If We Were on a Coffee Date | No. 13

If we were on a coffee date, I'd be like, "HOLY CRAP DID YOU SEE WHAT TYSON GOT ME FOR CHRISTMAS?!"

If we were on a coffee date, you'd be like, "YOU ALREADY OPENED YOUR PRESENTS?!"

If we were on a coffee date, I'd be like, "Yes. We suck at Christmas."

If we were on a coffee date, we'd laugh it out and then I'd unveil the gloriousness that is my new espresso machine. Then I'd make you a latte. Or macchiato. Or cappuccino. Whichever you prefer. 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd probably end up telling you the story of how we came to open presents early and how since our first Christmas, I have guessed my presents dead on. 5-0, Jules. 

If we were on a coffee date, Tyson would probably chime in from the peanut gallery (because we'd be at my house. And on latte #2). But don't let that fool you, he's just as caffeinated excited as I am about opening this present early. 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask what your favorite Christmas gift was. I love hearing people's favorite things. It tells me a lot about you, knowing what makes you happy. 

If we were on a coffee date, we'd probably sit on the subject of memories forever. Everyone has them, good and bad. Holidays have a weird way of forcing introspectivity (is that even a word?) and sometimes we just need to process out loud. 

At least I do. Maybe you do too. 

If we were on a coffee date, what would you want to chat about? 

More espresso? 

Original Image via

The Ground is Breaking

There is something new around the corner. Something's about to burst open in this world. The rumble beneath the earth is the sound of evil scrambling. Fighting harder to stay prevalent, relevant. 

But it will not prevail. 

We have a promise, from One who has yet to break a single promise, that even the fiery gates of hell itself cannot eliminate. 

This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.

And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven. (Matthew 16:18-19 MSG)

Another translation says, 

I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.  (Matthew 16:18-19 AMP)

Meaning, there is nothing that will keep the movement of the Spirit, through the vehicle of the Church, from churning faster and faster and faster. 

Restoration is God's plan. Redemption. Salvation will be had for the earth and those who dwell in it. 

Something is coming. 

Something is awakening. 

The ground is breaking and light is bursting forth, even brighter today than it was yesterday.

Look for it and I promise, you will find it.

Original image from this brilliant designer.

How to Change Someone's Tomorrow

A sisterhood isn't created by organized gatherings. It starts first with regular, ordinary life; seemingly small decisions that will ripple into the future, affecting lives in ways we might never know the fullness of.

Shanna's story makes me cry, not tears of sorrow, but tears of thankfulness for the beautiful loving girls in the world. I want to be one of them.

"So I want you to remember, when you look at your mom, she's not just a housewife. She's not just a person that picks up your clothes and clean the house, she's a hero. She's my hero. And she saved my life."

Who we love on today might change their tomorrow. Don't forget that.

Jewelry with Meaning | Gracewear Collection

You guys, I finally found proof Symphony is my child! (Minus the whole child-birth thing.) Accessories! I mean, most of the world can tell this kid belongs to Tyson Morlet. #twinsies But she possess very few Mama features so far. 

Until now. She loves accessories. And "love" is an understatement. She plays with them most the day and can spot them like a detective in the stores. She wants all her necklaces on before breakfast and will wear them any time we leave the house. (I guess I should be grateful it's not a boisterous costume or anything. Yet.) 

The funniest part is how we discovered this obsession. We were at a friend's house and Symphony and their little girl had disappeared for a little while. It's their norm for them to play sweetly and quietly for a good amount of time. I got up to check on them and I heard this jingling sound coming from the room. 

Awe, they're playing with the musical instruments, I thought to myself as I rounded the corner. 

Nope.

There was my daughter, covered from head to toe in nearly every fashion accessory this little girl owned. I mean everything. Tiara, headbands, 45 necklaces (Minimum!), rings, bracelets and of course the pink sparkling heels. 

I died. 

Since then I've been scouring thrift stores, Forever 21 sales section, and website to find jewelry for my girl. That's when I met Gracewear. 

Their collection of adult stuff is beautiful, but their jewelry for girls is what caught my attention. They've found a way to make delicately sweet pieces for girls that hold so much meaning and inspiration.

Based on Ephesians 6 and the armor of God, Gracewear's jewelry was created to remind it's wearer that the armor of God never leaves us. It's something we wear everyday, as followers of Christ and it's not just an accessory. It's a weapon meant for battle. A shield meant for safety. A sword meant to bring light and cut the darkness that surrounds us. 

As you can see from the photos above, Sym adores her bracelets and I can't wait for her to start comprehending the meaning of the jewelry she loves so much. She wears them everyday, naturally, and I can't wait to teach her how significant that really is. Not that the jewelry will protect her, but that it reminds us the One who will. 

- - - - - - - - - -

This post contains affiliate links that should go towards a college fund or something but will probably go towards buying Sym more jewelry ;) The bracelet's she is wearing the photos were also gifted graciously from Gracewear. 

Why You Need to Finish Strong This Year

30 more days. 2014 has only 30 more days and then it's gone forever. 

It's crazy to me that this year, this day, will never again exist in history. 

There are moments I wish my days away. Not in a daydreamy sort of way, but more like a Man-I-wish-you-would-go-away sort of way.  Have you ever felt like that? 

There's nothing you want more than for this day to fade and morning to come. Nothing got done today. The kids are too hard to parent today. The job just won't let up. The family can't seriously make anymore drama. 

Am I getting close? 

There's hardly anything more exciting or revitalizing like "new." New days, new products, new seasons, new years. I don't wanna do this anymore, we sigh. I just want to start over. 

In the middle of the mud, we crave a clean slate. (Click it to Tweet it!)

But here's a dirty little secret no one tells us about starting over: Our monumental memories are in the middle of the mud.

Character is made in the mud. 

Virtue is tested in the mud. 

Integrity of heart and soul is built up in the mud.

To hit the reset button everytime we got a little dirty would do a great disservice to humanity. Nothing would finish because dirt is a reality. Nothing would complete because our hands wouldn't be rough enough to handle the pressure. Nothing would move forward because moving something as big as legacy and generations are bound to well up sweat and tears amidst the weather of life. 

Getting out of the mud is a small goal for our year. What if we strapped in and committed to making it out of the mud of 2014 with treasure we discovered at the bottom of the pit? 

We have 30 days left. 

Is your marriage breaking? Are your grades flatlined? Do your children feel distant or are you half-a**ing your way through the workday? Maybe there's a dream you feel is impossible, especially in 30 days. Try it. I dare you. 

Some of you have already found your treasure this year and it might be time to start making your way out. 

Some of you have been so focused on the water pressure it'll take to wash this year off. Stop and look around. What are you missing?

Some of you have fallen asleep. In a mud pit. Wake up. Your year is not lost. 

And some have stubbed your toe on the treasure, thinking it was a rock. Stoop down, feel around, and pick it up. You might be surprised. 

Regardless of where you are or where you aren't, give it all you got and let's finish this year strong. 

- - - - - - - - - -

My Momma use to write verses on index cards and stick them around my life, my room, my car etc. Here are some verses and inspirational quotes you can stick around your space to remind you to keep going, every moment of everyday. 

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. 

So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us.

Philippians 3:12-16

Defeat doesn't finish a man, quit does. A man is not finished when he's defeated. He's finished when he quits.

Richard Nixon

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 

1 Corinthians 9:24

Sunday Worship | Shoreline Church, Austin, TX

Most Sundays I'm at Shoreline Church in Austin, Texas. It's our new home and I'll recommend this community to anyone local to Austin. If you need to get plugged into a church, this is your home.

Directions and Service times are in the link above.

Message me if you visit! I wanna say hi!

Not local? You can watch online at shoreline.net/live

If We Were On A coffee Date | No. 12

If we were on a coffee date, I'd be in my workout clothes. Mostly because I just got new Lulu pants and in short: I'm absolutely in love with everything about them and I wear them all the time and I never want to take them off because it feels like second skin and they keep my legs from jiggling while I run and I love them. 

If we were on a coffee date, Sym would be at home with Ty. Because she needs some heavy duty Daddy time.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you I'm sure excited to start teaching voice lessons again. I have two student right now and they're both adorable. First lesson is Tuesday. What I miss most about teaching voice is watching the "light bulb moments" in the girls eyes. "Oooooh that's how it goes!" 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask what you love doing with your spare time. I love hearing people's hobbies and seeing their passion seep through. So many of my friends have hobbies I would never even think of! What's yours?

If we were on a coffee date, we could sit and chat for however long we wanted. Because I won a bet with Ty. I don't remember what it was on but the winner got a full day to themselves. So chat on my dear, chat on.

Refill latte anyone? 

What My Daughter Taught Me About Needing Her Daddy

I packed our bag while my one year old was well into her first nap of the day. 

God, I prayed aloud, can I have an extra measure of grace this weekend? 

I was feeling tired, having just recovered from a 24 hour flu bug and the mere thought of walking through security with my toddler made me want to get back in bed. 

But it came. The grace came in floods and flurries at the right moments. 

I knew this weekend would be tough for Baby Girl Mo, seeing new people and new places. People that knew her and her story, but faces she wouldn't recognize. So I did my best to walk her through who each person was. But "This is 'so and so'," was only good for so long before her little body started pressing further into mine with uncertainty and anxiety. 

I knew her sleep schedule would be off, so I did my best to compensate with extra naps and "down time" away from the crowds and gatherings. 

However, what I never anticipated was how off balanced she became every day we were away from her Daddy. 

With each day that passed, she became more and more emotionally unsettled. There was a sense of fear that overcame her every time I walked out of the room. (A girl's gotta pee at some point!)

Initially, I couldn't figure out what was going on. But on about the third night, Tyson sent us a video of him singing to her and she instantly lit up! She was beaming from ear to ear and giggling through the familiar song she's heard a thousand times.

As the video ended, she turned to me with a look of worry and a whimpering tone to play it again and it hit me. 

She needs her Daddy! She misses his love and affection. She needs to be held by him. There was an ache in her for his presence and she didn't know how to identify it. 

Right now, her sense of balance and security rests largely on the presence and love of her Daddy. 

It occurred to me how very real this need is, not only in my daughter's life, but in mine as well. (And maybe yours too?)

I need my Heavenly Father, everyday or else I get off balanced and unsettled.

I get worrisome and fearful when I cannot remember how strong and safe my Father is. 

There is sometimes an ache in me that I can't identity until I've spent time in the love and song and presence of my heavenly Father. 

There is peace in His presence. There is joy in His presence. There is balance and understanding in His presence. There is freedom in His presence. 

Whatever you need right now, it can be found in His presence. It may not all be tangible, but it's there. The wisdom, the direction, the breath, the life. It's there. 

Sym and I were only gone a total of five days. Not that long. But I'll tell you what, I ain't never taking her away from her Daddy for that long ever again. 

- - - - - - - - - -

What do you need right now?

Is there an unidentifiable ache in your soul? 

- - - - - - - - - -

My Momma use to write verses on index cards and stick them around my life, my room, my car etc. Here are some verses you can stick around your space to remind you to press into God's presence every moment of everyday. 

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. 

Psalm 16:11

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. 

Psalm 27:4

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 

Joshua 1:9

And behold, I am with you and will keep (watch over you with care, take notice of) you wherever you may go, and I will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done all of which I have told you. 

Genesis 28:15

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

John 15:5

I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 

Psalm 16:7-8

Is Break Time an Act of Love?

Break time. 

Break break break time.

Breaking time.

Making a break in time.

For what?

What could possible be so important that we'd need to break the rhythm of time?

Sanity.

Peace.

Balance. 

I'm one of those people who have a hard time finding the self control to actually break my time. Sure I'll sit down to chill, but I'm on my phone or making a list, or thinking about how dirty that computer screen is. 

It's easier for my mind to keep computing and reacting and listing than it is for it to be completely silent. 

Why is that, I wonder. 

Maybe because some how, busyness and ultimate productivity has become an idol in the way I view my world. (Click it to tweet it!)

How much did I get done today? 

How far down my list did I make it?

How many loads did I wash and fold? 

How hard did I exercise and how clean did I eat? 

How happy is my child and did I teach her enough today? 

If the answer to these questions are not average or above, my day feels wasted. 

You too? 

Break time. 

Who has time for breaks? There's stuff to be done!

But no matter how fast or hard or long we work, it'll never be enough. 

If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks.

If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap.
It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?

(Psalm 127:2)

Our efforts are long-winded unless they are built on the calling of our season. And when they are built on the calling of our season, then rest, amidst the toil, will come straight from heaven above. 

Because He loves us. He said so Himself. 

So does that mean, taking a break from the hustle and bustle is really an act of receiving and accepting love?

Maybe.

Break time. Necessary time. Steadying the heart and soul before it falls off balance.
Break time. Valuable time. Spent on centering and repositioning our mind and emotions.
Break time. Rest time. God given time to breathe in, breathe out, and start again.

- - - - - - - - - - -
What are you thoughts on break time? 

Worship in the (Temecula) Valley

Excited and honored to be invited home for Worship in the Valley. If you're in Southern Cali and you have Thursday or Friday night free, come worship with us!

Thursday, November 20 | 6:15P
Friday, November 21 | 6:15P

NO CHARGE | But still register so they know you're coming!

Crosspoint Church | 28753 Vía Montezuma | Temecula, CA 92590

Come say hi~

Giving Up Stability...For Now.

The season in Austin just turned overnight. It went from gorgeous days of sunshine and crisp air to windchill and freezing temps. Where are we?!

This California girl is realizing how inadequate her family's wardrobes are. Shopping anyone? 

We're in the busy season of church life: women's conference, Thanksgiving, Christmas, so home cooked meals and daily laundry days are a rarity these days. Who am I kidding, they're pretty rare regardless, but even more so now. Haha.

But I love my family. I love that we are us and we do things our way and it works. It's too easy to compare lifestyles with the families next door (or on Instagram). (Click it to tweet it!) But I am so grateful to have a husband who loves Chic-fil-a and a daughter who laughs just because she's with us. 

It's the small things ya know? 

“It's not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What's hard, she said, is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.”  

- Shauna Niequist 

Amen. 

Fresh laundry, clean floors, use of our kitchen table and the rhythm of routine are definitely things I want for my family. Someday. However, for the Mo's, in this season, we're giving up the stable stereotypes for the flurry of fast-paced ministry. 

It might change in the next few years to accommodate coming shifts, and I'm okay with that too. 

But for today, we eat out way too much, watch movies late, have Starbucks dates with our one year old, make up loud silly songs about everything and laugh all the time.

It's our normal and I wouldn't change a thing.

- - - - - - - - - -

What season are you in? Are you ready for a change or are you rocking it? 

- - - - - - - - - -

If you're new to this space, I usually reserve Mom talk for Thursdays. This isn't a mom blog. But I do blog and I am a mom. So naturally, it leaks through. 

Hume Lake with the Band

Have you ever had the chance to watch someone grow up?

Maybe besides your own children?

It's been a weird and joyful journey watching these friends grow up. Some of us are the same age, so we're growing up together, through college and weddings and bands. Some are younger, so we watched them go through pimples, squeaky voices and girlfriends. But this band is one we love very much.

They were some of the toughest to leave when we moved.

You never know, when you uproot from a place you've been grounded for so long, how the distance will effect relationships. It's kind of terrifying. The "what-if's" were overwhelming for me as we said our last goodbyes and drove away.

But that weekend in September, when we all drove and flew various miles to play together once again, was so full of joy and laughter and unity.

The band was back together. Even if just for a weekend.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, or so they say. Seeing these sweet lives blossom and flourish under the pressure and changes of seasons has been a sheer joy.

I miss them. I love them. Even from a distance.

If We Were On a Coffee Date | No. 11

If we were on a coffee date, it'd have to be now, 7:30PM because my house is sick and I just got them fed, showered, medicated and put to bed.

If we were on a coffee date any earlier, I would have had a fallen bun hanging from my head, lasagna sauce on my white tank top because the spatula freaked out on me during dinner, and a full bladder. Because who has time to take a real potty break?

If we were on a coffee date, we'd be sitting at Starbucks. I really should branch out, but right now I need familiar. (And by familiar I mean Sugar Free Peppermint Mocha. #redcups!) I need to know my drink is going to taste like I expect it to, the bathroom is clean, and the music isn't going to suck. #bobdylantakemehome

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you how much I'm grasping to familiar right now. Anything that can become routine, I try and keep it. Working out, nap times, games and pre-school activities, blogging, working...I know when and how they're supposed to happen and I am attempting to keep them there. 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask what season of season of life you think you're in. No that's not a typo. I probably know you're a mom, or in your early twenties, married or unmarried, in school or out. I want to know if you're in the exciting part of your season or the terrifying part of your season. Or anything in between. Tell me. 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd be tempted to get another holiday drink and you'd talk me out of it. Because you love me. 

What would you tell me on our coffee date?

5 Reasons A Sisterhood is Vital to Your Life

Today's article is by my new, fashionable and quickly becoming dear friend, Alex Shimanek. You'll love her and her heart for unity among women. 

SISTERHOOD: a movement of every day girls, connected heart and soul, who are passionate about bringing Heaven to Earth.

I read a great article recently on the importance of women having girlfriends. It spoke about how girlfriends can make moments of joy and elation even more memorable and enjoyable by simply just being there. It also said friends are necessary to help ‘lighten the load’ in times of tragedy or despair. 

Because I was serving in Sisterhood, this article really resonated with me and I lingered over every word. It was so good that I immediately shared it with my girlfriends and posted it on my Facebook page. 

That night, as Iaid down to reflect on my day and give thanks, I started to think about the women in my world and realized that, while the article was good, I would have added a few more reasons why Sisterhood is important:

1. SHE LOOKS THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, NOT THE REARVIEW MIRROR

Your girlfriend let’s go of your past. Those mistakes, regrets and disappointments that the enemy would love for you to dwell on, well… she won’t let you. She won’t constantly remind you of who you once were (unless it’s really funny) but rather celebrate who you are becoming and how God is at work in you now. She will dream with you and speak life into your future.

2.  SHE WEARS SISTERHOOD LENSES

She sees you thru those proverbial “rose colored glasses” people are always talking about.  She will always give you the benefit of the doubt, not because you are perfect- no one is…but because she just knows you. She knows your heart. She knows your truth. And she loves you.

3.  SHE'LL "CALL YOU OUT" LOVINGLY

Your girlfriend will correct you, and speak to you in love, when you are acting like a “Hot Mess” (a term I have borrowed from a girlfriend of mine who uses it to describe me more often than I like to admit). She won’t judge you, condemn you or make you feel like there is something VERY wrong with you. She will however, hold your hand and look at you with a twinkle in her eye and say, “C’mon now! You know better!”  And you will know she is right, you did know better. And then, you’ll do better.

4.  SHE LIFTS YOU UP

She will lift up your arms when you feel like you just can’t anymore. When you feel like you have no more tears left, like there is no more room in your mind to replay another scenario…She is there.  She will fill in the gap when you feel like you just can’t catch a break, or get a ‘win’. When you feel like you just can’t take any more bad news, or hold up your arms any longer, she’s standing there holding up your arms for you. She is unshakable. Immovable. She is firmly planted.

5.  SHE'S YOUR PRAYER WARRIOR

Your Sisters will pray with you and for you. Girlfriends know the desires of your heart.  They know of that baby you and your husband are fervently praying for, and without you having to ask, she is already praying. They know of that deep desire in your heart to someday write a book or get married or live debt free, and they are in complete and total agreement.

As I’ve gotten older, I have come to the realization that my happiness cannot be found in a particular person or object. No one can save us, only God can do that. And He did, when He sent Jesus!  

But God also sent us people in our worlds that will make life a little sweeter, a little more special, and a little more beautiful. He sent us people to enjoy the journey of life with and be the shoulder we lean on. He sent us people to ‘laugh ‘til we cry’ with, make life long memories with and dream those BIG life sized dream with.

Written by Alex Shimanek

- - - - - - - - - -

Live in the Austin, Texas area and free on Wednesday nights from 7-9pm? Come hang out with us! I'll personally show you around :) Email or tweet me for more information!

It's Time to Stop With the Good Intentions

"But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him], And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him."

Luke 10:33-34

“The samaritan didn’t say, ‘Here’s the wine and oil for your wounds,’ he actually poured the oil and wine.”

 - Charles Spurgeon

Jesus is the Word of God. He is the manifestation of redemption upon the earth. And when He left this earth, He sent “one who is greater” so that we, His Church, could be empowered to do as He did. 

He started something so we could finish it. 

You are the verb, the action upon Jesus’ word, to somebody in your life. (Click it to tweet it!)  

You are the hands that bring healing as you tend to their wounds.

You mouth the words that bring life into someone’s desperate circumstance.

You are the feet that walk beside them, up the hill and down again. 

You are the arms that link with the man and woman next to you, forming a fortified army of warriors against a defeated Enemy. 

But you can’t just hand them the ointment and wine and peace out. 

Just as you and I needed God to come down in the form of a man and take our debt upon His back, they need you to pour it out for them. 

Yes, there are safe boundaries. Yes, there are limits. Yes, enabling is a real thing to be aware of. But the line is further up than we think. 

So who is in your life, right now, whose wounds have them pinned to the ground? Who in your life needs you to pour the oil and wine of healing? 

I have mine.

Let’s invite them into our homes, our families, our churches, our sisterhoods or brotherhoods. Whatever that looks like, let’s do it soon. 

 - - - - - 

[Jesus] took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, poured out for you.” 

Luke 22:20

If We Were on a Coffee Date | No. 10 (with Tyson Morlet)

Today I thought it'd be fun to get Ty's version of a coffee date with me. Spoiler: he talks less than I would. (My commentary is Italicized.)

If we were on a coffee date, we'd be at Starbucks. Duh. (It's a real problem people. Send gift cards help for Christmas.) 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd be drinking my usual (Grande Iced Coffee w/2 pumps classic and half and half). You'd be drinking probably a triple espresso (With soy). 

If we were on a coffee date, we'd chat with the baristas and ask how they're doing (Daphne just had a flood in her house and poor girl, her wedding fund is currently going towards that, so I'm pretty invested in her well-being). And we'd let Symphony entertain them (They love her). 

If we were on a coffee date, we'd probably talk about how we're doing as parents and where our marriage is at. (He goes straight for the jugular.)

If we were on a coffee date, it'd end with us getting refills and dropping Sym off with the nanny and going to work. (He forgot it's Saturday...)

There you have it. A little peek into our beautiful lives. It's crazy and I still feel a little disoriented sometimes, but we are in a season where we work to flourish. And that part is the best. 

Have a good weekend!

Original photo via

Office Hours

Austin has been home for the Mo's a whopping four months. The most common question we get, "So, how do you like Austin?" Naturally. And almost as naturally, our answer is, "We love it!" The people we work with, the church we're setting roots in, and the city. Smaller than LA but still a little hipster and holy family friendly! 

Tyson is in guitar heaven. He and the guys do an innumerable amount of stuff every day, but if I had to put  a ratio on it, playing guitars is about 80% of their day. #everyguitarplayersdream 

Of course worship isn't about equipment and tone, nor is it about skill. It's about giving God glory for who He is and what He's doing in the lives of His people. But excellence does have its place. So glad to be a part of a team that is on board with that kind of vision. 

Today's photos highlight some of the amazing team we work with. Talented. Kind. Hard working. Of one heart. And they love on my kid, which is always a win with me.

We're pretty thankful for this safe place of strangers who are quickly becoming family.

- - - - - - - - - - -
If you're ever bored or stuck at home on a Sunday morning and want to get your worship on, you can watch our weekend service online! 

Fight Your Battle Like a Warrior

"Soldiers are trained. Warriors are tempered. Any soldier can see what the enemy is doing and then report his movements. No discernment is needed to see what is obvious. On the other hand, warriors are leaders who also perceive what God is doing in the realm of the unseen."

- Lisa Bevere, Girls With Swords

There is something we are fighting through, right this minute, that has two faces. Yours is probably different than mine, but they're both battles nonetheless. 

By definition, battle is a sustained fight between large, organized armed forces. Large and organized. 

Sound familiar? 

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 

Ephesians 6:12 AMP

What we are fighting is beyond what we can see. It is large. It is organized. It is intentional. Its purpose and passion is to be lethal. (Click it to tweet it!)

Some of our battles are straight up meant to destroy us. (Click it to tweet it) Maybe not all physically, like Ephesians points out. Maybe your battle is trying to destroy you mentally. Maybe mine is meant to destroy me emotionally. Maybe ours is attempting to destroy us spiritually. Relationally. 

But there is good news. 

You and I have something innately in us that is of war-like material. We were made for battles like this. By a strength that comes by the combination of natural (humanity) and superior (the Spirit of God) we are empowered to the Super-Natural. 

Are you as relieved and stirred as me? 

This stuff gets me. Reading the Word of God, from the perspective of a Warrior, compels me to move forward despite any fear that may be clinging to desperately to my feet. 

Reading the Word of God, as a Warrior would, strengthens and fortifies faith. (Tweet?)

Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 

Ephesians 6:13 AMP

Sometimes, to win the battle, we just need to be the last one standing. Yes we're exhausted. Beaten up. Scarred and scraped. We may be bloody and bruised, but we are standing.

And if we are still standing by the super natural strength we've embraced, and the Enemy has exhausted all his resources and schemes, we've won friends. 

Stand firm. 

Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG

I love that Paul wraps up this charge with the urgency of community. The one who stands alone, may be strong, but she is vulnerable. Yet, her strength intensifies with each arm she links herself to. 

A warrior is strong and battle ready.
A company of warriors is stronger and activated by one another to win the war. 

- - - - - - - - - -
How can I link arms with you? How can I pray for and over you? Leave a note in the comments, email, Facebook or Tweet me. 

You can pray for me, that God would expand my capacity in this new season of balancing motherhood, womanhood, wife-ing, and leadership. It's been an amazing journey so far, but recently it's been a bit overwhelming. I want to see this season as a warrior would; discerning the unseen. 

- - - - - - - - - -
Original image via Free People. My current favorite store.