Glorious Day

Do you ever have those mornings where you're absolutely sure you've just started a bad day? That was this morning. I woke up an hour late. I was already stressed out enough, and this was the icing on the cake. It was a morning where I knew everything that was going to happen but anticipating it had a whole different effect on me. Despite all the anxiety and stress I freshened up and headed off to church as I perfected my "make-up in the car" skills.

I arrived just in time. I went and sat with my small group...my girls. I've written about them many times before, and if you know me well, then you know what they mean to me. Today was their last Sunday in the children's ministry. It was almost two years ago when our journey started, and as excited as I am for what's to come, it was a bittersweet morning. Instead of my usual seat on the end, I sat behind them and watched as the worshiped the Lord. Like always, a few of them turned around and waved at me. It took everything I had to compose the tears. I went to our classroom right before they were dismissed and stood in the doorway to greet them as always. They ran in and grabbed a prayer request and began writing away...

As I sat there and tried to take roll, it made me sad that this time for us all was coming to an end...but the prayer requests started to stack up and I came back from la-la land.

Once the girls started to chat and finish up requests, I decided to throw the lesson to the curb and just sit with these wonderful beings and talk. We got comfy in the floor and got real about what we've had, what God's got in store for us and how we were all feeling. It was beautiful. God blessed our last moments of the 4th grade girls. They kept saying, "Ms. Abbey, shouldn't you be crying?" and. "Why aren't you crying? You always cry." I think the Lord allowed the humor to take over my sadness because it was a time of laughter, memories and something I'll never forget. We (attempted) to snap a photo or two before they were dismissed and with hugs, tender words and affirmation that our journey had just begun, they were off.

Oh, how I love them.

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of these wonderful girls.

I continued to compose myself and went about my morning, also remembering that a dear friend was coming back into the states after being in the Dominican Republic for 6 weeks. I shared a little about Michael here back in June when he left, asking for prayers for his time of serving. A friend walked down the hallway and told me he was here, and as I saw him I instantly went up and gave him the biggest hug.  

He handed me a bracelet that he brought back for me, and it hasn't left my arm all day.

He is crazy, and nothing like me.

But I love him dearly and he'll forever be my brother.

I let him get to seeing more people and I got a nice surprise as I walked to hallway. I had known that Pastor Tomas and Sonia and their son, Cristopher, from La Represa, were going to be visiting the states. I was caught off guard because as I turned the corner, I see a huge smile on Sonia's face and before I can blink I am embraced in a huge hug from her. It was the best feeling. I said hello and gave a hug to Pastor Tomas, and began to talk about our church, their easy travels and life happenings back in my home. Hearing them say my name and knowing they remember me and think of me and pray for me is the most humbling experience. Even their son, Cristopher, was asking for me and seeking me out. He finally found me and again I was greeted with a huge grin and hug.

 Lord, I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to see them, hear them speak to the congregation and feel at home for the first time in a long time. Thank you for letting me have the chance to catch up with my family members. I pray nothing but blessing for them.

As I sit here in bed writing this, I am just in awe of what God did today. I woke up, feeling awful, stressed and anxious. I sit here now and I can do nothing but thank, praise and glorify God for this wonderful day. I am worthy of nothing but death and yet He chooses to bless me! It's amazing. It's humbling. I am just astounded at my God. 

"Living, He loved me, dying, He saved me,

Buried, He carried my sins far away.

Rising, He justified, freely forever,

One day He's coming...

Oh, glorious day."

What's it Worth?

If you knew me a few years ago I  looked like a different person. If you had met me then I would have looked, acted, spoke and thought differently. I was a nice person, but I was not the same. I found my value in things of this world and all that mattered was worth nothing. I was in a horrible relationship that was situationally comfortable and something that gave me worth and meaning, and everything any woman could ever dream of was at my fingertips. Exotic vacations, expensive clothing and accessories, a high-priced vehicle, living expenses and so much more became a custom to me. In most people's eyes,  I "had it all."

But what I was missing was Christ. I was finding my worth in a person, in possessions and status. I had everything, yet nothing all at the same time. A terrifying and eye-opening moment opened my eyes to God, and it was like he was sitting there next to me, asking me when I was going to let go of all this worthless stuff and let him have my heart. Praise you, God, for rescuing me from that pit of despair.

That was almost three years ago,  and I can remember it like yesterday. There's a lot from that time in my life I can recall and I think the Lord allows that so I can remember where I was and how he saved me. It's there to help other girls and women, and it reminds me of how truly good our God is.

This morning I was reminded of all of this and was compelled to write. I met up with a friend at a nearby coffee shop. I had recently posted on our church's women's site about an interesting fundraiser I am in the process of and she was willing to contribute to the cause:

    

I am selling all of my old, expensive possessions. All these name brand, high-retail items mean a lot to some people and that's okay to an extent, but to me they mean nothing. They remind me of bondage, pain and searching for a God I now have...so, I am selling every single item. What's even better is that every dollar is going toward funding a new ministry project I am working on that God is fully leading. And I couldn't be more excited about it and what God's doing in and with it. 

My sisters, He can use ANYTHING for good.

He is good, and faithful, and worthy of ALL praise and worship.

So I am graciously letting go of all these things, but sharing the story as they go.

Grab on to him, my sisters. He's always there, and is happy to see you.

"In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. 

From his temple he heard my voice,

and my cry to him reached his ears.

He brought me out into a broad place;

he rescued me, because he delighted in me."

-Psalm 18:6, 19

Vacation

I am 4 days away from this:

The annual vacation with the family. I am honestly not looking forward to it since some family drama has happened recently but I am hoping for the best. I am leaving early to come back to work so I am planning to drive down with my brother, Matt. He leaves for the Army next month so I am excited to spend some quality time together before he leaves.

I normally don't take a vacation. The word "vacation" is defined as a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation or travel, recess or holiday. I haven't been on vacation since I started following Christ. I'm not a big fan of the typical, American vacation where it's lots of money spent, and very selfish. I don't like being lazy and sometimes feel like they are a waste of time and money that could be used to glorify God.

I wasn't planning on attending until I realized that Matt would be leaving so soon. So, like most things, I prayed about whether I should go or not. I'd be away from work, responsibilities and the "normal" for a few days. I still get anxious just thinking about it, but I told God, "If you want me to go, then tell me."

He finally gave me peace about it a couple of weeks ago. It will be quality time with my family I don't see often, my brothers and might even help ease the drama that's been going on. That's what I hope and pray for at least.

So I guess we will see.

A "Happy"

My recent days have been filled with lots of praying, digging into the Word and just waiting patiently (not easy) for God to answer some heavy thoughts and ideas that are weighing on my heart. It seems like life is more crazy than normal these days with work, family and relationships. Even though I know God is going to work in every way I need, I am lucky to have a lot of friends and people who care about me around me to encourage and support. I was talking to one of those amazing women one day last week and sharing what has been burdening my heart. She amazes me at how strong she is. We've sat for ever talking about life and its struggles. We both are in different walks but share the same past and connect on a different level than most. I was telling her about it all and she just continues to encourage me to continue fighting the fight, sharing scripture and just listening to my rambles. I had felt much better after sharing and went on with my work, trying to get motivated. After a little while, I got a text from her saying she left me something in the front office. I went up there and saw this:

I immediately texted her backing, thanking her for the gift of gold that made my day. Thank you Lord, for this dear friend. I thank you for her blessings and I pray you bless her more and more each day. 

She texted me back and said that it's just a little pick-me-up...or so called in her family, a "happy."

Love Endures

To the woman getting up with a child...

To the woman digging in to the Word...

To the woman growing old with her husband...

To the woman who is overwhelmed...

To the woman crying over heart break...

To the woman searching for comfort...

To the woman worrying about her career...

To the woman wearing makeup for the first time...

To the woman caring for a family...

To the woman looking for love...

To the woman who never stops moving...

To the woman who feels alone...

To the woman sitting with Jesus...

To the woman who feels like she's on top of the world...

To the woman who's striving,

creating,

hoping,

enduring,

understanding,

hurting...

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. Who made the great lights - His love endures forever. The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, His love endures forever. And brought Israel out from among them, His love endures forever. With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. To him who divided the Red Sea asunder, His love endures forever…To him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever…To the One who remembered us in our low estate, His love endures forever. And freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever. And who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. 

-Psalm 136

What's in a Name

If you know me well or read my blog you know that my name is obviously Abbey Grace. Lately, a lot of people have asked me about why it means so much to me and I start this long, drawn out story. Instead of doing that over and over, it seems like a good thing to share. After all, it has made me who I am today.

It all started with this woman:

Grace Brent, my grandmother.

She was the best grandmother ever. I was named after her and I am grateful for that gift. I have many fond memories of growing up with her always being there. I can remember so many good times of sleepovers, shopping trips, and her being the only godly woman in my life. I didn't realize it until the last few years but she truly was an incredible woman of God. She loved the Lord and her family unconditionally. When she passed, it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to endure, but I know she's in heaven worshiping our God and frankly I'm jealous...but I am happy I have a daily reminder of her and what she meant to me. 

Even though I have her name, there's another daily reminder:

Yes, I have a tattoo. I never thought I'd be someone who got a tattoo but I've had the idea for years, and after a bad break up and a long year of being 20, I thought a tattoo was the perfect idea. I'm not sure that it was, but I definitely don't regret getting it. Having my name and my grandmother's name is a constant reminder of her, but more importantly, every time I see it I think of the absolutely amazing grace that God gives me every moment of my life. He gives us grace, we are saved by grace and we are to all show grace. It shows me what my life is truly about and I'm thankful that it gives me the opportunity to share my life and my faith.

Amazing Grace.

Abbey Grace.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."

-Ephesians 2:8

Farmer's Fresh

There's not much better than Saturdays. It's my Sabbath day and it's usually spent relaxing, watching a movie, being outdoors or writing. This Saturday morning I was with one of my dear friends, Meredith, and after brunch we headed to the busiest place in Murfreesboro on Saturday morning:

I love going to any farmer market. You're surrounded with fresh everything- fruits, veggies, sweets, floweers- and there's so much to look at, sample and buy. Murfreesboro Saturday Market is a great place to shop. We had a list of things we wanted but made time to check out each and every booth to make sure we didn't miss anything. I loved seeing all the different fruits, veggies, and especially how people placed their items. Everything from baskets, to bowls, to crates. I could look at the signs and colors all day. 

We started to shop and mark off our list. The tomatoes, peppers, squash and peaches were definitely a good buy.

One thing I didn't expect to find was coffee from Just Love Coffee. They're a organization that helps raise funds for orphans and their families. It's a great cause that is definitely worth contributing to.

I grabbed a cup of homemade lemonade and kept shopping with these lovely ladies. 

Murfreesboro's farmer market is truly awesome and it was great getting to spend the morning these with friends. 

And we went home with some amazing fruit and vegetables...

 ...minus the peaches that fell in the street!

Winshape Camp C3

Words can't even express this week....I don't even know where to being. 

This has been one of the best weeks. If you've never heard of Winshape, it's a day camp that comes into a community and travels to a different location every week for an entire summer. C3 is camps connecting communities. They create an opportunity to bring kids and families into a fun, exciting and Christ-centered environment. I was really looking forward to this past week, but I would have never imagined that we would have been blessed with such an amazing staff.

I would name them all but all 23 of them are amazing. They all did a wonderful job this week and everyone who gets to work with them this summer is truly blessed.

Winshape is such a great atmosphere for kids to learn about Christ. Through worship, crafts, games and activities they choose for themselves, they create relationships with people in our community that they can continue. God is doing some amazing things in out community and it's awesome to be a part of His plan.

For more information on Winshape, click here.

Photos courtesy of Harris Clayton.

Tomorrow's Envy

Tomorrow a group from our church will head to La Represa, Dominican Republic. I can't tell you what I'd give to be going. Not a day goes by where I don't think about my family there. 

It may sound crazy, but I am jealous of what people who have been get to reconnect with and of what newcomers will experience and fall in love with.

I want to spend my days working in the community. I want to be centered around the most Christ-driven place I've ever felt so strongly. I want to walk down the streets of La Represa and just sit in amazement at what my Creator has done and is continuing to do through the body of Christ.

So, until I return...

I'll pray for those who go on trips and serve in La Represa.

I'll pray for my family there and that they come to know and strengthen in their relationship with God.

I'll pray that the Lord sends me back very soon.

"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the world."

-Acts 6:4

Mario Badescu

I don't think I've ever shared products on my blog but here's to starting!

I have ALWAYS had trouble with my skin. It's always, and still is, a huge insecurity for me and I've never found anything that worked. Since fifth grade I've gone from product to product, store bought to prescription and to the dermatologist. And had decided that I was just going to have to deal with acne forever... 

until...

a friend of mine gave me this product.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion.

She also has acne prone skin and had bought this and now swear by it. So she thoughtfully bought me a bottle to try. It is a calamine, drying mixture and is made to be a spot treatment and literally shrink or remove any type of acne overnight. I have used it for years now and when I was recently looking for a new product (that worked) I thought of trying more items from Mario Badescu. 

My type of acne has been diagnosed so I knew what to look for and to my delight, Mario Badescu has numerous lines and recommendations for different types of acne. I pulled up the suggestions online and went to the nearest Ulta to buy them. 

They suggested the following products:

After two months of using the products I am happy to report that they all work amazingly! I would recommend these to anyone and if you or anyone you know has troubled skin, 

please check out Mario Badescu.

Way of Love

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. 

Love never gives up. 

Love cares more for others than for self. 

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. 

Love doesn't strut, 

Doesn't have a swelled head, 

Doesn't force itself on others, 

Isn't always "me first," 

Doesn't fly off the handle, 

Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 

Doesn't revel when others grovel, 

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 

Puts up with anything, 

Trusts God always, 

Always looks for the best, 

Never looks back, 

But keeps going to the end.

1 Corinthians 13.1-7 (The Message)