A few things...

I've tried some new recipes:


Finished a few projects:





Watched fireworks on Dickson after eating homemade icecream with fun friends:





Went to Eureka Springs with my Grandma:






p.s. : We had a GREAT time. She is such a blessing in my life. I hope that I can be as genuine, sweet, and funny as she is when I reach 72.


and...Visited the doctor:
I think I have a solution to the problem with my feet/ankles! I saw a podiatrist a couple of weeks ago and he told me that I have fallen arches, which is most likely causing my pain. I was thrilled to hear that there is a cause for my pain. He will probably make me some orthotics (fancy shoe inserts) to help keep my arch from falling when I walk. YAY!

A few updates:
Josh is working and trying to ride his bike whenever he can. He is also swimming quite a bit. I'm sorry I don't have much more to say about him. He eats a lot of crushed red pepper these days.

We are hoping to take a mini getaway next weekend for our anniversary. I'll blog about that later.



I wanted to share something with you that I've learned from Beth Moore (I just love her):

She challenges women to face their fears. We all have fear and can let it control us- giving Satan, rather than God, the victory.

For example, I fear an intruder will come in my home and do horrible things to me. However, have I ever thought through this fear? If an intruder comes, then what? I will hide. Then what? I may be hurt or killed. Then what? Well, if I'm killed, then I get to see God face to face!!!! If I'm hurt, I'll go to the hospital and recover. Then what? I'll go back to life again and get a weapon to protect myself. Then what? I'll be ok.

The question is...will we still love God even if our worse fear becomes reality? Or will we serve Him only if He keeps our fears from becoming reality? This hit me pretty hard, for I am so guilty of letting fear control me.

If an intruder comes to my home, will I loose faith because God didn't protect me? If Josh dies, will I be miserable forever and blame God? The choice is mine. If my biggest fear becomes reality, then God. That's it. Then God. God will sustain us! He promises it in His Word: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9b and "For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though He cause grief, He will have compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love; for He does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men." Lamentations 3:31-33. (English Standard Version)

We don't have to let fear control us! As Esther said, "If I perish, then I perish." She faced the fear of death and moved past it, becoming a hall of famer in the Bible!

This is not my own wisdom, but I thought I would pass it on. It is from the Beth Moore study on Esther. I hope it is a blessing and causes you to face your fears.

Hope you're having a good summer!