My non-New Year Resolutions

Hey there! It feels like it's been quite a while.
I hope that you all had an amazing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever it may be that you celebrated.
We had such a blessed and beautiful Christmas. Having a child around, even one that's four months old and wanted only to eat the wrapping paper, is SO much fun!! I loved the fact that Christmas 2013, Eric and I were announcing to our family that we were pregnant and this year she was actually here. It just goes to show how much The Lord has blessed us within just one year!
Makenna made out pretty good between toys, clothes and other special gifts. Makenna was still so little for her first Christmas so didn't get to do any of the traditions that I was looking forward to but next year will be so much fun and I already have the list tucked away. I am so happy that we were able to spend yet another Christmas with all of our family. My mom made a beautiful Christmas ham dinner with yummy deserts to follow. Everything gluten free besides the gravy! (YUCK! I was ok with that.)
Eric had the flu Christmas Eve but, thankfully, was feeling better Christmas day so he could enjoy our daughters first Christmas. Makenna got some cooties though and has been struggling with congestion and a cough but we took her to the pediatrician and she is doing a lot better.
This was my second Christmas as a saved Christian and golly, I just seem to enjoy the day so much more and really took the time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday beyond the Hallmark aspect of it. I love Jesus so much and can't wait to celebrate that part of it when Makenna can understand! The Christmas services at Newspring were one for the books and they are now available to watch online for anyone to see. Here are some pictures from our day:

Makenna enjoying some toys she got from her Oma and Opa!

Opening up gifts on Christmas morning :)

She was thrilled, I promise haha

SO now that Christmas is over as quickly as it came, who is ready for New Years? Last year I was pregnant, tired and cranky so Eric and I climbed into bed around 10:30 PM and didn't even make it till midnight to share a goodnight kiss. Maybe this year will be different.
I started getting busy, last month, thinking of all the New Year resolutions I wanted to make but then got to thinking about how I never follow them! I always write a big journal entry and go into such detail about all that I want to do differently or see happen in the year coming up. I starting wondering why we always wait till the New Year to start to make changes. Does making goals following a big event help the mind achieve them easily? In my case NO. Why not just start now?
I decided to make a list right then and planned to already be into making my goals a reality by the time the big ball drops in Times Square and it's 2015 and I would love to share that list with you! I believe that when family or friends hold me accountable for things that I'm working towards, that gives me an extra boost of motivation. As long as they do it nicely of course!
So here is my list of goals, dreams and wishes for the year of 2015:
1) Buy our first home (We are SO close!)
2) Get into the best shape of my life
3) Work on my credit score
4) Volunteer and dedicate as much of myself as I can to Newspring church on a Sunday or throughout the week
5) Be the best mother and wife I can be
6) Become a better cook
7) Learn how to ride a dirt bike
8) Paint a picture
9) Play the piano more often
10) Travel to New York
11) Complete a plank challenge
12 ) Run a marathon
13) Read the bible even more and be even closer to Jesus

I have a few more personal ones that will be just for me to work towards but I know with God that ANY of these are possible if I just ask and pray with a knowing heart. I would love to hear some of your non-New Year resolutions ;) gfmamaj@gmail.com. I actually received an email (From a fellow, Jack, from France! How cool!! Shoutout!) asking me about my resolutions which resulted in this post. I love, love, love hearing from you and would love to chat!
I hope if you are still on break that you enjoy the rest of it. My sister and brother-in-law are in Disneyworld right now and I'm so jealous :) I know they are having a fabulous time! If you still have to travel back home, be safe and I hope everyone enjoys the rest of 2014! Remember that it's not too late to make it a great year and that 2015 can be even better. The best is always to come and I pray for all of you reading this, that this upcoming year will being nothing but blessings and happiness.
Much love!!

I am shameless, I am free, I am Yours!

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 
I have been spending a lot more time in the bible lately. My "quiet" time with God was something I would try and fit in with my busy schedule but now I've made it mandatory. Whenever my daughter is done with her morning bottle, I usually put her in her puppy rocker to watch Doc McStuffins or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse while I do my morning pump session and she takes her first nap of the day. The past couple of weeks I have been using this time to get off Facebook and read a few of my devotions and spend some time digging into His word. No better way to start the day right?? The book of Romans has been a place I've been lead to lately by God. It's I have a few of my life verses and I feel like my quiet time has been ending up there. 
One of my favorite sources for devotionals, and anything else positive, is with Proverbs 31 Ministries. They are such a great group of honest and God loving women that I really feel like I'm spending quality time with when I read through a daily devotion. Today's was titled: Shame On Me, Again by Vicki Courtney. It starts with the verse from Romans 8:1, which is a very powerful verse. The devotion is all about shame. How shame compares to guilt, regret or embarrassment. 
One thing Vicki said that struck me was "Guilt is always connected to behavior, while shame is always connected to identity. While guilt draws us toward God, shame sends us away from God."
Shame is such a strong emotion to feel. I have done more then my fair share of things in the past that bring that emotion on. Not quite as much anymore as I continue grow with Jesus but there are times I will be driving on my own, flipping through radio stations and a song will be playing that causes such a sting in my heart. A sting from a song that reminds me of a time in my life when I was so far from Jesus. I get a clammy feeling and a lump in my throat when think about that time; even being by myself.
BUT! Here's the beautiful thing that Romans 8:1 speaks perfectly: There is NO condemnation as long as Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I don't have to feel shame! I don't have to hear or see a reminder when shame comes around and coward down from God. With Jesus, I am FREE! Isn't that great to just say out loud??!
I AM FREE!!
This devotion was such a great reminder for me when I get to feel that way and like Vicki, I plan to keep slamming the door in shames face; making it go far away. You can too! 


Has anybody else completely engulfed themselves into the holiday season?! I totally have! I mean, I'm talking hot cocoa, warm PJ's and Elf every night! (I'll watch Elf in July though too, haha.)
It is such a wonderful time of year. Ever since I was little, my parents and I have decorated the tree and house together and since this year Eric and I weren't really able to do that in our own home, we were even happier to carry on with that tradition, with them, in their home! My mom and I felt very nostalgic looking at all the special ornaments that have been collected over the years; some since before I was even born. It is SO very wonderful having Makenna here this year and I'd love to share a few of our special moments from last night :)

The finished product :)

My two favorites :)

Santa baby! Seriously though, isn't she the cutest?!

I get all the goofiness from my Daddy, haha.

I hope you all are just loving this time of year as much as I am! 

I am so blessed to hear from others all around the world. This blog has been such a way to connect with different people and I really appreciate those that keep up with me and have become my email buddies! As always, I'm here to chat about everything and anything: gfmamaj@gmail.com

MUCH, MUCH LOVE!!

Humble beginnings make the best blessings

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" -Hebrews 13:5
This verse has been on my heart the past few weeks. I've been reading it every morning and have been trying my best to meditate and pray over it throughout my day. It's gets difficult for me though. I look at the pictures of my friends picking out their Christmas trees and decorating their beautiful homes with decorations; stockings hang over their fireplaces. I look at our little fifth wheel with sadness. Knowing that, even though Makenna is too little this year to even understand Christmas, I still wish I had more to offer her this year.
MORE
There is a word I need to stop using. A word that keeps my heart constantly running in search of what else I can add to my list of things and a word that makes God sad.
Hebrews 13:5 is the perfect verse for the season in my life right now. As a Christian, I need to take a look at what I DO have and not only make the best out of it but appreciate it. Be thankful for the warm bed where I can safely lay my head down at night. A home filled with baby laughter, dog barks, kitty meows and the gentle words of my husband.
I AM BLESSED!
The more it sinks in of rich my life truly is, the more contentment I feel. I still have moments where the flesh part of me wishes we had more, but Jesus is teaching me patience, love and contentment. I pray that He continues to fill my heart, mostly, with those three things. He wants to fulfill our wishes, just when He feels it's right. And I'm learning to be ok with that.
So in honor of Hebrews 13:5, Christmas and Hanukkah (yes, Jesus was Jewish! And I used to be as well, so why not?!) here is a little part of the holidays at the Jansons:

Here is our little Charlie Brown Christmas tree and menorah :)

Spam my email with your holiday decorations! 

Today is my parents 28th anniversary, as I'm sure many of you saw on Facebook or Instagram. I look at them and see nothing but so much love. After 28 years they still are the best of friends and companions. They have helped Eric and I so much throughout our marriage and have a huge influence on our marriage and us as people. I hope the next 28 years are just as magical as the first. I love you guys! 

Eric and I were so happy to be able to attend the Newspring Volunteer Christmas Party last night. We met up with some sweet friends and enjoyed a really nice night. I must say I LOVE my church. It has played a big role in how far my relationship with Jesus has come and is still going. To be part of a movement with Newspring that have one goal: to bring as many people closer to Jesus as possible in a world that needs Him more then ever; it's amazing. I have never loved Jesus as much as I do one and I know the best is only yet to come. 

Today I went with my parents and Makenna (Eric had to unfortunately work) to the Soda City in downtown Columbia. It's one of my favorite, local places to go and walk around and I actually spent more then I wanted to, haha. Here are some pictures from our fun day:

I scored Makenna some really cute, homemade bows! 

Indulged in a gluten free cupcake for me and a regular cupcake for Eric! 

Love my mama! 

Babywearing is one of my favorite things to do with Makenna! She falls asleep every time.

Tomorrow is Makennas dedication. We are having the care pastor from our church come to my parents home and just pray over our family. This is such a big deal to Eric and I as we make a promise before our family and friends to raise Makenna in a Christ-like and Christ-loving environment. I am excited to make our sweet baby that promise and I am looking forward to teaching her all about Jesus. It's going to be a nice day and I cannot wait! 

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season so far and are having a great weekend. If I can pray for you or with you in any way possible please don't ever hesitate to email me: gfmamaj@gmail.com.

Don't stop spreading the love and taking time to remember what this season represents, no matter what holiday you celebrate. 

Much love to you all! Xoxoxo

Friendship Breakups

I had a pretty large and great group of friends growing up throughout my school years. I had girls I could count on to tell secrets to, be honest with me and goof around with. They were into the same things I was into: drama, chorus, ooing and awing over the boys. I found myself lucky, despite the typical high school drama outside my group, to have people I could truly count on.
For me, most of the friendships didn't keep after we graduated. I, unfortunately, ditched a lot of those friendships for a boy that took the number one place in my life for a while. And others ended due to lack of communication.
I read this article on Huffinton Post online titled: When Friendship Is Lost. It made me sad and really got me thinking about friendship. It makes me think about the friendships I've had and the friendships I have now. It's awful when a friendship ends. Especially with the access that we can still have to their lives through social media; you watch them go through all these milestones and wish you could be there to be a part of it all. 
But I have to face the fact that some friendships aren't meant to last. The Lord puts exactly who He wants in our life at the perfect time and for a specific reason. Some of those people remain for a lifetime and some for just a season. I've had a lot of these "season friendships" and looking back on them I see exactly why God put them there. To teach me a lesson or help me grow and then, when that is completed, we just "breakup." 
It's not easy to watch a friendship end though. Whether it be in a gradual way or abruptly; your fault or theirs. I find it harder for me to open up to new people, rather then be the social butterfly I once was, because of  how things have ended for me in the past. Things happened the way they were supposed to though. It doesn't stop me from missing the times we shared and the memories we made. Now they are just pictures in albums that lay packed away, never being looked at.
While I may not have as many friends as I once did, I do have a group of people in my life that I wouldn't trade for the world. Friends that make an effort and really show that they want me in their life. As my mother always said when it came to friends: quality>quantity! Surrounding myself with positive people helps me be the positive person I want to be. 

To have good friends, you must be a good friend first! 

I pray that I can continue in becoming a better friend than I have been in the past. And I pray that The Lord brings exactly who I need into my life when He deems best. I thank Him for the friendships I have that play such a big role in my life. I hope that those who used to play a big role have a lifetime of blessings and happiness and I thank them for how they helped equipped me to be the woman I am now, whether we are still in touch or not. 

So can a friendship breakup be as bad as a relationship breakup? Maybe not in the same way, but absolutely. 

Thoughts? Questions? Want to chat about this or anything else? gfmamaj@gmail.com :) 

By the way! 

Swiss Miss Candy Cane hot chocolate is the best treat for this time of year (even though it was sunny and 70 degrees here in SC) AND it's gluten free. 

Hope you are all getting your holiday shopping done and have put up your tree or menorah!!

Much love! Xoxo 

My heart is filled with more then just turkey!

Happy Post Thanksgiving! 
I trust that your day of food, family, friends and thanks was a great one.
Ours was one for the books because we had our sweet little turkey this year! Despite Makenna not feeling well, she was happy the entire day. Our family loved being around her and she was passed around quite a bit to get a little bit of love from everyone. By the end of the evening, we still followed her nightly routine of bath and bottle at 7:30 pm and she fell asleep just like this in her daddy's old childhood room:

So now that we (well at least The Janson family) have officially entered the holiday season, I am SO excited! Christmas shopping for a baby is the best and most fun. I never want to rush Makenna growing up but I look forward to when she is old enough to understand the real meaning behind Christmas.

Christmas last year meant the most to me then it had any other year. It was my first Christmas celebrating as a saved Christian. I focused more on the fact that it was to celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior then the Hallmark aspect of it. (And of course finding out we were pregnant!!!)

To think of what God gave to us that night when Jesus was born is overwhelming and the more my relationship grows with him, the more I am absolutely in love with this holiday. I will do all I can as a mother and a servant to God to teach our children how important and special Christmas really is without all the presents and "getting." How important it is to, not only give all year around but especially through the holiday season. I hope they grow to learn and love Jesus as much as Eric and I do :) My heart feels so warm and full of love going into this holiday season. I cannot wait to see what this Christmas brings for our family and also for our church!

These past four days have been so nice having Eric around. With him working and being away so much, it's always nice and important to make time as a family to build our own memories around this time. And these past few days, we sure have! We finished decorating our little fifth wheel with what we could fit. It'll be nice to have a home next year where we can put up a Christmas tree and lights. All in do time ;)

Last night we had a fire over at my parents house. We had peppermint, hot cocoa and s'mores in front of the fire pit and it was a nice time. Family really is so important to me and I am blessed to have a husband that feels the same way! I look forward to so many wonderful years as a family and I can't wait to watch it grow. 

Here are a few pictures from our time together these past few days:

Our wonderful turkey that my in-laws made for Thanksgiving. They are SUPER good chefs!!!

We got together with our bible study friends for some desert and fellowship the following night. Caught Eric in the act of eating his 20th cookie, haha, and there's our friend Sam in the background! 

Our sweet baby slept in her crib for the first time last night and I totally cried. She is getting so big, so fast!! I love her to pieces!

The awesome fire my dad and Eric made. There's our yummy s'mores plate!

(For gluten free smores, I just used two pieces of Hershey's mini chocolate bars to sandwich a marshmallow! YUM!)

I hope all of you had some nice time off this week so spend with those who matter most to you!And as we enter the holiday season with full force, remember to not get so caught up in all the presents and decorations, etc. Think about giving more then you'll receive this year. Head over to your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter and really spend time with those that need the love and grace, that Jesus equips us with, the most! I hope you all have a great Sunday and as always I'm here for you to reach out to about anything: gfmamaj@gmail.com

MUCH LOVE xoxo

Just a little something to make you LOL!

Inhale love, exhale gratitude

I absolutely adore this time of year. The chill in the air starts to set in for winter, everyone is busy holiday shopping, and families are getting together for one very special dinner of thanks! It's crazy to think that this time last year, I was already pregnant with Makenna and didn't even know it. Now she's here and I'm able to hold my sweet babe while stuffing my face with turkey this year.
I am so thankful for all that has happened in our lives this past year. I shamefully realize how much I take for granted every single day. Yes my roof may leak when it rains, but it's still shelter from the cold. My car may be in the shop every other month, but I am still able to get around. I may get my yearly sinus infection but for the most part, my family and I have our health. We may not be rich but my husband has an amazing job that's able to take care of us and provide us with an amazing, stable life. When times get hard, I don't always remember how great I really have it. God has blessed my little family with so much and I should recognize and be thankful for all of it every single day of the year.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. 

Psalm 95:2-3

With all the hate that has spread all over the news the past few days, this leads me to want to jump into my community even more. To take this relationship I have with Jesus by the hand and bring it everywhere I possibly can. I have been feeling even more appreciative of where I am at emotionally and spiritually today. This country needs love. This world needs love. Why not pour that sweet love we have inside of us to those who so desperately need it most this upcoming holiday season? And when the holidays are over, lets carry that with us wherever we go. There are so many places and opportunities where we can extend a loving and lending hand. I challenge all of you to take time this holiday season to reach out to anyone you may feel needs it.
Life can be made beautiful no matter what hand we are dealt. Focus on what you DO have tomorrow and what others would do anything for.
I pray all of you have a warm and happy Thanksgiving with whoever you may be spending it with. May your belly be full and your heart even fuller.
Much love to you all!

Five more things I am thankful for:

*A place to call home

*Our health

*How much progress Eric and I have made in our marriage

*Date nights

*Grace

This one is for you, Kim K.

Hey there!
As much as I do not like to admit it, I used to watch Keeping up with the Kardashians. On a weekly, morning and nightly basis. I'd tune into their new episodes every Sunday night and read magazine articles about them.
It's not so much that I really "admired" them but was more fascinated by them. Fascinated with fame that really came from no where or the way they spoke to one another and just lived their lives. In a way, I was almost envious of their lifestyle. They had so much money and could literally buy whatever they wanted to and they seemed so happy doing so.
It wasn't until, maybe, two or three seasons ago that I started to get over the whole Kardashian craze and they honestly started to bug me. I decided to stop watching it and really felt good about that decision. I honestly didn't even hear much about the Kardashians anymore. Until last week.
I'm sure most, if not all, have heard about how Kim Kardashian has "broke the internet" with the spread she did for Paper magazine. The pictures of Kim are quite bare and by bare I mean wearing nothing at all.
The feedback has been negative. Some positive but mostly negative. Those that do support the Kardashians are lashing out to those who are negatively commenting on that spread, saying that "she's a woman and is embracing her sexuality." Or "she's free to do whatever she wants" and "you are all just jealous your body doesn't look like that."
OK STOP
When I first saw the pictures (right there on my news-feed, I couldn't scroll away fast enough!!!), I will admit that I, most definitely, judged. I looked down upon Kim and was almost angry at the thought of this being on my husbands news-feed and HIM having access to see this. But these past few days as I was thinking about the magazine spread and looking at comments from people all over the world with their thoughts on it, my shock and disgust disappeared. It really just makes me feel bad for her.
I can honestly say that it saddens me that a woman as beautiful as Kim Kardashian feels she needs to strip down to literally nothing in order to gain even more attention. It saddens me to imagine that all she thinks she is good for is her body. It saddens me to think that her daughter has to grow up in an environment where taking your clothes off for money and attention is ok. It saddens me to think that with all that fame and fortune and attention; are they really happy? Is this life really what they want?

And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.
-1 Timothy 2:9

I'm not talking about wearing turtlenecks and long skirts here. I love to look good and attractive BUT for one person and one person ONLY: my husband. I do not dress in a way to attract the eyes of others, especially men. I have no problem dressing in a way that speaks class and still lets me feel great about myself because, YES, as women, we should have confidence. Confidence leads to happiness and I want that for every lady. But does that mean to strip down to your birthday suit to do that?
Look, Kim Kardashian did what she felt was a good move for her and her career. If her husband is ok with it then what else is there to say? I will pray for the Kardashian- West family. That they are and will raise that little girl to be humble, to love and to do the right thing-whatever that may be to them.
I may get some backlash for this and that is ok. But, I am the child of a God who wants me to respect my body and to me, that is not showing it much respect. I do not think a picture like that should be for the eyes of the world. 
However, to each their own. I will continue about my daily life and soon enough, that magazine spread will fade into a thing of that past. Even though I can't personally, I will show Kim K. compassion through good thoughts and prayer. I really tried hard to pick and choose my words in this post. I don't want to come across as being one of those "jealous" fans because trust me, my body may never look like that and that is perfectly fine with me.
As for my family, I would love to teach my daughter to seek the attention and approval of Jesus and not society. To represent herself (and still love) in a way that is appealing to Him. 
To anyone who disagrees and would like to discuss this further, I would love to! (gfmamaj@gamil.com)

MOVING ON:
It is almost Thanksgiving! I'm pretty sure I am finished with my Christmas shopping and now it is just a matter of putting it all together.
The Janson Family has so many exciting things on the calender. Besides the fact that we are celebrating Makenna's major first holidays (Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years!), we also have some church Christmas parties to attend. 
 While still sick, I attended my first Worship Band practice yesterday! (EEEEP!) It was SO much fun. It was more then rewarding to be around other musicians again, especially those that just love Jesus! I am so excited to see where this leads because at Newspring and in God, the best is ALWAYS yet to come!
Well, that is all that's on mind (for now)! I hope you are all having a fabulous start to your week and are busy finalizing Thanksgiving plans. As always, I'm here to chat about anything that may be on your mind :)
Much love!

5 more things I am thankful for:
-My sweet husband playing nurse while I've been sick
-Decaff green tea
-Music
-My parents generosity
-Pintrest recipes

The Bronze Award (And some sweet potato chili)

Hey y'all! It has been a few days since I've posted and I have been just so busy! Between holiday shopping, Makenna, and just life, I haven't had any time to take a breath. But today I am sick and am taking the day off from all respsonsibilities outside the home.
Tomorrow this sweet little nugget will be turning 3 MONTHS OLD!

Where in the world is the time going?? I am adoring every single moment spent with this girl. She has taught me so much about myself these last few months. It absolutely amazes me how The Lord can use somebody so tiny to reach my heart and touch my life even more. My heart just overflows with love for my precious munchkin :)

Tomorrow also marks a milestone for my sweet Makenna and I! We are rewarded with the sweet satisfaction of this:

That's right! Three months of pumping milk for my daughter. The adventure of pumping, like most, started off rough.  I wanted to nurse. I had the desire the nurse since I knew I wanted to be a mother. Makenna just couldn't latch no matter how much we tried. I couldn't imagine having to hook myself up to that darn machine every three hours and the thought exhausted me! But, as always, God had other plans though and for good reason (of course). Since September of my pumping journey I have 

been able to pump more then what Makenna was eating. I am so happy that I will be able to donated 498.93 extra ounces to a milk bank that uses that milk for premature babies. Wow!! God is SO 

amazing right??! I hope that I'm able to donate more in the future and that Makenna and I can make it to the silver award! It's been such a joy to be able to have Makenna drink my milk AND have Eric feed her. They are just too cute!

So I was struggling with what to make for dinner tonight. Since I'm not feeling well, I thought a nice and warm crockpot meal would suffice. I had defrosted chicken breasts ready to use in the fridge and two sweet potatoes I need to use before they went bad. What's a girl to make? I hopped on pintrest and typed in "chicken sweet potato crockpot" and my future dinner was the first thing that popped up! 

Sweet potato chicken chili

I know, I know that sounds super odd but let me tell you, it's cooking in my crockpot as we speak and it smells AMAZING! 

This what it's supposed to look like and I hope mine looks almos the same:

Now I didn't quite follow what they did on the pintrest recipe so I'll share my version:

Ingrediants:

-4 chicken breasts

-2 large sweet potatoes 

-two teaspoons of minced garlic

-1 can of Kidney beans (undrained)

-1 can of black beans (undrained)

-1 cup of diced tomatoes

-1 chopped banana pepper

*a scoop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to top it off with

(Not sure which one I'm using yet!)

I put the chicken on the bottom of the crockpot. Then the sweet potatoes (cut into 1" pieces), and then the beans, vegetables, and garlic! It's been on the low setting for about 3 hours now and I'll cook it all for a total time of about 6-8 hours. I'll then shred the chicken with fork and enjoy a nice big bowl! 

I know it'll turn out yummy and Eric is not the least bit picky with his food and usually enjoys my new recipes. I hope anyone who tries it, enjoys it as well! Let me know if you liked it :)

Well I'm ending today's post with five more things that I am most thankful for, as I did the last post. Any questions, comments or chats you may want to have, just shoot me an email: gfmamaj@gmail.com. 

Much love!!

5 things I'm thankful for:

1) My mommy to bring me soup when I'm sick

2) Decaf green tea

3) My new spot on the worship team at Newspring Church (YAY!!!!!)

4) The amount of guidance I get from the bible

5) Doc McStuffins to keep Makenna occupied

Show me how to love the unlovable

"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:9-10

I read the most amazing devotional yesterday morning from Proverbs 31 Ministries. It starts off with the verse you see above from Romans and then talks about "unrushing" your life and making time for the smaller assignments The Lord puts in our lives daily. While I could relate to the devotional and it really was a great read, this bible verse they provided made me think about something else that I know every single person (I know I do!) must struggle with.
Loving those who are the hardest to love.
It is hard for me sometimes to show love and compassion to EVERYBODY. There are those that have done me wrong, those that don't necessarily seem compatible with me, and those that I feel I should just avoid. I run away from those that probably need the most love. 
This is not like Jesus at all. Jesus ran to those that had the most problems: prostitutes, lepers, tax collectors, the poor and dirty, etc. He didn't hide away from those that were socially unacceptable. So why should we? It all comes down to judgement doesn't it?
The bible says to love and help others as long as it doesn't interfere with YOUR personal and growing relationship with God. I hide behind this when I do not want to extend a hand or kind words to those that need it most. My selfish feelings get in the way of doing what I know is expected of me as a Christian and I will admit, I am shameful of this. It's hard for me to give kindness and love to somebody that hurt me, my marriage or my family. I don't want to pray good things for them. I want anger to take over my heart because that is what I feel they deserve.
But you know what? I deserve anger too. I've fallen and still do fall short. Jesus is the ONLY perfect person out there. I have no right to not forgive anybody that has done wrong doing against me.
We love because He loved us first.
-1 John 4:19
I pray a lot that God teaches me to love how He loves. To forgive how He forgives. To be rich in mercy and slow to anger. (Psalm 145:8) How do I expect to bring others closer to Jesus if I pass any judgment or show nothing but anger to them?
I'm realizing that the more love I put out, the more love that can fill my heart. Anger and judgement will have no choice but to leave because there will be no more room in my heart to fit those emotions. It's not always going to be easy. The other day I tried to show compassion to the last person I would ever want to show it to and I have since received no response. Honestly, it bruised my ego a bit before I realized it's not about how good it makes ME feel but about just knowing that I am able to go out and do what God expects of me to do. It's Him I want to please and His work I want to complete. 
Try it out. Try extending grace and love to others on a daily basis, whether you follow Jesus or not! Run to those that need love the most. Set an example for others to follow your lead. Show a smile behind your eyes instead of jealousy, anger or judgement. 
If you have anything you'd like to chat about regarding this or anything on your heart, please do not hesitate: gfmamaj@gmail.com :)

On to a more different and yummier note! That soup looks SO good right??!

I found this great article of all these different kinds of Gluten Free soups! The weather is really starting to cool down here in SC and I am anxious to try out new recipes, especially some beef stew. (My faovrite!) So check out the link and let me know which ones you like and have successfully made:

Gluten Free Soup Recipes

Also during this time of year, I to just pour myself a small cup of wine at the end of the day while Eric enjoys a nice, manly beer! His taste changes all the time but my favorite wine happens to be Moscato. I'm always open to trying new types (just no red please) so I welcome any wine suggestions you may have :) Duplin has come out with their Christmas wines and I cannot wait to get those back in my fridge again!

Hope you all had an excellent week and have an even sweeter weekend! It's going to be nice here in Lexington, so I'm hoping we can make it outside for a little while.

Much love!!!

Happy One Year Anniversary Jesus!

One whole year already!

November 5th, 2013 was the day that my husband and I attended the ownership class at Newspring. We almost didn't make it, wanting to do something else and thinking the class wouldn't be more then a 15 minute, get to know the church, type thing.

Little did we know how miraculous and life changing it was going to be for us! We were saved right there at the class, together!

Eric and I were not meant to find Jesus alone and I am so blessed He brought me to Eric so we can do it together. Having our relationship constantly grow together is such a beautiful thing to watch for me.

Life did not automatically become picture percect. This past year has been a whirlwind of laughter, tears, anger, frustration, joy and the most love I've ever felt in my life. The Lord just continues to pour His blessings all over us, even when the times are hard! The trials He has and is putting us through has made us closer as a couple and I have been able to get out there and help others with what we've been through. As I've said before, He uses our past for purpose. I wouldn't change the sequence of events for anything. It's all leading us to a greater purpose.

I am SO very excited for what is to come from here. I am always looking for my next step in this walk with Jesus. The best really is yet to come and I know that our hand will be held the entire way by a God who cannot wait to give us all He has in store for us. He really does want great gifts for His children!!!

I promise you, it's a beautiful freedom. It's a peace in knowing that, even though I may not be where I want to be, He is taking care of me and I am far better off then I was before. His love has pulled Eric and I through so many dark times. I pray for EVERYBODY to have a relationship with Jesus.

God is calling me to be bold and I am ready! I am so blessed to be in the process of becoming part of Newspring's worship band. I have been praying to be lead to serve in that way for a while; waiting for the right season in life to go ahead and audition. Music is such a huge part of my soul and I know it was given to me to use for the greater good of Him. Eric is also busy serving at church and really likes the area he's settled in! So if you see him directing traffic in the parking lot, give him a wave!! He's probably the tallest volunteer they have, haha!

These are our best days and most humble beginnings. It took me a while to appreciate what I have, what I don't have and what we are working toward. I am God's project and my heart and love for Him grows stronger everyday. I am so thankful for Newspring and all it has done to help Eric and I reach this point in our life. I cannot wait to see Makenna start attending Kidspring. The volunteers and staff members are just wonderful with teaching the kids Jesus on their level and I know she will love it :)

The best is yet to come.

On a different note, I am almost done with my holiday shopping! Woo hoo!! I have a few more little things to get to put together for family and for little M but I am so close to being done. That means I can go out on Black Friday and be selfish ;) Haha! No, but really, I just wanted to enjoy Makenna's first Christmas season not having to worry about running around and shopping like a mad woman.

Have any on you all put a dent in your Holiday shopping list?

Well, I am off to the flea market today to find some goodies! Hope you all have a great Hump Day!

If ANY of you want to talk to me about Jesus, forming a relationship with Him, any questions or comments, or you just want to get something off your chest PLEASE shoot me an email: gfmamaj@gmail.com. I love hearing from y'all!

Spread some joy out here today.

Much love!

I just LOVE them! :)

Oh the weather outside is..delightful!

Hey y'all! 
Happy Saturday and Happy November!
The first of the month is always my favorite time to set new goals and this months goal will be so really start shedding away those baby lbs! I'm eating good, I just need to start moving more. I'm determined to make this month, the month! Any workout tips my fellow moms may have are more then welcome to throw some my way :)
So today, we woke up to this:

This was the last thing I expected to see when I woke up to feed Makenna this morning and even now at 3:30 in the afternoon, it's not even 45 degrees and very windy! The snow was so pretty and hey, fun fact: 

It hasn't snowed in SC, in November, since 1913! So we are a part of some very cool history. It was Makenna's first snow and she didn't like the cold too much!

I trust that everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween! Eric had to work late and out of town yesterday so Makenna and I spent the evening at my parents. Their neighbors create this haunted yard every year and it was hilarious to see them scaring the "big kids" trick or treating last night. Here was one character. I'm sure you'll know who he was:

Michael Myers! Very freaky. It was a fun night and my little Halloween treat was the cutest skeleton ever!

November is such a special time of year as we celebrate Thanksgiving and prepare for Christmas! (Is it too early to put up the decorations?? My mom voted YES!) I've already gotten a jump start on holiday shopping so I can enjoy our time the closer it gets to Christmas. I am so excited to celebrate it this year with our sweet baby!

So in honor of this being the most thankful year of the month, at the end of each post I will put 5 things I am thankful until Thanksgiving. And I encourage all of you to do the same :)

I am thankful for:

1) My health

2) My family

3) Cloth diapers

4) Eric's amazing job

5) Our animals 

We have been easing our way into cloth diapers and it is going so well! Not hard at all to catch on to and Makenna just looks adorable in them.

I hope all of y'all are having a great weekend and a good start to the month! Feel free to let me know some of YOUR goals for the new month or anything else that may be on your mind. (gfmamaj@gmail.com) Ya'll are awesome!

Much love!

Sticks and Stones

Whenever I receive a compliment it goes in one ear and out the other. But if I were to hear an insult or bad words spoken about me, it sticks to my heart like a leech and it pulls me down quickly.
I always had a way of beating to the sound of my own drum throughout school. I never liked what everyone else liked. I had maybe 3 or 4 pieces of Abercrombie and Hollister clothes and I was ok with that. I never had a fancy purse. I didn't date the cutest boy in my grade. And I'm really just weird! I had plenty of horrible things said behind my back and even to my face. Whether it be about my clothes or a part that I got in drama club. It always hurt and some days I would cry myself to sleep, feeling like such a loser. I never appreciated my differences back then and how special I was. How special we ALL are. I just wanted to fit in. I wanted to be popular and accepted by those that I put on such a high pedestal.
I couldn't wait to graduate. To get away from my peers that I spent, basically, 12 years with. Get away from those whose opinion should have held no value in my life, meet new people and start fresh. I was naive and felt like as soon as I went to college and stepped out into the real world, those problems would go away.
But they didn't. Of course they didn't. In fact, it seems like the older we get, the worse those problems become. Except instead of picking on someones bike or backpack or shoes, it's bigger things like where you live, what you drive, what kind of mother, wife or Christian you are.
I keep asking myself when am I finally going to let the sharp and hurtful opinions of others just roll of my back?
When are YOU?
God created us all different for a reason. We all have our different talents and a purpose in this world. I feel like if we were to all focus on the gifts and blessings He gives us instead of constantly worrying about others, the gossiping and judgement could stop. The bullying could stop.
Hurt people, hurt people. I heard this from my Pastor at church and it couldn't be more true.
Honestly, it shouldn't matter who's gay and who's straight. Who's wearing Abercrombie and who's wearing a thrift store special. Who's black and who's white. Who lives in a two story house and who lives in a 5th wheel. Who's a Christian and who's Jewish. We are all made different for a reason! We all have something to bring to the table!
I hope to teach my children the importance of building others up with our words instead of tearing each other down. That when you feel hurtful toward someone else, to pray and/or think before you speak. One bad opinion that we may speak aloud to another's face or even behind their back, could change the way they look at themselves in such a negative way.
Ephesians 4:29 says this:
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Be kind to someone today. Instead of glancing at another woman's outfit in a scornful way, how about you throw her a compliment that she looks nice or that you like her purse.
Let's teach the generations coming up the way this human race needs to start treating each other, so that maybe we can start to help control the madness that is going on in the world.
I've been guilty of caving into gossip. Of saying mean things about other people, to others, behind their back. But it's time to start setting an example. For all of us to set one.
And if you're the victim of any harsh words today, or any day, just smile; knowing that no matter what anyone may think or say that you are AWESOME!
As always, feel free to send an email with anything that may be on your mind. And if you haven't already, check out GFMama's new Facebook page. Thanks for reading y'all and have an amazing day. It's almost the weekend!!
Much love!

P.S. I went to my first trunk or treat last night with Makenna! (Daddy is away for work) I was a Pink Lady and Makenna was a little skeleton :) I had a blast. Having a child makes me feel like one again, in a way, and I'm excited of getting to experience firsts for both of us!!

The Happy Challenge

Hey y'all!
I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! Ours was great. We were able to hang out with family quite a bit this weekend, which always makes me happy. Church was fantastic yesterday and the message, as always, left such an impression on my heart that I hope to carry throughout my week. For anyone that is ever looking for a great church, please check out Newspring Church online and I promise you won't regret it.
So I was challenged by a follower, on instagram, to write the 10 things that make me the happiest! This is in no specific order and I challenge all of you to do the same!
1) My faith:
I love my growing relationship with God. I am honored to be the child of a King! I'm constantly looking for my next step with Him and love how far we've come.
2) My family:
I LOVE family. I'd spend and see them all every day if I could. There is nothing like getting together with those that we love most and seeing them with Makenna.
3) DIY:
I am no an artistic person whatsoever but I love finding things to make on Pintrest. My daughters whole nursery is one giant Pintrest project.
4) Food:
I love to eat. I love to cook; especially the better I get at it. I try out new and healthy recipes all the time and love it.
5) My animals:
I am not a cat person and living with an 85 lb weimaner in a fifth wheel is not easy but I love animals; especially my own! They were our first "babies" after all.
6) Music:
Even if it's just in the car, acting goofy, I LOVE to sing and play piano. Music has and always will be such a huge part of my life. In fact, my new serving position at Newspring Church will be to sing and act with the kids in Kidspring. I am SO excited to teach them Jesus on their level especially through the best way I know how.
7) Driving:
I know that sounds silly but to me there is nothing like rolling the windows down on a beautiful day, putting on some country music and go cruising down some back roads. I did this way more before Makenna was born and even before I was pregnant. Eric and I would drive anywhere to see where we'd end up and just talk. Those days are so sweet to me.
8) Friendship:
I've learned a lot about myself through friendships I've either had in the past or have now. There are some friends that are so close to my heart, no matter how often we talk. I believe God brings people into your life for a reason; (We all know I'm about His reasons!) whether it's for a lifetime or just for a season. I am so thankful for all friends that I have, both past and present.
9) My marriage:
I love doing life with my sweet husband. I love how he makes me feel and I love the amazing guy he is and always continues to become. As you can tell, he's one of my favorite subjects to write about. He's definitely a huge reason for my happiness.
10) Motherhood:

This little girl right here is the light of my life. Makenna has taught me so much about myself more then anything or anyone.To think Eric and I created something so beautiful just overwhelms me. I am so blessed and thankful that God chose me to be her mommy. Motherhood is beautiful, stressful, amazing, fun, tiring and demanding of my patience but to watch her grow up and know that we are shaping her life just completes me!!

God gives us so much to be happy and grateful for everyday. Church yesterday reminded me of how beautiful my life is because of Jesus and how much joy He wants for me in my life. I could have listed 50 more things as to what makes me happy but these are the 10 that matter the most.

I would LOVE to hear from you all the 10 things that make you the happiest! Send an email (aljanson819@gmail.com) or write a comment.

I hope you all have an amazing day and hey! If you have a Facebook, make sure you find my new blog page and like it by clicking this link:

GFMama

Your support is much appreciated and gives me a reason to keep writing. Have a great start to the week!

Much love!!

No Mr. Romance. Or is he?

Eric has never been an overly mushy guy. He's a mans man and has never been overly romantic. I think he bought me flowers once and that was two months after we met! To be honest it used to upset me. I used to wonder why he wouldn't shower me with chocolate, flowers or nice gifts. Or why he never wrote me love letters or looked into my eyes underneath the stars and captivate me with his words. I wanted the typical, mushy kind of love that you see in the movies. (Which is a problem with a lot of people!) And it took me well into a year and a half into our marriage to realize that's not what matters. That life is not a movie, it's real.

Yes, flowers are nice and chocolates are yummy but do they really matter in the grand scheme of things?

Not really; not to me. Not anymore at least.

Eric works HARD. Always has as long as I've known him. He was an outstanding Marine and went above and beyond in all he did. He's quickly been advancing and moving up in the job he is in now and he does it all for one main reason.

Our family. 

I have a husband who puts in well over 60 (more like 70) hours a week just to make sure his wife and daughter are living a good life.

I have a husband who comes home after working those long days and will still  help with Makenna or housework and then makes sure he has plenty of time to spend with me.

I have a husband who leads me in the most beautiful way a husband can; with a Christ-like heart. The ways Eric has changed and helped progress my relationship with Jesus is one thing (besides making me a mommy) I am most thankful for. 

While I'm ready to completely freak out over any crisis that may happen, he's already there getting it all worked out. He's truly my backbone and after 3 years and two months of marriage, I can honestly say I fall in love with him again, over and over! Watching him be a daddy to our baby girl makes my little heart want to explode.

I have a husband who has made me feel SO incredibly beautiful everyday, especially since I have been feeling a little down about how I look after giving birth. He still makes me feel fantastic! It will never matter what anyone else may think because I know he's on my team.

Last week, Eric comes into the house after being outside for quite a while. He looked at me and asked "Has anyone ever carved your name into a tree before?" I laughed and said "If you mean a boyfriend then absolutely not, why?"

This is why:

So you see, I don't need the flowers, the nice gifts, the star gazing or chocolate (well...I'll take some chocolate, ha!) to feel romanced by my husband. I just need him to be, him! He is romantic in the ways he knows how even if it may not fit what I used to expect. He is my best friend and someone I love to be around as much as I can. And if the best really is yet to come then I can't even comprehend how great the rest of my life will be with him by my side!

Love you babe :)

I hope you all are having a fantastic Thursday! Only one more day till the weekend, so hang in there.

I just wanted to say the responses of love, encouragement, testimonies and praise over my last post was overwhelming! I can't thank you enough for the positivity you all showed me.

I'm here for whatever you need to send my way: aljanson819@gmail.com

Much love!

We all have a story to tell

The story of how I came to know Christ is not one I share quite often. It brings up unwanted memories of a past that, to this day, I struggle to accept. But the more I progress in my relationship with Jesus, the more I feel Him calling me. Calling me to be bold and share the news of how He saved me. I kept dismissing those calls and when I started this blog, I made a promise to myself I wouldn't go that far. I would keep the posts light and positive; only lightly talking about what Jesus does in my life.
Until this morning.
I receive emails every morning from a website called Proverbs 31 Ministries and today's devotional was labeled How God Turns Your Past Into Purpose. The devotional started off with this verse:
“‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39 

It states how God never wastes our pain. That it's His desire for us to share our stories, whether we want to or not. That made me realize that He didn't just send His only Son for me to talk "lightly" of Him and all He does for me.

So with that said and a deep breath from my side of the computer, I'd love to share with you all how I was saved!

I grew up in a non religious household. My mom is Jewish and my dad is Catholic. We still celebrated the holidays, but in more of a hallmark sense. They never pushed one religion on me; wanting me to one day decide if I even wanted to follow any type of religion. I had gone to church maybe three times growing up and honestly never had the desire to. I didn't hang out with friends that were into religion or God and at some moments in my teenage years, I wondered if He even existed. 

My senior year of high school, I had my first, official relationship. It's because of this relationship I was introduced to church with his family, who were all pretty secure in their faith. I started to look into Christianity and took great interest in it. It was overwhelming and I didn't even know where to start. I started to Google popular bible verses on the internet and even tried to pray to "see what would happen." I was no where near living a life for Jesus and considered myself just getting my toes wet to see if this whole faith thing was for me and if I even wanted to pursue a relationship with Him.

Little did I know that God was just getting things started for me. 

This was only the very beginning.

Fast forward a little bit. A chain of events and falling into the wrong group of people, led me to become somebody I didn't even know anymore and do things that I am, by no means, proud of. I hurt my family, friends and myself. If I was on any path toward Jesus, I was already starting to stray out of control. The relationship I was in and out of, was over and left me really hurt. At the time I considered it losing my first love (not really knowing what love was back then) and my innocence. 

November 2009, after months of being out of touch with reality, I made the decision to get away. Some said I was running from my problems and they were right!! I needed a fresh start and I needed it fast. So I found a place to live, I enrolled in college, packed up my little Nissan Sentra and moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina to stay with my friend Brittany for a little while before I could get the keys to my apartment. I was thankful for the compassion I received from her and others during that time, considering how I acted beforehand. I especially couldn't have been more thankful for my parents who didn't give up on me once; who supported me moving over 600 miles away to start my life over and still believed I was capable of doing amazing things. Without my mom and dad in my life, I don't even want to think about where I would be and I will forever owe my heart and love to them!

Things in Jacksonville started off great. I was working at a well paying job, started school and was really getting my life back on track. I started to go back to God little by little and even changed my major from theatre to religion studies. 

But I still just couldn't get it right. I started to slip off the path once again. I found myself not being honest with others or myself. I took a liking to drinking and once again, lost my interest in my faith and wandered from God.

I was in such a rut. I hated who I was as a person, was depressed to be alone and walked around being so bitter. I talked to men that, in the end, didn't want anything but a physical relationship and ended it when I wouldn't give that to them. Also, in a huge way, I was still hurting and bruised over the relationship that ended in NY.  I didn't know what to do or where to run. I closed myself off from my parents, which I know hurt them even more. I was losing control again. 

It wasn't until I met my husband (check out It All Started With a Toaster to read how) that I felt my heart and spirit come back to life. When I say that Eric mended my broken heart, he really did. He picked up the pieces and did (and still does!) all he could to show me what love really was. He is, who I consider to be, my first love.

But even being in that relationship, I still wasn't living for God. We both weren't. I still wasn't bring an honest person and I was still feeling the aftermath of all I had been through the last few years. It more then affected our marriage.

In 2012, Eric and I moved to Lexington, SC after he got out of the Marine Corps and things were hard. We went through our biggest trial together and there were times I didn't know how or when we'd make it out. 

Behind the scenes, God was ready to move mountains! All we needed to do was just surrender to Him and the spiritual warfare going on in our hearts wouldn't allow us. We were suffering as people and as a couple. I had no idea what our future held at this point.  

In September 2013, something led us to start wanting to go back to church. We started going to a church called Newspring that so many people told us about. We were both overwhelmed and unsure about it but kept going back. I was captivated. The music, the pastor, the message; it all stayed with me throughout the week. It lit a spark in our hearts and we attended the ownership class together to learn more about the church and what they were all about. 

That night at the class, November 2013, 4 years after I made the decision to leave NY and start over, I was saved along with my husband. We accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior right there at our church. Together. 

I'd like to say things were automatically easier for us but that's not true. They, in fact, became harder. But for the last 11 months we have seen God do the most amazing things in our life. Our marriage made a complete 360 degree turn and has become incredibly stronger. I've been feeling a transformation in my heart, in my soul and in my life. Jesus, with His forgiveness, has allowed me to completely start over. I'm so grateful He never stopped chasing my heart. He pursued me with such a great passion and now, in turn, I must go out in the world and do the same. 

If I've said it once, Ill say it again: God does everything for a reason. My past happened according to His plan. While my past may not seem to be a tragedy as much as others may be, it was a tragedy to me. I was miserable and felt dead inside. BUT! I needed to go through that. I needed to hit rock bottom. I needed to see that He is the ONLY One who was going to pull me out of that awful place I was in. Life is amazing, beautiful, hard, obnoxious and scary but I don't ever have to do it alone. 

I AM FREE

I AM SAVED

So to whoever reads this, to whoever this is meant to reach, THANK YOU! It's because of you that I'm sharing this story. My true testimony. And just know that this kind of freedom is there waiting for you. You just have to grab His hand and let Him take the reigns of your life. If you are going through anything, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It will be ok. YOU will ok. 

If there are any questions or comments or anything you feel the need to share, my email is there for the taking: aljanson819@gmail.com

You are all so great and I thank you for reading this.

MUCH love!