New stuff.....

As the new years rolls around I love to see how it lifts peoples spirits in that there is hope for a new start. It is as if the slate gets wiped clean and you get to start again.
There are endless possibilities as to what the future holds but whatver it is , just the thought of it is exciting.
Gone is 2008, gone are the things we didn’t like and the things we did we will take with us into 2009 because it will only add to the fact that 2009 is already better than 2008 right?
Well, I got to thinking about new beginnings and I realized that a new beginning does not have a sell-by date nor does it have a starting date. The word tells us so many things about newness… in Christ there is always room for fresh starts here are some scriptures that I was reminded of on this matter.
Titus 3:4-6
But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior
Lamentations 3:22-2
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.2 Cor 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me

There is so much hope in the Word of God and there are so many endless promises available to children of God!

Don’t get me wrong, I have some things I am excited about seeing come to pass this year:
1- get into shape
2- manage life better (#1 wont succeed without #2)
2- take a vacation (or 2)
3- secret stuff……. lots of secret stuff (hehehe)
But, should I struggle with keeping my new commitments “fresh” I am assured in the fact that Gods grace is sufficient and he will help me through anything- and I exist in the fact that I have direct access anytime I need his power, strength, courage, refreshing and unconditional love!
So, I want to encourage all of you in the fact that; Today is a new day! The Lords mercy are fresh and new take advantage of them as you need them….
Gods Grace and Mercy have no starting date and more importantly no expiration date – the use of them are not limited either.
What an amazing God!

tootles

-missa

Taylor Tradition.. i hope

I am so blessed! 

As you guys hear me say at church all the time or on here too, I ADORE MY HUSBAND! I am so blessed to have such a great Godly covering, companion and best friend. Well, my husband came with an incredible family and last night we got enjoy their company.

Last night we had a taylor family dinner (for Christmas), everyone was there, it was such a sweet evening and I hope that the Taylors (myself included) can make this a tradition.

This morning I was thinking about the evening and thought (I've always known) "I married into an amazing family". I can truly say that. Each of the Taylors are so great and we have a beautiful niece and nephew on the taylor side that are sooooooooo cute! Love Love Love them.

I thought I would take the opportunity to remind everyone to take some time for family, don't ever pass up opportunities to make memories and enjoy sweet moments like what I had last night with the Taylor clan.

Blessings-

missa

oh......my sis-in-law gave me a new mug to enjoy! How sweet is that- i broke it in this morning!

Curious..... buttons

Today scott and I had the chance to go watch this movie and I LOVED it!

I am not a movie goer so something has to really catch my attention to want to see it and this movie did just that. 

Once we were there the story line had me captivated.

It is a long movie and slow in some parts but- I loved it! I would definitely go again!

-missa

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Have you ever watched the movie "The Outsiders" it had a very famous cast (though they were not too famous at the time it is an old movie) : The cast cosists of: Ralph Machio, Rob Lowe, Patrick Sweazy, etc. etc. Are you picturing it yet?

Well, there is a part of the movie where Ralph Machio (Johnny) reads a poem called "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Johnny was a greaser so he was not the typical poet. 

Long Story short:

Johnny and BFF go in hiding bc of crime that was commited

They smoke and talk and play cards

Pony boy ends up reading this poem to Johnny (his bff)

Johnny tries to be a hero

Johnny dies 

The movie then ends with the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" being read by Ponyboy. It was a very moving and sad.

Today is the end of an era and I realized, NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY!

Please join me to reflect on better days:

Yup- nothing Gold can stay; it was a sad day today as my favorite mug fell and shattered. It was as if time stopped and the world stopping spinning. I opened the pantry to get the cup and it was as if it was in slow motion.. I said " NOOOOOOOOOOO" as I ran to try to catch it before it slowly fell to the ground bc deep down I know it could not survive hitting my tile in the kitchen and nothing would have prepared me for the sound of the pieces flying all over my kitchen. It was a very sad moment... a moment that will forever be frozen in my mind and broken in my heart!

Please join me for a moment of silence and remembrance of all of the faithful mornings I enjoyed my favorite mug and how life is no longer as I've known-it to be!!

Ha! Ha! - So dramatic.

Have a great day - Missa

Trail of Lights

My dad, his wife Rachel and my 2 nephews came to visit us Monday evening and stayed the night so we decided we would take them to experience "trail of lights". We had soo much fun - I love my time with family.

It was a very rare treat and I loved every minute of it!

Hope you are enjoying your holiday time with your loved ones.

-missa

Weekend Rap-up. Ladies, Christmas Wrap, Nutcracker and Drama

This has been an eventful weekend as we crammed in holiday events it was busy but amazing:

Friday night: as I've said time and time again, I am surrounded by amazing Godly women and was reminded of that on Friday night as HCC held our annual Women's Christmas Party. Pastor Travis' wife Jessica planned the details and did an amazing job (She has an amazing giftings-she rocks!). The party was so much fun and all who attended had fun.

After the party was over Scott and I decided to have a late dinner at Kirby Lane Cafe at 10pm and drove over to Kirby Lane only to find it closed down... when did that happen so, we decided we were up late, hungry and wanted good pancakes so, we drove to Magnolia cafe on Congress. 

Here lies the problem..... I will never go back to that location! 

The place smelled of urine and old mops! I know, I know, we asked for it when we showed up to the downtown area that late at night. All I can say is food was great but NASTY nasty place! Totally not worth the drive or staying up late for <-Again, this is my personal opinion, I dont like nasty food and places, I'm ultra conservative and getting old :)

Saturday: Scott and I decided we would finish our christmas shopping and then wrap our gifts and what I thought would take 2 hours ended up eating up the one free saturday we had this month :( ugh. But, the good news is that the day ended on an extremely positive note: thanks to my wonderful husband! He surprised me with tickets to the Nutcracker! YAY! I have been wanting to go to the nutcracker here in Austin since we moved here. It was at the Long Center which is an amazing place. The weather was cold and it was perfect. I love going to the ballets, symphony- actually almost all types of theater productions and I have a thing for documentaries as well :) I am a total nerd :)

Sunday: Today at church we held our Christmas Service and it was very sweet. The dance team of little girls did a dance and some of the guys (scott included) did a skit.. It was so funny!

Everyone knows I can not nap but, today we came home and took a 2 hour nap.... what a great way to end the weekend!

Hope you enjoy this video from today: (don't you just love the freedom we have in Christ) 

I could only upload 90 seconds but, the whole video is sooo funny.

Again I gotta say it; I love my life!

-missa

Choose foolishness sometimes

You know working with youth is one of the funnest things a person can do. It comes with lots of challenges and sometimes some heartache but then, there are these moments that are golden!

You know the moments that you yourself revert back to being a kid and jump right into it with all of the foolishness you can and live the moment up for it has to offer.

You know... that careless, foolish fun?

Working with youth continually challenges you to find ways to connect with your kids with an ultimate goal of connecting your kids to God all while connecting them to each other (godly friendships are everything).

Last night we held our annual Christmas party and I thought we would spice things up from the typical hot chocolate, cookies and christmas carols. NOPE! XYC chose to think out of the box, here is what we came up with:

Christmas Party Luau w/ gag gifts of course :) (thats tradition). We had tropical foods, punch and sno-cones- yummy!

We were joined by TBCH -they are part of the XYC family. Together it was a winning combination for letting our hair down and having good, wholesome, pure holiday fun- I live for these moments with our kids!  :)

Scott has got some serious Hula Skills!!!!

Ladies, back up- HE'S MINE!!!!!  :)

Have a holly jolly day!

-missa

Draw

One of the most amazing things about my life is the Word of God. It is so romatic, so mutli-faceted and so profound!!!! I love to read it, study it and share it so, here we go…..
This week I have just been so in awe of the way he is speaking to me through scriptures. The past few weeks I have been studying Worship and I ran across this scripture:

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

This Word has settle in my spirit and I am so amazed at the power of this, it so simple but so complex:
Draw near and HE will draw near…. We (you) have access to the God the Father anytime! All the time!!
We take the first step and he responds….wow. I know this but it is just resonating in me this week…. I am in awe of his promises to his children
Draw near….. closer to him….. So close that he is within reach. So close you can hear his gently whisper- so close that his very presence has the power to change you (me). Wow!
So, what this tells me is that the key is to draw- that means action on our part! The Word does not say he will force him self on you no, as in any good relationship it requires we do our part and it is so simple when you think about the spectrum of his love!

So readers, I encourage you to take action and to draw close…… so close that his presence brings change….. so close that your brokenness is made whole…… so close that he determines your path……. So close that his ways become your ways and above all so close that you know that you know- he is yours and you are his! His presence is sooo tangible and sooo sweet!!!

Draw near my friends- it is sooo worth it!

Have a wonderfully joyfully blessed day!
-missa

Mountains vs. Molehills

You've heard the saying before, probably a ga-gillion times: 

Don't make mountains out of molehills!

It basically means: don't take a small issue and make it larger than what it really is. 

I was thinking about this in respect to an area of life and thought "It's all about perspective". You see, the closer you are to the mountain-the bigger the mountain looks but once you are away from it- at a distance you can see the whole thing from a new perspective! 

I know, I know..... that's deep thinking considering it for it is only 6am but, this is what I woke up thinking about and heavy hearted about :)

My current molehill (I refuse to see it as a mountain) is Christmas to-do's.

Mainly, Christmas cards!!!

I love sending Christmas cards to everyone I know with a pic of Scott and I. 

And I happen to be the type of person that makes life friends... meaning, once you are in my life- you are there for the long haul. Scott and I are both this way.......

Well, needless to say because we are this way, each year I have a mountain of Christmas cards to address, stuff, autograph and send. Normally, I start addressing etc. after thanksgiving weekend and I only prepare a few at a time (so that it will free up my time during Dec) then as I fill them out, I pile them up and drop them in the mail a few weeks before Christmas day. 

Well, this year has been soooooo different for me, I have yet to even find where the Christmas cards are (I bought them in Oct) :) 

So, my friends to the "no Christmas tree this year" I decided to add "no Christmas cards this year"........ well, maybe a few ;)

I've decided to make my mountain a molehill!!! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!

I am taking back the joy and focus of Christmas, it should not be a rat race.

So, my point is....... I woke up- decided to free myself of this obligation and let all of you know this: 

If I don't happen to get an opportunity to sit down and make out my molehill of cards please know that I love you, you are in my thoughts this Christmas and I will send you one next year (surely by then I will have found them)!

Ho Ho Ho and stuff!

-missa

Tis the season but what's the reason?

Hello All,

This has been an incredible weekend so, I had to share with you some pics of all that was going on in the Taylor world:

On friday night Scott and I had a "date night" planned but opted for dinner at home in our pj's. It was better than any date on any day :) We are definitely home bodies. 

Saturday we had 2 outreaches we were serving at:

1) our church outreach

Each week the church has a food pantry and some families were sponsored for Christmas gifts and a holiday boxed meal

2) serving meals to the kids and sponsors of TBCH (Texas Baptist Children's Home)

(Scott and I with Susan and Margie- susan is the women who brings some of the TBCH kids to church on wednesdays)

This truly is the best time of the year as everyone is looking out for the needs of less fortunate and coming together for greater causes than themselves. This has been a very Jolly weekend. 

Tis is definitely the season to remember the real reason..........for everything!

Have a great day!

-missa

I think we are related!

Hello Everyone,

I was cleaning out some files on my computer today and found this video. 

It made me laugh so hard.....Could it be that silly video making runs in our blood-

I think we may be related ;) check it out and see what you think.

Have a joyfully blessed day!

-missa

Open my head-you get my thoughts!

-> I love this picture!
OK, So I am going to be completely honest here....

I am at a fork in the road  in life.......... I hit a really big wall last week and actually ended the week with me in tears on Sunday afternoon. I was in need of some down time, some time with my husband and some rest big-time!

I am really struggling with balance- balance in my life. This has always been a big struggle for me ever since our 2nd year in Austin and it seems as though I take too much on and then I struggle to breathe....... the problem is, I dont take anything on that is not truly desire of mine to do, I love people, I love the Lord, I love ministry so saying yes to things is natural to me and is truly what I love but.......I hit a wall!!!! It was U-G-L-Y!

So, today I came home: turned on some woship music, left the lights off and sat on the couch..... I was thinking about it all... praying about it all then I realized....... a statement I made to the Lord was key to the burden I was feeling.... I said to the Lord... "I want to do _______ and _______ for you but why I am feeling this way- so drained and stressed?" 

Then I felt like the Words "I want" were ringing in my ears and that my eardrums were going to burst! I WANT!!!!!! I WANT!!!! I WANT!!!! I... I... I... I.... I.... I... I.... I..... 

Just like a spoiled little kid.... I was telling the Lord (like he was Santa) about me and I and mine.... you know the most destructive trinity of all..... SELF! FLESH! wow put those to together and it sounds like SELFISH! <- thats deep! anyways....

Boy o boy was this revelation to me because, think about it, how many times have WE wanted things that were not necessarily the right things us..... some times our wants and desires do not line up with the will of God. Especially when we are in a state of self-centeredness.

Yeah, this life is not about YOU! (me)

The funny thing is, anyone who really knows me will tell you I say this quote alot "a good idea is not always a GOD idea" hmmmmm..... why was I not taking my own advice- should I walk what I talk or what?

Don't get me wrong, I do good things for the Lord that I know that I know that I know I am where I am suppose to be - that I am centered in His will because of that there is fruit in my life and I feel really close to the Lord in relationship right now but, temptation comes to me in the form of picking up more "to-do's"

So, I am determined to really press in to God right now and get some direction not only for ministry but, Scott and I are also asking about some personal stuff as well. 

-> At the top of the list: Babies!! Lots and lots of them.

-> 2nd on the list....... wouldn't you like to know :)

Anyways... please pray for me as I sit with my 2009 planner and a list of commitments and pray, reevaluate, seek and press in for direction in 2009 (I plan on doing this sometime this week or next) so friends and family, I'm asking you to believe with me that the Lord will show me the difference between what I WANT and what HE WANTS for me.......

Don't worry people! Everything is great in our lives I just personally have so many things I want to do, I do not want to over commit and under deliver! As an ambassador of Christ I want to do all things with excellence. I want to do everything to my best ability in him, I really need to hear for some clear, accurate direction..... I have so many things I love to do for the  Lord but again... not ever good idea is a God idea! Please pray.

On another note.... our trip to Honduras really sparked something in  me to go on a mission trip. I have been researching some Honduras missions and have seen some amazing organizations but, have not been pressed for any of them yet.

Then today I received an email with a list of 2009 mission trips from COTR. I am really feeling a pull to missions right now..... don't get me wrong, I know that my life is a mission field but, I really have a desire to go into the most remote of areas and minister Gods word. 

I would first want to start with a group I trust like COTR and see how the Lord would lead me from there. I was so excited to get that list today especially since I am about to go into some time of prayer for direction with my 2009 calendar. God is so faithful.......however he chooses to direct me is up to him but this will definitely be on my list of things for 2009 to ask the Lord about. When it all comes down to it, all I really want is more of him and I know he is going to answer me :) Of this I am SURE!

Anyways... just wanted to keep all of you in the know of what is up with Missa Taylor these days! I haven't had a lot of time for videos and photos lately but, I am going to recommit to my blog. I truly love to BLOG... it is an outlet for me. I love to write to all 3 of you but pretend I am changing thousands with my profound words and silly videos! :)

You all know that I LOVE worship music: Here is one of the songs I was listening to yesterday as I sat on the couch: Enjoy! (I did not see this video till today- WOW!)

Have an abundantly joyful day!

-missa

Co-ink-ee-dink? I think not.

As the craziest week of my life comes to a close-> tonight I was able to stop and gain some perspective... 

I spent a week trying to remember this song and today I found it. Coincident? I think not!

I love this song and wanted to share it with all of you:

Enjoy! It's called "We prepare the Way" by Rick Pino of Christ for the nations.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!
-missa

I kissed Santa; Elfin' ain't easy

Today was an amazing day!

We held our annual Christmas Outreach for Adopt-A-Block today! 

It was especially special today because, I got to kiss Santa Claus!!!

Yep, you heard me right, I got to kiss Santa!!!

Scott had the honor of dressing up as Santa this year and he did a wonderful job.

We had so much fun and the moments shared with this community were so special!

Here are some pics to enjoy:

And my Elfin' aint easy video;

Have a wonderfully blessed- elfin' aint easy kinda day!

-missa

AND im off!!!

I woke up last night at 2 am wide awake with a list of to do's that I could not get out of my head! I laid there awake until about 4:30 am. 

So, now Im awake and ready to go, everything has to be perfectly timed in order to get  it all accomplished today~ and with that, I'M OFF!!!!

Ba---hum--bug

Each year I try to talk scott into putting up the tree near the end of Oct as soon as the weather changes :) It never works..... I usually want the tree up bc I love this season (as Ive said a million times before) but, this year is different!

I do not even WANT to put a tree up.... I still love the season... I still love Christmas.... I am not upset, not offended, not being a scrooge. I just have no desire to put a tree up- neither does Scottie-my-hottie! We might even skip the Christmas lights on the house!

So, if you come to my house do not go into shock ;

There will be no Christmas tree at the Taylor's this year!

Maybe next year :)............. 

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

I thought I was an Incubator

Oh my dearest 3 faithful readers, I would like to take a moment to ask you to reflect on the day I told the tall tale about the snake in the backyard... little did I know that I was really in danger....

The day after the snake incident I noticed a small bump on my wrist. I covered it with a bandage because it itched like crazy...... well, one day led to another and another and the small bump continued to grow and then it kinda took on a life of its own.....

I told my sister about the bite- my sister then felt a need to inform me that the same thing happened to someone she knew but, when they had their bite checked the Dr. discovered the spider had laid eggs in it so they had to do a minor surgery to remove it which left the poor fellow with a hole in his face.

ugh!

Well, needless to say... upon hearing this I panic and the thought of being a spider egg incubator made me ill. Up to this point I was reluctant to go to the Dr. but this story lit a fire under me and was exactly what I needed to hear to get my butt in gear, I decided to have it checked.

Of course, knowing me- I made a joke of the whole thing and asked the Dr. for an ultrasound on my arm to see of there were in fact babies......... I am happy to say, NO EGGS! that means, NO spider babies living inside of me! :) yay!

It turns out that on the day I was battling for my life with the snake a spider had crawled in my glove and was also trying to kill me :0

I told you guys!

There are dangers in my back yard!

Please pray for my arm to heal. It is disgusting!

-Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

A cake, a canoe and life lessons!

So I've got some catching up to do on my blog. We had some down-time and I think I got pretty lazy :)

So much to talk about but, for now I will just talk about 2 things~

1) Life Lessons

2) I love living in Austin

#1 Life Lessons-

We had my nephews and my niece with us for Thanksgiving break. Each time we have them with us we have so much fun but we also take the opportunity to pour into them faith and a love for the Lord and compassion for others. 

This year we decided we would do this by baking and passing out some cakes to 2 very special groups of people we are involved with so, I had the kids help mix, bake, ice and package these cakes... all while talking about the importance of the Word of God calling us to take care of others less fortunate and just others in general.... One of the cakes I kept telling them was "a Very special cake"- I did not tell them why but, continued to talk about compassion etc. On thanksgiving day we packed up the cake and got in the car- we drove to a bridge on Howard and delivered the cake to some of our homeless friends and the kid went with us.. We know this community personally so, it was safe enough for the kids to experience. Im glad we took them with us to deliver the very special cake bc when we got back in the car my nephew said "now i see why it was such a special cake".

.. that made my day! I truly believe that the seeds we sow in their lives will be watered by the Lord :)

Here are some pics of "our very special cake"

and #2; I love living in Austin- there are so many amazing things to do.

While the kids were here we took them Canoeing on Lady Bird Lake (towne lake). It was so much fun, we definitely need to do that again soon. We packed a lunch, pulled over to eat lunch rowed around some more and then we got rained on :) but, we had an amazing time ..... I love making these memories with them..... I cant wait to share this type of thing with all of my other neices and nephews.

Here is a short video from our canoeing adventure:

Have a wonderfully blessed day!
-missa

Turkey Day

Happy Turkey Day 

Friends and Family!

We love  you and miss you all...

I hope this was the best Thanksgiving ever!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

A women, a heartbeat and a home

A women of God has so many amazing things about her. So many attributes that it is very hard to pick just a few and key in on them but here is where I felt I was being led when I talked at the last women's meeting. I felt as though I should share it, hopefully it will bless you and maybe even bring freedom to your life!

A Women of God

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

Strength and Dignity are her clothing and her position is strong & secure; she rejoices over the future {and the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it!} (amplified bible)

(I love that scripture because it speaks of a security and a boldness that I so desire to be more of- she knows who her God is and what HE is capable of!)

• She is FREE (Gal 5:1) We have freedom in Christ and through Christ to be all that he has called us to be - to the best of our ability in him. That calling looks different for every women. Some may have a career, some may be stay-at-home moms, some may be worship leaders! Function in your calling in its entirety! Whatever it is, Do it with all you have in Christ. 
• She is CONFIDENT (Eph 3:20)  In all that Christ can do IN and THROUGH her! She knows that her life is a vessel and a tool for a higher purpose. She does not doubt her God and she trust him. She knows who's she is!
• She is a GOOD STEWARD (Pro 14:1) She understands that she sets the tone for her home and that she has been entrusted with children, ministry, others. Women set the tone for the outcome of her husbands day, childrens day, her day. She has the ability to tear down or build up (this needs more description so if your interested in it, let me know)
• She is not PERFECT There is no "perfect woman" but you can be the best of who you are called to be. Stop comparisons and inadequate feelings. Break the molds- Choose to be transformed not conformed.

So where does some one start? 

Enhance your relationship with the Lord. Pursue him. Lay the desire you have before him and let him transform you. (Rom 12:1)

On whatever level your obedience to the Lord is, thats the level you will live on!!!

See him for all he is and for all that you can become... for all that he created and desires you to be. Nothing about you is boring... nothing about you is mundane- everything about you is unique so,..... get lost in the Lord to find yourself!!

My prayer for you according to Eph 3:14-21

For this reason I kneel before the Father. from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that our of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooter and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints,  to grasp how wide and long an high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 

Now to him who  is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever Amen!

Remember, Don't be afraid to dream BIG because you are the heart beat of  your home!!!

Here is another favorite song of mine: I Surrender by Kim Walker 

(It's not the standard I surrender popular version- its a completely different song- oh man its good)

 

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

Zilker and the capital

We have lived in the Austin area for about 7 years and we hardly ever get the chance to go south and see all of the beauty that makes Austin so unique.We went today to Zilker and it was really a gorgeous day. We played at the park, had a picnic and took a ride on the train also. We ended the day with a walk through the capital.

Gosh- the weather is soo beautiful- take some time 

to get out and enjoy it!

Here are some pics from today!

Future Leaders!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

Fireworks, Jordin Sparks and a christmas tree

Hello Everyone,

Saturday was the night of the tree lighting ceremony at "The Domain" near 183 & Parmer. 

I usually do not like to go out to this type of thing bc of the traffic and also because by the time you get there people are annoyed by traffic- frustrated with each other- and flat out rude! It kinda defeats the purpose of going out but, we have the kids with us this week and we thought they would love it so; to the Domain we went. The night featured singer: Jordin Sparks, a firework display, and of course the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of Macy's....if you havent made it to "The Domain" for the tree lighting it is really nice - I would definitely recommend you go. You also want to go out there anytime during Christmas, the streets have lights hanging above them and everything is tastefully decorated for Christmas (go-especially if you have kids). The huge tree in front of Macy's is really pretty, it makes you excited for Christmas- It's very festive.....

The kids loved it and had a great time. 

As I said before, I LOVE this season!!!

Here is some video and a pic of the night!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

One among many

As I stated in the post "Heavens Angels" I will be helping speak tonight at the Womens meeting. While praying and asking the Lord what he would have me talk about I got to thinking about the amazing group of women I am surrounded by.

We have some amazing women leaders, servants, mothers, friends in our church and I just really felt so honored that the Lord would use me.... ("One among many") ... that he would use ME to speak to such greatness.

I wanted to share this video with you, its the video I made for tonights example: ENJOY!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

LOL! I love this video

This video cracks me up... Even though I've seen this repeatedly- it makes me belly laugh (are you picturing santa?) every time?
I love, love, love it! Sooooo funny!


Prov 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Hope you had a good laugh and that you have a wonderfully blessed day!
-missa

Tall tales and a brush with death

Last night I had a brush with death.....Brace yourself for this and if you are squimish (sp) - look away now!

I was working in the garden and bent down to grab a handful of dead leaves that I had raked and felt a little wiggle in my hand and saw some ittie-bittie eyes looking up at me > I swear this thing was staring at my jugular vein in my neck!

My heart drops and I throw this animal across the lawn along with the leaves.....

Out of curiosity I go check out what it was and.......

Say Hello to my little friend!

-OR-

Here is the version I told Scott!

I tell you what, my life flashed before my eyes today.... I saw the light....... I screamed for dear life...... There was this 6 foot long 2 ft wide snake that attacked me today, it also tried to bite (yes I said bite) my jugular vein in my neck after it slithered up my arm.... I told Scott the snake looked me in the eye, drew its head back, rattled its tail and jolted out at me! I was knocked off my feet and fell to the ground where we wrestled for about 23 minutes. (I know, I know it SOUNDS unrealistic ... but dont fret) Please read on, as we wrestle for dear life I catch my breath and with a swift kung-fu like blow from my hand I knocked it off of my neck and after securing my jugular was safe I saved my own life by hitting it with a shovel and with a huge BANG, it was out for the count!

I then kneeled down to his level and counted like a ref at a wrestling match...... "5" "4" "3" "2" "1"!

Snake- 0

Melissa- 1

Snake - 4 inches long (which would be 6 ft long full grown Im sure)

Melissa 5' 2"

As the conqueror I walk away with:

• A new appreciation and renewed outlook on life
• The sound of an imaginary crowd cheering and chanting my name
• The sound of the Rocky theme song in my mind
• and the sweet smell of victory in my nostrils 
• Not to mention... swelled with pride for winning the fight of my life and defeating the beast!

I dare a snake or any other threatening garden animal ever try to take my life again......bring it on beetles, bees, spiders and even rolly-pollies. Bring it on!

Oh the webs we weave...................................

but just so you know, there are real dangers lurking in my backyard and by the time Scott got home I had had the time to build the story up in my mind and maybe even actually believe it!

Looking back I realize it is not all "factual truth".

We may have only wrestled for 18 minutes not 23!!!!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa 

Today I fell in Love

Today I fell in love, or did I just remember I've been in Love all along.
In love with God, the Father - my Savior Jesus.
In love with the tangible touch of the Holy Spirit.
In love with the fact that I walk in favor.
In love with the sound of him singing over me.
In love with his presence residing in me. 

In love with the way he flows through me.

The way I see his hand in motion in every minute of everyday and oh so evident in my surroundings. No, I am not surrounded my mountains or valleys. I can not go to the beach and scuba or snorkel (I love these things too) but, I can see him in the face of a single mother, homeless or elderly person and especially in a child's laugh.
I have seen, felt and mingled in the presence of his Love today and all I can say is.....
God's love takes my breath away!

Today, I opened the Word (in what I thought was routine) and ended up falling more in love with him!
Dive in- it's good!

Here is one of my fav's by Shawn McDonald;
Every time we go on a trip I find time to get alone with the Lord overlooking something gorgeous and here is the song I listen to:

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

scarves and gingerbread lattes

My favorite season of the year has official begun.

"The holiday season". I love the holiday season, not only for what it stands for, a time of giving thanks and the greatest gift of all - "Jesus". Just the feel of the season brings me so much joy.

The weather, the leaves changing, I LOVE this time of year!

Each time the holiday season rolls around I celebrate in 2 ways:

1- pulling all of my scarves out (everyone who knows me knows I LOVE and collect and wear scarves all season)

2- Getting a gingerbread latte from Starbucks. This is also how I end the season in jan :)

These two things (to me) mean that fall/winter is upon us.... it's time to brace ourselves for family, friends and the beauty of the season!!!

Happy gingerbread latte drinking!

-missa

Good news- yay

I just found out today that my life is about to get a whole lot easier!

Mardel is opening Monday the 24th in Georgetown!!! Yay!

No more driving to Waco for resources (nothing against Waco).We've prayed for a Mardel to come to Austin for years so please everyone go out and support it!

Life just got a little sweeter!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

Heavens Angels

I did this promo video for our women's meeting this Friday, it's a spoof on Charlie's Angels.

Hope you enjoy it!

Also, 

We are 3/4 finished with our back yard renovations. YAY!

There are so many pretty things to see in the back yard.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa