Old Fave Hymn

"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"

O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion -
For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.

His Word shall not fail you - He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.

Godly Confidence

"Hi, my name is Abby and I lack some godly confidence."

Despite me being a very personable and friendly person, I am not as bold or confidence in some areas as I thought. For example going up to someone you don't even know and try to talk to them about Avon is kind of difficult for me. Why? I think it may be fear of rejection and because I know sometimes I or others can get when people try to sell stuff to you. Today, I went into an insurance office in my building to drop off a package that accidentally went to us and I thought that was a perfect opportunity to give them an Avon books and some samples! I had planned everything in my head as to what I was going to say. It was perfect! As soon as I got to the front desk, I completely froze. I felt awkward and like a little child who doesn't know their way around. She even had to ask me my name! Ugh!

After giving myself a headache with beating my head against the wall (figuratively), I couldn't believe I acted like that! What happened to the outgoing, funny, personable Abby everyone knows and loves!....I DON'T KNOW! LOL :)

So, at this point, I realize what I am lacking. Godly confidence and boldness. And also maybe I am not given this all to God. The Lord gave me a couple of verses to think on that calmed my spirit immediately:

"So we say with confidence, 'The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" ~Hebrews 13:6 (NLT)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Lord - Please work in me and I give me the godly confidence and boldness I need. Let me be God-conscious not self-conscious. Lord, I want to glorify everything I do for You. I boldly declare that I am not afraid and that I have the strength and the wisdom to be bold, strong, and confident for you and myself. I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen!

Blessings,
Abby

House Hunting

Stephen and I just got back from looking at a couple of houses with our AMAZING realtor, Robert. The first one, our favorite one, is within walking distance of our church! How awesome is that! It has got a huge yard on a corner. It was built back in the 70's, but it pretty sound. Needs some updating! But, I think it would be pretty nice fixed up. The things that I think are weird is that their are no ceiling fixtures except in the kitchen and the half bath is connected to the master bedroom. Ideally, it would be really awesome if we could practically double the size of the house by adding on to the master bedroom/bathroom and kitchen and also add a bigger sunroom and deck. The yard would still be big even with that!

We'll see what happens, but you never know. :)

We'll keep you updated!

Blessings,
Abby

Getting Personal

I feel that I really haven't talked about what's going on in MY LIFE, so I thought I would share a few things.

1. I finally am going back to school (Southeastern University) after a year sabbatical and I can't wait! I am so excited! I am taking Intro to Humanities, Quantitative Methods I, Life of Christ, Business Ethics, and Christ, Culture, and University. I wasn't planning on taking Christ, Culture, and University, but the class was full for Personal Financial Management.

I am planning to hopefully graduate December 2011! I have been dreaming of this day for quite some time now. Before I met Stephen, school and career was my #1 priority. The Lord had to teach me some lessons about that. :) God goes first and whatever he wants me to do will be what I want to do. I got so caught up in academics and work and everything else, that I was wearing myself thin and not really focusing on God. That is another reason why I took a academic sabbatical. :)

2. As posted before, I am now selling Avon. Even though I am a pretty outgoing and personable person, I feel like I am somewhat out of my comfort zone. This is something completely different than anything I have ever done before and it scares me because I am afraid I am going to fail. BIG TIME. I think that is what holds me back on doing certain things is because of that factor. I shouldn't let it! But it sometimes happens. But whenever I get discouraged, fearful, stressed, etc - I just thank the Lord for his mighty provision and for His might hand on my life. I say to myself, "I am anointed to be a successful Avon representative on a level this world is not familiar with all for the Glory of God!" It helps when you speak it out loud.

3. Well, married life is awesome! On a lot of levels, it hasn't been that big of an adjustment for me. It actually feels like we have been married for years - in a good way! Not to say we haven't had our moments or "discussions," but in the end, we both love each other and put God first in our individual lives and together. That is what counts and makes all the difference.

It feels kind of weird that I am married because every girl dreams of her wedding day. I had actually put together a HUGE book of pictures and ideas in a sketch book that I plan to keep for my daughter.

Kids? Nope, not for a while. The plan is to wait until after I graduate to have kids....we are also planning to go to Ireland Spring 2012. That's what Stephen's wants to do to celebrate my graduating. That is the kind of husband I have! I have wanted to go to Ireland for many years. :)

Well, that is all I can think of right now that is going on in my life. And it's a good one! :)

Blessings!
Abby

"God Be In My Head"

I just thought I would share a song that I love off "Live at My Church" by Jared Anderson. This used to be the church I went to when I lived in Colorado Springs. :)

God be in my head and in my understanding
God be in my eyes God be in my looking
God be in my mouth God be in my speaking
God be in my heart God be in my thinking
God be in my step God be in my breath

God be in my head
God be in my eyes
God be in my heart
God be in my life

God be in my mouth
God be in my hands
God be all I want
Beginning and the end

God be in my hands God be in my reaching
God be in my soul God be in my seeking
God be in my days God be in my wanderings
God be in my mind God be all consuming
God be all around God be here and now

God be in my step God be in my breath
God be all around God be here and now

Avon Anyone?

Somehow this past weekend, my sister-in-law Shawna finally got me to sign up for being an independant Avon sales representative. How she did it? I have no idea!! LOL. But, with that being said, I feel that the Lord is using this unique opportunity to prepare me for the future....in what? I am thinking in general like me wanting to start my own business one day (jewelry mostly) and this will give me a good insight of how to be my own "boss". :) I am also hoping it will help me fund and start my jewelry business, pay of student loans, and other little luxuries I may want to indulge in occasionally...like a trip to IRELAND! :)

To be honest, I was quite leering of Avon in general. Even to buy stuff from them. Before Shawna started selling it, I truly believed it was for older people. Boy am I wrong! They have super cute things! And I am very impressed about the company and how they run things. I am quite sold at this point! :)

If you would like more information on getting a brochure or having questions about certain products, please feel free to contact me anytime!

My website is: www.youravon.com/arichardson7870

E-mail: gm_sunshine0409@hotmail.com

Cell: 865-207-8701

Blessings!

Abby

A Solomon President

"That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, 'What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!' Solomon replied, 'You were wonderfully kind to my father, David because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued this great kindness to him today by giving him a son to succeed him. O Lord my God, now you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around. And here I am among your own chosen people, a nation so great they are too numerous to count! Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?'" ~1 Kings 3:5-9 (NLT)

When I read this passage, I immediately thought of our nation, our government, and our president. I wonder what it would be like to have a president (and even local government) who prayed a prayer like this daily? How would things be different? How would God be viewed? This is what any president, especially OUR president, should be praying! The passage goes on to say that the Lord was very pleased with his answer and because he didn't ask for riches and fame, God gave him understanding, wisdom AND the riches and fame! That if he continued to keep Him first, everything else would be taken care of and that everyone would know that he is a wise man of God.

A time came when King Solomon had to decide what was right and wrong between two prostitutes who were fighting over a baby. One had died in the night and and switched it with the other woman's baby. King Solomon said he would cut the baby in half so they can both have it. He knew who the true mother was when the one woman told him to let the other woman have him because she wants her baby to live. "Word of the king's decision spread quickly throughout all Israel, and the people were awed as they realized the great wisdom God had given him to render decisions with justice."

Because of King Solomon's wisdom from God, he was able to make the right decision and the whole world knew it! The Bible doesn't say that the people who in awe of Solomon because of HIM, but because of The One who GAVE him the wisdom: God!!

If we have government officials from local to national asking God for the wisdom needed to run a city, state, nation, what endless power and authority...and MAJOR INFLUENCE we would have with other nations!! God is contageous!

"And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon." ~1 Kings 4:34 (NLT) Because King Solomon asked for wisdom and obeyed God, other nations sent THEIR people to LEARN from HIM! How amazing is that! If we had a government that was solely based on God's will and how God wanted us to run the nation, others will take notice and want in on what we have! Because God is not a god of poverty, injustice, slavery, or socialism. He is about prosperity, righteousness, justice, freedom, and equalness!

Today and everyday, I challenge you to pray for your local government and also nationally. Pray that the Lord will place a Solomon spirit in that place!

Lord, thank you for our local and federal government. I pray today that you would send a Solomon spirit into our government! Breath wisdom and understanding into these people! And Lord, I pray that you would remove those who are opposed or not willing to be apart of what You want to do with this city and nation. I pray that you will protect those who are yours. In Jesus Name. AMEN!

Blessings,

Abby

Cracks in the Wall

"If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin."

~1 Cor. 10:12 (NLT)

In my quiet time the other day, this was the verse I studied. It told the story about Sardis and how they used to be so alive in the Lord, but have since fallen from that because they allowed cracks to form. The people boasted that no enemy could penetrate their church or city because they were on such a high mountain and it was VERY hard to climb. Most people couldn't make it up the high, steep, dangerous mountain. As the people continued their prideful boasting, they didn't realize that their were cracks beginning to form in the foundation. What started as a small, tiny crack was now big enough for the enemy to slip in unnoticed.

As a follower of Christ, the devil can creep into our lives, into our FOUNDATION, and destroy us if we aren't careful in maintaining and doing what we need to do to keep our foundation strong. We can't afford to go a day or two without reading The Word, praying, and worshipping. We can't honestly think that if we go without doing these things, something will not break. We aren't that strong. Not without Him.

I feel that is what has happened to me lately. I have gotten bogged down with life; being newly married adds a lot more responsibilities! I haven't kept my priorities straight. And being so prideful as to think I am strong enough to go without reading His Word, praying, etc, is absolutely insane!

If you go on to read verse 13, "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. "

This verse is also very important because it says that we are not alone in our struggles/temptations. You haven't been singled out. GOD IS FAITHFUL!!! I just love that! And because God is faithful, he gives us the power and authority to be able to withstand any type of temptation through Him! Praise God!

Dear Father, thank you for showing me the cracks in my foundation. Thank you for being faithful. Thank you for loving me for who I am. I pray today that you will continue to show me the cracks in my foundation and the areas in my life that I am lacking in. Lord, continue to fill it with your amazing grout! I declare today that I will never go a day without doing what I need to do to keep my foundation strong. Because my ultimate goal is to better serve You and do what You have called me to do. Make me a vessel of your power, love, and authority so that I may help others. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen!

Blessings!

Abby

God Bless America

A co-worker sent me a link to a youtube video that has elementary school kids singing a song that was written to thank our troops. So, I am listening to the song and it was so touching and very sweet. Well, you know youtube always as a list of related videos that you might like to watch. They had a ton of videos of parents surprising their kids by coming home from being deployed. Now THAT is what really got me. Here I am at work, about to lose it. GREAT. But I gained a reminder that was very much needed.

You know, I think people in everyday life (including myself) can have a tendency to forget about those men and women who are in the military and deployed. They sacrifice being with their family and friends to fight for ME and for our country. Not only are those men and women who serve our country sacrificing, but also their families! I can't imagine being a wife/mother and having my husband not with me to raise our children. I can't imagine being a child and not having my mom/dad to watch me grow up or to ever think if they are coming home again. I can't imagine to be a mother of a son/daughter who is in the military and to worry if I would have to send them home in a casket.

It shouldn't take just a holiday once a year to honor, remember, and thank our troops who have given so much. I today choose to remember, thank, pray for, and honor those who are in service and for their family and friends who have also given so much.

If you know of anyone who is in the military or their family/friends, take the time to thank them for all they do and have done. They deserve no less than that!

There is one of many websites where you can actually get involved with sending military troops care packages and letters. One of those websites is http://www.anysoldier.com/ ....be sure to check it and also CAREFULLY READ the instructions they post.

Blessings,

Abby

PS....Here is the link of the song I was talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pfBUUZNbFM

Saturday Worship

Every Saturday from 5PM-6PM, our church as a worship/prayer time for anyone who wants to come. The purpose is to prepare ourselves and the church for Sunday morning. We want the presence of God! But this past week was so powerful!

We played:

"Less of Me" by Roy Fields

"Fill This Place" by Roy Fields

"King of Glory" by The Ramp Worship

"Holy is Our King" by The Ramp Worship

"Burning Tree/Holy Ground" by Desperation Band

"Freedom" by Jason Upton

What an awesome time with our Heavenly Father! If you haven't heard of any of these songs, I would highly recommend listening to them! If you can't find them, I can help you.

Blessings,

Abby

TGIF!

THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

Wednesday night, we decided to watch the movie Invictus On Demand. The movie was really, really good! I highly recommend it! It makes me want to read a biography on Nelson Mandela. Anywho, at the end of the movie all of a sudden our fire alarms start going off. At 10PM. I had sort of forgot that I had candles on in the bedroom when I was cleaning earlier that evening, but we went into the bedroom, but there wasn't any smoke or anything on fire...so at this point, we are both kind of freaking out and hoping the fire department isn't on their way. We finally got them to turn off. Thankfully, in a weird sort of way, we are glad to know they work and that the fire department wasn't outside our door. lol.

So, this morning when I stepped outside our apartment, there is a kid (probably 8-9 yrs old) that lives in the apartment next to us sitting in a lawn chair. As I am heading to my car he starts saying, "the other night...." Oh crap. He is going to say something about the fire alarms..."I heard someone playing the guitar. Who was playing?" I said it was my husband. The kid then says with a great big smile, "He is really good! I was in bed and I could hear him playing and it put me to sleep!" Awwwww. How cute! I told him maybe he could help teach him sometime and he says that he has a quitar, but one of his strings broke.

After making a little more small talk with him, I got in my car and started heading to work. I called Stephen immediately and told him what he said. He laughed. It's amazing how God can use little things like that to draw people closer to Him. I plan on inviting him church. It always amazes me all the ministry opportunities the Lord sets before us and sometimes we don't even know it or recognize it.

Lord, I thank you for all the ministry opportunities you give us each and every day! I ask that you continue showing and revealing these opportunities to me and Stephen. Lord, that we would always be willing and able for You to work through us to reach other people. I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen!

Blessings!

Abby

Finally!!

Finally! My beads came in for my lanyard! I look forward to posting pictures soon. The inspiration beads I got are from fusionbeads.com. The mix of swarovski crystals are called, "Miami" :) I am hoping to work on it tonight!

Addicted

My name is Abby and I am addicted to craigslist and betterafter.blogspot.com! it is an addiction I am not willing to give up. It inspires me to do so many things! We currently live in an apartment, so we are somewhat limited to what we can do, but there are no limits with craigslist or betterafter! I plan to post before and after pics of little changes I will do around the apartment. There is still so much that I want to do! I have a dream. And it is for an office/jewelry studio in my 2nd bedroom. One word to help fix that: IKEA. Oh yeah.

I know this blog is short, but it is oh so sweet. :)

Blessings,
Abby

Coffee & Gnats Do Not Mix

Yesterday morning when I was at work I was enjoying leisurely doing my daily morning tasks and sipping on my pretty good coffee in my adorably cute pink coffee mug exactly like the one pictured except it had all things that started with "A".

Out of the middle of nowhere this gnat comes flying around my face and it's really beginning to "bug" me. Pun intended. We have been having gnat problems for quite awhile and I have become very well experienced in my ninja gnat killing skills. We have told our plant service that we keep having these problems and we keep getting the same answer out of him! I could probably repeat it back to you verbatim. It goes like this: "I don't know why you have gnats. I have over ___ accounts and none of them complain about gnats." At this point, my eye starts to twitch when he says this. He has even gone to the extreme as to search through one of our admin's trashcan and told my boss there was a banana peel in there. The trash is taken out every day! Geez! Gnats can't form that quickly...can they?

ANYWHO.....back to my story.

When I had reached my limit of this gnat "bugging" me, I followed it with my eyes and put my hands together and.....CLAP!!!!.....(opening to see my palms to see if Mission: Gnat was successful)....NOTHING!...So, I pull my hands towards me and as I did this, my hand hit my coffee cup and spilled it all down the front of my clothes and onto the tile floor. I was SOAKING with coffee. CRAP. So, I hurry and get some paper towels and clean up the mess and tried to blot the chair. Thankfully I was wearing a certain kind of material that dries pretty quickly. By the afternoon, it looked like nothing ever happened! Except my emotional scar that has been inflicted. I believe that one day I will win this war against the gnat population...but for now, I will take what I can get! I have already killed 2 or 3 already this morning. I consider that progress.

Blessings!

Abby

IHOP - Be Like Christ

After Stephen got home last night we both decided we were craving IHOP. When we arrived at our destination, the hostess commented and said "I like your shirt!" to me that said Be like Christ. For some odd reason, I felt that that was the shirt I needed to wear out! When she shows us to our booth, she told us that Brandon would be our server and that she gave us his section because he wasn't making nearly as much as the other servers that night.

Brandon, a nice young-looking guy, came and took our drink order and later our food. He gave us incredible service! He was very attentive without being pushy or invading our space. Stephen and I decided that we would leave him a really good tip.

When we were heading out to leave, the look on Brandon's face was priceless! He was talking with the hostess that seated us and he said, "Thank you so very much!!" and she said, "God bless you!"

So the main points I am trying to make about telling this story is how amazing it is to be able to give and help other people; now I am not talking about LOANING money, but being able to GIVE money. That is one of the main things Dave Ramsey talks about....is to be able to give and help people out. My other point is, it's amazing how God works and can bless us through other people and vice versa.

The Lord is strong and mighty! He is my Jehovah Jirah, My Provider. :)

Blessings!

Abby