The Way Life SHOULD Be.

June 7, 2016 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

If only we all kept that verse written on our hearts…Take heart, JESUS has overcome!! We have no reason to fear, if we only follow His Word and His Leading.

If only we had more carefully heeded this Scripture last May…

Check out the video below to find out how God redirected everything and is bringing us full circle: {click or tap on the image below and the video will play}

2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.”

I cannot express to you how immeasurably that verse fits into our impending move and new journey for His Kingdom! The Lord has made this next step an increasingly joyful one for us! Gone are the fears about money and creature comforts and being tasked with a hugely important endeavor – for we have the freedom of knowing we are in the will of God. We know without a shadow of a doubt He has provided and will continue to! We walk in His freedom as His children, joint heirs with Christ!!

What a weight off our backs to allow Him to guide us and carry our heavy loads of worry! What a joy to serve our Sovereign Lord and King! What a privilege to be entrusted with such vital ministry!

Please continue praying for us and please pray especially for this grassroots youth ministry!

I promise to do a better job of keeping you all posted on God’s work in our lives and through us. As soon as this move is complete…and our house is painted…and unpacked…I think I’ll have a little more time on my hands… #wishfulthinking Well, at the very least, I won’t have a 29 mile = 2 hour commute. Each. Way. #bethankful

We love you all and hope you’ll all pay us a visit!!

What's Up Wednesday

What If…

December 9, 2015December 9, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Are you a worrier? Do you lie awake at night processing every.single.thing. that could possibly go awry? When you pray, do you omit certain requests because you worry that God might actually say ‘Yes’, or perhaps, that if His Will really is done in your life, things might get uncomfortable?

I’ve been there. I’ve prayed, “God, please let Your Will be done in my life…but…please, let it include this and not that…”

But today, as I was reading Beth Moore on my train ride to work (another story in and of itself), something so simple (and yet so profound) dawned on me:

He always takes care of the details.

You see, my issue is not in saying YES to following Him. My issue is in saying YES and then freaking out over how everything is going to work out. I know that it will work out…it’s just the process in getting from Point A to Point B.

Here’s an excerpt from Beth Moore’s book ‘Jesus’:

“Could a teenager have fathomed that she was to give birth to the Son who was the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being? (Heb. 1:3) Perhaps Mary’s age was on her side. When my two daughters were teenagers, and when they would tell me something, I always had more questions than they had answers. I’d say, ‘Did you ask this question?’ to which they’d invariably say, ‘No ma’am. Never even occurred to me.’ I want to know every detail. They were too young to realize any were missing!

Mary only asked the one question. When all was said and done, her solitary reply was: ‘I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) The Greek word for servant is doule, which is the feminine equivalent to doulos, a male bondservant. In essence, Mary was saying, ‘Lord, I am Your handmaid. Whatever You want, I want.’ Total submission. No other questions.”

Luke 1:45 tells us, in reference to Mary, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” When we are totally sold out to the Lord, we believe wholeheartedly – no details needed. We say YES, resoundingly, because we know Him and we know He takes care of all the details.

Have you ever heard the saying, “If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it”?

It’s true. When you are following His Will, He will supply your every need – not your every want, but your every single need.

One of the most heartwarming portions of Scripture follows below:

“And [Jesus] said to His disciples, Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious and troubled [with cares] about your life, as to what you will [have to] eat; or about your body, as to what you will [have to] wear. For life is more than food, and the body [more] than clothes. Observe and consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn; and [yet] God feeds them. Of how much more worth are you than the birds! And which of you by being overly anxious and troubled with cares can add a cubit to his stature or a moment [unit] of time to his age [the length of his life]? If then you are not able to do such a little thing as that, why are you anxious and troubled with cares about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow. They neither [wearily] toil nor spin nor weave; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory (his splendor and magnificence) was not arrayed like one of these. [I Kings 10:4-7.] But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you [people] of little faith?

And you, do not seek [by meditating and reasoning to inquire into] what you are to eat and what you are to drink; nor be of anxious (troubled) mind [unsettled, excited, worried, and in suspense]; For all the pagan world is [greedily] seeking these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Only aim at and strive for and seek His kingdom, and all these things shall be supplied to you also.” (Luke 12:22-31 AMP)

I get chills just thinking about it. He has a grand plan for your life and not only that, He supplies everything you need to follow His Will. If He calls you to youth ministry, you don’t have to worry about a job search – He will lead you right to the church doors. If He calls you to be a wife, He will supply the very best husband for the job. If He calls you to share the gospel, He will lead you to an ear that needs to hear. And as long as you are following Him (‘Only aim at and strive for and seek His kingdom, and all these things shall be supplied to you also.’ – vs. 31), everything thing you need in between will be supplied.

You see, we don’t serve a God who sits high upon His throne and waves an angry scepter at His servants. We serve the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Who desires a personal relationship with each and every one of His children – a relationship so personal that He not only KNOWS your needs, but provides for them, too.

So there’s no need to lose sleep at night. Your Father in Heaven has you in the palm of His Hand.

My Choice Monday

The Most Awesome Anxiety Attack

November 16, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Have you ever had an anxiety attack?

I know it can be a different experience from person to person, but for me, anxiety feels like my heart is about to beat out of my chest. My thoughts become so singularly-focused, I can hardly concentrate on anything else, and I feel jittery – like I’ve had 2 energy drinks and 3 cups of coffee.

But it doesn’t take a frightening situation or a nerve-wracking possibility to create this sensation for me.

This is how I feel when God has charged me with a mission – something to complete and take hold of. I don’t feel like I can possibly sit still or accomplish anything until I address what God has placed in front of me.

And why do I feel this relates to an anxiety attack?

Well, I can’t think of another human experience that is as overwhelming…When God tasks me with a plan…or even just a hint of what He has in store, I can’t contain myself! From reading God’s Word and my relationship with Him, I know a sliver of just how BIG and MIGHTY and ALL POWERFUL He is! With Him, the possibilities are simply endless, and how overwhelming that is for us as mere humans.

But this anxiety is an exciting one of possibility, adventure, thrill. Serving Jesus Christ and His Kingdom is an awesome challenge and responsibility, but nevertheless, I have never felt more comforted than when I knew He was solely in control and our steps were completely dependent on His Word.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of [the nations in the Promised Land]; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparable great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

We are all called by God to do His work. He may call you to travel many miles on His behalf, or simply to stay right where you are, but you are called.

And this should excite you beyond measure.

If you are ‘stuck’ in your church service week after week, hearing the same story about walking in the power of Christ, and never doing anything about it, then you aren’t living your life to the fullest potential. And that is the saddest result of a Christian life I can think of.

When you reach Heaven, at the end of the days God has numbered for you on this earth, and He asks you how you spent your time, are you satisfied to tell him:

“ Oh, Lord, I went to church when I could…”

“I know you wanted me to feed the poor, but I was just too tired when I got home from work…”

“Precious Jesus, I was in church every Sunday! I sang songs about Your glory each week, at the top of my lungs! I listened to every sermon about Your incredible power!!”

But Jesus responds that that is not enough. We are saved by faith, of course, but faith without works is dead. If you are truly a follower of Jesus, you long to follow Him – anywhere and everywhere He leads.

Matthew 28:19

^“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…”

Acts 22:15

“For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard.”

Ephesians 6:20

“…for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

1 Timothy 4:12

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

Is it scary? YES.

Is it completely against everything this world teaches? YES.

But it is at once the most incredible decision to follow Him at all costs. When you decide to stop being an armchair Christian, Jesus will use you in incredible and amazing ways.

Are you ready for your ‘anxiety attack’?

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

Let’s Be Honest…

November 13, 2014November 13, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres1 Comment

Let’s be honest here.

Living a Christ-centered life isn’t easy.

I promise you that if I had my way things would look a lot different in my life. I probably would have said “FORGET THIS!” whole thing about waiting on God and His timing for a child a long while ago, and taken matters into my own hands. I probably would have chosen the big, fancy house we were looking at in Georgia, instead of the teensy, third-floor apartment 1,200+ miles away from either of our families. I probably would have chosen to continue working in a WELL-PAYING job so we could buy our groceries at Whole Foods and our clothes from Nordstrom, instead of at Wal-Mart and GoodWill.

But…God tells us to live otherwise. He calls us to live in Faith.

Get out your Bible this instant and read with me Hebrews 11. {God, specifically, just said to me-just now, “Look at verse 11:11.” If your know our Jonah story, you know that 11:11 is significant for Craig and I. If you don’t know our story, watch and listen here. Read verse 11:11 – Oh my goodness, right??? Goosebumps. Make that Godbumps. }

Thank you, Jesus.

But back to Hebrews 11. This entire chapter is subtitled “Faith In Action”, and that is how we, as Christians, are called to live our lives. “Faith In Action” should be your subtitle!

Hebrews 11

Faith In Action

11 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

This is just the first verse, but already we can see how to live the life to which Christ calls us: by faith. You see, it is faith that tells me God is in control and that Craig and I will be parents. That God doesn’t need our help for that to happen. It is faith that reminds me, as I sometimes sit and think wistfully of our family and friends so far away, that we were called here for a purpose. It is faith that assures me that even though we aren’t able to live a lifestyle rich in things of this world, we DO have a life RICH in Jesus.

Let’s be honest. This Christian life isn’t easy. Sometimes it isn’t pleasant. Sometimes it doesn’t go the way we want. But remembering our life is not our own, helps to put things in perspective. Remind yourself each day – Not my own will, Father, but YOURS, be done.

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

A Porch With A View

August 28, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres3 Comments

If you’ve ever asked God to lead you and to work in your life miraculously, you know the warmth that overwhelms your entire being when you recognize His will, follow Him and watch Him work. It is absolutely incomparable to anything else you’ve ever experienced.

Almost a year ago to the day, Craig and I knew we were ready to move on from our house in Dallas. Where were we to go? We had no idea. But we knew it was time for something different. At the time, we figured just another house in Georgia would do, and so we set about looking at the worldly ‘figures’ of how we would make that transition. With the market the way it was, we knew our house needed something to make it stand out from the crowd and with our new addition, Lucy, we decided that something was a fence.

So, we started building. And while it was a great addition for Lucy, and not much later, Caroline, when we finally got around to putting our home on the market, the fence wasn’t enough. We needed something more.

We prayed. We asked for God’s Will to be done. We gave up OUR desires and OUR dreams and OUR “ME ME ME!” attitude, and we asked God to soften our hearts to hear His voice in the matter. It wasn’t long before we ended up at FullTurn Church, where we began to insurmountably grow in our faith, and it wasn’t long thereafter that Craig came to me with the ‘suggestion’ from God that we simply “PACK”.

As you know from previous blogs, we ignored that suggestion – until we absolutely couldn’t let His voice fall on deaf ears any longer, and we packed.

Never in our wildest dreams did we consider God would move us to Maine. But He did.

As I sit on our patio this afternoon, with a cool breeze blowing in my hair, I look out at the steeple and the cross I can see in front of me, and I feel the warmth of His Presence.

As I sat in my office at St. Bartholomew’s in Cape Elizabeth yesterday, I pondered how will I get everything ready for my youth group in time?!?! And God whispered, “Don’t worry. Follow me. I will show you. I will lead you. I will guide you. Don’t forget, I lead you here for my purpose.”

It is a wonderfully freeing understanding to realize that following Jesus doesn’t mean you are ‘dropped off in an unknown place’ and left to your own devices. It means that as long as you are in His Will, He’s holding your hand.

Isaiah 41:10

¹⁰Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Sometimes I don’t think we realize just WHO God is. The King of the Universe is your guide – not your horrible boss, or your overbearing ruler. He is both your Creator and your constant companion. Take heart.

Love You All.

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

Why You’re NOT Winning Souls For His Kingdom

July 31, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Whoa. That title is harsh, huh?

Yep, it took me a minute or two to convince myself to actually title this post that way.

But let me tell you something. We don’t need sugar-coating.

When we meet our Lord at the end of our lives, He isn’t going to pat us gently on our shoulder when we take a moment to explain why we didn’t show others His love, or truly follow Him in the ways He placed before our feet. As Christians, we need to realize that His Way isn’t always the way that is EASIEST or the way that makes others the happiest.

1 John 2:3-4 ESV

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him

Romans 11:19-22 ESV

Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Our God is a demanding God. He is relentless until we give ourselves completely over to Him. If anyone ever alludes to you that following Christ is easy, that person doesn’t truly know what being a Christian is all about.

If He asked you to move more than 1,000 miles away from your family, and go from making over $100,000/year to making half of that, would you do it? Or would you find an excuse to stay?

What if it meant many you thought were your friends and close to you suddenly turned their backs on you?

Would you still go? Or would you say, “Well, maybe I should stay – I don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

Galatians 1:10 ESV

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

The way to lead others to Christ is to be right where God wants you, right when He wants you there.

The way to lead others to Christ is to let His light emanate from you, so that just in being you are bringing His Spirit with you wherever you go.

If you are not following God, above all else (and anyone else – and their thinking), how can you accomplish anything for His Kingdom?

We can talk the talk and walk the walk – as long as it is an easy road, all we want, but if something happens that isn’t in our plans, and we don’t face that decision, or challenge, or change with a Christlike heart, all our preaching and Bible-quoting is in vain. For if we are truly Christ-followers, our lives will be a testimony to Him and the way He walked upon this Earth.

John 5:44 ESV

How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

TTC Tuesday

What Is Your Whale?

July 8, 2014July 8, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

Thank you, Jesus, indeed, as always!!

And this time, thanks to all of YOU! Your letters, e-mails, texts and phone calls have been so sweet!! It’s comforting to know that our being M.I.A. from the blogosphere this past week didn’t go unnoticed! 🙂

We are happy to report that nothing is awry, we are just busy and were a little under the weather from the end of last week through the weekend. And when I say busy, I mean BUSY! Busy as in I have been at my desk since 7:45AM and have only gotten up once, to fill my coffee cup. Busy as in as I was making my page-long to-do list, three more e-mails arrived to add to that list.

And it isn’t just work, we are involved in so much, and very thankfully & happily so. There just aren’t enough hours in the DAY, let alone WEEK to accomplish everything needing to be done! And while we are blessed with my ‘job’ and the income it provides for our family, that’s really all it is. A job. Not a career. It’s a means to an end until we meet Jonah Elizabeth face-to-face. Or at least, it was…

Things are beginning to change at the Lefebvre household, folks, and we will have a teeny-tiny snippet of just what that means tomorrow! But for today…

…let’s focus on our infertility journey and remembering to thank Him for His ever fertile faithfulness.

Two Sundays ago, Pastor Alan spoke about Jonah. Now, we at The Newlywed Lefebvres certainly know the story of Jonah and the whale – right? Or do we…actually?

Read Jonah 1 – 4.

The story of Jonah shows a prophet of God running from His Will. Now, certainly, this is something none of us have ever done. Right? 🙂 Nope. Not relatable in the least… Ha.

Jonah ran from what God asked him to do, and then he got caught up in a very horrible storm. Again…not familiar at all, right? 🙂

He was thrown overboard by the sailors on the boat with him, sure he was about to die.

But God sent a big fish – a marlin, a tuna, a WHALE…

…not to EAT Jonah…not to harm Jonah…not to hurt Jonah…

God sent the whale to Jonah to SAVE him and to redirect him on God’s chosen course for his life!

Wow, huh? That’s a different way of looking at things… and it made me and Craig take a step back and think.

Our infertility has been our whale.

God used this season in our lives to bring us back to Him, and to work for His Kingdom. To truly discover Him and who we are in Him, as His children. He is using our story to bring others to Him. It is truly a miracle…and how apropos that our little miracle will be named Jonah. 🙂

What is something that might be (or might have been) the whale God placed or saved you with in your life?

Thinking of our trials in a whole new light may bring God’s Will for your life into the light, as well. 🙂

Until Tomorrow,

My Choice Monday · TTC Tuesday

Matthew 6:26

May 27, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

You’re in for a double dose of the Newlywed Lefebvres today! Being off for the holiday weekend meant finally getting to sleep in a little bit late, and completely spacing on writing our normal Monday post. To be completely honest, this weekend was such a blessing my mind was elsewhere. 🙂

So, better late than never, we have two posts for you today: Monday & today’s regularly scheduled programming!

Typically, neither Craig nor I are much of the movie-goer type. I think the whole time we were dating we went to the movies once – maybe twice. There just hasn’t been anything worth going to the theater for — until recently. Especially as Craig & I grow closer in our relationship to Christ, more and more of the aspects of “Hollywood” in the world hurt our hearts, and we steer clear of those items. Whereas once upon a time we were able to go to the movies and see anything that ‘sounded good’ to us, now we are more discerning about what we take in.

So far in 2014 we have been truly blessed with the amount of Christian movies airing on the silver screen:

Even the questionable Noah…

Last night, we had the privilege of enjoying this one:

We didn’t even realize this movie had a Christian influence until Casting Crowns posted about it on Facebook:

While Craig and I, obviously, aren’t parents – yet (Hurry up, Jonah Elizabeth!!! 🙂 ), this was a refreshing film for any Christian. It was funny without being vulgar. The language was colorful without being crude. The costuming was beautiful and vibrant without being immodest. This storyline was compelling without being full of sex or violence.

Trace Adkins even spoke about Jesus’ amazing love for us, in spite of who or what we are.

If you’re looking for a night out, this is a movie for the whole family to see! Be sure to support films like these!!

And now, for our regularly scheduled programming:

Folks. If you still don’t believe in the power of prayer, let me tell you know that you better open up your heart and your ears.

I have been praying for something to happen for about six months now – maybe a little bit longer. I won’t divulge what that is to protect the person for whom I have been praying, but know this: I knew I couldn’t change the situation. I knew God was the ONLY ONE who could do anything in this situation. I prayed for His Hand to work. For His Will to be done – not mine.

And the impossible happened.

In all seriousness, it would be like my telling you I wanted to wake up and find our neighbors on our doorstep, check in hand, letting us know they felt sorry for us and knew we were ready to move, so they were going to buy our house – with cash. And then that happening.

What I prayed for is something I felt God wanted to occur, but I knew it was just outrageous to even begin to consider. I didn’t know how to get from Point A to Point B, and so I asked Him to take over. I told Him that if it was really His Will, He would have to handle things because it would be a miracle if it happened.

And people, it HAPPENED. It may have taken a little time and a little patience. But it happened. My prayers were answered and His Will is being done.

To God Be The Glory.

If there is anything you are struggling with, ask for His help and have faith.

All our love to you friends. We pray for all God’s blessings upon you.

TTC Tuesday

Call me cRaZy!!!

April 1, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

You should all, by now, know that I just love the blog “Waiting For Baby Bird”. Its author, Elisha, has been such an inspiration to me and Craig through our struggles with infertility.

The post I have included below is one I came across the other day, and it’s all about walking by FAITH.

Click Me To Be Directed To The Blog Post!

Allow the Lord to speak to you through Elisha’s words.

2 Corinthians 5:7

For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight.

TTC Tuesday

Mold Me & Make Me

March 25, 2014March 25, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres5 Comments

The particular Bible study Craig and I have been working on mentions seeking God’s Will for your life. Over and over and over again. We have poured over the words and the scriptures associated with the study countless times. We have discussed everything, and talked about how God is working in our lives.

But somewhere along the way, I think we forgot that God’s Will for our lives isn’t always the same as what we WANT it to be. And sometimes it doesn’t seem “fair” – by human measures.

I remember thinking throughout my 20’s how badly I wanted a husband and to be married and settled down and to have a family of my own…But God had other plans for my life at that juncture.

Isaiah 64:8

But now, O Lord,

You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand

When the time was right, and the Lord had molded me into more of the person He meant for me to become, ( I am still so far away from that person!) He directed me – and I followed Him – to the most wonderful man on Earth, and a perfect mate for me, my now husband. I recall all of the frustration and the years of waiting for Craig – and I recall a host of poor decisions I made during those years. What trouble and waiting would I have been spared had I simply allowed God to direct my life up to that point?

Craig & I both got married under the assumption we would be blessed with a child right away. Neither of us had any known health issues. We were secure financially. We were ready. But God didn’t agree. Here we sit, more than a year and a half later with 2 surgeries under our belt and a long list of other medical items to follow…Here we sit with no positive pregnancy tests, to date. If God’s Will for our marriage right now was to have a child, He would have blessed us already. He is all-powerful.

So what if we stopped thinking about what we want, and resolved to follow God along the path He has aligned for us knowing He will not forsake us. Having faith that He will bless us.

Romans 2:11

For there is no partiality with God.

That’s right. God does not play favorites – Remembering this has been helpful as we have navigated these stormy waters. He will bless us. We will have children. No matter what doctors tell us or science claims, with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

Interestingly, the moment we ‘gave up’ and let God put us into the palm of His Hand, He began to answer prayers we hadn’t thought of in months – with all the preoccupation on His not having blessed us with children. He began to mold us in ways neither of us could have imagined. Heartstrings that had been being tugged for years, but had been pushed aside because the enemy instills FEAR and DOUBT, were brought back to life, with HOPE and EXCITEMENT!

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, He can turn it around. He can turn your pain into joy, and your mistakes into TREASURE. There is nothing that is impossible with God. Not one single thing. No matter what doctors or science or society says.

God is busy in our marriage right this second! He has some AMAZING things in store for us. The more we bend to His Will, and let go of our own, the more He blesses us and shows us the most beautiful things – right in front of our eyes for so long.

I like to think of our infertility journey in this way: If we hadn’t put so many roadblocks to God’s plan in our lives earlier on, how much sooner would He have brought Craig and I together? I mean, we did live less than a mile from each other without knowing it at one point in our single lives… How much sooner will He increase our family if we stop getting in the way of His well-laid plans?

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