How Do You Know When God is Speaking?

All of the big decisions I have made in life, such as to go on a missions trip, where to college, and who to marry have been because of a knowledge and peace I have been given by God. For these big decisions, I prayed to God several times in order to discern his will.

But then there are those times when I don't actually have to make a big decision, but I feel God telling me to do something. I often have a thought come into my head, and I think, "Where did that come from? How did that idea pop into my head?" Many get the sudden idea to move to a different place. Some get a thought that they should quit their job, and look for a different opportunity. Some people even get the extreme thought that they should sell their house, quit their jobs, and become missionaries.

I want to open up the discussion...has God ever told you to do something? Did an idea ever pop into your brain, and you thought, "God, you want me to do what?" How do you know those thoughts or ideas are from God? How can we discern God's voice? I would like to hear your stories and opinions!

Please comment.....

I've Got the Bug

*DISCLAIMER*

Even though I am about to talk about babies, it does not mean I am pregnant. 

Henceforth, I am NOT pregnant. 

In the last couple of weeks I have had the chance to spend time with several babies and toddlers. THEY ARE TOO CUTE! These young ones belong to friends at church, and I do love my baby-time.

However, it has really given me the baby bug lately. I keep wondering what it will be like to be pregnant, what labor will be like, how I will decorate their crib, and all that other cutesy stuff. (Josh doesn't have the baby bug at all...he's content having me all to himself.) When I think about being a mom, it gives me pure joy! It is the next big goal in my life. 

I imagined the other day someone asking me what my dream job would be. This is how I imagined that conversation going:

Inquirer: "So Sierra, what would your dream job be if you could do anything?"

Me: "Oh that's easy! I want to be a mom and a housewife!"

Inquirer: "No, no, no. I mean like a career. What would your dream career be?"

Me: "Yeah, to be a mom and a housewife."

Inquirer: "That's not a career. I'm asking if you could do anything in the WORLD!"

Me: "If I could do anything in the world, I would see my children grow up to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ and to do something that pleases the Lord. And I would see my husband and I living a happy and healthy marriage until the day we die." 

I think about being a mom, and it sounds so wonderful and adventurous, even though I know it can be REALLY REALLY tough sometimes. Of course I have other dreams in mind, like being a music teacher. Music will always be a big part of my life, but not the most important and not my ultimate dream. 

Usually, I get over the bug in a few days, and I realize that going to parties and get-togethers are really fun right now. Last weekend, Josh and I went to an Easter egg hunt that a couple from our church hosted at their home. It was a gorgeous day out, and several other couples brought their young kids to the party. Josh and I were the only couple who didn't have any little ones tagging along. I can say now that going to parties at this time in our lives is GREAT! I got to play with the kids and help them search for eggs. But at the end of the party, I knew it was just Josh and I going home. We had the rest of the day all to ourselves. I thought, "Wow, we should just keep going to parties like that. It's free birth control!" So I made sure the kids ate a lot of the sugar cookies I made before I left them with their parents. I am definitely going to be one of those aunts or grandmas someday that fills the kids up with sugar and send them home all riled-up. 

Here's to being married and not having kids yet! Most people tell me to enjoy it while it lasts, but I will enjoy each season as it comes. The season Josh and I are in is great, but I know having kids will be a different kind of great.

CHEERS if you have little ones at home!

I AM SO BLESSED

It is April 2013 and I am turning 23 this month. CRAZY!

I was thinking about all of the things I have done, places I have been, and people I have met. It has been an amazing journey from high school until now. I went through all of my old pictures yesterday, and it made me realize how much God has blessed me throughout my life. 

This is my friend, Chelsea. We have been friends since 2nd grade, and 

I just spent a day with her in the Springs this past week. Friends for life!

New Years Eve my Senior Year of high school

 My mission trip to New York

Gangsta Sierra!

I still wear those pajama pants.

 Dance party at my house senior year

My role as Jasmine in Aladdin Jr. (Senior year)

Mission trip to Honduras Summer 2008

I miss these people so much! 

Some of the best ladies I will ever know

For our talent show in Honduras, I dressed up like one of

the Soggy-Bottom Boys and sang "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow"

Hanging out with college friends at our cabin in New Meadows

Hannah and I our freshman year, dressed up like old ladies :-)

First time ever in Colorado, my freshman year of college

Roadtrip with high school friends to the Oregon Coast after freshman year of college

Chelsea and I

Hannah teaching me how to de-feather a goose

My cover band, Gone Rogue, (with Sam Yang and Jordan Turner)

Choir Tour 2010 (Seattle, WA) 

This is when I first met crazy husband-to-be!!!

Easter 2011 with Josh's Family

Playing in the mud in their soybean field!

My first visit to our nation's capital, visiting Josh's sister, Joy, and brother-in-law, Philip

We are looking forward to another trip out there next spring to see Joy graduate with her Doctorate

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan

What a great experience! Difficult sometimes, but worth it!

We got engaged on September 3, 2011!

Janssen and Rachel's Wedding: October 2011

Riggins, Idaho

Thanksgiving at the Pearsons: Chopping wood with our college buddies

Hanging out at the Sculpture Gardens in Minneapolis

My Senior Voice Recital

Choir Tour 2012: To Cali and back

Graduation!!!

Leighton's High School Graduation

80's Bachelorette Party! 

The night before the wedding, we had our last HURRAH with some of our best friends! What a great weekend!

Joy and I laughing in the Bridal suite at Ste. Chapelle Winery. I have really loved getting to know this girl. She has helped me in more ways than she knows. 

July, 28, 2012...the day I married the best man I will ever know

Our first home: Colorado Springs!

AND LOVING IT!!!

Our first Christmas: At the Pearsons

Christmas in Idaho with my family from South Africa

We're are a pretty crazy family, but always "linked together."

Josh and I skiing at Breckenridge, CO in late February.

We feel like we are on top of the world right now!

Everyone has those days where they think that life sucks, and nothing could get any better. I have had a few of those days in the last year or so.

BUT WHAT AM I THINKING???? My life is fantastic!
Even the worst days are better than what they could be. A lot of the time when I look back, I feel regret or sorrow because I miss those fun days, but this time I felt blessed to have done, seen, and experienced all of the things in my life. And I know God has even better things in store for Josh and I! 

My high school class had a class verse for our senior year.
It was Jeremiah 29:11...

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

I still believe that today.