Back to the Gym

This girl was pumped up to go back to gymnastics today!  

She's been asking periodically since ballet ended in the fall, and, 

well, I've been lazy about getting her back in.

Not to mention, Aunt Gloria gave her a month of gymnastics for a Christmas present.

No excuses!  :)

She woke up from nap today begging to go.

I called and they had her signed up and ready to go in an hour!

I was super happy she was in the preschool class and had graduated from last year's mommy and me class!

Brother and I got some sweet one on one time while we watched through the windows!

 

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health

and that all may go well with you,

even as your soul is getting along well."

3 John 2

March Cookbook Challenge

Good thing you can backdate blog posts...I'm way behind on the Cookbook Challenge!  Participating has really shown me how I never really cook from a cookbook -- I grab a quick emealz recipe or something from the web! 

I recruited Alex's help for this one!  We did grilled pizza and it was awesome!  We used How to Grill by Steven Raichlen for the technique.  This is an great cookbook for guys -- there are 5-8 pictures per recipe -- very Pioneer Woman style how it shows each individual step!  We then did our own toppings -- I picked caprese toppings, Alex did grilled sausage/peppers/onions, and the kids got pepperoni! We followed Sarah's tip to get dough from the Publix deli -- we got two pizzas from each round of dough.


Grilled Pizza

fresh pizza dough (Publix dough makes 2 pizzas)
olive oil
toppings

- Separate your dough.  Stretch dough out on an olive oiled baking sheet to be about 1/4 inch thick.  Brush both sides with olive oil.  Keep any extra dough covered in plastic wrap while waiting to use.
- Have one side of the grill on high and one side on low. 
- Place dough on hottest side until the underside is crisp (about a minute) then slide over to the cooler side for 3-5 minutes. 
- Flip and place on hottest side of the grill for one minute till crispy.
- Move to cooler part, add toppings, and leave until melted on cooler part of the grill, watching to make sure underside does not burn. 
- Serve immediately! 

Going bananas

The funk always makes everyone a little bananas around here.

This little guy wasn't quite himself for a few days this week.
Nothing major -- a fever here a fever there.
We tried to not be antsy and instead enjoyed lots of rest and relaxation.
Starting to see some I teeth poking through finally!


I haven't told you that this boy can take out a banana.
I knew he was sick when I couldn't even get him to eat a banana.
I know that doesn't come as a surprise, but he can take it out in just a few bites.

I go to give him an appropriate sized bite,
and he leans in to stuff his whole mouth with banana goodness.

He's back to normal now.
He did take out some of this Peanut Butter and Nanner Ice Cream while sick -- three ingredients -- you must try it!
We shook the dust off of our food processor, and we are in love with this recipe!
Only freeze your bananas a few hours.
See here for step-by-step pics.

One more nanner recipe for you.
My college girls took out these cookies last week (inspired from this recipe).
They are semi-healthy and a great afternoon snack!

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies
1 c flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt

1/2 c light brown sugar
1/2 c sugar
2 T butter, at room temp
1 egg
1/2 c peanut butter
1/4 c banana (from 1 sm/med banana)

1 1/2 c old fashioned oats (not instant)
1/4 c mini chocolate chips (optional)

- Set butter out to soften.
- Mash banana in a small bowl with a fork.
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugars and butter with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy -- 2-3 min. Beat in egg until smooth, then mix in the peanut butter and mashed banana.
- On low speed, blend dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture. Stir in the oats and chocolate chips.
- Shape dough into tablespoons and place on baking sheet, flattening each slightly with your fingers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies just begin to turn golden around the edges.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Makes approx 2 dozen.

Spring Break 2011

We were really excited to have the opportunity to go on the spring break mission trip with our church's college ministry! We've prayed for a way to have our children involved in missions as early as possible, and this trip was an answer to that prayer! It was also a sweet getaway for our family. Alex and I served as house mom and dad for two houses of college students. He had 13 guys in his house, and the kids and I had 17 precious girls in our house.

Now I have to admit, when first asked, my response was not, "Hip hip hooray! This is what we were asking God for!" My gut reaction was, "Me, alone in a house with my kids for five nights?! Alex not with us!? Where will they sleep? What if their nap/bedtime is an hour or two off of normal?" And on and on with the type A, schedule-loving mommy questions. We prayed on it for a few days and I just had to give those logistics over to God, trusting that He is not bound by bedtimes, schedules, nor childproofing. As it turns out, He worked all of those logistics out and more. The kids slept great, our house had a playroom in the master closet and baby gates installed on the stairs, etc. He is such a God of details!

Now on to the trip. The college students took over an inner city neighborhood with construction/cleaning projects along with activities for children. They did crafts, games, and played with the kids at the local playground. My pictures don't do their projects, prayer walks, interaction, etc. justice. It was amazing to ride through the neighborhood seeing 200+ college students on every street -- such an example to our children!

Our children, Kirkley especially, loved getting to hang out with all of her "new friends." I had friends praying for a community to be formed with the girls in our house, and we did! We made such a bond with so many sweet girls new to our church! It will not be the last we've seen of them. Kirkley woke up our first morning home asking where "all the girls" were.

We even got to enjoy a night of seafood on the water!

Well, Gray and Jay ate crackers, but we all enjoyed seafood!

The beach was great -- secluded with seashells everywhere!

This was Jay's first trip to be able to walk around in the sand.

His first day out he stood and picked it up and dropped it over and over again.

The next time out, he ran into the waves a million times.
Thanks Stacy for getting him to sit for a quick second for a pic with the boys!Gray, Jay, and Eric are all within a few months of each other.

The girls couldn't resist the waves even though the water was chilly!

Our beach house with the girls was a great retreat!
So fun to snack and read looking at the waves.

Or nap on the hammock....

We were blessed to be a part of this trip in so many ways!


"...for whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.
How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?
And how will they hear without a preacher?
How will they preach unless they are sent?
Just as it is written,
'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!'
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ."
Romans 10:13-15, 17 NASB

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be My witnesss...to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:8

"...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28

"You, my brothers, were called to be free.
But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature;
rather, serve one another in love."
Galatians 5:13

"Even a child is known by his actions."
Proverbs 20:11a

"Let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16

"Expect great things from God;
attempt great things for God."
William Carey

Easter Traditions

Someone asked me last week about any Easter traditions we do. I'd love to open this up and hear from others -- I got so many great ideas from Christmas seeing things posted (we're totally adding smores, a Christmas movie, and a slumber party by the tree to the night of the 23rd next year!).

I'm sort of a tradition junkie -- I love thinking our kids will look back and think, "My parents always...." for whatever occasion it is. I also like starting them early -- it lets us work the kinks out in our plans before they're really ingrained in their memories! :) The Let's Make a Memory series has been cute to have and I just got Treasuring God in Our Traditions as well but haven't started it.

Here are a few Easter resources/ideas we like. I'm absolutely no child expert, but I added when they were "age appropriate" for our family. If your child is younger, some of these would be sweet to put in their Easter basket for future use!

• The Jesus Storybook Bible does an awesome job of tying each Bible story into Christ's coming. If you read a story a day starting on March 16, story #40 should be the resurrection to be read on Easter Sunday. If you're behind, double up in the morning and evening to catch up! :) We often forget days and have to double up -- Kirkley is getting to be old enough to be an accountability for this each morning at the breakfast table! (I still have to paraphrase these stories for 4 yr old.)
  
• Resurrection Eggs -- I got these last year at Hobby Lobby. Check here to see if Easter stuff is 1/2 off or if a coupon is available. (Kirkley started practicing telling the Easter story with these at 3.)
  
• Miss PattyCake Eggstravaganza is 100% cheesey but has great songs kids love, and she goes through each resurrection egg on their level. (Perfect for 1 and up!)
  
• We thought about having Kirkley memorize an OT prophecy verse like Genesis 22:8 "God himself will provide the lamb." There are many to choose from -- we're sitting on this idea as of now. (3 and up)
  
• Since Kirkley was hospitalized during Easter of 2009, I've always had good intentions of going back and doing something at Easter for the peds patients -- maybe this year with Kirkley old enough to help/shop/deliver, that idea will come to fruition.
• I've never made Easter story cookies, but I think they're on our list this year.
  
• We always make resurrection buns -- Kirkley still makes a reference to Jesus as a marshmallow. These would be an easy thing to deliver to neighbors with children -- take directions and supplies for their family! (We've done these since K was one, but last year at 3, she really "got it" the most.)
  
• This site has awesome ideas -- look at the links below this post too. More activities and printables here too.
• Also fun Easter basket ideas: Band Angels, Seeds CDs, creation puzzle, ABC Bible Verses, and preschool devotions 1 or 2.
  

Also, we spread Easter out over the weekend -- a great tip I got from a mom of older children. All baskets/eggs are done on Saturday morning. We have time to enjoy this and not be rushed. Saturday evening, we do the resurrection buns and stick them in the fridge. Then Sunday morning we'll bake them and go to Easter Sunday services. I'm not really in love with this layout -- the buns may be better/more accurate for Good Friday morning?? It's always a work in progress...

Can't wait to hear some favorite family activities!
Tell us now so we can plan! :)

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your strength.
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road,
when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
Deuteronomy 6:5-9

"We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
His power, and the wonders He has done."
Psalm 78:4

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20

Friday Mornings

Our #2 is proving to be an early riser too.
Won't be long until he has a digital clock in his room too like his sissy.
6 = you can get out of bed and play & 7 = time to come out
For now, he has his Cars book in his bed with him.

We know he's up when we hear "honk! honk!" and "vroom! vroom!" over the monitor!

Fridays are great...nowhere to be.
We can rock bedhead all morning.

And dip muffins in low-sugar syrup -- waffles still in the toaster.We had friends CRACK up that I still make K, who is almost four, sit in a high chair/wear a bib.
It's a huge management thing for me -- all eating/art is done there.
It's my only minutes where both my people are safely trapped! :)
I think it's totally appropriate for her to stay in that chair till she's a teenager.
Or at least till she sleeps until 7:00am.

Little man has been doing some major food squishing lately.Makes a giant mess.

I forgive him when he gets all super-cute playing peekaboo with us!

And DIES laughing when he takes his hands off for a good ten seconds!

We think he tricks us with his "all done" hands so he can snag bites of K's breakfast.She's a doll and obliges!
Wish she'd oblige at any other given time of the day!!! :)

Fridays are for long morning naps -- one of the few mornings a week he gets one!
His arms are always tight around this puppy.
He's looking huge in this crib!!

Love a Friday morning!

Thin Mint Cupcakes

As promised, here's the recipe for Thin Mint Cupcakes! Cracking up that this post follows my half marathon post -- I have to run to balance out thin mint cupcakes! :) These were truly a labor of love to do quickly for teacher appreciation week at Kirkley's preschool. It was the fastest "finger food" I could come up with that didn't require a trip to the store. A good big of Nick Jr. was watched to make these possible! :)

Thin Mint Cake

1 sleeve of Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies

Cake:
1 box dark chocolate cake mix
1 3.9 oz box instant chocolate pudding mix
3/4 c canola oil
3/4 c water
4 eggs
1 t peppermint extract

Frosting:
2 tubs frosting (chocolate or buttercream)
1 t peppermint extract
2-3 drops green food coloring (if you want to tint white frosting)

- Preheat oven according to cake mix box.
- Put the sleeve of cookies in a gallon ziploc bag. Beat with rolling pin into chunks. Reserve 1 cup to sprinkle on cake layers. Put rest in with the cake batter.
- Mix all cake ingredients including extra cookie chunks on low 1 minute. Scrape sides. Mix 2 minutes on low.
- Pour into two greased 8 or 9 inch cake pans (I use Pam with Flour), spread evenly, and bake according to box directions. Or put in muffin tins and bake according to box directions.
- Cool completely.
- Mix all frosting ingredients gently with a spatula -- don't overmix but get the green worked through completely.
- Place first layer on cake plate. Frost top and sprinkle with 1/2 of the reserved cookies.
- Put second layer on, frost cake completely, and sprinkle with remaining cookie pieces.
- If doing cupcakes, pipe (I promise this is easy/fast) with a 1M tip then gently dip in cookie crumbs.
- Keep refrigerated.

Seaside Half Marathon

I've thought for a long time about how I'm going to blog this. This has been one of things I've tried to really seek God on how to share because if I just post pictures, it can be a "look what I did" kind of thing, and that's not at all what this was or what I want to say. It's no mistake that this was the devotional that was emailed to me this morning. I'd never studied this scripture but this really is what was at the heart of me and exercising. So before I go on, be inspired and know that I had to come a long way to get to this point. So much prayer has gone into breaking my old ways of thinking on this issue. And if I can, you can.

I started couch to 5K last May when my second child, Jay, was 5 months old. I'd never done anything my whole life -- no gym, no dance, no sports, no running, no sweating. For some reason, that was the only spring we have ever watched Biggest Loser (probably because I was nursing and stuck with tv a lot). Towards the end of the season, they did a marathon. Driving around the next few days, I saw two super old men running. Then Ashleigh posted about Emma running a mile fun run. I felt like running was everywhere, and the question was in my face, "Do you really think you can't do this when all of these people can -- young/old, big/little, etc?!" So looked up the couch to 5K plan.

I started alone, me and a kitchen timer around a pond near my house, determined to build up endurance. It took me weeks to run one mile -- I went slow and followed the program. Really, there was no physical way I could have jumped steps in the program. The beginning months with running were really tough -- I would lay all over our floor afterward trying to catch my breath! :) It was the dead of summer so I had to run early to beat the heat which meant getting up even earlier to pump first (sorry if guys read this). It wasn't an easy thing to fit into the day as a new mama of two, but I kept telling myself I wasn't that big of a deal to get up super early twice during the week then one on a weekend that didn't have to be as early. This post was awesome at targeting my tendency to make excuses -- watch the commercial!

Eventually, I had enough confidence to try running with friends. I'll never forget Ashleigh at the top of a hill coaching me not to stop! Their accountability twice a week at 5:45am was priceless -- I'll meet anyone who wants to start this if that is what it takes! :) Remember the episode of Friends where Monica runs all around Chandler coaching him -- my friends were so great to be Monica for me!!! My man is awesome to handle the morning routine for our fam several times a week!!!

We did our first 5K in July, first 10K in November, and first half-marathon this past weekend. Now by no means does this have to be your track. I am happy as can be to go back to running 3-5 miles on a regular basis, but this was really fun to set a goal, train (well, that part was not 100% "fun"), and race! As I looked back at these race pics, I realized Scarlotte was at all of these with me -- WAY ahead of me but with me! Accountability is priceless!
Scarlotte, Emily, Casey, and I headed down for a girls' weekend in Destin and did the Seaside Half Marathon together. Our men were awesome to provide us with a quiet retreat together, good nights of sleep, and sweet time away for fun and fellowship! We sure did miss them and our little ones but a getaway can be invaluable!

We were up at the crack of dawn (except for Casey who never slept and beebopped in our room after our 5am alarm went off all dressed and ready to go!) to head to Seaside. Don't be deceived -- it was windy, cool, and overcast -- really my favorite running weather!

Our devo for that morning from Jesus Calling:

Continue on this path with Me, enjoying My Presence even in adversity.
I am always before you, as well as alongside you.
See Me beckoning to you: Come! Follow Me.
The One who goes ahead of you, opening up the way,
is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand....

Casey and I hung together the whole way running almost a minute faster a mile than we'd been training, much in part to a girl named Jessica who appeared at mile 6 with a pacing watch (I'd left mine at home!). I quickly made friends with her and her pacing watch then we realized that she and Casey went to high school together. So us three hung in there the rest of the race and finished together! God sent her at just the right time -- miles 6-8 are my hardest! Then at mile 10 we started rattling off things we're thankful for to keep us going (this book is already in my head).

We crossed the line (with Emily and Scarlotte cheering!), and just as I'd been warned, felt myself starting to get emotional. Until they handed me a medal, and it was time to pick out what color Vera Bradley bag I wanted! :) So thankful Jessica was right with us!

I really had to have a major heart/perspective change about this to get here. To be grateful for healthy legs, the ability to run, the chance to show my daughter what a mama of two little ones can do (I hope she's inspired when she's in my stage one day), etc. A grateful heart was in stark contrast to my previous way of thinking it's a pain, I didn't have time for it, I'm not athletic, etc. This has been such a big life lesson for me!

"Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24

"Those who live according to the flesh
have their minds set on what the flesh desires;
but those who live in accordance with the Spirit
have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
The mind governed by the flesh is death,
but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."

Romans 8:5-6

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
the sinful nature with its passions and desires."
Galatians 5:22-25

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13 NASB

"always giving thanks for all things
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God..."
Ephesians 5:20 NASB

airport adventure

We loaded up today for a quick trip to the airport to see sweet friends!
Oh my, it was a wild morning getting out of town.
I had not done a great job prepping for our trip, I woke up late and still had to do a 2 mile run, we left an hour late, we needed gas, Kirkley had to go to the bathroom 10 minutes after I'd stopped to get gas (by the way, I LOVE our car potty)...but we got there!

We were a sight to see with our 5 under 4 - the lady in the background looks startled!

Kirkley, Jay, Blake, Anniston, and Dax
Children of precious friends Chris and Allison that I interned/worked with in Celebration, Florida right out of college.
Chris had a layover in Atlanta, and we snuck in a reunion before their flight home!

We now live in three different states and were thrilled to be in one place for a fast visit!

Old friends feel like you've never missed a beat even though this was the first time for several of the littles to meet.

Jay and Blake talked man stuff over puffs and cheerios.
Kirkley was amazed by the "dino" in the atrium and was sure to let me know,
"I'm not even scared of that dino!"

About 5 seconds after I snapped this pic, all of the kids ran wild in the atrium for a good 30 min.
That's the beauty of being out of town, you can be "that mom" with the kids running wild!
Wait, that happens in town too!

We corralled the kids for one last group pic...

Yep, 10 pics and Jay's belly is hanging out in every one!
He was squirming to get down and run free!

We said goodbyes and Allison and I took our crew to the Varsity.

The FO did not disappoint!Another fun-filled morning of travel!

I'm really loving these day trips except for the fact that gas is out of control.
No worries though, I accidentally switched debit cards the night before at dinner with a friend .
She realized it when she went to use my card this afternoon.
I didn't so we'd already enjoyed a day of free gas and lunch! :)

"A friend loves at all times...."
Proverbs 17:17a

picture me {im}perfectly

This blog has been sitting in my head for several months now. Like all things, take it with a grain of salt, take your reaction/questions to the Word in prayer, and see what works for you! And if my "blog tone" ever seems teacher-y, it comes natural as a former middle school teacher!

Last year, when I started staying home full time, I was 100% overwhelmed. And I only had one child then. Jay was born in the middle of that school year. There are SO many things you feel like you should be on top of when, after all, you're at home all day for goodness sake. As a working mom, I'd wondered what on earth I'd do with the whole day to ourselves. As a stay at home mom, I was overwhelmed at trying to be some kind of Susie Homemaker.

The Bible is clear on many things relating to being a wife, parenting, homekeeping, etc. I encourage you to search out things specific to your struggle. Many of my struggles came from worldly pressures; I felt like I needed to be all things at all times. When I broke down about this to Alex, I was able to hear his perspective, what he thought best suited our home, and what meant the most to him. We were able to prioritize our family's needs together and lower some expectations that were in my head. Then I gave my list to God asking Him to change my heart and attitude. I find myself still having to give that over every day.

For example, for us, a fancy dinner is not a blessing -- there's no typical time home for Alex and our family dinners are quick with little ones. So for me, I typically cook dinner 3 times a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less, and sometimes we eat soup/sandwiches or whatever we can get together. But that was a big stress for me each afternoon that Alex confirmed was not a big priority to him so I had to let go of the Susie Homemaker idea of a dinner -- that was time wasted in prep that didn't bless my family. But that may be a priority to your man so you'll have to build in that prep time (night before, during nap, etc.).

I hesitate to share other things that we prioritized because this will look so different for each family. The main thing is that communication and prayer set me free. I had been hard on myself about a lot of things, and it was GREAT to see that GO!

Same with running -- it has been so freeing to have something I only have to do 3x a week. That is attainable in my life. 3x a week doesn't seem daunting -- it's not even the majority of the week. Many a prayer for self-control/discipline has been prayed for this!

And I don't iron one bit of my children's clothes. They all get stuffed in a car seat so who cares!? Just lay them out really nicely while still damp! :)

So I encourage you, especially in the world of blogs where it appears everyone is some sort of Susie Homemaker/Martha Stewart, if you're feeling overwhelmed (like I can get with dinners, exercise, housework, etc.), communicate with your man, get some priorities down together, prayerfully seek out what the Word says, ask other mamas what they do, and try something one thing at a time.

I also think about what my "work-self" would say to me now. Like a few weeks ago when it was pouring when we woke up, I felt my insides start dreading a day trapped in the house. But I remembered how two years ago, I dreaded even more dropping K off on days like that, running in through the rain, being separated during a storm, etc. We pulled out every project, puzzle, and activity we could think of and had long day inside!

All of this to say, no one is on top of everything at anytime. But everyone has strengths, and I love learning from others mistakes/successes. My pictures improved when I asked April what settings she's using or Ali what lens, my homekeeping improved when Hill posted about her list, my cooking receives inspiration from Sarah and Emily (and Scarlotte if she'd post more recipes!), my bread baking aspirations inspired by Sarah Beth and Rebekah, my home logistics helped by Alyssa and Sarah, my sewing friends (Mandi, Ashley, Chris, Ashleigh, Maggie, etc.) constantly impress me (but I know I'm not taking up another hobby), my running received accountability when Casey (right off of having baby #2) went from couch to half-marathon with me, Tipi and The Macs remind me He can get you through the toughest of times, my home decorating desire almost comes to life when I see Emily's cute projects (almost but not yet), my blogging received a reminder to keep memories well here, my patience was enhanced here, Katherine Wolf continuously shakes my life perspective with her recovery, the Loerkes inspired aspects of our marriage through Tuesday Questions and their re|engage talk, Lots of Scotts posts are like devotionals in themselves, Ann Voskamp's post on Guatamala was seared into my mind, and I could go on and on. Not to mention the loads of real life people I call/email to ask endless questions for all manner of discipline logistic, prayer life help, recipe advice, and so much other wisdom fellow mamas have to offer -- those that are there now and those that have been there!


How grateful I am that I'm not expected to get things right or perfect. If I feel that way, I can be certain that is not a feeling from Him!

"He who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and
do not let yourselves be burdened
again by a yoke of slavery."

Galatians 5:1

"Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end you will be wise.
Many are the plans of a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 19:20-21

"Call to Me and I will answer you
and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3

"For I am the Lord, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you."
Isaiah 41:13

"Find out what pleases the Lord."
Ephesians 5:10

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what
God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2

"All the believers were one in heart and mind.
No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own,
but they shared everything they had."
Acts 4:32

"So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you;
do not turn aside to the right or to the left."
Deuteronomy 5:32

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:1-3