Hump Day!

We had a low key day today. I cleaned the house a bit, did some laundry, and ironed. It was cloudy and rained a little today, so the kids wore their pj's and played indoors then I set out some paper for them to paint. Then they took turns in the tub with bubbles. I'd say it was a successful hump-day.
I know not everyone probably had an easy day like I did, but here's praying that you'll keep your head up and know that God has a plan for you. Even when things aren't going our way or the way we thought they would; always remember that we are blessed, we are made whole, made new, we are children of the most high. Remember that, and God will deliver. All He asks is that we fixate our eyes on Him at all times. He will help us get through this moment, one step at a time.

Rest

I've been missing in action for about two weeks now. I guess I should have let everyone know that I was going on a mini-vacation and then having family in town. Between the two of those events was also my husband's birthday. So we have been on our toes for the past two weeks and going, going, going! Today is the first day I'm back in my house all by myself with just the kiddos and I feel kinda lonely. lol! I enjoyed the chaotic noise that's been in my house for the past 10 days. It was crazy, and messy, but we really did have a lot of fun just being together.
I've been reading my women's devotional off and on throughout the past two weeks, to make sure I don't lose track and fall off the wagon. I haven't been journaling though. A part of me wants to feel guilty but I really don't. I don't think my relationship with God is so new and fragile that one to two weeks of not journaling is going to jeopardize the love I have for Him. I've just felt so drained. We literally have been staying up past midnight and getting up around 8 every day. My regular routine is going to bed around 10 and getting up around 7; so it's been an adjustment. But we were so busy and wanted to get as much time together as we could so often times after we put the little ones to bed the adults would stay up watching movies and talking. In case you're wondering, it was my husband's step-mom, his younger sister and brother that came in to visit with us.

 
We just love them so much. They live in Washington and we live in Texas so it's not very often we see each other, but when we do it's as if no time has gone by. I love that about family. It's just so natural, definitely God given.
I chuckled when I opened my devotional today, the very first sentence was "Come to Me and rest." God just knew how much rest I need!
God always knows exactly what I need to hear, read, or see in order for Him to be able to communicate with me. In this life we are always going, going, going, never stopping or slowing down to take a minute to meet with Him. We walk in a daze of tiredness, waiting for rest to find us. Waiting for just a small break. When all we have to do is seek Him to find our rest.

Matthew 11:27-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Hump Day!

Remember that we all have a purpose in this life. Listen to God and allow him to speak to your heart. I hope you all are having a blessed week. I pray this lifts your spirits and helps you get over the "hump," whatever it may be for you this week. God Bless!

Pray for EVERYTHING

God's Peace

Last night my husband and I sat up talking. I'm sure in every marriage at some point you have those talks about life. Things that you both have on your plate, the kids, the finances, etc. We spoke of our burdens as well. I love my husband and am so thankful for him. God blessed me with a wonderful man; the provider, father and husband. He amazes me. As a woman, we are natural worriers. We worry about the house, our kids, our family, our finances, our friends,...everything. It's nice to know I have someone in my life to lean on and talk to. After our talk last night, even though we talked about good stuff, the obstacles stood out. I went to sleep thankful but my heart was still full of burden. I woke up this morning, read my devotional and it was about God's peace.
He is so faithful. He knew exactly what I needed to hear/read to calm my anxiety. He met me at that place to make sure I felt peace. He reminded me that the closer we are to Him, the safer we are. He is always beside us and within us, helping us not to sink in the deep waves of life. We just have to keep our focus on Him.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Called and Qualified

One of our pastors spoke in regards to the picture above this past Sunday and I was moved. It is so true in my life right now. I didn't believe that I would ever be qualified to speak on religion, let alone God, but here I am putting my words out there for all to read. He is helping me to learn all I can so that I can speak truth, and He encouraged me to seek greater counsel by possibly going back to school.. He gives me the words to speak and leads me in the direction I should go. I am so thankful to be on this journey and am excited to see where God will lead me next.

Allowing ourselves to be led.

It's Wednesday and it's been quit a week already. Rylie has been at vacation bible school in the mornings this week and I've taken it as a small preview of what it will be like when she starts school. Getting up in the morning, getting her dressed and driving to drop her off. Then Ashton and I are off on our own for a few hours before picking her up by lunch time. I'm not gonna lie, I shed a few tears thinking about it on Monday after I dropped her off. I'm so ready for her experience all this wonderful life has to offer and for her to become more independent but it's also a sad moment for me. We are closing a chapter in our first baby's life and starting a whole new book in the little series of her life. I'm excited for her and I know she will do great things.
Today I read about viewing each day as an adventure. She writes "instead of starring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it  according to your will, be attentive to Me and to all I have prepared for you." I can honestly say that over the past few months I have gotten better about talking to God throughout my day. Not only to keep a close relationship with Him but also so I will know where He wants me to go. I often find myself saying "Okay God, should I really go through with this?" I tend to ask Him "why?" alot.  I think it's easy for us to forget about Him in the hustle and bustle of every day life. To go our own way instead of the way He would have us go. We have to be willing to follow wherever He leads and trust in Him fully. That is easier said, than done. I've learned that one the hard way. We have to trust that He knows best and that He won't steer us in the wrong direction. Psalm 91:2 reads "...he is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." He will protect us, and if we trust in Him; He will not lead us astray. I love that about our God. He is EVER faithful.

Peter 2:21

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Hope, Affliction, Prayer

I have a serious problem with always trying to please everyone. No matter sometimes, what the cost. I tend to go out of my way to be at certain events to show my support; even if it's late, or far away or even if I'm broke. Some would say that's a good characteristic to have, but I see it as a problem. Why? Because when I don't get it in return and my feelings get hurt. I am the type of person that feels that if I do something for you than you'll do the same for me. That's not why I do it though. I do it because I enjoy being supportive to those I love. But I find that more often than not I'm the one that gets stepped on, or forgotten. It can be painful or even make me angry. I don't want to feel that way. I don't want to feel animosity towards anyone. But when you give and give and give, and all they do is take, it makes me wonder what am I doing wrong? It makes me second guess my actions. Should I keep doing what I'm doing, which I consider to be the right thing, even though I get the crappy end of the deal. Or should I just stop in order to not feel this way anymore? I'm lost, and I don't know what I should do. So in times like this, I seek counsel from Him.
I am a follower of Christ. While I am not perfect, and fail at many things, I strive to be whom He wants me to be. With that being said, I know what He wants me to do. In this life we face many obstacles, but we must keep moving forward. With His help we can overcome anything. He doesn't promise that it will be easy but He does promise that He will be there with us every step of the way. To lead us, guide us,...direct our path. So that tells me that while it is difficult and often painful, I must keep doing what I know is the right thing. Even if it never comes back to me. Even if they never notice. I will seek my reward in heaven, from my Heavenly Father. I will not stress on wanting certain results that I think or feel are correct. I will rest assured on His timing, His presence, and His ways.

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." 

Jesus Calling

I started reading "Jesus Calling: Women's Edition" on Saturday and I am floored by how wonderful it is. Sarah Young is the author and she puts the devotionals in His words and it makes the reading so much more intimate. I find myself wanting to read two devotionals in one day but remind myself that I need to take it at a slow pace so I can really take it all in.
Today's reading was on learning to deepen your dependence on Him. Part of being a follower of Christ means to rely on Him and His teachings and allowing Him to plant His desires within you. Not going the way YOU think you should go, but the way HE would have you go. That has been a tough struggle in my life. I always think I know what's best and that I have it all figured out, when in reality I haven't got a clue. It wasn't until I started seeking God's guidance and praying for Him to direct my path that I started to get an idea of what direction my life needed to go in. The more in depth of a relationship I build with my Heavenly Father, the more He pours into me. For example, I'm in the beginning stages of finding out how I can go theology school. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I of all people would be interested in that. But I heard God speak to me and I think that this is what He wants me to do. I'm not saying I'm going to become a pastor or preacher, I just think if I'm going to be writing a blog on what I'm reading it would beneficial to me (and my few readers) if I had a background in theology. Who knows what all is in store for me, but I have never been more eager to learn everything I can about His word. As always, I'll be praying for direction and guidance, but I'll also be praying for courage. lol! God knows I'm terrified to try to go back to school, especially with two kids! But as Sarah Young mentions in her book, "True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you." So that's what I'm doing, opening my mind, my heart and placing complete faith on Him.

Psalm 139: 7-10 NIV

" Where can I go from you Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." 

Week full of good women!

 I pray that your week is full of blessings from the women you surround yourself with. Whether it be family gatherings during the holiday, play-dates or just having your own quiet time, I pray the spirit be amongst you.

Happy Monday and have a blessed week!

 

Messy Hearts

Do you ever feel like your heart is just so full? And not necessarily full of love but just full of everything. Worry, anxiety, kids, marriage, friendships...the list goes on. I think as women we are full of emotion. We wear everything. As a mom we wear our children's messes from the moment they are born. As a wife we wear our husband's love, and share the same anxieties and life's strives with them. As friends, we wear the hope of approval, and often times our friend's gossip and their own life difficulties by being a good listener. While each of these relationships and life circumstances can make you go crazy, it's good to remember that they also bring reward. Huge rewards if you keep your eyes focused on the rock. 

 

I for one, easily get overwhelmed. I am quick to jump on the drowning wagon of despair. Especially since I have been working so hard on being a woman of faith in all aspects of my life. Being a Christian is hard. It's hard trying to seem so "put together." But I realized this morning, that its not about that. It's about knowing what Christ did for me, and in realizing such, I realize that once I focus on Him, he will radiate through me. He will heal all relationships, and life situations, and worries, and burdens, and hardships. He will work through me to show the world, my surrounding world, what he has and is doing in me and my life.  So I don't have to "try" so hard. I don't have to try to be someone or something, I can just be me. He will do the rest. He will filter out the negative and surround me with people that I can lean on, that I can trust, that will allow me to be lifted and allow me to do the same for them. God will bring me through it. So while I feel sometimes that I look like I'm wearing a huge mess on myself, I can remember that he cleans me. Everyday he restores me and makes me look brand new. I am so grateful for that. I just can't do it alone. God, I need you now. I need you in my life. I need you to help me get through each and every single day.

Psalm 61:2
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

This song has been on my heart alot lately.

Happy Friday

Have a wonderful weekend fellow mamas! I'm headed out to a women's retreat with some of my mops leadership team. I'm excited to spend two days surrounded by my Christian ladies.

Last Week

Last week was a busy one. We had Rylie's 5th birthday and that usually takes up quite a bit of my time. So I didn't get to post at all last week. I thought though, that instead I could post what all we did last week in prep for her party and just general play time.

First part of our week was spent shopping for party supplies. Rylie had alot of fun running around with mommy picking out supplies for her party. It was fun for me too because she is finally at the age that she can give her input and let me know what "she" likes, instead of just what mommy wants.

 

Later in the week, we went on a play date with some friends at their home. We set the kiddos up outside in the blow up pool and sprinkler while us mamas chatted. We also had some yummy lunch and let the kiddos run wild until they tuckered out!

 

Rylie really wanted a pet that was all her own for her birthday. We already have 2 dogs, a cat and are pet sitting my mother in law's dog as well. So something else with fur was out of the question. My husband and I agreed on a pet fish. We allowed her to pick out her fish and all the decorations that filled the bowl. She was ecstatic. So we welcomed "Tumble-ina Turner" into our family.

 

Friday night, the birthday setup began. I usually decorate the night before that way I can take my time and am not rushing. Overall, I think it turned out great.

 

Saturday finally came and it was the day of the party! We rented a water slide and the girls had a blast going up and down and up and down and up and down! lol!

 

We had a pretty good turn out of little girlies this year. Usually her parties are full of boys, which is fine, but I think she was really hoping for a lot of girls this year, and she got it. :) Here is a few of the girls that attended.

 

Here we are celebrating with the birthday girl. This was just after she finished opening her gifts. She got that snazzy hello kitty chair from our neighbor. She loves it!

 

Sunday was Father's Day and we spent the day loving on the man of the house. We fed him breakfast in bed. The kids made him homemade cards and we blew up the slide for one more day of play with just us. By the afternoon the kids tuckered out and I made a yummy dinner for us as a family. It was a great day and as you can see we had a really good week as well. ;)

June 7, 2013 - Discipline

I've been so busy lately. Seems like it's been slowly picking up the pace since March, and now we are in full speed all the way to summer. I am so excited to spend the warm Texas days with my family and friends. We have alot of fun things planned for the summer and I am excited! I want to get the most out of my time with my baby girl before she starts school this upcoming August.
As of now she is set to attend the local school by our house but I am currently looking into getting her into a charter school. We applied but there are still some odds and ends that need to be worked out. Praying everything comes together and works out in our favor.
Read today on 1 Samuel 2:12-3:11
This verse speaks on discipline, which relates to how you raise your children. I believe that discipline is a vital part to parenting. While we all have different views on how to discipline our children, it speaks in the Bible about how God judged Eli because he knew about the sin his family was committing. Yet, Eli still stood aside and did nothing about it. So it is something that God has entrusted us, as parents to handle. In Proverbs 22:6, in states "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." This verse speaks true in our household right now, because here lately Rylie has been telling little white lies. So we are currently working on her telling the truth. I don't ever want her to feel like she can't come to me and tell me something, whether good or bad. Nor do I want her to feel like she has to lie to protect someone. We are working on her understanding that no matter what the outcome, the truth is always the best answer. Our hope is that after teaching this to her, she will carry it with her throughout her adult life and strive to always do the right thing.

Reflect and Pray:
1. What is the goal of discipline?
1a. I think the goal of discipline is to help teach. To correct an error. Otherwise how are we to learn by our mistakes?
2. Do you know someone that grew up without discipline?
2b. I do. That person has made a few bad choices and has even ended up in trouble with the law. I think without discipline, you tend to lack a bit of respect for authority and that tends to lead to trouble.
3. What makes disciplining children so difficult?
3a. Now this may be different for alot of folks, but me, myself, I tend to have trouble being the best example I can be for my children. Now that my daughter is growing up and understanding more of her surroundings, I find myself being more watchful of my own behavior. I want her to be able to look to her father and I and use us as an example of how to live. But we aren't perfect people. So I find myself quoting my father "Do as I say, not as I do!" lol! All I can do is my best and pray for God to do the rest. ;)

<3 emilie

Ordinary vs. Extraordinary

Saw this and my first thought was am I choosing to live ordinarilly or extraordinarilly? But then I re-evaluated and thought that it's not me that's extraordinary but God that makes my life that way. He adds the "extra" to my life. Happy Wednesday friends! :)

 

May 30, 2013

I got the ball rolling yesterday for Rylie's 5th birthday. Her birthday falls on Father's day this year, so we opted to do it the Saturday before. So instead of the 16th, we'll have it on the 15th. I had already bought supplies and created her bday invite but hadn't done a whole lot else. A good friend of mine sent out their invites yesterday for their niece's bday and it made me realize I needed to get on my game. I've never waited this long to start on my birthday party prep. I used to start 3 months in advance! I do think this will be the last time we can have her party at home with all the family. She is getting bigger and will probably only want girls at her next party and sleepovers, or skating parties, or opt for a trip with a friend instead of a big party. Which makes me a little sad, my baby girl is growing up and slowly...and I mean slowly, gaining control over her life and able to make choices for herself. Before I know it, she'll be deciding on what college to attend. (EEK!) So not ready for that!

Today I read, Jesus: Our Everything Matthew 16:13-26
1. Fill in the blank. Jesus is blank to you.
1a. Jesus is my Lord and savior, my heavenly father, my leader and healer.
2. What is knowing the above answer done to your everyday life and the choices you make?
2b. I am constantly aware of His presence. I feel it has changed me as a person inside and out for the better.
3. How have you changed since meeting and building a relationship with Jesus?
3c. Compared to the me I used to be, I am loving people much better and with a better understanding. I am not quick to judge and am more cautious with my words and actions. I think often times I can come across as shy or quiet, but I am usually just taking in my surroundings.

May 29, 2013

May 28, 2013

It's Tuesday, yesterday was Memorial day and I spent the day out and about with some family. Today I planned to catch up with my laundry, chores, and volunteer work. It is now 7:42pm and I accomplished it all. The laundry is folded, ironed and put away. I worked from home for both the church and my part time admin gig. I bathed the children, cleaned my bathrooms and even managed to hit the grocery store. I came home made dinner and now my family is full, relaxed and off doing their own thing. Which leaves me time to blog. :)

This morning I read on patience. I was a little flustered with it because I didn't have the Bible I was used to and was having a hard time finding the exact thing I was looking for. Which I found to be slightly ironic that while I was looking for scriptures on patience I ended up getting pretty impatient with myself and God for not finding it.
I've wanted a new house for some time now. If you are a friend of mine or a family member of mine you now just how much this is on my heart. We have a tiny house and live mildly far away from friends and family so it's rare that we have guests. I have prayed on it and prayed on it. Now I am just praying for patience. It will happen in God's time. It's not like I'm suffering, it's not like our house is horrible. We have just simply outgrown it. But in order for us to make the "right" move there are some things we need to get in order first. It's taking a lot longer than I anticipated. I am not a patient person. I come from a long line of impatient people. But I also know what God is telling me to do right now at this time in my life. He is telling me to put in the work that is needed in order to reap the benefits. I am aware that this is common knowledge but I am stubborn and like to think I'm the exception and God will just give me what I want because I am me. ;-)
So right now, I am working on reminding myself of the fact that this life I live has already been mapped out for me and when the time is right (God's timing) I will prevail and will receive the blessing that is rightfully mine.

Meditated on this passage a bit today. So I will look to those that came before me and see their example. They had it much harder than I ever will and still spoke in the name of the Lord. They never lost their faith. It can be so easy to lose your faith or feel lost. To feel like God has turned his back on you. I don't feel like that now, but I have at one point in my life. I just have to keep the faith, gotta keep pressing forward. I know in the right time, God will bless us. We are on the right path. I know this because God has shown us what we need to do to get where we want to be. God is faithful and he will help us along the way to overcome any obstacles we endure.

 

Dear Father God, I thank you for your continued guidance. Continue to work in me always. I thank you for showing me direction and reminding me that you are always on my side and always in my corner. I pray for the ability to be still and silent and listen for your words. I pray that I am able to work on my patience and realize that it's not on my time but on yours. Thank you for being the ever faithful God that you are. -Amen

 

<3- emilie 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

It's Sunday! Love our family Sundays. We get up, have breakfast as a family, then we are off to church. Today was great because they talked about Healthy Families. Pastor went over three different sections of what healthy families need. They were worth, belonging and competence. Every member in our family needs all of these, but it really spoke to me in regards to our kids. Both of our children need to know that they are not only worthy of our love, but of God's love. He demonstrated our value and worth by dieing on the cross for us. It's so important, especially for young girls to always express how valuable they are. That they are worth everything. Growing up, I was awful about knowing my own worth. I never felt good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, smart enough...the list goes on. So I am now determined to make sure my kids always know that they are loved and valued. Not only by their father and I but also by our heavenly father.

I saw this picture this afternoon and it spoke to me.

 

Made me realize that while we as parents have to take on the responsibility to make sure our children follow Christ. We have to remember that our children learn best by example. It is our responsibility to live Godly lives and to be the leaders of our household that God has called us to be. How can we expect our children to live Godly lives as adults if we ourselves don't do just that. I will be praying this week for God to show me what areas of my life need improvement. My goal is to become a parent that my children will one day want to grow up and be just like. Also to be that parent that will be favorable in the eyes of God.

Thank you Lord Jesus for laying it all out for me. Thank you for reminding me of what is needed to be the parent you desired me to be. Help me to continue to learn your ways that I may lead my children in the way that they should go. -Amen

<3 emilie

Happy Friday to my fellow MAMAS!

May 24, 2013

Last night Ashton was up from 1:30 to 4:30. I gave him some Ibuprofen, I rocked him, I sang to him, I even got in his crib with him trying to sooth him. He does this every time he has a new tooth coming in. He cries on and off through out the night. Praying tonight is a better night than last night. There is only so much coffee one mama can drink.
I started to write in my journal again this morning and not on my actual blog and I could hear God in my ear..."Emilie, go to your laptop!" lol! I really am trying to avoid being this vulnerable. It's alot to put my prayers out there for the world to see. But it's what He wants me to do.

Today I'm reading out of the book of Kings. 1 Kings 22:41-50.

 

Reflect and Pray:

1. How did you come into God's family?

1a. I've attended church for as long as I can remember and I asked Christ into my heart at the young age of 10.

2. How have you grown to "look like" God since you joined his family?

2b. I strayed away from God in my teenage years but as an adult have rekindled our relationship. And in the past year or so I have been working on becoming a more forgiving person, and less judgemental.

3. Which of God's traits would you like to model for your children or for others around you?

3a. My goal is for others to just know me to be a Christian woman. A woman of God. I want that to be what people say about me. "Oh, you haven't met Emilie? She is nice, she has a deep relationship with God." I want my kids to always be able to look back and know that their parents were faithful and I want that to reflect on my children. I want them to have the desire in their heart as I do in mine.

 

Father God, I thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I can hear you speak to me and I know you know the plans you have for me. Plans to prosper me and not harm me. Father you are a just and faithful God. Tell me your plans, lead me, and give me the courage to overcome my anxiety to do YOUR will.

Lead me...

-Amen 

May 23, 2013

I did it! Yesterday I started my blog. Still have a few things to work out, but I'm on the right track to get where I need to be. I saw this on a friends Instagram "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." Now I know I'm not a super talented writer or anything like that, but I do know that I enjoy putting words on paper. Whether in print or electronically. ;) And I know that God wants me to use my interest for good and spread his word. Not necessarily by preaching but just by sharing my path. Somehow it may find someone and if they can relate and it brings them one step closer to faith, then I think I've done my part.

I'm reading out of the NIV "Busy Mom's Bible". Everyday they have a devotional thought that I read and then write down my thoughts, prayers, etc. Here is what I read today:

A Life of Purpose: 2 Kings 22:1-20 For you to understand what I'm talking about it would best if you read along with me.
Reflect and Pray: These are always questions they ask to help you reflect on what you've just read and pray about what God is revealing to you.
1. What is one sentence you could use to summarize your life so far?
1a. An obstacle over comer that is working continuously on making past wrongs, right again and learning new ways everyday how to perfect being a wife, mother, and follower of Christ.
2. What might God want to change in your life so that your life summary will be different?
2b. For me to fully be able to let go of my past. Not only my own failures but especially those of my parents.
3. What steps will you take today to walk in God's ways?
3c. I will start taking steps to fully forgiving myself and my parents. I'm almost there but there are times that I allow myself to sink back in that hole of despair or "woe is me."

Father God, I thank you for showing me your ways. For directing me to the path that you laid out for me long before. Continue to lead me, and use me. Continue to keep your hand on us financially, help us to make wise choices with the gifts you've given us and thank you for abundantly blessing us. We give you all the glory in your precious name I pray. -AMEN

New blog, on my continued path.

Well, I did it. I deleted my original blog and created this new one. I felt it was time. I loved my old blog and what it contained, but there was no meat. Not that my day to day life has zero well...for lack of a better word, "life" to it. I just needed more.
So, I prayed about it, and prayed about it and prayed about it some more. God spoke to me. He has been telling me for some time now to start a praying blog, a blog that is dedicated to my walk in my own faith. I was scared to put it all out there, to be that vulnerable to the public eye. I still am a little bit nervous, but then this verse stays in my head, "For I know what I have planned for you,' says the LORD. 'I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you hope and a future." And that reassures me. It reassures me that He is with me, and will guide me.
So this is my new blog. I will have my daily (try to write daily) life update, my daily sermon/study and my daily prayer.