God's Plan For My Life//

Hello there- I have somewhat of a confession to make...

I haven't been completely honest and up front on the blog- recently I put in my notice as Legal Assistant/Office Manager at the Law Firm after almost three years of working there. Yesterday was my last day after I worked my one month notice.

This past year, I began noticing that I just wasn't myself and that I had lost the passion that I had for my job in the beginning and I knew that it had come time for me to make a change.

God actually gave me a vision  (you can read about it here) about 8 months ago that I would be leaving this job- so knowing that really helped me feel at peace when I was making the decision.

Here are a couple of interesting quotes from that vision that I wrote about in my blog post:

I almost feel like he (God) knew this would hurt me, but he knew in the long run that it was the best thing for me, but he was still sad to see me hurting//

I know ultimately that anything in my future that God has planned for me will be the best for me- I trust him fully and completely with my life// I know that he loves me with an everlasting love and I love him more than anything// 

I have always put my trust in God and not once has he ever failed me- not once. People keep asking what my plans are, what am I going to do for a job and I want to tell them- it's not about my plans, it's about God's plans for my life. I want to go in the direction that he leads me. I don't know what is best for me, but he does and I trust him with my life.

Now that I have all of that behind me, I really want to slow down and focus on the things that I am passionate about- social media/email marketing, writing/blogging, design, photography, etc. I am very thankful for the things that I learned in my job in the time that I was there- such as email/social media marketing and CRM databases. I also learned how to use a Mac and I was able to have some creative freedom in graphic design to create flyers for non-profit events and seminars. I met so many great people and some life-long friends along the way. Instead of feeling as though I have failed, I feel that I have grown throughout this journey -I've learned so much more about myself and what I want and do not want out of life. I've gained more confidence and I have learned how to stand up for myself and ask for the things that I want. That is definitely a success, in my book.

So, starting today- I begin my new chapter and I will be keeping you all updated to my progress and how things are going! Stay tuned for what Day 1 brings!!

Trust in God!

Most of you that have been following my blog for a while now, know about how our 14 year old dog, Roscoe went through an extremely trying year. He was doing fine and then all of a sudden he started losing his balance and he progressively got worse until his body shut down and he became completely paralyzed. He was not able to walk, hold his head up to eat or drink on his own, he could not even stand up to use the restroom on his own. For almost 8 months, we did everything for him, held him up while he used the restroom, hand-fed him all of his food & water- whatever he needed, we did.  The husband and I would go on daily walks so Roscoe could get some sunshine & fresh air and I would carry him around in a baby sling. We had to give up going to events, vacations, weekend trips- there was no way that we were going to entrust him with anyone, especially with the kind of shape he was in. But when you truly love someone, you give up what you have to & be there for them through good and bad times.

It got to a point to where Roscoe developed a bronchial infection and was coughing incessantly through the day & night- at that point, we thought he was going to die. Throughout this entire time, family and even strangers told me that I may have to let him go, no matter how much I wanted to hold on. And hold on I did, I cried and prayed to God day and night declaring healing over Roscoe's body..I declared that God was going through his body taking out all of the bad cells and replacing them with good, healthy cells. I kept believing and praying, even when it looked hopeless.

I turned to God in every way, reading Psalms, reading Joel Osteen's Book "I declare" -I prayed every declaration that applied to what we were going through. Knowing that Roscoe was so helpless & sick and I couldn't help him, devastated me. Even after selling our house and in the planning process of building a new home, part of me could not be happy because Roscoe was so sick. How could I dare be happy when my baby might be dying? I didn't even care about our new home if Roscoe couldn't be a part of it..

Through the entire 8 months, I was also extremely hurt because out of all of my family- maybe one person called us to ask us how Roscoe was doing a couple of times. My phone never rang, I never received any texts or emails checking up on us and to see how Roscoe was faring. To be truly honest, it made me angry that they didn't care about what we were going through- so I was dealing with that at the same time. I felt abandoned and left all alone..

These song lyrics tell a story of how I was feeling during our struggle with Roscoe..

Have Your Way - song by Brit Nicole

Feels like I've been here forever
Why can't You just intervene?
Do You see the tears keep falling?
And I'm falling apart at the seams

But You never said the road would be easy
But You said that You would never leave
And You never promised that this life wasn't hard
But You promised You'd take care of me

So I'll stop searching for the answers
I'll stop praying for an escape
And I'll trust You God with where I am
And believe that You will have Your way
Just have Your way, just have Your way

When my friends and my family have left me
And I feel so ashamed and so cold
Remind me You take the broken things
And turn them into beautiful

Even if my dreams have died

And even if I don't survive
I'll still worship You with all my life
You love me, have Your way

Even through it all, I never gave up hope on Roscoe, I never stopped praying & I refused to take him to the vet to have him put down. Several people suggested it to me, but deep down in my heart, something told me not to do it..something was just really wrong about bringing our baby of 14 years for someone else to take his life. I knew that if God were going to take Roscoe from us, that he would do it peacefully and let him go in his sleep. I know this because I cried to God and asked him to please take Roscoe peacefully if he ever had to go. And I believe that as my heavenly Father, he would never take Roscoe from me in a traumatic way that would hurt me so deeply. 

At one point, I finally gave Roscoe fully over to God and told him that if it was his will, to take Roscoe- that I would let him go, that I just wanted Roscoe to be at peace. To let him go, would be the most difficult thing that I have would ever have to do in my life, but I trusted in God and knew that he loved me and wanted nothing but the best for me..

Not long after I prayed that, we noticed Roscoe starting to hold his head up and eat on his own some, then he started walking on his own, little by little. Until finally he was able to walk on his own and use the restroom all by himself! One thing that my husband and I had talked about missing the most, was Roscoe being our little shadow, following us from room to room and now Roscoe follows us around the apartment like he used to.. What a blessing! 

One lesson out of many, that I learned from all of this, is that sometimes the things that annoy you in life, one day you will miss when you no longer have them. I hate to admit this, but we used to get frustrated with Roscoe constantly scratching on the door wanting to go out..but now, when he does that, I just smile and thank God for it! It's amazing how things can change in the blink of an eye..so enjoy the little things in life..you never know when they could be gone in the next second..

Even after 1 month of Roscoe's healing, I am still in shock. Even though I prayed and believed for Roscoe's healing, it was hard to see the light when I was in the middle of the darkness and month after month, nothing seemed to change. But I held on and never gave up on Roscoe and I never gave up on God- I had all of the faith in the world that he was going to see me through. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to keep going and never give up, even when it seems like you will never get there..

{Roscoe hates having his picture taken, so this is not the best, but it shows how he can stand up on his own}

I don't care what anyone says or what reasons they give for the reason Roscoe walking again-but I know that it is only GOD that could have healed his body like that!! God is so good and so merciful- every day that I wake up, I thank him for Roscoe's healing. Every opportunity that I get, I tell people about Roscoe and how God has healed him! God knew how much we loved Roscoe and couldn't bear to part with him and he loved us enough to let Roscoe stay with us for a little while longer. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart"

The moral of the story is, no matter what you may be going through or if things look hopeless, like they will never change for the better. DON'T ever give up hope- keep praying, keep believing in God's word- he wants to give you the desires of your heart. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy, but GOD comes so that we may have life abundantly!!

"For I know the plans that I have for you, for good and not evil" Jeremiah 29:11

Is there something that looks hopeless in your life that you are praying for?

Music is what Feelings sound like...

Most people that know me well, know that I love anything creative like poetry, writing, photography, song lyrics, art. I grew up in a pretty strict household- no movies, no boys, no going out so I did a lot of journaling, reading books, writing poetry, bird-watching, photography, playing the piano and singing in choir. At the time, I resented being different from all of the other girls- but now, I am so thankful that I grew up the way that I did.

Lately, I have been obsessed with listening to music & hunting down the lyrics. I find music to be so incredibly healing & for me worship music is my ultimate favorite.  There is just something about music & the lyrics that I relate to- whether it's happiness or sorrow- like the saying goes "Music is what feelings sound like". The music that I listen to, really tell a story all on their own, without me ever having to speak a word...These lyrics are from a worship song..

You're Not Alone (Meredith Andrews)

I searched for love when the night came and it closed in
I was alone, but You found me where I was hiding
And now I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name, saying

You're not alone for I am here
Let me wipe away your every fear
My love, I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
And I'm the One who has loved you all your lifeAll your life

You cry yourself to sleep
Cause the hurt is real and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost with heartache your closest friend
And everyone else long gone
You've had to face the music on your own
But there is a sweeter song that calls you home, saying

You are not alone for I am here
Let me wipe away your every tear
My love, I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
And I'm the One who has loved you all your life
All your life

Faithful and true forever
My love will carry you

You are not alone for I, I am here
Let me wipe away your every fear
My love, I have never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
Your darkest night
And I'm the One who has loved you all your life
All your life

Forgiveness...

Today, I want to talk about Forgiveness... I have always been a person that is quick to forgive when someone wrongs me, but if I am being totally honest, there are some hurtful instances that I still hold onto and haven't seem to be able to let go of yet. Lately, I've been thinking about how much time I spend thinking, talking about and crying over these hurts- basically, I am in an emotional prison, while the other person is living their life.

Lately, I have been thinking about what Jesus went through and how he did nothing wrong to anyone- He healed the blind, made the lame to walk, rose the dead, healed the broken - he went around doing good. Regardless of all of the good things that he did, people still mistreated him- they put him on the cross, put nails through his hand and feet, spit on him, gave him vinegar to drink- and do you know what he did through all of that? Can you believe that he forgave them!! So, today I am letting go and I am forgiving all those who have hurt me and the ones that continue to hurt me, and you know what I am going to do? I am going to turn the other cheek and I am going to pray for them and continue to love them, because that is what Jesus did!

I am not saying it's easy to forgive when someone keeps being unkind, it does take praying (sometimes it takes forgiving them over and over) and sometimes walking away or saying something kind back (if possible). For me, I am just so tired of being angry at those who have hurt me and continue to hurt me- I need to pray for them, because anyone that hurts or belittles others for no reason, they must be hurting or insecure and they need Jesus.

Luke 6: “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

Who has hurt you that are having a hard time forgiving?

Dreams to Reality!!

Well, we finally did it- our house is officially SOLD!!!  Friday we met for the house closing and the new buyer was so excited, she literally had her vehicle packed with things- ready to move in. She was a really nice single Mom so it seemed like such a perfect fit- I am just so relieved to have one more thing off our plate- it was not easy maintaining another house for 2 years while we lived 1 hour away- owning a home is alot of maintenance! On Saturday, we finalized moving our bank account over to our new bank in Thomasville- it is so nice having everything in one place now- no more driving back and forth- I don't want to even talk about how much money we have spent on gas the past few months..

So, now we can move on to the next chapter of our lives which is building our dream home! We have already ordered our new home plans- my husband found this amazing Southern Living Home Plan and he has been working on it so we can have it ready for bidding for different contractors- it is also a blessing that he comes from a Engineering background, so he knows about all of the permits, codes, etc. Personally, I am most excited for finally having a walk in closet and also an open floor plan- in our other house, I was always in the kitchen cooking while everyone was in the living room hanging out, so it will be awesome to be able cook and socialize.

Next week, we should have our underground power pole and well installed, then we will be ready to start the foundation- it all seems so surreal!!

I should back up and tell you the story of what happened about two months before we had a bite on the house...I had a dream that my husbands father who passed away over two years ago, came down from heaven, in the dream he came over and hugged my husband and I tight and told us how much he loved us and was proud of us. In the dream he had plans for us to do something fun as a family that day, and my husband and I told him that we couldn't go because we had to go and mow the grass at our old house because we needed it to look good for the buyers. This was the part of the dream that stood out to me..he looked at us and said, "You don't need to worry about mowing the grass at the old house anymore, let's go and have fun today." Essentially, he was telling us that we would have to worry about it no more..when I woke up, I knew that the dream was from God and I knew exactly what it meant- our house was going to sell and we wouldn't have to continue the upkeep on it. I told at least half a dozen people about the dream and I told them that our house would be selling soon, that I knew it, God had showed me. There was no way that I was letting go of that dream- for the entire two months, I held onto it and kept repeating it and claiming what God had showed me. Sure enough 8 weeks or so later, we get a call (the same day that we mowed the grass at the old house for the LAST time and I called the realtor to put more flyers in the box) back from our realtor about a lady that is interested in our house. She has three houses in mind, but really likes ours- in the end she decides that she wants to make an offer on our house and from that point forward everything fell right into place.

Talk about a Faith builder!! This is not the first time that God has given me dreams- he also gave me a dream about our land and that me and some family were standing there looking at house plans and it is coming to past!! These are two things that I prayed and fasted for years ago and they are just now coming to fruition- it is just so amazing to watch. And those are only a couple of things- I have had several more things come to fruition that I prayed for years ago. So, I want to encourage you that if you have something that you are praying for, never stop praying or believing that God can make it happen!!


What have you been praying for that you want to see come to fruition?

I have some Awesome News....

I think that pretty much sums it up- I start my new job on Monday!! To say that I am excited is the understatement of the year! I have to rewind to how things unwound so you can get the gist of the story.


So, on Wednesday, I still hadn't heard back from either job- they had both told me that they would let me know something the previous Friday. So I just assumed that I wasn't hired for either job- I was extremely let down and immediately put in for two more job vacancies that I saw at the Hospital.  I was feeling very discouraged- so I started praying & crying to God, just feeling like he had abandoned me at this point, I let him know once again that my future was in his hands and He had to help me out of this situation.


Anyway, to get to the point- I told my husband that I was going to take a nap and that I hoped when I woke up that something was going to change, that something good would happen, instead of all the negative things lately. So I took a nap for about an hour and woke up to the husband telling me that I had a phone call and that he thought it was one of the Interviewers, but he didn't know which one. I immediately jumped up and pulled myself together and answered the phone. Honestly, at this point, I was kind of expecting for them to tell me that they were sorry, but I wasn't a fit for the job. Instead, he says, "I just wanted to call and offer you the job, are you available to start on Monday?". I all but yelled YES!!! {not really, but on the inside for sure!} I let him know that I could definitely start on Monday and I was very excited for the job offer- he chuckled and we said our goodbyes. As soon as I got off the phone I screamed, "I GOT THE JOB AT THE LAW FIRM!!!!" and then I ran and jumped on the hubby- he was laughing and we were both so excited!


Since then, I have been getting things together for my job- I picked up a cute lunch tote, some work outfits and heels today and my Mother in law bought me lots of easy things to cook & things that I could bring for lunch like greek yogurt, raw veggies and chicken pot pies for the hubby. I also went today and had my hair trimmed- I will have to post pictures!


I really wanted to let you all know because you have been such a huge support for me and I really appreciate all of the prayers and lovely comments! My MIL was also excited because she had her entire Sunday School Group praying for the hubby and I and she has been telling them that the prayers have been answered! I really hope that my story will help someone that is going through a hard time to remember to hold on to the faith and keep praying even when it looks impossible. I almost gave up, but just tied a knot at the end of my rope and held on and GOD came through!! So for all of you out there, keep holding on, don't give up and keep praying!! Love you guys!


xoxo~Melinda

Daddy's Little Girl..

Hi Lovelies! I wanted to share something with you all- first, I don't usually get too deep on the blog because I am a fairly private person, but I thought maybe some of you could relate to this song like I did..


This isn't easy for me to write about because I have always pushed these memories back because they hurt too much. I relate to this song because I lost my Dad about 12 years ago to Parkinsons {He was diagnosed when I was 11 years old, so most of my life my Dad was sick and I remember helping him brush his hair, put lotion on his feet & legs, put on his socks and shoes, get dressed, walk around, giving him medicine, letting his recliner back when he was too weak to do it himself- pretty much everything}. I was definitely a Daddy's girl, every day I would sit on my Dad's lap and he would ask "Are you still Daddy's little girl?", of course I always said yes, even when I was older. I had so many good times with my Dad, helping him at his shop, bringing him tools. Asking him for change for candy and him giving me all of his change from his pockets...I just remembered that.. I remember dancing around in the living room, pretending to be a Ballerina. I loved my Daddy.


I remember it was the day after Christmas and I was going to visit my parents and eat together with family.. and we got the call that my Dad had gone into a coma and still hadn't come out of it, we immediately rushed to the Hospital. I remember not wanting to face it, not wanting to go into the room, I started crying before I made it through the door. My Mom said that I should sing for my Dad, because he always liked to hear me sing..so I sang "Consider the Lilies" {I used to sing/play piano in church & choir} and held his hand..I am glad that I did because he squeezed my hand and I saw his feet swaying to my singing.


He remained in a coma for two days, I talked to him and never let go of his hand..I remember I was holding his hand and praying for God to make him wake up. I kept saying, please wake up, please wake up, please wake up... when he took his last breath. I screamed so loud and I didn't even realize it was me until later..I felt like I was out of body, like it wasn't really happening. I remember the week of the funeral, I lost over 10 lbs from grieving, I couldn't bring myself to eat anything. All of my Christmas gifts that I had unwrapped, sat in a pile for over a month, I felt guilty for even celebrating Christmas when my Dad had been in a coma on Christmas Eve. We all thought he was sleeping, everyone was all around him celebrating Christmas. At least he was with his family.

My Dad was a military man, owned his own company in construction. I never heard him utter a bad word about another person and I never heard him complain- I want to be more like him in that way.


Until today, I have repressed that day for all of these years, until this song...then the floodgates came open, all at once. All of the pain, missing my Dad, the time I wish I had back, I remember it all...it feels so good to cry. I just don't know if the tears will ever stop, I know that I will never stop missing him..but to be honest, it does feel good to cry and get it all out.


I am sad because my Dad didn't make it to my wedding because he felt so sick that day- I carry around so much guilt for that. I think of all the things I should have done- like have a special wedding so he could be there, I feel like I let him down in many ways. I know that I shouldn't do that to myself, but I can't help it. Or the times I was too busy hanging out with my friends, I should have spent more time with him. I wish he didn't have to go when I was young, I feel like I was so stupid then, I just thought he would be around forever, I wish I had more time with him. But I was wrong..I do know that now I do everything to cherish people and tell them I love them constantly. You never know when that person won't be there the next moment. I can say that not everyone learns that in life, but it is a very important life lesson.


My Dad would have been so proud of me, that we just celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary and together for a total of 15 years. He would be so proud of me going to college and my career accomplishments. He would be so proud of us remodeling a 1942 cottage. He would be so proud of my little blog and me learning how to crochet scarves- I bet he would want to wear one. He would be so excited to see where I have travelled to- he did always love adventure- that is where I get it from. He would be proud of the woman I have grown to be..


I am happy that I did get the time that I did with my Dad- the times we shared our love of travel- my first time to Puerto Rico and there was a photo of me at the old spanish ruins and my Dad remembered being there when he was in the military. I remember the times when I would make a cup of coffee for him or he would ask me to get him his favorite candy, Werthers. Or me buying him a new pair of suspenders or chocolates for Christmas and how happy he always was. I remember him meeting my future husband for the first time, the first question he asked him on our first date was if he was going to be able to provide for me. It embarassed me then, but now I see how he was just being protective over me. I remember my Dad always taking my side when I got into trouble..my Dad would say to my Mom, "now Carolyn, I don't think she meant to do it"..always looking out for me. The times he would listen to my choir tape or when I would sit in his lap in the rocking chair and he would kiss me on the forehead. I know that my Dad had a soft spot in his heart for me...and I for him, He was my hero. To me, my Dad was perfect. One day I will see him again in Heaven..


I am praying for God to heal that void..it's always there and I know it's because I need my Dad. I miss him so much. I am always so envious of those girls who still have their Dads..every Christmas, Thanksgiving, Father's Day, His Birthday...is difficult. If I still had my Dad I would hold on tight and never let go...


What I do know, is that I may not have an earthly Father any longer, but what I do have is a Heavenly Father. He loves me as I am, He sees that there is so much more to me than just my appearance, He sees my heart. He is my Father and I am His Daughter..I feel so blessed that He calls me His Daughter!


I have to admit, at first I was writing this post thinking that I could help someone else that may be going through the same thing, but it ended up being very therapeutic for me as well. So, today, take time to call your parents, your siblings- go and visit with them and tell them how much you love them..

I am His Daughter


The photos in the magazines
Don't dictate who I'm supposed to be
The world can't recognize, all that I am inside
But I know in His eyes, I am a part of, the bigger picture,

There's so much more to me
He helps me see that I have so much to offer
I am His daughter
He loves me the way I am,
He's my strength when I stand
He is my King, and my Father,
I am His daughter.

The people on the TV screen,
The leaders, rulers, and queens
I watch them shape the world,
And though I'm just a girl, I still know for sure,
That I am a part of, the bigger picture

There's so much more to me
He helps me see that I have so much to offer
I am His daughter
He loves me the way I am,
He's my strength when I stand
He is my King, and my Father,
I am His daughter

And when I'm feeling small,
And wondering if I'll ever, find courage to stand tall
Through His love I remember

There's so much more to me
He helps me to see that I have so much to offer
I am His daughter
He loves me the way I am
He's my strength when I stand
He is my King, and my Father,
I am His daughter