Hope

January 31, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres4 Comments

Happy Friday From ~~The Arctic Circle~~ Georgia!

Things are finally beginning to warm up to a normal 50 degree winter around here and the snow and ice are starting to melt! What a nice little respite we have enjoyed the past few days – bring on the weekend!

Today’s post is short, but powerful. A friend of ours from the blogging world reminded me of verse today:

I know Craig & I can rally around this verse, and I know of a few others dear to us who can benefit today, as well.

Hope. We give it to our government, to our friends, to our family, to our G-Mail Inboxes… Let’s find HOPE today in the Holy Spirit.

Have a great weekend everyone!

XOXO,

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

Psalm 50:15

January 30, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres3 Comments

Being home these past two days has been both wonderfully restful and thought-provoking. Craig & I have certainly enjoyed our ice-in, but we have also been pelted with stories of those who weren’t as lucky in their treks home on Tuesday as we were. People all over the city are still stranded, and while this is horrible, this unique situation in the South has brought some real Christian hearts out of the woodwork. Click on the picture below for a beautiful story about Chick-Fil-A helping the stranded:

In today’s commerce-driven (and often greed-driven) society, stories like this are so rare, but here is another one from Tuesday evening, as well! Click the image for the full story of this good Samaritan!

Stories like these are beautiful, and truly show a heart for Christ. They give so much hope, all the while making me feel disappointed that Craig & I didn’t get back out there and help these past couple days. It gives us a challenge to help out as much as we can the rest of 2014 – and beyond.

Being at home, we were able to watch the 700 Club this morning – it’s one of my favorites, and has the ability to really get your head in the right place for the day. Today this verse was shared, and I think it hits home big time right now.

Psalm 50:15

¹⁵Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.

What a beautiful verse in times of trouble and always.

xoxo,

What's Up Wednesday

Icepocalypse

January 29, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

You may have noticed yesterday’s post was a little bit late being published…and it may have seemed a little bit…unfinished? Well, the reason why is because in the midst of writing it during my lunch hour at work, we were told to leave and head home…the forecasted 1-2″ of snow was falling hard outside, and with the temperatures where they were, everything was turning to ice. So, at 12:30, I left the office and slid my way over the ice covered parking lot to my car…This is what I found:

For the end of January in Georgia, this is NOT a typical scenario…and with the temperature at 21 degrees, and the pavement already turning to ice…I was beginning to realize my journey home to Craig (whose flight for the day had already been cancelled – thank you JESUS!) and the furs was going to be a bit of an adventure. Little did I know…

This “vlog” was taken about 5 miles, maybe less, away from my office – 4 hours later.

The video was taken while I was stopped for HOURS on a narrow road, and very steep, windy hill that was covered in a sheet of pure ice. When I was finally down that hill, hours later, I made it onto the interstate – several hours even later than that – after being stuck on the middle of a bridge. Luckily, by the grace of God, once again, two men got out of their own trucks to push my car across the bridge. Here’s an article and video for a little more clarification on the situation I was caught up in last night. Click here, and then watch the video below. (Note: You will need to view this post in an internet browser to playback the videos – below and above.)

It was like something you would see on a horror movie about the apocalypse. Trucks were literally stuck on the interstate in rows of 3, blocking the entire roadway. Cars were inching along in the emergency lanes, weaving in and out of the stranded vehicles, sliding all over the place on the ice. On one empty stretch of the interstate it was like a true ice skating rink, and once more, my guardian angel was sent to guide me safely to a safe place, off the roadway, where my sweet husband (and our four wheel drive truck) rescued me from my ten hour nightmare!!!! Yes, that’s right. I did not make it to even within 15 miles of our house until 10:30PM last night!!!!! Praise Jesus, Craig was home!

Today, the snow is beautiful, and we have been able to be outside and enjoying it:

Lucy says, “Thank you so much, Aunt Jenna, for our Frisbees!!!”

Aaah! Now that we are all safely home and warm, Craig and I are going to settle in with a bowl of popcorn and a funny movie. All of you stay warm out there, and thank the Lord you are SAFE and WARM and somewhere you have the luxury of reading this blog post!

Until tomorrow & Thirsty For Christ Thursday,

All Our Love,

TTC Tuesday

Thank You, Jesus!

January 29, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres4 Comments

Today’s post isn’t going to be too long, but I feel led to post this today. Sometimes, in the land of infertility, (and in life, in general) we complain, and sigh, and grumble constantly. But where is our faith?

Romans 5

5 We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through our faith, Christ has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy. And we are very happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory.3 And we are also happy with the troubles we have. Why are we happy with troubles? Because we know that these troubles make us more patient.4 And this patience is proof that we are strong. And this proof gives us hope. 5 And this hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit he gave us.

Craig & I, and some of those closest to us, have been the recipients of Jesus’ healing power through faith, patience, perseverance, & prayer. We have to get out of the mindset that the world is out to get us. God wants nothing but the very best for His children. So allow Him to bless you, to heal you.

Isaiah 1:19

19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

Isaiah 58:11

11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places

and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Ask Him for healing, for help, for blessings, and then have faith, and THANK HIM for all you have and everything He will grant you.

Whether your cross to bear is infertility, disease, depression:

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Why spend the precious time God gave each of us on this Earth being sad and dejected? Have hope and faith and a thankful heart.

Today we are thanking the Lord for His healing and His promises. Thank you, Jesus, for all the many blessings and answered prayers.

Isaiah 40:31

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

When the doubt and the worry and the anxiousness start to overtake you, thank Him and continue thanking Him because our list of blessings never runs out – no matter how little we think we have.

Keep The Faith!

My Choice Monday

Music Monday!

January 27, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres1 Comment

Good Morning!

I know a lot of you may be a little cold this morning! The weather report on my drive into the city this morning seemed pretty dismal for both the South and the North. Bundle up and stay warm!

You may need some music to keep you company next to that fireplace, so today, our My Choice Monday is a little collection of songs to motivate you through your workout, keep you company in the car, or to sing along to as you warm your toes next to the fireplace. (*DISCLAIMER* If you are reading this post within an e-mail, please click the link to view the post within your internet browser; otherwise, you will be unable to view the music videos below! This is a good rule of thumb to follow for most of our posts!)

Adele – “Skyfall”

This is probably my very favorite song at the moment. This one rounds out the stretch/yoga portion of my Pure Barre workout most days, and it is soothing and energizing at the same time.

Ellie Goulding – “Anything Could Happen”

Another Pure Barre favorite.

Martin Solvieg ft. Dragonette – “Hello”

Great song for a workout. Awesome tune for a road trip!! (Anyone??)

Mercy Me – “You Are I Am”

This is an amazing song. The video below includes the lyrics, and I think it’s safe to say all of us have “been there”. I especially relate to this, “I’ve been the one to try and say, ‘I’ll overcome by my own strength.'” It’s a great anthem and reminder that with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

Tenth Avenue North – “Worn”

If this one won’t bring you to tears, I don’t know what will. These past 17 months of infertility heartache really ring out true for Craig & I in this song. We are “worn” and we are “ready to see redemption win”.

Hopefully, all of these songs brighten and enhance your Monday! We can’t wait to see you back here tomorrow for TTC Tuesday!

XOXO,

Food For Thought Friday

Keep Calm! It’s (Finally) Friday!

January 24, 2014January 24, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres4 Comments

Good Morning Friday Folks!

Today I have the pleasure of sharing some wonderful things with you! While very different, I have a slight suspicion your day might be enhanced by both the post I am about to share with you and the website (and/or Apple App) that follows:

1. Something must be in the water. I have a very sweet cousin who is a fellow Christian blogger (and fashion junkie!). While the following post is from November, it is no less relevant for today or any day, and is a great reminder for each of us about what true beauty really is and how to become truly beautiful. It brought me back to this verse from 1st Samuel when the Lord is showing the prophet Samuel who will be the next king of Israel:

1 Samuel 16:7

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t be impressed by his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

What a beautiful (no pun intended!) thought, and a wonderful way to bless others with your inner self! Take a moment to read the post from Flawless Faith below:

How to be Good Looking

I think it’s safe to safe both my cousin, Emily, (and her sweet pup, Roxy!) are beautiful both inside and out!

2. If you haven’t heard about Calm yet, click the link immediately! This website has soothing images set to corresponding music or nature sounds, and you can use a “Guided Calm” or a timer setting to personally tailor your ‘calming’ experience! I love this site for a crazy day at work, or when I get home and need a moment of quiet! And what’s even better? For you Apple folks, there is an iPad/iPhone App, as well – just don’t use it while driving!!!

And for all of you out there who just aren’t ready to calm down yet (it is Friday after all!), here’s a super fun song you may (or may not remember – that is, if you hid under a rock for all of 2011…):

Happy Friday, Y’all! Enjoy your weekend – especially those of you heading to the B Reunion in Minnesota today! We wish we could join you!!

Much Love,

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

With The Faith Of A Mustard Seed

January 23, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres4 Comments

Good Morning & Welcome to Thirsty For Christ Thursday – Craig’s Favorite Day of The Blog Week!

Do you know how awesome that is? I was listening to “The Bible From 30,000 Feet” in the car on my way home this week – as I usually do, and Skip Heitzig mentioned to all the young women in his audience they should seek a God fearing man for a husband – first and foremost. I certainly prayed for one…and God blessed me so.well. God is GOOD, and by good, I mean unbelievably wonderful.

We have been telling you about the healing power of God we experienced at the service we went to almost a week ago, led by Joan Hunter, but I promised I would explain our encounter further today. Let me begin by sharing this quote from Kenneth Copeland:

The impossible. That’s what we experienced last Friday evening. Faith in Christ, & Jesus’ power – that was all it took for healing to occur. We all know the verse:

Luke 17:6

6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

Do we believe that with all our heart and soul? Take a moment to meditate on that verse, and ask God for the faith of a mustard seed.

Craig & I entered A Call To Salvation church last Friday evening, and had no clue what to expect. Neither of us had ever been to this church, or to a healing service of any kind – Catholic, Protestant, or Non-Denominational. All we knew was that God led us to Joan Hunter’s book, and then to come to see her in the small town of Jefferson, Georgia. We just needed to be there.

The service began with some great worship music, and we were really able to set our hearts and minds in the right place. This is the song that touched both of us the most that night:

Oh, it gives me goosebumps to even talk about that evening. God was there. You could tangibly feel Him. After the worship music, we settled down to listen to Ms. Hunter speak a little bit about her ministry and some of the wonderful things God has used her for and done through her.

In her book, “Freedom Beyond Comprehension”, she writes, “Today, I am doing exactly what God has called me to do and ministering wherever He guides me to go. Every day is an exciting adventure. I love to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. Wherever I go, the power of God goes with me as evidence that I am walking out His plan for me.”

And lay hands on the sick she did. Many were healed Friday night right in front of our eyes, in Jesus’ name. One woman was having issues with her rotator cuff and when she stretched out her arms, one was about 4 inches longer than the other. We watched as the shorter arm grew to meet the longer arm in amazement. But why were we so amazed? We serve the God who created the Heavens and the Earth, why would He not be able to heal His human creations?

The faith of the individuals present that night was, for the most part, astounding. An elderly woman hobbled to the front of the church, hunched over and stumbling. She had suffered five fractured disks in the past year. Jesus healed her. Right then and there. We watched as her spine straightened, and she bent forward to touch her toes. She thanked Jesus each time she bent and each time she thanked Him, the lower she was able to bend, until she was able to touch the floor!

I sat in tears, my heart overflowing with faith and love. What a wonderful God we serve.

When I went up to the front of the church at the end of the service, Ms. Hunter’s daughter, Melody, told me praying for babies is her favorite thing. It made me smile, and as she laid her hands on me and asked Christ to heal me from PCOS, to grant me a new right ovary (again, we did not specify to her which ovary was affected), and a new pancreas, this amazing, tingly warmth crept over my stomach. Jesus is healing me.

Thank you, Jesus.

Matthew 8:17

17 This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

(Note Isaiah’s role in that verse…Haven’t I told you the book of Isaiah has been popping up in all of our scripture study?! 🙂 )

Luke 7:1-10

Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant

7 After Jesus[a] had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. 3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. 4 When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, 5 for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” 6 And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; 7 therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

The second half of verse 6 (above) is one of my favorite parts of the Mass, and it is the epitome of the power of faith and Christ to heal us.

“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

For further healing scripture, you can click here.

We will end today’s post with one final scripture. I’m going to be using this one as my ‘mantra’ if you will, and maybe you would be blessed by doing so, as well.

James 4:8

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Keep Him close to you, and He will heal you.

All Our Love,

What's Up Wednesday

The Furs!

January 22, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Good Morning Friends!

Brrrr! It’s COLD here in Atlanta – 17 degrees! For we Southern folk, that is an arctic chill! 🙂

We’ve been pretty busy with errands, and plain not exciting this week, but that gives us an opportunity to brag on our little girls – The Furs, as we call them:

Miss Daisy – our resident kitty and 1st pet. She was mine before I met Craig, but once we found him, she became HIS baby! Miss Daisy just loves her father! She was very very used to being our “only child”…

and was a little perplexed (and MAD!) when we brought home this little ball of fur…

Lucy: Our golden retriever/yellow lab mix…My precious little girl who is not little at all anymore!! She was allllllll puppy when we got her, and very very curious about her new kitty cat sister, Miss Daisy…But Miss Daisy was not the least bit interested in being her friend… And then this little miss climbed (literally!) into our car at the gas station one morning…

Caroline: “The Longest Dog In The World”, as we refer to her. This little dachschund has the tiniest body and the biggest heart of any animal I have ever met. She is curious, cuddly, and just precious! However, she is TOO curious for the comfort of Miss Daisy for sure!

They do not get along…But as you can tell from below, Lucy & Miss Daisy are no longer enemies or skiddish around each other at all:

How precious are they!?!?!?!

Oh, how I just love our sweet girls! 🙂 If we’re this bad now, can you imagine how lovesick we’ll be over our own children??? 🙂

We can’t wait!

Until Tomorrow!

All Our Love,

My Choice Monday · TTC Tuesday

Devil, I’m Ignoring You!

January 21, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres7 Comments

Good Morning Everyone!

First, let me apologize we didn’t blog yesterday – I know ALL of you were just devastated not to have our “choices” for the week! Ha ha! Craig and I left the house earrrrly in the morning and were not home until laaaaate last night, so there wasn’t a chance for a good blog. But, have no fear – we did make two choices yesterday for you, so this will be a double post! 🙂

Yesterday, I took the day off work for Craig and I to make our first appointment at ACRM. We were so blessed with a knowledgeable, understanding, thorough care team, who highlighted a few issues with our current treatment program to begin with, and took steps to solve some problems from the get-go! What a breath of fresh air!!!

When we spoke with our new doctor about wanting to pursue options other than IUI and IVF, and about a new option, embryo adoption, we are exploring, she was ready with alternative ideas for us! And what began as a refreshing experience, turned into something absolutely praiseworthy!

You may remember we attended a Joan Hunter healing service in North Georgia on Friday evening. Ms. Hunter is a Christian woman with a healing ministry, traveling around the whole world, asking for people to have faith and understand WHO God is – how loving and powerful! (We are going to speak a little more about this on Thursday!) Craig and I prayed prior to going into the service that God would truly use Joan to bless us, and to show us why He had led us to this conference – which was completely out of our Catholic comfort zone. 🙂

At the end of the service, we asked that Ms. Hunter’s daughter, Melody, pray with us. She asked, in Jesus’ name, to heal me of PCOS, to give me a new ovary (she knew it was my right ovary, and we did not tell her this information…), and a new pancreas to handle my body’s insulin correctly. She asked God to please bless us with a child. As she placed her hands on me, and prayed for healing, I felt a warmth through my abdomen. I felt a peace. Craig and I truly felt the power of God that night. We both left feeling thankful and blessed beyond measure.

Yesterday, at our doctor’s appointment, they performed both an ultrasound and blood-work to check my estrogen levels – which are typically very elevated. There was no strand of cysts (as there usually is) on my right ovary – or my left, for that matter – and my bloodwork came back “perfectly normal” – and not normal PCOS, normal for normal women. Compare this to the previous ultrasounds and blood-work levels of this past 16 months, and the difference is marked. It truly does appear I have a new ovary and a new pancreas, regulating my insulin and thereby, my hormones.

This news was such a blessing yesterday, an affirmation of faith. I am not saying we will finally be blessed with a child tomorrow, or even this year, but God is healing me, and He will bless us with children in His time. We have faith.

To wrap up TTC Tuesday, I would like to share with you this post from “waiting for baby bird”: Devil, I’m Ignoring You!. It’s powerful, and beautiful, and if you are struggling with God’s timing and maintaining faith, it is a message straight from the Lord to you.

And now, let’s back up to My Choice Monday! 🙂

First, something fun – beer ice cream! While this is for “adults-only”, it is so delicious, and a perfectly sized dessert! Click here to see where you can find this yummy treat in your area!

And finally, while I have heard so many raves about White Barn Candle Company’s Marshmallow Fireside, when it came down to decision time, Craig & I fell in love with this scent over the other:

We don’t have a true fireplace – something that makes me a little sad during these ‘harsh Georgia winters’… 🙂 This candle provides a pleasant, homey, evening by the fireplace with a great book scent. Click on the candle for a GREAT price on this candle at Amazon!

Well, folks, that’s all for today! Enjoy your Tuesday, and we look forward to chatting tomorrow for What’s Up Wednesday!

XOXO,

Food For Thought Friday

What Lies Ahead

January 17, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres4 Comments

We made it! It’s Friday & we have a busy weekend planned! Tonight we will be attending the Joan Hunter service at A Call To Salvation in North Georgia; Tomorrow, we head to LaGrange for haircuts & highlights & maybe a little bit of late Christmas-ing; Sunday, I cantor at Mass, and may be heading to Pure Barre in the afternoon; Monday, we round out our weekend as we visit the Atlanta Center For Reproductive Medicine and meet with our endocrinologist, nutritionists, counselors, etc etc etc. Very productive few days!

Today, I thought I would share with you a beautiful story written by Zig Ziglar‘s daughter, Julie Ziglar Norman, for Guideposts Magazine. It is a touching story that should leave you with the following “food for thought”:

It’s never too late for God to change you, and work through you.
God is truly the Almighty and anything is possible through Him.
Heaven is real.

Read the story here.

Another piece of “food for thought” this Friday also comes from Guideposts, in the 2014 Devotional. It’s all about being present and looking forward.

Philippians 3:13

13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead

In this first month of this new year, one thing we all can take away from Paul’s writing in Philippians is to move forward. Don’t dwell in the past – whether you are looking back with longing for those “good ol’ days”, or with regret and disdain toward memories filled with shame and darkness.

Revelation 21:5

5 And he that sat on the throne, said: Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me: Write, for these words are most faithful and true.

2 Corinthians 5:17

17 If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away, behold all things are made new.

We are new in Christ. He forgives our sins, and He isn’t interested in all those bright & shiny worldly objects from your earthly past. A Christian past isn’t enough either. We were not created to play for God’s team once or at one time. We are called as Christians to live for Him every single day.

John 10:10

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they may have life, and may have it more abundantly.

Christ came for us to live our lives to the FULLEST EXTENT POSSIBLE. He created us for joy, not for sulking. Oh such a lesson that will change lives! If only we were all to look forward and live out our Christian walks with abundance and with joy.

And now to end this post with some joy 🙂 , watch the video below of a little girl meeting her father’s twin brother for the first time! It is just precious!