The Narrow Path

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.  For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this path lately.  Narrow is the gate AND the way.  Narrow doesn’t really sound fun to me.  Wide…and with lots of other people…sounds much more…well…easy.  But, the path that leads to LIFE is narrow.  And I want to walk THAT path.

This weekend I took both kids to the park near Scottish Rite to celebrate the hospital’s 90^th birthday.  There were animals and crafts, but what caught my eye was this path.

I couldn’t help but want to walk over to it.  And I thought of this verse in Matthew 7.  The path was BEAUTIFUL, but it was narrow.  And it wasn’t really EASY to walk (compared to the big road that was paved next to it), but it was so much more enjoyable.  You see, what I am learning is that in order for me to find joy in something, it doesn’t have to be easy.  In fact, what makes it joy is finding the good stuff in the hard times.  Seeing blessings and living in thanksgiving, even though life isn’t perfect and knowing that there will be really hard times.  Here lately, I have to be thankful for that.

As I think more and more about it…I can’t stop thinking that God wants me to walk the narrow path so I can rely on Him to get me through it.  If I go the easy route, I may confuse myself and think that I can do it on my own – and that doesn’t allow for any growth nor does it allow me to connect with Him.  God likes growth, doesn’t He?  And if I am growing in Him, then I am where He wants me to be.  Which is also where I want to be.

As I took pictures of the kids (cause I couldn’t let the pretty setting go by without doing that!), I had to think for a moment of the blessings that come as a result of walking the path the Lord puts me on with Him. 

Pretty amazing, huh?  And what’s even better is that if I get off the beaten path a little bit, He is mighty to save and get me back on track – AND He makes good of all things. 

At the top of the path was this…

Don’t we serve a mighty God???  It is like the reward is this beautiful place where I can sit with Him.  Such a great reminder (amongst a big crowd and lots of noise) of the stillness and peace of our mighty Savior.  He is worthy of our praise!!!

Crazy couple of weeks...

Well...I really do think it is fair to say that there is never a dull moment in the Willis household.  Over the past couple weeks we have had a lot of "happenings".  Some of them are listed below...

• I went out of town for the first time EVER.  Christian Alliance for Orphan's Summit VII was AMAZING.  God spoke...and I heard.  The most important things that I learned and felt like I could share are:
• The church has a role in orphan care.  I am so excited to see what God has in store for The Journey - FBC McKinney's orphan care ministry.
• Helping without Hurting - We are PARTNERS with the people we are helping.  We are learning from EACH OTHER.  There is no knight in shining armor.  I have already learned this to be true from our short time in Uganda, but the reminder is very appreciated.
• God is going to walk with us one step at a time.  And when He speaks...we will be ready to listen.  We are up for whatever He has in store for us.
• Josh is amazing.  I am so blessed to be married to this man.  Those of you who know me well...know that it wasn't easy for me to "let go and let God" while I was away.  I had never left before - because I couldn't let go of control and was too afraid of the "what ifs" while I was gone.  I am a fool for waiting so long.  Not only did Josh take good care of them...their clothes even matched on more than one occasion!  He cleaned dishes...and did laundry.  SERIOUSLY!  So thankful for our marriage and for God's blessings.  If you really give your all to HIM...He will make good of everything.  
• Josh had an accident at work.  He was working a structure fire at a church and fell through the ceiling.  He was able to catch himself with his arm and pull himself up.  
• Looks like he really tore his shoulder up and will be having surgery.
• Workers comp isn't very...fast...so we still aren't sure when or how extensive surgery will be (2 1/2 weeks later).
• It looks like Josh will be on light duty for approx. 6 months to recover from his injury.  This freaks us all out...for lots of reasons.  
• We could have lost Josh that day or his injury could have been so much worse...if he had fallen...onto the pews below.  We are just thankful that he is here.
• The kids had some regression from Mommy's trip.
• They were not happy that I took some time away.
• They showed me that by making life very difficult for a little while.
• It is a GOOD thing I love them so much.  :)
• Night time is NOT fun.  And day time was pretty scary for a while too.
• I think things are getting better now...thank you Jesus!!!
• We got to welcome home our close friends - The Hewitts - as they arrived home with their two kiddos from Uganda.
• Wow...being at the airport reminds me of our own homecoming.
• Man...that was SCARY...and EXCITING..and OVERWHELMING all at the same time.
• Pray for the Hewitts - they are now a family of 7!!!!!
• We had a GREAT follow up appointment at Scottish Rite for Gracie!
• Praise the Lord!!!
• Looks like the medicine is starting to work.  Less stiffness, less swelling, and less limping.
• Her blood work is looking pretty good too.
• More follow up in two months.  :)
• No major illnesses so her immune system seems to be doing well.

All this to say...I am coming to terms with something.  And that something is this:

I DONT' THINK GOD WANTS ME TO BE COMFORTABLE.

I think He wants me to rely on Him.  Not on everything being "OK".  So...we will take it day by day.  And recognize and appreciate all the blessings that come with each day.  It isn't always easy, but it is so great.  

Here are a couple pics of the kids that I really like from the past couple weeks...

To our sweet Owen,

Son, you crack me up.  You really do.  You are such a goof ball.  You really do seem to act just like your Daddy.  And you pick the funniest moments to show your sense of humor.  Not everyone gets it (much like your Daddy), but I do.  I think you are hilarious.  And you make me smile...pretty much all the time.  You are such a blessing.  

Love you more,

Mommy

Going on mission...

God changed us when Gracie was born.  God changed us about 3 years ago when Josh and I renewed our vows.  He changed us when things were hard and when things were easier (notice I didn't say "easy" lol).  He changed us in  Uganda.  He is changing us now.
We can't help but think about what this all means.  Is he preparing us for something?  What is it gonna be???  Is it a big something?  Or a little something???  Is it a someONE?  Or a someTHING?  Or a some WAY?  WHAT IS HE UP TO?


I keep feeling like God is telling me clearly though...LIVE IN TODAY.  I am on mission right now.  In McKinney, Texas.  At my house.  On walks.  Running errands.  Why is this so hard for me? 

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."  Matthew 6:34 (The Message)


One of our family's most important phrases to remember is "One day at a time."  Take it as it comes.  And I'm really not "worried" about tomorrow.  I trust that God has awesome plans.  We are choosing to follow Him today, and tomorrow I believe we will make that same choice upon rising.  At least I KNOW I will and that is all I need to know.  So, I know that he will take care of us. Totally get that.  
The thing is...I like to plan.  I like to prepare.  Surprises are nice for my birthday and anniversary...but I like to be able to know what is coming.  And when I plan for what is coming...I get sucked into this...process.  I play out the "what ifs" and the "just in cases".  And I get all wrapped up.
Wrapped up in tomorrow.  Then, there is waking up, getting dressed (X3), brushing teeth (X3), eating breakfast (X3), going to school, doing tasks, pick up, clean up, lunch, dinner, baths, bed, blah, blah, blah...and the day is over.  And I "thought" the day away.  Instead of being present.
It seems like one of my biggest daily struggles is living in "auto pilot".  I go through the day to day and don't really feel like I am "in it".  Just kinda "doing it".  If that makes sense...
So, lately, I am giving it my best to change that.  TO BE PRESENT.  APPRECIATE THE BLESSINGS IN TODAY.  This means I MUST start out with prayer.  Must.  And I have to remind myself regularly.  I have good days.  And bad days (we will call today a not so great day on my part).  But, I am really trying.
Because I get to be married to Josh, Mommy to Gracie and Owen, daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend to some of the most AMAZING people ever to live.  My life is LOADED with blessings.  And it is time to realllly appreciate them.  ONE DAY AT A TIME.  
WHO'S WITH ME???

To my sweet Owen,

Well, son...you weren't very "sweet" this afternoon...and this evening.  You were a little bit of a handful.  But, you know what?  I love you more today than yesterday.  And I am pretty sure that tomorrow...I will love you even more than today.  You are my son.  And you are so amazing.  I praise and thank God for blessing me with you.  And one day...one day...you WILL learn how to listen.  RIGHT?!?!  

Love you more,

Mommy

Celebrating!!!

We have lots to celebrate at the Willis home lately!!!  Two of those are:

1.  Owen has been with us for almost 6 months!!!

2.  We raised 1000.00 for Sixtyfeet with our Cupcake Kids Sale!!!

If you haven't already seen it on facebook, take a few minutes and watch our video!  

Then think about how God may be looking at changing YOUR life!  

To our sweet Owen,

I can't believe it has already been 6 months!  Yet it feels like you have been with us forever.  How is it that you defy time and make both of those statements true for me?  We can't imagine life any other way, nor do we want to.  We are just so thankful that we jumped and that the jump lead us to you.  You are strong and smart.  Kind and loving.  Your laugh is contagious.  Your smile melts hearts.  You are still growing at record breaking rates!  We love you so much more than we can explain.  Thank you for being you.

Love you more,

Mommy

Change a life in a really SWEET way!

fI have posted about sixtyfeet before on more than one occasion.  The places this organization is helping were laid VERY heavy on my heart shortly after we came home with Owen.  The prisons (yes, prisons) where these children (yes, children) are being held are unimaginable.  And to think that my sweet Owen (the kids there are JUST like him) could have ended up at a place like this...just destroys me.  Then...I look at the kids there...and they destroy me.  They are children...just like you and me...just like your child and mine.  They want to play and be loved, and they deserve that.  I want to change the way they are living.  I want to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.  Don't you???
Today, God is showing me a way I can do that.  And it is through sixtyfeet and a good, old-fashioned cupcake sale!  Families all over the country are getting together to make a change in the lives of these children...by doing something simple...SELLING CUPCAKES!  Take a look at the cupcake kids website here.
I have partnered with some other Moms here in Collin County who have decided that we want to make a difference in the lives of these kiddos.  Want to join us???  You get a pretty sweet deal in this!!!  Support us and these children by buying some cupcakes from us!!!
Between now and April 14th, I will be taking orders for cupcakes!!! And Owen, Gracie, and I will be delivering them (within the DFW area) on the 16th with a smile.  :)

You even have two options (who doesn't love options???)!

You can buy the old-fashioned chocolate or vanilla cupcake with confetti, strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla icing by the dozen for $20.00.

OR you can buy really fancy, super yummy, stuffed, or super decorated cupcakes for $25.00.  Please check out my (ever so talented) Mom's blog here  and Jessicake's website here.  These awesome ladies have SO MANY options to choose from...and they are FABULOUS!!!  Here are a few of many options...

JessiCake's superhero cupcakes

JessiCake's Fish Cupcake

More awesome JessiCake's cupcakes

Eaton Cupcakes's Oreo cupcakes (oreo cookie on the bottom too...yummmm)

Pound Cake cupcake with Raspberry filling and buttercream icing

Eaton Cupcake's mix (carrot cake, coconut, pbj, banana, raspberry filled)

PLEASE CONSIDER BUYING A DOZEN (OR MORE IF YOU PLEASE) TO SUPPORT THESE KIDDOS!!!  THEIR LIVES WILL BE RADICALLY CHANGED BY YOU.  REALLY.
Orders can be emailed to courtandgracewillis@yahoo.com
Or you can call or facebook me!

To our sweet Owen,

I am so thankful for you - all of you.  Every little thing about you is a gift from God.  You truly do make me think about things I never have before.  And my hearts grows and grows as a result.  Your smile changes this world we live in.  

Love you more,

Mommy

He gets that from...

God sure knew what he was doing when he decided to create our sweet boy.  When he placed Owen in the womb of another woman...oh about 2 years ago...he really did get super crafty.  He made this little boy...who takes after his family...in so many ways.
He made Owen super determined...SO very determined like his Mommy.  I mean...you should see this kid with a pair of shoes...he WILL get them on his feet.  And no determination and being stubborn are NOT the same.  :)
He made Owen a caregiver like his sister.  He is the best little "Daddy Mommy" there could be.  Holds the babies, rocks the babies, changes the babies, puts the babies in time out...
He made Owen GOOFY like his Daddy.  I mean GOOFY.  Like the kind of goofy that makes you sit back and think...WHAT ON EARTH???  Those of you who know Josh, know that this is a special kind of goofy...and lets just say that Owen has it.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  I think he gets his good looks from his Daddy too...for what it's worth.
He made Owen special in so many ways.  Such a little overcomer, laugher, grower...  I haven't met a friend (or stranger really) who doesn't fall in love with him.  There is just something about him.  I kinda feel almost...spoiled...that I get to be Mommy to both Gracie AND Owen.  I mean...I think most Moms feel this way...so very blessed...but I often find myself just thinking...and thanking God for HOW blessed I am.
In the midst of the yelling and bickering and toys being heaved across the living room...the books to read, songs to sing, dressing, brushing, lotioning (is that a word?)...the doctor's visits, medicines, messes to clean up, and the such...I find myself thinking (at times...b/c there isn't much space in my head for thinking)...geeeeezzzzzeeee...I am just SO BLESSED.
There are times where I really have to STOP and appreciate it.  Because I am finding that time is FLYING by so quickly.  Before I know it...the whole day is gone and I forgot to really soak it in and appreciate ALL of it.  Which makes me think...their childhoods will fly by too.  And one day I will be a Mommy to a grown up Gracie and Owen.
What?!?!  That is going to happen???  I am SO excited that I get a front row seat!!!  God has big plans for these two.  For YOU too.  I truly believe it.
For now, I am going to give it all I've got - be there and be present.  And appreciate ALL of this!!!

 Our little baseball pro

 Our little baseball pro who can't play yet and doesn't like that...but makes the best of it...

Yes...they sing together...a lot...very loudly...

To our sweet Owen,

You are awesome.  You are growing SO much.  You weigh 3 pounds less than your sister.  Your feet have grown 3 sizes and your taller and taller every day.  You have a very healthy appetite for food and pretty much life.  You are so tough.  Yet sensitive at the same time.  You make me see life differently...and I thank you for it.  

I love you more,

Mommy

For I know the plans I have for you...

This past week was so much fun.  We went to DISNEY WORLD!!!  It was princesses.  Rides.  Swimming.  Lots of firsts.  There was laughing.  And singing.  And dancing.  There was LOTS of good times for all 4 generations there.  There wasn't any stress.  There wasn't even any stress of the financial burden for us...because we didn't pay for it.  Sure, there was a bit of exhaustion...but the good kind.  The kind where you lay down in bed after a long day and just think about how much you enjoyed what you did.  I got to watch both of my kids smile more than I have seen..pretty much ever.
I don't think it could have come at a better time.  We really kinda needed some time away - the past few months have been tough at times.  They have really showed us what it means to have happiness in the midst of trials.  We have been SO happy, but it hasn't been easy.  And we were just SO thankful to have this time together to just enjoy each other.  No cleaning.  No stressing about mealtime.  Just good times!  Exciting times!!!  Just what we needed!
We got home late last night and I spent the day unpacking while Josh spent it working.  The kiddos played with their new Disney toys and before I knew it - it was evening time.  And that means it was a time that I have really been dreading.  Really.
It is time for Gracie's first injection of methotrexate.  When we got Gracie's juvenile arthritis diagnosis late last year, I comforted myself by thinking "at least they didn't put her on methotrexate"...because that is what my Mom takes and I have been covering her in prayer so she would be safe from it's possible side effects.  When we went back for an injection of cortisone, and it was a big procedure that I wasn't prepared for...I got a little more stressed...and felt a little more out of control.  Then, when a week later, it didn't work anymore...I started to get worried.  I was nervous about going back to the doc to hear what they had to say about the progression.  When they said "up to 5 joints"...I was REALLY stressed.  And when they said what they wanted to put her on...I kinda freaked out.  On the inside, of course.  I smiled at the doctor and told her that I understood.  And when she left, my Mom and grandmother reassured me that this is just another opportunity to trust God.  I know that they are right...so I told myself not to freak out.  That it will all be OK.  And I know that it will.  We have the MOST amazing doctor.  God has really blessed us with her - we really are confident in her knowledge...and that is easy to do since she is the best of the best.
The more I think about it...the more I think about what God did for me.  HE GAVE HIS SON UP for me.  I'm pretty sure he was sad when he looked down and saw Jesus on that cross.  I know that God knew the plan and that his son would rise again, but I know that God knows what I'm feeling.  He loves Gracie even more than I do.
I know that remission is on the horizon.  I don't know when that will come.  But, I know it is there.   Will you please join me in prayer until that day comes?  Please pray that this medicine has NO negative effect on her immune system...or any system for that matter.   That she will be healthy.  That if she does get sick, we will be aware of it and will know whether or not to give her the injection.  Also, please pray that Gracie's anxiety and fear of needles goes away.  She put up quite a fight this evening and that just makes it even harder.
I heard this song on the radio tonight.  I just love how he reassures us.  Maybe this song will help you out too.  It is pretty awesome!!!

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans for a hope and a future."