31 days of blogging// treasuring every moment.

There are so many beautiful things about being  a mama.. One thing is the inspiration of enjoying your today..

I sometimes get so caught up in thoughts about how I'm so looking forward to my piglet talking, and fully walking and all that fun stuff..But in reality I am reminded that once that happens I'm gonna miss the stage that she's in right now. I already miss this stage like crazy.

This journey of being a mama has been the most rewarding journey yet. It's an amazing, hard, and selfless journey and yet, most rewarding. From being a mama I have come to a deeper understanding of God's everlasting and unconditional love for me and it is awesome!

I have learned so much to be content.. To be content, thankful and joyful everyday.. Though there are many days where it's harder to see the things to be joyful for but when Jesus is put first it makes a joyful heart so much more easier to captivate.

I have learned to love "today" And to see and notice the little blessings of today. Because this day will never be again. My daughter will never be this young again but every day she will just get older and older and I'm honestly okay with that. I know sometimes I sigh at the fact of my baby being one in just a month. But honestly it excites me! I would be lying if I told you I didn't want my baby to grow up.. Because growing up is such an exciting journey for the both of us.

If she didn't grow up I think it would be much harder to see and notice the gifts and blessings in every day life. Because for this mama watching my daughter see,touch, feel and experience new things.. you can't put a bigger smile on my face.. It's so rewarding.
For example..

 We gave this pretty girl  Spaghetti for the first time last night and it was a major hit! I just let her feed herself and go for it and man did she!

I think she enjoyed playing with it more than anything but some did make it to her mouth considering her belly was super full when I picked her up!

I'll forever miss My girl extremely tiny and I look forward to her growing up.. But until then.. I think I shall enjoy the now. The present gift, and the blessing of the present. 

                                     Enjoy your Wednesdays ladies!
                                               Love  ya! -  xoxo Heather

Beloved,

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.  Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. -Revelation 2:3-4

 I want to encourage you today to never forget your first love.. This is a verse The Lord had laid on my heart lately. It's pretty deep if you ask me. 

You know, living the life we live, the fast mode we're used to, and the blessings that have become so ordinary to our sight. We often forget about Our first love.  Especially in the busyness of  day. 

Sometimes we don't even realize that we have forgotten the most important One in our life, The One that completes us, The One who is constantly waiting for us to draw near to Him so He can show us the things unseen, The One who calls us "Beloved". 

And that is why I believe the rate for divorce is high, Mama's are burned out and feel a loss of patience,  Ladies in waiting are done with waiting, and ministries aren't ministering. 

Darlings , right here.right now. Lets dedicate our lives once again to the One who first loved us. 
Lets remember that it's only the love of Jesus that can complete us.

My Married sisters, Let us stop seeking  the love and perfection from our husbands that is impossible for them to give you. Lets stop giving them our one hundred percent just to expect one million percent from them. Because truth is we are never going to get a million percent from them and sometimes we may not even get that one hundred percent.
But let that not determine our unfailing love for our husbands. Let us love our husbands like Jesus loves us! And let us remember that the most important thing in marriage isn't to serve each other. It's not to cater each others every need. It's about living your life working together as a ministry, sacrifice, and to serve the One who can fill our every need. 

My mama's, Lets not forget to get some Jesus time in before the day starts.. Meet Him in the morning of the day before the little darlings get up.. Lets give Him the first of what we are so He can give us the first of who He is! Let His love over power us so we can share that love with our children as we continue to plant seeds in their life that will stick with them forever.  I'm telling you it's much better than a cup of coffee! 

My single sisters, I know sometimes it's hard to wait.. You want to be loved, cherished and cared for by a man. And Jesus knows and understands and He's bringing you your promised one. But until then let Him continue to romance you and draw you closer to Him.. Choose Jesus to be your Beloved, your main Man, your Everything. Because it is only Him who can and wants to fill your every need and every desire. 

And to all of my sisters in Ministry, Whether it's blogging, across country, in the church or even in the home. Let us remember to not be so soaked up and focused on serving God that we forget about Him. Let us not be so focused and busy preparing things that we forget to include God in the midst of it all. I believe that's one reason why the Church isn't reaching, healing and ministering. We're so focused on schedule and plans and running around like a crazy person that we forget to sit down sometimes and just love on Jesus and let Him be the ministry.

So my sisters, my friends. Today let us be reminded and never forget His unfailing love that's captivating.
Let us never forget our first Love during the craziness of our lives but instead run to Him. The One who can turn it into something beautiful and peaceful once again.

What I want my daughter to know & you to know too!

  First off can you believe my baby girl will be 9 months on Sunday? Man oh man oh man! Any way now that  that's out of the way and off my chest.

When I found out I was pregnant I was super excited about the responsibility God has anointed and blessed me with. It's something I take very seriously and I feel it should be.

These nine months have been such a fun and loving experience.  There hasn't been a day that went by when I didn't thank Jesus for my dearest Evelynne. And just watching her grow, doing new things each day and exploring what nature has to offer her excites me and has me thinking about what I desire to teach her and have already started!

I look forward to teaching my daughter so many things. To read, write, to find  beauty in the simple things in life. But  I believe really the most important thing I can teach my daughter, reveal to her and encourage her to receive and to know,  is her true identity in Christ! Because so many in the world are going to try and deceive her, and tell her who they think she is.  It is so important that those things don't matter to her and that the only opinion that should and does matter is from her Heavenly Beloved, Her Heavenly Father and King.

To remember that she is beautiful beyond compare. Not because of her looks or what she wears.  But to remember that she is beautiful because God made her that way. He looks at her, adores her and knows what He has made is really good! Genesis 1:31

To remember that she is the Victor and never the victim. Because she is the true daughter of the most High God. A spiritual warrior that cannot be defeated.



"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57

  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Philippians 4:13  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. -Romans 6:14
To remember not to fear because she is perfectly loved. And that nothing can harm her. To know that she has the authority to stomp serpents, to heal the sick, raise the dead, and no evil thing will come near her. To know that evil is powerless when the Children of God are unafraid. And that God has given her the Authority to do such things.

There is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
-1 John 4:18

 
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. That she has the very abundant life that God has given to her through His Son. 
-1 John 4:17

And when He had called unto Him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

-Matthew 10:1

Before she was conceived God knew her and sanctified her.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. -Jeremiah 1:5

 
She is the Bride of Christ. And she is cherished and crowned with glory and honor.

 

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:  -Colossians 1:27

 

 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 

-Psalms 8:5 

And She was created for His Glory to do the Mighty things that God has anointed her  to do. And only she can do! 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. -Revelation 4:11

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. -Isaiah 43:7

And that she can go to Jesus with anything and He will answer her and show her mighty things in His Name.   Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. -Jeremiah 33:3 


I have mentioned before that I believe the most important thing for a woman to know or anyone in general is to know their Identity in Christ! Because once they know that. Nothing will be able to stop them. Not fear, not condemnation, not people, and not even circumstances! When we know our identity in Christ we are dangerously unstoppable! 

I want to teach my daughter these things because I believe it is the most important thing a Born again Christian can know. If they don't know this, they will be stomped on and deceived by what the world thinks they are. My desire and dream is that my daughter knows who she is in Christ. That she can stand tall as a believer looking down to no one. 

 To have such authority in Christ and allowing Him to work miracles in her life. 

My uttermost prayer is that what people say doesn't move her.

But what she says moves other people. 

That she can stand inline at a grocery store and not envy or be discouraged by the half dressed model in a magazine. 

But instead pray for her and pity her.

 To not be effected by piers but instead her piers be effected by her. 

I believe God has given Leon and I such responsibility by placing this little love muffin in our hands A responsibility we will take most seriously. I can't tell you how blessed I am to be a mama!


                                                            Dearest Darlings,
                     If you don't know your identity in Jesus I highly recommend that you find out.
                     It's the identity Jesus overcame the world with and He wants to place that identity in you.
                    But loves, He can only give it to you if you receive it! And trust me you'll be glad you did!                                   Because you will NEVER be the same.

If you have any questions  or need encouragement on "Your identity in Christ" please feel free to e-mail me @ Heather.l.Riley.LWACW@gmail.com. I'd love to chat with you!

                                         Until then Love ya sisters! 
                                            XOXO - Heather

p.s Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the 2nd week of the "Finally Fall Link up" It's topic is  "Your  fall wardrobe" Dream or reality! But really you can link up anything fall related!

Over coffee. (Encouragement to a beautiful pregnant momma)

If I were having coffee with you today, I would give you this HUGE awkward hug that none Pregers and Pregers are known to give each other. I'd ask you "How are you doing and feeling"  I'd also ask you if you had any amazing sonogram pictures to show me.. I'd even treat you to some Decaf coffee with a pastry. :)

Evelynne's Sonogram picture.

If I were having coffee with you, I'd tell you how beautiful you looked even if you were wearing sweats. Because that new momma glow looks radiant on you!

I would tell you how excited I am about your pregnancy and how I've been praying for you. And that I can't wait to see what God has planned for this precious life that He's created inside you!

Me at 39 weeks

 I would ask how you were feeling knowing that your day is coming up real soon? Sooner than you even realize. The day you will be holding this little life that you have carried for nine months. It's so exciting!

I would ask you if you've had any crazy dreams yet? And than I would fill you in and tell you about my crazy dreams when I was pregnant. The crazy dream when my Grandmother was Pregnant, and the dream of when Panera Bread wouldn't give me my food because they said it wasn't mine.. When I knew it was!!.. (That dream even made me wake up mad!) It's so funny what pregnancy does to you!

 
 If I were having coffee with you, I would tell you not to worry about anything. Sometimes it's hard to not be afraid or to worry when you have a little life that you love and adore to protect. There's so many things the enemy tries to fill our heads with just so that we will live in fear. But I will remind you that perfect love casts out fear and that Jesus gave us that perfect love when He died on the cross for us! So that we will be made whole. I would tell you that God has major plans for this youngster of yours and don't the the enemy tell you otherwise.

I would tell you that your baby is created to live and declare the works of The Lord. And that your little blessing is beautifully and wonderfully made with nothing missing and nothing lacking.

I would tell you that Jesus is with you every pregnant and momma step of the way and that there is nothing to be feared. <3

If I were having coffee with you, I would tell you that Evelynne has been so active lately and that she was actually trying to get into things today! I really believe I have my work cut out for me. I wonder what God has planned for this little lady of curiosity and determination? I can't wait to see!
If I were having coffee with you, I would tell you that I love you! & that we momma's are meant to look out for each other. I would encourage you to call or text me whenever you needed a lift of Spirit!

I would tell you to brace yourself because once you hold your sweet child in your arms. Your life will never be the same! Xoxo

Tips on losing The Baby Weight.

I have been asked by quite  a few women on how I lost all of my baby weight so soon. So I thought I'd write a blog post about it for all you  mamma's and pregnant mamma's!

1. Start out eating right. I know when you're pregnant there are times when you feel like eating everything in sight.  (At least, I know I did!) There wasn't a day that went by where I wasn't craving a Chick fil a Large Milkshake and a #1. Not a day! But I know the fat/bad sugars/ and calories content on those things were even crazy for a pregnant woman that is supposed to be gaining weight. So I forced myself to be disciplined and I chose one day of the week to eat my desire and that day was Friday. And let me tell you my friend, Chickfila tasted so much more better when I waited for it. And I didn't feel bad about eating it either!
I also recommend healthy snacking  if your craving ice cream substitute with frozen yogurt with strawberries! Or if you want something crunchy and salty like potato chips try eating lightly salted nuts instead and see if that satisfies your craving. And if your craving hot dogs try buying the better and more natural brand. & if you're pregnant you'll be starting your munchkin out on a healthy start!

2. Get moving. Working out was a major thing for me. I wasn't working so I had major time on my hands. But you can do a lot of things and get a good work out. Just be creative. I usually went for a walk daily in my neighborhood and occasionally took my bike for a spin. It was great! It was set aside for Jesus time and quality time with my baby. I really think she even liked walking in my tummy and to this day walking relaxes her.

3. Breast feed. Breast feeding was the thing that really brought me back to my normal weight!  When you're loosing 500 calories daily from breastfeeding alone. That can do the trick! It also saves you lots of $$$!!

I hope this little bit of advice helps! This sums up everything I did while being pregnant and after pregnancy. Don't forget ladies that no matter what you're beautiful, you're valued, and your cherished by Your Heavenly beloved! Heck you're a tiger. Go hear yourself roar! Haha!

SEE THOSE PEARLY WHITES!!!

 Three Things Thursday!!
Happy Thursday lovelies! Another day for a fun link-up don't you think??? :) Click here to join in all the fun!


Today's question for this link up is "3 of your favorite movies"
 
1.  "Emma" with  Gwyneth Paltrow.   
  I love everything about that movie. The music,romance, the acting, the wardrobe, time period, and the comedy! Plus I love Jane Austin. I honestly think I could live in that century. (as a rich person of course!)   
 
2. LOTR!!  Call me a nerd but ever since The Lord of the rings trilogy  came out they have been my favorite movies! I'm always telling Leon that we need to get Elvish wedding rings with Elvin writings haha!

3. Star wars. Yep, I'm the proud owner of a Star wars shirt. I love all of them and was seriously disappointed that Star wars was sold to Disney. I just don't thing it's gonna work out. =/


What are your top favorites??? XOXO