Blessings Overflow

The ever so sweet Lindsi approached me and said she would love to guest post for me, which I was thrilled about. I am just in love with her blog, and she has the best personality, and a wonderful testimony as well. I am over the moon excited for her sweet little family, and hope you'll show her some love! 

Hi, y’all! I’m Lindsi from Keeping the Home Fires Burning, and I’m thrilled Molly is letting me share a bit of my story/testimony with you today.

I began blogging just a little over a year ago to share our story and document our journey through infertility with friends and family---little did I know the support and inspiration I’d draw from other women who were walking in my shoes.

Let’s start with the happy ending: We’re expecting our miracle baby in early December!! J If you’d like to read all the medical details of our journey, please jump over to my blog. Today I want to talk about the emotional and spiritual journey we walked through.

When we experienced our first pregnancy loss, I had no idea that I had any sort of “problems.” We chalked it up to “stuff happens,” which is the wisdom we took from the doctor’s office. After the next two pregnancy losses, I found myself in a place of self-pity and self-doubt, questioning my worth as a wife to my husband. From there my thoughts spiraled downward, questioning God. “Why does God allow these things to happen to good people?” “Why does God let all these other undeserving girls become pregnant?” “Surely infertility isn’t God’s plan for my life?!”

I’m not one to be a ‘Debbie Downer,’ so I didn’t like these ugly thoughts and feelings hiding out in my heart. It didn’t take me long to dive into God’s Word and seek His wisdom through prayer. I stopped asking God directly for a child, and I stopped asking Him to provide direct answers to my questions. I started asking for peace, because I knew in His time a plan would be revealed—and it would be PERFECT! God hadn’t ever let me down in my twenty-eight years of life. In fact, His plans for my life (up to that point) had always blown me out of the water.

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day."

-Habakkuk 2:3

God heard the cries of my heart! During our last few months of medical treatments, I experienced nothing but a deep, deep peace and comfort knowing my Savior had something amazing in store for our family. There was something beautiful that was done in my heart during that waiting period—no words can do it justice.

We found out we were pregnant very quickly after getting the “two thumbs up” sign from our infertility specialist. My heart has been spilling over with joy the last two months! I’m still in disbelief that God has granted us the deepest desires of our hearts. My spirit has been one of 

constant praise for a God of love and immense grace!

This is a song that spoke to my heart time and time again during our ‘waiting phase:’

During my time spent on earth, I've learned that most women are in some sort of waiting pattern--waiting to finish high school, waiting on prince charming, waiting to buy a house, waiting on children, waiting on that big promotion, waiting on grandchildren, waiting on retirement, etc. Us silly women are always waiting (or wishing) our lives away! We get real good at waiting and worrying, don't we?! Take heart, friends! Whatever waiting season you might find yourself in, I hope you cling to the promises of God and let Him do an incredible work in your heart.

Thanks for taking time to let me share my heart with you today! Stop by my blog, I’d love to meet you.

LINDSI HANCOCK

Blog Swap Goodies!

The time has come to reveal your goodies from the swap! I was a bad partner and didn't get mine mailed until Tuesday morning because my life has been chaotic, so I'm hoping my awesome partner gets her package today!! I was paired up with the lovely Ashely. I just adore her blog, and she has the cutest little girl, seriously! I've read Ashley's blog for quite some time, and was super glad to be paired up with her. She sent me some of the greatest stuff!

I have never seen the Febreeze air freshener that she sent me, but I'm officially in LOVE! And I absolutely adore that the salad tongs go with my kitchen, great taste Ashley! Thanks for everything you sent me, I have loved getting to know you!

So all did everyone get? Make sure to link up your goods, can't wait to see them all!!

Recipe and Randoms

So I tweeted a photo the other day of a 'to die for' dessert and a few of you wanted the recipe, so I thought I'd share it with everyone. You will thank me later!

 Brownie Pizza

1 pkg brownie mix (I use the low fat)

1 8 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

chopped peanuts (I used walnuts the past 2 times and they tasted great as well)

chocolate syrup

2 bananas

1} Bake brownie on round pizza pan as directed on box (I baked mine for about 24-25 mins), let cool

2} Combine cream cheese, brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla (I soften mine in the microwave for about 30 seconds)

3} Spread mixture over brownie

4} Top with bananas, peanuts and chocolate syrup

5} ENJOY!!! 

We leave for Disney on Saturday and the kids could not be more excited. Macie and I spent most of nap time yesterday looking at all the rides Addaline could go on. Fortunately there are only 2 or 3 she can't go on, which is a lot smaller number than I thought it would be. I'm SO looking forward to being in Florida and enjoying the sun and time together with family. I can't wait for a day at the beach, vacation food, swimming, and not having a care in the world. Awe the sweet summer time! I'm also thankful for my mom staying at our house to dog sit!


Macie being home for the summer is already becoming quite the interesting situation. She is bored with all of the daycare kids, and the fact that we won't really be going a lot of places this summer is getting to her. I will try to take the kids to do something hopefully once a week, but to an 8 year old, that isn't enough. I'm hoping that with vacation, then church camp for 4 days, and vacation bible school for a week, those things help break up the summer and she isn't so bored. I'm also hoping that my mom and Gerrad's dad (they're retired) can maybe take turns taking her to do something once a week or so throughout the summer as well. I hate to see her bored, and also don't want it to get to the point where her and I are at each others throats all the time either. What do y'all with older kids, do with them during the summer? Camp is out of the question because I'm home, and can't really justify spending $100+ a week on camp, but am open to any other suggestions!


Does anyone want to guest blog for me while I'm gone? I'm not sure, but am thinking of having 2 or 3 guest posters for while we're gone. I have some fabulous readers and would love to share a few of them with you!!

Joplin

As I blogged about the other day, this weekend we made the trek to Joplin to help out with the devastation from the tornado that swept through the town Sunday May 22nd. We arrived Saturday morning and reported to one of the Universities in town, and were taken by bus to the devastated area. It was the most eery feeling as we crossed from the area that was untouched, to the area that was just completely destroyed. You could tell it kind of came over everyone on the bus at one time. Everyone was talkative until we hit a certain point, then it was complete silence. I can't even begin to describe to you the things we saw. I was shocked, and all I could think was 'Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh' over and over. Thinking about what would we personally do if that ever happened to us. Thinking about what all the people must be feeling/going through. People that have no where to go, no clothes to wear, no food to eat, no jobs anymore, nothing. There were houses that were almost completely destroyed but a room or two, but yet there were still clothes hanging in the closet, WHAT?! We found multiple homes with no outside walls, their stuff scattered all over the yard, but yet there were still cook books lined up on a shelf in the kitchen. SO crazy! 

We helped sort through debris all day, the guys brought their chainsaws and just went to town cutting down debris, while all the gals carried it to the curb. We also sorted through peoples belongings who hadn't been back home since the tornado, and tried to keep their personal items together somewhere on their porch/driveway/near where the house was or would have been. There were quite a few homes that had things spray painted on them, a few of their words shook me to my core, 'God is with us' and 'God bless us all' etc... Even through this total devastation, it's so amazing to see people keeping their faith. If you and your family are OK, your 'stuff' is replaceable. I know some keepsake items aren't replaceable, but the lives of your family are the most important. I really felt those words touch me. Gerrad's mom and I had a few conversations when we passed homes that had things about God written on them, how amazing it was to see that. 


Our youth pastor at church took a few teens/leaders, and his son down to Joplin for a few days last week, and made the most amazing video. It's about 9 minutes long, but totally worth your time to watch it if you have a second!! I kept it together the whole day, I know God was giving me the strength, and honestly I was just so overwhelmed that I don't think it hit me until I saw this video at church the next day, then the flood gates opened. Please be in prayer for the people of Joplin, MO as they have a LONG road ahead of them. They are still in need of volunteers, and I would strongly encourage that if you live anywhere near Joplin, you make the trip and lend a hand. I know it touched me deeply, and made me feel great to help out. The residents were SOOO very thankful to all of the volunteers. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 5:16



Even if you're not able to help directly, could you say a prayer for those who lost family members, and everything they own?

Relief in the Storm

I've been trying to work up this post in my head for a few days. I knew it would be deep, and a lot of words, but couldn't find the exact words I wanted to say. Sometimes you're just touched deep down and feel the need to do something about it. As I watched the news and heard about the town of Joplin, MO being nearly all destroyed by a tornado that ripped through the town, I couldn't believe the devastation. I have never seen destruction like that. I know that Alabama has also just faced a similar situation, but not to this magnitude. Nearly 75% of Joplin was wiped out by this weather disaster, 75%. That's 3/4 of their population with no homes, no where to go, no more earthly possessions, nothing. I can't even imagine! From there, I decided that since we live so close, I HAD to do something. I couldn't sit idley by and know that I was more than capable to help. I had no excuse, no reason to say no... so I started. I started trying to round up friends and family, neighbors, co-workers, anyone and everyone, to give. There are lists all over the internet of things that these people need who lost everything. 

We can do no great things, only small things with great love.  ~Mother Teresa

I also knew that I wanted to make the trip down to Joplin this weekend. I don't care how long the drive, if they're turning people away, if they don't need me, I decided I was going, and nothing is going to stop me. So Saturday morning, a group of our family/friends is heading out early in the morning, and going to do whatever it is that we can for those that lost everything. And I couldn't be more excited/scared/nervous, and any other emotion one could feel. Gerrad feels really strongly that I will not be able to emotionally handle it, but I KNOW that God would not send me into this situation if he didn't think I could. I have every knowledge that I will cry multiple times throughout the day, that I will be seeing people with such sadness like I've never seen, but I will also be able to show people love, and kindness. I am prepared to see/hear/feel things that I never have before, but it's not about me! It's about helping those in need, and trying to make a difference. 

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.  ~Sydney Smith


We are meeting up with a few people from our church when we get down there as well, so there will be many of us there to support each other, and others as needed. We are loading up everything we can fit into our vehicles, and praying that God guides us the rest of the way. I have been in touch with a volunteer coordinator, who has assured us that our services will be put to good use, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I don't care if they have me packing boxes, sorting donated goods, taking care of kids so their parents can go help search and rescue, flipping burgers... I honestly don't care what it is I'm doing, but that I will be there! Sometimes we are so gripped with fear that we do nothing, and I'm so thankful that I quickly shut out the fear. 

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.  ~John Wooden

Good Life!!

I have been obsessing over this song lately, I can't get enough of it. Not a lot of 'mainstream' songs these days, have positive messages, so I think that's why I love this song so much! Sometimes I think we all get in a rut where we're focusing too much on the things that aren't going 'our' way in life. Spending too much time focusing on the negative, when there are SO many things that we should be taking the time to just be thankful for! I have always been a 'glass half full' type person, but I'm not perfect, and sometimes need to remind myself that my life is pretty darn great. I am blessed beyond measure with a wonderful family, the best friends, a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my mouth (sometimes too much, ha). My family is not perfect, my life is not perfect, things don't always go my way, but I know that God is in control, and knows exactly what my family needs at just the right time. Instead of focusing on what you don't have today, think about all the things you DO have, it just might be the change you need to be happy! 



I love the lines in the song that says "Someone please tell me what there is to complain about?" and "When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over" Listening to my little girl singing 'B-I-N-G-O' is enough to make my whole day! How about you?

Pour Some Summer on Me- Swap Partners!!

Pour Some Summer on Me

{BLOG SWAP}

Shirts required, water prohibited

Here is a list of all the partners, numbered and with name/blog name. We didn't link the blogs with the name, but you can visit this entry to click on your partners blog to get their contact information. 

1.Aly @ Analyze This 49.Michelle(michabella) @ Living a Life of Love

2.Valerie @ Beautiful Beginnings 78.Savanah @ What Makes Savanah Smile

3.Molly @ The Fuschia News 14.Ashley @ Pumpkin Butter

4.Kindra @ Keeping Up With Kindra 36.Lindsey @ Lovin My Life

5.Jenn @ Perfectly Imperfect 37.Jenn @ West Sac Honey

6.Sarah @ Life's Short...Poupard 32.Niki @ The Biker and The Baker

7.Angie @ Just Shy of a Y 8. Lacey @ Bugs and Kisses

9.Allison @ What Would Martha Stewart Do 59.Ashley @ Life after the Aisle

10.MJ @ Teaching in Heels 20.Chelsea @ Hello Miss Chelsea

11.Kodi @ BeVelle Boulevard 50.Jess @ First Comes Love

12.Joanna @ Dance and Dream 39.becky @ the good life

13.Jennifer @ Books, Recipes & Life, OH MY! 57.Claudia @ Claudia Confesses

15.Christina @ Skip to my Lou... 52.Bex @ How to Train Your Husband

16.Jamie @ The Yellow Brick Road 18.Becky @ The Branches

17.Whitney @ Pretty Whitty 62.Ashley @ EveryDay Blessings

19.Tiffany @ Starting Over 68.A Geek's Wife And Her Dog

21.Rachel @ Romancing Rachel 67.Lori @ My Life

22.Jennifer @ Growing With the Greens 69.Kelly@Life in the South

23.Mateya @ The Best Is Yet to Come 29.Krystal @ Krystal's Kitsch

24.Lyndse@I was born a red dirt girl 61.Steph @ Nursing In Red Stilettos

25.Marcy @ Marcys Mazin Moments 56.Katie @ Confessions of a Suburban Housewife

26.Ashley @ The Thames Trio 28.Melanie @ Miss Melanie

27.Amber @ The Daily Dose 63.Nikki @ Me 2 We Est. 2011

30.Tiffany @ Figuring Out The Plot 77.Allyson @ Alphabet Soup

31.Emily @ The Juice is Worth the Squeeze 41.Katie @ The Lacy Family

34.Steph @ A Professor's Wife 35.Lindsi @ Keeping the Home Fire Burning

38.Janna @ Happiness Journey 33.Holly @ Running in Stilettos

40.Jacqueline @ Jax and Marbles 83.Rachel @ Champagne and Mud

42.Jessica @ A Bunch of My Nonsense 70.Audra Kate@ A Southern Girl in Heels and Pearls

43.Janette @ The Johanson Journey 81.Kylee @ Uppercase Diva

44.The Holmes Home 73.Emily @ Just to Keep In Touch

45.Rachel @Shepherd's Daughter 82.Samantha @ Life is Better Blonde

46.Kelly Marie @ Not Quite Legally Blonde 65.Leah @ Happily Herring

47.Lindsay @ Undomestic Chica 76.Rachel @ Observations of a Token Yankee

48.Lauren @ I learned it there first 54.Jen @ Just Jennifer

51.Tricia @ Flip Flops and Guinness 74.Kristen @ A Kapple a Day

53.Katie @ Katie's Journey 85.Caroline @ Simply Smithwick

55.Arika @ Pink, Pearls, and Polka Dots 79.Jennifer @ Mr. and Mrs. Boots

58.melanee @ the warren wire 66.Katie @ Katie Lately

60.Sara @ Words to Run By 84.Elisabeth @ The Adventures of Miss Elisabeth

64.Jennifer@Life With the Haas 80.Wendy @ Ready For Take Off

71.Ashley @ Ashley Borysewich Blog 75.Marie @ PoutyPinkPrincess

72.Katie @ Life With the Dietrich's 86.Molly @ A Day in MollyWood

{Reminders}

Please purchase your Summer themed items with a spending amount of $25 (not including shipping). Some ideas include, but are not limited to: flip flops, beach towel, sun tan lotion, magazines, favorite drink recipe, cocktail glasses, sunglasses, nail polish, etc! (If you are sending nail polish or sun tan lotion, PLEASE make sure you wrap it up and put it in a ziploc bag of some kind in case it breaks/leaks)

All items MUST be mailed between Tuesday, May 24th - Saturday, May 28th. We will post a link-up party on Thursday, June 2nd for everyone to reveal their goodies they received! Can't wait to see what y'all get/give!

Grab the button and display on your sidebar, and spread the word about this awesome summer swap!!!