Substance over Shadow

We're only 4 days away from the big day--Christmas! Mitch and I will leave on the 23rd for Pensacola. We're excited to spend time with friends and family while celebrating the birth of our Savior. 

I was listening to a sermon the other day and would like to share. 

It comes from The Village Church in Dallas, TX. The pastor, Matt Chandler, is one of Mitch and I's favorite to listen to. 

Colossians 2:16-17 says,

"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. They are a shadow of the things to come; the reality, however is found in Christ." 

Christmas comes around each year and we get so worked up about it. I mean, people start decorating and buying before Thanksgiving now. Ridiculous, if you ask me. Anyway, it comes for a moment and then it's gone and we're like, "Was that it?" The presents, the food, the glitz and glam of it all is not satisfying. 

That's because "the reality, however is found in Christ." Christmas, the celebration of Christ, is just a shadow of what's to come. Have fun in the shadow, but don't forget the substance (Christ)! 

One a different note…I have been obsessing over this song lately: 

So excited to worship with this band @ Passion 2012!

If you're not familiar with Passion then you need to be! Click here

Passion is a conference for 18-25 year old's to come together in Atlanta, GA and worship the one true God. We're super pumped! This year it's in the Georgia Dome! Can you imagine? 80,000+ packed in there all for His glory and His renown! Pray that the Lord awakens us young folk to change this world, challenge our older generation and carry His name wherever we go.
Can't wait to come back and share all about it :)

Merry Christmas to all!

It's funny how your prayer from 3 months ago is still your prayer for today. 3 months ago I was saying "Lord release me from this to-do list and help me to seek you!" Today I'm praying a pretty similar prayer. I've come to realize that life doesn't get un-busy, it gets busier! Even after college…especially after college!

But I know that it's a process. Sanctification- a process. One of these days I will learn to be still. That is one reason I am looking forward to the upcoming break. I will have no excuse not to spend all day dwelling in God's presence.

So I pray for myself and every other busy wife out there.
Lord, slow us down.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8 

Abide in the Lord. Dwell. Pro-long. Wait.

If you were to ask what the Lord is teaching me right now, I wouldn't be able to put a finger on it. Maybe it's a lot of little things. I can definitely see him refining me as a wife. I long to be a Proverbs 31 woman/wife.

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life."
Prov. 31: 10-12


"She is clothed with strength and dignity; so she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over
the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call
her blessed; her husband also and he praises her: Many woman do noble things but you surpass them
all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." 
Prov. 31: 25-30 


We need to remember that alone time with the Lord is crucial. This is where refinement takes place. Do you want to be a better man or woman of God. Spend time with Him.

Tis the season for creativity

Okay so lately I have been feeling extra creative. I don't know whether it's because it's the holiday's or because I've been introduced to the world of Pinterest. I'm pretty sure it's the latter.

Pinterest consists of all things creative. You name it, Pinterest has it. Food, fashion, photography, home decor, etc. Basically, Martha Stewart just went out of business.

Here are some things I will be making this Christmas season:

Burlap inside of a picture frame.                                     Lightbulbs, lace, spray paint                     

Use dry erase marker to change what it says!                   Instant home-made ornaments! 

This is using Mod Podge to put pictures onto canvas.  The flower picture is one I took that I'm going to blow up and put on canvas. 

                                                

How to: click here

This seems like the simplest idea, yet I would have never thought of it.

Strawberry's dipped in yogurt(or could be done in white chocolate, then frozen. Delicious and healthy!

First picture: Dip the rim of your glass into melted chocolate, then the sprinkles, pour some milk, drink up. Cute, and yummy! 

Second picture: Sticky bun breakfast ring recipe. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth? :)

I could go on and on, but you get the point. Baking, crafts, pictures…all can be found at Pinterest. Love all the ideas! 

Also, if you're in the Pensacola area, be sure to check out Alyssa's Antiques. My mom has a booth there and some of my art just might pop up there for sale :) But really, it's an very unique place with lots of good finds! 

Lastly, Amanda Munoz Photography has officially launched! Taking pictures was once a a hobby, but now it has become an art, a business, and a favorite thing of mine. I will be in Pensacola next week for a family photo shoot. Contact me for details if interested. AMP

Happy holiday baking, making, and creating!

Thankful.

When I sit to think of all the things I am grateful for, it seems like an impossible task. In the past year, more than any other, God's provision has exceeded any expectations (of course! Cause he's God and he's bigger than any of my thoughts or expectations!).

Jehova Jireh (The Lord will provide).
Last summer I met Mitch- God gave me a spouse.
Last December I graduated from college- God gave me a job.
This year Mitch and I gave up our jobs, left our homes, got married, and came to Nashville to be trained as missionaries- and He has faithfully provided the funds for it.

There's just so much to be thankful for. After Thanksgiving is gone next week, continue to count your blessings and see God's hand in the little things. It seems to make life much more simple and enjoyable :)

November has been a good month.

The Trek-Xers took a mini-retreat to Rome, GA for 2 days just to get away and refresh. We stayed on campus at Berry College at Winshape (owned by Chick-fil-A). Oh, it was so beautiful!
Mitch and I also had a surprise visit from some very special friends. It's always great to be around old friends. And next week we will head to Fayetteville, AR for Thanksgiving.

Mitch and I cannot say enough how thankful we are for our supporters. We know that it it God who has given you all a giving heart. Thank you for being a faithful steward of your money and investing it in God's kingdom. We are still not fully supported, but God has provided part time jobs for us until we can be. We're also thankful for our prayer warriors! The battle is certainly won through prayer! We know there are many who are praying for us and our ministry and we ask you to never cease in prayer. 

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6: 10

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." Ephesians 6: 18