Who's getting married?

Andy and I said the big "I DO" almost 10 years ago this September. What an fabulous memorable day that was! Let's see... It was raining, once I was in my dress and we were about to leave the house, I decided I had to pee... lol, our limo driver FORGOT to fill up with gas- so we had to stop ON THE WAY;oh... did I mention I was LATE?!!, and my sister tripped on the way up the isle, and Andy and I said our vows TWICE!! LOL 

"Saying our vows twice" LOL

To have and to hold from this day forward,

for better or for worse, 

in sickness and in health,

for richer, for poorer,

to love and to cherish

in sickness and in health,

I DO.

Wow-- two little words.. "I DO" -- and what a BIG.. HUGE deal they are too! If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I'd be where I am today... ummm no. LOL But you know what? I am SO beyond happy that I spoke those two words and married my best friend that day. I love you Andy. xoxox

A few months ago, I had decided to paint this canvas that I had in the art room. I painted it a beautiful aqua-green color and was inspired to write out wedding vows on it. I left the bottom empty because I had the thought of somehow attaching a picture of andy and me there. Well, I decided to hang it anyways-- as is in our bathroom. Our bathroom has a beach theme to it and I thought that it went well. So, I was getting out of the shower and looked up at the painting and thought "You know, that vow doesn't just have to be between andy and me... it's kinda like between husband and wife-- like Jesus and me-- He is my groom and I am His bride." And if you think about it... and read it from a "Jesus perspective" it reads so true... so lets look at this vow::

"I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish you, to take care of you, to comfort you, encourage you, and to stay with you for all eternity."

Now... read it like this...

JESUS will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph.

HE promises to cherish you, to take care of you, to comfort you, encourage you, and to stay with you for all eternity."

COOL RIGHT?! 

There are a few verses in the bible that I absolutely LOVE that I want to share.


Isaiah 62:5 niv "...as a *bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."  *bridegroom is Jesus


John 3:29 niv "The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice..."

Questioning if you are in fact "HIS" bride? 

"How do I know Michelle?" 

Okay, simple answer here-- you must be born again/ saved ... in english... accept Jesus into your heart. Ask Him... say you are sorry for your sinful living and tell Him you want to live for Him. Ask Him to come inside your heart and help you live an awesome life with Him. 


Your rebuttal... "I don't need Jesus in my heart... I believe in God that'd be enough. I know of God... I say thanks at dinner time, I don't sin... I go to church every Sunday- I even help out. "


Jesus says that you cannot see the kingdom of God unless you are in fact born again/saved. This is not me telling you you can't go to heaven unless you repent for your sins and ask Jesus into your heart... this is Jesus saying this. 


John 3:3-8 niv

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^[a]”
⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”


John 3:16-20 ncv
¹⁶ "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. ¹⁷God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.¹⁸ People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God's one and only Son.¹⁹ They are judged by this fact: The Light has come into the world, but they did not want light. They wanted darkness, because they were doing evil things.²⁰All who do evil hate the light and will not come to the light, because it will show all the evil things they do. ²¹ But those who follow the true way come to the light, and it shows that the things they do were done through God."


Once you make the decision to make Jesus your Lord and Savior of your life- He becomes your Bridegroom-- and YOU become His Bride!!! YOU ARE HIS AND HE IS YOURS!!! HE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, CARE FOR YOU, SUPPORT YOU, ENCOURAGE YOU, LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY, BE THERE IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH, RICHER OR POORER-HE IS YOUR HUSBAND!!! 


Just as your earthly husband made these promises-- and you made these promises your husband-- when you accepted Jesus- he made these promises with you. 
If you are reading this and #1 say you are not married yet (hang in there) or #2 your husband doesn't act on the above promises... Jesus is your ultimate husband- He is your bridegroom-& He will love you forever.

If you already are born again/saved... awesome!! Please share this with someone-- don't "bullhorn" it - (meaning get on your personal soapbox in the middle of the street and yell at random people)- be gentle- one at a time- share with someone gently... Jesus saved your life, wiped your dirty, mucky, moldy slate clean- whiter than snow-- don't you want others to experience Jesus' grace & love too? 

The ultimate question of the evening... 

Are you HIS bride?

Take care of you :)

AIM HIGH

Do you have a goal? Have something you are working towards? A better relationship with your husband/wife? A better job... something you love doing--that actually pays? (lol) A bigger home? A newer car? A healthy lifestyle? A stronger relationship with God? Whatever you are striving toward... good news... it's totally achievable.


Did you know that God has called you to set out and do great things? In one of my all time favorite books of the bible- Philippians- Paul talks about so many amazing topics- He constantly talks about the importance of Christ and the importance of relying on Him. Philippians 3:13-14 talks about moving forward. 


I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead,¹⁴ I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. ~Philippians 3:13-14 ncv


When I was younger, I remember my parents had a wooden rocking chair in the living room. It had an orange seat cushion on it. It was a beautiful chair- the headpiece a had this really pretty design carved into it and the arm rest were curved under-- it was heavy too (lol) I know because somehow I always had the chore of vacuuming the dining room and the living room. Whenever I read the different stories in the bible, and they talk about "moving forward" or "pressing toward the goal" -- it makes me think of this chair; It reminds me that I can't just rock back and forth in my wooden rocking chair-I have to press forward and strive toward the goal that I have set out before me. To remember that God Himself called ME-- He called ME-- to do His glorious work. WOW-- I mean who am I?!!! WOW- amazing!!

You know something? God just didn't call ME-- He called YOU too- Keep moving forward!!!

Remember that the next time a task seems to big-- know that The Big Man upstairs breathed your life into motion and wants you to something big for Him!! You may never know or understand what exactly it is that God has called you to do in this life... sometimes it's for Him to know and you to never find out... but isn't it awesome knowing that you are here MOVING FORWARD for Him?!


I challenge you to keep moving forward- even when life is messy, when you feel like you just can't go on anymore- you're tired and weak-- but you know what? God is there to give you His strength- the bible says when we are weak- it is God who makes us strong!!! Be encouraged :)

Make a list of your goals, things you'd like to see happen... write them out-- cross them off when they are completed :) You may never see your greatest goal achieved-- but why not try? I had a teacher that used to tell me "Michelle, even if it looks like you can't reach the stars, aim high as if you can reach them."

May you "aim high" and not forget to invite God along for the ride.

Take care of you :)

Both sides of the story

"Forget it... I GIVE UP" - you say as you are completely finished with whatever problem it is that you are fighting with...

2 words... Give Up. 2 words, one HUGE deal. It's so easy to do-- isn't it?! 

AHHHHHH--- BUT.... did you know that there are 2 sides to every story? YES!!!!!

The Negative Story of giving up-- "side 1"::

You are fighting for something you need-- your family, your job, finances, your home-- more importantly... your faith. You've been fighting and fighting trying your best to be the best because that's what you thought you had to do to make "this" (whatever your need is) work. Guess what? It's not happening... family is falling apart & it's taking a toll on you emotionally/physically, promotion that you deserved was given to someone else, can't afford the bills- not to mention the groceries; rent is going to be late...and you feel God is not coming through and you start to question if He cares about you and the situation you are fighting. Oh here it comes... you scream "That's it!!! I quit!!!" 

...YOU GIVE UP. 

The Positive Story of giving up-- "side 2"::

Sometimes life stinks; Life hurts. Did you notice common words in the Negative Story above? I kept saying.... "you are fighting" a lot didn't I? Yup... sure did. So, here's the deal-- 

• Family falling apart & it's weighing you down: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

• Promotion not given to you & you feel treated unfairly:The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. Psalm 103:6

• Finances:And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

• When you feel like God isn't fast enough for you: It is not yet time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true. It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3

Still wanna give up? I hope you do. 

WAIT! "Michelle, did you just say I hope you DO?! OKAY- Confused?!"

Yes, I said I hope you still want to give up-- GIVE UP IT ALL TO GOD'S HANDS... and not fight the fight yourself. Trust me... it does you absolutely no good to fight a fight you are NOT suppose to be fighting. TRUST ME!! The only fight you should be fighting is the fight of faith. 1 Timothy 6:12- Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses.


Try it... I know as you are reading this you are harboring all the thoughts of everything in life you have wanted to throw in the towel on- close your eyes and with all of those thoughts in mind, say OUT LOUD... I GIVE UP. I GIVE UP GOD-- HELP ME-- I KNOW YOU ARE WHO YOU SAY YOU ARE-- I BELIEVE IN YOU AND I TRUST YOU-- HELP ME. 


The next time you wanna "give up" may this be a sweet reminder to you that giving up doesn't always mean to quit- but a release- a surrender to God- to let Him handle whatever it is you are facing.



Take care of you :)

Guess Who???

Have you ever stopped and said...

"BEST DAY EVER!!!"  

We've all have had our share of more than a few!! I know I have!! Having problems thinking of some? How about a wedding day, birth of a child, graduation, promotion at work, baptism, getting your absolute favorite treat or just an all around awesome day with some family members. 

Personally, I've had a ton of "best day" moments-- I treasure them- hold them close to my heart. 

Just a few of my BEST DAY EVER moments...

The day I married my best friend

Andy dressing up in a banana costume

Dinner with mom

I love my mom time

Getting kisses beachside with my hubby

Having My Mothers Italian Ice with my cousins

My sis and me @ Andy's graduation

Sitting on a rock in Central Park, NYC

Being inside the NYC Library & looking up at the amazing ceiling!!

The day I met the man who would change my life forever

GRAND CENTRAL STATION & the Whispering Walls!

Watching my Andy graduate bible college

Having the entire box of RAINBOW COOKIES

We found out we are going to be auntie/uncle & godparents

My AMAZING Dad and me- I miss you Daddy

Come on... you know you are thinking of one right now at this very moment!!! What is your "Best Day"? Get it in your mind-- get that BIG HUGE grin on your face--

I really believe that we have all of these awesome amazing days-- they make such great lasting memories-- so that when we have the bad not so good days... those memories are there to lift us up. 

Picture this... You are throwing a party at your house- a birthday party let's say. The house is full of family and friends and the music is going- people talking and laughing!! It's amazing, happy, and everyone is smiling-- the wishes have been made, candles have been blown out, cake has been eaten, & presents have been torn open :) ... and as the Mickey Mouse Club song goes... "...and now it's time to say goodbye to all our company..."  everyone leaves. As you say the last goodbye and close the door... your smile fades and you realize-- the house is a mess and you are now all alone. 

Does it sound like your life? Is the "party" gone and you are feeling all alone? 

It's okay, guess who hasn't left you? Guess who has been there the whole "party" and who didn't leave when everyone else did? One guess... no, it's not your dog. lol It's God silly!! 

He has been there since the world began-- he created the world- he created you- he loves you- he has plans that you prosper and have a wonderful future!! (Jeremiah 29:11) God is the One that placed all those "Best Day Ever" moments into motion!!! He is who you need to thank for those amazing days!! 

Some verses to remember in "Best Day Ever" days... and not such good days...

Isaiah 54:17 ncv:"No weapon that is used against you will defeat you. 

Matthew 12:30 ncv: "Whoever is not with me is against me. Whoever does not work with me is working against me. So I tell you, people can be forgiven for every sin and everything they say against God. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven."

Psalm 27:1-3 ncv:  The Lord is my light and the one who saves me. So why should I fear anyone? The Lord protects my life. So why should I be afraid? Evil people may try to destroy my body. My enemies and those who hate me attack me, but they are overwhelmed and defeated If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the Lord.

Ephesians 3:20 ncv: With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine.

2 Corinthians 9:8 ncv: And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything—enough to give to every good work.

Take care of you :)

For you my love::

 "...I found the one my heart loves." Song of Songs 3:4 niv 

I wanted to tell the world about my amazing hubby- my best friend- he is the greatest man! I love him so much and I am so blessed that God put us together. In March 2002- Andy and I met for the first time and started dating. Decided to get married- and in September we will be celebrating 10 years!!!  "When you find the one your heart loves- you want to start your life with them as soon as possible"- When Harry Met Sally

I LOVE YOU ANDY!! XOXOXOX

He is so charming, uplifting, & honest. He supports me and encourages me- He is my sunshine!!!

No marriage is squeaky clean perfect- but we try :) God is so awesome for putting us together and keeping our relationship strong during the good and bad times- sickness and in healthy times-- 

I love doing little things for him- he smiles and that makes my heart smile!! Whether it be a card or a sticky note, getting him a candy bar- or grabbing his hand-- it's the little things that make those moments so special. 

So, tell your special someone you love them and appreciate them. It will feel so good and make them feel amazing. Do something special for them- this doesn't always mean "spend money"- be creative. Make dinner for them and decorate with what you have to make it a "theme" dinner... Make them a card to tell them you appreciate them, while they are in the shower- take a towel and throw it in the dryer to get it warm and then hang it back up for them-- Do their laundry... the list goes on and on. Just be you- and tell them you love them. 

 Take care of you :)