Flash Back 2013! Year of Blessings

Hope you've had a great year! 

Our year has been full of blessings! Here's some highlights from 2013:

In April David quit his job, to pursue becoming a Network Engineer. After months of studying on his own and completing several exams, he landed a great entry level Networking job in October.

April - June we traveled 7,369 miles by car through 10 states,

The Gift of Grace

That the gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Ephesians 3:6-7

This Christmas let us reflect on the best gift we have ever received… the gift of Jesus! 

Think about Him and the gift of grace that came through his life, death and resurrection. We are now enabled to be family members with Jesus in God’s family. We are given the same privileges that Jesus is given. 

God’s grace towards us, God’s favor towards us, God’s ability in us is worth celebrating. 

Merry Christmas! 

The Unspeakable Gift

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15  

God’s unspeakable gift to us is the free gift of Eternal Life through his son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died so that you might live. 

As born-again believers, mindful of God’s gift of eternal life, our lives take on a dynamic of thankfulness to God that transforms our lives. Our Lives become a witness to the changing power of God! 

We have great reason to be thankful for Jesus!

Give Thanks

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:8

An attitude of thankfulness is not the typical tendency of the human heart. 

People who do not have God’s will at heart view things from a half empty perspective. 

Your perspective determines your attitude. 

The will of God is for you to give thanks in everything. 

Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart that expresses gratefulness at all times, no matter what. 

Adopt God’s attitude and choose to be a thankful person.

Adventure Guide

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. John 2:27

As you become more aware of the Holy Spirit in your life, you’ll be quicker to hear and obey Him. 

The Perfect Prayer

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Romans 8:26

Have you ever needed to pray about something, but you didn’t know how to pray?  

Iron

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Keeping yourselves in the love of God… Jude 1:20-21

When you pray in the Holy Spirit, you build yourself up. 

Your focus is directed on God when you pray in the Holy Spirit. 

It is hard to be in unbelief when your focus is on God. 

Miracles

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people… And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)  Acts 5:12 & 14

Acts chapter 5 tells us about many people receiving miracles, making decisions to follow Jesus, and lives being changed.  

The Comforter

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. John 14:16

Jesus lived on this earth and completed the work the Father had assigned to him. Before He went to the cross, Jesus told His disciples that God would send them a comforter – the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit = Success

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.  John 16:13

The Holy Spirit has come… and as a born again child of God you have him living on the inside of you!  

Activate The Power

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.  Ephesians 3:20

As a Christian you have the Holy Spirit inside you. But that power wont go to work until you put it to work!  

Mysterious Words

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  1 Corinthians 14:2

When you pray in the Holy Spirit your brain does not comprehend what you are speaking because you are praying with your spirit. Your spirit is speaking directly to God. It is Awesome! 

Be Filled

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?  Acts 19:2

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  Acts 2:4

If you’ve made Jesus your Lord, you can be filled with the Holy Spirit.  When you receive the Holy Spirit, you receive God’s Power in your life. If you would like to receive the Holy Spirit pray a prayer like this:

Power

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Acts 1:8

God wants to overflow your life with His power!  

Benefits of the Righteous

Here are some benefits of being the Righteousness of God: 

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree… Psalm 92:12  ~ You will flourish!

… The righteous shall be delivered.  Proverbs 11:21 ~ You are free!

7,369 Miles - Made It! Baby Rag Quilt

While on vacation this spring, I had so much fun making two baby rag quilts for some special little girls. I also made the girls matching elephants, which can be purchased from Doodlebug & Friends.

I found a Rag Quilt Tutorial on Beverlys.com that explained exactly what to do and vas very easy to follow. Both quilts were cut out and sewn together in about 6 hours. The tedious part for me was cutting the edges. These little quilts are super soft and warm. 

In The Right Place

In righteousness shalt thou be established… Isaiah 54:14

To be established in righteousness means to be in a right place with God. It means you can stand in the presence of a Holy, Powerful, Loving God without any guilty feeling. 

7,369 Miles - Sewing Projects

When traveling 7,369 Miles, 1 Month, 3 Weeks, 4 Days, 10 States, with 1 Suitcase, 1 Duffle Bag, a Toddler and an iPod you may need to sew something. I'd suggest just packing an emergency sewing kit, but in my case, I packed my sewing machine, a bag full of fabric, cutting board, notions and a bunch of patterns. 

David's family was very gracious to allow me to turn their dinning room into a sewing room while we were visiting and I had a blast being creative!

The first thing I sewed was Caden's shorts, the seam fell apart in the wash!

Next on my to do list was make these adorable elephants from Retro Mama.

Wake Up

Awake to righteousness, and sin not… 1 Corinthians 15:34

According to the Bible, the power of sin and death has been beaten in your life (Romans 8:2). You are no longer ruled by the forces of evil, but by God Himself.  

It’s Not Because of Anything You’ve Done

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  2 Corinthians 5:21

You are righteousness. 

You are a joint heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17).  

The Past Is Forgotten

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.  Hebrews 10:16-17

When Jesus died on the cross He completely did away with your sins. 

Direct Access

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 

God is Faithful, steady and true and unchanging.

Family! Coming Soon

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. As arrows are in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy, blessed, and fortunate is the man whose quiver is filled with them! Psalm 127:3-5

Take Your Place

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. 1 Timothy 1:12

You are enabled by Christ Jesus to accomplish all that He has created you for. He counts you faithful. God trusts you.

On Time

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? Luke 16:10,12  

Faithfulness does not come natural. It is a characteristic that is developed. This verse teaches us that Faithfulness is learned and proved by starting out in SMALL things. As you are faithful in SMALL things you will graduate to Larger things that will be entrusted to you.

Abounding With Blessings

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. Proverbs 28:20 

This verse tells us that a faithful person, a truthful person, a steady person, a “do what you say you are going to do” person shall ABOUND with blessings.

Rewards

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:22-24

You have a quality in you that is in great demand in the world today. It is faithfulness. 

No More Mistakes

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Lamentation 3:21-25 

God’s mercy, even though we do not do anything to deserve it, is always towards us. It is because of God’s continued faithfulness that we are given a fresh start every new day.

Love & Faithfulness

Let love and faithfulness never leave bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.  Proverbs 3:3-4

Love and Faithfulness are IMPORTANT. Keep conscious of them. Practice Love and Faithfulness when you have opportunities.

You can do it!

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.  Psalm 86:15

God is all of these things. HIS nature is in you. You have the capacity on the inside of you to be compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness. What do these qualities mean? 

7,369 Miles - The Food We Ate

When traveling 7,369 Miles, 1 Month, 3 Weeks, 4 Days, 10 States, with 1 Suitcase, 1 Duffle Bag, a Toddler and an iPod you will need to stop for food. 

We had a small soft sided cooler to keep snacks, juice and sodas cold. And a 2 gallon water jug, at night we would fill the water jug with hotel ice, we never ran out of water and it tasted decent.

Most mornings, I would get up before the boys go to the hotel lobby and bring several plates of food back to our room. Having breakfast at the hotel saved $10-15 every day, so it was a win in my mind, especially since I love waffles and pancakes for every meal.

Lunch would be a stop at a drive through or snacks and fruit from a grocery store, a favorite was cheese and crackers or lime chips. David was always on the look out for fish and chips. I'm not a fish person but the fish was really fresh since we were so close to the ocean and very tasty.

Dinner was hit and miss. Some days we drove longer than expected, other days we found something right away or were wanting something in particular. Toward the end of our trip David discovered that extra cheese and pepperoni on a pan style pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut was fantastic, we would order a medium for $10 and have left overs for breakfast or lunch the next day.

Our Favorite Places To Eat:

Made It! DIY Owl Taggie Toy Update

Ever since I made my first Owl Taggie Toy I wanted to make some changes. I finally figured out what needed to be done. 

Aside from Our Story,  the original Owl Taggie Toy  is the most viewed and searched for on Enjoying The Adventure, so I wanted to share the changes with you!

Cloud Measurements

Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reached unto the clouds. Psalm 36:5

God’s faithfulness to us means His love will never go away.  His love has always been for us from the foundation of the world and His love was proven for us in Jesus.

7,369 Miles - The Places We Stayed

While nothing beats staying with family and friends, you might need to stay in a hotel every now and then when traveling 7,369 Miles, 1 Month, 3 Weeks, 4 Days, 10 States, with 1 Suitcase, 1 Duffle Bag, a Toddler and an iPod. 

Here's what we learned along the way....

Before our trip I downloaded some apps thinking they might come in handy. They did! The one we used almost every night was Trip Advisor. If we were in a big city we used Hotel Tonight. What we loved about both of these apps were the reviews, pictures of actual rooms and the prices. 

Trip Advisor advertises as, reviews and advice on hotels, resorts, flights, vacation rentals, travel packages, and lots more! 

Hotel Tonight advertises as, a last minute deal for unsold rooms, with discounts up to 70%. 

If you find a hotel chain that you love sign up for their loyalty program, if you stay with them long enough you can turn your points in for free nights or gift cards.

Here's what most nights looked like for us:

No More Broken Promises

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9

Moses tells us that God is faithful to 1000 generations. 

7,369 Miles - The Packing List

For several years we've been dreaming of taking a long vacation, going to some of the places we traveled as kids and visiting new places together. On April 4th, 2013 we took the opportunity! 

David has been studying for months to get his CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician), which he received in March. In April he quit his job and we headed out on our big adventure.

The plan was to visit family in New Mexico and Arizona, take a consulting job in Nevada, then on to California for a few days to vacation and check out a couple job leads.

After 7,369 Miles, 1 Month, 3 Weeks, 4 Days, and 10 States, with 1 Suitcase, 1 Duffle Bag, a Toddler and an iPod. I have a few things to share with you!

Are You an Olympian?

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I Corinthians 9:25

Think about an Olympian… they are striving to attain the highest goal. A GOLD medal! 

Self-Control Matures

Train the younger women to… be self-controlled and pure.  Titus 2:4-5

Self-control will help you mature and grow in your walk with God. 

Where are your thoughts?

Encourage the young men to be self-controlled.  Titus 2:6  

Take control of your thoughts! This is one way to practice being self-controlled.  

Stay Alert!

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Being self-controlled is living in God’s protection. 

Self-Control

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled.  1 Thessalonians 5:8

You are of the DAY! You are a born-again, spirit-filled child of God! Self-control is a gift from God. 

Wise Fun

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:22

Self-Control. It’s restricting yourself from doing things that might seem rewarding at first, but are harmful in the long run. 

Walking In Love

But I (Jesus) say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you… Matthew 5:44  

Love your enemies. Pray for those who give you trouble. Sounds like a hard thing to do doesn’t it? 

Loving and praying for someone is one of the most powerful things you can do. You will see things change when you walk in love. 

Walking in love toward people is the way Jesus lived and His way never fails.

The First Command

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:12-13

Love – the first command Jesus gave us.  

Do you want to see the power of God released through your life?  

Do you want to change the atmosphere around you, wherever you go?  

Put the love command into action. Start loving those around you. As you walk in love towards people, you will see God’s awesome power at work through you.

The Solution To Every Problem...

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13

How should you deal with a problem?  With love.  

The Bible says God is love. When you bring love into a problem, you put God right in the middle of it. He is the solution to every problem. 

The love of God never fails.

You Can't Fail!

Love Never Fails… 1 Corinthians 13:8

When you walk in God’s love you can’t fail. Godly love is a powerful force that puts you in charge of every situation. Nothing can hurt your feelings because you aren’t ruled by feelings – you’re ruled by God’s love. You can love people the way God loves.

Love Forgives

… Love keeps no record of when it has been wronged… 1 Corinthians 13:5

Love forgives – no matter what. The Love of God is in you. You are not touchy, fretful or resentful. You take no account of evil done to you. You forgive and forget.

What Does Love Do?

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Charity never faileth.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8

What does love do?

Love forgives.

Love conquers fear.

Love sees the potential in people.

Love desires to bless.

Love seeks the good in others.

Love is patient.

Love is kind.

Love has joy in the truth.

Love is full of trust.

Love believes the best in everyone.

Love never fails.

Activate Love

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  1 John 2:5-6

Every spiritual force is activated by love. God has given you His Spirit to teach you how to love. With His power you can live a life full of love. 

Think about some ways you can walk in love. 

Here are some ideas… 

Eating lunch with someone who sits alone.

Be a friend to someone.

Help someone with his or her homework.

Send an encouraging e-mail. 

Love becomes active when you read the Bible and live what you read.

Healing The Pain

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  Romans 5:5

God has poured His love into you.  Make the decision today to let God’s love in you show.  Make a commitment to live a life of love.  Let God’s compassion flow through you, to heal the hurts of those around you.

God Is Love

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us.  God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  1 John 4:16

It’s love that caused Jesus to lay down His life for you. His love has taken care of every sin and failure you’ve ever had. God Loves YOU!  He’s given you everything He has. He’s given you all the health, wisdom, prosperity and strength you’ll ever need.  All you have to do is accept His love. Jesus loves you!

Family! Fabulous Twos!

Our Caden is TWO! He a joy to our family and is quick to bring a smile to those around us.

It's really difficult to sum up the last year in just a few words.

Caden is very kind, generous and compassionate towards others.

He has a silly sense of humor (like Daddy), loves to play with trains, cars, trucks, puppies, pretends to be a cowboy (like Uncle Coco) and even helps Mommy with her sewing projects, by cuddling all the little stuffed animals I make.

Credits:

Photos: David & Tammy Larsen Do not copy or alter

Digital Scrapbook: SmileBox

Word Cloud - www.wordle.net

Made It! What A Hoot - Owl Messenger Bag

Around Christmas I made an Owl Purse for my sister. I liked it so much I decided to make one for myself, with a few variations of course...

I used the See & Sew Butterick pattern B5273. Following the same directions as I did for the Owl Purse, making the wings, tummy, eyes and beak. Then I followed the directions included with the pattern. Only one area was a bit difficult to figure out but I wanted to add a zipper instead of magnetic tabs so I skipped that part.

God Gave

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

God loved the world so much, that he gave… and He gave… and He gave.  God loves you so much that He desires to give to you.  God has made a promise to you – eternal life.  Jesus broken body and shed blood have become the eternal proof of God’s love for you.

One Good Choice!

… Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  2 Corinthians 6:2

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done, the Bible says today is the day of salvation. 

A new life can be made with ONE good choice!  

When your spirit is reborn, the past doesn’t belong to you anymore.  You’re like a brand creation in God’s eyes.  Your life begins again, the day you make Jesus Lord of your life.  

There’s no need to wait any longer.  Ask Jesus to be your Lord – today is the day!

Magic Formula?

That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10 

Believe in your heart… Being saved is not just believing in your head but it is with your heart that you believe. 

The Bible also says “I believe and therefore I speak” 2 Corinthians 4:13. When you truly believe Jesus was raised from the dead in your heart, then your mouth will speak it out. 

This is not a magic formula… it is a true heart decision that will change your life for eternity.

It is the best decision you will ever make!

God Gave!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  John 3:16-17

God Loved and God Gave! 

God Gave His Son so that you can have a real relationship with Him. He did this because He first loved us…even when we did not deserve it or earn it. Your relationship with God can start today and last into eternity! 

It is the best relationship you will ever have!

Born Again

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

…Ye must be born again.  John 3:7 

When you were born as a physical baby you were alive, but on the inside of you, your spirit was spiritually dead. Don’t feel bad, everyone in history is born that way. 

It all started when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. They ate of the tree and became spiritually dead. So everyone that came from their heritage was born the same way. 

The good news is that Jesus has made the way for you to be Born Again. This happens when we believe with our hearts in the finished work of Jesus. When we believe, our spirit is Born Again on the inside of us and is alive to God! These verses tell us that we must be Born Again. 

Being a good person will not get you into heaven. Believe on Jesus TODAY! 

Paid!

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  Romans 10:13

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

This is AWESOME! Salvation is for whosoever! It is not just for “so and so” … it is for EVERYONE! Jesus has paid the price tag of salvation and all we have to do is choose to call upon the name of Jesus. There is no other name under Heaven whereby we can be saved, So choose to call on Jesus today! 

The Highest Name

And, behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus. Luke 1:31  

…thou shall call his name Jesus. Matthew 1:21 

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a Name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 

The angels were specific in giving Mary the name of Jesus… this is important that you understand that God personally named Jesus. In the name of Jesus is all authority of Heaven. God, the Father and Creator, exalted the Name of Jesus and it is the highest name. All will one day be united under the Lordship of Jesus Christ! All things in the earth, all things in heaven… All will know Jesus is Lord!