Who am I?

How do I even begin this post? I have so much I want to say, but it's not my nature to just blurt out my opinion or where I stand. Or to be bold. That's the problem. I feel like over the past week I have been overwhelmed with the reality of living in a fallen world. The terrible shooting in Colorado, the backlash Chickfila is facing for their biblical stance on marriage, the arguments for atheism I have seen on Facebook, the Darwin bumper sticker on the truck parked next to me at HEB. I know they've always been there, but my heart is broken this week. For them, and because they all have the boldness to proclaim their lack of faith, and I question if people really know what I stand for.

Sure, I talk about my love for Christ with my family, my friends, and my little girls. But I want my acquaintances, people I've only met once, and people who may read this blog that I've never met before to know. And it's not about me. It's about my Savior. So, this is who I am:

-I am a daughter of the King.

-I have always known of Jesus, but really only accepted His gift in high school. I made plenty of mistakes after my salvation, but it was Jesus that I always came back to. And these situations are an incredible part of my testimony that I've already gotten to use more than once.

-I believe not only because of the facts, but because His Holy Spirit fills me up. I cannot explain the joy and peace I feel in praying, thinking of my Savior, just soaking Him up. And, you know what? If these people who argue ignorance of Christians are right (and obviously I don't believe that), the worst I've done is live a beautiful happy life, full of love. And if they're wrong about their beliefs? Much worse ending than mine.

-I am hurt for the Lord when I hear people argue against Him.

-I believe 100% of what the Bible says. All of it. I believe it's the actual Word of God. I trust it. I desire to obey it.

-My biggest goal is to teach my daughters to love the Lord deeply. I pray for their salvation at an early age. I pray that they can see my love for Christ.

-My constant sin breaks my heart.

-I want to be bold. I want exude His love. I want to draw people closer to Him because they see me as different. I know I have a long way to go, but it is my goal.

-I am blessed way beyond what I deserve. This life I'm living could not be more beautiful. And part of the reason is because I'm married to a man who loves the Lord so much too. We really are one. We strive to be the biblical model of marriage. He's the leader of our family and loves me as Christ loves the church and I love, honor, respect, and submit to him. God's standards for marriage are good and are meant for our good.

I want people to know the real me. This is who I am. I am a follower of Christ and am going to be more bold about it. Because what do I have to lose? Family? No. Friends? No. My Savior? Never.

Funny little Ansley

Static hair!

Ansley drawing a picture of Mommy.

Finished artwork. Not sure what the frown was about.

San Antonio Trip

On the Riverwalk: dinner at Casa Rio, walked along the river, visited the Alamo, explored the Menger Hotel.

Our Seaworld Adventure:

We woke up Wednesday morning to torrential rain and flash flooding, but nothing was stopping us from a fun day at Seaworld. We put on our swimsuits and left the hotel at 10:00 when the rain started slowing and got there at 10:30.

First on the itinerary was feeding and petting the dolphins. That was a big hit with the kids and Jeff, who taunted them with the little fish. Then, we walked over to the aquarium and shark tank to see the fish. We watched shows, including the skiing and wakeboarding, the beluga whale and dolphin show, and the Shamu show. Ansley just couldn't understand why she couldn't get in the tank and swim with Shamu.

Ansley's favorite thing at Seaworld by far was the Sesame Street Bay of Play. She climbed all over the rope and tunnel playground, watched the characters sing, met her favorite character, Zoe, and rode some of the rides. Heidi was hilarious to watch because she just enjoyed it so much too. Her eyes were so big when the characters came out and she was intrigued by Zoe. As long as I was next to her, she would inch closer and closer, but would then squeal, turn and run. And she danced every time they sang.

Frio River Fun

What were we up to last week?

Floating the FRIO, games of 42, homemade ice cream, ROPE SWINGIN', playing with the kiddos, 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, snow cones in Hondo, bodysurfing, ATE GOOD (as my husband says), Cory Morrow concert at House Pasture, ran into friends, ENJOYED FAMILY.

11th Annual 4th of July Skeet Shoot