My top To Do's for this summer!

Hey guys!

I am SO super excited for this summer. Eric and I have been making plans, here and there, and I can't wait for all them! 

Eric is originally from South Carolina and since working in a field that requires him to travel all over the state, he's seen quite a bit. I, on the other hand, have not. We have been living here since October 2012 and I've only seen a fraction of what this beautiful state has to offer! I've been doing research on some family and budget friendly things to see and do this spring/summer and I've finally narrowed down a list. Here's what I am most looking forward to doing this summer:

1) Visit the Anderson campus of NewSpring church. For the past year and a half, on Sundays, I have been watching, my pastor, Perry Noble, live and would LOVE to go to watch him preach in person and maybe get the chance to meet him! I suggested to Eric for us to try and do this the weekend before my birthday (May 20th by the way, haha!) and he seemed fond of the idea. We would be able to check out the town the night before and I am super excited to put Makenna into KidSpring there! 

2) Go see a movie at The Big Mo. That name just makes it sound like a great time, doesn't it?! This is a drive-in movie theatre that I've been told about so many times. A night under the stars in the warm summer air, surrounded by popcorn and blankets. I LOVE IT!

3) Camping trip! I've never been camping. I mean, besides somebody's backyard, haha. I've heard that Edisto beach (in SC) is great for camping and hope that's something we can do this spring before it gets too hot! I'm not quite sure how I would be in a camping environment. Makenna will probably do better than me, haha! But I'm certain if there's plenty of food and an air mattress, I'll be just fine :) Any tips for first time campers?? Please share!!

4) CAROWINDS! I mean come on! I've lived in SC for two and half years and have yet to visit this place! When I was little, I wasn't a huge roller coaster fan and honestly, I have such a huge phobia of heights. But the older I get, roller coasters just seem to be an exception! This isn't a great place for Makenna to go to right now, so we would definitely make this a day or group date! Plus they have gluten free chicken tenders and french fries there! YES!!

5) I'm choosing Folly Beach over Myrtle Beach for this year. Folly Beach is located in Charleston County and from the looks of it, seems so historical; which I am super into! Eric travels into Charleston so often for work and has been longing to bring me there to visit. I feel like going to Folly Beach might be a little easier on our wallets since Myrtle Beach is super touristy. I definitely would love to get some beach time in this summer and I hope my research proves me right with this one!

6) Makenna's first birthday party! OH MY GOSH! I have already started to plan her party (picking through themes, location, budget, etc.) and have LOVED it! I am trying to be the mom that embraces and gets excited seeing her baby grow up instead of mourning the time passing. Planning her birthday is helping me do just that! I have a few themes to run by Eric and once we can both agree (that should be interesting!) then the party planning shall officially commence!!

7) This may not happen this spring or summer, but I would love, love, love to take a trip to Gatlinburg, TN this fall :) I've been there twice before and loved each time! I've never been the biggest nature fan but there is nothing like being up in the mountains and having a moment to just..think, reflect and enjoy the tremendous amount of beauty surrounding you. Makenna would be walking by fall and would be able to enjoy some of the things they have for kids! Plus places like this are always cheaper to do in an off season!

8) I look forward to doing the little things there are to do around where we are: fishing, hiking, museums, walking trails, BBQ's with family and friendships, bonfires and shopping ;)

I am so blessed and thankful to have such a fun, wonderful and sweet family to be able to grow and do things with! The friendships that I've made so far this year have been an amazing blessing and I am happy to have them to plan with as well! These next few months have been much anticipated and The Lord has so many plans and changes in our future that I am so excited for. I look forward to taking the time to step aside from all the changes and enjoy our time as a family.
I would love to hear what plans you have for the upcoming months! Any vacations? Just relaxing at home? Have suggestions for me to add to the list? Any day trip ideas? Let me know :) gfmamaj@gmail.com
I pray that whatever it is you are doing in the warmer weather that Jesus brings you many blessings and endless joy!
Much love!!

We took a nice walk to the park with Daddy today and had so much fun on the slide :) I adore these two!!

#beyougoals

A few weeks ago, my sweet friend Morgan, (check her out over at Yellow Door Diaries) sent our small group an email with a link to a video made by Sadie Robertson. If haven't seen the video yet, you can watch it here.
In the video, Sadie talks about the latest hashtag trend that is all over social media.
For those who do not know what hashtag is or means (you'd be surprised!), dictionary.com defines it as:

noun

1.

(on social-networking websites) a word or phrasepreceded by a hash mark (#), used within amessage to identify a keyword or topic of interestand facilitate a search for it:

The latest trend has been all about commenting on the picture or status of somebody that posts about their life and hash-tagging "#___goals"

I've seen this range from "#thighgapgoals", "#beautygoals", "#friendshipgoals", or the most popular: "#relationshipgoals"

As Sadie says it's all about people comparing themselves to others and wanting to reach a goal to have what another person has or be like another person. She goes deep into what her own personal issues with jealousy and other flaws that she has. Sadie mentions how she wants to see a world filled with confidence and to have all of us strive to be the best "YOU" that we can be.

I couldn't agree with this video more. I give her SO much credit for putting herself out there to speak about what GOD laid on her heart. How she spoke to confidently about being content with what God gives YOU and not looking to others for that contentment. 

I know that this "goal" thing is a just a form of joking (maybe I just don't have a sense of humor?) around but is it really? 

Let's face it, we live in a world where jealously can rear it's ugly head into us at any moment. We've all looked on the other side of the fence and wondered what it would be like if we could have what that person has, or look like that person does.

I'm SO super guilty of this. I am no where near the size 2 I used to be. I struggled with (and come on, honestly, I still sometimes do) looking at other women who were in good shape and super skinny with such jealously. I couldn't just recognize how God made them beautiful, just like He did with me. I focused on how I didn't even come close to having a waist that tiny. Instead of looking at my body and realizing that I was blessed enough to house a tiny human for 9 months!

Another example? My marriage. I see husbands that shower their wives with flowers and jewelry and sometimes felt animosity toward my husband because I didn't get that from him. I forgot about what he DOES give me. How laughter, emotional support and physical love works so much better in our marriage then material things. It's always been that way and I couldn't be more happy.
Like mentioned in the video, this doesn't mean to not have goals! This doesn't mean that you can't look up to and admire other people! I love to model my marriage and how I parent my daughter after my parents. They are such an inspiring example of strength, love and patience to me. But while looking up to them is great, I keep in mind that we are all different people. Eric and I do what's best for ourselves and our family at the end of the day.
I hope this is all making sense :)

Sadie uses 1 Samuel 16:17 as a reference in the video:
 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but theLord looks at the heart.”

YES! This verse is SO beautiful! How nice would it be to look at others the way The Lord looks at us? To look at one another's heart instead of their looks? To stop comparing and start appreciating!! Appreciating what we have AND what others have. It's hard, I know, (this is why we are no where near how perfect Jesus is!) but we NEED to find contentment not in what this world will give us, but with what God gives us.
Why are we struggling so hard to be like everyone else when our Creator spent so much time crafting and putting us together?
I am not kidding when I say WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL!! 
Seriously! We all have something we are good at and can contribute to this world.
So what if you don't have a thigh gap?! (Join the club, haha!) So what if your neighbor is driving a Bentley and you're still driving your Honda Civic from high school?
So what if her eyebrows are thick and shaped to perfection and you can barely see the hairs on yours?
So what if your friends husbands buys her flowers and diamond earrings and yours takes you to Chic-Fil-A for a date? (Totally prefer Chic-Fil-A!!!)
There is contentment in JESUS! There is beauty found in JESUS! There is peace in JESUS! There is peace in knowing how much He loves and cares for us how we are, how we look and will always come to where we are RIGHT NOW! There is peace in knowing that He gives and promises us FAR more then anything this world can ever offer.

As Sadie said in the video, I, as well, know that God might not be a thing for some people but I want to challenge you as well to try something new. See what this Jesus guy is all about because I PROMISE He does not give disappointment like this world can give.
I think each one of you are so special and beautiful.
If there is anything you'd like to touch on that I haven't in this post, or just want to chat about, you know where to find me: gfmamaj@gmail.com
MUCH, MUCH LOVE!

P.S. Lets create some new hashtags eh?
#beyourselfgoals
#beorigionalgoals
#beyougoals
Lets start to use social media to inspire others and tell them they are great! Throw somebody a compliment and see how it can change their day!

Called to be BOLD

We ALL have fears about something.
Whether it be spiders (seriously!), clowns, heights, animals, etc.
Sometimes it's more serious things like dying, cancer, divorce, love. (Yes I said love)
Over the past few years I could describe myself as coming a bit more "wimpy." I know that sounds a little harsh but it's nothing but truth. I have allowed the hurt of my past completely take over how bold and courageous I used to be with everything; music, new adventures but most importantly, people.
I have almost been scared to make friends; to allow people in or go out and be that social butterfly I once was. I have a fear of rejection and of others not liking me. A fear of letting someone too close, they take what they need from me and then leave. I was that way when I met Eric and I'm still struggling with it with other people.
This once outgoing and friendly girl is now shy and meek.
I absolutely love being a follower of Jesus. I love how I have a forever best friend. Someone that finds a way to hold me accountable, to guide me and, well, having somebody die for you is a pretty big deal so questioning His loyalty just isn't something I do anymore. I just love how He reaches me right where I am, without missing a beat.
Where am I going with this?
Last month, I was reading a devotion and it was focused around this verse:

Such a GREAT verse.

I started to think hard about MY boldness; if my fears were getting in the way of what I wanted to do with my life. If my fears were keeping me from friendships, dreams, or just going out and reaching the lost like He asks me to do. I was getting frustrated because I knew I wasn't being strong and courageous like I wanted to. 

Just then, on Pandora, Courageous by Casting Crowns came on. 

We were made to be courageous

We were made to lead the way

We could be the generation

That finally breaks the chains

We were made to be courageous

We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines

Standing, unafraid

But now we're watchers on the sidelines

While our families slip away

I love this song. I've heard it before and knew what the meaning of the song was but never directly applied it to my life. Jesus knew exactly what I needed to hear and when I needed to hear it. It put a spark in my heart. A spark that only He could've ignited. 

I know that I don't need to be afraid of anything. I can do anything with His strength and courage that He gives me.

Since that moment, it has been made clear that I'm being called into ministry. I have applied and been accepted into a college to keep furthering my education. I ran a 5K, started to volunteer in a few different areas at church and I even made some new mommy friends :)

We are given only a short amount of borrowed time here on this earth. I want to make the most out of it and the gifts that Jesus has given me. I can't do that while hiding in my house, away from the world because of a fear of rejection or getting hurt.

Look at what Jesus went through while trying to teach a message. He was hated on, ridiculed, beaten and then faced death. All so that I can continue his teachings and love on as many people as I can.

Do you have any fears? Anything you feel is holding you back from living your life? 

He calls us to be bold for a reason, and we NEED to know that He has our back! 

So go and be bold. Go out for that job you were thinking about. or go for hike up a mountain you've been wanting to check out or even go to a circus and take a picture with a clown. Haha!

Whatever it may be, I know you can do it and He knows too! He'll let you know if you're not going down the right path.

Thoughts, comments, questions?

gfmamaj@gmail.com

Much love to you!

P.S. Check out Courageous by Casting Crowns:

Home IS where the heart is

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 

Eric and I have been longing to be home owners. We love the idea of making such a huge purchase, that we have worked for, together. Of starting to plant roots for our family and just make a house our own. It has been a long and frustrating road. One minute I feel peace about the situation and the next, I'm crying into a pillow because of where we are living now.

But the more I pray over this verse, the more I look at the big picture, the more I talk to The Lord about this situation and the more that I TRUST His timing...the more I am

CONTENT.

I was thinking about our housing situation last night (again!) while giving my daughter a bath. I watched her play, laugh and splash in her little bath tub, chewing on her rubby duckie. I thought to myself how blessed I am to have a safe, warm and happy place for my daughter to do something as simple as take a bath. She has a small but BEAUTIFUL nursery that was painted and decorated with love and by family. My little family was able to take a walk with each other, in the sunshine, and feed ducks at a near by pond. Eric and I have a comfy and safe place to lay our head down at night when we go to sleep.

For the past two years, since we started trying to buy a home, I have pouted and have been so bitter over not having a home without even thinking of what home REALLY is. 

A home is a place filled with the most sweetest God-given love. A place where my daughter can learn and develop, as well as, Eric and I! A place where we can make memories and share laughs, tears and prayer. I've lost sight of what a home is supposed to be and got caught up in the material aspect of it.

I know that Jesus has our future in the palm of His hands and who better right?! It's so hard to loosen the grips of control on some situations but keeping the simple fact in my head that He ONLY wants good things for our life, makes trusting Him easier.

A house is coming; our plans of landscaping, decorating and hosting holidays is coming. But in the mean time we have a HOME and that is way more important.

Learning to be content with what I have is learning not to look at the lives of others with envy. To look at others, who may have what you dream of , and be pleased that God is fulfilling His plan for them as well! Plus, why would God trust ME with whats's next if I can't be content with all that He's blessed me with already?

I strive to use my "waiting time" to grow closer to God and lean on Him, which at the end of the day, is what He really wants.

I am proud of how Eric and I, with much help, have made our situation be the best it can be!

Are you waiting for something? A new season in life? A new job? Maybe a relationship? I can promise you that you are no where near waiting alone. Share your thoughts, hopes and dreams with me any time you'd like! gfmamaj@gmail.com

Remember His plan > ours. Always! 

Much love!

-Check out my recipes page that has two new yummy and gluten free recipes that I added! :)

Here are some pictures from our little family walk. I'm always thankful for the time we have together as a family because there are some weeks it's far and few :)

Makenna loves being outside!

I love this open view of the sun setting that I am so blessed to see almost every evening :)

Makenna and her daddy feeding the ducks! 

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 :)