I love my little men!

This is what happens when Mama takes a break from the world of technology. :-)

Giving his "pee-pa" or puppy a hug. :)

Facebook

So I have decided to take a break from Facebook and Twitter. Let me be sure to say, that I see nothing wrong with either one of these ways of technology. It is just what I need in my personal life. I have thoroughly enjoyed re-connecting with friends and family and have loved the outpouring of prayers and encouragement that I have received. But through time in the Word and after some frustrations. I just felt it was time to check my priorities. The thought that keeps coming to my mind is something that my SS teacher shared several months ago and that was, "Throughout my day, what do I spend the most time on? Is it time in God's Word or is there something else that I give more attention to?" The Lord gave me a wonderful verse in my time with Him and I just took that as confirmation.

Romans 12 (The Message)
Place Your Life Before God

1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you," develops well-formed maturity in you.

I am not saying, that I will not be back to FB and Twitter, but I am more excited to see what God is going to do in my life and then in the lives of others. I received an e-mail this morning from Lisa who is the Women's Ministry Director at TRBC after she had visited my FB page and she stated the following:

"Never forget the importance - the eternal impact - and the influence you have as a wife and mom. You have a high calling. The Lord will bless you for keeping His priorities."

I thank you in advance for your prayers. So, with all that said, I have been asked, "Where will I get to see all your pictures?" So for now, this is where I will be loading them. If you are at all interested, I will do my best to keep you updated on what is happening in our crazy family. I love you all and thank you being such a wonderful part of who I am.

Love,

Alaina

Carson sporting some cowboy boots. This boy can walk in any kind of shoes.

It is next to impossible to get Drummond to look at the camera....

So...this is what happens! :)

Hope for the Holidays

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 (NIV)


Devotion:
God gave each of us what we needed most—a Savior to save us from ourselves. Therefore, the holiday season should be a time of cheer. For some, however, it can be lonely and depressing. While the days leading up to Christmas should be filled with peace, joy, and hope, sadness over past mistakes can hover like clouds on a rainy day. We all have a tendency to define ourselves by what we have or haven’t done.

We tend to label ourselves by our past mistakes, and then we wear these labels as if there were no alternative. Failure; Unfaithful; Unfit Parent; Liar; Gossip; Addicted; Bitter.

The Bible tells us that as a person thinks, so they become. Therefore, if you want to live an unhealthy life, you can. If you want to punish yourself, you will. However, being self-destructive is not God’s plan for your life. In fact, to think this way is to see yourself outside of God’s saving grace.

That’s why the Christmas season offers such hope … because God gave us what we needed most—a Savior to save us from ourselves. The key to putting your past behind you, and moving forward with a bright and hopeful future, is to accept Christ’s forgiveness for you.

You’ll find it comforting to know that you are not alone in your troubles. The Bible tells us, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NIV). That means there is not one perfect person in the entire world. We have all made mistakes. I know I’ve made my share. Still, no matter how hard we try to do everything right on our own, we can’t. So God gave His only Son as payment for our sins. In other words, Christ paid our debt. This payment is a gift of God which He freely offers to you and me.

The awesome thing is, we don’t have to earn this gift. Through Christ’s death on the cross, God simply says, “Your sins are paid in full.”

All you and I have to do to receive His forgiveness is to agree with God about our sins. You might say something like this in prayer. Yes, God, I did that thing … I receive your free gift of forgiveness for the wrong I have done, and I accept heaven as my eternal home. Cleanse me and change my life. Fill me with your love, hope, joy and peace.

If you sincerely mean what you’ve confessed, then you have been forgiven. Your slate is clean. God remembers your sins no more. It is as if they never were. That’s the good news of Christmas and the open doorway to peace!

The next thing you must do is forgive yourself. You will stay in bondage if you continue to label yourself as a bad or unworthy person for what you have done instead of focusing on the changes God can bring about in you. You must stop defining yourself by your past and read the Bible to learn how God defines His people.

Just think; this could be a Christmas where you experience real peace, joy, and forgiveness. It’s why Christ was born … to set you free.

Dear Lord, I am a sinner. I believe You died for me and rose from the grave to forgive my sins and secure me a place in heaven. Come into my life and take control. Forgive all my sin and help me to forgive others. I’m now turning from my sin and I trust You alone for my salvation. Fill me with your love and peace, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Whenever you start to define yourself by your past, recite Philippians 4:8 … “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”(NIV).

Reflections:
Do you define yourself by your past mistakes?

Do you define others by their past mistakes?

What steps can you take to forgive yourself or others?

Power Verses:
Psalms 51:2, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (NIV)

Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (NIV)

Mathew 18:21-22, “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’" (NIV)


Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Making the Christian Life a Reality

I believe the older I get and hopefully a little wiser, (I think children do this to us) I am realizing more and more everyday how valuable family and friends are. You know the kind of friend that you can share anything with and they never judge, but love you through it all or, the kind of friend that is there when you are hurting or, the kind of friend that tells you the truth even though it might hurt! These friends are few and far between and when we find them we are very quick to not let them go. I truly feel that this last week I have found one of those friends and as I talked with her we talked about everything our general consensus was, although it is great to have a friend that we can physically see and talk to, how much more fulfilling would life be if we all would just talked to our best friend, God! I have people all the time ask me, "How do you do it with 3 boys and Marc traveling all the time?" And to be honest I have days that I truly don't know how I get through them. But I can tell you one thing...it is not because I am a super mom, because I fail daily. I believe it is because God is there to help me every step of the way. I am so proud of Marc and for how he is letting the Lord use him and I believe just as He uses Marc in churches and in many peoples lives, he uses me here at home in the lives of my 3 precious boys. Below is a devotional that I received today and I just thought how fitting that I found a new friend here on earth, but I have a constant friend who is always waiting and wanting me to talk to Him. My prayer is that you take a few minutes out of your day and talk to the best friend ever! I know He would love to hear from you!
Love,
Alaina



Making the Christian Life a Reality by: Micca Monda Campbell

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
I Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)

Devotion:
For a long time I was confused about the Christian life. After I trusted Christ to be my personal Savior, life didn’t change as I had hoped.

At first, I was filled with genuine joy and passion. I couldn’t get enough of God and His Word. I prayed a lot, attended church a lot, shared my faith a lot, and spent a lot of time reading my Bible. But somewhere along the way, I grew weary. My attempt to live the Christian life in my own strength quickly gave out. Why didn’t it last? I wondered.

I’m not alone in my struggles. Many believers I meet are just as confused as I was. Guilt ridden, some give up while others choose to just pretend. Then, there are those that still desire but question, “Is a changed life even possible? If so, why isn’t it a reality in my life?” It’s often why we came to Christ in the first place – for freedom, forgiveness, peace, and purpose. Yet, instead of living an empowered life, many of us are living an exhausting one.

I could sense there was something more, but I couldn’t put my finger on what was missing. Discouraged, I’d speculate…Could it be that God isn’t holding up His end of the agreement? Or, is it me? Maybe you’ve asked yourself the same questions.

It took a long while before I realized that the Christian life isn’t about following a bunch of rules. It’s not even about trying my best to be good. The Christian life is all about relationship. It’s about knowing and loving the God who already knows and loves us. It’s about being a friend of God. This changes everything.

Friendship requires commitment. The same is true in our companionship with the Lord. We often neglect vital portions of our relationship with Him. Sometimes that neglect is due to a lack of understanding in how to commune with Him. Other times it is sin or apathy in our lives causing us to overlook our need to fellowship with God.

In order to stay passionate about our faith, and live an empowered life free from sin, you and I must participate in our friendship with God by:

1.) Abiding in Christ. (John 15:4, NIV)

2.) Praying daily. (Mark 1:35, NIV)
3.) Meditating on God’s Word. (Joshua 1:8, NIV)
4.) Putting off the old and putting on the new. (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)
5.) Being continually filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18, NIV)
6.) Exercising God-given gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NIV)
7.) Actively sharing the gospel with others. (Mark 16:15, NIV)

Which of these areas are you lacking in? Could that be the key to jump-starting your empowered-by-the-Spirit life?

The Christian life is real, satisfying, and available to all who are willing to have an on-going daily relationship with the Lord. Once I came to understand my role and participate in the relationship, I found the empowered life I was looking for. I’m convinced you can too.

Dear Lord, I have neglected my relationship with You. Forgive me. Lord, I want to know You and Your ways. Reveal Yourself and Your power in my life as I commit to uphold my friendship with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him? <http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/doyouknowJesus/doYouKnowJesus.php>

Who Holds the Key to Your Heart? <http://shopp31.com/whoholdsthekeytoyourheart.aspx> by Lysa TerKeurst

The Air I Breathe <http://shopp31.com/theairibreatheworshipasawayoflife.aspx> by Louie Giglio

Visit Micca Campbell’s blog <http://www.miccacampbell.com/> for more in-depth information on living out steps 1-7.

Application Steps:
Look again at steps 1-7 above … what is missing from your daily routine? Implement those things and watch your relationship with God come alive.

Reflections:
How has your life changed since you came to Christ?

Would you describe your Christian life as an empowered one or an exhausted one? Explain.

What areas of your relationship with God have you neglected lately? What do you plan to do about it?

Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 13:14, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (NIV)

John 10:10 b, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have life more abundantly.” (KJV)

A View Through Sarah Palin’s Eyeglasses

This was a devotional that I received this morning and if I am to be completely honest, I am so guilty at times of trying to be like others! It is so easy to see how others act and want to be like them. But like she says..."Something just doesn't fit!" I think what I have to remember is that first, all I need to worry about is my personal relationship with my Jesus and not trying to be like other people! Being a mom of three I sometime get told I am "Super Mom" and my reaction is..."You don't see me when I am home!" haha. I have always heard that if someone looks like they have it all together, then they are probably really a mess! I struggle everyday just like you...My prayer is that maybe this devotional will speak to you like it has to me! I love you!!! Alaina


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by Kelli Regan, She Speaks! Graduate <http://www.shespeaksconference.com/>

“Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.’”
Luke 18:42 (NIV)

Devotion:
In the midst of the media storm surrounding the upcoming elections, there’s one news item you may have missed. An economic crisis is upon us—and Sarah Palin is at the center of it. What’s the cause of this crisis I’m talking about? Her glasses.

In less than one month’s time Sarah has become a household name. Everyone has an opinion about her. But whether you’re Republican, Democrat or Independent, there’s one issue regarding the vice presidential nominee on which the majority agrees. We love her glasses! I suppose not since Ben Franklin invented bifocals have spectacles captured our fancies so.

Women (and even men) are flocking to their opticians in search of Governor Palin’s Kawasaki 704 series designer specs. In less than two weeks, the Japanese company that manufactures the $375 frames received 9,000 global orders. That’s more than they normally produce in a year! I’m no economic analyst but there’s no way supply can meet that demand.

According to Governor Palin’s optician, she selected her now-famous frames from hundreds of choices. I’ve worn glasses almost my entire life and know what a difficult decision this is! After much searching she selected just the right pair for her—and the rest, as they say, is history.

I imagine many of those buying frames like Mrs. Palin’s will later regret their purchase. Something about their new glasses will look “off.” Maybe the frames won’t flatter their face shape, match their personality, or complement their coloring or hairstyle. Why? Because eyeglasses simply aren’t an off-the-shelf purchase. One size does not fit all.

Sometimes we do this with our faith. We see movers and shakers in our church, in our favorite ministry, or in our Bible study who appear to have it all going on. They glow under the spotlight, and we think they must know or have something we don’t because…well…just look at them. So we not only admire their godly ways, we try to emulate them as well—we try to “wear” their faith. We might try to copy how they pray, or worship, or talk, or sing, or have devotions, and so on. But when we do, something doesn’t fit quite right.

That’s because nothing is more one-of-a-kind than our walk with the Lord. While we can learn from our Christian brothers and sisters, we can’t order up elements of their walk to accessorize our own. To do so is to lose sight of what God wants from us more than anything: our individual devotion focused on Him. He wants us to love Him with a sincere faith that’s custom-made with our own unique personality, passion, experiences and gifts.

Have you been borrowing someone else’s faith? Do you want to be custom-fit with a prescription of your own? Go to Jesus, the One who gives sight to the blind. And when He asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” respond, “Lord, I want to see.” (Luke 18:41)

As popular as they are today, Sarah Palin’s glasses will become yesterday’s news. While much of our attention is fixed on who will lead our country come January, we must remember politicians come and go. But there is one leader who has, does and will stand the test of time: Jesus. As we set our sights on the future, let’s never forget on whom we need to fix our gaze. And let’s offer Him our one-of-a-kind devotion.

Dear Lord, I give you my heart. Open my eyes so I may see and help me stay focused on You as the ruler of my life and the hope of my eternal future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Inspiration

There have been several people who have been an inspiration to me to start using my blog again. I use to post on this thing on a weekly basis but just realized it has been almost 2 years since I have done anything with it. It has become so easy to just use facebook to post pictures and to be honest I really don't have much to say or to be honest would think..."Who would ever want to read anything I have to say!" But I have decided even if no one reads this, I am going to use it as my personal journal regarding my 3 wonderful boys! I use to think I would be able to remember all the funny and sweet stories, but as time goes I continually forget the stories that I want to remember forever!

For instance, a week ago it was about 5 am and Carson had woken up crying so I checked on him, put him back to bed and realized I just could not go back to sleep....So I was watching tv and all of a sudden I heard this loud noise and saw two explosions right outside my bedroom window. I jumped up started screaming for Marc and I went to grab the boys out of their beds. My thought was if my house is going up in flames we are getting out of here. Well once we figured out that a big rig had hit the powerline by our house and he decided to leave the scene and that all was fine. I was sitting on the couch with Reed and Carson in a pitch black house and Reed says, "Well, Mom I guess we need to just go stay in a hotel!"

Or moments when Carson wakes up and gets all upset and so I put him in the bed and I say, "Come here, Carson!" and he says, "Okay Mama!" and quits crying immediately! There is just nothing sweeter than love from my boys! I fear that one day they will not love me like this and so I want to take it all in, for as long as I can get it!

As I sit here and admire Carson as he is watching a video and Reed writing his alphabet and hear Drummond waking up from his nap. I just pray and ask the Lord to protect them and allow them to come to know Him at a very young age and most importantly have a close walk with Him. I pray their life is something to be admired. I pray for their future wife and children, that they also will love the Lord with everything in them.

Well, we shall see what the future for this blog holds....but for now the boys have had their baths and are in bed....so now it's my turn...I am off to bed! 

An Amazing Adventure!

We are having so much with Reed and Carson. I can not believe that Carson is already 2 months old. Time is flying way too fast and through all this it seems that Reed is growing that much faster. Reed is such a good big brother! I am enjoying being home and being able to be a wife and momma. It is such a joy and blessing. With me not working outside of the home it gives us the opportunity to travel with Marc more often and be apart of his ministry. It also gives us the opportunity to see family more often and not just once or twice a year. Reed has officially started Cubbies (Awana's) and is loving it! Marc and I are so proud! We hope you all are doing well.

Here are some new pics that we had made of the boys!
Love ya,
The Iveys