The Ameri Brit Mom

Today at Covenant…Benefits of Being Justified

One thing I love about my home church is that each month Pastor Travis focuses on a new idea. The monthly move from one concept to another keeps things fresh and allows us to really focus on an idea over a short period of time. Today was the first Sunday of March so he began his sermon series, Friends With Benefits. It was so nice to be united with my church family as the past several weeks we have been traveling with Sam’s basketball ministry. February and March are his busy season as a majority of his bookings come from Upward and other basketball awards nights. Anyway, here are some notes from today’s service.

Romans 5:1-2: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Throughout the entirety of today’s message we unpacked the verses above. In the beginning of the dissection of this passage we looked at justification. Verse one of Romans 5 explains that we have been justified by our faith. That is a theme in Romans as a whole. The entire book discusses the fact that we are saved by our faith and not by our actions. In fact, I even wrote about that in my blog post, Sola Fide.

So what is justification? Justification is the action of God declaring us righteous in His eyes. It’s the point where God no longer sees our sin and our mistakes, but rather the blood of Christ when He looks at us. Justification is an action which results from a decision to follow Christ.

And once we are justified we obtain benefits from that justification which are outlined in the remainder of the passage above.

Benefits of Justification:

Peace with God-(Romans 5:1)

Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace of God mentioned in Philippians 4:7 is a subjective peace. It’s a peace tied to emotions and the way that you feel. Although this is a promise of God it is not the kind of peace that Paul is talking about in Romans.
Peace with God is an objective peace.
Peace with God is the end of all hostility between God and yourself. It is not attached to emotion, but rather it becomes truth once you are justified.
A benefit to being justified is that in that moment, the war between us and God ends and we are made righteous. God wipes the slate and you are new.

2. There is access to grace in which we now stand- (Romans 5:2)

The access discussed here in this verse is referring to our favorable position with God because of Christ.
We are no longer separated by God once we are justified.
In many religions they believe that we do not have access to God on our own. Those religions preach the idea of a man (or image) who must come between us and God.
But scripture says here that there is no need for a man to approach God on our behalf. We have 24/7 access to God through prayer once we are justified.
This is made possible because Jesus became our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). When he died the veil separating us from God was torn (Matthew 27:51).

3. The hope of the glory of God- (Romans 5:2)

The Greek word for hope used here in this passage does not have a strong equivalent in the English language. We use the word hope as a conditional term when this verse is conveying a conviction or certainty.
Our hope-filled certainty is heaven.
In our moment of justification we are granted the promise of heaven and an eternity with God.

In closing, these three benefits of justification are available to all who have accepted Christ. And poetically, these three benefits illustrate our walk with Christ:

Peace=Past
Grace=Present
Hope=Future

If you aren’t quite to the point of justification in your own life know that your story isn’t over yet. The simple act of accepting a God who loves you and gifts you with peace, grace, and hope is the beginning to a wonderful journey.

The Ameri Brit Mom

Five Minute Friday: News

This week the topic for the Five Minute Friday link-up post is News. What is a link-up? Essentially a link-up is when you join other bloggers and write on a similar topic. You share your blog posts with one another and begin conversations via a host site. You can head over to Kate Motaung’s page to check out other entries from inspired bloggers. Here’s my five minutes of uninterrupted, unedited writing on this week’s topic:

news-2-600x600

Not much news in The Ameri Brit life lately. Each member of my family has fallen victim to a 24 hour flu bug at some point this week. This morning marks the first day of all three of us being able to eat and keep food down. It has not been a fun week to say the least. So, today and tomorrow will be recovery days in which I plan to completely disinfect every square inch of my house.

Which does lead me to a bit of blog-related news.

Over the past seventy-two hours I’ve done little aside from sleeping, getting sick, and surfing Pinterest. During my time thumbing through pins I’ve decided to begin an organization project for my home. Starting this week I will be embarking on a 40-week home organization process following the tips and app by Organize365 and Lisa Woodruff. If you are unfamiliar with this blog, I suggest following it! It is full of easy-to-implement ideas to help you take control of an unorganized home and life.

With the first step in her organizational plan, Lisa calls attention to all of the paper in our houses which can clutter and keep us from being on the ball when it comes to dates, times, bills, etc. I will be spending today gathering all of my household papers into a single laundry basket. That’s an easy enough step 1. The hard part is yet to come. Filing and finding a home for these papers is the real challenge.

So as I disinfect my germ-infested home this afternoon I will be toting around a laundry basket and gathering up every loose piece of paper. Getting rid of all the paper is a huge first step for me.

What is the hardest part of getting organized for you?

The Ameri Brit Mom

Stand In The Place Where You Live

Lately, I’ve been on the prowl to find some unique pieces for a couple of gallery walls in my house. Currently, there is a wall in progress in the living room and one in the kitchen of more themed pieces. Over the weekend, while on a shopping escapade I had a wonderful idea: why not use some unique regional pieces which showcase our family’s heritage?

Marrying a man from England has truly shaped my worldview. I’ve learned to think and love outside of my small corner of the world. I may have never lived more than an hour from my home epicenter in any direction, but being married to Sam has helped me to see that there is more to be explored beyond the Ohio River.

I’m an Ohioan through and through and that will not ever change.

Sam is a Southampton boy and that will never change either.

So I’ve been thinking about bringing the ameri-brit part of our family into our home decor. What better way to highlight that uniqueness to our children and guests than to incorporate knicks and knacks from both of our backgrounds in the aesthetic presence of our house.

Below is a mood board of some pieces I would love to see join our gallery walls.

icanvasart-london-england-canvas-art-print-by-anderson-design-group-18-by-12-inch

I Wrote a Book?

Whoever said writing was easy was a big fat liar.

Writing is difficult. It is so much more than words on a page. Writing contains emotion, creativity, and a lot of time.

Lately, the time portion of the equation has been the hardest for me to balance.

On December 30, 2015, I finished the first draft of my first novel. I began the process of editing the first draft and at this point I’m only about halfway through the edits. I had hoped that this part of the process would go much more quickly, but time for editing has been hard to come by. I’m really eager to get this book out there, but not at the expense of quality. My original plan was to have second round edits done by March 1 so I could begin the inquiry process. But, I’ve fallen short of that goal.

Each book has its own timeline. Things don’t always work according to plan. Life gets in the way.

So as I sit and adjust my timelines I covet your prayers. I pray that God would take this novel which he used me to create and work it out according to his timeline. Although my book is not a work of Christian fiction it has definitive values which point toward God and his ability to forgive and forget even the worst of us.

Many of you have expressed interest in getting involved in the writing process. For the next couple of months you can be active in my book launch by praying. Also, if you feel led to be a part of my next phase in editing by offering your skills and critiques toward this book I would love to hear from you. I am compiling a group now. Email me at theameribritmom@gmail.com if you would like to become part of this team who will receive a copy of the novel after the next phase where you will be asked to offer editing advice and/or suggestions.

I have been working on a log line of my novel for potential publishers so I’ll leave you today with a little tease:

Kurt has lived on the streets of Chicago for two decades. Michael is a successful writer who has shut everyone out. Both men are searching for value in all the wrong places until an unexpected event brings them together and they begin to understand their desire for redemption and love.

FullSizeRender (17).jpg

*This photograph is from several copies ago. The first chapter looks nothing like this anymore so again, this is just a teaser! :)

The Ameri Brit Mom

24 Book Challenge: A Book That Was Turned Into a Movie

The following is a book review by The Ameri Brit Mom. This is book #4 from The Ameri Brit Mom 24 Book Challenge in 2016. This post expresses the genuine opinion and experiences of The Ameri Brit Mom and is in no way endorsed by authors, publishers, or outside influences.

Title: The Mortal Instruments Book One: The City of Bones

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Copyright Date: 2007

This book was read a little out of order. It had been my original goal to read my books in the order in which they appear on the 24 Book Challenge, however, the library took longer than expected to get me my book #3, so I jumped ahead to #4. I’ve already begun reading a book written the year that I was born and I can’t wait to reveal more about the novel to you in the future. But, today the spotlight is on City of Bones.

First of all, this book is endorsed by The Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight Trilogy and other popular books. She is the queen of the supernatural YA novel, and anything with her endorsement stamped on the front cover is worth a second glance.

Second of all, City of Bones is one of those books as a teacher that I’ve seen a lot of. Students tend to put this book on hold in the library and then read it within a week. I’ve also noticed the fandom which has risen from the students who start this engaging series. So many of the kids who get their hands on book one seem to continue through this series or others by the author. It’s been quite the phenomenon so it’s no surprise that this book has been on my TBR list for over a year. Now, with this reading challenge I’m able to really mark some of those titles off my list.

Thirdly, I would say that although my name may not be synonymous with Stephenie Meyer, I would agree wholeheartedly with her endorsement of the book. There is a unique draw to the world of this novel crafted by this author. This is a book that draws you in from the beginning and keeps you hooked all the way through. There is a good balance of action, romance, and detail. I’ve summed it up to others on social media as a cross between the wizarding world of Harry Potter and the magic world parallel to our own of Percy Jackson.

Clary is an average sixteen year old until she isn’t anymore.

While out at a teen night club in New York City she becomes a witness to a murder that the rest of the club is oblivious to. At first, she doesn’t know how to explain the fact that she could see what others could not, but before long she is drawn into a world of Shadowhunters, demons, forsaken, and other out-of-this-world beings.

The next day Clary learns that her mother is missing and that there may be a connection between what she witnessed the night before and the assumed abduction of her mother. Jace Wayland, a Shadowhunter from the night club, takes Clary under his wing and teaches her about the dangerous and fascinating world that co-exists with the world she had always known. Through a series of events Clary begins to learn that those she has always trusted may be the biggest threat to her life. She also learns that her mother may have been keeping some rather large secrets of her own.

Throughout the book, Clary begins to trust Jace and his circle of friends and embarks down the road to finding her mother along with them. Violence and pain pave the way of their journey, but Clary begins to figure out her role in this world she has only just discovered.

Like I stated earlier, this book has a perfect blend of action, romance, and detail. Throughout the book major plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat and the ending is far from obvious. With this being a series, the ending is not complete. Clare does wrap this novel up well, but you will want to put the second book, City of Ashes, on hold because this book leads so nicely into the second one.

Now, I’m off to find a copy of the movie!!

Love and Grace

This Sunday morning my husband is on the road with a basketball show and I am nursing my daughter back to health after an ear infection. This winter has brought sickness after sickness for my little girl, but on Friday we received some potential answers as to why. It looks like our little girl has allergies and all of these upper respiratory issues lately are rooted in that condition.

For the third time in the past month I’m missing church again today so I won’t be posting a Covenant message. However, I do look forward to catching up via podcast later in the week.

Today, my message was brought to me from my biblical coloring book, Live Loved.

Jeremiah 31:3- I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

Because God loves us with an everlasting love it means that He always has and always will continue to love us. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done His love for each of us is eternal. His unfailing kindness refers to the fact that while we may not deserve it He has chosen to love us anyway.

When God looks at us He chooses not to see our sins and mistakes. Out of His unfailing kindness He chose GRACE. And His grace covers all of our weaknesses.

I’m so thankful for a God who loves, forgives, and covers us with grace!

The Ameri Brit Mom

A Short Story About Mermaids

Lately, I’ve been trying to work on honing some of my writing skills by sitting down to craft a short story for a fifteen minutes or so each day. With each story I am focusing on something. Sometimes I choose to focus on characterization and really take time to develop a vivid character. Other ideas I’ve focused on in my prompted ramblings are setting, conflict, dialogue, and grammar. A website that has helped me not only build my skills through short lessons on writing, but also provided me prompts for writing ideas is called The Write Practice.

Today, I’ve decided to share with you this part of my creative writing process. This particular story was written with a focus of revealing plot information through dialogue. It may be an off-the-wall topic, but it was a good way to practice a skill I desperately need as I edit my novel.

The prompt is fantasy in nature: Mermaids attempt to install a democratic form of government, but the cephalopods are causing trouble.

Here is a glimpse at a short writing I did and posted on The Write Practice website.

The Oppression of Squid

Lauren Sisley

“Mira, where are you going?” Alexandra called after her best friend. She struggled to keep up with Mira’s pace as they swam through the Coral Village.

“I’m going to set this all straight. I’ve had enough.” Mira called back. Her voice trailed off in the distance between the two mermaids. Alexandra looked ahead and saw the golden locks of her best friend as she swam toward the Village Square. Soon her friend would be lost in crowd of sea creatures so Alexandra kicked her fins as quickly as she could. She began to gain on her friend.

“What makes you think the Dictator will listen to you? Plus, how do you plan to persuade an entire panel of cephalopods? They hate the mermaids. That’s why we’ve been living in oppression for so long.” Alexandra did her best to talk her boisterous friend out of whatever plan she had secretly devised.

“I’m so sick of this. I’m sixteen. I’m old enough to make my own choices and decisions. Why must I serve these nasty creatures?” Mira slowed down to look at her friend. Her blue eyes glistened in the light of the sea. They were large and round.

“Mira, it’s all part of our history. You know why we serve the dictator and his team of tentacles.” Alexandra reminded Mira of the fact that Hostile Mermaid History was the only true subject that the girls were taught in school.

“It just isn’t fair. You and I were not behind the nasty stories that were passed down orally for centuries about the cephalopods. Why do we have to pay the price?” Mira crossed her arms across her chest bumping the teal bra that she had made herself from shells she had found at the discount shell shop.

“No one ever said it was fair or justified. Nothing ever is here. But, it’s their reasoning. Don’t think for one second that a head strong sixteen year old will change the way things have been for so long.” The two girls moved closer to the town square. Their tones became hushed as they feared being overheard by the average passerby.

“Then let’s run away.” Mira’s eyes drifted to the distance as she entertained the idea in her mind. A devious smile creeped itself across her face.

“What are you two girls doing in the square unaccompanied?” A large squid dressed in his official uniform came within a tentacle’s reach from Alexandra. She moved back subtly.

“We are sixteen, Sir. That’s of age. And we’ve only come to speak with the Dictator.” Mira spoke matter-of-factly.

“Sixteen or not the Dictator will never hear from two young mermaids unsummoned. Run along to the village and get to work.” The officer spoke haughtily toward the girls.

Before she could respond the squid made a lunge toward the girls. Mira acted quickly pushing her friend out of the squid’s grasp. Taking Alexandra by the arm she pushed her way past the squid toward the large public square in the distance. The squid was caught off guard and soon lost the two mermaids in the sea of creatures going to and from the shops and reefs…

Five Minute Friday: Morning

This week the topic for the Five Minute Friday link-up post is Morning. What is a link-up? Essentially a link-up is when you join other bloggers and write on a similar topic. You share your blog posts with one another and begin conversations via a host site. You can head over to Kate Motaung’s page to check out other entries from inspired bloggers. Here’s my five minutes of uninterrupted, unedited writing on this week’s topic:

katemotaung.com-3-600x600.jpg

*This is a short fictional piece, but very much based on my morning coffee routines.*

“Can I help you?” A tall and skinny barista asked with a plastered smile across her face. No one is ever that happy at seven A.M. I thought to myself. I’m not always as cynical as the time between waking and receiving my morning coffee.

“Yes, I’ll take a large pour over.” I said without making eye contact with the woman taking my order. The rustling in my purse to find my wallet kept me from feeling that awkward obligation to force a smile in return to the barista’s.

“Any cream or sugar?” The barista asked as she punched a code into the register.

“No.” I scoffed a bit in my response I must admit. After all, it was seven A.M. which is the time before cream and sugar should reasonably be consumed.

“That will be $3.95.” The barista explained as if I hadn’t already known the cost of my usual drink. We exchanged my small plastic card and upon it’s return to my hand the girl whose name, Lysa, I had just noticed from her name tag pointed to the end of the counter where I would soon unite with my coffee.

I scooted my way toward the pick up station. There were others in line ahead of me so I took my phone from my purse and began to surf social media. I was careful not to invite others to speak to me as my small talk abilities didn’t really kick in until after my first cup of the day. After finger flicking through the latest gossip on my phone for a few minutes my ears were met with the sound of Lysa, the barista, calling out my name.

“Brittany, your pour over is ready.”

I threw my phone back into the front pocket of my bag and reached my hand across the counter. The warmth of the paper cup brought the morning’s first flicker of life to my body. The smell of the coffee was wafting through the small hole in the lid of the cup. As the smell entangled my nostrils I felt my negativity melting away. I took a small sip careful not to burn my lips or mouth. And after the ammunition of one perfectly crafted drink of coffee I mustered up the energy to speak.

“Thank you.” I spoke as I turned to leave the small shop. You can’t beat a good cup of coffee in the morning to get your day started off right.

Threenager

It’s crazy how time flies. Just a few short months ago I was raising your average toddler. She was fully interested in engaging with the world around her. Rarely did she have an opinion about what to do, where to go, or what to eat. But lately I’ve found that when I look into the eyes of my moody and insistent three year old that I’m actually looking at what the future holds. The teenage years are upon us now.

Living with a threenager can be difficult.

If it isn’t the irritability that sucks your energy as a parent it’s the part about living life on the constant edge of a meltdown. Emotions are attached to every decision, every object, and every breath.

Most recently I was scolded for moving her teddy bear from one side of the couch to the other. Clearly, I was in the wrong.

“How dare you move my bear. That is terrible!” was her response all while trying to hold back tears.

But the beauty of being a parent is using these meltdowns and emotional moments to begin to teach her healthy ways of expressing herself. In the hardest moments I turn to God for help and then I remember that my job is to teach her to do the same thing. We pray through difficult times together. With tear streaked faces we turn our eyes from ourselves. (She in her desperation to get a handle on her feelings; me in my desperation to help her see that the world isn’t falling apart because I moved the bear.) As we sit together I realize that these threenager days may be tough, but I’m a blessed to be her mother anyway. God will equip me with the wisdom and patience for raising this threenager!

The Ameri Brit Mom

Much Love

Friends, it’s been an eventful week. Between family events, birthday parties, working, taking care of my baby girl who can’t seem to shake her cold, and an overload of meetings I haven’t been able to catch a break. My mind has been going a mile a minute trying to keep up with life.

Over the weekend I embraced an opening in my schedule. I did so by sitting on the couch, armed with a mug of butter toffee coffee and my biblical coloring book. Through the act of coloring I was able to give wings to my creative mind which had been stifled due to constantly being on the move.

In the peacefulness of the moment I was reminded of God’s love for me.

This is a busy time of the year for teachers. State tests are right around the corner, administrators are looking at logistics for the next year, and snow days put us way off course when it comes to curriculum.

During the past week I have not had much time to myself. So it was a welcome reminder to read this passage and soak it in. God loves me. He sent his son for me. Even though he knew I would mess up he saw me as someone worth saving. And he has done the same for you!

What a great reminder today amidst the chaos of life.

The Ameri Brit Mom