Living a Blessed Life

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 04:05:00 +0000

Without love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13)

There really are no words to make all this better. I don't have any answers. In fact, I've been speechless for the better part of the year. And, not all of it has to do with politics.

People say our country has been ripped in two.

Us Against Them - vs. - Them Against Us

But what about those of us who are neither "In Support Of" or "Against?"

To continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here. Be sure to bookmark my new site.

Thank you for stopping by. Keep pressing into LOVE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Blessings and LOVE!

Photo Credit: Amy Jo Ivey / Seabrook, WA / July 2016

a poem for friday: today means amen

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 00:35:00 +0000

Today Means Amen

by Sierra DeMulder

Dear you,
Whoever you are,
However you got here,
This is exactly where you are supposed to be.

This moment has waited its whole life for you,
This moment is your lover,
And you are a solider,
Come home baby, it’s over,
You don’t need to suffer anymore.

Dear you...

To continue reading this post, please click here to visit my new website.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I pray your day is blessed.

Keep pressing into HOPE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

'I made it,'

choosing grace: for ourselves (& others)

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:45:00 +0000

Isn't it interesting how we never tell roses

they aren't pretty enough,

thin enough,

good enough,

performing enough,

doing enough?

In January, I brought home a dozen pink roses. They were gorgeous when I brought them home. But, as the buds began to bloom, they left me speechless. I was so enamored by their beauty, that I found myself carrying them from room to room so...

To continue reading this blog post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

Thank you for stopping by! I pray you are having a blessed week.

Keep pressing into GRACE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With love,

day 31 [digging in deep]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 02:21:00 +0000

Last night, I was blessed with an extremely rare evening home alone(!) After getting my youngest off to bed, I made my favorite hot beverage (brevé cappuccino), lit a few candles, and made myself comfortable in front my fireplace.

I found myself surrounded by Bible dictionaries, commentaries, various Bible translations, and my brand-spanking-new spiral notebook. (I am such a nerd! And, I wear it well. Ha.)

As I shared a few days ago, I've been reading...to continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Leave a comment here or at my new site. I would love to stay connected with you.

Keep pressing into LOVE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Grace & peace,

day 30 [there is always a positive]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 02:59:00 +0000

Today started off way too early for someone who got 4 hours of sleep. (Yawn.)

I dropped my friend off at the airport at 8 am, after 90 minutes of rush-hour traffic. Yeah for a chance to catch up on life!

It was a slow crawl back through the rainy streets of Portland for my 9 am appointment with...to continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

Thank you for following my blog during this 31 days of blogging in October! I pray you have a wonderful weekend, Friend!

Keep looking for the positive and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Ever grateful,

day 29 ["doing the best they can"]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 05:43:00 +0000

I love this photo. It reminds me of my last birthday. The big Four-Five.

It also reminds me of my 'amazing' ability to feel two opposing emotions at one time.

I was full of joy because I had just spent the day with my family in one of my favorite cities—Seattle, Washington. We took the train up that morning and were able to squeeze all kinds of fun in a short amount of time. (Gum Wall, anyone?)

It was a perfect day...to continue reading this post, please visit by new website by clicking here.

Thank you for stopping by to read my 31 days of blogging. I pray you are having a wonderful day!

Keep pressing into GRACE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With love and peace,

day 28 [back to the quiet]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 00:24:00 +0000

Five days of stomach pain, with no sign of it letting up. (Blah.) To make matters worse, I've been sitting in front of my keyboard for the past hour trying to think up something brilliant and/or inspiring for my 28th day of blogging.

Truthfully? I've got nothing! Not really. I think I'm pretty worn out from feeling so ill for the past too many days.

So, media fasts. I shared a couple of weeks ago that I chose to fast from media.

I wasn't quite sure...to continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

Thank you for stopping by! Praying your day is abundantly blessed!

Keep pressing into the LORD and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With grace,

day 27 [college, seth's book, sanity night]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:49:00 +0000

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

to sing praises to your name, O Most High;

to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

and your faithfulness by night"

Psalm 92:1-2 (ESV)

It's been another incredibly full day. Full of blessings with some challenges mixed in. I've been fighting off some sort of stomach bug and migraine since Saturday. I thought I kicked it, but it's hanging on strong. (Sigh.)

But, thankfully, I've been able to press through the pain and have fairly normal days. I'm definitely looking forward to feeling healthy again, though. (Praying!)

So, today was a big day in the Ivey Fam...to continue reading this blog post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to read my 31 days of blogging!

I pray your week is full of blessings and peace.

Keep pressing into GRATITUDE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

All my love,

day 26 [God answers prayers]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 05:34:00 +0000

"Savior please, pilot me

When I have no more strength left to follow

Fall on my knees, pilot me

May your sun rise and lead me on

Over the seas, Savior pilot me

Oh, Lord."

~ Josh Garrels ~

Thursday evening, a close friend called me to share an urgent prayer request involving a struggling family.

Having walked through a similar trial, she knew I would understand. And, that I would pray for God to work a miracle.

My hurt was heavily burdened. The situation was tough, to say the least...to continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

Keep pressing into the LORD, keep praying, and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Learning to trust,

Photo Credit: Amy Jo Ivey / Look Up / Main Street, Franklin, Tennessee / March 2015

day 25 [life lessons in the Canadian Rockies]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 03:30:00 +0000

While we were staying in Alberta this past July, Geoff, Liam, Sara, and I went for a hike up to Ha Ling Peak. (Chels wasn't feeling well that day, so she opted to stay back at the condo.)

When we started the hike, we were already up almost a mile high. Altitude sickness/adjustment is definitely an issue at that height. (Translation: It takes more of a physical toll on your body and breathing is often more labored.)

Funny enough, the locals told us this would be an "easy" and fairly short hike...to continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

I encourage you, Friend, to keep looking for those lessons in your life and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Enamored by His love,

day 24 [look for the lessons]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 16:46:00 +0000

As the 24th day of October draws to an end, I find myself more and more grateful for the 31 days of blogging challenge. The process of writing daily has changed me.

I am learning:

How to be present in my writing.
How to hit 'publish' without the stress and anxiety I once felt.
To appreciate (and employ) all of the advice my writing teachers and mentors have instilled within me. (Especially the mantra to "write now, edit later." Thanks, Ally!)
...to continue reading this blog post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

I pray your weekend is full of health and relaxation!

Keep looking for the lessons God brings your way, and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Thankful for His love,

day 23 [a matter of perspective]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 06:41:00 +0000

It's interesting how two people can go through the exact same experience together and walk away with completely different perspectives.

This afternoon, I took one of my kids to an appointment. Which, for all intents and purposes, I felt well. Until we got in the car and I found out my child felt differently.

I'm always thankful when I feel God impress upon my heart to take a step back and just listen...to continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

Keep looking for the lessons each day brings and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With peace & grace,

day 22 [prayer makes a difference]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 18:24:00 +0000

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Then you will experience God’s peace,

which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts

and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Yesterday, I shared honestly about my frustration (and anger) about a situation I've been witnessing for the last month. I also wrote about how I am desperately trying to pour out my emotions regarding it directly to God...rather than lash out at the ones I feel are in the wrong.

A lot of emotions are being provoked...to continue reading this post, please visit me at my new website by clicking here.

I pray your day is full of grace, peace, and JOY today! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Keep pressing into prayer and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With faith & love,

day 21 [love]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 06:32:00 +0000

^"Let all that you do be done in love."

1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

This Scripture verse is probably the best advice ever. So many of life's problems could be avoided if love were our focus, our intention, our motivation.

I mess up a lot. ~~Usually~~ Always on a daily basis. And always when I fail to allow love to be my focus.

It's easy to hurt others...to continue reading this post, please visit me at my new website by clicking here.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I would love to stay connected with you on my new site.

Keep pressing into love and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With humility & grace,

day 20 [the big "J" word (judgement)]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 06:08:00 +0000

I've been processing the big J-word lately. Judgment. It seems to be a recurring theme in my life. Or at least in the lives of those I care for greatly. I've been on the listening end of others sharing their broken hearts, confusion, and pain over being judged (unfairly) by others. And, as a result, I've been trying to pay close attention to my own thoughts and actions in regard to judging others.

(*Note: This was a post I started writing on October 1st and ended up not sharing. As I sat down to write tonight, the words I originally wrote rose to the surface. So, although it's 19 days later, the words still ring true for me today.)

Just today*...to continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

I'm so glad you stopped by!

Keep pressing into love and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With hope & grace,

day 19 [the gift of pain]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 06:47:00 +0000

When you slam your bare ~~foot~~ toes into a solid, metal cart...it hurts. Bad. Especially if it's your second similar injury in less than a week. (Ouch.)

This afternoon...

To continue reading this post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

I'm so thankful that ~~even~~ especially in our pain, God is with us.

Keep pressing into His love and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With a grateful heart,

day 18 [sunday reflections on parenting]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 17:07:00 +0000

As I've mentioned before, this is my last full year with Chelsea at home before she heads off to college. (Sniffle.) Time is going by way too fast for both of us. I'm sure we'll both feel more prepared when the time comes. But, for now, we are counting every moment precious.

Today, my sweet girl said, "Mom, can we just hang out on the couch and have some time together this afternoon?"

My immediate reply? "Um, yeah!" (Grin.) To continue reading this blog post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

I pray your day is beautiful.

Keep pressing into LOVE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Thankful,

day 17 [saturday: work, play, & fav music]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 07:25:00 +0000

It's Saturday at the Ivey house. It's been a great day—the perfect balance between working and relaxing. Started my morning off by making myself a Brevé Cappuccino. Pulled out my art supplies and started teaching myself how to Bible journal (link to my Instagram.) Was a little too nervous to actually paint in my Bible...baby steps! I have to say, it really does help Scripture take root for me. Loving it!

To continue reading, please visit my new website by clicking here.

I pray you are having a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Keep pressing into LIFE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With joy & peace,

day 16 [a time to listen]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:31:00 +0000

"The LORD your God is in your midst,

a mighty one who will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness;

He will quiet you by His love;

He will exalt over you with loud singing."

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)

Sometimes, it's better not to be the one with all the words...to continue reading this blog post, please visit my new website by clicking here.

I pray you are having a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Keep pressing into God's love for you and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

In His grace,

day 15 [i am 1 in 4]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 03:16:00 +0000

Today, women around the world are standing together to not only represent the 1 in 4 statistic, but also to remember the precious babies we have lost. The month of October, in particular today, the 15th, has been chosen to bring awareness of this tragedy and the loss so many women (and their loved ones) suffer.

For those who aren't a part of this devastated, but strong sisterhood, the sad reality is that 1 in 4 women are personally affected a miscarriage, pregnancy loss, or stillbirth. Pretty staggering, isn't it?

If it's so common, why don't we hear more about it?

To continue reading, please visit me at my new website by clicking here.

If you are 1 in 4, may your heart be comforted in your loss. Please know you are not alone.

Keep pressing into healing and KEEP LIVING A BLESS LIFE!

With hope,

day 14 [on becoming: ages & stages]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:39:00 +0000

45. Not quite sure how I got here, but, here I am. (Well, I've been here since April, but no need to count months anymore. Ha.)

They say this is the prime age for having a mid-life crisis. The age when (apparently) the reality hits us our lives on this planet are half over (that is, if we actually survive to the age of 90.)

Wait, are mid-life crises only for men?!? (She asks, searching the recesses of her tired brain.)

Anyhow, yesterday I was thinking about the different ages and stages we all go through. It's interesting recognizing where I am at now in comparison to my kids. Especially my two teenagers...to continue reading this post, please visit me at my new website by clicking here.

Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you, and your time.

Keep pressing into who you are becoming and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

God is good,

day 13 [pursuing quiet]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000

"...I have calmed and quieted my soul..."
David (Shepherd, King, Author, Man after God's own heart)
Psalm 131:2a (ESV)

It's 11:09, in the morning, and I'm still in my cozy pj's. Listening to Farther Along by Josh Garrels (love!) and sipping an (almost) perfectly blended brew of Bulletproof Coffee. Enjoying the scent of my Cinnamon Streusel candle burning next to me.

Blissful.

Sara is sitting next to me working on her science project.

Liam just finished 30 minutes on the treadmill...to continue reading, please visit my new website by clicking here.

Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to staying in touch with you.

Keep pursuing quiet and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Soaking in His peace,

day 12 [the curse of the blank page]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 17:18:00 +0000

I was so close to skipping my writing tonight. Pretty sure another day wouldn't be missed...at least by those following along. But, I'm starting to get in the groove of writing on a daily basis.

Skipping another day feels like not brushing my teeth. And, since I'm in the habit of brushing my teeth at least 5 times a day...well, it just felt wrong.

Why, yes, I did just compare not getting my late night rambling thoughts published to going to bed with fuzzy teeth ('furry'?!?) Bear with me, it's two minutes to midnight...to continue reading this post, please visit me at my new website by clicking here.

Praying your day is off to a great start.

Keep showing up and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

Thankful for grace,

day 11 [grace upon grace]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 06:42:00 +0000

"For from His fullness,
we have all received grace upon grace."
John 1:16 (ESV)

It's 11:21 pm, on Monday night. It's been a long day. A full day. A challenging day. And, a blessed day.

I'm feeling grateful tonight. For God's grace and goodness. There are some days when hope is hard to find. Where life feels beyond overwhelming. Almost too much.

...to continue reading this post, please visit me at my new website by clicking here.

Keep pressing into GRACE and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

In His love & grace,

Photo Credit: Amy Jo Ivey / Foggy Seas / Rockaway, Oregon / June 4, 2015

day 10 [late night talks]

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Jo) — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 22:27:00 +0000

So, just in case anyone noticed, I'm a day behind in writing. (Sorry!)

I was planning on processing some BIG and little thoughts in two posts tonight...BUT, well, my oldest daughter wanted to talk tonight. So...those thoughts will have to wait. Now I'm processing different BIG and little thoughts.

Chels is 17 (and a 1/2!) She's finishing off her final year in high school...to continue reading this post, please visit me at my new website by clicking here.

I hope your week is starting off well!

Keep pressing into the hard stuff and KEEP LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!

With joy and love,