"God doesn't wear underwear...."

Or at least the princess doesn't think so. She recently said this. We're not sure why...but we will tell you this; THE PRINCESS WEARS UNDERWEAR!!!! SHE IS POTTY TRAINED!!!! WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!! GO PRINCESS! We are thankful for this new stage in our lives considering that we have been changing diapers everyday for the last 7.5 years. Yes, you read that correctly. The Jedi was born before the Artist was trained, and the Princess was born before the Jedi was trained! WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!

Also, we had some good times over the weekend and wanted to share them with you!

Also, we think we've found a house. We are under contract, but most of you know that means we still must get through the process to close. We are so excited. It's in a great neighborhood, it's very close to the church, it's on the water, and it's so close to Walmart!!! Here are some pictures of the HOPEFUL new house. Please pray for us through the process. We love you all!!!

At the Beach....

So, have I told you where we are living? When we got here the church was going to put us in a Residence Inn not too far from the church. Well, it was a small, two bedroom suite, and they wanted to charge almost $4,000 a month in rent. Yes, I said four thousand dollars a month. THAT'S OUTRAGEOUS!!! They began to investigate other options, and as you know, we are living in an area on the coast. They discovered that many of the vacation homes at the beach sit empty all winter long, and have really really good rates on rent. Well, they found us an INCREDIBLE house for lots less money ONE BLOCK FROM THE BEACH (I will post pictures of the house soon!) We are still currently looking for housing. There's no hurry since we're staying at the beach. No seriously, we've decided to rent for a year so that we can wisely decide exactly where we want to live in this huge place. So pray for us as we make that decision.

Here is a beautiful example of God's creation. We could get so wrapped up in where we are living, the kind of house we're in (at least for now), or our new job. It's really not about any of that. It's truly about who God is and glorifying Him in the glorious and the mundane. Enjoy this little piece of something that I consider to be glorious!

Here's a video so you can hear it as well!

MeMe

I've been tagged. My friend Hannah has tagged me and told me to do a MeMe. So in my 3rd post, I get to do a MeMe. How fun! Here are 6 quirky things about me.

1. I am a wanna-be organizer. I read books upon more books about organization. I have tons of ideas about how to organize my things, but mostly other people's things. In the past I actually helped lots of other people organize their things. Have you ever watched that show on HGTV called Mission: Organization? Well, I think it's great. I watch it and dream of all the neat things I could do in different rooms in my house, or better yet, in other people's homes! But guess what? I am a messie!

2. I am addicted to soft drinks. I would have Coke Zero piped in through an I.V. but then I wouldn't feel the burn. The burn from the carbonation is what I long for! And even better....one that is so cold it's almost frozen. You know when you pop the top and there are little ice pieces in the can? MMMMMM, I get excited just thinking about it.

3. Speaking of things I am addicted to, try Nachos. I have a weakness for them. And it doesn't have to be "gourmet" nachos that come with beans, lettuce, etc. It can just be cheese and chips. I even like the kind from the 7-11 (yes we have those in Virginia!). I went to Sam's and they actually have that HUGE can of fake cheese for Nachos. BOUGHT IT! And you can actually freeze the stuff. So I divide it in to ziplock bags and put it in the freezer. When I want to use it, I let it thaw, I cut a hole in the corner of the bag and squeeze it out. And I found the perfect tortilla chips here. They are Utz brand and they are light and thin and crispy and salty. All the stuff I love about a good chip for good nachos. Then I add jalepenos and some sour cream and I am good to go. Yes, I have a weakness for Nachos. So if you ever want me to tell you deep dark secrets then tempt me with Nachos....and an almost frozen Coke in a can!

4. I can't go to sleep with my feet cold, but I hate to sleep in socks. So how in the world do I remedy that one? Well, I put socks on until my feet are toasty. Then I take off the socks, but make sure that I can wrap a blanket or the sheet tightly around my feet. I just can't sleep in socks, because if I do, my feet would suffocate. I am just sure of it.

5. I don't like to have my face wet in the shower. Those little drops of water that trickle down your face when you're in the shower????? I HATE THEM! I must always have a towel nearby to dry my face. Unfortunately, I think my kids have the same phobia, you know, tricklingdropsaphobia????

6. I now get very emotional when I hear the Star-Spangled Banner played or sung...and sometimes even when I see a picturesque view of the American flag. After living outside of the U.S., I find myself a more and more patriotic, not egocentric, but patriotic. I get teary-eyed when I hear it. Please understand me that I am not saying the U.S. is perfect and makes no mistakes. I just think I appreciate more all the sacrifices people made/make so that I can live in a country where we are FREE. Yes, I cry!

So there...6 quirky things about me. And believe me, there are a ton more, I just don't want to bore you any more. So now I tag, Craig , and that's all for now, because I am just getting into this blogging thing and don't have too many froggers (friends combined with bloggers) in my life!

Sick Kid Bible Study

A week ago Sunday we missed going to the Sunday gathering. We couldn't miss bible study altogether, so we decided to do our own. We studied Jonah, and we had so much fun. You should hear Bella say Ninevah and Tarshish! Here are some pictures from the morning!

What exactly is Potty Training? Could it be Spiritual?

WARNING: Poopie talk ahead!

OK...so I am confused. Isn't potty training for the kids, not the adults? I feel like I am the one who is being trained. You see, every 45 minutes or so, I find myself rushing the Princess to the bathroom. Does she tell me she needs to go? No....does she really have any interest in going by herself? No, not really. And we're just talking pee-pee....we're not even talking about other things. Unfortunately, that hasn't gone in the potty. She sneaks off by herself and SURPRISE....she has a surprise. It's not much of a surprise for me, but somewhat of a reminder of why I love a washing machine.....Thank goodness I have one.

This literally reminded me of my spiritual life. I am constantly in training in my spiritual life. Paul says in 1 Cor. 9:24-27, "24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

And there are times when I do well. I get the spiritual gummy worms for doing it well. But then there are times when I sneak off and come back with a surprise of sin in my life. But it's not a surprise for me, I snuck off and did it. And it's definitely not a surprise to God, because He knows all things. Does it pain him when I am covered in sin? Of course because He longs for a life that is focused on Him. And graciously, He is willing to forgive me and help me clean up the mess I've made.

Lord, help me to have patience with the Princess. She is your gift to me. Remind me of your willingness to clean up my messes everyday.