A passionate Christian-American

I'm not really sure how to start this post, how to word this post or if I should even write this post. I don't claim to be the most informed or the most "correct", and I'm sure to some, I may even come off a little opinionated at times. (Shocker, I know)

For starters, I did vote, and I lost. I was disappointed and I did pray for our country (as I have no matter who is in office) I will not pretend to agree with our current administration, nor with some of the moral values they represent. I will continue to stand up for my morals and beliefs. With that being said, I have prayed for BOTH Barack Obama and Mitt Romney for a long time. I respect the office of the President and will continue to. What bothers me with this election is how ruthless and degrading people can be. My issue really has nothing to do with who won the election (although I am admittedly not excited about it), but how Christians can be so worked up about an election and not even raise a finger to help or minister in their own community. Forget the "unwholesome talk" flying around. Why are we not near as passionate about being a Christian as we are about being an American? I don't know about you, but I'm a Christian first and an American second. If you don't like our president, fine. If you are a christian, Does that change the fact that you are called to act as Jesus would and strive to bring others to Christ? If you do like our president, fine. Does that change the fact that you are called to act as Jesus would and strive to bring others to Christ?

Why are we not as passionate about evangelizing, reading the Bible, encouraging, praying....etc? Its funny to me that people are quick to give an opinion, prove someone wrong or promote a political agenda, but many of those same people are the last to sign up for the church ______(fill in the blank) if even at all, visit the poor widow, or even attend bible class. No matter who the president is, we still have the power to evangelize, minister, pray etc. Of course it isn't "easy" to be a Christian in todays time, but He never said that it would be. The president (whoever it may be or is) can not take my Christianity or my God away from me. Therefore, I am called to live according to His purpose. And haven't we already "won?"

Bottom line, America is full of what I call "back burner" Christians. And until we start putting Christ first and showing His love, things won't change. Not just politically but spiritually. Calling people "ignorant" or "idiots" and telling people to "suck it up" or "tuck your tail between your legs" is not the attitude we are called to have.

What may be more disappointing than any political race are the amount of lack luster Christians today.

Outside fun!

Today just so happens to be my mother AND father-in-law's birthday. So, this afternoon, Carter and I decided to head outside to take some pictures for them. It was GORGEOUS and he sure does take good pictures!

Pumpkin Patch

A beautiful fall day, a corn maze, a hayride and a lot of pumpkin's made for a perfect family outing!

We decided to head up to Portland last Sunday afternoon to experience Bottom View Farms. We had a blast walking the corn maze and picking out a pumpkin. Carter loved it and even enjoyed petting the horse! Here are some pictures of our fun day!!

Use Me

"I will rise, when He calls my name. No more sorrow. No more pain. I will rise on eagles wings. Before my God, fall on my knees. I will rise."

This is a Chris Tomlin song that has brought me a lot of comfort and a lot of tears over the last year. I've meant to write this post for weeks now, and always had an excuse not to...until last night.

There are Wednesday nights when I, quite honestly, don't want to go to church. I'm tired, sore, busy and all of the above. Nevertheless, we almost always go, thanks to the hubby. My ladies class is currently studying the book of James, and last night's conversation got my wheels turning. (Thanks Jamie, Jenny and Holly. It's your fault)

So let's start from the beginning. A little over a year ago, my family lost my Uncle Charles Burgess. Probably one of the Godliest men I knew. He was a wonderful preacher and, not only did he preach the Word, but he LIVED the word. There is no telling how many lives he brought to Christ.

This Spring, my family lost my Uncle Charles McCormick. Probably one of the most sarcastic, sly and funny men I knew. Charles didn't have any children of his own, but you wouldn't have known that. He married a wonderful woman who had wonderful children and took them as his own. He never knew any different.

Only a little over a month ago, my family tragically lost my Aunt Patsy Cronk in a car accident. After the funeral, a lady mentioned to me that her brother (who worked with aunt patsy) mentioned once that a joke was told about Jesus coming back. He replied "Is Patsy still here?" The other person said "yes" The man then replied, "Well then Jesus hasn't come, because He would have taken Patsy with Him." This says everything to me about the wonderful person she was.

I miss these three so much at times, my heart aches. Last night, the topic of living your life for God or doing something big for God was mentioned. Many stories were mentioned. A girl who prayed to bring her friends to Christ and shortly after, tragically lost her life in a car accident. One month later, all three friends were baptized. A woman who prayed for her family to be closer, and ended up with Breast cancer. Family came out of the woodworks. And then Sara Walker. A woman who prayed to do something "big" for God. She was diagnosed with colon cancer and had two small children, yet she lived her life for Christ amidst every struggle until He called her home.

Now, I'm not saying that if we pray for God to do something big in our lives, tragic things happen. What I am saying, is that praying "that" prayer is inconvenient, scary and hard. The Bible never said that living for Christ is easy. Its easier and we have more control, or we think we do, if we do things ourself. As a mom and wife, I always put my husband and child first, when actually, I am called to put my God first. In all I do, He should be my "motive". I'm not at all saying that I need to neglect my family, but God and going to heaven should be my ultimate goal. There are times when I want to pray the "use me" prayer, but I'm afraid of how He wants to "use me". After the past year, I've almost come to the conclusion, does it matter HOW He wants to use me as long as He IS using me?? That's difficult to swallow because we want to say how things should be done or when etc. I want a legacy like the ones mentioned in this blog. I want people to say "wow, God is great" because of the way I live. Do people even know I'm a Christian by how I live? Do I inconvenience myself to bring others to Christ? What about you? It's easy to assume someone else will do it, but James 4:17 says "Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." Am I ready to be used? Are you?

Pinterest Lies and Big Changes

Pinterest Lies? Blasphemy, right? Ok, ok not the WHOLE site. Let me explain.

For those of you who don't know, my marvelous, debonair hubby started a new job today! Guess the cat's out of the bag now huh? A lot (and "a lot" is probably an understatement) of prayer, preparation and even fasting went in to this process/new job for our family. We are thrilled and excited but also a little nervous at the same time. This is a TOTALLY new career for Josh, no more insurance business. (For the moment atleast) And let me say, I couldn't be more proud to be his wife! Ladies- sometimes our men do things or handle themselves in ways that make us fall more deeper in love and this was one for me! God has completely seen us through every situation(though not always in the time or manner we expect) and will continue to.

So.....the reason for this blog....I decided to make some small parting gifts for the sweet ladies that Josh has been working with at Allstate. They have been fantastic! I thought a personalized mug with a cute verse would be great and easy after a tutorial I saw on Pinterest.....WRONG. I did and re-did these silly things 4 times! I bought cheap mugs like the tutorial said, and bought some sharpies. "after writing on the mug, bake for 30 minutes on 350 degrees and viola!" LIE, LIE, LIE! That silly junk STILL came off. So, after the third try, they received a slight coat of modge lodge over top to seal it and looked pretty cute if I do say so myself! The sweet ladies threw Josh a going away party with a wonderful spread of food. On which Carter decided to officially choke for the first time!

We also took a quick trip to Pigeon Forge for the weekend before the job change. We enjoyed every quick minute!

Check out the pictures below of the gifts, party spread and Pigeon Forge.

Organizational Madness

I'll admit....I'm slightly OCD. Ok, more than slightly. (I blame/thank my father for that) I've been told before, "Everything has a place in your house doesn't it?" I've also been told "Just wait until you have children! You'll be ok with clutter then."

Well, I have a child and I am NOT ok with clutter. Other people's clutter doesn't bother me at all. I could care less. As for me and my house, well, let's put it this way... I'm crazy. And let me state that I don't mind the kind, (well sort of don't mind) of clutter that happens while you are in the process of moving things or remodeling or that kind of thing. (Although inside I have the jitters and twitches similar to one who's on crack until I get my re-organized fix)

Every product in the pantry has a specific shelve and spot on that shelf. Same way in the fridge and for the dishes in the cabinets.

So, This week "we" decided to paint our bedroom. Actually it was more like "I've waited 9 months for you to pick a color, so please pick one"-Josh

Well as I said, I get the crack-like jitters until it's done, so that thing got painted QUICKLY. And now I'm in the decorating process. (There will be posts on that later)

So today was laundry day since it has gotten put off. And there it was.....my perfectly awesome, wonderful, yet not quite as organized husband's t-shirt drawers. I felt like I heard a "DUN DUN DUN" when I opened them. I had remembered a pin from pinterest (a Godsend sometimes). It showed how to re-fold tshirts in a way to see them all and fit more. So I figured I'd try. Perfecto! Now I'm hearing the Hallelujah Chorus! Check out the before and after pictures. Not sure why I had never thought of this before. (feel sorta stupid now) So for today, I got my organized "fix"!

Fathers Day DIY (Pinterest Inspired)

Ok, ok, I haven't blogged in a while. A LONG while. Whew!

Well I am here to *try* to promise more blogs in the very near future! There are lots of things taking place in the Swanger house....(painting, painting, and more painting) not to mention, my little bundle of joy will soon be a 30 inch tall, babbling, biting ONE YEAR OLD. Ugh! Let's don't talk about it yet...

This post is all about Daddy's. Mine, Josh's, and baby Carter's!

Let's just be honest, none of these Father's "need" anything. And, what they want, is probably some gadget that has a pretty price-tag. There are too many daddy's in my life to shell out that kind of cash (not that they aren't worth it) So I got to thinking, what do I do? So a pinteresting I went!

When you become a mom, you no longer matter half as much as that "bundle of joy" grand-baby. It's just a fact that you get use to. So something Carter related was a definite.

I found a few DIY's that I loved. Of course, mine turned out differently than their's BUT great non the less.

I picked up some old 50 cent frames at goodwill and the rest I had at home. After repurposing the frames and adding little footprints to Josh's canvas, I was finished! And check out the awesome card we made. One for my dad and one for my father-in-law!

Facebook Crimes

Let me start by saying that I have thought a LONG time about writing this post. If you aren't on Facebook, you won't care, but if you are......by the end of this post, you will either defriend me or "like" as much as you can. Which should explain why I have waited so long to post this.

I like Facebook. I check it almost every day. I love keeping up with old friends or family who don't live close. It's a great way to keep "in the loop" with them. With that being said, Facebook has driven me crazy lately and there are some people who are on the verge of being deleted! I know that we have free speech, but some things don't need to be posted on Facebook no matter how vague or unimportant they seem.

Here are a few things that I think should be understood rules of Facebook. I'm sure I'm a culprit of committing some of these Facebook "crimes," but I try hard not too.

So let's begin, and hopefully you won't hate me by the end.
1. No one cares what you look like in the mirror!! You care, I'm sure. But I don't care to see your mirror posing self unless you have a ginormous baby belly or sweet friend in the picture too. I'm mainly talking about the trashy, provocative photos. You know if you do/have done this.

2. No one cares about your baby daddy drama. Maybe we should, but most of us don't really want to see your vague status' about him/her.

3. This leads me to status'. Don't post "vague" negative status'. You know that by doing that, everyone thinks that you are talking about them right? Not to mention, they show your true colors.

Are your still with me?

4. Please don't blow up my newsfeed with 20+ reposted "cute" or "funny" pictures. You probably really enjoyed them, but everyone else might not.

5. We all have a political opinion, and there is a time and place for that but more importantly.....don't put down those who don't agree.

6. Fights on Facebook make me laugh. Messages, status', comments. Cmon people. Give each other the decency to talk privately. While it is entertaining for those of us not involved, I don't need the drama. Also, don't read in to everyone's comments and assume you know what they mean or assume that they are talking about you. Ask.

7. Finally, Complaining CONSTANTLY is a good way to lose friends. No one likes to be around people who complain.

I'm sure I've received some cheers after all of this and likewise, some of you may have already deleted me from your account.

Let me clarify that there is no ONE person who comes to mind with all of these. Everyone does them in moderation, it's those that are constant that drive me insane and there are quite a few. I say all of this in the kindest way possible, but someone had to say it!

Always remember, treat people the way you want to be treated. Don't get your panties in a wod before you know the truth. Be careful with what you post, you never know who will see it. And use Facebook for good, not evil......

Mommy 101

I'm sitting here putting Carter to sleep, and I finally have the time to write. I had the idea for this post earlier while showering and getting ready. (I do my best thinking then!) Little did I know, I would have learned more by the end of the day.

I thought it would be interesting to give you a few thoughts that I have learned since becoming a mom. Things that never occurred to me before or just things that I never quite grasped.

I feared becoming a mom. I knew I would have to be responsible. I was in charge. What if I did "it" wrong? What if I hated "it"? I certainly couldn't return my child nor could I "quit". If I were to talk to any upcoming mom, these are a few of the things I would say. (and none of them are "enjoy it, it goes by too fast") I'm sure other moms feel me on some of these points.

- I never understood God's love for me until I became a parent. Yes, I KNEW he loved me, but now I understand it from a protective, only want the best for you standpoint. I fell in love with God all over again and on a deeper level when He blessed our lives with Carter.

-I'm a mom and wife first and a housekeeper second. Yep, little miss OCD has to leave dishes in the sink every once in a while. Those few extra moments with my husband and child mean more than the laundry, and I've cut myself a little slack!

-There is a momma bear in me. So, I apologize if I now take up for anyone and everyone that I feel necessary. And when it comes to raising my child, don't push. It's not polite.

-Trust your instincts. You're a mom, you've got em! The first time I thought Carter was sick, it wasn't quite "noticeable" yet. 24 hours later, confirmed. When I thought he was teething, 1 week later, a porcelain, pearly white torture weapon appeared through the swollen gums. Trust them always!

-Everyone does things differently. Sites like pampers and gerber and parenting are GUIDELINES, NOT RULES. (wish I would have known that early on. Would have saved a lot of stress)

-Never google anything. Just don't. You'll save yourself tons of heartache and grey hair. Everyone's child had some deadly rash or fever that led to a coma or something traumatic like that, and I assure you, you'll assume your rash or 101 fever will do the same.

Every day is something new. Psh, every minute is something new. (30 minutes ago I was wiping puke off of my pants) I wouldn't trade any of it and I cherish all of those moments. Yes, all of them. I am a great mother. I love and care for my child. I listen to my instincts. I do things the way that is best for us. And I assure you, this momma bear is packin' if you try to state otherwise.

I'm sure there is much more to learn, but for now, these are what matter.

Carter goes to the beach: Day 2

Day 2 was definitely better than day one! We started off the morning with a little pier park mall shopping before heading back to the room to get ready for the beach. I have to admit, I was VERY worried about how Carter would take to the beach. Lucky for us, it was naptime and he did great! Josh and I got a little sun and later, we enjoyed dinner at the Back Porch.

Hopefully tomorrow will be just as good!

Carter heads to the beach: Day 1

Recent events in the Swanger household have led to a spur of the moment vacation. After much consideration, Josh and I decided we would head to Florida. (Yes, we know...it's still spring break. And believe me, the loonies are still out) We thought it would be neat to take Carter to the beach for the first time. So, we made reservations a week and a half ago and the wait was on.

We scurried to get the bathing suits, baby hats, sunglasses and LOTS of sunscreen together! With that, we headed out early this morning. And I mean, wake up at 3:30, leave out by 5!

We were slightly worried about the 8 hour drive, but I have to admit...it could have been worse. Carter did great up until an hour before we arrived. (Elmo DVDs helped pass his time! Thanks Melissa Creel)

We decided to walk on the beach and attempt the pool. I will go ahead and confess, so far we are 0-3. Carter cried when his feet hit the sand, toes hit the ocean and toush hit the pool. I'm crossing my fingers that the little booger was just exhausted and tomorrow will be amazing!

Stay tuned for daily Carter beach updates through Wednesday! We'll see what kind of crazy "spring break" he'll make for us. So far, we've seen people kicked out of the pool and heard "roll tide roll" screamed across the premises!

See you tomorrow. For now, I'll leave you with a picture of our view!

6 month photos!

Just wanted to share the recent 6 month photos that we had taken of Carter!

These were taken by Ellie Odom Photography.