeling every muscle in pain from running, in a good way.

Being able to talk to someone, via Internet, all the way in Afghanistan.


Nov. 3
My little brother, Madison. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Music. 
Catching up with two very dear friends.


Nov. 4
God's promises- Jer. 29:11
Comfort and peace with a big decision.
Chocolate.




Have a lovely weekend, my sweet friends!

Throwbacks

"BE KIND, FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING A HARD BATTLE" - PLATO

Every now and then a song 'hits' me. 

A song that I hear over and over again, but never think much about.

Some songs make me wanna lift my hands in praise. 

Cry. 

Thank Jesus.

Oh, what an awesome God we have.

Love this song so much:

Thanks to everyone who gave me some great bible studies to look into! BUT I wasn't actually asking for a BIBLE STUDY. I was asking for rec's on a STUDY BIBLE. Yes, there is a difference! So if you know of some good ones, let me know! Sorry for the confusion and thanks again!

Be Still My Heart

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Better yet- HAPPY FALL!!!!!!

{northerners, send some cool weather down to FL, please and thanks!}

My day started off with a nice 5:30 am run, jammin' out to Mumford & Sons while getting ready for work, and treating myself to a Pumpkin Spice Latte. 

Today.... I.AM.HAPPY. Focusing on soaking up with little things that bring me joy, right here, right now, in this very moment on THIS day. Not yesterday, not in the future, right now. Focused on being present. 

Yesterday I found myself throughout the day screaming "BE STILL MICHELLE" and "BE STILL MY HEART". My mind is constantly thinking/worrying of a million things and I am just always left feeling completely overwhelmed. Before going to bible study last night, I asked God to clear my mind, give me peace, and focus. And ya know what?? He did just that. 

"Be still and know that I am God" -Psalm 46:10

Find beauty and thanks in the little things today, friends.

Have a lovely weekend!!!

Mine is going to be a busy one, but starting it off right with a dinner date with my seester.

(at a plain jane automobile concert, and yes, we look nothing like)

Where is God?

Have you ever asked that question? 

"Where is God in all of this? Why does he let such horrible things happen?"

I know I have. Many times.

I have faced many storms. You have too. Our Country has as well.

We all remember where we were when the events of 9/11 unfolded.

Well I wanted to share my devotional from Bible Gateway because I thought it was wonderful. 

"The Lord is my light and the one who saves me. So why should I fear anyone? The Lord protects my life. So why should I be afraid? Evil people may try to destroy my body. My enemies and those who hate me attack me, but they are overwhelmed and defeated. If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the Lord." (Psalm 27:1-3, NCV)


I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the phone rang and my husband said, "Honey, you need to turn on the television - right now." It was the middle of the day and I was busy cleaning house, doing laundry and trying to cram in an hour of study time, but the sadness and dread in my husband's voice stopped me in my tracks. Something was very wrong. Still, I was totally unprepared for the horrific scene that played out in vivid reality on the television screen before me. I stared in shock at the surreal images of two airplanes flying into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Both towers collapsed - killing thousands of innocent people - and forever changing life as we know it. 

Why bad things happen to good people is a question we have been asking since time began. I have been a Christ follower for many years. I am a Christian author and speaker and the wife of a pastor. Over the years, God has brought me out of more pits than I can count and I have literally attended church since the day I was born. My faith in God should be unwavering and I should never doubt or question Him or His plan. But sometimes I do.

You may be offended at my next statement, but if I am brutally honest, my faulty human mind and sin-tainted heart can almost - almost come to grips with such horrendous circumstances happening to someone who is evil and has turned their back on God. Bad things should happen to bad people and good things should happen to good people. Sounds logical and fair - right?

You and I both know that life is not fair and that our human logic is a shallow substitute for God's sovereignty. We are broken people living in a broken world. Bad things do happen to good people while those who mock God seem to prosper, and it's been that way for a long time. Take Job for example.

Job was an extraordinary man, husband, father and leader who served God faithfully. His faithfulness to God in prosperity was a powerful testimony, but His faithfulness to God in the face of death, pain and despair was even more powerful. Did Job doubt and question God? Absolutely!  Did Job openly and honestly grieve his loss and weep in his pain? Yes, but he remained faithful to God, even when he did not understand why God would let him endure such suffering and even when his heart and body was broken. God was pleased with Job and rewarded him for his faithfulness.

Storms come in all shapes and sizes. The lab report comes back malignant. The school calls, demanding that you pick up your child who has just been expelled. Your husband informs you that he no longer wants to be married to you. Your boss calls you into his office to let you know that you are being fired. Financial disaster seems certain while dependable friends seem to vanish. Yes, storms will come and bad things will happen - even to fully devoted followers of God. Where is God when the winds pick up and the churning waters pummel your rocking boat? God is where He has always been and always will be - in the midst of every stormy circumstance. Run into His waiting arms when you are afraid. Trust Him - even though you may not understand what is happening in your life. 

He is with you. Always.

AMEN.

You're Alive! Isn't that everything?

{note: this post isn't meant to bash on anyone. i hope you don't take it that way}

My mom watches the news every evening. I personally can't stand watching the news. {hello that's what twitter is for!} Anyway, they were showing coverage of the destruction that crazy lady Hurricane Irene made. This is when I got annoyed. So many people are so upset and devastated. I get it. It sucks. But so many people were crying saying how they lost everything.

Hold on a second. Everything. Really?? 

YOU ARE ALIVE. 

Did you hear me??

YOU   ARE    ALIVE.

Isn't that EVERYTHING and then some?!?!

Material possessions can be replaced. Yeah it sucks and is real inconvenient, but I think these people need to be slapped in the face.

They should be thanking and praising God. For they were kept safe. Heck these people should be clinging to God. Praying. Did they forget God provides?? That He doesn't abandon His children?!

Am I being too harsh?? 

Maybe.

My favorite Max Lucado sent an email to me {yeah we tight like that} that pushed me to write this:

“Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24: 4-8 NIV)

In other words, Jesus basically says
"Don't freak out when bad stuff happens!"

"Everything will work out in the end. If it's not working out, it's not the end."

And there's my two cents for the day.

Byeeee.

ps- want to send love to a soldier? {click here}

True Life: I am a Blogger.

 Y'all are probably thinking...

DUH.

LOL. 

For my new followers I thought it'd be fun to link up with Fabulous But Evil and Mrs. Monologues

My blog is titled 'Living a Life of Love' because that is what I strive to do. It isn't easy. Many of us, myself included, are selfish and only think of themselves. I have always been a giver. Even after many have shattered my heart into a billion pieces, God put it back together, and has allowed me to continue to give my love. This blog is basically about all the people/things I love:

I love sweet baby Jesus.
I am a Christian, believing I was saved by Grace through Him alone.
The most amazing love one could ever have is the unfailing love of a gracious Father.
Nothing.Is.Better.Than.That.

I love my furchild.
Many of you know JAX.
My crazy, challenging, loving baby boy.
You can read more about him HERE.

I am an avid lover of Dr. Pepper and cupcakes.

I have my own business- Michabella's Cupcakery.

I have a serious shopping problem.

I love the beach, vampires, tattoos, and country country music.

I am very down to earth and am on the quiet side.
{Until you get a few drinks in me, then I can be quite the social butterfly.}


Life is random. So am I.

I love all of you.

xoxo.




Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. -Mother Teresa

Tuesday Ramblings

RUDE: For those who don't know, I hosted a bracelet swap. Well, I sent my partner a bracelet and it got stolen from the envelope. Another participant's bracelet broke while in transit. Sigh. At least I know if I do it next time, that they need to be sent in secure packages. 

JAX BABY: I took Jax out for an ice cream treat last night at Bruster's Ice Cream. It was our first lil outing together and I was impressed that he behaved. 

BLOG LOVE: I have another friend who joined the blogging world, Sara! Go say hi! She is a new momma-to-be! 

AWESOMENESS: Apparently, I am awesome. Google told me so. {as if you didn't already know}
Should I add this to my resume? Too much?

JESUS: To be quite honest, I haven't been an honoring child of God lately. I have been real depressed. I hate admitting it but it's true. I read this blog post this morning and it hit home with me. It also gave me a restored hope and trust in Him. If you are single, I do suggest reading it: Waiting for a Husband. God is good. All the time. 

Tell me a random ramble about your week so far! 

Reflection

Reflection on Good Friday:

"Jesus said, "IT IS FINISHED." With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." John 19:30

Jesus Christ died so that we may have Life.

"He let them crucify Him, not only to pay for our sins, but also that we might die to sin and live for God as He did. It is by His wounds and suffering that you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24 (CWR)

Give thank to Him who died for you.

 

(Again, I encourage you to watch the Passion of Christ this weekend)

 

Have a blessed and safe Easter weekend, friends!