A different kind of morning

This girls, is how I began my day today ...

No lie.

My husband woke me up very early this morning to take me to his hometown to learn how to shoot a gun. We picked Kyle [above] up on the way and headed for the field. Even stopped at Biscuitville on the way. Pretty sure that chicken biscuit and sweet tea were my motivation for getting out of bed. Oh, and I got to hear Jim Bob from the Duggar family on His Radio, which really got me pumped up on this brisk mornin'. I love those people. They are going to be at Biltmore Baptist Church this weekend in Western NC. Have no idea where that is, but I wanna goooo!

So, 4 guns, about 45 minutes and some dirty cowboy boots later, we loaded up and headed back to the big city. [Ahem, Raleigh.] I went home, curled my hair and headed off to work. It's back to reality.

The point of this morning? Not so sure. I guess it's a guy thing. They want their women able to defend themselves, if need be. One thing I do know is that I made my husband proud. What more could a girl want?

One of my Fave's in Life

One of my most favorite parts of fall is that Starbucks brings back the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

A few weeks into the fall season, I received a phone call from my husband. This is how the conversation went:

Him: "Babe???"

Me: "Yes?" [Thinking: uh oh ... what did I do?]

Him: "So like, when you go to Starbucks, you eat there too?"

Me: [Totally confused.] "Umm no. Not really. Not ever. Why, babe?"

Him: "Oh ok because it's like $5. I was assuming you were eating there as well. Isn't that sort of expensive for a cup of coffee?"

Me: "Oh no babe. It's not a cup of coffee. It's my pumpkin spice latte." [Poor thing ... If he only drank coffee, he would maybe understand the necessity of those Star"bucks."]

Ok, fast forward a few weeks. A few weeks in which I had exerted much self-control, only allowing myself a FEW pumpkin spice lattes. A few pumpkin spice lattes ... in a few weeks. Translation: That's like one a week. Hello?!? Accomplishment? YES.

Yeah well, just go ahead and take a look at this photo that was sent to me last weekend. From none other than guess who?? My husband.

Yep, it's as you suspected. His very own pumpkin spice latte! We won't even mention what ELSE is in that picture. Now, that's just sacrilegious. No, not that he's eating Krispy Kreme AND drinking a pumpkin spice latte. But that he's umm partaking in those two activities, WITHOUT ME!

Oh well. I guess I should look on the bright side of things. I will now spend much less time brainstorming as to how I can justify those pumpkin spice splurges. Me and Starbucks have him on our team now! YES!

We will not let you down, boo. You will not be disappointed that you made the decision to come over to our side. Your life will be extra caffeinated and ultra festive. And maybe a little bit spicy. Excited yet? I thought so.

Now ... Don't you think we should probably increase our budget slightly to accommodate for some additional Star"bucks"?

The Pleasure of His Presence

"It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation." (Daniel 4:2-3)

We have been studying the book of Daniel in my Tuesday morning Bible study. A very intricate and historic book in the Bible. One thing I have loved is the vivid presence of the Almighty God throughout the book of Daniel. He makes His presence known everywhere - in dreams, visions, lion's dens, kingdoms, in blazing furnaces ...

What has God done in your life lately? How has our great and mighty God acted on your behalf? Where has He showed up?

I recently saw a facebook post from a friend of mine who I used to work with in ministry. She asked her friends to comment on how they practiced the presence of God in their daily lives. Practical ways of experiencing the presence of God on a daily basis. Some people commented on how they practically incorporate praising God into their daily routine. Others how they set aside a specific spot to spend with the Lord - even when traveling. Others mentioned personal prayer habits they have formed.

Friends, our God so desires to be wrapped up into our daily lives. To be present all day, everyday, in every situation. How I praise God for showing me through the book of Daniel, how very present He is in our lives. It has made me so acutely aware of the presence of God in my daily life.

So, how has He vividly declared His presence in your life lately? Has he fulfilled a dream of yours? Rescued you out of a blazing fiery circumstance? Given you boldness to speak up for Truth?

May it be our absolute pleasure to share with others,

how very Present our God is.