Hope.

Life is hectic and my focus was not on Him.

I sat in church, praying, "Lord, let me hear you. Let me see you."

I stood on stage singing at the Christmas musical about His birth and the joy this time of year brings, praying, "God, give me joy."

I stood beside my mom, discouraged after a day full of what seemed to be hopelessness. The words tumbled out of my mouth as if I didn't care, "I've given up all hope of having a normal Christmas this year. I'm just done." I shook my head and turned around, ready for a new day.

As I sat on my bed, doing my quiet time, I tried to hear His voice. I tried to see why all of this was going on. I prayed, I begged, "God, give me Your hope, Your peace. I need you."

It hit me. All at once it hit me. I could hear Him.

"My child, don't you see? I've been whispering my hope to you all day long! You just weren't listening. You were too busy seeking comfort in other things that you simply didn't hear my voice all day. I am hope. I am peace. I am joy. I am with you, my hope is with you. I am for you."

That morning in church, the sermon was about seeking the ONLY hope at this time of year. The hope in Jesus Christ.

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:24-25

I stood on stage, singing about JOY and HOPE in Christ because of what He had done.

Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

I received encouraging words and texts from friends, checking up on us and seeing if we needed anything.

"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf..." Hebrews 6:19-20

I sat on my bed and read verses that ALL had to do with hope. I was too busy looking to stop and listen. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

My eyes were opened and there He was, whispering hope all day long.

And He's always there, always whispering hope into our darkest days, wanting us to stop and listen.

Because this hope He whispers is the greatest comfort.

So stop and listen.

Listen for His voice, whispering in the dark, "You are mine."

~Bailey

I just love them...

So... in less than a month...

Sweet baby girl will be here...

And oh my word, aren't they just the cutest?

Love them so much. And can't stinkin' wait to meet sweet Harper!

This joy the Father is gifting me with through them is just priceless. So, so, thankful.

~Bailey

P.S. Jessica over at The Making of M.O.M. took these pics...how lovely :)

Refreshing...

So we went to the mountains.

Just for 24ish hours.

But still.

We got away, as a family, just us.

Yesterday morning I sat on the swing on the front porch/patio of the cabin doing my quiet time while watching the sun peek through the trees.

It was breathtaking.

Up there....I could think. I felt peace. I didn't feel rushed to go places or see people. It was calm.

For the first time in two months...yes, it's been two months...and how it still hurts just as bad and how I still miss her just as much, I have no idea...

I could think clearly, I knew what peace felt like, and I could miss her without worrying about putting on a brave face for other people.

It's a great place up there, the mountains.

But I couldn't help thinking...I wish we were at Boone...visiting her.

But I rested in God's promises, and his BEAUTIFUL creation right in front of my eyes.

We had campfires. We had s'mores. I swung in a hammock. I did school outside all day. I even worked ahead for today(which was so nice).

I thought about her often. And how she gets to see God smiling over his creation that he made. How she gets to watch the trees change colors from up above. How I hope that she is proud of me that I'm living life joyfully again. Smile again. Laugh again.

I could miss her without being sad. I could remember her. Think of her.

It was a glorious 24ish hours with the family.

A refreshing 24 hours. It's amazing what 24 hours can do- seriously.

And I come back refreshed, ready to face today and tomorrow...and whatever comes.

And I know that God will always refresh us just when we need it.

Like he did for me.

~Bailey

P.S. Emily Grace's birthday is Monday...and I'm SO excited! Woo hoo! So I'll be back soon :)

SWTA...Camp...and life!

CRAZINESS. INSANITY. EXHAUSTION.

That's my life right now.

I just got back from church camp Friday. It was an ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE week. I miss my small group and my kids at site sooooo much! But I am very glad to be back in my bed and eating non processed non cafeteria food. God moved in so many ways that week, he is such a great God. I learned and was reminded of so much and I'm so thankful for that week and everything he did for me and my youth group.

Summer With the Arts started today! Yippee! I  am the group leader for the 2nd and 3rd graders this week, (though tiring) they are so cute and I already love them so much! It was a really great day and I can't wait to see what the Lord does this week!

 
LUNCH TIME- SWTA 2012


Opening song time(I guess you could call it that haha)!


My brother and his biggest fan Allie :)

Anyway- just a glimpse of the day! Have a great week! But it probably won't be as great as mine :):)

~Bailey

Summer fun...and insanity!

It's been a crazy last couple of days...INSANE(which explains my extreme lack of posting). 

My cousins were in from Texas, and they stayed at my grandparents so we drove there several times last week. And Saturday we went to the lake! IT. WAS. SO. MUCH. FUN! My aunt could not move the next day- literally, could not move. 

 The house some church members were loving enough to have us over at!

The fantastic tube and all the cousins, (from L to R) Jman, Hannah, Hope, Sarah, Bailey, Sonia, and William.

A super cute picture of Sonia!

Dad, Hannah and I!

Sarah and Sonia jumping in the lake!

A little tubing action!

Hannah and I riding on the back of the pontoon!

Sonia and her new best friend Alex :)

Overall, it was a very fun day! I think I was one of the only ones who came out not sunburned, and not sore! And even though I am very tired from such a long and insane week- it was lots of fun and we made some Pinterest crafts! This weekend is going to be kind of crazy- but lots of fun! Anyway- have a great rest of your week! 

~Bailey

Tutus and Hairbows....

Source: lemontreecreations.blogspot.com via Julie on Pinterest

Hairbows...

Source: weheartit.com via Bailey on Pinterest

Tutus...

Source: via Bailey on Pinterest

And baby girl goodies...

Because baby Land is a........GIRL!!!!! A very tiny, but very healthy baby girl :):):):)

This little girl is going to be so spoiled...my little niece...that's so fun to say :)

I could not be more excited!

Have a great Saturday!

~Bailey

It's Summer!!!

Even though it's technically been summer for quite some time, it's just now feeling like it.

And sadly the business of summer has hit, and though it is wonderful- it is sometimes a bit crazy.

We've had VBS this week, and I've been with three year olds, and wow. I am so tired. They are CRAZY. But I love them and I constantly have a cloud of little children surrounding me and about four children asking to hold my hands. Apparently they don't understand that when I have one kid on each hand it means I don't have any more hands to go around...so they just grab my arm instead. But I'm totally okay with it...mostly because I just love them :)

This weekend is going to be packed and I'm so excited about it!

I have a 16th birthday party for one of my best friends at the lake on Friday, Amanda and Nick find out that same day if lil' Land is a boy or girl(what do you think??? Tell me please!). I think that the baby (who is already moving inside it's mama!) is a boy! I plan to go scrapbook shopping Saturday for more scrapbook stuff for this lil' peanut...We of course have church on Sunday and who knows what else it will bring!

Oh, but yesterday- I finished Little Women. It was tragic. But yet amazing. Very bittersweet. And that's all I can say. I just LOVE that book.

Oh and it's almost been a year since the Taylor Swift concert :) Such WONDERFULLY AMAZING memories :):):)

We've been swimming a whole lot this week- in fact we are going swimming today with some friends!

I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has to hold- and I can barely wait until Summer With the Arts!

What have you all been up to this summer so far?

Have a great rest of the week!!!

~Bailey

Dad

To my daddy on Father's Day 2012,

I love you more than you can imagine.
Thank you for the example of Christ you are to me and to so many others.

Thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you for loving Amanda like your daughter, because without that I wouldn't have my big sister.

Thank you for buying me special treats and taking me to get a milkshake after a horrible day of school.
Thank you for buying me and my best friend tickets to Taylor Swift.

You're the best, seriously.
And sadly you have raised my standards so high(which is a great thing) I don't think I'll ever find a husband- and then I can blame it on you!
Even though your little girl is growing up quite quickly right before your eyes, please know I will always love you with an unending love and will always, always be your little girl.

You will be the best "papa" to lil' Land- I'm sure of it.

I love you.

~Bailey Elizabeth

Happy Father's day everyone.

You want to see, don't you???

So...I've been blowing up pinterest lately with things I want to get/make for my little niece or nephew :)

Do you want to see some of them? Yes! Good!

#1

Source: media-cache8.pinterest.com via Bailey on Pinterest

I've got to have some credit :) Isn't it so cute! LOVE it!

#2

Source: childrenwithswag.tumblr.com via Bailey on Pinterest

If it's a boy...how stinkin' cute! He would be the most handsome lil' man EVER!

#3

Source: via Bailey on Pinterest

And if it's a girl :) AHHH!

#4

Source: indulgy.com via Bailey on Pinterest

Because (if it's a girl) she will have PLENTY of hairbows, thanks to her aunt :)

#5

Source: Uploaded by user via Bailey on Pinterest

How funny is that! Love it!

And that is way less than half of it...just thought I would share my excitement with you :)

Have a lovely weekend!

~Bailey

Quite a lovely weekend :)

I wake up and walk into the living room.

It's quiet. Scary quiet.

The kind of quiet when there are no boys in the house.

And I close my eyes and try to capture the moment.

The boys are at church camp for the weekend, without dad this year...we'll see how this goes :). Just kidding, they're going to do wonderfully! We are doing a little something for them while they are away :) that we are all SO excited about, and I will post pictures once they get home!

And even though the quiet is SO SO SO very nice, it is very weird without them here. But I have to say I kinda enjoy the peace and quiet...and card making and piano playing without disruption! It's very nice...and it's going to be quite a lovely weekend.

But I'm praying God will move in their hearts while they are gone, and that they would stay safe while having so much fun!

Now- I'm off to work on a secret project and enjoy the peace and quiet of a house with no little brothers :)

Counting down....

I'm counting down the days....

Until school is out...that is six.

Until the pool is open so we can spend long days there just hanging out.

Until Summer With the Arts 2012, which is going to be incredible(thanks to the wonderful Paige).

Until I get to spend unending hours with my best friends giggling and talking...and giggling and talking some more.

Until I can work on my book for hours on end.

Until my 15th birthday and I get my permit...speaking of that I FINISHED DRIVERS ED!!!!!!

Until we know if baby Land is a girl or boy...which is around 26ish days...not that I'm excited or anything :).

But...I'm also trying to savor each day and find the little treasures and things the Lord brings me through each day.

And each day the Lord is bringing me more joy than I ever thought could be possible. It's been great. Especially now that my favorite college students are home and they just drop by for a few hours and we all talk and laugh and have a great time, fun times.

And yes, I'm counting down the days until each of the things above happens, but more importantly I'm searching and seeking daily the things God brings me each day to bless me and bring me joy.

What are you most excited about this summer?

~Bailey

I found it...

While we were at the beach, and since we have gotten home I have read my bible daily, but it has felt the same everyday- and nothing has really been different.

I didn't go to church last Wednesday or Sunday- and I missed it- terribly.

As I stood in youth last night, worshipping God with all that I had- it hit me.

I figured out what I was missing.

I was missing that fellowship with other believers, knowing that they were thinking the same things, they were going through the same struggles as I was. It was the best thing ever.

I have never loved my church, and those in it more than I did last night.

People always tell you how important it is to have those there who will strengthen you- but it won't hit you until God moves in your heart. Like He did in mine yesterday night.

I realized how important it is to have that group of believers around you strengthening you, encouraging you...and I felt the difference when I walked in the church doors. And even though I already knew it was important- it just hit last night, more than it ever had before.

Knowing people that love God the way I do, having them there for you, makes the difference in the world.

So thank you to all of those in my church, not only in my youth group, but in my whole church who are always there supporting me and encouraging me to do my best.

These people mean the world to me, and I couldn't be more grateful to have them beside me as we walk the journey Christ has laid before us together.

~Bailey

I'm still here...or I am now!

Hello friends, it's been a while(for me at least)! We have been at the beach, actually we just got back Saturday. It was glorious...the weather was amazing! This year we went to Hilton Head Island in SC with my family, my best friend's family and the boys brought a friend! Here are some pictures from our week!

 All of the girls...except for Sonia, she didn't want to pose for the picture :)

 The beautiful view from our back deck...that's the beach in the distance, be jealous :) We had direct beach access from our backyard!

 Emily and I thought it would be cute to take a shadow picture!

 J-man, Bradley(their friend) and William

 Emily and I!

 See, Sonia really was with us, and by the way, she loves her new hair-do!

 I was just checking out the beautiful view.

 Us posing in front of a church that survived the civil war!

 The pool and hot tub from the balcony.

 The boys sand castle from the epic sand castle battle.

 And the girls castle...come on! Give us props, we had a bridge, wall, towers and everything! 

And our beautiful(huge) house! How I miss it so!

Anyway- it was an amazing trip and was so relaxing, just what we all needed. 

Yesterday was Mothers' day, so all of my dad's side of the family came over for dinner, we had the best time! Amanda(and her super cute little tiny baby bump) and Nick came too! It was the perfect ending to a perfect week! Have a wonderful week...I will be back soon- I promise!

~Bailey

I Saw the Light

Ahh.....

I can finally breathe.

Exams were today, and I've never been so grateful to be done(with classical, that is).

This year, in no way, has been easy. There have been many tears...and many hours of frustration. But I made it through...with many people by my side supporting me.

Amanda, Paige, Mary, mom, your support means the world to me and I can't tell you how thankful I am for you,

But most of all, God has helped me through everything. He has helped me through horrible days, continued to strengthen me when I felt like I wanted to give up, and today...he refreshed me of everything I studied this semester for my exams and I feel so proud of what I have accomplished.

This year has been very challenging, I feel like I have learned and accomplished so much that I would have never had the opportunity to do in a public school. I am so thankful for this opportunity to homeschool...and even on the hard days, I have to remember and remind myself that later on I will be so thankful I learned how to study and know how to learn hard material. And though it's been quite rough...next year, oh next year, I have one of my favorite people in the world as my tutor...and well...I'm quite extremely excited. :) And yes I just said I'm excited about school.

The main thing I have learned...other than defending what I believe(don't get me started)...is that God loves me. No matter what. He will never give up. He is always there. Through good and bad. When we are crying. He has placed people in our lives to encourage us and continually be there for us. He's just amazing. And I, after this year, have grown closer to Him...and I feel God has let me struggle through these assignments and this year to teach me that He is all I need, and He will get me through any struggles. And show me that light at the end of the tunnel.

And today- I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. And I breathed a sigh of relief.

Because now I can write a book. And yes, I know I'm a nerd. But hey, that's how God made me! And even after a year of struggling- I'm still thankful for this opportunity to learn, to open my mind...and I'm thankful for everything that God has taught me. He has given me the opportunity of a lifetime- and I'm trying to make the most of each day He is giving me.

~Bailey

P.S. And just incase you didn't pick up on it...I finished Challenge I...and I didn't give up...HA!

To my wonderful mother...

Just a week ago we celebrated Sonia Grace's birthday...and now we celebrate my mom's birthday. She is the big 40 today! ha...she's getting old.

Many of you know that the past year has not been easy for our family, especially for my mom, nothing life threatening, but life changing. The Lord has challenged us all, but yesterday marked a day that will turn everything around. We have a new beginning, a season of healing for my mom- for all of us. I know that God has placed this in our lives to challenge and strengthen us- not to tear us down.

James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." He is good and will hold us- no matter what.

From today on- things will be different, God is working in our family. We have a very exciting year ahead of us. Lots of things will be going on. School, camp, Summer With the Arts, and lots more...that I will share later :). God is doing something great AMAZING in our family- I know it. And through this past year of struggles, God has pulled us all through, loving and forgiving us daily.

I am thrilled to see what God has in store for our family in the rest of this year.

Mom- I hope, even though you don't feel too hot, that you have a fantastic birthday. You are such an amazing example of a Godly woman to me and so many others. You have loved people that are not your own, you love them like your children. There are so many people looking up to you, and so many that love you so very much. You are the best mom anyone could ever ask for to me, William, J-man, Sonia and even Amanda. I am amazed at your love for Christ and your trust in Him daily. Thank you for being who you are. I love you.

Your almost oldest daughter :) - Bailey Elizabeth

To My Sweet Sonia Grace

Oh, my sweet Sonia Grace...from the moment I first laid eyes on you- I knew you were meant to be part of our family. I just knew. And I fell in love with this little girl.

You make us laugh. And you drive us crazy- but my heart finds new ways to love you daily.

The Lord is continually stretching my heart and teaching me so many new things through you.

And when I think my heart is as big as it can get, God proves me wrong.

"You know what sissy? I wuv you."

"I love you too," I say as we hug each other. Our relationship- our bond is different, it's like no other. We are ten years apart, but God has shown me so much through such a little person. He has changed my life.

People always say, "You've changed her life." No. She's changed ours. And what an incredible story we all have to tell...

And while I was begging God for a little sister, I had a big sister watching out for me. Supporting me every step of the way. The relationship Amanda and I have is completely indescribable- only something God could ordain.

My sisters are both incredible, amazing gifts from God and I am so, so, so very thankful for both of them. And the story of how God has placed each of them in my life- again, only something He can write.

Oh, my sweet Sonia girl...I love you so much.

More than words can ever say.

And my dear Sonia Grace- on (the day after) your 4th birthday...I don't know how time has gone by so fast. I love you so very much- we all do. Your love for Christ and church amaze me, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you. I pray Christ will fill your heart with His love. I pray you will seek Him- not others on hard days, a mistake I've made plenty of times. I pray that you will guide and lead those younger than you in righteousness. I pray that God will guide your paths so you will see what He has in store for you. And even when I'm away at college, I'll be there for you. I will always be with you.

With love and joy filling my heart this day- Bailey

How Wonderful

This week has been fantastic. We're taking a (sort of) spring break.

And oh...how wonderful it's been. It's after 9, and I haven't eaten breakfast or started school or done anything productive. I've just watched icarly with Sonia and looked on Pinterest.

Since we have exams the week after spring break- cool, right(hint of sarcasm there)- I've had some studying to do, so everyday I work for about 2ish hours and then relax and do whatever the rest of the day.

Which mainly consists of playing babies with Sonia...writing a book(because that's what all 14 year olds do in their spare time, right?) and reading Little Women...again.

Yesterday Amanda came over and we did school and just talked and chilled...didn't do much of anything. It was quite fun actually. We watched Bedtime Stories...great movie by the way.

Monday we went to a friend's house and played by their creek and in the HUGE yard and just had fun!

Today...I have no idea what today...or tomorrow will bring...but I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. And thank God that he has given us such beautiful weather and such a wonderful time to enjoy together.

Have a marvelous week- and I hope that you had a great Easter!

~Bailey

Oh- and if you're up for a good laugh, read this blog post by Jenny B. Jones. It's really, really funny. Jenny B. Jones Blog

Lessons Learned This Week

So- I'm going to attempt starting a series called "Lessons Learned This Week." Where I share what I've learned this week and...well, yeah! It should be fun. And so we begin.

___________

1. As Christ has treated me, so I will treat YOU.

Wednesday night my youth pastor taught about treating others as Christ has treated you. And wow. That was just yesterday, and I'm already struggling. It's hard- and it's not something that comes immediately but after we fully realize how much Christ loves us we can BEGIN to put this into practice. And so...I begin to put it into practice. I begin. And it's hard. And we have to work together. But we'll get there.

2. God ALWAYS provides and he never fails.

I am doing a Beth Moore Bible study on the book of James. It's exceptional, and tomorrow will be my last day in the scripture of James- I'm so so so very sad. I can't say I've ever said that before. But this bible study is so personal. Anyway- some days I want to read or make cards not do my bible study. BUT- God never fails to hear me on those rough days and He ALWAYS speaks to me through this study.

James is packed full of- well- everything you can imagine! But God made it so I would learn a certain thing at a certain time, just when I need it. He never fails. He always provides for me.

As some of you may know, we are struggling with some health issues(nothing life threatening, but life changing for sure), and today's was on prayer and how Christ is ALWAYS our health and our healer. It was perfect, I was almost in tears. Thank you Jesus Christ for creating Beth Moore and through speaking through her to me and so many others.

___________

Well- I'm sure I've learned more than that this week- but I can't remember the rest- so we will leave it at that for now! Come back next week for another "Lessons Learned This Week!" I'm excited you are joining me on this journey. Feel free to do a "Lessons Learned This Week" post on your blog! I would love if you would join me!

~Thanks for reading~Bailey~

Just Life...

Ahh...feels good to be back at the keyboard! School has been back in full swing, which makes life a bit crazy! Here's an update on my life for any of you that care...

School: It's going well. Math has been much better so far this semester. For our science research paper I have chosen to do hurricanes and tornadoes! For our intoducotory philosophy course, I am doing a presentation on the Shakers at the end of the semester. I don't agree with their beliefs at all, but they are very interesting!

My book: AMAZING! I have talked with a self publisher who was extremely interested about it, he's calling back in a month to check with me again to see how far along I am. I am stinkin' excited! Once I get it done, I'll have an extra page on my blog so that you all can read the first chapter!

Sonia: So cute, as always! She is growing like a weed...well so am I, but I'm 14 so it's not very normal ;)

I believe that's all I have to tell you right at the moment...sorry if I bored you, but I thought you would appreciate something! Have a great(raining here) weekend!

~Bailey

Dear 2012,

Dear 2012,

2011 has been great. I went to a Taylor Swift concert with my best friend in the whole world. Had an amazing time at camp. Got to go to the beach as a family. Spend a couple of days at the Great Wolf Lodge. I've learned so much, and started to enjoy piano. Most of all grown closer to my God and Savior. And whole lot more.

But 2011 has also been difficult. School has been very very challenging. But it's been good overall. Mom got sick, and is still struggling with it. William and I have been struggling with headaches, but they are getting better, much better.

It feels like this past year has flown by, and hopefully I will be able to do a year in pictures very soon. Parts of me don't want to grow up, or see 2012 start...but I can't help it.

2012, this year I hope to accomplish two things.

1. To learn to get along with my brothers- and most of all to learn to love them.

2. To be focused on God and trust in Him no matter what. To know that whatever happens...it's His will for me. Wherever He takes me, whether it be Kenya, or right here in North Carolina. I hope to grow closer in Him, and continue to strengthen our relationship.

So 2012, whatever you may bring, I pray that God will use this year to do remarkable things in my life and in those around me. And simply, I can't wait to see what God does this coming year.

Because with God, life from year to year, day to day, is an unending adventure.

Will you join me?

Love- Bailey

Oh- and Happy New Year!