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