a lifestyle blog about motherhood, intention, whimsical moments, and wellness
on my heart.
World vs. bible.
Hear me out on this.
When Chris and I first got married I was a VERY different person. I mean I have been a “christian” since I was a little girl, always won the “I am third” plaque at Kanakuk, have been pretty much a rule follower but I was nothing like I am now.
He changed my life. Made me a better me.
Helped me experience my relationship with God in a radical way.
He changed my life. Made me a better me.
Helped me experience my relationship with God in a radical way.
Let me give you an example: when we first got married I would have said things like “It’s not a child’s job to take care of his/her parents” OR something like “if someone didn’t have a car, why is it my job to give them mine?”
I would argue with him.
I mean its not my problem right? I would say “in this world…”
That was the problem.
World standards.
What has God called me to do?
The world says: Don’t give, you earned that…they must figure things out on their own.
The world says, if your spouse makes a mistake- leave.
The world says, you need the car too, don’t give away yours.
The world says, you need financial security.
Well guess what I was missing?
different standards.
different standards.
When I chose Christ, I chose a radical new way of living.
I choose to give. Even when it hurts.
I choose to love, always.
I choose forgiveness, daily.
I choose to love, always.
I choose forgiveness, daily.
I choose to take care of my family, no matter the cost.
I choose my spouse.
I choose my babies.
I choose to treat people with kindness.
I choose to treat people with kindness.
I choose financial security in Jesus, not in the world.
It’s not easy.
It’s not easy.
ains- onesie c/o: LilNoodleBug, owls c/o: I Sew Lucky
Casey: shoes c/o: blowfish
my new cellphone case c/o: power support designer collection here, facebook: here
Casey: shoes c/o: blowfish
my new cellphone case c/o: power support designer collection here, facebook: here
November 10, 2011
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you are a precious wife and a precious mama sweet friend. praying for you and knowing that our God is always looking out for His children. love you!
With ya. It takes discipline to hear God's still small voice over the screams of a world gone selfish. But his ways our higher than ours, better than ours, they are eternal.
Thank you for sharing your heart. Glad I found ya 🙂
It's amazing how much longer our list of "needs" is when we're thinking in a worldly way. When we're thinking faithfully, there's really only one need on our list: God. He takes care of the birds, clothes the flowers – and loves us so much more than them. He's promised to provide for everything we need. If we don't have it, it must be because we don't "need" it!
I love the way you write Casey! So real.
It is so encouraging to have a fellow hipster, stylish, christ-loving blogger. I strongly admire you. I'm a young married woman, and both my husband and I battle with this daily {don't ALL christians?!} I love this post. Thanks for putting your relationship with the Lord out there for the world to see :] I love it!
xo.
http://alwaysamrsforeverakidd.blogspot.com
love you lady. letting go is when you are blessed to see God work in special ways just for you.
xoxo
You are an amazing mama and wife! You always keep your head up even when things get tough. It's a great way to live. Trusting in God has the greatest power to lift us up from anything. I heart you!
you are amazing! i love love love this post … i think it is my most favorite one you have ever written! you are going to have a massive house in heaven just a waitin' for you! He know your heart!
Thanks for being such an inspiration Casey. Glad that you're sharing your words (:
Beautiful post, as always. Big hugs sweet friend. xxxx
you're amazing 🙂
This is just what I needed right now. You are so right!! Jesus take the wheel. Thank you for this post
I am so glad I found your blog. The Lord put these words on your heart, and I am thankful he did. I needed reminded of this today. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD." Jeremiah 17:7
Thanks for sharing!
Great post once again. I am a momma who loves being with her kids too all the time, but I do still like to sneak away with friends to a movie or coffee and don't think thats such a bad thing or feel like the world is telling me that I need me time. I think it just makes me a better mom 🙂
so encouraging, as always. I have been challenged to revisit & share the changes in my walk with Christ and my relationship with my husband lately and I love hearing others whose marriages have refined and edified them to become more Christlike. It's His plan for marriage at its finest! love your honesty.
Casey, thank you so much for posting this. The world is NOT our standard and I sometimes lose sight of that. God spoke through to me and I so needed it. Keep on trusting because He NEVER lets us down 🙂
Brooke
http://brookehasablognow.blogspot.com
I'm so happy you're able to find and keep the joy in your life even through the hard times. That's really something I can look up to.
Thank you.
http://www.jessicakutok.blogspot.com
I'm obsessed with this blog. My husband and I are facing this same issue. The Lord has always taken care of us, always right in the nick of time. Your stories and your testimonies are so beautiful. In fact you inspired me to completely rethink clogging entirely! Keep doing what you're doing! Praying about your healthcare situation!
Rachel
As always…these post of your Casey leave me with my heart feeling full.
There is nothing that I can add…that you haven't written in those post. All I can say is….amen.
Great post 🙂
I loved this post Miss Casey! You are such a wonderful person. Very inspiring post, thank you for sharing! & Beautiful pictures!
It's so refreshing to read your post. In today's day and age, its hard to find someone who's will to give so much and have so much love. You truly inspire me to be a better person.
<3
I think this is one of my favorite posts of yours ever, Casey!
Chris reminds me a lot of my husband. So full of faith. And you just encouraged me to grow in this area, too! To learn from my husband, and not necessarily discount his faith for being a "dreamer." I'm such a "control freak" and such a planner.. it's hard for me to trust in God and his timing… in things I can't see (you know what)… it's hard for me to be patient with God and TRUST.
YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL, IN & OUT!! xo
Casey! Just when I thought I couldn't love you anymore… You were a kamper?! I worked at K-1 this summer!!
I truely appreciate your honesty, especially when it comes to matters of finance. It helps us get a better picture of what "perfect lives" really looks like. It would be easy for me to sit at my computer and be super jealous of your life… If you hid the real you.
I am still jealous of your life though – the faith part. But by following you, I'm learing more about being a Christian and how I apply that to my life.
The other day, I blogged that I need to remind myself that my life shouldn't be about what I want, but about what I have.
Once again, you just floor me in yor honesty and faith.
Thank you,
Megan
I adore you. Like I said, you have faith that can move mountains. One of my new favorite songs is Motion of Mercy because of this line:
God give me strength to give something for nothing
I wanna be a glimpse of the Kingdom that’s coming soon
That's what I want for my life – To give to people just because. Not because he/she 'deserves' it.
WOW!! LOVE this post!!! That was SO me just a couple of years ago….the worldly part. It's AMAZING how much God changes us!!! LOVE you, girl!!!!
I understand this so much. It's amazing how we evolve into better people, the beauty and God's will just pours out of us, when we open our hearts! <3
Lovely post:) Annd I spy some hoots:))
Lovely post:) Annnd I spy some hoots:))
My relationship with my husband is so similar to that. He's the most giving person I know. I was known in high school as the "Jesus Freak".. but was I really? I must admit it is still sometimes hard to give when I fear that someone is taking advantage and am so glad God reminds me of how often I take advantage of Him yet he blesses me anyways. Thanks for sharing.
Wow.
Thanks for sharing Casey. You're a real inspiration and I so needed to hear this.
x
i love this {as always!} the world too often tells us that we are not successful or good enough or worth enough if we don't have money or nice things. people try to make us believe that families and relationships are not as important as our own selfish desires. but through Him we know that those ideals are false. and that no matter what we are going through, He will be there for us. and in the end, our relationship with Him is what will truly matter!!
I think motherhood breaks down the last selfish barrier a woman could have in order to more Christ-like. I became nicer and more generous because…I want more people like that in the world for my kids. If something happens to me I want someone to take care of them and show them love. Nothing is as important as love and kindness.
casey, i honestly didn't have health insurance for three years…and in that time somehow i got sick ONCE…and urgent care was $80 plus medicine…i "randomly" got a check in the mail for a little over $100 for something i had over paid. that was God. i know it. i know you and your precious family will be safe in His arms.
you have the sweetest little family, Casey and yes God is watching over you all and will make sure you are all okay 🙂 I'm so sorry to hear about your health insurance but you will make it through <3
praying for you all i wish there was some way I can help! please let me know
xoxox
It will all work out for you. I hope one day my faith is as strong as yours.. I need to learn how to get there. Also, your son looks exactly like you. 🙂 your kids are the cutest.
This is EXACTLY what I needed. I love that I can read your blogs and see your beautiful heart w/ out having ever met you. This post was so refreshing…Keep doing what u r doing..
Thank you Casey…thank you!
I struggle with this every day. I've grown up being told the amount of $$$ in the bank is what matters and to give only when you have amount. I really struggle I check my bank account regularly and get anxious that we don't have enough but really it's way more then enough.
I have had a heaviness on my heart I know this is not what God wants for me. I've a thought come over me day in and day out… can't bring it with us, we are blessed so we should bless. I can get my mind around it but I am still struggling actually following through. I pray that he will free me from this.
Your post really touched more then you know thank you so much. You are such a beautiful person and have such a beautiful sole.
I love your heart and your honesty! I love the way the Lord is constantly molding and shaping us. He has a plan, and as we start to come into it, we start to reflect him more and more along that journey. And to have a amazing husband to walk this with and babies to leave this legacy to is epic!! xoxo!
Once again a happy reader!!
Thestolzfam.blogspot.com
Casey – I completely understand where you're at. Our house is scheduled to be auctioned off on December 6th. My husband and I are both unemployed and have 3 kids. We are about to have our gas, cell phones, and water cut off. This season has taught us that what is important is THIS MOMENT… what we have in front of us – healthy kids, food on the table, gas in our cars, and most of all HOPE and a relationship with our DADDY GOD who loves us with an EXTRAVAGANT LOVE that pours out abundantly. The more our focus is on this world and how WE PROVIDE FOR OURSELVES, he is unable to display the fullness of his power and ability to make the miraculous happen.
Right now we are absolutely at the end, and every time, God has shown up when we totally to a point where he HAS TO COME THROUGH for us. Let me tell you, breakthrough is around the bend. I know because he has shown us at least that one very thing over and over and on that our faith grows.
May the Lord bless y'all richly.
You are so right! Being thankful for everything you have and not dwelling on what you cannot control is such a positive attitude. We manifest our own destinies and you will be lifted, because you believe it! xo
I'm not going to lie. When I usually see someone say they're a Christian, I run. Because I've learned to associate Christianity with some not so nice things over the past several years. But something told me to read your entry. I'm glad I did. Because you embody what Jesus is. And that is amazing to see.
Your faith is beautiful. 🙂
anywhere-is.net
I love this. Thank you for sharing once again because once again I feel like I'm not alone. 🙂
What an inspiring post. God is so good to us. He will always be by our sides in the good times and bad. Knowing Him is a true gift in itself. You are a beautiful example to other women and families.
Take care 🙂
-Carly
loved this post more than you know! way to stand for Christ…love it! love you.
I am so thankful for your open and honest heart. Thank the Lord for the times when we can fully rely on His grace and He can show us exactly what He is capable of. "His grace is sufficient for me…for when I am weak, then I am strong."
Casey, thank you so much..you really inspire me! Thank you for this post–it is EXACTLY what I needed to read today, you have no idea. Thank you for being beautiful and for being you 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration again sweet friend! Love you and your amazing outlook!!
this is just so beautiful. sometimes i think that it is really hard for us to separate those worldly things and importances to that of God's plan. But we must always remember Him first. We must also always remember that we are all children of God and must be willing to serve, for that way we are serving our Heavenly Father.
xo TJ
I second what Chelsie said above about hoping one day my faith is as strong as yours!
I liked what you wrote, all except the part where you said where the world says if a spouse cheats, leave. Well……….
it says in the Ten Commandments that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's and Thou shalt not commit adultery. so because the Bible says that I do think if someone were to cheat (depending on the severity that is) they should leave…Just saying 🙂 But this as all assuming that that is what you meant when you wrote that. Love that you keep your head held high girl! God Bless.
Hey momma you are so inspiring, thanks for never sugar coating your Christianity, I know it has changed so many people! We went without insurance for almost a year and God gave me so much joy in trusting Him for our health..it's crazy what lessons He can teach us! Just know that if you lived the rest of your days sans insurance God will have your back and have a plan regardless.
In our 3 and a half years of marriage we've only had health insurance for 1 year of it. And when I say we, I mean Eric. Just when we were able to put me on the insurance Eric changed jobs and we aren't eligible for insurance until July. Did I mention how baby hungry I am? More like baby STARVING. And I don't dare get pregnant without insurance.
We are all going through these hard times, but its true! I need to have more faith in God that He's got me!
I have been reading your blog for about a month and with every post you continue to encourage and inspire me. As I read through these comments I can see the difference you are making in the lives of your readers. Thank you for speaking about God's unfailing love and faithfulness. It has encouraged me to blog about my faith as well. Thank you for taking the time to blog Casey! You are such a great person 🙂 I am excited to keep reading and see the ways in which God works through you!
Change and growth are evidence of the Holy Spirit living inside of you! I love that He is so faithful to us. We are on an extremely tight budget right now so I can definitely relate to the financial stuff. But you are so right when you say that "He has got us". Finances are actually the one thing that God tells us to test Him in! Crazy. He is so good.
redemptionisbeautiful.blogspot.com
What a blessing to have a husband that encourages you to be closer to Jesus. God knew exactly what you needed in a spouse. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your heart on this. I can be the same way. Thought I would share this quote that has been my anthem this month.
“Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves. The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others. By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.” – Gordon B. Hinckley
You are in my prayers and I think you are such a beautiful person, woman, mother and family- a great role model for others.
love you mamas.
thank you so much for sharing your heart. the great doctor will take care of you. he has plans for you beyond your comprehension!
be blessed sister, living in his grace & mercy. he loves you so much.
Your faith is unshakeable. I am so inspired by this post. It is so hard to not give up on pleasing and living for God when the things around us start to test us and become not as easy as we may like them to be. God provides. We may not understand why we receive some things and not others…but having faith that God is sorting out all the details…can give us the peace to handle every situation. You are a blessing in my life. I love to read all about the incredible lessons you are learning in your walk with Christ! You are beautiful Casey!
Hey Casey, so this is my first comment on your blog. And I feel so lucky to have found your blog. Todays post of yours does really help me a lot! Wanna now what I am talking about? – artandloveandme.blogspot.com – would really appreciate a quick click 😉
Thank you for being such an honest example of what a woman walking with the Lord looks like. He doesn't lead us down easy paths, but just as He promises in His word, His voice is always in our ear guiding us. Thank you for showing your readers what it looks like to die to self and live for Him by faith! I'm not really close to being where you are in life, but I hope that when I get there, I walk as strongly as you. Praying for you and your sweet family!
God will never give you anything you can't handle. With all that's happened to me lately. I can honestly say that with my whole heart in him! Keep on shining. God will provide.
Love love love this post. So encouraging, yet challenging. I feel like a child sometimes, I need so much reminding to give up self and follow God's standards and not the world's. Thank you for posting this! I also wanted to say that my husband and I were in a similar situation when we first got married, and ended up getting health insurance through the organization Christian Healthcare Ministries. It's not really insurance, it's more like a bill-sharing program, but it gave us an incredible peace of mind, knowing that we wouldn't be financially ruined if something were to happen, and were totally blessed by other members. This is their website if you want to check them out: http://www.chministries.org/ Thanks again for being such a light!
Isn't it great to have a husband who challenges us spiritually. The first day we started dating my husband asked if I'd be ok with sleeping on rocks and eating bugs. He was being serious. We still pray about being missionaries, but unfortunately we realize, until we get out of debt (ugh, college loans), most mission agencies won't even look our direction. Although, financially, we are quite poor, spiritually we are so incredibly rich. I know that many couples would not be able to go through what we're going through and still be able to love one another, be patient, and still just as loving as the day we got married. But God has blessed us with each other.
And that's why we trust Him. He's always proven Himself faithful.
So right on. Everything you listed not of the world, is how i try to live too. You're right, it is difficult, but we have the creator of the whole universe on our side 🙂 Who wouldn't want that!? Lol
Great post 🙂
Beautiful beautiful post, Casey. Yes….God always provides. He knows what we need~xoxoxoxoxox
gorgeous post.
http://www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
i love the way you write. it hits home {everytime}. best post ever!
jess♥
Stilettos & a fishing pole
http://www.ardjla.blogspot.com
I’m so sorry to hear about your health insurance. I just hope you will find a way to make it through this, especially now when you have two little angels that need to be taking care of. God watching over your family, he will give you enough strength because you have to stay strong for your children, so they can be healthy and happy!
U.
I loved this. Living a life resting completely in faith that God's got you covered is beyond compare. You end up with a whole "life book" full of awesome "God stories" and everyone around you wondering how you got to be so up close and personal with Jesus. Like He's all you eat, sleep, and breathe. It takes sacrifice and letting go, but the rewards are out of this world, the joy is crazy awesome, and the transformation in your soul will set the world on fire.
Awesome post! This is something that needs to be a daily reminder :o)
You are so incredible. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm currently struggling in my relationship with my boyfriend- it's headed toward marriage but we're not equally yoked at all. It's my biggest stress but your story is one of many that gives me hope that God can move mountains and change people. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! <3
Praying for ya girl! God always provides a way where we can see no way.
You should check out the book Radical by Chris Platt… soooo good and all about this topic!
It is hard sometimes to drowned out the voices of the world and focus on what God is telling us to do. I often struggle with being kind to those that don't necessarily deserve it. You know what I mean? It's something that I have to pray about often.
Your abounding faith is just…I don't even have the words for it. You are truly an inspiration. I have no doubt that God will take care of you guys. Still praying though!
This post rocks! God is continually challenging me in this area. I'll find myself thinking by this world's standards and then God will bring His Word to my mind , reminding me I'm a new person in Christ Jesus and all the old has passed away. Thank you for holding up the Word of Truth!! much love to you!!
I love your honesty. It's such an encouragement to me. You and your family are in my prayers. I know God has taught my husband and I over the last couple of years about his provision. It's a tough thing to endure sometimes (all the time) but at the end of the day it's so much sweeter for me and my family to know we're rich in Jesus and joy than to be rich in stuff and from the looks of your blog you are super duper rich :o) Blessings!
praying for you and your family. God is in complete control, and I love how you recognize that with each post! helps to put it in my mind daily. you are an encouragement Casey, never forget that!
xo
Morgan
http://biggrinsmakelaughlines-morgan.blogspot.com/
your honesty is beyond inspiring. thank you so much for it. praying for you & your lovely family!
very inspiring. You are so true about every single one of those world standards. I hate what the world has made marriage. One mistake and you are done…. 72 days of marriage and "it just didn't work out like we planned it"… really?! Ugh.
Thanks for posting this, and so sorry to hear about your insurance, but you are so right, God is for you, what else could you need? he will provide. I will lift your sweet family up tonight.
Diapers are definitely something to be thankful for:)
P.S. I accidentally linked up 3 times! My iPad was giving me issues! Sorry:)
Casey, my hubby and I are in such a similar situation right now. Things are the toughest they've ever been for us with our chronic health issues and our finances. But, we are putting Everything in God's hands and guess what, we have groceries, clothing, a warm home, a loving family who supports us, and we are not in the hospital! I would love to chat more about how you overcome the daily struggles of faith during this time in your life, it is very encouraging to here from a fellow Christian who is also struggling and overcoming these battles. Praying for you, blessings, peace, and prosperity in every area of your family's lives!
~Melissa
mmosey24@gmail(dot)com
http://www.moseymusings.blogspot.com
casey, you have great faith and always remind me that money doesn't matter. i hope you find someway to protect your babies in case they get sick. have you looked into medicaid?
What an amazing post and reminder. Thank you!