Five Happy Moments of the Week

1. Found two beach chairs at Target on sale for $10.00 each

2. Florida afternoon thunderstorms every day this week

3. Spent Saturday evening with the Whites and learned a new card game called Garbage

4. Visited my old livejournal account and read posts from my freshman year in college...I was hilariously immature and ridiculous

5. Got a salt water fishing license so I can start fishing with Kyle

xoxo

Measuring the Universe

One of my favorite blogs I follow is called **Happiness Is...** 

http://www.happinessisblog.com/happiness-is/

One of my favorite things about her blog are her link posts where she will find really awesome things on the

Internet and compiles the links into one post. It's like opening up little presents. And I love presents! The first link 

was just so beautiful that I had to share. It reminded me of Kyle's family as they still have a door frame in their

kitchen of everyone's heights from when they were toddlers all the way up to when they stopped growing! I think

their dogs are even on there lol. I definitely will be doing this with our family some day. 

Enjoy and check out **Happiness Is...** !!

Roman Ondak's Measuring the Universe

http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/video/tateshots-roman-ondak-measuring-universe

Fresh Start Friday

It's Friday. But more importantly it is a new day. And i am thankful for new days, fresh starts. By the time I went to bed last night, I was feeling very frustrated about the day and some things here and there in my life. I don't really know why, but little things were bothering me and the frustrations just kind of added up and I unexpectedly had a venting session with my sweet husband who is always so patient with me and just listens when he knows that's exactly what I need...even if he has no idea what I'm talking about or thinks I'm being a little irrational. He just listens and offers advice when needed...but a lot of times he just listens because he's learned that's usually what I need. Sometimes it feels good to just vent and then sleep it off and wake up refreshed. It helps too that it's Friday. I love Fridays. Here's to a great day!! x x 

Retrace

Anberlin has always been mine and Kyle's favorite band since highschool. We recently got to see them in concert at the state theatre in St. Pete. It was amazing and simply perfect! It caused me to go back and listen to some of their past albums. I came across this song last night that I hadn't heard in very long time...and when I heard it, it immediately reminded me of the fall of 2008. Kyle and I had actually broken up at the end of this summer and it was certainly a difficult time for the both of us. (Maybe ill tell that story in detail here someday...it's not one of my favorites, but it is a part of Our story...and without it we wouldn't be who we are today.) When Kyle and I had gotten back together, I remember he had shared with me that he had listened to that song often during our time apart. He said it encompassed all that he was feeling during that time. As you can imagine, my heart just about exploded.

And this is why I love music. A song can ring true with every thing inside of you, just like this song did with Kyle. Songs live alongside memories, good and bad. And I love that sweet moment when you hear a song and it takes you right back to a moment in time you don't want to forget. 

Thankfully, this song did not mark the end of our story. If it did, I'd probably hate Anberlin to pieces and would send this song to it's grave where the songs of Britney spears and backstreet boys lie. :)

"Retrace" - Anberlin

Oh how I've tried to get you out of my head

And I lied, the broken words I said

Never thought I'd walk on this street again

Standing where it all began

And I tried to forget

When I left this town

But it takes me right back

When I come back around

Retrace the steps we took on that lost summer night

I'm back there by your side

Retrace the steps we took when we met,

Worlds away, counting backwards while the stars are falling

Oh now I find, every subtle thing screams your name

It reminds me of places and times we shared

Couldn't live locked in these memories

Now I'm chained to my thoughts again

And I tried to forget

When I left this town

But I'll take you right back

If you come back around

Retrace the steps we took on that lost summer night

I'm back there by your side

Retrace the steps we took when we met,

Worlds away, counting backwards while the stars are falling

I need some shelter, I need some safety

Photographs, they haunt me lately

Chasing shadows as the evening takes me

I'm still searching, but the picture's fading

And nowhere else has ever felt like home

And I can't fall asleep when I'm lying here alone

I replay your voice, it's like you're here

You moved the earth, but now the sky is falling

Retrace the steps we took on that lost summer night

In my mind I'm back by your side

Retrace the steps we took when we met,

Worlds away, counting backwards while the stars are falling

An ordinary Tuesday evening

The sound of gentle folky music is drifting through our apartment at this moment. This ordinary moment of time. Kyle is on the floor reading his book (for some reason he finds that comfortable...). I'm sitting in "my spot" on the couch flicking through old Facebook posts and pondering on the beautiful twists and turns that life has taken me. Taken us. As I sit here on what most would consider an extremely boring evening, I am overwhelmed with contentment. And that's a good place to be. I've been gazing at our living room and at all the random pieces of garage sale/thrift store/gifted/up-cycled furniture that all just happens to work together so beautifully to make the coziest little home for the two of us. I have loved creating a home with Kyle over these past four years. I love the life that we are building together. There is no one else in this world that I'd want to do this life thing with. I love that I can sit in the calmness of this evening, stare at my sweet husband, and simply by his presence be assured of the love he has for me. I love these ordinary evenings where I am reminded of how extraordinary my life really is. 

For me

It's been a while, little blog. Four months!! I was feeling nostalgic the other day and decided to read some of my old blog posts. My, how much time changes your perspective on things. And my, how beautiful it is to see where life has brought me. I had a different blog before this one...and then I decided to switch to blogger one day...but I've actually been blogging on and off since 2005. Blogging really started out as a social media thing. It was before we had facebook, twitter, instagram, pinterest, and all that jazz. For me, blogging started around the time that people were using instant messaging. (There's a little Throw back Thursday for ya!!) Your blog was a place to write about everything you did in a day or a weekend. It was all pointless really, but it was a way to connect with friends and share with the World Wide Web of the awesome piece of pizza you just ate and that you were about to take a shower. haha! Oh, and there were always these surveys that people would post that had all these random "about me" questions. I did so many of those...(learned later in life that those are often used by horrible people who like to steal identities. Which reminds me...I have some deleting to do...)

As I read through some of my old posts...and some semi-recent...I saw how much of my heart has been spilled all over these digital pages. I guess Intricacies of the Heart has always been a perfect name for this blog. While you can't always visibly tell, I truly feel things so deeply, at the core of my being, whether good, bad, happy, or sad.  I guess that isn't really a surprise to me...but as I was reading various entries, it was almost embarrassing to read some of the stuff I posted. Especially during this one season of life when I was working through an annoying yet legitimately hurtful experience - one that I drew out much longer than necessary. But that's just me. It takes me a while to deal with stuff. And that's ok.

Growing up as the youngest has certainly played a part in how I tick. Ever since I was little, I've always wanted my voice to be heard (but sometimes felt like no one wanted to listen or cared). I wanted my opinions to matter. I wanted people to care about the things I cared about. For the record, I haven't been wounded for life or anything - I had an awesome childhood and even more awesome siblings! This has just helped me understand myself a bit better. And I think that's why I've always written about how I'm feeling or what I'm going through. Because I felt like someone was bound to read it - and thus I would be heard. And writing always helped me make sense of what I was going through - I felt better when I could put my emotions on a page.  

So many times I've told myself that this blog needed more of a purpose. A blog based on a theme - like cooking or pinterest projects...something other than all the personal stuff in my life. Because who really wants to read that? But after reading all my old silly posts, I realized that this blog was always a place to share my heart and my life, and it simply needs to stay that way. Maybe one day I'll have a more themed blog about renovating my house and maybe get paid for it at the same time... (haha! JUST KIDDING - I could never do that...and I really do love Young House Love btw)

So my goal for this blog is for it to simply remain a place where I can express what's in my heart and share all the different facets and experiences of my life - even if it is about something as silly as food! If someone somewhere benefits from it or enjoys it, then that makes me happy...but this blog is really for me. An expression of Leigh Anna Mullett in word format - and I look forward to reading it 10-20 years from now...that is if the internet is still around then...haha who am I kidding! 

x x 

  

Noel Fielding

So I'm a little wary about posting this entry, because its kinda strange and personal...but I think its time I just put it out for the World Wide Web to stumble upon.

If you've followed my blog for a while, you may recall a couple posts I've written about prayer, praying for the salvation of others, my heart being burdened for someone I don't know, but I pray for them anyways...etc. Well, I just wanted to share about who it is I've been praying for.

I know I shouldn't feel embarrassed about it...but for some reason I do. Maybe because this person isn't just some stranger I've seen in a coffee shop or a random acquaintance...but because he's actually someone I've never met and probably never will. He is a celebrity in the U.K., an artist, a comedian, an actor. His name is Noel Fielding.

I learned about Noel through a television series he did called The Mighty Boosh. (I may regret writing that...!!!) Kyle and I find it quite hilarious...but it's definitely not for everyone. Let me repeat that...it's definitely not for everyone! Anyways...back in 2010, God really began a work in my heart and life in regards to prayer and the lostness and brokenness of this world. And it was around this time when I learned of who Noel was. My heart became so incredibly burdened for him and for his salvation. Now, if you're a complete stranger/fan of Noel reading this, I understand how absurd this all must sound, especially if you are not a Christian (and/or if you have a negative view/experience with Christianity.. I know many Christians have done horrible things in the name of Jesus, and this breaks God's heart so deeply...) If that is the case, I hope and pray you will encounter the true love of Jesus.

Anyways at this point in my life, I really struggled with God. There were many nights I cried at the reality that so many people are going to hell. (There would be times when we'd be at a stop light, and I would look at the person in the car next to me and think "they may never know the salvation of Jesus and will spend an eternity without him...in hell. yes, leigh anna...in hell. Will they ever be told about the love of Jesus?") I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. It was honestly unbearable. But this is a journey I'm thankful for, because I learned (and am still learning) to have faith that moves mountains. And part of this learning process was praying for Noel.

"Um Leigh Anna...Shouldn't you be spending more of your mountain moving faith on people you know and love that need Jesus?...why waste it on a stranger? Let someone else do that..."

This was the number one doubt and frustration I had in praying for Noel. I felt like I should be spending more time praying intently and intensely for those close to me...why him? And God revealed to me..."because he needs prayer too...and there is a good chance he might not have anyone at all praying specifically and intently for him. Your prayers for Noel are NOT wasted. I want you to pray for him, Leigh Anna..."

So I did...and still do.

I actually wrote Noel a letter 2 years ago. Yup. I contacted his management company for the address to send fan mail to and sent my letter off. I simply told Noel that God had put him on my heart, that I pray for him often, and told him that God loves him beyond measure and desires Noel to know Him. I don't know if Noel actually got it...and if he did, I don't know if he even read it. And if he read it...he probably spewed a mouthful of tea all over the place because he found it so hilarious and pathetic...

But what if...what if he tucked those words of truth quietly in his heart..."What if she's right? What if the whole God thing is real. What if Jesus was and is who they say he is...am I really worthy of a love like that? Why the freak is some stranger praying for me? I don't need prayer...or do I?"

Who knows what happened with all that...only God knows. And only God knows the countless prayers I've prayed and still continue to pray for Noel Fielding, for Noel's family, Noel's closest friends and those in his life. God's heart breaks at the truth that many may never come to know him in this lifetime. But I believe He has given us prayer as a means to move His heart and His Holy Spirit to work in the lives of those who so desperately need Him, even if they don't know it yet. I know my prayers for Noel are not wasted...nor are they taken lightly by my loving Father. I believe that Noel will come to know the saving grace of Jesus. Maybe he already does...Say and think what you will...I'm weird, psycho, crazy, misunderstood, whatever...But I will not stop praying.




(...and I cant believe I've just posted one of the most vulnerable things in my life...but there you have it.)





"Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation..." -Romans 10:1

Swedes sure know how to make a home.

Um, hello! Can this be my home Please?

Fool for you

There are times when faith and common sense do not align; When hardcore evidence of You is hard to find.And I am silenced in the face of argumentative debate,And it's a long hill, it's a lonely climb. 'cause they want proof, they want proof of all these mysteries I claim, 'Cause only fools would want to chant a dead man's name.Maybe, it's true but,
I would be a fool for you,All because you asked me to.A simpleton who's seemingly naive,I do believe, You came and made Yourself a fool for me.
I admit that in my darkest hours I've asked what if...What if we created some kind of man made faith like thisOut of good intention or emotional inventionAnd after life is through there will be no You.
'Cause they want proof of all these miracles I claim,'Cause only fools believe that men can walk on wavesMaybe, it's true....but,
I would be a fool for youAll because you asked me toA simpleton who's seemingly naiveI do believe You came and made Yourself a fool for me.
Unaware of popularity, unconcerned with dignity,You made me free, that's proof enough for me.
I would be a fool for You only if You asked me toA simpleton who's only thinking of the cause of love.
I will speak Jesus' nameThat makes me crazy, they can call me crazedI'm happy to be seemingly naiveI do believe You came and made Yourself a fool for me
A fool for You




-Nichole Nordeman

I'm sitting here in our living room, in the peaceful quiet (except for the sweet sound of my husband breathing as he's conked out in the tiny love seat across from me...while I hog our 8 foot long ikea couch...), and I realize how good life is.

Not much of anything

I've been somewhat absent lately from my blog, and it makes me sad. I've been very busy these days! I need to try and get on a schedule of some sort and make myself write...and put some thought into what I want to write about. I see all these awesome blogs on pinterest and wish I could be as creative and consistent...but I just don't get how these bloggers are so dedicated and produce such entertaining reading weekly..some even daily! I know some ppl do it as a full time job...but still! Oh well.

I'm thankful it is labor day weekend and that I have off work tomorrow. Not sure how I'm going to spend it yet...might go on a date with my dad. (yes I'm 25 and still do things like that...my father is amazing and loves me so.)

One last random thought, I love xfm radio and you should too. Listening to a new coheed and cambria song and it is rockin! My brother, joey, would be proud!

Xfm.co.uk ----> use postal code WC2H 7LA to listen here in the states (or outside the uk).


-LAM x x

Saturdays

I'm pretty sure Saturday mornings are one of my favorite moments of the entire week. Kyle and I usually get up around 8:00 (sometimes earlier) and always have an extra special breakfast - whether than means we go out to eat or make something yummy here at the house.

I love spending time with Kyle knowing we don't have to bolt out the door within the hour to head to work. That is one of the things that I've really had to adjust to, our new work schedules. At Asbury, I had the privilege of living 2 minutes walking distance from my workplace. Kyle worked in the same building as me, and I got to see him every day throughout the day when he'd come visit me often. Now, we both drive to work in two different areas of town. It's weird, but actually very normal for the rest of the world! ha. We were so spoiled at ATS!

Anyways, by now we are both feeling more settled in our jobs and home. And for that, I'm thankful. It's never easy making a new transition, but it sure has helped that our families are here for this one. We do miss our friends very, very much though.

Last weekend we went to the Florida Aquarium, which was so much fun. We had both been there in the past, but it's been a while. It was neat to see a lot of the fish that Kyle dreams of catching (and sometimes does catch - maybe just not as big!) when he goes fishing here in FL.

Last night we watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics at my parents house. It was spectacular - and I loved that my parents stayed up with us to watch the entire thing. :-) They're great and I love them.

I just recently had a birthday (25th!) and Kyle got me the greatest present ever - tickets to see Florence and the Machine in Tampa! It's not until September, but it's totally worth the wait!

Also, our 3rd wedding anniversary is coming up next week (August 1st), and we are going to be whisking away for the weekend at a Bed and Breakfast in Mt. Dora! I'm really looking forward to that. Our anniversary actually falls on a Wednesday, which is when Kyle usually has band rehearsal - so we decided we'd go to Chick-fil-a for dinner since we wouldn't have time for a nicer meal. How appropriate, right?! ;-)

Support Chick-fil-a on August 1st!!!! Google it to find out why, if you're out of the loop.

Well, Saturday is waiting for us to enjoy it to the fullest...so I better get going! Happy weekend!

Things I wish you knew

Things I wish you knew: You really are beautiful. Jesus loves you. Jesus has never left or forsaken you. He sees your brokenness - physical and emotional. He sees your pain. You are not - and can never be - beyond repair. He wants to heal you. He wants you. You're already free, you just don't know it yet... You are worth far more than rubies in His heart, the only one that matters. You really do deserve to be treated with love and respect. Only Jesus satisfies. He desires you to let Him in. He is kind. And good. No matter what you've done, past present future, His grace covers all. He forgives and make all things new. He wants to make you new. Love has a hold on you that will never let go. His grip only becomes stronger, no matter how hard you resist. He will not relent until his beloved child comes home. He won't give up on you. Do you realize that? Let the Person of Love in...and come home. His patient heart awaits your return.

Just a Head's Up

Kyle and I decided to start a joint blog, which can be found at themullettmigration.wordpress.com

It was created mainly for our new church home and for our beloved friends here in Wilmore to keep up to speed with our lives as we leave Wilmore, KY and begin our new journey in Clearwater, FL.

I don't plan on stopping this blog, since it is my personal one and writing is therapeutic for me. But I'm in the process of figuring out how to keep the two blogs separate but interesting. :-)

Moving back home

We are moving back home to our beautiful, sunny (read: hot) Clearwater, FL home in 3 weeks! We are super excited, but also sad at the same time. Wilmore has truly become a 2nd home to us. The relationships we have built here are what will make it the hardest to leave.

I like lists (probably too much - hehe), so I decided to make a list of things I am excited about with this move. I plan on also following up with a "things I am going to miss" list. But for now, here's the stuff that makes me excited!

Being near our families
Having a dishwasher in our apt
Having a washer and dryer in our apt
Having momma help me move into our new place (she didn't get to when we moved to our first home here in KY)
Living 1 minute driving distance from Chick-fil-a
Being able to shop at Publix Grocery stores
Living 15 minutes from Clearwater Beach
Becoming part of a new church family
Starting a new job (excited and a little nervous - naturally)
Buying a new couch (we've been married for almost three years and have yet to buy a new piece of furniture!)
Living semi close to where the Lyells vacation in Florida
Being able to watch my niece and nephew grow up
Eating Monday night dinners with my family
Sunsets on Pier 60
Being able to see Kayla and Bart's new precious bundle of joy
Spending time with Kayla and getting my hair cut by her again!
Going out on the boat with Mike and Mary
Afternoon thunderstorms
Going to Panera and shopping with momma
Going on dates with daddy
Grilling out on the big green egg with Kyle's family
Concerts at Coachman Park
Laughing and being ridiculous with my sister

That's probably enough for now! haha!

P.U. You stink!

So, a couple of weeks ago at book club (where we don't read books), us girls all got to talking about cosmetics and foods and how nothing really seems safe to use or ingest these days. American companies don't seem to care too much about the long term health of its citizens/customers...just how much they can grow their wallets. It was quite overwhelming to be honest, but it really got me to thinking a lot more about what I actually choose to put on and in my body on a regular basis. I began reading labels on everything, not just food. It'll take baby steps and persistence to make healthy changes, but I'm willing - especially since this is a way to honor God with how I treat my body/temple. (My husband is getting on board too!)

One of the most controversial cosmetics is antiperspirants/deodorants. Biggest reason is because of the aluminum found in antiperspirants. Although research apparently doesn't show that there are any immediate adverse effects of aluminum on the body, it has been suspected as a link/cause to Alzheimer's and breast cancer. The health experts will tell you that it is perfectly safe to use antiperspirants, but I don't think I want to take that risk if I can help it... Yeah this is about to get personal haha!

So, the little researcher in me got on the Internet and found a recipe for homemade deodorant. I did use this Himalayan sea salt bar that Kyle had bought back in college. It worked, but stung really bad. I mean it was salt after all. :-) So I decided to try a different route.

One person that I read about on a blog just used straight up baking soda, so I tried that (you can put it on dry or mix a little with water in your palm to make a paste and just apply with hands or a makeup sponge). That prevented odor just as well, but it was kinda gritty and made my armpits itchy at times.

So I found this one recipe here: http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2009/03/quick-stick-deodorant.html Which uses only four natural ingredients (of which I only used three - I skipped out on the essential oil since they are so costly and I didn't think it was that necessary since the coconut oil would create a nice fragrance by itself.)

The only thing in it is baking soda, corn starch, and coconut oil!


I just made it yesterday and used it for the first time today. It seems to have worked just fine! Overall I just feel really good using something in which I know and understand what each ingredient is, and also that this was something I made right in my own kitchen!

I encourage you to start reading and researching the products that you use everyday and pick one or two things that you can change or try differently. It's quite amazing that a body wash or deodorant can have over 20 ingredients of which I can't even pronounce, but you can make something on your own that is much healthier for you in the long run and only uses three ingredients. It just feels so much better putting less junk on my body, knowing that it will serve the same purpose as the store bought factory produced stuff.

Wow. I'm totally turning into a hippy...

Alternative Solutions

Over the past couple days I have found my heart rather frustrated and angry at all the criticism that has sprung up around the Invisible Children video and their campaign to stop the crimes of Joseph Kony and the LRA in Africa. (If for some reason you have been living in another dimension and haven't seen or heard about the whole ordeal, just watch the video on my previous post.)

I have found myself in prayer about my feelings and know I'm in need of God's wisdom in all of this...but I just have to get some thoughts out. Writing is therapeutic to me and helps me wrap my head around what's going on in my heart and outside of it. (haha that was so cheesy)

Keep in mind, you are not obligated to read this. ;-)

Some people just like to stir up controversy and prove a point just because they can and no other reason beyond that. I accept that. The internet gives everyone freedom to say what they want.

But some people criticize because they truly believe that Invisible Children is not the best place to invest your money or support. Some people criticize because they think that military intervention is not the right solution, and are concerned that people spreading the video and IC platform aren't fully aware of what they are promoting. (Side note - Personally, I think people need to have more faith in our youth and their ability to reason and think critically.) Some people criticize because they think it's all a gimmick and that simple awareness doesn't solve anything. (Is not awareness a catalyst that brings about a real change/solution? - you can't solve a problem if no one knows or cares about it...) Alot of people are just annoyed that it's another "internet fad" that will die down and a majority of the people supporting it will forget about it in a week. (While that may be true for many - it is not true for every person who watched/talked about/spread the IC video and campaign.) Videos/information going viral is nothing new, and that's fine if it annoys you. But instead of complaining about how your twitter feed is clogged up with Kony2012 hashtags, and essentially putting down the people who support the campaign, can't you at least try and offer something constructive and positive to the mix?

I could go on, but I really just want to say this - 

If you are one who takes any of the opposing stances to IC and what they seek to do with this campaign, then please offer a constructive alternative solution to go along with and support your claims and views! If you don't care or feel the need/responsibility to do that, then by all means, can you at least contribute to the cause in another way that you deem more appropriate than IC without creating a stink about it? If you don't feel the need/responsibility to act at all - then please just say no more about the matter and let the rest of us be concerned about it.

You can turn a blind eye to the whole thing, or you can join the movement in other constructive ways if you don't think IC is the way to go.

I don't have any problem with Invisible Children, the way they spend their money, and their tactics in bringing justice to Joseph Kony. Back in college (I believe in 2007), I along with many friends and students from my university participated in the Invisible Children Commute. It was the first time I learned of the conflict of the LRA in Uganda at the time, and I haven't forgotten about it since. Hundreds of us made the commute (some drove, but most walked there) to sleep (actually I don't think anyone slept...) outside on concrete steps in the middle of downtown Lynchburg, VA to make a statement, bring awareness to the issue, and take steps to bring about change (wrote letters to our congressman/senators). I am proud to see how far Invisible Children has come in their campaign, and I am proud to stand with them even now.

Here are a couple of other Organizations that I have looked at for an alternative to people that don't believe Invisible Children to be the best option.

Here's an opportunity for you to do your own research and contribute positively.



http://www.warchild.us/



http://www.childsoldierrelief.org/work/databases/

This one has an entire list of NGOs big and small that you can look into supporting.

_____________________________________________________________

Invisible Children's wesbite
http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/index.html

Invisible Children's Critiques to criticism
http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html

Tell Everyone

Yes, this video is about a half hour - but just get over it and take the time to watch it. Then act! All it takes is a few clicks on your computer to share with the world.

For the children of Uganda.

For the world.

For Kyle

I love it when:

1. You stop by my office to see me throughout the day, even if it is only for 30 seconds
2. You put toothpaste on my toothbrush for me
3. You wash the dishes, do laundry, and clean up around the house
4. You randomly try to pinpoint where my belly button is 

5. You wake up with me in the mornings, even on days you don't have to be anywhere that early
6. You start doing that ridiculous thing you call rapping - the sound of it really does annoy me though. ;-)

7. You stop whatever it is you're doing to give me a hug and kiss when I come home for my break, or from work, or anytime you see me really.
8. You bring pretzel snacks to bed in your pockets - however, the time you made a whole ham sandwich takes the cake.
9. You beat me in UNO. Everytime.
10. You wear your "Green" outfit
11. You pray with me every night before going to bed - especially the times you pray for Noel cause you know how much that means to me.
12. You try and make the price of filling up our tank end up on $0.53 - my favorite number.
13. You talk to me in Cal Lightmans voice, love.
14. You get donuts from Fitch's for us on Saturday mornings
15. You handle and cook the chicken for me cause I don't like touching or cooking it.
16. You open doors for me and walk closest to the roadside - you have always been a proper gentleman
17. You watch Shaun the Sheep with me - meeehhhhhhhhh!
18. You let me take a bite of whatever you are eating.
19. You play Temple run. It's super cute at how proud you get of your new high scores.
20. You tell me I'm beautiful, so beautiful to you - even when I don't always accept it from you or believe it for myself.
21. You call me all kinds of silly names - i.e. goobersnatch, chinchburg, chewytooth etc.

I just love it when you are the love of my life - which, thankfully, is Always and Forever. 

I love everything about you, Kyle Daniel.

<3 - Your Laila Mae

The only thing I have

It's hard to carry a burden in your heart for people you cannot reach.

But When prayer becomes the only thing you have, The only means you have, You can't help but realize it's power and significance in the lives of those you are praying for.

We as Christians have the beautiful gift and freedom of being able to boldly approach our great High Priest at the throne of grace when we are in need (and even when we aren't!)...but how often are we bringing the needs of others before him? How often are we bringing their deepest need of salvation before the Savior?

If we have this freedom, should we not extend it on behalf of others who don't yet know it for themselves? 

When we intercede - pray intently for those who need Jesus - I believe our faith moves mountains, that the eye could never see, in a calloused, broken, lost, and seemingly hopeless heart.

An interceding prayer of faith so terrifies the Enemy, making him shudder and cower in fear when the name and blood of Jesus is claimed and proclaimed over a beloved soul who he thought would always be within his grasp...



I truly believe intentional, intercessory prayer is a catalyst that compels the Holy Spirit to begin His work in those He so deeply desires to rescue...






Loosen the grip of the Enemy today...




My brethren, the desire of my heart and my petition before God is on their behalf that they would have LIFE.  
-Romans 10:1