With A Learning Spirit Or A Broken Heart?

February 4, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres1 Comment

Yesterday at Pure Barre, at 6AM, there was a young lady in the front of the class…drinking a Starbucks Frappuccino…Yes, in the middle of class…While the rest of us were lifting, tucking and burning…She was half-heartedly going through the movements, rolling her eyes, as if saying, “I have better things to do!”.

Again, this morning…again, at 6AM, there was a different young lady at the front of the class…While she wasn’t drinking a Starbucks coffee, she was half-heartedly going through the movements, looking at her watch, rolling her eyes…

Now, it isn’t any of my business how you participate in your workout class. I’m not paying for your enrollment. But, my goodness, as my husband will attest, Pure Barre ain’t cheap! Why wake up in the morning early enough to make a 6AM class, and pay a premium to participate, if you aren’t going to give it your all and get something out of it?

We should be considering the trials and struggles and hardships we face in our lives in the same way. If you’re currently (or have ever been) trying to conceive, you know it is absolutely the definition of a trial, a struggle, a hardship. It is a disciplined routine of waiting, worry, panic, sadness, hope, and despair. It is hard not to get mucked down with depression after months and months and months (or even years) of placing all your hope in finally becoming parents, and having that hope dashed, repeatedly.

Here is what the Bible has to say about the heartaches and troubles we face here on Earth:

JAMES 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds

So, we should be happy about struggle in our lives? Why?

JAMES 1:3-4 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Difficulties in our lives are times for learning, growth – a reawakening, if you will. As we face something challenging, we should look to see what God could be teaching us as we navigate through the rough waters. One of the greatest men the world has ever known, the apostle, Paul, says (regarding the perpetual ‘thorn in his side’):

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

What life lessons could we learn through the struggle of infertility? Here are some benefits and lessons Craig & I have gained as we have faced this storm in our life head on:

Spiritual Benefits/Lessons/Changes
We have used the past 17 months of marriage, without children, to truly build a solid foundation in our relationship firmly (gaining more and more everyday) rooted in the Lord.
Our prayer life has greatly deepened. We went from praying separately to (nervously) praying together to holding hands and baring our souls out loud as we have a conversation with God – together.
Our relationship with God has deepened. Neither Craig nor I has ever had to go without much. We both come from wonderful, supportive, Christian families, and grew up with equally great siblings. We had everything in the world to be thankful for – but were we, then? I mean, truly, deeply, thankful? Fully appreciative of all the many blessing we had been graced with? No. This difficult time in our life has increased our devotion to the Lord so many times over, I cannot even describe it. If it were appropriate to say the change has been ‘like magic’, I would certainly describe it that way…but it isn’t magic. It’s something so much more amazing. It’s grace.
Worldly Benefits/Lessons/Changes
Craig & I are truly a team. Dealing with infertility, together, in our marriage has created this strong partnership. We know we can go to each other with any.single.thing, and speak openly and honestly about it.
We have a savings account – just for the future Baby Lefebvre – whether by adoption or natural birth.
I was able to gain almost a year’s experience as a nanny to (very) young children. This was real world, invaluable, experience I would never have otherwise had. I am now intensely familiar with potty training a two-year old, changing a tiny baby’s diaper while holding his twin sister on your hip, preparing formula, and getting (twin) infants on a sleep/eat/play schedule-all while entertaining a two-year old. Invaluable experience.

And those are just some of the things we have learned or gained from this angry storm cloud called infertility. I am not, in any way, shape, form or fashion, saying this is fun, ‘not a big deal’, or easy; however, we should absolutely take our trials and grow, learn, and prosper from them.

Just as those two girls in Pure Barre this week were not taking advantage of the workout going on right under their noses, we cannot let the lessons and significant opportunities of our pain and difficulty pass us by. What a waste it would be to sit around and mope (although, the easiest way to pass the time…)… We should be using our time in the tunnel wisely.

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,

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!

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,

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!

Happy Friday Everyone! May your weekend be filled with joy & laughter!

XOXO,

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

It Only Takes A Spark…

January 16, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres5 Comments

“Pass It On (It Only Takes A Spark)” – that was a favorite song of mine growing up. My mother used to hum it while she played it on the piano for me, and then I learned it and would sing it for her while she played. All I pictured back then was a campfire, but today there is a lot more truth & meaning.

Matthew 7:12

12 “Always do for other people everything you want them to do for you. That is the meaning of Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets.

Today, on the way to work after my work-out, I was in my hurry mode. I cannot STAND to be late, not even a little bit, and to me, “late” is “on time” and “on time” is “early”. If you’re Type A, maybe you understand this concept! 😉 I was on the verge of “late”, but I had not had enough caffeine and so I pulled into the LOOOONG line at Starbucks for my Venti Chai Soy Latte Extra Hot (Thanks, Jenna!) No Water With Whip. I waited and waited…I was anxious because I could see the minutes ticking away on the dashboard clock…But when I approached the window to pay for my drink, the barista said, “The person in front of you paid for your order. Would you like to pay for the person behind you?”

Wow.

Of course, I said, “Yes!”, and paid for the order behind me – which was actually a dollar less expensive (See good things come to those who do the right thing!;-)), but that little incident changed my perspective for the entire day. It only takes a spark…

Maybe a “little thing” like that doesn’t strike you in your heart, but man, this morning, that simple act changed my whole demeanor for the day. What are we doing each day – things that seem insignificant to us – that make a huge difference in the life of another? And is that difference positive or negative? It only takes a spark…

My favorite radio station (proudly posted on the sidebar of our blog), Victory 91.5, has a segment each morning called, “Scripture & Spurgeon” – referring to the late, great Charles Spurgeon and a dose of correlating scripture. I was really affected by today’s and thought I would share it:

“Short prayers are long enough.”-C.H. Spurgeon

Matthew 6:7

7 And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard.

We’ve been discussing prayer a lot recently, it seems. We ask and ask and ask. We thank and thank and thank. But it’s such an awesome reminder – for US, especially – we ought to LISTEN more than anything else. Maybe if our ears and our heart and our minds are simply open to His Word, we will truly hear his answers.

1 Kings 19:11-13

11 And he said to him: Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord: and behold the Lord passeth, and a great and strong wind before the Lord over throwing the mountains, and breaking the rocks in pieces: the Lord is not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake: the Lord is not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire: the Lord is not in the fire, and after the fire a whistling of a gentle air. 13 And when Elias heard it, he covered his face with his mantle, and coming forth stood in the entering in of the cave, and behold a voice unto him, saying: What dost thou here, Elias?

It isn’t hard at all to notice an earthquake or a fire, and surely God can be there, as well, but we cannot hear a whisper unless we are listening intently.

Tomorrow, Craig & I are heading to Jefferson, Georgia to witness an amazing woman of God, Joan Hunter, lead a healing & miracle service.

Ms. Hunter is quite an author. After being told she would never even be able to read or write, she has now written more than ten books. She has such an inspiring story! We cannot wait to meet her in person and experience God through her ministry!

After a friend of mine loved and raved about this book by Joan Hunter, I just had to read it.

And I shared it with Craig, and with members of our family, and our friends…and now I’m sharing it with you, because remember, IT ONLY TAKES A SPARK…

Remember as you go through this day, this weekend, the next week…it does only take a spark. Is your spark filled with Jesus and His love, or is it filled with anger, selfishness and this world? We can change the world, as Jesus called each of us to do in His Great Commission – and it only takes one spark at a time!

Matthew 28:16-20

18 And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. 19 Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

All Our Love,

Food For Thought Friday

Free Blessings!

January 10, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres1 Comment

Happy Friday Y’all!!!

I haven’t been this excited for a Friday in awhile, but between the fact this week has seemed a few extra days long for some reason, and that my husband is going to be home today, I am ecstatic!!! Ladies, if you have the privilege of spending every evening with your husband, or if you are dating and have the pleausre of seeing your significant other on a daily basis, consider yourself blessed and say a quick prayer of thanks right now.

Someone recently said, “Oh, it must be nice to have a break from each other!”

No ma’am, that is not the case. Spending 3-4 days apart at a time every single week? Not fun.

But I digress… (per usual). 🙂

Today, we have a bit of a surprise for you! This is going to be an even happier Friday than you may have thought! Look what I found for free:

Click on the picture above to be taken to the site with the links to download these 16 FREE BOOKS FROM BETH MOORE, PLUS TWO FREE MUSIC TRACKS FROM CHRISTIAN ARTIST COTY SLOAN!

If you’ve never seen or read or done a devotional by Beth Moore, boy are you missing out! Check out the video below – sound on and watching with undivided attention! (I just sounded like an elementary school teacher, huh?!?) 🙂

Oh my goodness, that story has me covered in goosebumps and tears every single time I hear it! What an awesome God we serve!

If you’re unfamiliar with Coty Sloan’s music, check this out:

This offer apparently ends today so jump on it and be blessed with this freedom! {Nice play on words, if I do say so myself! 😉 }

In other news, we want to THANK YOU for taking the time to vote this week! You voted, and we answered! The Newlywed Lefebvres have a second home on the internet now – on Facebook! If you enjoy blogging with us Monday – Friday, stop by & “LIKE” our Facebook page at The Newlywed Lefebvres on Facebook!

We’ll be posting pictures, videos, links to some of our favorite things on the web – We hope you’ll comment and share what’s going on in your lives with us! So “Like” our page and share it with others! How many ‘followers’ we have isn’t of concern. How many people we touch with the love of Christ? Well, that’s paramount.

Let’s take the world by storm for Christ!

All Our Love & Happy Friday Excitement,

My Choice Monday

A Book, A Blog & A Bowl

January 6, 2014January 6, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres3 Comments

Welcome To My Choice Monday Folks!

If you’re reading this post from anywhere in the United States, you’re likely a little bit cold today! Here in Georgia, it is currently 20 degrees with a wind chill making it feel like -5 degrees outside! While my husband may be used to this weather, us Georgians just aren’t! So, read on today to find out about an (audio)book to warm your brain (& soul), a blog to warm your heart, and a bowl (of deliciousness) to warm your tummy!

1. The Bible From 30,000 Feet

I somewhat happened upon this “book” when I got my notification from Audible that my new credit was in, and I could choose a new book for the month’s enjoyment. I went on the site and came across this one…Naturally, I was interested in this one…I mean, my husband is a pilot and we are on the look-out every day for new and exciting ways to experience God’s Word.

What a blessing this has been. I listen on my way to and from work, while I’m getting ready some mornings…It is a “book” I just can’t put down. Skip Heitzig discusses the Bible in ways you can’t imagine and you’ve never heard before. Check out the videos here and here.

If you want to listen to or watch this series, you can here . There are also bible study worksheets available to you at this link… Really, you won’t be sorry! The Bible From 30,000 Feet has me interested in, contemplating and passionate about GENESIS. I cannot even fathom what lies ahead!

2. The Veil Of Chastity

Wow. This blog could have you enveloped in it’s insight all day long! I’ll be posting more on the topic of “The Veil” later this week, and have been blessed with the opportunity to guest post on this author’s site, so this is certainly not the last you’ll hear about the concept of “The Veil”… But on this cold day, take a moment to read a little bit about The Veil of Chastity.

Reading about the concept of “The Veil” is just another bump on the head of just how much God loves us and cares for us. This is a blatant indication of God as a Father figure, and it is so. very. beautiful. If you’re a single girl or guy, it will give you hope and peace. If you’re happily married, it will give you goosebumps.

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.”

Stay tuned for more on “The Veil”, and for the link to my upcoming guest post!

3. A Bowl Of Buffalo Chicken Dip

While this picture isn’t exactly ours, (thank you Starships & Laserbeams!!), the recipe that follows is so delicious you’ll probably not have the opportunity for a picture of it – because it doesn’t last long! Craig & I usually make this dish as a casserole, but yesterday we opted for the “dip version”, being that we had too much going on to cook with anything other than a crock pot! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 lbs chicken breast (or tenders)

1 large bottle Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (or buffalo sauce of your choosing)

2 blocks cream cheese

1 bag shredded colby jack cheese

Minced garlic

1 jar of ranch

Fully thaw chicken and place in the bottom of your crock pot, turned to High. Pour 3/4 bottle of buffalo sauce, & half jar of ranch dressing over chicken. Place one block of cream cheese & half the bag of shredded cheese over chicken. Add about 1 T (+/- to taste) minced garlic to crock pot. Place cover on the crock pot and let cook for about 6 hours on High.

After about 6 hours on High, the chicken should be easy to shred. Shred the chicken and add the remaining ingredients to the pot. Turn the crock pot to Low and let cook for about 1 more hour.

When this is complete, stir everything together and you will have either a delicious dip or you can also serve over rice for a yummy entree!

Now, between your new book, blog and bowl of buffalo chicken dip, you should be warm from head to soul!

Keep warm, and meet us back here tomorrow for TTC Tuesday!

Love,

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

A New Habit To Form!

January 2, 2014January 2, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Good Morning Folks!

Is everyone back to work and settled into their routines this morning? I know we are! Craig and I got up bright and early this morning at 4:15 AM. He headed to work, and I raced to make Pure Barre at 6 AM, then on to my office at 7 AM. After two weeks of short work weeks, road trips, vacation days, family, too much food, and too many presents, “real life” has returned and we are blessed with a new year. I don’t know about y’all, but I wasn’t ready. Not yet. A few more days, please! 🙂

As we all know, new years are ‘supposed’ to start with resolutions – commitments we make to live better and differently, changes for a more fruitful year ahead. I know one of mine is to finish reading straight through my Bible. (The Learning Bible is one of our favorite versions of the Bible to read with and study from.) I’ve just begun 1st Samuel, but I dilly-dallied and getting to that point took all last summer until now. Getting into daily Bible reading means developing my relationship with the Lord. Craig and I are in the midst of one ‘heavy’ devotional right now, plus two daily devotionals – and while, to some, that might sound like ‘more than enough’, it just isn’t.

As Christians, we are blessed with this amazing gift of being able to spend time with God, our Creator, our heavenly Father – to spend time with Him! Wrap your head around that one…

Shouldn’t we take as much advantage of that as possible? Is reading a chapter or two from our Bible each day really too much to ask – even if that is in addition to studying His word with our spouse or friend or family member daily? A dear friend of mine said something to me about 20 years ago (oh my goodness that was so scary to think it’s been THAT long), that has always stuck with me… She said, “Think of the Bible as a long love letter from the Lord, written especially to you.”

Wow.

I challenge you in this new year to develop a new habit, not try to kick one. Get in the habit of beginning with just one chapter of the Bible per day – just one, followed by a short prayer of thanks – and see what amazing changes God will make in your life, just with this one little addition to the daily routine.

Here are a few verses to get started (beginning with Craig & I’s favorite – God spoke these words to me on a bike ride almost a year ago, and they have been a banner over our household ever since):

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Peter 2:2

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

I’ll leave you with this verse and corresponding song, sung by Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith:

Psalm 119:105

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Enjoy your 2nd day of this glorious new year, and check back in with us tomorrow for Food For Thought Friday!

Much Love,

What's Up Wednesday

Merry Christmas from the Newlywed Lefebvres

December 25, 2013December 27, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

We wish you and your families a very merry, joyous, healthy and safe Christmas! God blessed us with a wonderful visit to Minnesota, along with a truly beautiful “white Christmas” of snow and below freezing temperatures!