For It Is By Grace You Have Been Saved Through Faith...

...and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Defending Faith

As Brent and Faith we looking up the scripture to go along with today’s sermon, Faith defends her knowledge of the truth. Future missionary for sure!

“Someone told me once that the Bible was made up. You know what? That made me really sad. So I yelled at them and told them it really is true and they should read it.”


"You make me smile Faith. Amen." 

Graceful Tears

As I left the stage after performing our morning Worship, I glanced down at the girls in their chairs. Grace had tears streaming down her face. When I reached my seat next to her, she collapsed into my arms, drenched with tears.  I asked her what was wrong and why she was crying so. I don’t think I could have gotten a more profound answer from such a beautiful soul. 

“Sometimes, when we sing to God, it makes me so happy that I cry.”
"Me too." I said


We cried together.

How could someone, anyone, deny our God when we have such proof of his unrelenting and constant love for us.  Children are so blessed with God’s knowledge and strong faith that they have a “special window” into His divinity.  Thank God for little children and their ability to teach me the simple things that I have long forgotten. 

"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:10

Missing Hairs

I chopped my hair off. 12 inches or something. It’s fun and summery and everything else that is considered hip and trendy. Honestly, I’m just trying to be a cool kid and not really sure how well it’s working out. Ha. Actually I’m not even sure what is considered “cool” these days. But here’s the story with the hair….yes, my hair cut has a story.

It’s around noon on a Thursday and I’m itching for a trim.  My hair was Rapunzel-ish length and in need of a little TLC.  No man would be able to climb up those dead ends if I were to be stuck in a tower.  So, as I perused  my local paper to find the salon number, I get text from Sholly (Sholly: n. PERSON. –alias: Ashley Clark 1. The coolest sister in law ever. 2. Smart beautiful blonde single bombshell. 3. Crazy shenanigan partner of mine.)  stating that she was contemplating hair suicide. What a coincidence! She also had long hair. Hers could probably support a man attempting to climb a tower though. But he’d have to be a pretty dang small man….maybe one of the dwarfs. But then that goes into why would one of the seven dwarfs climb Ashley’s hair…and what the heck is she doing in a tower?! ….back to the original story.

We debated. Settled on a time. And operation “chop off our best physical feature” was a go. Which meant we would have to rely on our awesome personalities from here on out.  I intended on a trim. Like at MOST an inch or two, add a few layers, and call it good, and Ashley was going for a full on buzz cut. Ashley’s influence with a little help from Google Images, persuaded me to consider going a little shorter.  I was on the fence.

3:00pm rolled around. Ashley’s luscious gold(ie) locks fell to the floor. Mind you, she hasn’t had short hair since like…birth-ish. It had just been growing for the last 19 years. All her hard work was gone. But since it’s not the hair that makes the woman look good, it’s the woman that makes the hair…she turned out beautiful. As expected.

Well, she had to leave to give someone a ride, and left me unsupervised for my turn. So of course I chickened out and only cut like 3 inches off. But I did get my layers.  She comes back. Sees my still long hair and is mad. Not like “oh I’m sad we don’t have short hair together” mad…but like “I am seriously ticked right now that you did not chop all your hairs. And now I’m going to be the ONLY person in the WHOLE world with short hair!! What were you thinking!!!!?!! …I! Hate! You!”

She’ll get over it.

So since I know thought I knew Brent didn’t like short hair, I sent him a picture of Ashley’s and told him I cut mine even short. I’m so nice. His response: “Oh boy..I can’t wait to see it”.

Time change to 5:00pm. We are midst highlighting Sholly’s hair via a handy dandy highlighting cap contraption, and Brent walks in, sees my ever present long hair. Ashley, still in her furious state of mind, proceeds to tell Brent how I’m a chicken butt or some other profanity along those lines. Brent agrees. Wait….WHAT?!?  He wants me to cut it shortER. He is covered in soot from work looking like he’s from South of the border and Ashley resembles something seen from a horrible 50’s sy-fy movie.  

Off we go to the salon…again…to cut my hair…again…twice in the same flippin’ day. And they get to go looking just. Like. That. 

Honestly, how could I refuse an opportunity for public humiliation?!

Hence my short hair. J

The End.

Six Legs

Before I get down to what y'all really come here for, I wanted to say a little something about having faith. When it rains, it pours. And God has rocked our little town clear down to it's foundation. And I can honestly say, that whatever trials people are going through, whatever fears they are facing, whatever mountains they have to climb; it's all in His plan. You WILL turn out to be stronger, fearless, and triumphant if you have faith in Him. Keep within His will and do these things for the glory of His name, and trust in Him. We're praying. :)

My lack of absence does not go without justification this time, as many of my previous hiatuses have. This time, it can all be blamed on a couple of fellow redheads. Six legs have been added to the Clark household, and surprisingly they aren't covered in fur. You may have seen them floating around this blog before, but you can expect them to be making regular appearances from here on out. This is for a couple of reason: 1. I will be seeing A LOT more of them, and 2. they don't mind having a camera follow them around constantly...unlike Mr. Brent.  I'll leave the other details up to your imaginative minds, 'cause let's be honest, this town is really good at that.

Since I'm really big on introductions (cat, dog, people...whatever) I will do just that. (I hate when I go to someones blog and they have all these people they talk about, and you have no idea who they are...I feel as though if you're going to have a blog, every detail about every aspect needs to be completely clear! Duh!) 

Trista: The matriarch of the Duncan Clan. The leader of the laughter, the creator of the craziness. The calm to the storm, and the waves to the ocean. Freaking hilarious this woman is. Strong as a rock too.  Definitely my Soul Sister. If you know me, you know her. If you know her, well...you know me. 

Grace: The eldest. Most definitely the more cautious of the two. She has learned her limits and won't dare go past them, though with a little coaxing, she'll try anything once.  Full of giggles and smiles with the occasional emotional moment of pure innocence. Brilliant. And I mean brilliant. She understands so much more than the average seven year old, with the knowledge and experience found in the depths of her books.   She is a "who, what, where, when, and why" child, and finds security in the details. She is never to busy for the hug of a life time.  She is put together, organized, and socially commendable in all occasions.  

Faith: The youngest.  Free spirited, and a modern day hippie.  A fly by the seat of your pants child with no concern of limitations. If ever in need of a laugh, call Faith. The words that come out of her mouth are so funny and outrageously smart, it's almost unbelievable you're taking to a five year old.  There is no need for fresh clothes, combed hair, or clean faces.  (But no worries, Mommy implements those sorts of rules) She is outgoing and will tell anyone about her love for unicorns and princesses.  Her imagination is always one step ahead of her mouth, and will be the one to tell you a bedtime story or sing you a lullaby. She has the ability to speak with animals, imaginary friends, and God on a level so deep you nor I will ever be able to understand...I hope she never grows out of that.

I want to share little blurbs about our adventures, things overheard from the backseat of the car, the bathtub, or the kitchen table.

I'm loving this time in my life. 

Faith's Prayer for Dinner

(I should state that she was recently given a giant stuffed penguin, and it has become the center of our lives)

"Um, Dear God. Please help Penguin with his eye allergies. Help Brent with the fires. Amen"

.....

"Oh ya, and Lizzy with the ambulance that she saves people. Amen again"

Who knew stuffed penguins have eye allergies? 

Grace's Show and Tell Dilemma 

(Grace has fallen in love with Ashley, my sister-in-law, and she was over hanging out with us yesterday. Grace didn't leave her side....I became chopped liver) 

"Gracey, are you still going to bring Zip for show and tell tomorrow?"

"Ya, well....I was thinking I could bring Ashley instead."

Day Seven

A Picture that...

Makes me laugh.

Day Six

A Picture of...

How you would spend the money if you won the lottery.

Build an orphanage. Probably located in a third world country somewhere where homeless children run around...well, homeless. For real though, I would. This isn't some generic Christian answer, as nonchalant as my approach may seem. There is such a need to take care of our youth today, because they really are the future of tomorrow. Across the entire world and right here at home.

Oh ya, and a little bling for myself. 

Day Five

A Picture of...

My Favorite Memory

This memory will always be imprinted in my mind as one of my favorite parts of that day. Our whole wedding day was absolutely spectacular, but a memory that I'll never forget was happening as this picture was being captured.  As I stood over the balcony watching the guests being seated, I happened to glance out the window. It was just in time to notice my husband-to-be walking up the entry way. He had this calm peace about him, but inside I knew he was just as nervous and excited as I was. It was my own moment. A moment to myself in my own mind. While my bridesmaids were watching the people dressed in their Sunday best mill around and socialize, I was focused on one man. He stole my heart and my attention not only for that moment, but for the rest of my life. 

Day Four

A Picture of...

My Night

I spent my night cuddled up on the couch, holding hands with my best friend, as he told me this:

"With every hold of your hand,

touch of your face,

with every smile, laugh, or tear,

or look you glance my way,

I love you more and more."

Day Three

A Picture of...

When you looked different

.What do I see? Cute new hairdo, tan and thin. Cosmetically, I look no different that I do now. But when I look past the smile, it's not about how I look different, it's how I feel different. This picture is about how much I have altered my internal appearance.  

I was not the woman that I am today. There, I was a Barbie playing house. The shell of a girl coated with layers of ambitions unparalleled to reality; dreams, laughter and security. But the filling underneath didn't match. Inside were the insecurities, doubts, and mistakes hidden so deep, even I didn't realize how thick they had become.  I knew the path I was on was no where near my destination. Something had to change. And, by trial and error, it did. 

Today, I am a strong woman inside and out. I know who I am in life, in my relationships, and in God. So my hair is much longer, my skin is a little paler, and my figure is a little fuller. But smiles aren't forced, laughs aren't fake, and my heart is full. I like the new me. I like looking different. 

Day Two

A picture of...

The person you have been closest with the longest. 

None other than Miss Hillary Rose. Read our story here.

Day One

Since Facebook doesn't have the same credibility (and by credibility, I mean popularity) that my blog does, I am taking the "30 Day Photo Challenge" on here. (Honestly, what exactly is so challenging? Committing to something for an entire month? Some folks must really have commitment issues.)  And seeing how May has 31 days, I'll tack one on. I may or may not fall into the commitment category, seeing how numerous "blog specials" have fallen through... and 31 days really is a long time. Whatever. Basically what this is, is everyday you post a picture and a statement in accordance to the daily topic.  Join in if you want to, and prove to yourself that you can more than cook dinner and do dishes on a daily basis. 

(Yes I realize it's six days in to May, and I'm starting late. It's doubtful I'll stay on track anyway...but what the hay, right?!)

Day One:  A Picture (obviously) and 10 facts about yourself.

1. My biggest accomplishment in life is that I am very well rounded. I've done a little bit of everything.

2. I still listen to music from my childhood and sing it loud and proud. (Hanson, Backstreet Boys, B*Witched) 

3. I am attached to my dogs more than a girl possibly should be. But they are worth it.

4. I am a Christian. Love my Lord! Amen! 

5. As much as I tease my mom, I am scared of heights too. 

6. I play the Oboe. (and Piano, clarinet, and a tiny bit of the flute and percussion) Dorky, I know.

7. I love gore. Guts, blood, and missing limbs are super cool. (Good thing I'm an EMT, right?)

8. I have webbed toes. 

9. If I could live in the ocean, I probably would.

10. I have to smother touch my husband when I'm sleeping. at. all. times. 

Loud and Clear

 Can I just say, I love my job

p.s. My husband likes his too.

Bunnies and Burritos

So it occurred to me that I absolutely love it when my friends’ vehicles break down. See, when their cars are out of commission they totally and completely rely on me I beg them to let me drive them around town. It doesn’t concern me in the slightest that it totally sucks for them, because I pretty much make them hang out with me when they need to go somewhere.  The Duncan’s entire car lot went ka-poot.  Seriously, like three vehicles in a week. Honestly though, it’s not like she has anything better to do that hang out with me all day, so it totally works out for the both of us. Kidding. But in all reality, they don’t make me drive them anywhere, but when they do I get the opportunity, it’s fun having them around.

Tonight was one of those reoccurring rare occasions where I kidnapped Trista and the girls and came home to Brent, and had burritos for dinner. Dale was being the “responsible adult” (really, who does that?) and was putting a new engine in one of their cars while us girls played.  Brent had just gotten home from a long day of work as well (again with the responsibility crap). So pretty much it was my obligation and duty to cook dinner.  Hard life, right? 

The bunnies come into play right after dinner. We made chocolate covered strawberries…and peep marshmallow bunnies. Yu-um-my. The melted chocolate came from the solid chocolate bunnies I just had to have.  Gotta be quick though…marshmallows tend to melt quickly in boiling chocolate. Go figure. 

The burritos were more than just food on our plate. We had some real live burritos hanging out in our living room. Such couch potatoes burritos.

Dale throughly enjoyed his evening, as much as he would like to fight it.