Be Still...

HEEeeeEEeeELLLOOOOOO (Horton Hears a Who Reference)

I always start these blogs by disclosing and apologizing for being inconsistent. 

So, for traditions sake, sorry. 

Glad that is taken care of. 

Oh... Life. A lot has happened since my last blog (nearly a year ago :D EEK) and I am not going to bore you with all of the details. But in case you care, In short and no specific order... 

I still live in Tulsa

Sometimes I try new recipes and make Micah's friends eat them 

I am 9 months away from being done with school forever

You can just call me Mrs. Madison Petersen MSW (soon)

I officially signed up for a half marathon (EEK)

I have an amazing job

 God's favor is abundant

I am secretly glad fall is here (although I love summer)

my husband is cute and has a beard

 and my dog smells like something died. 

P.S. I should be doing school work right now but somehow I ended up here...

If you are extremely close to me, you know that A LOT more than that has gone on, but that is not the important part of this message. Thank you to everyone who has invested in me during this past season, You are so important to me and I thank God for you. You know who you are. :) 

I will refer back to one of my previous blogs, titled "Overcome." I have been reminded that growing up, once again, is hard. But the reward is worth it. 

God has taught me a lot lately about: 

Making decisions

 Following His voice alone

 Trusting Him with my future

and not letting fear be the deciding factor.

A lot of really TOUGH, but IMPORTANT life lessons

Learning to be an adult and rely on Him alone.

There has been times where I questioned my calling, questioned my present, questioned my past... rough stuff. But again, not the point of this blog. 

In the midst of all of these really important lessons, decisions, and transitions I can't get away from the simplicity of God's love for us. Sometimes I think that we over think our lives... at least I do... 

"What am I going to do to serve you God? I can work harder, I can suffer, I can force myself to just do this for a while until I can be ready to do what you have called me to... I'm your FAITHFUL servant" BLAH 

when really God is saying, 

"Madi- Listen to me. I have a plan for you, it's good and far better than you imagine, and you don't have to stress or figure it out, 

JUST BE OBEDIENT, 

listen to my voice, step by step, I will not lead you astray, I love you, CHILL OUT."

*I definitely have not mastered this, I don't know who has, but I share this with you to encourage you and strengthen you in hopes that in return I will grow*

I was at Yoga class today and the instructor challenged us (in a typical post modern fashion) to really live in the moment, be present, not be caught up in the past or the future but to just breathe in the present moment because it will never be the same again. Deep right... I always use the "meditation" times to pray during these classes and I was once again reminded of Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."We get so caught up in our future plans, our past mistakes, or our current failures that we forget to simply be. 

Be Still.  

Be thankful for what God is doing in our lives RIGHT NOW

(Not distracted by what might happen in the next 4 months)

Be joyful

Be with God

Simply Be.

Still.

It is in this stillness that we can hear God! It is in this stillness that we can find rest. I think the fall season is such a good time to remember this. The weather is changing, there is a freshness in the air that reminds us that all things pass away and new things are born. Its quite beautiful actually. 

So as the leaves fall, and life seems hectic and busy, and as troubles come your way remember to take a second and be still. Trust God. Trust that you hear His voice and do not hear the voice of another. Follow Peace. Don't freak out and micromanage your future. 

And drink some Chai Tea because it is seasonally delicious 

You are an Overcomer.

John 10:3-5 "...the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

“Let it Snow Baby, Let it Reindeer”

Merry Christmas (almost)!!

‘Tis The Season! I LOVE Christmas time for several reasons. I LOVE presents (totally my love language). I LOVE having time off school (although this is one of the last Christmas breaks I will have… I have to be an adult soon with a real job… boo). I LOVE family and spending time with them. I LOVE Christmas music of all kinds (I love the classics, I love the cheesy pop versions, I love Christmas music that you can worship to, I love instrumental… I think you get it). And most importantly I LOVE what this time of year stands for.

Our savior was born… 

Last year God really opened my eyes to the fact that Jesus was born… to human parents… in a human way. I know it may seem simple, but if you really take time to think about it… man is it amazing. 

This “revelation” experience started a few years ago when I heard the song “I Celebrate The Day” by Reliant K (which is my absolute favorite Christmas song). Please take this time to listen to this song…  

Ok ok ok… So the song says “the first time that you opened your eyes did you realize that you would be my savior”. Mind. Blown. But after dwelling on this concept I have come to realization that no, this tiny infant was no different than you or I. Jesus had to hear his calling, he had to walk in the spirit, he had to fight temptation, AND mere humans raised him. STOP IT.

Can you imagine Mary and Joseph… oh hey, I just gave BIRTH to the savior of the world #NBD. The thought of humans (like you and I) having the responsibility of raising Jesus makes me seriously tear up. Like, how awesome and terrifying at the same time. I can’t imagine what that responsibility would feel like. But, God knew whom to call and he knew that they would raise HIS SON in a way that he would hear his calling, and walk in the spirit, and fight temptation, and save the world. But it started in a manger, with humans holding a very small, fragile, newborn baby with all the potential in the world. Wow. Justin Rizzo wrote a song called “Incarnation Song” and it is about this very thing (my second favorite Christmas song). I couldn't find this song anywhere on the interent to put in this blog. BUT you can buy it on iTunes and I strongly suggest that... Here is the chorus (the words in the whole song are extremely touching, but this part particularly):

“Your lying there so helpless, your lying there dependent, your lying there your unable to stand on your own. You’re unable to do anything at all. You are Lord, God made flesh. King of glory coming, crowned in lowliness. Christ is born, come to earth. God from everlasting was born a virgin birth”.

It’s EXTREMELY powerful. I think we see the powerful side of Jesus a lot (and I LOVE that part of Jesus, I’m all for justice and righteousness and miracles and all that cool stuff) but it really touches my heart to think that he was once fragile and couldn’t even speak… I think it helps us (at least me) to see the extreme human side of Jesus. It just makes it that much more real what he really did for us. Praise the Lord!

“I celebrate the day that you were born to die so someday I might pray for you to save my life… pray for you to save my life”.

Merry Christmas everyone! Dwell on this thought and be blessed this year! 

Turkey, Pumpkins, & Thankfulness

   So, everyone has been doing the “thankful-a-day” posts on facebook and it has seriously warmed my little heart. It has also inspired this blog! So, if you are still reminiscing about November (although December is here and Christmas is just around the corner!!!) this one is for you J.

November 1: Thankful for life. Life that God gave me. Life at all.

November 2: Family. I have the best in the world. Mom, Dad, you rule. Erin, I stinkin love you so         much. AND I have amazing in-laws. BAM!

November 3: A husband that I found early in life to help me through everything and be a strong supporter, encourager, and all around man!

November 4^: Susan and Kevin Morris The house we are living in for free!!!  You two are special and generous people. Everyone that I meet that knows you says that you two are some of the most compassionate, amazing people they know. Thank you for all you have done for us.

November 5: My job (making dreams come true). Although I am almost done with working at Davids Bridal, it has been a blessing to me and I have learned SO much.  

November 6: The right to vote (election day!)

November 7: Lamar MO. I love that town.  

November 8^: Running!

November 9^: Social media (keeping me connected with friends and family)

November 10: COFFEE (The fact that Tulsa has coffee shops)

November 11: Gods plan, cause mine is not as good as I think it is… ever.

November 12: America . I am grateful for my freedom and for those who have fought for it.

November 13: Shelby the stinkin dog

November 14: Oral Roberts University. I am beyond blessed to attend “the most joyful university in this or any parallel universe”.

November 15: Crafting

November 16^: God’s word. It never ceases to touch my heart in different ways.

November 17: The seasons (every one is beautiful and has its perks)

November 18:Friends (old and new)

November 19: Free Time (cherish it!)

November 20: Frozen Yogurt

November 21: An amazing home church, Lamar Family Ministries Center (and pastors J) And amazing church away from home (destiny church)

November 22: Thanksgiving. A day dedicated to food and being thankful…  

November 23: Health. My family is healthy, Thank the Lord!  

November 24: High school football. I absolutely LOVE watching my lil bro and relatives play. State Champs back to back! :D

November 25: My past. Without my past I wouldn’t have been led to where I am today and I wouldn’t be able to help people they way I will be able to help them now. Would I make different decisions if I could? Yes. But I am thankful for grace and the ability to learn and move on.

November 26: Hope for the future
November 27: Presents! (giving and receiving)

November 28: My SEESTER (her birthday was this day. 18 Years old… stop it, too weird)

November 29: Perseverance (finals, end of semester, homesick, everyday struggles) Romans 5:3  
November 30: That I have so much to be thankful for, blessed!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4

Hello everyone! You might not remember me, my name is Madison and I have proven to be one of the most inconsistent bloggers out there. But, I'm back!

Where did time go? Quick catch up on my life, I've been busy! I started (and am about to finish) my third semester at Oral Roberts University. Next semester will be my last and then I will be graduating in May. Where did time go? I am still working at Davids Bridal, making dreams come true every day. I still have a husband and a dog. So basically, not a lot has changed, but a lot will change soon. I can't believe Im graduating from college soon... I just started the application process for grad school and in about a year and a half Ill be a qualified grown up. AH. Where did time go???

Yes, I've been busy, but aren't we all! Something that I feel God has been showing me lately is this: "Although life sometimes seems like its flying by, take the time to stop and just gaze upon me. Take time to breathe. Take time to be creative." Now, understand that this is hard for me because I am extremely task oriented and I thrive on checking off things from my "list". But, I've really spent time the last few days and concentrated on doing this and I have been really blessed by it. I took time at work to not only help my customers, but talk to them and connect with them and I met some really great people and had some really encouraging conversations. I took time on my run this morning to just notice the beauty of fall and nature in itself. Small things in my life that I normally just "run right by" or that I just add to the list as a "sold commission"I have stopped to look at a little differently.

So today my blog is simple (gotta ease back into this). I encourage you this week to stop for a minute and appreciate what is around you. I think you will find that there are blessings all around. Although you might think your world is crazy and you might feel like you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off, God still wants you to realize that he is present among the madness (and it might not be so mad after all). Have a blessed week! I will see you SOON (I promise).

Psalm 46:10 "He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”"

Overcome

OVERCOME

Lately life has thrown me a series of obstacles that have challenged my overall stamina. 

I won't get into EVERY situation and every detail, but I have wanted to give up multiple times. 

It has not been a very "relaxing" summer. It's actually been a TON of hard work. 

(I guess that is growing up though, there is no summer vacation). 

I've been in an awkward limbo between, 

1.WAA I want to do nothing and be a child like every summer before.

and

2. I want to accomplish things, be an adult, and be productive this summer.

Anyways, I reached a point a few weeks ago that I was ready to quit. I couldn't see the way around the obstacle and I thought that even if I could get to the other side, there would be nothing better. Everything in me wanted to just give up 

(this has been a problem I've faced several time over the past year, God is teaching me something). 

My mom and my amazing husband encouraged me during this time.

So I pushed forward. 

I had probably 5 of the most challenging weeks of my life, no fun (no time for fun) but I accomplished what I set out to accomplish. My mom called me a few days after this accomplishment and shared a piece of wisdom with me. I answered the phone and the conversation went something like this:

"Madi, that is just the difference between people who succeed in life and people that don't"

"Mom, what are you talking about?"

"Im talking about not giving up when things get hard. Thats the difference. People who persevere, push through, even when things are hard and sucky are the same people in life who succeed."

I left the conversation feeling warm and fuzzy thinking, I have an amazing mom. But this phrase stuck with me during the following weeks. I had a couple other things happen where I was THIS close to giving up, but I remembered what my mom said. 

I guess the point I am trying to get across is that: 

You CAN do it. 

You are NOT a failure.

Whatever IT is, IT is not too hard. 

Don't listen to the voice that tells you you CANT. You can.

God has GOOD things for you. 

and

Growing up kinda sucks.

(but put on your big girl/boy panties and face it head on)

I love the quote that I put at the top of this blog by ee cummings. It does take courage to grow up. Sometimes it seems much easier to be a coward. But, I want to be who God want's me to be and when my little immature flesh tries to get in the way I have to remember that, 

"that is the difference between those who succeed and those who fail in life". 

So thanks mom. :) 

(P.S. I know I haven't posted in like 14 years, this would be why. Thanks for waiting.) 

Fathers be good to your daughters...

-So, obviously this is going to be a fathers day post. If you haven't noticed, all of my postings recently have had to do with a holiday of some sort. This is because I currently have no time to think about anything other than spanish, davids bridal, and holidays. Ok, end of disclaimer, lets get to the point of this blog. My dad.

My father is the COOLEST dad in the whole world. Seriously, try to find one that is cooler I dare you. Let just list the things about him that make him cooler than a penguin ice skating on an iceberg.

1. He is my dad. (anyone that is related to me is automatically awesome).

2. He is in a band.

3. He plays guitar. 

4. He loves Jesus. 

5. He parented 2 girls. 

6. He is always up for an adventure. 

7. He loves people. (and can relate/make friends with practically anyone) 

8. He was the dad that all of the boys in high school thought was cool.

9. He likes to "go visiting" 

10. He inspires others (especially me). 

Now dad, I am not going to write you a poem like I did for mom (mainly because I know your not into that "mushy" stuff, and I would probably make myself cry writing it). If I had more time I would write you a song, but I don't and plus we should do that together someday anyways. I could write down so many fun memories I have with you on this blog, I can't wait to make more! So my main goal is to just let you know that I love you so much. I know that you already know that but I can't say it enough. I am so proud to have you as my dad. It KILLS me that I can't be home to celebrate your fatherness this weekend. Next time I come home we are due for some hang out time. 

Until then, keep on keepin on, and by "on" I mean "awesome". 

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DAD! 

Happy Fathers Day :) 

The only boy who could ever reach me... Was the son of a preacher man.

2 Years Ago...

June 5th 2010

I started a new journey.

Now, two years later, I look back and I cannot believe where that journey has already taken us. From Marshall Missouri to Tulsa Oklahoma! I am so glad that we got married when we did for SO many reasons, but most of all because we get to have so many years (and so many adventures) together :). The ups and downs have been crazy but one thing has been constant and that is my wonderful husband there by my side through every storm. There have been times that I thought without him I wouldn't have made it (A few times this previous school year). When I want to give up, he gives me vision and strength to continue. I am so happy that I found a man that balances me in the perfect way. He has shown me grace in a way that I didn't know was possible. He is a strong foundation, but a tender heart. He loves me, but loves God more. He is EVERYTHING I want. I love you Micah John! I am so proud of you and so honored to be your wife! I can't wait to see what is next in this journey. 

Adventure is out there! :D 

Ok. Now that the mushy part is over... I have been saving these quotes for a very special occasion. I thought maybe for Micah's birthday (I can probably collect more by then) but I can't contain it anymore. So, here is the beginning of what will be a long list of "Micahisms". And by "Micahisms"I mean ridiculous things that Micah says and does on a regular basis. I hope they bring you as much joy as they do me. 

"What the hay bales?"

"What the halibut?"

"What the Thessalonians?"

(He says you can add "what the" in front of anything and make it cool.)

"Great Gatsby."

(Whatever a gatsby is... is must be pretty great)

"Great gravy"

(He says, "that one isn't even an original")

"Preferential Treatment."

(He uses this sometimes to substitute for saying "good")

"That's Kind."

(He also uses this to substitute for saying "good")

Also... "Your Kind." 

(instead of saying "I like you", or "I love you")

Me- "Micah, will you build me a house with your bare hands like a cowboy?"

Micah- "Madi, I am going to build you a house with my bare brain."

"Golly Bob Howdy"

(He says this at least 3 times a day, sometimes for no reason at all)

"DEAR!"

....stay tuned for more "Micahisms" in September :)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DEAR!

(Us with our cake top on our 1st anniversary)