new season

Today is my last day working in an office (well at least for awhile). I will begin my new season as a part-time nanny and working at Williams-Sonoma. Once again the Lord provided, and of course I questioned that he would... so silly... he promises he will provide our every need. Last night in Community Group (bible study) we prayed this prayer together:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

The Lord's will WILL be done in your life today, praise Him for that and let that comfort you on this Halloween day!

Live, Laugh, "LOVE"

Here is a glimpse of the sweet Love's who have enlightened my eyes in Texas. God has used them to embrace my New life in Dallas, TX. Caroline, Noah, and Jack have brought so much Joy into my life during my first month in Dallas. God really provided what I needed - to Live, Laugh, and to "LOVE".

“To the Christian it should be great joy, by means of the harvest, to receive an assurance of God's faithfulness. The Lord has promised that seed-time and harvest, summer and winter, shall never cease; and when you see the loaded wain carrying in the crop you may say to yourself, "God is true to his promise. Despite the dreary winter and the damp spring, autumn has come with its golden grain." Depend upon it, that as the Lord keeps this promise he will keep all the rest. All his promises are yea and amen in Christ Jesus: if he keeps his covenant to the earth, much more will he keep his covenant with his own people, whom he hath loved with an everlasting love. Go, Christian, to the mercy seat with the promise on your lip and plead it. Be assured it is not a dead letter. Let not unbelief cause you to stammer when you mention the promise before the throne, but say it boldly—"Fulfill this word unto thy servant on which thou hast caused me to hope." Shame upon us that we so little believe our God. The world is full of proofs of his goodness. Every rising sun, every falling shower, every revolving season certifies his faithfulness. Wherefore do we doubt him? If we never doubt him till we have cause for it we shall never know distrust again. Encouraged by the return of harvest, let us resolve in the strength of the Spirit of God that we will not waver, but will believe in the divine word and rejoice in it.” – Charles Spurgeon

Why?

Why... are we surprised when the Lord answers our prayers and once again proves that HE is the FAITHFUL GOD he said He is?

I have been thinking about that question for several days now as Kathryn shares examples of how God has been faithful to her in Dallas, as I praise the Lord for His faithfulness to me during these first few months of marriage, and even as I mediate on the countless examples in the bible that reveals Gods faithfulness. But still when God continues to remain faithful to me, even during my doubt and my impatience, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and "surprised!" I even say to myself, "Wow God is Faithful, He does hear my prayers." As if He has not done so before...But I knew that before my prayer was answered, it is revealed in scripture: "The Lord has heard my cry for help; the Lord WILL answer my prayer." Psalm 6: 9.

So I sit here and chuckle to myself of all the times when I, once again, could not believe that God was Faithful. How silly of me. Have you all ever experienced this, or am I just crazy??? I guess I am surprised when God continues to remain faithful to me, because I am ME... a sinner, someone who constantly turns my back on God and is unfaithful! However, because of God's grace and mercy HE FORGIVES ME, still LOVES ME just the same, and WILL ALWAYS BE FAITHFUL!!! This just blows me away, I pray it will humble you and put you back where you belong, at the feet of our mericful Jesus!

I will end this post with some scriptures and prayers put together by Beth Moore:

"Merciful God, thank You for opening my eyes and turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that I may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in You. (Acts 26:18)

"O, God, how I thank You that a lack of faith will never nullify Your faithfulness. (Romans 3:3) IF I am faithless, YOU WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL, for You cannot disown Yourself. (2 Timothy 2: 13)

Sisters, be encouraged today by the faithful God that we serve. May he remind you today to trust in him during whatever season of life you are in... I promise he will answer your prayer and will remain faithful, and when he does just smile and do not be surprised because that is just who our God is!!!!

Much love...

Evidence of God's Faithfulness

"Blessed are the Pure at Heart; for they shall see God" - Matthew 5:8

Today got off to a rough start. I was just not satisfied with anything; everything that could frustrate me did. Needless to say my attitude was not very Christ like this morning. However, my Faithful Lord blessed me this afternoon/evening even in my sinful nature with the recognition of the "Pure at Heart".

As, I consider why God has brought me to Dallas, TX - I am gradually seeing His answers to my prayers. I longed for closeness with my extended Family and God is connecting Courtney and I in beautiful ways. I can not tell you how grateful I am for her open house and for her vulnerability with me. God is sanctifying us and we share our struggles and seek to grow in our walks with Christ. It amazes how we are in such different seasons and points in ours lives, but seamlessly at the same place in what we desire. Okay maybe right now here focus is a little bit more about husband and kids (but that's what I long to have as a focus). Yet, in the beautiful differences we are gaining an appreciation for God's very unique plan.

God has blessed me with so much "Rest" and "Peace", it's out of control. While, I was still in Louisville with my old position - I was stressed out - over worked, never rested, and way too busy. I was always going and I know several people who could attest to that, and I loved staying up late chatting with my wonderful roommate. I am truly enjoying driving from customer to customer and enjoying the beautiful sunshine (my job has no stress, or maybe I have a new perspective not being in an office anymore). And well my social calendar as decreased increasingly at the moment, but I am hoping that will build a little more.

But, what my heart was reminded of today was "Blessed are the Pure of Heart". As I spent time sweet the precious Love children today, it reminded me of the innocence of children and the carefree spirit. Yes, every child has their moment. Really why don't we as adults - take time to be Pure in Heart and Carefree. I will expand on this more later, I am off to Bed.

Meaning of Faithful

What does it Mean to be Faithful?

As I continue on my journey of Faith, God's Faithfulness is ever present. The Lord has made promises to us as his Children and He will follow those out to completion. I think about how God was Faithful in my salvation and how He is Faithful by never leaving me. Read the verses below and let the Lord reveal His Faithfulness.

"Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess, who is faithful to the one who appointed him, as Moses was also in God’s house. For he has come to deserve greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house deserves greater honor than the house itself! For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that would be spoken. But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. We are of his house, if in fact we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope we take pride in. ^{" ~ Hebrews 3: 1- 6}

Think about God in the context of the normal dictionary, I think He surpasses it.

faithful –

1.	strict or thorough in the performance of duty: faithful worker.

2.	true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.

3.	steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.

4.	reliable, trusted, or believed.

5.	adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; accurate: a faithful account; a faithful copy.

6.	Obsolete. full of faith; believing.

–noun

7.	the faithful, a. the believers, esp. members of a Christian church. b. the body of loyal members of any party or group.

---

—Related forms

faith·ful·ly, adverb

faith·ful·ness, noun

—Synonyms 1, 3. true, devoted, staunch. 3. Faithful, constant, loyal imply qualities of stability, dependability, and devotion. Faithful implies long-continued and steadfast fidelity to whatever one is bound to by a pledge, duty, or obligation: a faithful friend. Constant suggests firmness and steadfastness in attachment: a constant affection. Loyal implies unswerving allegiance to a person, organization, cause, or idea: loyal to one's associates, one's country. 5. precise, exact.

the Colors of Dallas...

The Texas Blue Bonnets - B E A U T I F U L

My Daily View of the Wonderful Dallas Skyline - It's No Louisville Waterfront!!!

The Mustangs of Las Colinas... my new Neighborhood. I will get to see Horses!!!



And the Best Picture of them all - "BIG TEX" as the locals call him. The Texas State Fair begins this weekend. It reminds me of the State Farm guy at the Kentucky State Fair.

Our God is Faithful

"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." Isaiah 25:1

Sorry for the delay in posting about the evidence of God's faithfulness in my life. The is a very pertinent topic for Alex and I to discuss. Think about this... what area's of your life reveal's God's faithfulness? Right now it's every corner I turn.

My prayer has been for God's provision here in Dallas. And that God would provide a church body and christian friends. As well as the next step beyond this season in my life. Our God is with us in each step (Deutoromy 31:6). Nothing can replace the awesome community I have back in Louisville, but God's also got a plan here in Dallas.

God has provided for me in Dallas:
* an apartment, with great sq. ft, awesome price, and beautiful surrounding
The Lord knows how much I love the outdoors and to walk around parks as well as architecture. Well he provided me with a place to Live in Las Colinas and the Faithful one that he is, led me to this apartment my first day in Dallas.
* an BSF (bible study fellowship) group on Monday's night
The group is lead by a sweet woman named Sandy and tomorrow night I will meet the girls in my group. But, I am excited because its a study through the life of Mose's. And I feel like God definetly has a lot he wants to teach me throught the life of Mose's.
* I met some friends
At BSF I met Marcy from Denver, Catherine from Cincy, and Andrea from Pennsylvania. It was so cool because each one of these girls knows what it's like to be the new girl and have already invited me to hang out with them. I went to church with them this morning at Grace Bible Church.

God is Faithful and this past week has reminded me of His Faithfulness. I see the Lord's faithful hand in this season of my life. And it is Good.

As I continue to settle into Dallas, I humbly walk by Faith and not by sight and allow God to lead my steps. It's easier for us to take matters in our own hands, but we must come to our knees and seek the will of God. I know that I would not of come to Dallas had the Lord not opened the door and I walked through it knowing in Faith, that God was leading me here for a season. And tonight I received the news that I was accepted into Graduate School and I know that my faithful God wanted to prepare me for that journey and to equip myself.

I am still enjoying getting to know my Cousin Courtney better and her husband Michael. It is evident that they desire to follow God's will in raising their three kids. It was music to my ears on Friday night as the 6 of us were piled in the Yukon on our way to the Parish High School Football Game. Yes, I am 23 in Dallas and going to a football game with the fam (very funny picture). The kids were singing praises to our king... beautiful to here sweet children of the faith worshipping God. Thank you God for your Faithfulness to transcend generations.


Watch this on youtube:
It's Hillsong singing Desert. Beautiful lyrics reflecting upon God's Faithfulness in the Seasons!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgpQiL7YQk

Our faithful Father

For the next couple of days Kathryn and I will be discussing God's faithfulness and how He provides for His children, come share your stories on how our Wonderful, Glorious Father has shown you His faithfulness...

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassion's, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all min, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Just Part of the Season...

As, Alex celebrates girlfriends... I celebrate family. Especially because I told my old roommate Ryan Vittitow when she asked how I was doing that I had no friends yet (and this was only Day 2). But, I know with confidence that God will provide a group of friends here in Dallas for me to love and celebrate with. I have realized that in every new season the Lord provides a group of people. Pray boldly for it and He will provide. This was evident when I was in high school (God provided the Jcrew girls & the 7), then college (God provided the girls of CRU & too many others to list), then post college (God provided a great bible study & sweet Cali), and in this season I know God will provide. So praise God.. for the blessings of people he has provided in your life.

I am blessed right now to know 11 people in Texas of the Smith Clan. And Friday I was showered with Love by the Love's - Michael, Courtney, Jack, Noah, and Caroline. I haven't seen the kids since Mammy's 80th Birthday last year, and they were so excited that I was now living in Texas. Sweet Caroline (pictured with me above), reminded me that she and I were Buddies after we bonded on the dance floor last fall. I know that in this season God is allowing me the opportunity to get closer to the Texas Smith's and to be loved on.

As I "Embrace this Season", there is a lot that comes with that. Even though I have been blessed with Texas Family, I am completely out of my comfort zone and I am confident that it is a very Good thing. I tried out a new church this morning called "The Village" in Lewisville, Tx, and the sermon on Luke 12 was very convicting and a reminder to God's provision to his children. It was also a good reminder of why I am in Dallas, not to gain wealth or treasure on earth, but to serve and get connected with the Community. There is nothing to worry about ... as I continue to apartment search, as I seek friends, as I adjust to the job - God is in complete control.

Check out Luke 12:22-34

22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Much Love - I'm off to Houston, Tx tomorrow (hopefully Ike the Hurricane stays clear).

Pray for Hatii - Ike hit them hard.

Oh girlfriends...

The Lord blesses his children in many ways. Today, at this moment, I am filled with blessings of girlfriends. My heart is so thankful for how the Lord has provided Godly women in my life to encourage, challenge, and love me unconditionally (even when I sin against them). So I stop today and praise God for all the women he has provided in my life. (I will take a moment to also so that my husband is the biggest blessing the Lord has given me, but I'll save that story for another post!)

I love to see how God uses each one of my friends differently in my life. Some will slap me silly when I am behaving with a sinful attitude and not put up with my behavior, which I am so thankful that they do. Others have such a sweet spirit that puts me at comfort or ease in times of uncertainty. And then their are those who know how to make me laugh so hard until my stomach hurts.

It is so important to take time and invest in the women in your life. They will be there until the end, and God has put them each in your life for a reason. When I think back to how Kathryn and I met, how we were so similar but so different. How she used to not like me when I was the new freshman girl in High school, haha. How are friendship has grown through deaths, college, boyfriends, a husband, weddings, and jobs! All my girlfriends and I have been through so much, we have not let distance, boys, college, or any other distraction come between us. They have been committed to help me grow in my faith and I am so so so thankful for that, we will call each other out when we sin and, to me, that is so beautiful!

So today I lift up my girls to our Father, I thank him for what he has provided me and I thank them for investing in me and loving on me all these years and the years to come.

Here is my prayer: "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:22-25

p.s. My sweet dear friend Chelsea is coming from Lexington to spend the weekend with her "big" sister and I know the Lord is going to bless our time. I am anticipating her arrival and how we are going to encourage and spur each other one this weekend, glory to GOD!

Love, Alex

Let the Journey Begin....

" Take the first step in Faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step" ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

My first blog. I am so excited about this new blog where Alex and I are going to share what God is doing in both of our lives - 751 miles apart (that's what my Garmin told me today). I am confident that God is going to use this to show the depth to friendship built upon the Lord even despite the long distance. What a blessing for the advancements in technology. But in all seriousness, my prayer is that God uses this to encourage and challenge you as you "Embrace the Season" in your personal lives.

Today is Day 3 of my Journey to Dallas, TX, which is the journey is just getting started. I know that God has so much to teach me Here. My journey began Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. as Jeff dropped me off at SDF Airport - two suitcases and one laptop later I was waiving goodbye to my Dad with no turning back. Scared... and Afraid well that's not in my blood. I am a Smith - ready for the adventure. And I had already gotten the Broomall or Eisenhower worrisome spirit out of me, through packing up the condo and cleaning out my cubicle. I was trusting God with all my heart even if I can only see the FIRST STEP... the Holy Spirit will guide me to STEP TWO.

On the flight I opened up my new book from my Mother, "Following God with All your Heart" by Elizabeth George. It's a study through the book of Joshua, and God couldn't of planned a better characteristic to teach me. My desire has always been to follow the Lord wherever He was leading me and He has been preparing me to leave Louisville. To leave my immediate Family, best Friends, Church Home, and City I love - to be the new person for once and to "Embrace a New Season".

Right now... I am in Dallas, TX. My mother called me a Nomad because I am staying with my Aunt Julie and Uncle Greg in McKinney, TX, all my belongings are in a 10x10 Storage Unit in KY, getting use to a new car (the trunk is already full of work materials), Texas drivers (who carry guns suposedly), a new job, looking for an apartment, praying for an excellent church home, and friends.

Most importantly I want to gain what God wants me to out of Dallas.
My prayer is below that I may be:

a successful woman (joshua 1:8), a courageous woman (joshua 1:9), an exceptional woman (romans 12:2), a humle woman (1 peter 5:5-6), a contented woman (psalm 84:11), & a confident woman (philippians 4:13)

And now, "my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord" ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

As I embrace this "NEW Season" I am going to Trust, Seek, Love, Praise, Follow, Serve, and Live His will with all my heart. Love from Texas!!! Please watch for updates to the blog.

Time management!

One thing that I have always struggled with is Time Management. With every new season comes new ways to mange your time. When I was in college I thought I had no free time. I thought marriage would solve that and that once I got married I would have TONS of free time...haha...how naive I was!

Now my time is filled with different tasks, new jobs, and new relationships. So right now I am trying to live by this verse:

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. " Ephesians 5:15-18

My prayer is that through my job, and my time at home, church, etc.. God will teach me how to be wise with my time and make the most of EVERY opportunity I am given. These opportunities could be to listen to a hurt friend, share the gospel with a co-worker, or simply delight in my Father as I drive home from work. My challenge for you today, friend, is to pray about how you spend your time, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you manage your time well and realize that life is short and the days are evil!!

Until the next post, Blessings to all!!!

picture!

Here is Kathryn and I at her "surprise" going away party! It is going to be so beautiful to see how the Lord continues to strengthen our friendship even though we will be miles apart -oh the power of CHRIST!!!!

First Post!

This is our first post, and it's very exciting! Kathryn has been in Texas for two days now and I miss her already!

Verse of the day: "For I say through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." RoMaNs 12: 3