I don’t know about your particular neck of the woods, but here in Georgia, it’s dark and stormy outside – DEFINITELY THE KIND OF MONDAY THAT MAKES GOING TO WORK MORE DIFFICULT THAN USUAL!
So let’s cheer things up around here a little bit! First, we have a winner!
Congratulations, Peggy O’Flaherty (an appropriate name for St. Patrick’s Day!!) of Creating Space In Your Life on winning our giveaway for a One-Year Free Subscription to iParent.tv! Please contact us to claim your prize!!
iParent.tv
And now for the recommendations! This week, we have two:
Son Of God (2014) You must go see this movie, and if you’ve already seen it, invite others. We saw this film last night and were both physically moved by it – tears pouring down in the theatre and all. It is POWERFUL, folks.
“On Purpose” by Alan Mushegan, Jr. We have been doing a bit of weekly moonlighting with a non-denominational church in our area the past couple weeks. Two of our very best friends attend the services weekly at Full Turn Church, and two weeks ago, I begin accompanying on Wednesday evenings for praise and worship. Craig came with me last week, and it was an amazing experience. It’s where I discovered this song:
(I thought it might be beneficial for y’all to see/hear a version with lyrics…I hope it gets stuck in your head! Just sing along and praise the Lord!)
Anyways…. The pastor at Full Turn Church wrote the book above, and gave Craig and I free copies when we visited… I have just delved in…but I urge you… READ THIS BOOK. It is so full of God’s Word and hope….Here is a quote:
With the right perspective, every error or mistake will give us a deeper sense of purpose – an opportunity to learn and grow. Why? Because in God’s eyes we are never failures.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve made some big mistakes along the way and reading this gives me peace. He backs this logic up with Romans 8:28:
And we know all that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
Whatever has happened in your past; whatever you’ve done; wherever you came from; no matter the trial you’re going through right this second… God is ALMIGHTY and He can use ANYTHING and ANY SITUATION for His purpose. How awesome!?!?
So there ya have it, people. Read this book and Watch that movie. It’s an order.
We hope to see you back here soon – Especially next Monday…We have an amazing deal for y’all!!! Keep in touch and stay tuned!
Maybe you noticed we didn’t post yesterday… Well, if you knew we were flying stand-by this past weekend, you might have guessed why we were missing…
Today’s post is a special supplement: a list of essentials to bring to the airport, just in case you’re flying stand-by:
First, and foremost, you will need to bring the biggest bag of PATIENCE you can find!!! You may not make it on the first flight you sign-up for…You may not even make it on the second…You might have to devise an alternative plan altogether! The key is to stay calm and think of the whole thing as the adventure it is.
A car charger for your phone… Oh, but you’re not planning to drive anywhere? Ha, ha, my friend. You just never know when a five-hour drive might show up on the horizon, and there you are…in an unfamiliar vehicle with an almost-dead phone and no method of charging it.
An account on Priceline– You just never know when you’ll need to book a last minute hotel room at your last minute destination as you’re running down the jetway…Priceline specializes in last minute bookings, and if you do your research, you can get a great hotel for the price of a scary hotel by using their bidding tool!
Your very best friend. What kind of adventure is fun when you don’t have someone to share all of the frustration, laughs, and sites with?!?! Besides, so many crazy things happen, no one else will believe it, but your travelling buddy!
Visit us tomorrow for a full recap of our crazy weekend!! If you’ve never seen the 1980’s classic “Planes, Trains, & Automobiles“… maybe you should watch it first for reference! 🙂
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway! This is the last week! You only have until Friday to enter to win the FREE ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO iPARENT.tv! Today, all you have to do is enter your (confidential) information in the form below:
Weekends just aren’t ever long enough, are they? My 4AM alarm to get up and head to my nemesis, the elliptical machine, came WAY too early this morning. I could have sworn I had JUST closed my eyes…In any event, Monday is upon us! And that means…it’s MY CHOICE!
We are so grateful to begin this week with ANOTHER giveaway! That’s right, folks!
iParent.TV Subscription Giveaway!
iParent.tv has graciously donated a one-year subscription (valued at $49) to giveaway to one lucky reader! While Craig & I aren’t parents (yet), we recognize that some of you are, and we couldn’t wait to share this awesome deal and opportunity with you!
All you have to do to enter to win is watch the video below & comment in our “Comments Section”, posting about what you think the best part of the iParent.tv platform is!
Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Subscription to iparent.tv. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
Good luck, parents!! 🙂
Don’t forget! Lent begins this week! What will you be giving up? What will you be adding to your daily faith walk? Take this opportunity to do some spiritual spring cleaning, and grow closer to the Lord. You won’t regret it one single bit!
Join us again tomorrow for a hope-filled TTC Tuesday!
As I mentioned on Friday, we had the pleasure of guest posting Saturday over at Footprints On My Heart, and we would love for you to visit and see this post for yourself! It includes pictures from our trip a year ago (Oh my goodness! It’s been that long?!?!) to Rome, and we think you’ll enjoy it.
In other news, WE HAVE A WINNER!!! The winner of our giveaway is Pamela James! Pamela, please e-mail me with your mailing information, and we’ll send your prize right over! Our runner-up was Beany Lefebvre, and don’t you worry – We have a gift for you, as well! 😉
And our product choice for this week…
Click For Purchase Info!
…this glass water bottle by Ello! I personally have this very same water bottle and absolutely love it – It’s BPA-free, and dishwasher safe, plus at 22oz, I know I am drinking as much water as possible throughout the day! This little guy goes EVERYWHERE with me – Pure Barre, work, the gym, to the store, on a road trip… The silicone seal means the water stays fresh and the glass keeps it relatively cold. I keep on my nightstand for my 1-2/night ‘wake up in the middle of the night for water’, and have loved that my water is never warm and always tastes delicious! I’m not sure why but cold water tastes so much better in glass than in plastic…but maybe those are just my taste buds. 😉 Try this one for yourself! You won’t be sorry you made this purchase!
Prayer is our other ‘choice’ for the week! We have a LARGE prayer request list, and just ask that you pray for our intentions, as well as let us know how we can pray for you! Fill in the contact form below – It is 100% confidential, and just sends us an e-mail with your prayer requests so we can pray for you! All we ask in return is that you pray for our list too!
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.”
Isaiah 40:31
“…but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”
We have some very exciting news to share! This week we will be doing our first ever giveaway! Here’s how you can win:
Click The Book To Enter & Win!
Click the image of the prize for a chance to win this Rafflecopter Giveaway! There are only a few simple steps to enter your name in the hat! You have from now until Friday night….
Craig & I had so much fun at Winter Jam 2014! What an awesome experience!
Today, the following movie, set to premier on March 21st, is our “pick” for My Choice Monday: {Note: You will need to view this post in a browser in order to view the trailer.}
Newsboys played at Winter Jam this year, and since they are a part of the movie, the trailer was shown at the event! We are SO excited to see this film and really feel like it will be a part of a great movement!
Stay tuned for pictures and video of Winter Jam in Atlanta on What’s Up Wednesday! In the meantime, stay warm! It looks like this city may be on it’s way to Winter Wonderland again…
In light of the recent inclement weather, and ensuing traffic gridlock nightmare that was Atlanta last week, today’s post is a collection of things you might want to think about stowing away in a little bag in your vehicle…just in case. While you may not live in an area in which you feel like the Icepocalypse might ever be a threat, even in this age of cell phones and ON-STAR, you can still be stranded on the road.
As we learned in Atlanta last week, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
This kit includes almost everything one could possibly need in an emergency situation – whether inside your car, or elsewhere. The price is a SMALL investment for the assurance of safety!
It may seem like overkill, but if you can’t leave your vehicle running to keep the heater on, you’ll be GLAD you have a blanket. The previous kit includes a solar blanket, but this will ensure you’re warm and comfortable.
3. Bottled WaterI was personally “trapped” in my vehicle for more than 9 hours. Trust me. Water is a great thing to have on hand. In some situations, this past week included, you don’t know when you’ll be able to find shelter and food/water. Staying hydrated is key to safety, and in some cases, survival – if it comes to that.
4. 64 oz Containers
Hey y’all. Nature calls – and it doesn’t stop knocking. I know, personally, one of my ongoing, numerous prayers on Tuesday was, “Lord, please take away my ‘potty urge’!!!”. Seriously.
Not to mention, having containers like this one on hand, would be a help in a variety of situations:
If you don’t already, you seriously must have this game downloaded on one of your devices. Not only is it addictive and a lot of challenging fun, I believe it is part of what kept me sane for some of those long hours in the car. (Let me reiterate I did not play any games or operate my phone, etc. whilst moving in traffic – only while stopped, with the car in PARK.) It was a great mental break, and helped to keep your mind focused on something other than the disaster at hand.
This is a good thing to have in your car, regardless of the situation, but I promise you, I felt so much safer knowing my phone had no chance of running out of battery during my trek home. It was super comforting to be able to talk to Craig with no concerns of having to be ‘stranded’ with no means of communication.
Whew! We are glad to be safe and sound, and now, unfortunately, back to the office (or cockpit), as well. It was a nice break while it lasted; however, temperatures last night were comparable to a spring evening. We grilled out on our deck for dinner in short sleeves! Quite a change! 🙂
The next time we have an ’emergency’ situation while traveling in our vehicles, we will be prepared (and now so will YOU!)!
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!
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!
Oh we are struggling this Monday! Poor Craig is home sick – my flu/cold finally zapped him – and I have never been this exhausted in my entire life. Yesterday, I took a little nap after church while Craig washed the car, and then we took a nap together when he got done. We went out to dinner with my parents and brother (at a delicious restaurant, Opulent), and got home right around 9 PM – when we both promptly fell asleep on the sofa.
Monday mornings are my sleep “late” mornings, when I get to stay in bed until (gasp!) 5:00 AM, and I barely dragged myself out of bed. Craig felt so bad he had actually taken NyQuil – and if you know him, that means he is sick – so he was like a zombie when I left the house at 5:45. It was everything I could do to keep my eyes open on the way to the office, and by the time I pulled into the parking lot at work, I took a nap in the car before I came inside the office. Neither of us are ‘nappers’… so we must not feel well. Yick.
The Lefebvre house is not a happening place this week, apparently.
{Yawn.}
My sister-in-law sent me this picture this morning, and I must say, it is quite fitting:
For today’s My Choice Monday, we are featuring 4 blogs we love – all are different, but wonderful reads for various reasons. We know you’ll have to bookmark them, too!
1. Veil Of ChastityAs we shared last week, this is an invaluable blog and resource for all of you single girls (and guys!) out there! And of course, today, I had the pleasure of guest blogging at The Veil of Chastity, so you simply MUST visit! 🙂
Cindy, the author of The Veil, is an amazing Catholic woman who you will all, no doubt, find inspiring! Here is an excerpt from the blog’s “About” page:
“The United States alone has 27 million single Catholics. This site is dedicated to those singles and those around the world who are looking for wisdom and hope. This is a place to share and learn about the virtue of chastity, the truth behind the virtue and why it leads to our happiness and peace.
Do you want to be married? Do you want to follow God’s plan for your life? This site promotes the beautiful and wise teaching of the virtue of Chastity, which is the key to remaining in God’s plan.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) #1658 says:
“…We must also remember the great number of single persons who, because of the particular circumstances in which they have to live – often not of their choosing – are especially close to Jesus’ heart and therefore deserve the special affection and active solicitude (concern/care) of the Church, especially of pastors…”
I agree with the CCC! But, I want to do more than offer special affection and solicitude. I want to offer the ‘why’behind the teaching of the virtue of Chastity!
The teaching is universal and does not depend upon your age. It is a life-long virtue whose benefits are tremendous.”
You won’t want to miss today’s post – or any others by Cindy and The Veil of Chastity. Check out her blog and my guest post here. (If today’s post isn’t up yet, remember to check back later!!)
2. waiting for baby bird.
If you or anyone you love is dealing with infertility, specifically PCOS, this blog will bless you with inspiration and encouragement. Elisha has a heart for God and serves as a shining example to all of us. Here’s a quote from her “About Me” section:
“My husband and I have been married for 7 amazing years and we yearn for our own children; however due to PCOS, we are “challenged” in the fertility department The doctors have given me a 3% chance of conceiving on my own but I know that God is bigger than PCOS or any doctor’s report, and through Jesus, I have a 100% chance of having my own biological children.”
Elisha & her blog are reminders that Jesus heals and is more powerful than anything.
5 But because of our sins he was wounded,
beaten because of the evil we did.
We are healed by the punishment he suffered,
made whole by the blows he received.
Wow. A dose of that kind of faith and healing is worth more than any cup of coffee could be to get you through the day – and through your pain!
I happened upon this fabulous blog when doing a little bit of research about a chef Craig and I saw on PBS the other day – John Besh, only to find out he is a fellow Catholic and was featured on Catholic Foodie…
As its tagline reads, “…Where Food & Faith Meet”, and what a great, food-filled and faith-filled blog this is! Not only will you find amazing recipes like this one:
Just Click The Image For The Whole Post & Recipe
But also beautiful articles like this one:
Click The Image To Go Directly To This Article About The Table & The Altar!
Evangeline has not only provided the world with an uplifting blog for those of us hoping against all hope in the face of infertility, but for everyone! Her Focus Friday posts are a blessing and a reminder to us all that God is bigger, and stronger, and faithful. Today, she wrote this:
“Focus on the following scripture throughout the day. It’s God’s Word and it’s what He desires us to believe. Believe it is true for you because God’s Word is Truth. Use it as an affirmation. Speak this Word to yourself throughout the day. Personalize it by putting your name in it!
“So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:10″
Hope Filled Focus is a blog you’ll want to turn to for encouragement, and you can find her hopeful inspiration in the two books she has authored, and in her speaking engagements – as shown below.
I know Evangeline has offered confidence & light to Craig & me, and I believe she will offer the same to you.
We hope each and every one of these recommendations blesses you or someone you know! If you enjoy one of these blogs (or OURS?!?!), share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to “LIKE” our page on Facebook! Things are a little bit different with a “page” versus a “profile”, so while we can’t accept your friend request at this time, like our page and send us a comment while we figure things out! We can’t wait to hear from you!
Y’all enjoy this beautiful day, and Craig & I are going to go back to getting some rest – Looks like I may be reserving the Meditation Room today at the office for a 30-minute nap during lunch! 🙂 Zzzzzzz…..
Happy Monday!!
You must go see this movie, and if you’ve already seen it, invite others. We saw this film last night and were both physically moved by it – tears pouring down in the theatre and all. It is POWERFUL, folks. 
We have been doing a bit of weekly moonlighting with a non-denominational church in our area the past couple weeks. Two of our very best friends attend the services weekly at Full Turn Church, and two weeks ago, I begin accompanying on Wednesday evenings for praise and worship. Craig came with me last week, and it was an amazing experience. It’s where I discovered this song: 
The doctors have given me a 3% chance of conceiving on my own but I know that God is bigger than PCOS or any doctor’s report, and through Jesus, I have a 100% chance of having my own biological children.”
Elisha & her blog are reminders that Jesus heals and is more powerful than anything.
The (Not-So) Newlywed Lefebvres 
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