comfort vs. character

So, I've heard someone say that God is more interested in your character than in your comfort!

I have never seen anything more true in my  life right now.

God is allowing me to be challenged to another level and man... am I uncomfortable.

I don't even see a way for this whole thing to work but, in the grand scheme of things I will look back and say..... oh, I see that that was you God and again, I will stand in wander about how great and how big my God is!!!!!

So, pray.... help me pray that I appreciate the stretch in my faith and comfort.

It is very comical to see how very small I am.... how very human I am..... how I need God so much more than he needs me and how I absolutely would not want to be without him!

Don't get me wrong- nothing is wrong, Everything is RIGHT and and RIGHT ON TIME!!!

Hope you are having a wonderfully stretching -> but blessed day!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21

-missa

Speak to that mountain!

Yesterday at church I heard a guy say this: 

"Its time we stop telling God how big our mountain is and start telling our mountain how BIG our God IS"!

So- so- true! I want to remind you all to speak faith to your mountain(s) today. We serve a Big God whom nothing is  impossible for. And according to the Word, that power is at work within us sooooo, what does that tell you about the authority you have in Christ????! Amazing!

And..... if it matters to you, it matters to God so don't ever feel like you are wasting God's time because your problem is not as big as so-and-so's!

And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but, even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea, 'it will happen. "And all things you ask in prayer , believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:21-22 (nasb)

What are you asking for today? What obsticles are before you? Dont let the size of the mountain defeat or discourage you!

Believe- Speak and let God work it out according to his will!

Have a great day!

-missa

The cry of my heart!

As I posted last month we went to a Chris Tomlin concert and they asked if there were any Pastors or leaders of churches in the crowd.... they asked that a hand be raised and Chris spoke a word of encouragement.... it had me in tears, he merely said Thank you! and a few other things but the thank you is what got me.... Well, he ended the concert after he spoke to Pastors and they ended it with this song......

Oh my heart! I was crying like a baby, it is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. It is one of my top favorites of all time. I just remember standing there, I didnt care where, who I was with or who saw.... All I cared about was that in that place at that moment God was healing my heart. 

I finally found the song today and I sat here and sang along very loudly. This is the song that describes my life before God! This is the cry of my heart! I confessed this for my life I thought I would share it with you so that you too can be encouraged!

-missa

Spring Break 09'

A look at Spring Break Week!

Merry Christmas and a Happy Spring Break!

We hadn't had an opportunity to give the kids their Christmas presents so they opened presents to kick off our spring break together! It was different but so fun!

We hung out at the fountain and fed the fish and ducks!

We met Scott for lunch on the days he was working in Austin. We had picnics in the park. So fun!!!!

We packed a dinner and hiked up to Mt. Bonnell and had a picnic dinner at one of the tables- then the boys went for a hike while Cineca and I collected shells.

Of course, We acted silly too!

One night we played Pictionary and had fondue.

We played at the park!

So funnny!!!!

Then of course, they earned some money while helping me out at the church all week and doing their chores so on Friday they had to go spend it ASAP! We had a visit to get an ice cream of the future then Cineca got a build-a-bear (she's a pink monkey named Molly) and the boys bought shoes.

Then after Adopt-A-Block we took the kids home..... What a great Spring Break!

Hope yours was fun too!

-missa

Clean carpets and fresh life

This morning I woke up to an empty living room.
Why? You ask.

Yesterday I just got fed up with my dirty carpet.... I can not seem to match a scheduled time with a carpet cleaning company and embarrassment has reached the max so, yesterday I invested (thanks to the 20% off coupons at Bed Bath &.....) in a carpet cleaner a Hoover Steam Cleaner.
How exciting, I cleaned the carpet in the evening and had the windows open with the nice breeze blowing through, it was really nice.
I figure since we have people coming in and out of the house all the time this thing is going to pay for itself VERY quickly.

Yay, I can have people over without shame and embarrassment ;) Ladies, you know what Im talking about.

Since the breeze was so beautiful and we have no furniture in the living room I talked Scott into bringing our mattress into the living room so we could sleep with the windows open and have the sound of the breeze and the cool air.... Kinda like camping only no rain! haha!
I was reminded about when we first got married we would pull the mattress out onto the living room on most weekends and watch movies and play cards or a board game way into the night.... so, it was fun to do again.

Not to mention, I got the best sleep ever! I love the sound of the wind an trees moving.

So, now Im off to have another productive day!
-missa

I give my life to follow, everything I believe in - Now I surrender!

MY GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!

Sweet!
-missa

Take time to watch the fluttering

Scott and I at Cross Mountain in Fredericksburgh

As spring break approached Scott and I decided to take the WHOLE weekend off. This means, Friday evening-Sunday evening. It does not happen very often but, I LOVE when it does not to mention, It was time for a break!!!! We went to Fredericksburg and had a great time. What a cute town, I love it there! 
Life is lived a slower pace in Fredericksburg than in Austin so, we got into the groove of their pace and enjoyed a slow, relaxed weekend together.

We walked from our hotel to a little coffee shop we found and to all the shops. We walked almost everywhere the entire weekend. I loved it!
On sunday we decided to go to the Wild seed farm just outside of town. I love the Wild seed Farm, there are flowers everywhere and plants and the best part is that there is a butterfly sanctuary that you walk through and see hundreds of butterflies fluttering around. It is a neat experience. 
Did you know that butterflies also migrate???? Well, they do and when we got the butterfly sanctuary, we saw a lady walk by with a small tent full of butterflies and I thought hmmmmm. Wonder what that is about so, about an hour later we decided we would walk through the butterfly area and the tent of butterflies were being distributed into the sanctuary.
Since we were there we got to help..... it was soo neat!

 

We would reach in and get a butterfly on your finger and then find a flower to put it on. The butterflies were so still. The lady said it was because they were hungry and cold :)
Something about flowers and butterflies makes me reverted back to a little girl. Anytime anywhere i see butterflies I stop and watch it flutter - Don't know why but, I still do! Something about watching a colorful butterfly (I love to watch hummingbirds too) is so relaxing. I stop what Im doing and let myself get lost and captivated.....it may be what they go through to be that beautiful..... who knows!
Anyways, It was an experience I will not forget! The cutest thing was when some kids arrived.... Scott and I stepped back and let them help...It was THE CUTEST thing to see. Not to mention, I got lots of great pics of butterflies.

We ended our trip with a road trip to Granbury to pick up the kids (JoJo, Cineca, Gabriel) for their Spring Break. We had not see the kids since Nov so, it was time for a visit. The drive there was amazing... I love Spring !

Thats all for now but I wanted to remind you to... slow down today and watch the fluttering!

-missa

Happy Spring Break!

So Im being a bit lazy on my blog for Spring Break..... oh well!
See you when Spring Break is over...

I have family here with me and I am having a GREAT time!!!!

Time with family is the BEST!

Happy Spring Break!

-missa

Awaken me

I absolutely love Misty Edward's music. I have found a collection of about 5 songs not on any CD's and listen to them over and over everyday.

I have had this one bookmarked for a few months now and thought I would share it with all of you.

She always seem to capture the cry of a humble heart before the Lord.

Enjoy!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!
-missa

world uniform

so Im gonna vent here......

I think the world should have to start wearing this....
all citizens should have to wear this and see others wearing this as a reminder Dont be mean! Apparently some people have forgotten how to be civil to one another. What happened to common courtesy and genuine concern for others?

Today I talked on the phone to the meanest person... I pray that she learns why she has such an ugly attitude and she lets the Lord fix it. I dont mean that sarcastically- she must be hurt about something.
I have never had anyone be sooooooo incredibly and intentionally mean to me, I've never had anyone spew so much hatred on me in my life!
I mean it, when I got off the phone I sat on the floor and slober cried a little bit. I was heart broken. Why was it necessary to be so mean. I have never been treated so rudely in my life.
My heart was so broken for it.... then I realized, someone with that much hatred needs love so, Lord I pray for that girl (those girls) that they feel your love today. A true love. A compassionate love. The love of a Father. Melt their hearts Lord.

Towards the end of my joyful conversation with this person I ended up putting scott on the phone and it turns out, it WAS their companies mistake after all....... it took my husband to get on the phone for them to get it.. and wouldnt you know it, NO APOLOGY from them either.
Geez, what is wrong with people.... I have said this before. 

I do not understand mean-spirited people. I will never understand why people have to treat each other so rudely to feel better! 

I dont know but, this is the 2nd time in a week someone has made me cry for being so meam spirited towards me... maybe I need to toughen up since I have been attracting them all week.
I dont care what someone does to you or doesnt do for you, dont be mean. Its not worth hurting someone! Its not worth you having to regret something you say or do and its not worth ripping someone to shreds for selfish reasons!

On that note: Be kind people!!!!!

Just my 2cents!
-missa

Love this...

I found this video and song and thought I would share it with all of you:

Its powerful:

Enjoy! 

-missa

Hooray for Home-cooked food

I love home cooked food. I prefer it over a restaurant any day (ok maybe I love a burger every now and then).

So today we are back on a schedule..... yay! Scott even made it to the gym today and when  he got home we enjoyed a home cooked meal. I am so glad he is not a picky eater.. luckily for me he will eat something other than meat and potatoes (thank you Veta Taylor for training his taste buds well)!

YUMMY! I made Talapia with a lemon, olive oil (instead of butter) and lemon zest, sea salt concoction I invented on it - with a side of garlic butter steamed asparagus.

I cant eat the talapia but I love meals at home anyways.

I hope all of you were able to enjoy a meal at home tonight with your loved ones!

-missa

Birthday and Dreams of travel

Yesterday after church we went to our nieces house for her 3rd birthday. It was a costume party and there were little girls dressed as princesses as far as the eye could see :) She is so sweet!

On our way home we stopped by Barnes and Noble so Scott could get a book he needed for work and I came across this book. Scott and I had heard of this book and it grabbed our interest so, since we were already at B&N we decided to buy it.

As I've said a hundred times before, I dream of traveling the world. This book is just 1,000 suggested places to see before you die... as i was thumbing through it i begin to get excited about all of the possibilities! I am dreaming big people! 

Scott and I are going to see how many of these places we can see... I got to so excited when I opened the book and saw that we HAVE already been to some of the places in the book.

I have such a blessed life- 

One of the things I like to do on my down time is look online at different places in the world to travel to, right now, I am stuck on finding a way to go to Machu Picchi and then the next trip would be backpacking through Europe with my sweetheart for 10 days. We have already mapped where we will start and where we will end.... I already know what backpack Im taking. I bought it 5 yrs ago particularly for my Europe trip... I have the dream- Im holding on to it! I am just waiting on the open door and provision  :) I love, love, love to travel!

I already found a great travel journal to buy and take with me :) It is really cute and has scriptures in it.

So anyways, as Scott and I continue through our book and dream, I want to encourage you to also find a dream to hold on to!

ALWAYS DREAM BIG!

-missa

AAB- places of honor

Saturday morning Scott and I had breakfast at Cafe Java before we headed out to Adopt-A-Block. These are my favorite moments. Time I get to steal away with my sweetheart!

It was an amazing day! God is so faithful! 

At AAB we talked to the kids about how they are  chosen by God and how their lives have special purpose. In this picture is one of the precious children named: Selena.

She is sooo precious. All of the kids and families at AAB are so precious to us!

Hope you had a great Saturday!

-missa

T-G-I-F

Friday was one GREAT day!

I started off the day sleeping in, till 7:10 with my sweetheart then had coffee with one amazing women of God. 

Then I got to spend the rest of the morning with another amazing women of God!

You know I love to people watch but I also love to hear about others lives and where they come from where they want to go and what God has done in their lives and I tell you- I am surrounded by amazing people.

We ended our day together with a late lunch at Amaya having the cities best tacos (in my opinion). 

She is truly a women who loves the Lord.

Then, Scott and I spent the evening at The Domain. We had pizza and pasta at California Pizza ( I love that place), play with all the gadgets at the Apple store and then we walked around and enjoyed the wonderful weather and environment!

Hope you also had a wonderful Friday!

-missa

Can you feel it?

This is how we roll!!

Don't act like you don't do this in your car...... as a couple!

I have so much fun in my car, its the strangest thing.

Have a wonderful day and dont forget to dance in your car.

-missa

The ultimate hiding place

This morning before work I sat on my couch and listened to this song and just wanted to share it with you!

Psalm 62:6-8

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah

Wow!

I looked up the word refuge:

-shelter or protection from danger, trouble 

-a place of shelter, protection or safety

-anything to which one has recourse or aid, relief or escape

Take refuge in the Lord from whatever burdens you today.

Visually impaired...

Lord help me to be visually impaired not spiritually impaired!

I, Melissa Taylor, have a keen sense of awareness to my environment. I always have and I think I know why but, I wont get into that right now. 

I can tell you how many cars I've passed on the highway, what color and style of car. I can tell you if I have passed the lady in the green shirt at the supermarket 3 times and in what isles etc. etc.

I also like to people watch....So I notice things.

Today as I was driving home from work I was at the corner of I35 and Howard and saw something that has changed my life! It only took 5 secs for the image of this to shake me to my very core and restructure what I think about my walk with God.

If you have ever had to turn right on I35 and Howard (heading north) you know that the intersection there is crazy... and they have just added 2 more crazy lanes and still the intersection remains busy and chaotic.  And in my opinion hard to cross even in my car!

Today I saw a man standing at the light waiting to cross... I waited to let him cross and as he crossed it was as if time slowed down and everything was in slow motion before my eyes but yet it was all in real-time. I dont know how to explain it other than; you know in a movie when the guy on the basketball team has 1 second on the clock to make the winning shot, not to mention he has to make the shot from across on the opposite side he needs to be on. The shot then goes into slow-motion everything slows down.... the camera show a close up of his face looking at the goal, the ball bounces slowly and with each time it bounces on the hardwood floor it creates an slow echo.... then the he shoots and the ball dramatically flies through the air in slow-mo.... BUT THEN, he makes the shot and it goes back to the normal pace as all cheer in victory....That moment is like what I experienced today.

In the moment it took him to leave the curb he was standing on and cross in front of me this is what I learned; I hope I will NEVER be the same.

This man was visually impaired (blind), yet he was about to cross a very dangerous section of one of the busiest highways. All he was equipped with was his walking stick, his feet and his ears......as he walked I watched him wait on the curb and listen for a gap of silence (meaning no cars coming) then he he put his walking stick before him and moved it on the ground before him back and forth..... back and forth and for a second once he reached the other curb up and down (to feel for the height for his next step) then he resumed back to moving the stick back and forth before him and went on his way!

I was left in awe. In fact, the car behind me honked after I zoned out and was stuck at the corner baffled by what I saw..... I've seen this senario before and it always amazes me but this time it has stuck with me and I can not shake it so here I am at 1 am to tell you how this scene has changed my outlook.

You see, that stick is what the Holy Spirit should be in our lives...

wait... Im gonna stop and warn you here; this may come across as a mother who is so excited about her childs first haircut- you know the mom, she is ecstatic about babies first haircut but to the rest of the world could care less? This may be only exiting to me but, I need to tell someone or Im gonna explode :)

So back to the point.....The walking stick is designed to be super sensitive to what is to come for the person trusting it! That is what it is for, to be the eyes for the visually impaired. It will tell the person using it when it is okay to take the next step and how, does it need to be a small step or a large step. It will tell you when you are at a cross-roads. It will tell you when to step up and when to slow down and be cautious but, the person using it must fully be fully aware of what the stick is sensing and then trust its leading! It is an entire support system and vital to survival for the visually impaired - the walking stick is not optional, it is a MUST!

It was as if the Lord said so loudly, "That is the what the Holy Spirit is Melissa"! The holy spirit will guide you when you are unsure. The HS will tell you to be cautious, slow down, step up....

It is a must that you be sensitive to the Holy Spirits leading.... and that you trust and that you obey where you are being led. The HS will not lead you wrong, you can only go wrong by not following the leading of the HS! You can also go wrong by only being led by what you see.

The Word of God tells us: let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. Gal 5:16

I begin to think about the fact that the guy didnt need a stick behind him because where he had been did not matter - it only mattered where he was going! 

Also notice that we need to learn to stop / listen for direction / then obey the leading!

What I saw today spoke volumes to me, I have not been able to shake it and I had to stop and pray: Lord help me to be so so sensitive to the holy Spirits leading.  Help me to follow and to trust where I am being led at all times. Help me Lord to not lean on my own understanding and to not be lead by by what I see in the natural, but instead to fully rely on your truth and your Word to let the Holy Spirit be my guide...... 

Help me to be visually  impaired not spiritually impaired!

I hope I portrayed this in a way that speaks to you in the volumes it spoke to me!

Dont trust your eyes today instead- Be led my the spirit!

-missa

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:14

Cosby and family what a great mix

This year for my Father in laws B-day we bought tickets to see Bill Cosby for 4, Me and Scott and Dallas and Veta. It was such a great evening of fun, CLEAN humor. Clean humor is such a hard thing to come by these days and something about seeing Bill Cosby takes you back to being a kid and watching "the Cosbys". He was such a great dad on the show. If only there were still comedies that showed men of the household as a good role model. Men of integrity, men of strength and men of honor.Now days it is such a sad thing to see that the Father is the butt of all jokes and pretty much the family idiot in  most shows today... what a shame. A shame..especially since the Father is the covering in a home... and the most important role in the family (as I've said before, I am a conservative person with strong convictions so, read at your own risk).

The time that we were able to spend with my in-laws was great, we picked them up and dropped them off so they could just enjoy the evening. I married into a wonderful family.

I have never laughed so hard in my WHOLE life... and trust me, i like to cut up and laugh. He was sooo funny. I was laughing that hurts-in-your-stomache-and-feels-like-you-could-crack-a-rib kinda laugh. It was great- I thought my father-in-law was gonna crack a rib. And I swear I saw a guy slobber on him self :0 It was great! I needed the laugh, Scott did too. But, as I was laughing (with my head thrown back and hoping not to pee on myself)--- the Holy Spirit recalled to me this scripture: this was ringing loudly in my ears.....

A cheerful heart is good medicine.... proverbs 17:22

then the Word goes on to say, but a broken spirit saps a persons strength! (NLT)

So..... let me give you some been-there-done-that advice: ALWAYS CHOOSE JOY!

Joy is definitely an important factor of life... it is truth, the Word says, the joy of the Lord is your strength! And that joy can come in many forms. It can come in the form of time with family, a bubble bath, a good book on a rainy day, going somewhere and taking pictures, a cup of coffee with a friend, for me the most joyful times are times with my hubby (whom I ADORE)! It is also in seeing fruit in the lives of others and on Friday night.... that joy came in the form of BILL COSBY! :) 

Then after the event even more joy followed as we had a late dinner at Chez Zee off 2222! YUM! It is the cutest little cafe with a beautiful outdoor setting and the food is excellent. If you've never been there and you want to have a great date night.... this is a great place, the service, food and atmosphere were excellent.... Here is a pic of Scott and I being our dorky selves near the fireplace outside the restuarant.... look at how we are longingly gazing into eachothers eyes near the fireplace.... you know, the things that romance novels are made of..... you know, the ones with Fabio on the outside of them!

Love you, Have a joyful day today!

-missa