All for the love of Jesus

It's no secret as to how much I absolutely and positively love music!
Ever since I was really little, I have been so passionate about music and started piano lessons in the 1st grade. My fascination and love for music just kept growing over the years. In 5th grade I participated in my first musical "Annie" as Annie. The experience is one that I still let me mind wander back to and my love for musical theatre started there. All through middle school and high school I filled my schedule with drama club, choirs, voice lessons, piano lessons and even a few dance lessons here and there. I knew at a young age exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I loved being in the spotlight and my dream for Broadway began.
Living only a 45 minute drive away from New York City was a dream! My parents took me to see countless of Broadway shows and completely supported my dream on wanting to become a Broadway actress.
When I was accepted into the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan, I KNEW that my dreams were so close. I was SO certain that I had my future completely planned out and ready to go. I was beginning to see everything I wanted for my life begin to unfold. It was all centered over what I wanted to see happen.
Then, life happened.
I dropped out of AMDA and let me dream slowly disappear for, what I thought, was love at the time. My passion and love for music became a distant memory, the piano in my living room started to collect dust and there were moments when I didn't really care if I ever sang again
Fast forward 4 years. Eric and I started to attend Newspring church and every week I would watch the Worship Band in awe. My soul started to stir and my love for music began to flood my heart again. I prayed and waited for an opportunity to audition or find a way to become part of that team. I wanted, no, NEEDED, to be up there.
But Jesus knew I wasn't ready. He knew that I wasn't going to be up there for the right reasons. Every week this twing in my heart grew. I was on Jesus' time though and in the end, I was ok with that. By that point I became pregnant and knew it wasn't the right time. So for the next 9 months, I just sat back and allowed myself to be led by the Worship band every Sunday. I allowed them to lead Jesus into my heart even more. I started to sing again. I would sing at home, in the mirror, in the car and as loud as I could. It was like years of built emotions just poured out when I would sing. Throughout my entire pregnancy I could see both Eric and I just growing closer and closer with Jesus, as a couple and as individuals! I started to slowly allow Him to take over my future. A future that has already been planned out for me.
When Makenna was born, the thought of being a part of that team slipped my mind until one day day on Facebook, I saw a picture on the Newspring page advertising auditions at all campuses for the Worship band. It was ME this time around that thought it was the wrong time. I was a new mom and didn't know how it could all work.
But Jesus knew. He knew it was time. He pushed it on my heart to audition but I ignored it. I ignored that push until one day He used my husband to push me to audition. I agreed to see what would happen, submitted a video and waited.
I love that it all turned out exactly how and when The Lord wanted it to because last Sunday was my first time up there singing with the Worship band. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt His presence with every note I sung. I know that His timing is just perfect! He in no way shape or form wanted me to be up there for, well, me! He wanted me to use what I'm called to do to glorify Him and Him only. To lead people to worship Him and grow closer to Him, just as I was led.  And I wouldn't want it any other way. To have that view, on the stage, to watch others have such an intimate time with Jesus was breathtaking.
My dreams of music has never gone away, it's just changed. Jesus is using my calling and gift of music for something much better then I could have ever planned for myself.
I am so thankful for the plans of mine that He has changed for my good and for His glory.
I am loving all these new experiences He's been putting in my life and I am willing to go and do whatever it is He calls of me. I know that being a part of this team that I can only keep growing; vocally and, most importantly, spiritually.
What plans do you feel have been altered, in a good way? What gifts have you been given that you feel you can use in your life?
Never give up on your dreams! Just because the timeline of events in your life may be different than you imagined doesn't mean your dreams cannot become a reality. Put your trust in the One who can and wants to help you :)
I would love to hear thoughts, comments or if you need an ear, I'm here: gfmamaj@gmail.com.
And seriously, thank you to all who follow this blog. Putting myself out there as been surprisingly easy and rewarding and I have all of you to thank!

*One more thing. I posted a picture of Makenna on Instagram yesterday (amandaljanson if you want to find me!) of her in her new Zipade Zip sleeper. Let me tell you..it's amazing! She only woke up once last night, which is a miracle since she wasn't swaddled. I just put her down for a nap before writing this post and she fell asleep, BY HERSELF and with NO PACI, in less than 5 minutes.
Click HERE to browse their website. Check out the FAQ for more information on the product and tips for sizing. It's also a small business run by a wife and husband so that's awesome to support!

C-C-C-Changes!

Happy Spring!
I came even begin to express how fast the time is going. It's freaking me out!
I know some of you still have snow on the ground and I am so sorry. South Carolina weather has been so up and down that I'm not quite sure what to except these days! I'm just happy to be in the season of spring.
This has always been my favorite time of year! And, no, not just because my birthday is in May. I see spring as a time when dead things come to life; much like the reason we celebrate Easter! Since last year, I view Easter completely different then all the cute bunnies and pretty baskets in the store. I see how painfully beautiful it is to celebrate the reason we have the cross in the first place. Without His death there'd be no salvation. To think that Jesus died for me...well that would take a whole different blog post! :)
With Easter coming up and starting to watch the flowers bloom, I get that warm, happy feeling inside. A feeling in my gut that tells me changes are about to take place. I've been getting pretty good at noticing when one season in my life and another one is about to begin. And I'll tell you what- that warm, happy feeling hasn't always been there.
CHANGE.
I have NEVER been good with change. This word has always scared me, even if I know the change is going to be good. My mindset has been like this for a while, until about a month or so ago. I was at my church in the room where all the volunteers meet before the service and was listening to our campus pastor give us, what you can call, a pep talk. He used a verse from the bible, that even with all my studying of the bible, never came across. Or maybe I just overlooked it. It's a verse that our church believes in whole heartily.

I'll be honest, as much as I loved this verse when I first heard it, I haven't thought it about since that evening. But I didn't forget about it. I like the verses that come across my path that I tuck away for the times when I need comfort. Last night was one of those nights.

It was late, I was already upset and was thinking of change. How much our lives have changed since Makenna has come along, how much I long for us to become homeowners, our physical health, our future...I was overwhelmed. I was doubtful to God and His plan. I couldn't lay in bed anymore just thinking so I pulled out my last journal that still had some blank pages in it, grabbed a bible and a blanket and had quiet time. I said a quick prayer, before picking up the pen to write, that God would let this conversation be productive and peaceful. I opened up the bible to a random page and immediately saw Isaiah 43:19 underlined.

The best hasn't even happened yet. 

God is already 20 million steps ahead of me. 

He's already putting all the pieces together of everything that has been on my mind. 

Change doesn't have to be scary because God, Himself, is telling me of how good it can be. 

I'm ready for this new season in my life. I can't even imagine how God is going to use us and bless us for His glory. I can't even express grow thankful I am to have a Father that has something new and exciting waiting for me at the end of every trial. And I can walk away stronger, growing more in my faith and look forward to all He has planned for me. 

So as the flowers start to bloom and the sun begins to warm the air, let's embrace the change; together!

Life is so beautiful friends :)

Much love to you all! 

Any thoughts, comments? Let me hear! ❤️

"Do to others...

...as you would have them do to you."
-Luke 6:31

I've been hearing this from my mom, dad, teachers and all other grown-up-like authority, all my life. I question if they know that this "saying" is straight from the bible; I know that I didn't know!
I was thinking the other night of what I would say to Makenna when she came home from school for the first time and tells me she was picked on at school. This thought stemmed from a report on the news about two,6 year old girls getting into a fist fight because one girl picked on the others girl outfit. OY!!! It really got me thinking...
That saying, verse, whatever you'd like to call it, is so overused but screams so much truth. We all want to be treated with respect and our feelings get hurt when we are not..right?? So then why is it so hard to give it? When someone is negative with us, we as humans automatically put our guard up, get defensive and defend. We get mean in return with no care in the world of how our retaliation might affect that person.
Yes I know, it sucks when we get talked about behind our backs or a comment is made about us under someone's breath. I've been through that all my life and let me tell you it doesn't get easier! The meanness becomes less about what cell phone you're using or college you're going to and turns into what kind of mother you are or what house you live in.
But I'd like to think that when my children start to go through this kind of thing that I can, not,only point them in the direction that Jesus would want me to point them in, but that I can show an honest and genuine example. That even know we want to throw our fists up at the first mean thing that's said to us, we need to take a different route.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
-John 13:34
Jesus was pretty straight forward when He said this. He said we must love one another. He didn't say anything but loving each other except for this or except for that.
LOVE. Just love. Even when we don't want to. Even when someone picks on us or is mean. Treat others how WE want to be treated; with love, kindness and respect. This is not an easy. I struggle with my kindness toward others every time I'm driving on these SC roads! Lately, whenever I feel judgement start to creep into my heart when I'm around others, I really take just 2 seconds and think of a possible story they could have behind their actions that I am looking down upon. I remember the fact that we all have or are going through something. I remember that I fall short of Gods glory every single day yet He still showers me with love, kindness and respect. And if He can do that for me then I can do that for others. Nobody is above or below grace, nobody is above or below mercy and nobody is above or below love!
So while this saying may be overused and passed around a lot, I couldn't agree with it anymore now them I did when I was first being taught it. And I'm super thankful that I have a God who lives this verse out every single day in my life!
So spread some love today. If there is any negative fire in your day, smother it with kindness and love and always remember that YOU are loved :)
Need prayer or just some conversation? You know where to find me: gfmamaj@gmail.com.
MUCH love!! :)


So Eric and I had a fantastic weekend. Church was just fantastic and this series we are doing has my heart on fire! It had been a while since we really got to spend some family time together since he's been working 6 days a week for a while. Well this Saturday he finally had off, the weather was perfect and we took total advantage of the day! Makenna growing is bittersweet. I want her to stay small but golly this is such a fun age! Her personality is really starting to come out and we can do a lot more family outings :)
Makenna and Eric spent some time together Saturday morning while I went out and got grocery shopping done. Then the three of us took Makenna to the park. She then went to hang out with my parents while Eric and I had a day date!

Here's some pictures from our day:

Makennas first time playing at the park! I mean, seriously can she get any cuter?!

Eric finally had a chance to push Makenna in the swing for the first time! 

I love being her mommy! 

I adore these two so much. Watching my husband be a father to my child has been the most beautiful thing. I am so lucky and blessed to be married to such an amazing man. I love them both so much that my heart is close to bursting! 

Eric and I grabbed lunch downtown at a place called Cantina, which aha the worlds best tacos! We were craving something sweet after so we went to Cupcakes Down South. They have gluten free cupcakes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. They are heavenly delicious :) 

"I Do" forever

Most of you who follow this blog know the story of how Eric and I met and when we were married. If not, check out It All Started With A Toaster, and you can catch up!
I love my husband every single day (duh, haha) but there are days when I think back on all him and I have been through as a couple and as individuals and I cannot help but feel a sweet kind of nostalgic and love him even more. Lately, I've been seeing friends and family being separated from their spouses or significant others, whether because of divorce, a breakup, an affair, death or just falling out of love. I look at these situations and trials they are going through and it just makes me hug my husband a little tighter. It wrecks my heart to see what is happening to love and I know the best thing I can do for those going through situations like those I mentioned (and more) is to just be there and pray for them.
Seeing what others have been going through, allows my heart so see that I am seriously SO blessed to have been paired with the most perfectly, imperfect man. Eric has had me swooned from day one and while it takes quite some work to keep that fire going, I love him more every day. We were made to be together!
That doesn't mean things are or have been easy. The pervious post, that I mentioned above, shares the good memories on how our story began. But happily ever after doesn't come without seasons, arguments and doubts. We both made mistakes, hurt each other, been through job losses, infertility, money troubles and there were times when we weren't sure if we would make it. We didn't go to God at all, for anything. We worked against each other and not with each other and we weren't doing all we could to fulfill the vows we made to one another and to God.
But prayer changes things; allowing Jesus to come in and be the center of our marriage is still changing things between us. We still don't have it all together and we never will because we are two imperfect people who made a commitment to each other to create a beautiful, imperfect marriage and love. I think striving for perfection, at least for me, is what interfered the most.
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no man seperate."
-Matthew 19:6
I'm forever thankful to God for bringing Eric into my life. He is, hands down, my best friend and I know that no matter what situation comes our way that we will work it out.
Love is real, it's out there and it's His desire for everybody to find it. I'm a sucker for love and I'm a firm believer that everyone is meant to be with somebody. I am so proud and blessed to have a marriage like we do, that took hard work to get to where we are and I pray that everyone can find a love like that.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
-1 Corinthians 13:4
If you ever need anything, you know where to find me: gfmama@gmail.com
Much love!



Since I've been feeling nostalgic, I thought I'd post some pictures from our wedding and the week of to show!

When Eric "officially" asked me to marry him

I was on cloud 9. I don't think I could've been any more giddy if I tried! 

The week of wedding was some of the most fun I've had in my life and memories I'll never forget! 

My sweet Dad seeing me for the first time in my wedding dress!

I love those two so, so much.

Eric and his mama :) Can you tell how nervous he was?

I was so nervous walking towards him, wondering if we were doing the right thing. But he smiled at me, we grabbed hands and I was never so sure about anything more in my life. 

<3

One of the sweetest days of my life! 

One of my favorites! 

We rode away on our new motorcycle to our hotel "honeymoon" spot. So much fun! 

My parents booked us a two night stay at this little hotel resort by the beach. It was sweet considering Eric had to be back to base on Monday! 

Down with Facebook

"I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Corinthians 6:12 

So silly me forgot to mention that my Facebook is no longer, which means the GFMama page is no longer as well. I am on an official Facebook hiatus and so very happy.

I mean honestly, it's like a sweet freedom. There are many reasons why I (and Eric!) decided to forever delete the number one social media cite out there and here they are a few:

1) Facebook is a HUGE distraction

This (^) means more to me than anything in this world. I am so honored and willing to follow Jesus where ever He wants or needs me to go. I was really having a problem with waking up in the morning and immediately turning to His word; to go to sleep skimming through my newsfeed instead of digging into His word. I was getting quite frustrated at myself due to the lack of time I had for anything else in my life because I was so busy on Facebook! I vowed that 2015 would be the year that I really throw myself into my faith. Jesus' love is worth more to me then just a one minute devotional..which was on my cell phone. Since deleting our Facebooks, Eric and I have happily started reading in the New Testament together and that alone makes my heart happy.

2) It's an unnecessary stressor

I have been wanting to delete my Facebook for quite some time, even before I had Makenna. In fact, when I was pregnant I tried to delete it only to log in a day or so later. It was really starting to bother me how Facebook users were using the cite to just be, well, mean! Commenting on a controversial topic that somebody posts is just a HUGE no-no! Politics, religion, motherhood, vaccinations..those are just a few topics that I saw circulating throughout my friends list right before I deleted my account. Most of those who wish to engage in a "friendly" conversation about a particular topic, really only want you to agree with them and not respond with your opinion. The whole concept is just so silly right?! To get into an argument on Facebook seemed as ridiculous as one child sticking their tongue out at another child on the playground. I didn't want to partake in it anymore. I spent too much of my time worrying and biting my nails over the opinion others had about me. (SO SILLY!) There are real things to be concerned about that are going on in my life, in this country and in the world and Facebook is just not one of them anymore.

3) It took away my time as a mommy

I don't want to be the type of mom who has a Facebook just to show off their childs every move and that's exactly what I was becoming. While I do have friends and family that are more then 10 hours away that loved keeping up with Makenna's little life, keeping Facebook up to date took away time I could've been spending with my little family. I love making memories with my daughter and not worrying about scrolling through my newsfeed or letting everyone know what we were doing all the time.

4) I'm done with being nosy

Let's all be honest eh? Facebook is about 99.9% better then any celeb, gossip magazine you could find. It's because the gossip takes place in the lives of people we actually know. I wasn't looking at peoples pages for any other reason then I was just nosy and wanted to see what was going on in their life. Awful huh? I'm being honest! I cannot genuinely love people the way God loves us all, if I am too busy scrolling through and nit-picking through peoples lives. 

I realize this post makes me look like I was super addicted to Facebook but that's because I was. It's been almost a week since deleting it and I feel a lot of pressure lifted from my spirit. I feel like I can now allow myself to really keep in touch with people besides through a comment. I'm actually able to go and hang out/make friends without hiding behind a phone. My life is worth more then spending that much time on a social network cite. I no longer will allow social media to have its hold on me :)

With that being said I DO still have my instagram account: amandaljanson

I like seeing what my church is doing and I like being able to still promote my blog! While it's still social media, it doesn't make me lose focus on my day to day life. 

A huge thank you to those who are still keeping up with this little, ol' blog :) 

Much love to you all <3 

Happy day of love!

Four years ago today I was celebrating my last Valentines Day alone and I didn't even know it. I was alone and sulking. I wish I knew then that 6 days later I would meet the love of my life!
I've never been a huge fan of Valentines Day, mainly because I never had anyone special to share it with. The day left me so bitter and hoping it would end, as soon as, it started. I mean, come on, being single can have a downside, especially on a day like today. I know, I'm not bring overly sensitive or positive here but stay with me!
I've been a wife for almost 4 years and while I'm still not a huge fan of this overly mushy day, I am not that bitter, young girl anymore because let me tell you:
IT'S WORTH THE WAIT!
It is worth waiting for the man that Jesus has instore for you. It's worth not settling for just anybody so that you're not alone for a Hallmark holiday!
For example: Eric and I vowed to not do anything for today..nada! We are looking to buy a home In the immediate future and our budget didn't include gifts for Valentines Day. Well this morning when he woke up, he handed me the sweetest card anyway! I was surprised, giddy and honestly, a little bit guilty because I had actually followed by the rule, haha. But to know he thought of me anyways just tickled my heart and makes me realize, again, how absolutely beautiful my life is with him.
I have a husband who declares his love for me every single day, not missing a beat, even when I've make it hard to love. I have a husband who has always treated me the upmost respect even when there were times I didn't deserve it. I am SO blessed that I followed the exact steps God needed me to take to get to Eric. I am SO blessed that God put it in me to know better then settling for less then the man I deserved. I am SUPER blessed to have a husband that chases after my heart through Jesus and leads me closer to Him as often as he can.
So while this may be "single awareness day" do not be bitter like I was, every V-Day; be thankful that you haven't settled. Be thankful that he or she is out there looking for you as well! Be thankful that you could take this time to better yourself so that you can bring great things into a relationship. Use this time and holiday to spread love to those you know (or don't know!) who need it most. I wish I had taken being single as a good thing; a ways to prepare for my future, but God had a different plan and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!
Here's a peak into what your sweet day looked like:

Makenna received a Valentines Day frog from mama and daddy :)

Loving on her daddy!

This special princess is 6 months old today :)

Outback for lunch! 

Makenna selfie! 

What would be a Valentines Day post without a smoochie picture :)

I hope you all had a great weekend and a special day! Remember that God loves you more then anyone ever can and much love from me as well! 

A couple more things:

*I had more than a few emails asking for the link to my church, Newspring. Just click Here and that'll take you directly there! 

*Makenna turned 6 months today. WOW! She can officially say "dada" (when she wants to of course), roll over from back to belly and belly to back, sit up on her own, is cutting her first tooth, and loves organic baby food! Time is flying at a rapid speed and there are moments it makes me sad but motherhood just keeps getting more fun! :)

God WILL give me more than I can handle

We've all heard the expression "God will never give you more than you can handle."
We've lived by this expression; posted it as a Facebook status, shared it as a piece of advice for others to follow, or wrote it over and over in our private journals.
I started a book, while I was pregnant, called "Unleash!" that's written by Perry Noble, the pastor of my church. I've recently picked it back up to try as finish it and I'm almost done. The entire book has awakened my heart and I highly recommend it. I've taken a pen to underline or highlight parts that I want/need to look back on and could have almost the whole book underlined! There is one chapter though that really caught my attention.
Perry explains of how false that above statement really is and how frustrating that reality can be. And he's right. We think of God as someone who has our back, who knows exactly how our life is supposed to play out. He loves us! Why would he put us through something we couldn't handle?!
There are a ton of things that I'm going through and that I've been through where I've more then questioned His plan, I questioned His existence. There was a point in my life where I was a overwhelmed by doubt, hurt, anxiety, embarrassment, and shame that it pained me to live that way so much. I would shout to sky "Where are You?! Why are You doing this to me?!" Sometimes I still ask why.
I know friends and family that have been through it: divorce, death, illness, job loss, an affair, etc
These are all thing way beyond our control and I know, for certain, more than we all can handle!
But that is the absolute beauty of having a relationship with Jesus!
I am not expected to handle any of this! God has put so much in my life that I failed at because I tried to control and handle it myself. I knew but never really realized until reaching that chapter in Perrys book that we are put through the ringer so that we can give up that control. So that we can let God handle what we are going through. He wants us to lean on HIM alone, to depend on HIM alone, to not tell Him how big our problems are but tell our problems how big our God is! To boast about, not our own strength but the Lords strength.
For a control freak like me, it's not easy. I still have a very tight grip on my life that I'm slowly surrendering to Him. When I can't handle a situation my first thought is that something is just totally wrong with me. I'm just not doing life right, I'm not doing Christianity right but this is not true. I'm just leaning on my own strength and not His.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
-Philippians 4:13

God IS going to give us more than we can handle but it's only because He loves us more then we can even begin to understand and wants nothing more then for us to grow closer with Him and trust in His power.
If you're still going through a tough time maybe that's Gods way of telling you that He's still in charge; that it's time to let go and let Him handle it. Trust in Him!
Don't ever be afraid to reach out to others and say that something is more than you can handle. There were situations in my life where I wish I leaned to others for help instead of trying to do it all myself. We are not meant to do life alone!
With that being said if there are any of you, anywhere, that is reading this and needs an ear to talk to my email is always available to you (gfmamaj@gmail.com) or if you're local we can always meet to chat!
You've got this. You're going to be ok. This is just a season.
Much, much love!