I painted my toes!!!

slightly swollen feet WITH pretty toes!

Okay, so that's really not much to blog about BUT at 9 months pregnant...feeling like 12 months pregnant (doesn't really exist), I've got to celebrate the small stuff.

At first I was just excited to myself...but then as I thought more about the feat that is bending over and reaching ones toes with about a 6.5lb baby in your belly and said belly hindering every.single.movement....I had to share. :)

You see, just yesterday, while at church we were celebrating. Nothing in particular...just the goodness of God. We declared and reminded ourself that God is GOOD. We danced and jumped and had ourselves a good ole time. Well, "we" is a bit deceptive. I sat and watched and wished....I found myself even getting a bit sad in such a happy, celebratory atmosphere. So, I redirected my disappointment to thank God that I have full use of my feet even though the pressure from the pregnancy made using these feet a bit more cumbersome. I thanked God that I'm having a healthy pregnancy and despite the discomforts and limitations, that I am carrying a life...a miracle indeed. I thanked God that my voice and arms still worked and so with my voice I was able to sing and shout. With my arms, I was able to clap and wave. I continued this until I forgot that I wasn't able to physically "dance" but I was still praising...it turned out to be a half dance. You know the ones you do when you can't actually get up out your seat to bust a move but you are wiggling in your seat? yea - that!

In my reflections, I realized that its human nature to not miss something until its gone...or taken away from us. In this fast paced life, we tend to take most things for granted. Seriously, when was the last time you noticed that your fingers are agile and moving and respond at will for your to hold a pencil/pen, send a text or wave goodbye?

Its my challenge today..and particularly for the rest of this pregnancy (as I experience tons of discomfort) to remember all that I am blessed with...even as I may be slightly limited due to a rapidly growing human alien and uterus to accommodate this little alien! ;)


Grace peace and love (and pretty toes),
Gia

Sunday's Inspiration

Since January 2010, I feel God has been speaking to me about surrender...about trust. Relinquishing my will..for His. At TLC Bahamas, it is aptly put as "I say Yes".

I have been walking in this "Yes". Although difficult, I remind myself daily that God sees, He knows, He cares and above all, He loves me. Because of that love, so pure and divine, I know that everything is taken care of. No need to doubt or fear.

Of course I have to remind myself daily cause umm lets be real, there are plenty times when this is a difficult reality to accept.

I just recently admitted to a friend that the word "change" scares me. I was challenged to find a synonym that is less scary. I thought this through and came up with the word "transition". I can deal with transitioning...it sounds of process, of baby steps or a steady progression... still change but carries a less drastic connotation for me. I can process "transition". :)

Clearly a new season began for me in Sept 2009 with the "big move", however I have this feeling that the process surrounding that move is not completed and I sit patiently waiting to see how my God is gonna show up next!

I challenge you to say "Yes". to surrender...ultimately to trust God. Even when things don't look right...when you have no clue what is going on..Trust that God knows. and He's making (or made) a way through! Remember:

Everything He is...is ours! ~ Pastor Q (6/5/2010)

This song ministered to me yesterday. I pray it does to you too!

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Last night, I attended a get-together hosted by my Pastors (pictured above) at Hard Rock Cafe to say "see you later".

I recently became a part of a new ministry birthed from an already existing ministry in Lakeland, FL. This lovely couple is not only my spiritual leaders but also friends and the parents of our (Dayton and I) beautiful and feisty god-daughter, Micah. I respect, look up to and love them a whole bunch. I love their vision for our church and I cannot wait to see how the ministry develops over the years. I try to avoid using the term 'church' because for me its so...so...hmmm used. Its taken for granted. Yes, we, the people, are the church, but when I refer to church I sadly think of a building, so I prefer to refer to TLC as a ministry...which is simply: us [the members] coming together to support, uplift and encourage each other while being used by God to glorify His name and fulfill His purpose for our lives (corporately and individually) daily!

So last night, we ate, laughed, poked fun, sung and even danced with the Karaoke at Hard Rock Cafe and had ourselves a blast! Here is Miss Micah. She's brilliant, adorable and a dancer. A two-year-old after my own heart. Here she is posing for the camera because we just put on our lip gloss and was officially ready to begin our night!

so my first of a couple 'goodbye' dates. I'm looking forward to spending time with special people in my life although its kinda sad since I'll be leaving for lil while.

smooches!