To Walk on Water

Let me tell you, this has been one tough season, but one that hasn't knocked me completely down to where I can't get back up.

Aaron and I have been through some of the toughest moments, but everything pales in comparison to the storm that is raging around us right now. I know that God has a purpose and a plan that far exceeds these moments that feel like complete torture, but I also know that He is drawing us closer to Him and making us really aware of who He is.

If there has ever been a season where God has really spoken loudly, its this one. Mine and Aarons hearts are to be in ministry in the worship aspect and while I thought I was ready for something that huge once I graduated a few years ago, I am realizing how far I have come since then and how even when I thought I was ready, God had a few more things that He needed to teach both Aaron and I.

The message for this season is to have faith enough to get out of the boat and walk on the water, and to keep trusting and to keep your eyes locked on His when you feel like giving up, when you feel like looking down, when you feel like circumstances are running the race in your life. I have always been a worrier, and a doubter, and one who stresses easily when plans are changed and things haven't gone the way that I planned it in my mind. I like comfort. I like feeling secure and I like knowing that everything is going to go according to how I see it. When plans change, and things fall apart and life doesn't go in the direction I really thought it would, I would fall apart. I would question God and get angry with Him. I would feel like He left me high and dry and really if I was honest, to to live a life in ministry, things will never go according to how you want it, and if you don't know who HE is and what His Word says to get you through the storm, you will quit every time it gets hard.

God takes you through barren, difficult seasons to show you another side of who He is, and to also teach us to trust in Him and to know that He is good and has our best interest at heart.

I love the story in Matthew 14:22-33 when Jesus calls Peter to come out on the water with Him. The disciples had been in a huge storm and when Jesus saw how frightened they were, He went to them walking on water. At first the disciples didn't recognize who Jesus was, they had mistaken Him for a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27 "Do not be afraid, take courage, I am here!" The disciples then put Him to the test to prove who He was, and Peter calls out to Him "Lord, if its really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." Jesus replies to Peter and says "Come." We know that Peter gets out of the boat and is walking towards Jesus, but as he sees a strong wind coming and the waves getting bigger, he takes his eyes off of Jesus and looks around at what is happening, and as he is looking at what is in front of him, he begins to sink. And ever so gently, like He always does, Jesus reaches out and grabs onto Peter, but He also questions Peter about the lack of faith Peter just had in Jesus.

Have you doubted?
I have.

This message is for this season in my life. God is calling me, Aaron and us together to get out of the boat and follow after Him. It hasn't been easy, and theres times that I have taken my eyes off of Jesus and looked at what lies in front of me, and the truth is, every time I look at how impossible everything looks in the midst of our storm, I am overcome with fear and doubt. Every time my eyes are locked on to His, peace and joy follow.

Before God even called Peter to get out on to the water, He first tells them do not be afraid. God would say the same thing to us do not be afraid to get out of that boat, or to take that leap of faith to what I am calling you to do next. He warns us first, because He knows that if we aren't locked onto Him, the storm will completely take us out.

God commissions us for great moments. He called us to do greater works than He did, and He didn't say that we wouldn't face trials, but He said that when we do face trials, to rejoice and to know that in and through it all, He is still good and He is still with us, that He will never leave nor forsake us.

I love how at first Peter is probably thinking that he is going to get out of the boat and all is going to be ok because Jesus has him, and I like how soon as he gets going, God tests Him, and in that test we see just how much faith Peter really does have. When those waves starting getting bigger, immediately Peter becomes more concerned about the waves and the wind then the God who just called Peter to come to Him, but even when Peter began sinking, God still saved Peter. God was still right there with Peter. God was with Peter at the same time that He was rescuing Him.

He is with you while He is coming to rescue you. God walks right on top of the stuff that you think is going to take you out and if you don't know who He is, you will mistake the One who is coming to rescue you as a ghost that is coming to destroy you. (Christine Caine)

God is still there for me and for those of you reading that are in a tough place. God will not let you completely be taken out by your present circumstance. He may use that very circumstance to test you and while you may let yourself sink to the deepest parts of that circumstance, God is still holding on and waiting for you to realize that He is the only one that will pull you through and keep you going.

God is commissioning me for a greater purpose than what I realize, and even though these last few months look nothing like what I thought would be the plan, God is quickly teaching me that no matter  how hard it is, I have to keep trusting. Even when fear keeps me paralyzed in place, I have to keep trusting and knowing that He is going to bring me to my destiny.

A walk with Christ is a journey of trusting and believing even when you can't see Him. The key to getting through it all is knowing the identity of who He is, because when you know that He is for you, its easier to know that what He is doing is for your own good. Everything He does is always for our good. Always.

You will lift my head above the mighty waves
You are able to keep me from stumbling
And my weakness
you are the strehgth that comes from within
Good shepherd of my soul
Take my hand and lead me on

You make my footsteps and my path secure
So walking on water is just the beginning
Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention
For You are calling me to greater things
 

-Shepherd by Bethel

Equipped with a Promise

Have you ever wondered why there are some that can be in the midst of the most terrifying storms and still be praising God and be so full of joy?

For the longest time, I have always wondered what their secret was and what I was doing wrong, because to tell you the truth, sometimes when the storms come and things get a little bit hard, I tend to run to the "safe" zone. I run to what's comfortable. I cry. I get angry. I question God. A lot.

If you are anything like me, you know what I am talking about.

Can I share with you the secret to joy, happiness and overcoming while still praising Him and knowing His goodness?

Its simple.

Knowing God and knowing His Word.

Its funny because even though I am saying that, it all sounds a little easier said than done, right?

I will be plain honest and tell you all, even though I know what Gods Word says, sometimes I tend to forget what His Word says and that it really means what it says.

Our circumstances may all look different, but there is one thing that we all have in common. Our God never changes and our God never forsakes us.

The secret to getting through any type of circumstance is to know Him. I mean really know Him. The deeper you know Him, the easier it will be to walk through your circumstance. Trials come and go, hardships come and go, but the one thing that remains constant and faithful is our God.

Joshua 1:8 says, "Study this Book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."

I cannot tell you, how important it is to spend time in Gods Word. His Word is our lifeline. It has everything that we need to make it on a daily basis and every instruction on how to overcome and handle any situation.

When you know His promises to you, its easier to walk out whatever you are facing.

To be intimate with God means getting into His Word daily, meditating on it and allowing His word to penetrate straight to your heart, taking you deeper and showing you a side of Him that can only be seen by seeking Him.

You cant fully trust a person to lead and guide you, if you hardly know them.

God has given us everything that we need to follow Him and to get through this crazy thing called life. He has equipped us with His Word and has left us with His Holy Spirit.

Friends, I don't know what you are facing, what you are needing answers on, or if you are needing guidance in a certain area, but I promise if you get out His Word and seek Him, He will make your paths straight and show you what you are needing. Don't be afraid to dust off the pages and get to know Him.

I promise that when you seek Him, He will be found.

When you know His Word and are obedient to what it says, it will produce blessings.

Know Him. Know His Word.

His promises are your promises for everything you will ever need.

His Word is like a double edge sword.

As we near Easter, I invite you to get out your Bible and get to know our Savior. The one who gave His life for you and called you His.

Chosen

I find myself more and more like Jonah than I care to admit.

I've ran. I've hid. I've disqualified myself from thinking that God cant use me. I've been fearful. I've let pride consume parts of me that I never thought was possible, and on several occasions, I have just plain refused to do what God has asked for no better reason than laziness.

Does this sound familiar?

Here we have a man named Jonah, who, lets be honest and say that God is trusting to deliver a mighty big word of His to the Ninevites, and for probably reasons of insecurity, trust, pride, selfishness, fear, and disagreement he runs from God. I mean, Jonah knows God is asking him to do something extraordinary and somehow Jonah thinks that if he goes far enough, God wont find him and God will just ask someone else to do it right?

Wrong.

See the thing about God is, He doesn't need us. God chooses us. God wants us.

God had a specific purpose and a specific reason why He chose Jonah. Its the same for you and I, friends. God doesn't need us. God wants us. God is wanting one of us to just raise our hands and surrender our all to Him and be used completely by Him to build His kingdom.

God has to bring tests, trials and hardships into our lives to sustain us, to make us stronger, to equip us, to mold and shape us to be more like Him. That's what this life is about. Its about being like Him, being ambassadors for the kingdom of God. Its not going to be easy, and its not going to be fun at times, but are we really here for our own comforts and conveniences or are we here for what God is doing?

To whom much is given, much is required.

Its not about the fish, its about God.

It doesn't matter, how messed up and broken we are, its not about what our past has been like, or the person that we use to be, God can still use us. He wants to use us. God wants to turn the mess of our lives into a message, to redeem people. There are people out there that need to know where you have come from and the person who turned your life around.

What man says is impossible, God says is possible.

If He calls you, He will equip you. Sisters, we don't have to be afraid or fear that if God gives us an assignment, that He wont be there with us. If He has called you to it, He will move heaven and earth to accomplish that very thing, great or small, until its completed. Stop disqualifying yourself, because God sees you as capable, trustworthy and as the right person for the job. The very thing that you think disqualifies you from something will be the very thing that will qualify you.

Its not about the fish. Its about God.

Your own pride, will tell you that you cant, and will limit you from doing what you have been called to do.

Even in the storm, God still chose to use Jonah. God showed His great hand of mercy and goodness to the others on the ship, and even out of Jonah's disobedience, God still showed up. We are going to have good days and bad days, but don't underestimate the power of God and what He is capable of doing.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

 



 Don't disqualify yourself, because you don't think you are good enough. God is saying He has commanded YOU to for HIS glory to accomplish something great for His kingdom. He's assigned it and He is saying "Don't be afraid. Don't be discouraged, because wherever you go, I will be there with you." When you have to tell the woman with three kids she has cancer, He is right there with you. When you have to tell your best friend they are living in sin or they are being cheated on, He is there with you. When you have to say goodbye to a loved one or bury your child, He is there with you. When you get laid off from your job, He is there with you. When your husband leaves, He is there with you. When you get put on the sidelines for a season, He is there with you. He is always there with you, in all things.

 

Whatever your circumstance and whatever He is asking you to do, He is there with you. You aren't doing this journey alone sisters.

 

You are qualified to do just as God is calling. Even when it doesn't make sense, God is still choosing you, and will continue to choose you and want you till the very end. He loves you enough to let you never stay the same, and to play a part for His glory.

 

You have been chosen.

Chosen by our creator.

What an incredible honor that is!

Never Forgotten

 

I am joining She Reads Truth for the #SheSharesTruth challenge.

 

Ever feel like you had messed up so bad that God couldn't forgive you?

 

I have.

 

In this 38th Psalm, David is feeling this way too. He is reminding God that even though his sins are great and he is in this deep state of depression and despair, he is asking God why He had forsaken him and not to be angry with him.

 

Sin. It has a way of making us hit rock bottom, and overtaking us with a heavy weight of shame. It might keep us away from Christ for a period of time, but the power of sin also draws us closer and helps us to realize the great need we have for our Savior.

 

Sin leads us to do the craziest things.

 

Im sure that you can relate.

 

There have been times in my life, that I have made some pretty poor decisions that have left me feeling so dirty and disgusted that I have believed the lies of the enemy and have let my relationship with God fall through the cracks instead of running to Him.

 

This is what David did. David made a few many bad decisions with Bathsheba that kept him from God and kept him from receiving the fullness of the blessings of God.

 

We trip ourselves up, we keep ourselves from the blessings of God and we wallow in our self destruction. Its sad isn't it?

 

Despite how we may feel, God says regardless of what you have done, and regardless of how you might feel about yourself, Come.

 

Come just as you are, broken, scarred, completely messed up, dirty, shameful, whatever, and let me give you a fresh start and a new outlook on life.

 

Friends, He died on a cross for us. He wiped away every transgression, every bit of uncleanliness, every bit of shame and called us His children. He forgave us.

 

He didn't call us to be perfect. He called us to need Him, to run to Him when we mess up and to ask for His forgiveness. His love for you, and for me, casts out every ounce of our shame. He knew we would mess up and that's why He offers His forgiveness no matter how great or how little it is. Its all the same in His eyes.

 

Romans 8:1-2 says: "With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death." {The Message}

 

You are freed. You are free.

 

He isn't a God of anger and one who stays angry. He may discipline us for a moment, but more than anything He desires to love you and to walk with you day in and day out. There is absolutely nothing that could keep you from Him, or keep you from receiving His grace.

 

Run to Him. He longs to embrace you wholeheartedly.

Whatever it is that keeps you from receiving God's total grace and love, don't let the enemy win. God has already given you the victory and the power over sin.

 

Walk in His grace and His unmerited favor towards you.

 

You are loved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Five on Friday

Friday, Friday, Friday!!

This week has flown by, but I am so happy that the weekend is finally here, even if, we have a super jam packed weekend. I cant think of a better way to kick off our weekend than with a little five on Friday!

 

 

ONE

 

I am so excited to announce that Paisley's hair is finally long enough that I can put a little pony tail in! It looks so adorbs and I am swooning all over getting to fix my daughters hair. Girls are too fun I tell ya!

 

 

TWO

 

Michael's a great President's Day coupon/sale that we took advantage of thirty minutes before they closed. We have been on the hunt for a really long time to find cute little spice jars with chalk labels that weren't too pricey and Michael's delivered big time! We got each little jar for $1.80 and the bigger canister jars we scored for $6!! The spoons were $4 and soon as the hubs gets time I am looking forward to our fun little diy project for our kitchen!

 

 

THREE

 

Almond milk! Oh how I love thee! After seeing that you could make your own nut milk all over pinterest, I decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, it was so easy! The most time consuming thing was soaking the almonds. It came out pretty taste and sweetened just to our liking. Best part about it all, it doesn't contain any chemicals or any nasty junk! It lasts 4-5 days and Im pretty sure, that we will be making a lot of this from now on!

 

 

FOUR

 

Florida has seen some Spring/Summer weather and in preparing for the warmer months, I found these cute shoes when we were out shopping the other day! I am quite in love!

 

 

 

FIVE

 

If you have a second, literally just a few seconds, please go and vote for us to win a bathroom makeover! We bought our house in October and since then we have completely gutted and renovated our entire house except for the bathrooms. Paisley's bathroom is in dire need of getting finished and we are hoping to win this remodel package. It would be such a blessing to us! So please, please, please go here and vote for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

 

 

Have a fabulous weekend dear ones!!

Five on Friday!

What an insane week it has been!! We have literally gone nonstop since Sunday and while I am trying to catch my breath, I am looking forward to a much needed Valentine's date night out with my hubby! I have some exciting news to share in this post so lets get started!!

 

Happy Valentine's Day!!

 

 

ONE

 

I am behind, but I cannot get enough of this months #SheReadsTruth! They could not have picked a more perfect time to release this "Abide" series. Its rich and oh so powerful! God is really opening my eyes a lot in this study. If you aren't doing this study I highly recommend! You can find it right here.

 

 

TWO

 

Michaels has these beautiful notebooks right now in there spring collection and as you can see I have started myself a little collection. Too cute to pass up!

 

 

 

THREE

 

With my insane schedule right now I was looking to find a planner at a very reasonable price and I found this one at Target and have been somewhat impressed! It was clearance, but the only downside is depending on the pen you use it bleeds through, but nonetheless it does the job and it looks cute!

 

 

FOUR

 

Once you see my announcement below, {saving the best for last}, you will understand this next one! I am looking for Guest Bloggers. If you are interested please email me at rychelle{dot}foltz{at}gmail{dot}com. With starting a new business and taking on a few more vocal lessons, all while trying to take care of my family, my blog is getting the back burner. I don't mean for it to happen, but what little time I do have, I am spending on catching up on things around the house. Posts can be on anything and everything your little hearts desire! I hope to still get a one or two posts in a week, but for now I am playing everything by year.

 

 

FIVE

 

If you have missed the exciting announcement here it is! After lots of talk and planning, I have launched my own photography business. I am starting out doing a few things for a community magazine publishing company and am taking it from there. I did my first shoot Monday and it was a success! It was a lot of fun and super low key. My first family made all the nerves disappear!

 

Picking the name was the hardest part, but we decided on....

 

 

 

Paisley Grace was our inspiration. I mean she pretty much rules the roost in our home :) {in a good way}

 

 

and one from our shoot Monday

 

 

 

 

 Have a great Valentine's Day and weekend!

 



Five on Friday

What a week it has been! Paisley woke up Wednesday morning with 102 temp after having a cold for a week so I decided to take her to the Doctor and after a two hour wait {yes isn't that ridiculous for a baby!?} she was diagnosed with a double ear infection and a respiratory infection. The girl knows how to get sick! Its been a long week inside with a crying baby, but I sure have enjoyed all the cuddling. So for a little fun for this momma lets do some Five on Friday shall we??

 

ONE

 

Paisley and I joined a Mommy & Me group at our church last week and Im so thrilled for the fun we are going to have. The ladies are all super great and encouraging and I couldn't have picked a better group to join! Cant wait for next week!!

 

 

 

TWO

 

Before Paisley got crazy sick we had a little Valentine craft fun :) She didn't think the paint all over her hands and feet were so great, but I love how it came out. This may just stay up in our house all year long

 

 

THREE

 

I found these bad boys at the store the other day when I was venturing the ice cream, which should never happen again, but these are totally yum! My favorite is the Sea Salt Caramel one, but they are quite delish! Go get some people and don't share!!

 

 

FOUR

 

Alright peeps, who uses these oils? I want the good, the bad and the ugly on these. I need something to boost poor little Paisleys Immune System not to mention finding another healthier approach to get ourselves on the mend. Do you recommend and which ones? Spill all the details :)

 

 

FIVE

 

I saw this on my Instagram feed the other night and just died. Ladies you know what Im talking about....

 

 

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!



 

Mommy & Me

And our little girl is sick once again. Darn cold season! I feel like we get better and then a week later we are sick again. I dont know if the hubs is bringing stuff home from school or if its because our weather is super cold one minute and then really warm the next. I will be glad when Spring comes and our FL weather isn't all over the place! Any cold recommendations for little ones or how to boost her immune system? Any Do|terra users that would recommend using essential oils?

 

Our weekend was a lazy one since the mini is sick and needless to say, no pictures came out of this weekend. Can you say #momfail?

 

I'm posting a few pics from a few weeks ago when my Mom was here. We caught the sunset on the way to dinner the second to last night she was here and it was completely stunning. Of course I spent most of the time behind the camera but the hubs did catch a few great pictures that have easily become some of my favorites. So thankful for some of these amazing moments!

 

 

 

I hope you all have a great week!



Five on Friday

So glad its Friday, Friday, Friday!! This is the first time in I dont know how long that Paisley Grace and I have nothing on our agendas! We may just stay inside and rock jammies most of the day since its a wintery day outside! I hope you all have had a great week!

 

 

 

ONE

 

Seriously how cute are these pink furry boots that Paisley got for her birthday?? Im in love. Paisley is in love!

 

 

TWO

 

I found this skirt for Paisley's party a few weeks ago at Abercrombie and Fitch and paid a mere $15 for it! Melt!

 

 

THREE

 

My life before Paisley consisted of coffee. Life while pregnant with Paisley didn't consist so much of coffee, and life after Paisley has really consisted of coffee. Thank you late nights, hungry, teething baby and sleep exhaustion I now run off a cup or two of coffee. Thanks to this handy machine we got with a giftcard my life has forever been changed! I know its no Keurig but it does the same thing as the Keuring and costs half the price! Its a BIG win in the Foltz household!

 

FOUR

 

My mom introduced me to this amazing foundation and its been a serious game changer! Since having Paisley my face has been a complete war zone. Nothing has helped and most foundations have had my face looking even more lowsy and embarrassing until this miracle stuff showed up! Its a new product from Avon and is a light, light mousse and I cannot get enough of this stuff. Its so light you feel like you aren't wearing a darn thing. Go try this now! P.S. Its around $10 :)

 

 

FIVE

 

I should have posted this a few weeks ago, but I am seriously in deep love with my dresser. We bought it off of craigslist for $30 and completely redid it. I had pics of the before but somehow when we backed my phone up they are literally nowhere so just seeing the after will have to suffice. Knobs make me swoon. We found them on Amazon for a great, great deal!

 

 

 

Have a fantastic weekend friends!

 



Five on Friday + A Few Extras

This week Paisley Grace turned the big ONE!!! My emotions have been all over the place leading up to this day, but surprisingly when her actual day came I was so excited that there was no time to be a hot mess. We had a great birthday party for our little girl and a super fun trip to the zoo to celebrate such a big milestone! In my books, it was one of the greatest birthdays and I hope she feels the same way :)

This week I wanted to go back and share my top five moments with Paisley Grace. It was beyond hard just trying to pick just five moments, but I think the ones that I we chose are worthy moments! They are in no particular order:

::ONE::

Hearing Paisley Grace say "Momma" was my all time favorite moment this year besides getting married to my honey. Its a day that I will never forget. She happened to just be sitting all by herself and randomly out of nowhere came this little voice saying "Mama, Mama." Sweetest moment there ever was!! Do you remember the moment your child first called you Momma?

::TWO::

I remember when Paisley finally got released from the NICU and could be in our room, just laying there and staring at her. It all felt so surreal. Staring at how beautiful made my so giddy inside. I felt like I didnt deserve such a special gift. She was all mine. I could hold her whenever I wanted  and for as long as I wanted without having to worry about giving her back. She is the long awaited promise and the beginning of new life for me. If she only knew how much I love her and the happiness she brings to our home.

::THREE::

Even though we spent her first birthday at the zoo, there was something so magical about taking her to the zoo for all the Christmas lights and festivities. Eyes so big, and a smile from ear to ear to make you melt, left us so excited for another Christmas with her! What a great birthday it was for me and one of the most magical experiences the hubs and I have endured!

::FOUR::

To follow above, Christmas. Best Christmas ever. Children really do make things so much brighter and more fun! It was a busy day with lots and lots of presents and a gazillion toys that now clutter our home, but it was so fun to watch her light up every time someone ripped more wrapping paper and uncovered what secretly hid behind all the pretty paper and colorful bows. 

::FIVE::

I may not be the biggest fan of Halloween, but getting Paisley dressed up and walking her around the neighborhood showing her off sure was a blast! Last time I have ever celebrated Halloween was Middle School and this was a special treat for both the Hubs and I. This might even be in the top spots on the husbands end :)

::SIX::

I told you picking five was super hard. My favorite moments as family have been the simple ones. Ones where late at night when Paisley should be asleep we are all laying on the rug still playing and her just giggling in amazement of every little toy and detail around her. My next favorite moment would be the one where on NYE she was so focused on the water, but for one split second when Papa called her name, she and I both happened to look back. A great reminder to once in a while look how far you have come and dwell on all the amazing blessings that are in life. She sure has taught me so much. There is so much that I am grateful for. She makes me be the best version of the person I have always wanted to be. She brings new life and makes me feel alive. I'm not sure what I ever did without her. Happy Birthday Paisley!

Have a great weekend!!