A dost of Christmas Spirit

Hello all,

Today was our BIG Christmas outreach at AAB I guess seeing all the festivities and happy kids put me in the Christmas mood so, we decided to put our tree up.

Enjoy this little movie!

missa

Give me a break!

Stop!

(screeching of brakes sound inserted here)

I am in the middle of a really busy season of life right now so, I wanted to post a blog to tell everyone that I am taking a break from Social Networking (blog, twitter, facebook, myspace etc.) until the beginning of the year. I need to refocus, regroup and refresh! I'm gonna take time away from these things to have time with the Lord. If you need me please call.

As I take this break please pray for the following:

• My schooling!
• Direction
• Upcoming AAB Christmas Outreach! (our last AAB -> dec 12th)
• 2010 planning!

Tootles!

-Missa

Vlog #5

So last week we were both off of work we started the weekend off with a fishing trip at our favorite place we were planning on going to see my family but the trip fell through so Scott and I decided to take a spontaneous trip. After getting online to look for tickets we realized that we could go to a place we have always dreamed of going to - for a really cheap price since it was last minute (this was on Monday morning) so, monday night we decided to just buy the tickets and do it.... we booked a trip to New York City!!! Wow, NYC has always been on our "must travel to some day" list, we especially wanted to go near the Christmas holiday and see it all decorated for Christmas..... I am so excited that our dream came true: all it took was a bit of spontaneous decision making. We were even able to see the Macy's thanksgiving day parade! Wow.

ENJOY!!!

Vlog #4

Here is the video for this week - ENJOY!

Have a great day.

Tootles,

-Missa

one down, one to go

It has truly been an honor to serve Adopt-A-Block for these (almost 3 yrs) years that we have. We have had some up and some downs, we've had people move into the community of Thurmond and we've have had some who have left thurmond. Each one a story in itself.

We've experienced many many prayers answered and some have come to receive the Lord as their savior through AAB. It has been an amazing journey!

This Saturday we had our Thanksgiving Outreach at Thurmond and it was GREAT! We had a really good turn out from the community and the volunteers helped cook food so we had a huge variety of food..... the kids loved the doughnuts!! This was one of our best ones.

But saturday when it ended and all was said and done I was walking through the building about to lock up and set the alarm when it occured to me, "Only 1 more visit".

Yep, the Lord has released AAB from visiting Thurmond in 2010. I do not know His thoughts but I do know he is in control ... I have seen Him so faithfully through our time at Thurmond, I trusted God then and I will trust him now!

While at AAB this Saturday one woman was sharing with Scott that the drug dealers are leaving the area, there has been less drug activity in the community and now the Boys and Girls club is coming out everyday after school to work with the children and that management is

considering gating the community to help with crime but that over all the community is healthier... It really touched my heart to hear this as we are leaving bc I know God is a big God and God is everything but, I think I just needed to hear from some one from Thurmond that "they" know they are going to be okay. I just needed it for myself...so as I locked the door and I set the alarm I stood still by the door for a minute to say "Thank you Lord, Thank you for trusting me and Scott- for trusting us with this community and these volunteers, thank you for this opportunity, I'm honored and I'm humbled". I then locked the door and went on my way, I WILL continue trusting God.

The people we serve at Thurmond are so precious to me and Scott.

Here are some pics from Saturdays Thanksgiving outreach.

As we plan our final visit to Thurmond on Dec 12th I ask that you pray for Scott and I as we finish out this season of our lives and go into the next one (whatever that may be) and that you pray for the faithful volunteers who have served along side us all these years also pray for the community of Thurmond heights.

For our Christmas outreach we are believing for Turkeys, canned goods, pies, bread etc. so we can give out boxed meals as well as stockings for the kids and stocking stuffers.

Thanks for all of your prayers,

Missa

No Vlog this week

Sorry guys no time to put together the Vlog this week...

Check back with me this week and i will update you on what happened this week (last week)

Prayer vigil

For all of you who decided to have a prayer vigil for me after reading yesterdays blog, I wanted to tell you that I'm fine..... hehe

Much better now!

But still excepting recipes.

Love ya,

Missa

Taylor Vlog #3

Yay! I finally got my video to load - what an eventful and fun week.

Hope you enjoy this little update!

Tootles,

Missa

Vlog update on #3

I'm having trouble getting my video to upload, please bare with me - it's coming soon!

-missa

Prayer Request; Rhema

Hello all, I have been really thinking and praying about something this month and I really wanted to share this with you so that you can help me pray about this.

I attended Rhema university in 2006 into the beginning of the year 2007. After a lot of praying and asking the Lord for direction in my studies I was lead to STOP my courses! It made NO sense to me AT ALL but, I was obedient and shortly after is when we were positioned to oversee the Adopt-A-Block ministry. I quickly realized what the Holy Spirit was doing in my sudden hault to my studies :)

I have really been praying about direction for my life.... direction for 2010, and just in general. I guess you could say I am trying to figure out what I am going to be when I grow up :) I plan on growing up in 2010 so I have a deadline here :) Just kidding!

As I have been praying and seeking the Lord's counsel on what to do with myself or rather what he would have me do after Dec (when AAB is completed) and I keep going back to the thought of my studies and how deeply I desire to earn my degree and to further my walk with the Lord in this way and how I truly desire to learn, to grow and to give away all that he teaches me!

I can not shake it..... Rhema..... Rhema..... it is every where and not until today did I get on the website and poke around on it a bit.

As I opened up the website, it was as if I had an "aaaahhhhhh, I'm home" kinda peace wash over me.

Today I took a step forward and I emailed admissions to find out where I stand with my earned credits and to ask what measures I would need to take to pick my courses back up and also what the cost was going to be...... I am so excited about the thought of resuming my courses but I definitely want it to be a "God" thing not just a "good" thing!

Family and friends, please cover this in prayer... pray Clarity for me to know and recognize the "green light" of the holy spirit, as this will be a 2 year commitment! Pray provision $! Pray obedience for me even if it is a NO. I only want God's will for my life - I'm tired of over committing and under delivering.... NO MORE!!!!

Thank you so very much everyone,

tootles!

-Missa

Taylor Vlog #2

It was another great week in the Taylor household, Enjoy this weeks video blog!

Have a great day

Missa

I'm about to go Brittany

Man o man do I need a hair cut.... not a hair cut as much as hair growth!!I find myself in exactly that place right now.... you know what I mean ladies- your hair is too long to make look cute but still too short to wear down and look decent. Yep, I am there!

I cut about 9" off of my hair back in July (I think) and at the time I liked my hair but, since that have come to the realization that I really like my long hair. I dont want to toot my own horn but, the Lord blessed me with pretty hair :)

I always do this, I get a wild hair then I go cut it off and then I regret it and wait for it to grow back out... Well, today I had a morning where all I wanted to do was take my hair OUT of the barrett it is always in and wear it down so I took it down, straightened it, all the while praying that since yesterday I had grown that extra inch of hair to keep it from looking hideous and then there I was....quickly pulling it back up. It's just not there yet!!! Darn! I am so ready to be able to leave my hair down again- If it doesnt happen soon I'm afraid I really will GO BRITTANY! - As I think back on what she did to her hair I can now sympathize. I mean what girl hasnt had a bad day and want to shave it off! I mean look at her, she looks so happy and free! hehe.

By the way, once it finally grows out- PLEASE don't let me cut it off again! Help me ladies- help me.

-Melissa

Top 5 - Holy

I wanted to share this song with you all. I have had it on repeat for 2 days now... it is so beautiful and so true. This is another one of my songs that is in my "top 5" favorites of all time.

Last night (Sunday night) I got home about 9pm, changed my clothes and laid in bed. I could not shake the thought of how the Lord is so faithful in my life.... from being on top of the mountain to times when I feel like I am at the bottom of the pit... he is ever present and when I am in his presence there is change and he WILL NEVER leave me..... NEVER forsake me.

I think about how much he loves us and how in all my efforts I will never understand the depth of that Love.

How such a HOLY God cares for me and found me worth sending his son Jesus to die for me! Me? There really is only one thing that comes to mind "HOLY"!!!

Rest in Rest?

This has been an amazing 2 days. I was off on Friday and I am happy to report, I did not leave my house until my hubby was off work.

Then on Saturday we slept in and when I woke up I went to read my daily devo on my bberry and this is what it said (GREAT WORD):

October 24, 2009 Is Fatigue Next to Godliness? by Charles R. Swindoll Luke 9:18 Now here's a rhyme I'll never understand: Pussy-cat, pussy-cat, where have you been? I've been to London to look at the queen. Pussy-cat, pussy-cat, what did you there? I frightened a little mouse under the chair. That little pussy-cat had the chance of her lifetime. All of London stretched out before her. Dozens of famous, time-worn scenes to drink in.Westminster Abbey. Trafalgar Square. The unsurpassable British Museum. She could have scurried up an old lamppost and watched the changing of the guards. Or slipped in the side entrance and enjoyed an evening with the London Philharmonic. Not this cat! She was such a mouseaholic that she couldn't break with the monotonous routine even when she was on vacation. That mouseaholic has a lot to say to all workaholics . . . and churchaholics, for that matter. Overcommitted, pushed, in a hurry, grim-faced, and determined, we plow through our responsibilities like a freight train under a full head of steam. What we lack in enthusiasm, we make up for in diligence. We've been programmed to think that fatigue is next to godliness. That the more exhausted we are (and look!), the more spiritual we are and the more we earn God's smile of approval. We bury all thoughts of enjoying life . . . for we all know that committed, truly committed, Christians are those who work, work, work. Preferably, with great intensity. As a result, we have become a generation of people who worship our work, who work at our play, and who play at our worship. Hold it! Who wrote that rule? Why have we bought that philosophy? What gave someone the right to declare such a statement? I challenge you to support it from the Scriptures. Or to go back into the life (and lifestyle) of Jesus Christ and find a trace of corroborating evidence that He embraced such a theory. Some will be surprised to learn there is not one reference in the New Testament saying (or even implying) that Jesus intensely worked and labored in an occupation to the point of emotional exhaustion. No, but there are several times when we are told He deliberately took a break. He got away from the demands of the public and enjoyed periods of relaxation with His disciples. I'm not saying He rambled through His ministry in an aimless, halfhearted fashion. Not at all! But neither did He come anywhere near an ulcer. Never once do we find Him in a frenzy. His was a life of beautiful balance. He accomplished everything the Father sent Him to do. Everything. And He did it without ignoring those essential times of leisure. If that is the way He lived, then it makes good sense for you and me to live that way, too. Excerpted from Stress Fractures, copyright © 1990 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. What a great and timely word.... I read it then felt the freedom to turn my phone back off, turn the lamp off - roll over and hug my hubby and go back to sleep and rest in rest! :) - have a wonderful day, Melissa

1st OFFICIAL Taylor Vlog

Last week was one of those busy weeks where you feel like you are in a fog and then once its over you are left asking yourself, "What happened"? I had one of those weeks and as I laid in bed this morning thinking about last week I was thinking about all of it and it was all good - just super fast. I stood in as a carpool mom this week for a few days and boy do I have a new found respect for women who drop off and pick up their kids :)

I also had a few appts this week with some amazing women and on Monday I was suprised with a new purse! I arrived to work on Monday and someone had left me a new purse on my chair... it had a note attached "Melissa, A gift for you!" .... it was anonymous- it really touched me and I cried :)

Sometimes i feel like it gets so busy I miss out on alot of sweet moments while they happen so, I decided this is the solution.

I love making videos so, I will make and post a video on Fridays every week! On each video I will take all of the high points and make a video that way I will always have it here for me (and all 3 of my readers) to enjoy. This is my first official VLOG (video blog).

Hope you enjoy it!

Love all of you,

Maybe you will be in my next Vlog. Hope to see you this week!

-Missa

cookies and cuddles

My nieces and nephews are the best!!! Last weekend we woke up and decided we would make smiley face cookies to take to the kids....here is a window into our fun morning!
Enjoy!!!

fireflies, sharks, JoJo, Ryan and thats just 2 nights

Man, this has been a coo-coo week! If I had to explain my week in 1 word it would be "bonkers". Not even my dream life is normal right now - ha ha! As if it ever has been. I have always had silly dreams (as I've share before). I, as a matter of fact, LOVE TO DREAM- I mean it, I LOVE my dreams.... they are so animated and fun and just silly. Sometimes they are reality mixed with not-reality...... they are kinda like cartoons. Silly, silly cartoons.

Last night my nephew and I got into a conversation about a dream I had about him, me and my other nephew Ryan. It involved sharks- that was on Monday night-  It was a silly dream! 

Then this morning I woke up laughing out loud - Scott rolled over and said "whhaaatt are you laughing at so early" and I said "my dream" he said, "oh boy, you and your dreams". 

Then I told him about it:

My dream involved a guy with curly hair, a cabana, flowers, the ocean and Scott was there too so don't weird out on me people! But,  it was just strange- there was no point to the dream, sure the ocean view was nice and the flowers too! In the dream there were people walking back and forth with flowers in their hands, going no where. Just walking and then I found a note on the window of my car but it was in a strange language so we were reading it out loud... it sounded like we were trying to talk with a numb tongue. How goofy is that, we could read it but not understand the language anyways,.... the strange thing is that I recognized the main guy walking with the flowers back and forth..... but, who was he? So I laid in bed thinking.... and thinking.....Did I meet him at adopt-a-block? At the church? Where do I know this guy from...... so as I lay there I think, and I think and then it hit me................ It was Orlando Bloom - YEP!!! Wow, that is weird! I didnt even know what his name was until scott told me. I just knew he was the guy from a movie I saw years ago :) Orlando Bloom -> where did that come from? What is the deal? I'm starting to agree with Scott now, "oh boy, me and my dreams".

So, once again, I get a silly laugh at myself.... I really wish there was a way to record my dreams and let others see them - they are very entertaining!

Anyways.... life to me has a series of musical scores. Each song different for each occasion. Just hearing songs can take me away. You know, the music they play in background of a movie, a score... heres one for you:  da-dum   da-dum  da-da-da-da-da-da-dum  (you know, from the movie jaws). Music is the background to life so each thing that happens in my life plays out to a tune. There are many, many scores to my life..... I love all kinds of music (except rap) and here is the score I've been listening to all day long as an ode' to my wacky dreams! 

Hope you enjoy it!

Taylors vs. Wild

Here is a video from our trip....ENJOY!!!

-Missa

Primitive!- Not with everything we own on my back!

We had an amazing weekend of primitive camping. It was hot but fun.

 I will check in later to tell you all the details.

good news: I survived it, the only fatality was my cell phone..... it is dead, gone, bye-bye! Should get a new one sometime this week.

We hiked to get to the primitive campsite (the gray area on the map below). There was nothing around us except trees and the wilderness. At night all you could hear were animals, birds and you could see a ton of fireflies - too cool!

It was so peaceful and everything that we took with us for the trip was in our backpacks; Here is a sneek peek of where we went and what we took.

I will add in some fun pics, video and details as soon as I can........

The Taylors primitive camping trip to be continued.......

Tootles.

-Melissa

To be continued...

Hello all, I havent forgot to end the story of what happened at Tapestry. I was out sick yesterday so I will be playing catch up today and tomorrow so, I will add in the rest of the story when I get the chance.

Love ya- thanks for your prayers.

-Missa

Tapestry Women's Conference (Lubbock, Tx)

This weekend I attended the Tapestry Womens Conference 

on Friday and Saturday in Lubbock, TX!

As I always say, I am surrounded by amazing women of faith! I had the privelege of traveling with 8 of them to attend this conference. 

The conference was held at our home church in Lubbock. Church on the Rock and it was so good!

The speaker was a women by the

 name Margaret Fineberg and if you have never heard of her, I would recommend you go over to youtube to have a peek and then over to amazon to purchase some books, I started her book The Organic God and it is nothing like it sounds but, at the same time completely like it sounds - great book! 

The words of encouragement that Margaret shared at the conference were great, some of the questions she has for the Lord are the same as the one I continually find myself asking "Is this all there is, this can't be it- there's got to be more". But the great thing is we are not left with just the question, we are equipped to find the answers - So, if anything I realized I am normal (according to my own standards anyway)  :)

During the conference there were breakout sessions and you could pick from (according to topics) which one you wanted to attend and after looking at the list I knew imeediately where the Lord was sending me and sure enough, it spoke to me right were I am and I will never be the same. I mean the 45 minutes I was in that small room hearing this Word from the Lord CHANGED MY LIFE!!! I will elaborate on that more tomorrow in my blog......

Then, one of the neatest things happened: 

On this trip we took one of the youth girls who is a daughter of one of the women. She wanted to go to a youth breakout but not by herself so, I told her to pick one and I would go with her.

(this is soooo cool- hold onto your seat)

We walk into the room for the break out and guess who was teaching?????

One of the youth we taught when we were in Lubbock!!!! God is soooo amazing! We just looked at each other in surprise and smiled to see eachother. I sat down to listen and it hit me.... I was now sitting in front of her to hear her teach about God... our roles had switched- too cool!

This beautiful young women was in our (scott and I) 7th grade discipleship group in Lubbock. Then this hit me: Wow! I was standing before some fruit of the seeds that I had helped sow! Don't get me wrong, I am not taking credit for God's work... but, I was sitting before a success story.... Now, I'm not a sentimental person (so I tell myself) but, as I sat down in her class for HER to now teach ME I gotta tell you, It took everything for me not to cry as the thought hit me then I remembered when... on her first day at church (and for most of the duration of her being there before we left)..... she was one who I asked the Lord to please keep her. She was having trouble fitting in and being comfortable. You could see discontentment and self doubt all over her. But, as always... God gets the Glory!!! Here before me stood a BEAUTIFULLY (inside and out) GORGEOUS young women in love with God, teaching others how to love God and sharing her story with other young women... Afterwards, I stayed back when the class released. Hugged her tight and said, "I am soooo proud of you! You have always been such a beautiful person - I'm proud of you and so is your Father God." after talking to her I learned that she went to Masters Comission and that she has been working in youth for a few years and that she is waiting on God for what lies ahead, I told her that I loved her and I'm praying for her just as I did on our last day at youth church in Lubbock before we came to Austin......

Then it happened! I walked away and the tears begin to flow -> I was so joyful, I was so touched and so honored and so humbled that God allowed me to see this- that this would happen in this way on this day! I realized that we do things "as unto the Lord" and we may not always see the fruit - heck, we may never see the fruit but, it is there.... as I learned in my breakout (which I will talk about tomorrow in my blog) you never really know the power of  the right yes. You never know the lives that will be touched and changed and saved when you say YES TO GOD!

Anyways, this weekend was amazing! I am in awe of Gods goodness, favor and presence in my life- I will never be the same!

-Missa

Road trippin with the girls

Back to Lubbock TX tomorrow (Friday)!

I'm road trippin' with the girls (8 amazing women)!

Going to Lubbock for a women's conference - it's been YEARS since my last trip to Lubbock- it's gonna be fun!

I Have a great expectation of receiving from the Lord this weekend!

Have a great day, pray for us as we travel!

-Melissa

Celebrate good times- Come on!

EVERYONE AROUND THE WORLD COME ON!!!

I am soo happy!

The weather is cooling and Fall is setting its sites upon us.

This is one of my favorite times of the year, times when there is a cool breeze in the morning and the evening and the thought of the holidays begin to creep their way in your life.

During this weather I love to enjoy a stroll outside before bed and not to mention- I get excited about the return of the pumpkin spice latte and the gingerbread latte will follow soon. I really enjoy having a cup of coffee outside with a good book and my hubby at some park bench or laying on the grass in some park.

WELCOME! Welcome weather that inspires life!

Ahhhh weather that Scott and I love to pack a lunch and get lost on a hiking trail somewhere.

Bring on the camping..... bring on the fishing...... Bring on life outside of my apt!!!!!

YAY!

I love this weather.

Hope you enjoy it today too!

Penne Gorgonzola = Life Lessons!

I know many of you may get uncomfortable when I goosh over my hubby but, if you knew what the Lord did in my life prior to my marriage you would know when I say, " I love and adore my husband" I truly mean that I love and adore my husband! What I mean is, I realize what a blessing he is and I love the Lord all that much more for placing such a wonderful Godly man in my life!

I know that Scott loves the Lord and since God IS LOVE, the love that Scott has for me is so beautiful!

So naturally, I see the Lords love and blessing in my life most through my marriage. 

(Not to mention... my husband is quiet the looker, he's so good looking) anyways, my point today is:

Last night we had a meeting that didnt work out and I did not have anything planned or ready for dinner so this kinda put a stretch on an already busy day. Scott called me out of the blue at lunch time and said "I'm gonna make you dinner tonight okay" so I said ok and asked if he needed me to do anything. He said "nope, Im taking care of all of it". I almost did a cartwheel I was so excited. Scott cooks for me sometimes and it is always a good meal but this time he was asking me if we had things like mushrooms (one of my favs) and gorgonzola cheese (i love cheese) so, I knew this was going to be a treat and that he was really trying to make it special so, later when we got home I got out of his way and let him have the kitchen (which is my sacred place by the way- so I thought) and he made the BEST penne gorgonzola I've ever had! It was sooooo yum! He did a great job! 

But when the feasting was over questions began to arise in me...... has he known how to cook these 8 years????? Has he been fooling me by asking questions like what is garlic powder? what is sea salt? hmmmmmm, have I been in the dark this whole time and hey!!!!!!! When I am out of town does he cook this way for himself? It was quite funny when I asked him if he has been hiding this all along. We got a good laugh out of  the thought of it!

Scott offers to cook alot, Im definitely going to take him up on it!

But after we ate and cleaned up the kitchen...I begin to feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit on my heart -> I learned a lesson through this meal and I want to share it with you!

As we were cleaning together I was thinking about what a great treat this was I was reminded of all the times Scotts offered to make dinner, or fold laundry (really anything around the house) but because I know he works so hard I've always felt I needed to do it. Afterall, I only work part time right! If thats not enough then my pride and my ego are sure to get in the way....and on top of the pride and ego is the the thought of those ridiculous traditional roles that we are told we are suppose to fall into (yeah, you know the ones) as these things raced in my thoughts I also remembered all the times I said no to him, all the times I said no to such a great night, I robbed myself of blessings! I probably robbed him of a blessing as well- by not allowing him to show me love in this way and take care of me and help me but, I said no. So in the end I would cook, fold laundry- run an errand myself and I probably did it frustrated, tired and probably even complaining under my breath the whole time. How hard I've made these things on myself when i didn't HAVE TO, I CHOSE TO!

Ladies, let your husbands help you- so what if your husband doesn't put the forks and spoons where you would. And who really cares if the bathroom towels are not folded like you would fold them or if the socks and undies are in the wrong drawer. (Think about your proirities here) Marriage is about team work -> Don't be a ball hog! Sometimes we women like to be martyrs. We love to let others know how much we do and how much we suffer for those we love! We think it makes us a better mom or a better wife! Come on.....

Don't go there! God has blessed you with an amazing family! Don't carry your burdens alone.

If you do go there, you will end up robbing yourself and others of a great blessing! Not only a blessing of some saved time but a blessing of your husband having pride and a sense of value and worth at home too! Why do you think so many men are prone to being work-a-holics? Because they have value and a sense of worth and identity at work. 

Now ask yourself, how does he feel at home? Worthless, not important? Think about it ladies - your husbands a gift from the Lord- he gave them to you because he trusts you with them and also remember, if there are areas you need to work on.... God is faithful and through him ALL things ARE possible! We all want them to be successful at work.... well ladies, i challenge you to position your husband for success at home too! 

I could tell Scott took joy in making this meal for me :) It meant a lot to me and I enjoyed it too!

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone!

-Missa

Riding in the rain = kissing the concrete

This weekend was our monthly family first weekend. I LIVE for these weekends. I love to interact with others but man, I love when we have these weekends to just relax as a family and hang out. Friday night we went for a dessert and a cup of coffee after dinner. We tried out Monument Cafe in Georgetown... it was okay. Not my favorite but will work for a slice of pie on a late night if no other place is open :) Scott and I sat and talked and laughed for a few hours, it was fun!

Saturday all day it rained so we stayed inside. We both love when it rains so we opened our blinds and enjoyed it. Yep, 2 things I love:

I love the rain! 

and,

I love my bike!

Why not combine the 2 right? That seems so logical to me, even if the weather was not cooperating we decided to scratch the itch and ride anyway - in the rain. IT WAS A BLAST!!!!! 

We rode our bikes around the apartment complex. Through parking lots, down to get ice cream and then.......

The hallways of our new place are concrete and when we got home I thought I would be smart and ride through the hallway dripping wet (don't worry we are the only ones up here right now, besides the other side of us there is one guy there but he's never home) I was laughing and riding my bike down the hall when I realized, "Melissa, won't the water dripping from your bike and clothes make this concrete slick?, why yes Melissa, I do believe so! Yep, you better slow down before you fall" Just then, I snapped back to reality and I hit my brakes to slow down - my bike skid into the wall and then I fell to the ground! Yep, I kissed the concrete and the wall and my bike petals too. It was soooooo funny! Scott was standing at the door to our apt with the key in the hole laughing at me....So there I was, sitting on my butt - one leg perched over my bike laughing at myself thinking, "why don't I ever listen to me" I wish I had it on video to share bc I knew this was gonna happen yet I listened to my inner child when she said, "Go for it girl- burn rubber in this hall way- or are you scared?"! (She gets me in alot of trouble that way) 

I was laughing so hard I couldn't get up - It wasnt until later in the evening I realized I had cut my leg on my bike petals :) 

Oh well, it was totally worth it! The marks were a badge of honor if you will - for the entire week all I could think about was riding my bike on Saturday, and that is what I did, even if it was raining! Weather men, rain, forecasts, even a concrete wall- nothing got in my way from riding my bike! 

The funny thing is - I handled my bike fine on the street :) 

oh well, it was fun!

Today we are just lounging around, Scott is watching the cowboys and I am about to take a nap!

Hope your family first is amazing too!

-Melissa

Silly songs in the car with the kids -

Ridin' to G-Town.

Yep, G-town.... you know, good old Granbury TX.

We're so hard-core! Hehe.

Hope you go cruzin' with your family this weekend!

-Melissa

The contents of a Blue Moon

What is a blue moon breakfast?

I have had a few people ask me so, here you go!

A blue moon breakfast is just that, a breakfast you eat once in a "blue moon!"

There are several reasons why I do not make this very often (only on holiday mornings or special occasions (its scotts favorite).

The reasons I do not make this breakfast often are:

1) I love my husband and I want him around for a long time

2) Bacon does not prolong a persons life span

3) It is labor intensive

4) To take only a few bites is impossible - no matter the promises you make to yoursef - you ALWAYS over eat

5) Regret! Oh the regret you feel afterwards.... such heavy food does not sit well for the rest of the day.

6) The workout afterward as you try to redeem yourself from indulging.

7) again, I love my husband and want him to be around for a VERY long time

The blue moon breakfast consists of:

• homeade tortillas
  
• scrambled eggs (with cheese)
  

and here are the killers

• bacon 
  
• papas (fried and steamed potatoes with cut up bacon in it) yep, you heard that right- there is bacon in the papas too.
  

Since this is such an extremely un-healthy breakfast it is definitely something we only eat (as the name applies) once in a blue moon! I can not even IMAGINE the fat content, and honestly, I dont want to. It is very yummy though and if you ever want me to make it for you, I will!

But, before I do- I will make you sign a waver for in case your heart can not handle it I am not liable. Should you fall over at my table I can say, I warned you!!!

Just kidding! I love you and I would never hurt you :) 

This is Scott's absolute favorite breakfast, he loves it! I love that he even asks for them by name-Papas! Pronounced... pop-ah-ssss (its a hispanic thing)!

-missa

My new fav store & an annoucement!!!

I have discovered a new favorite place over the weekend.... wait, let me back up a bit.

If you remember back in July I had a blog that was titled: Spongebob dreams of Italy.

Well, Dreams come true! 

We have secured our flight for France and Italy in March 2010!!! We are scheduled for 10 days in Europe! OMG I am sooo excited!

We have been praying, dreaming and saving for years for this trip.... I have been clipping coupons, saying no to eating out (with some exceptions) and everything else I could think of to cut corners - all working toward this dream becoming a reality.

So in my planning to backpack through different areas I was looking at backpacks for the trip and that lead me to REI.

Have you ever been to REI? Oh my gosh, there is everything a person could ever need or want to have a great outdoor experience. Everyone knows we love to go fishing and camping and now I have this amazing trip to plan for so, this store is like Christmas to me right now.

There are compact tents, sleeping mats, stoves....everything you would need attach to your backpack and live in the outdoors for a week or in our case a few days :) We have a camping trip planned for the end of the month so, I was really excited to see all the possibilities :)

No longer would we have to pack the car to the ceiling to go camping... REI is awesome!

So anyways, back to my dreams coming true, I found so many neat items at REI that I cant wait to get for my trip..... I mean seriously, I am such a nerd! I got so excited to see compression packing that will compress our clothes so our backpacks are not so bulky and since everything we are taking will be on our backs I was amazed to find foldable daypacks for our day trips. Not to mention the amazing backpacks themselves, they are a work of art! Im telling you I got a rush when I put the backpack on I immediately was taken to another place in my mind... I could imagine myself hiking in the hills of italy overlooking the vinyards and walking the streets admiring the colorful buildings and amazing architecture, or walking through the cistine chapel and the museums and even taking pics of all of the beauty and of the eiffel tower and Notre Dame! I can already taste the Gelato!

I am overwhelmed with God's goodness in my life!

So anyways, I love REI!

If you have never been there, go! Go and look and play and dream! Who knows, God is making mine and Scotts come true and he can do it for you too!

-Missa

my upside down pursuit of passion

This week our Pastor has challenged us to find what our passion is.

He started off by asking: 

"what is your passion"? 

Man, I have never been so stumped! I DO alot of things! I have a like/love/passion for many things.... some I dont even talk about with others (just things my husband knows I enjoy doing)... hobbies I thought maybe could be my true passions???? I dont know! Let's see.....

I love love love down time with my hubby! I love to be with people.. I love to help people achieve victory in their lives, I love to help the hurting, I love to work with youth, I love to make bulks of meals for people to enjoy, I love to bake, I love to take photos, I love to sing out loud (as loud as I can in fact), I love alot of things.... I mean alot of things, then.... there are my dreams; one day to be a stay at home mom raising children, travel the world, go on a mission to rescue children sold into the sex slave industry....Take a whole week and do nothing! You know, just dreams. Lots and lots of dreams but, this one question has really challenged me to find out what my passion is - I want to find it NOW. I dont want to waste anymore time on just functioning, on just maintaining life. I want to make a difference, an impact, know that my life matters for something. This one question has turned my world upside down - WHAT IS MY PASSION ???? Figuring it out is a bit harder than I thought it would be. I mean.... this is deep! What is this thing inside me- this passion? I am trying so hard not to let confusion set in.. especially since I thought i've been functioning in my passion.... but, really maybe I am just functioning! Scary thought!

As I've been searching this out I have really been mediating on it and praying about it because it is an important thing to find out. 

I was reminded a time when Scott preached about passion many years ago and something he said has never ever ever left me.

If you look in the dictionary under passion you can read this: the sufferings of Christ on the cross or His sufferings subsequent to the Last Supper.

Wow! Passion. Christ was passionate about his Love for you and for me.. we meant that much to him that it was his very passion that kept him on the cross for us.

Now, how in the world can I have a passion like that and about what?.... 

What would make me feel so much love, conviction and motivation? What is it that wakes me up in the morning? What is the point of it all??? What Im saying is;

Romans 12:1

¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What is it that I am to offer my life for, what is it that is "his good, pleasing and perfect will" for me? 

Think about it for yourself.

I hope that this week you will take some time to figure out what your passion is... it is that passion that the Lord can use through you to propel you into your purpose!

Lots to think about - Tootles!

-Missa

The fabric of fun and family

Hello All,

I wanted to check in this morning and say...... ahhhhhhhhh! I love you all!

Today Scott and I have day that is completely off so, I pulled out a book I bought a month ago bc today is the day I'm gonna start reading it, then I pulled out my ipod and then....... it got really serious......

I went to the closet and opened my drawer to rummage for them, they are the symbol of real freedom to me, I only wear there when it is a serious day of rest, a serious day of relaxation and a SERIOUS day of fun and enjoying life or when it is a special occassion or event! I have actually preached in these, traveled in these, attended important meetings in these. I have not only partied while wearing these but, I've overcome in them!

Then, there they were screaming to me "Missa, put me on- go ahead, get into the "zone"! So, the bright colors and happy print beckon me toward them. I can not help myself, I have waited for this moment for months!

I give in........ grab them tightly and slide them on!!! Ahhhhhhhh! I feel as though I am suddenly surrounded by mountain air and sitting on clouds of cotton candy.... they lead me into the "zone". The place I plan to stay in alllllll dddddaaaayyyyy looooonnnggg!!! I am definitely NOT taking them off until I am READY to get back to reality, or should I say, till I HAVE to get back to reality!

Yes, I love them..... not because of where they take me Not because they cheer me up, not even because of the bright beautiful colors. Yes, all of those things are a benefit. But, I love them because my beautiful, sweet, thoughtful niece gave them to me.... and for that reason they will always be one of my most prized possessions... to me they are the fabric of family and fun!

I love her and I love my silly socks! Thank you Emery!

Here's one of my favorite relaxing songs: Chris Rice- Deep enough to Dream.

So, today I hope that you slip on some silly socks and enjoy life. If you don't have a pair, let me know and I will bless you with a pair. Every women should have a pair of silly socks in her wardrobe.

-Missa 

Stop the world

Jessica shared this song on her blog and I absolutely love it so, I wanted to share it with you and encourage you that in all lifes distractions, discouragements and busyness: stop, listen and wait on the Lord.

Stop he world- Matthew West

HEre are the Lyrics:

The TV is talking
The telephone’s ringing
The lights are all on
And the radio’s screaming
A million distractions are stealing my heart from You
I’m tired and empty
This life is relentless
It weakens my knees 
And breaks my defenses
It’s wearing me down and I’m desperate to hear from You

Stop the world I wanna get out
I need an escape away from this crowd
Just to hear You speak to me

I need to be still before I make a move
I need to be humble with nothing to prove
I need Your Word to show me the truth
And I need time, precious time

Stop the world I wanna get out
I need an escape away from this crowd
Just to hear You speak to me
Stop the world I’m ready to listen
Show me sign, give me a vision of heaven
I can hold on to
Stop the world I need some time with You

Before I can find my voice
I need to hear Your voice
Above all the senseless noise

Thanks Jess for sharing,

-Missa

It's the climb!!

I tell you, I really do think that singing in the car runs in our family.

We were on our way to drop the kids off in Granbury and this song came on the radio and Cineca says " Tia will you record me"

Here is the final product!!

Too cute, such passion, so inspired!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

-Melissa

Am I the better half or is he???

I was thinking about some of the sayings about marriage:

"the old ball and chain"

"it takes 50/50 to have a successful marriage" and of course we can't forget, "meet my better half so-and-so".

These saying drive me nuts because they are so deceptive,  Let me tell you why!

Lets start with the ball-and-chain, anyone who has been married for more than 3 months can tell you covenant is nothing like a ball and chain, you are not being held by force but by an  unconditional, deep and forgiving love - and though you are one nothing compliments who you are and who you are called to be and even what you are called to do like a GOD-GIVEN spouse.!

Next, anyone who is married and has 1/2 a brain can tell you that 50/50 is not enough! Each person must give 100 percent to marriage. 100 percent to making it work, last and thrive. Scott has a saying that I absolutely think is so true (great advice for people dating too). He says, you can not spend your efforts trying to FIND the right one - You've got to spend it BECOMING the right one. That's it, you have got to set your focus on making it a goal to not let marriage become just about the happiness of one or the other but, work toward each others happiness, learn to serve your spouse, learn to forgive, learn to truly love. A God-centered love will go soooooo far! It must be mutual- and it is all about teamwork and like any good team mate would know, you've got to give it your all- do your best but work together for the benefit of the team not just one person! It takes 100 percent! You will get out of marriage what you put into marriage...... do you just want 50 percent happiness, 50 percent faithfulness, 50 of your spouse? No one does.... right? So, go ahead.... give it your all, God thought he or she was worth his son- your spouse is definitely worth your effort!

Which leads me to "this is my better half". WHAT? What is this... I particularly dislike this one.... bc if you are God's best for someone, giving 100 percent, in covenant with God and your spouse then guess what.... there is NO BETTER HALF! You are both equally God's favorites!

So now that I have given my 2 cents about these ridiculous sayings... as Forrest Gump would say; "thats all I got to say about that"!

What brought this up was something I saw on TV between a husband and wife. Total disrespect for each other and their marriage. It made me ill that this covenant that so many "dream" about getting into is the same covenant they are willing to spit on at the first moment of testing, at the first moment of money running out, or the first time someone says or does something the other does not like. We've got to really understand that that the "wedding" that you've dreamed about as a little girl is just one day and that after that day, you will have a "marriage". What will you do with it. Have you prepared for the details of that? Or was the most important thing to you the dress, the ring or the flowers? Just something to think about. As I am thinking about it, I challenge you to as well.

Anyways, while watching this hideous event unfold on TV (the one with the disrespectful people), Scott yelled to me "Oh no, there's a bug, where's a shoe" I can handle bugs except peanut bugs (june bugs to others) and roaches. I yell back "what is it" as I see him running frantically about the house looking for a shoe. I turn to see him turn the corner with a shoe raised high and a look of "I will conquer you" on his face. As he was swatting the bug he says, "It's a ro.........." before he even finished the sentence I was already thinking, " I can not live here, I am packing right now! I can not live here anymore (I continued with my thoughts), I'm not even gonna pack it can all stay here- it is roach infested here anyway! So he continued his word "oooaachhh" and I snapped back to reality when he picked up the roach and threw it at me...... I jumped at least 3 feet in the air and just looked for the nearest door which is the balcony (4 floors up). I thought very seriously about taking the plunge for a moment before I noticed him laughing.... laughing very loudly as he slumped over and held his stomache in laughter! It was then I realized that I had been given a taste of my own medicine with a small plastic roach I've name "giuseppe". I have used "giuseppe" and his friend "Hermie" (a rubber snake)  over and over again to prank other people but am now having to face what I have put others through. Funny story.....One time me and the kids (jojo, bubba and cineca) put "giuseppe" in my sisters burrito and I laughed equally as loud as she almost bit it in half and grossed out! 

Hey, don't blame me, the kids started the tradition of pranking with plastic bugs years ago! They influenced me, not the other way around :) (so I tell myself).

But after it was all said and done, I ran after Scott and he ran away laughing out loud and trying to catch his breath ... it was one of those moments I wish I could freeze and replay every night before I go to bed..... you see; he rarely gets a way with pranking me but this time he reveled in the victory of it and I have to admit -as a prankster myself I was very proud of him :) I truly adore my husband!

I share that story to say that marriage is a matter of choice and you can choose to look at the bad or you can choose to FOCUS on the good. These silly things are the things I LOVE about my husband. I love the way he speaks the Word of God and truth in my life, I love the way he leaves me encouraging notes in my car, I love all of our little family traditions and I love the way we just goof and have fun! It does not really matter that he runs late sometimes or that he forgets things sometimes bc guess what, I'm not perfect either! I leave my clothes out laying around the house and sometimes -> get this..... I get in a bad mood! Yeah, I'm not afraid to admit it, I can be flat out mean sometimes! We are both a work in progress in need of Grace from God and each other.

But none of that matters- what matters is the promise that was made between the two of us before God! The love of God for us and the the love that God gives us for each other is all we need! 

I just wish everyone who entered into this covenant would call on the Lord and understand that he is a God who nothing is impossible for!

It saddens me that divorce is the first option people take, I understand some marriages endure some very hard trials (abuse, adultery and many others)..... but, make a choice today to stay in covenant and to trust God that he is the strength, power and healer! Remember my friend that with God all things are possible even - healing of your heart, mind emotions and marriage.

Have a blessed day!

-Missa