December 15th, 2010: "Holiday Post"

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!!!

I hope all of you are having a BLESSED Holiday season.

We are so excited to celebrate our second Christmas together. In my last post, I mentioned we had moved. Finding a place for all of the decorations is no easy feat but they look great and this placed is filled with Christmas cheer. Take a look...

No Fireplace here but the breakfast bar is a good substitution.

Please, please, please snow!!!
Our mini Christmas Tree
Our main Christmas Tree

I love this next photo because its a stuffed bear my mother made all of us when we were little. Every Christmas she would place 5 little bears under the Christmas Tree for each one of us girls. I have mine now and it is so dear to my heart. My mother always made each occasion so special for each of us. She continues to do that to this day.

So that covers all of my decorations.

This season is my favorite. Not only is it a time when people come together in the holiday spirit, but most importantly, the birth of our SAVIOR. GOD sending his SON to pay the ultimate price for me and all others. We should all take a step back. Away from the presents, decorations, and food and truly understand the seriousness and importance of Christmas, for us as Christians. Our SAVIOR came to this world and it was forever changed.

PRAISE BE TO THE KING OF ALL KINGS.

I hope in this last week before Christmas that everyone has a chance to relax and enjoy the Christmas spirit around them.

Next week is my birthday!! Yes, a birthday blog will follow. Pictures and details will be included. I can not wait!!! My twin sister and I will be celebrating with family over the weekend and with friends the night of our birthday.

Sharing my birthday with my amazing twin sister just makes it that more special.

Hang in there through these Holidays and take time to think of the true meaning.

Merry Christmas,

MR

November 29th, 2010: "Catch up"

Wow! It has been such a long time since my last blog. A lot has happened. I will clue everyone in with pictures! First off as you can see from the picture above Jason and I are fabulous. We recently moved into a apartment. We love it there and yes, the doggies came too!

I love this picture because it was taken when we were vacationing in West Palm Beach. We had a wonderful time with my sisters, Lora and Beth, and Beth's husband, Brice. Fun was had by all! Here are a few pictures of our trip.....

I love the ocean. Its probably my favorite place to be to date. In the ocean I feel I'm at many different places around the world because the water touches all parts of the world. I know it may sound silly but I really feel that way. I feel like I'm in many places at once. Thats just another wonder of the LORD. His many creations are so majestic.

The pups are doing great. Besides, Kahne eating all the Halloween candy and Avery swallowing a tac, they're great. Kahne is still an old soul and Avery is as feisty as ever, growing every day.

The LORD has blessed me in many ways this year. Jason and I are so grateful to be where we are. Living every day walking closer to the LORD. With that attitude, we have found, life is a lot less stressful and you begin to see things for what they are. Through ups and downs (and every one has them whether you see it or not) Jason and I have stood together supporting one another. One decision that took a lot of prayer was me transferring schools. I love Psychology, I could read about all the studies and the history behind them all day long. It is a genuine interest and I can't get enough of it. I took a couple of months to pray about this, asking that the LORD would direct my studies where HE saw fit. I came across some literature from Liberty University. A phenomenal Christian University. I know many people who have attended Liberty and people rave about this school within the Christian community. My sister Lora, attends for her Masters within their seminary program. They have a psychology program with a specialty in Christian counseling. I knew when I read about the program that this is what the LORD had for me. Jason was so supportive and we knew this was something I needed to do. I start classes in January and could not be happier.

Thanksgiving went off without a hitch. We stayed in Columbus and celebrated the Holiday with Jason's family. It was so nice spending time together, when everyone is so busy. Great memories were made of laughter and a blessed time spent together.

Christmas is right around the corner and my birthday too. I love this time of year.

Needless to say I will be blogging about all of that soon.

As of now, I hope to have caught everyone up since being away. A long absence from my blog will not happen again. As we get into the holiday season, I encourage we all remember what this season it truly about, our Savior's birth.

Take Care,

MR

May 24th, 2010: "Being Free"

So much has happened lately I have been bursting to blog but have been unable to contain it all in one way. I knew I had to blog but only now have I wanted to take the challenge to articulate it all. Here we go...

With so much going on its easy to become very stressed. I knew that stress was my pattern and I could no longer live my life that way. I began to dedicate time at reading my Bible. I read Paul's letters. Through many books and chapters I have read his struggles,and witnessing GOD's faithfulness. HIS faith to HIS people is astounding. The more I read, I wanted to understand, the less and less stressful life became. It wasn't about my life's stresses anymore, it was about what GOD was doing and wants to do in my life. That is the most freeing feeling. I have been living a peaceful life since. Bumps will always be in the road but your mindset approaching them is what turns it all around. GOD is what turns it all around. GOD brings such clarity into one's spirit and it must be worked for daily. I will say that I just found myself in this place and knowing who GOD was, I was able to understand how my spirit became this way.

Only now am I able to clearly write what has happened in my life. Some may read this and say "So what, she found peace". I would say no, its not that simple. This peace I have now, is just the tip of what God wants for me and all of HIS people. That right there, is amazing and energizing. I am truly on my path of Finding my Movement and on that Movement GOD is taking me on an incredible journey. A journey of truth and knowledge and I'm taking in all that I can.

GOD's words are so powerful and one must not take them for granite. Find a time to be with your Bible and let GOD speak to you. You will find yourself in a place you never dreamed of. Yes, I'll say it again, life happens and its tragic and horrible sometimes. But wouldn't it be so much better if you knew your were living something so much bigger than just your life? Wouldn't that make all the tragedies less tragic? It has for me.

Thank you for being loyal readers and enjoying my blogs. I wish GOD's blessings upon you and a peaceful night.

MR

April 19th, 2010: "Setting it Straight"

So far so good. Thats what these last couple of weeks have been.

Spring Break was last week, so no subbing for me! I spent my days hanging out with my sister and enjoying care-free days with my wonderful husband (when he gets off work).

I bought paint supplies, including three canvases. Right now I am working on technics and learning what colors compliment each other and mixing colors as well. It has been so much fun, and I must say, I have been impressed with my work so far. I am in no rush to start my art project I had talked about in my last blog. I want to keep working and get a real vision of what I want to paint.

Now that catch up is over, I wanted to clue you guys in on my thoughts lately.

This year has been different on many levels for me. Both personally and publicly. When people let me down or forsake me, its easy for me to put walls up and block further pain from anyone ever again. I didn't realize that until I looked back at my actions. I didn't realize the impact those things had on me until I saw my actions steaming from that.

I will tell you right now, that the LORD does not want us to put up walls. He does not want us to block people from our lives. I had cocooned myself and didn't even realize I had done that.

After great thought and prayer I saw this and knew I needed to stop this behavior. I have a few great friends, an amazing husband, and the best family in the world. The LORD has blessed me with those things and HIS desire is to bless us with more. If I had continued this behavior, I would not have been able to accept the LORD's blessings for my life.

People will always let you down or be plain out mean. But its life. This life is the only one I have and I have a lot of dreams I'm in close grasp of reaching. I can't block myself out of life, I've got to live.

I love blogging about my experiences both as a woman living life and as a newlywed sharing my wonderful life with my husband. All these experiences have taught me amazing lessons, all of which are from the LORD. It is my prayer that we realize what the LORD has blessed us with and we forget the lil "let downs" in life. Our successes are so short lived and our mistakes live forever. That will not be my life! Will you stop this pattern too? Lets set things straight starting today!!!

Like I said above, I love blogging my life and my thoughts with all of you guys! Many of you message me, telling me how you have enjoyed reading it. I encourage you all to follow my blog. To put the always asked question of "do you have to be a member of blog spot to follow you?" to rest, no you do not have to be a member to follow my blog and it is a easy process. So I hope all of you who enjoy reading my blog will click the button above which reads: "follow" (:

On to exciting news, I'm getting more followers on twitter daily and I'm so excited about that! Again, my twitter name is : MReynolds03

I love to twitter and hopefully you all will look for me!

Well that is all for now, I hope you all seek GOD's grace and HIS blessings for your life.

May GOD bless and keep you all!

Wednesday April 7th, 2010: "New Life Passions"

I was astonished when I looked at my last post and it read : "February 25th". I can't believe I let the whole month of March pass me by without even blogging. I have thought about what my next post would be, but lets face it, I've been one busy bee. This stuff ain't easy guys.

Lets see, where to start. Ah hah....I have a new job. I substitute at a local high school and I love it. Before I applied for the job, I would find myself wandering aimlessly around the house. My workout had been done, the clothes had been washed, the dishes cleaned, and the local market had been visited. I had all my ducks in a row just in time to have dinner on the table for my wonderful husband. But day after day, after day, this would go on and like I said before, I would be wandering around aimlessly trying to find things to do. Yes, school is a priority of mine and that takes dedication, but without a full-time job, a girl finds herself with a lot of time on her hands. So I decided to quit my one day a week night job and take on a job that gave me a reason for each day. It takes some getting used to but, its a full days work and it is so rewarding. My only thing now is, making everything else work. But with my great skill of prioritizing and organization, I know I'll find a way.

Life is crazy. The LORD has blessed me with this job that I so desperately needed for my sanity. But it has made me realize that if I'm waking up at 4:30 am to be at work at 6:30 am, then I want it to be because it is a passion of mine. That will come in time. I wanted to acknowledge that because Psychology is a great desire within me and I know that after I finish school, I'll have that desire fulfilled. Like I said though, the LORD has blessed me and I will not complain. This job has fulfilled me in many other ways aside from it not being a true passion of mine. The LORD has taken care of me and I am very thankful for that.

Speaking of passions...(Who said you only had one passion in life?)I will give you guys a little hint about a new one in my life. After deep thought and the seeking of movements, I have come to realize that my heart aches for art. I feel a release when I envision myself painting and my mind goes wild over the possibilities of what I am able to create. So I will be working on a few pieces I have been in deep thought about for a few months now. The pieces I am mentally working on now, but later will be painted art will consist of three individual works, in which, they will all correlate into one piece. I hope I worded that right, because it kind of confused me a little bit. hahaha. Of course I will post the works on my blog in months to come when they are complete.

That is all I have for now. Its getting late and i must be in bed within the 9 o'clock hour...geeeez. I will add one more thing, my twitter account is doing great and I am gaining followers each day. If you would like to become a follower you can subscribe to my twitter with the name 'mreynolds03' . Hope to be tweeting you guys soon!

GOD Bless,

Melissa

February 25th, 2010: "What to do?"

It has been a crazy few months. The joy of being married to the man of my dreams as been nothing less than simply delightful, and an amazing blessing from GOD. But, I must say, life does go on. No matter what you do, life is the back bone and no one can stop it.

I have been confronted with situations that I have handled in many different way. My theory is, different situations cause handling in different ways. I found that my mind set on a particular situation was justified. I was trapped in a way of thinking, and could not see another option. But then I realized that no natter what happens in our lives, GOD's desire is for us to do what is right in accordance to HIM. I saw my mistake and had a new mind-set from there on out.

Each one of us are on an individual walk with GOD. HIS standards and truth are the same for each one of us, but the journey we take is different. It is important that we remember the lessons that GOD reveals to us. We must take them and pay it forward so that we may walk further on our path with CHRIST.

There are a lot of things going on in my life right now, but through it all I will continue to trust in the LORD and learn as much as I can.

MR

February 11th, 2010: "Faith"

I have been gathering my thoughts as to what to bog about next. It has been a few weeks and I don't have anything solid to blog about today. So, I decided to blog a few things that have been running through my mind lately.

Faith has played a key role in my life lately. Faith that GOD has a direct plan for your life no matter what you may think. I want something bad. I have managed to line all my ducks in a row and done everything I know to prepare for this possible opportunity. In my mind, things would be perfect if this certain thing pans out. But, even though I may feel that way, I have to remember that God has me on a path and that path may not lead to that opportunity. Its a bitter pill to swallow, but God is in control and whether we are okay with it or not, God has the ultimate say. We all know we cant stop that. :::laughs:::

My mom told me that "If this doesn't work out, then another thing will", that has stuck with me and I have to realize that GOD knows what I need. He wants to give us everything we want. Because we, as humans, can not even grasp his knowledge or concept of time, we just have to have Faith that our GOD will lead us the right way. He will because he always does. So, I will sit and have faith, waiting on my GOD.

It is almost Valentine's Day and I must say that I have never had a Valentine. I am very happy to say that my husband will be my first Valentine. I am so blessed to have this man in my life. GOD paired us together in the most perfect way. I never knew why I had to wait so long to find my soul mate but I had faith and of course, meeting Jason I realized that GOD's timing is perfect timing. He is absolutely the best husband and I would never want to be with out him. So to all of you on Valentine's Day, I wish you all love and peace. Whether you have someone or not, it really doesn't matter because life doesn't start when you have a mate, it starts when you have a passion for following GOD. That is the true journey. GOD Bless and Happy Valentine's Day.

MR

January 14th, 2010: "Its what you don't see...."

As we learn more devastating news from the earthquake in Haiti, many of us are charging at the chance to help. Most of us, living in the United States, are more likely to help financially seeing as how there is no way for civilians to travel there to help a relief effort. Financial help is a tremendous offering that helps more than you know. When tragedy hits people uncover a compassionate, giving, and loving side that our busy lives tend to hide. Its easy to uncover those things when we see heartbreaking images and hear tales of sorrow coming from a tragedy. What if we didn't see or hear anything, but a tragedy was going on outside our door?

As we look for ways to help the many beautiful people in Haiti, I ask that we look right outside our door and find way to help our beautiful people in our community as well. There are many people in our community that need our help everyday. We shouldn't just uncover our giving side when a tragedy strikes because many tragedies are going on everyday in our community. As a blogger, in my own blog I feel I should speak about this. I will have links at the bottom of this page for ways you can not only help in Haiti but in your own community as well.

My thoughts in prayers go out to the many people in Haiti and in my community as well. GOD Bless.

MR

* TEXT "YELE" to "501501" and a donation of $5 will be made to the YELE Org. Wyclef Jean's Haiti relief.

* TEXT "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given to the RED CROSS in support of their Haiti relief org.

* Visit your local Red Cross office to find out how you can help in your community.

* Visit local shelters to find out how your donation could help in your community.

*Contact local school officials for ways you can help improve your community schools.

*Visit your city's web site to find out how you can donation to a local family in need.

January 12th, 2010: "Letting them know"

As a female with a decent social life and something to do all the time, when you get married some of your friends feel that you may not want to hang out with them as much anymore. I know some girls do that. Even when they have a boyfriend they drop their friends like flies. Other times, your friends feel like is their duty to "step back" and give you and yours some time to yourselves. I can say that my husband and I, spend a lot of time together experiencing a life that is just ours now. But I recently came to realize that, my friends were stepping back because they figured thats what I wanted. I had to let them know that without them, my life wasn't complete. Yes, things change after you get married, but it changes for good. At least in my case it did and I didn't just keep my friends around before I got married just to bide my time until I got married.

I think it all depends on being able to balance your time with friends, family, and your husband. Again communication is key. If I hadn't let my friends know how I felt, we all would have went on missing each other. Because I missed them, and they missed me. No one should just be wrapped up in just one things. GOD gave us people and experiences and we should grow from that. Keep them always and be thankful for them.

This is just one more bit of knowledge I have learned from being a newlywed. I'll continue to blog them as I experience them!

MR

January 4th, 2010: "Crossroads"

I am at a crossroad because I could continue what I am doing, even though the fire is out of it and has lost its desire for completion, or I could embark on something brand new and exciting. What ever I choose I have most certainly devoted prayer my de lima. My only fear being the new and exciting prospect may soon turn into something that has lost its fire as well. I'm not a simple person, I have many desires for what I want my life to be. Its great because I have a lot of options, and even though I have accomplished a lot on my journey, nothing yet has sat me down for a long involvement yet.

GOD has blessed my life and my desire is to do something with this life. I know I will make something of my life but I need to talk with the LORD and go where he guides me. For anyone to do anything is worthless if the LORD is not guiding it.

It is funny when for many days you have a plan and then something happens that flips it all around. You then try to pick up the pieces and put them in a new order. I pray that GOD orders the pieces in my life. I will be in constant prayer today. Sitting silently where I can to reach an answer. It may not come today or anytime soon but it will come on GODs time and I would rather be on HIS time than mine. I will pray that I not become frustrated or negative, for this time may get stressful. I have a gift of turning situations that are worrisome into exciting times, so with that, I will stray away form any negativity and make this an exciting new time.

I guess its important to add that we all are on a journey that never stops until our life does. We just need to make sure we learn something along the way.

MR