fitting title! this month is promising to be a busy one-filled w/ many appointments, birthdays & basketball of course!
i've been thinking of so many things to blog about. ya know, fasting, what i've been learning, how my hubby made my b-day extra special, and life daily w/ the kiddos in our lives.
first of all, an update on fasting: it went well overall. my self-chosen guidelines were a little rigid, but i really did learn a lot.
* i did successfully fast from facebook from the month. woohoo! pat myself on the back. ha! really this was a victory for me as i learned lots during the time that i'd normally be seeing what's going on in others' lives, looking at pics, etc.
* i didn't blog at all because i felt that i would then want to start searching others' blogs too=too many hours on the internet
* i was able to serve, not only in my own family more, but others as well.
* i did do a little surfing, other than maya's school-related topics. things come up, ya know. for example, we had sickies all around this house and i "needed" to make sure that i was remembering my respiratory skills to properly care for my bronchiolitic infant. :-)
*and sometimes i even texted during school. i know. gasp!
other things i did/learn:
*i did not have a hunger & thirst for righteousness + i was discontent in my circumstances=very little joy.
*i lack self control/discipline in many areas. i won't bore you w/ all the specifics.(too many to mention) let's just say i'm still working on that. Romans:http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:3-5&version=NIV
*and when i am lacking wisdom: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:5&version=NIV
*and also i should be: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2012:1-3&version=ESV i had never thought much about the "weight" part, which may or may not be sin. have you?! share please!
on the first day of fasting, i received an encouraging note from someone who didn't know i was going to be fasting. i got to snuggle w/ my kiddos more. we did some bible reading in prep for valentine's day about what "love" is and is not. ouch! i learned that our little girl really is soaking in more learning than i realized! we made thank you cards for people. we branched out from our normal school curriculum to learn. i learned i was clinging to that schedule too much & it was overwhelming me! i learned a lot about my "love" for money during our sermon series. even though i try my best to save $$, i could let the love of saving the $$ overwhelm me. that's another post. i learned more about my husband, which allowed me to trust him more. huge! i talked to people more than just via cyberspace. i prepared meals earlier in the day to allow for a babe to be fed @ our dinnertime & then not have to rush while everyone.else.was.starving. i journaled about all of these things so i wouldn't forget when it came blogtime. i'm sure there's more, but that's mostly what i had written down.
now for the best birthday ever: my hubby made my crossover to the "other side of 35" amazing! he secretly had asked off for the day to allow me to "breathe." when i nudged him in the a.m. after his alarm did not go off, or i thought maybe i had slept through it?! these things happen sometimes. he nonchalantly tells me he is going in late to stop to get plumbing supplies on his way in. he then proceeds to get dressed for work (ha!) and tell me good bye. i sleep until 8:30 when i wake up to hearing myles yell for me, but larry's voice answering him. first of all, sleeping till 8:30 doesn't happen around here. and how is larry answering him when he's on his way to work?! i get up. hubby then makes me breakfast, washes clothes for me to go out in and keeps an eye on kiddos while i shower. and i shower w/o interruption of a child screaming my name. oh, how sweet! my first appointment is for a facial & when i arrive they inform me that i have a massage in the afternoon. when i come out from my facial, my sister comes into the lobby to pic me up for a panera lunch. unbeknownst to me, hubby had put a gift card inside my greeting card & i almost left it in our vehicle when she picked me up. when i arrived at panera, there were a few of my favorite ladies waiting for my arrival. then, massage after lunch. back home to a cleaned house, a freshly baked cake, and clean laundry to boot. i really do have an awesome little family. pics coming if i can figure out how to do that. :-)
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
February Fasting & Challenge(s)
so, i've been feeling convicted for awhile, but like all good christians (ha!), I ignored "it." i suppressed "it." i said, "i don't need to do 'that'."
what is "it?" "it" has been the Holy Spirit pricking me some time now to fast. i've never fasted. i've only heard of fasting in relation to food. with having a little nursling, i knew i couldn't do that. and before that, i was pregnant with the little one, so i couldn't do it then either. God kept showing me that i was making excuses for why i couldn't fast. i said these are legit excuses/reasons after all, right? he has shown me in many different ways lately that fasting is not just in relation to food. it could be anything. and specifically, idols of the heart were a reason to fast. so he's been pricking me about a few things to fast from.
i'm not even sure all that fasting entails, but He has encouraged me to get started & He will show me.http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016:9&version=ESV
so yesterday, i told my husband i needed to be challenged. i wrote out my challenge. i wrote specifically and realistically what it looked like to me. so my challenge(s) for february are these:
*internet:
-facebook fast for the month
-emails checked once/day (this is how i update/schedule some of myles' appt & larry gets info re: plumbing jobs & joshua's men)
-no surfing unless it is re: maya's school
-blogging would be once/month? not sure on this one because i don't normally blog a lot anyway.
*serve somewhere/somehow for someone twice/month
*when schooling maya, abstain from answering texts/calls unless imperative
so, i'm excited to see what God will do just in the upcoming month as i fast from these things that can overtake me, and change the way i handle the others. these are things that i've been probed to fast from or challenged to change my habits. my husband is holding me accountable and you can too. :-)
what God has already shown me today:
*i don't hunger & thirst for righteousness, so i am not satisfied. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A6&version=NIV (thanks lauren duke.)
*i have not been content in my circumstances. (see above)
*i have not had joy. (see above)
*i have not been cultivating a heart of thankfulness.
*i've had an anxious disposition. "noise in my thoughts constantly"
*i cannot obtain joy & peace on my own or from my cirucumstances, only from Him. He counts me worthy to be in my current trials. (thanks to a dear friend's note i received in the mail today).
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%205:1-5&version=NIV
He also used someone dear to my heart to show me my sinful heart. long story short, this person asked me why God had this particular trial to keep repeating in their life. they keep running to the same sin. my answer was this: because He wants you to run to Him & not to it. (you can fill in the blank for your "it") ummm, yeah that was good for me. He showed me things that i run to instead of Him.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2050:15&version=ESV
maybe these things seem elementary. maybe they are. it's been good on this first day of fasting & such to be reminded of His promises & truth.
and yes, i did sign onto facebook this eve to let people know i am fasting for february, so that you won't think i'm ignoring you. does that qualify as "fear of man"? well, that's something i'm working on too. :-)
i plan to journal more this month & then i'll blog to update.
pray for me.
if anyone has any other fasting tips, let me know.
are you fasting?
or being challenged?
what is "it?" "it" has been the Holy Spirit pricking me some time now to fast. i've never fasted. i've only heard of fasting in relation to food. with having a little nursling, i knew i couldn't do that. and before that, i was pregnant with the little one, so i couldn't do it then either. God kept showing me that i was making excuses for why i couldn't fast. i said these are legit excuses/reasons after all, right? he has shown me in many different ways lately that fasting is not just in relation to food. it could be anything. and specifically, idols of the heart were a reason to fast. so he's been pricking me about a few things to fast from.
i'm not even sure all that fasting entails, but He has encouraged me to get started & He will show me.http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016:9&version=ESV
so yesterday, i told my husband i needed to be challenged. i wrote out my challenge. i wrote specifically and realistically what it looked like to me. so my challenge(s) for february are these:
*internet:
-facebook fast for the month
-emails checked once/day (this is how i update/schedule some of myles' appt & larry gets info re: plumbing jobs & joshua's men)
-no surfing unless it is re: maya's school
-blogging would be once/month? not sure on this one because i don't normally blog a lot anyway.
*serve somewhere/somehow for someone twice/month
*when schooling maya, abstain from answering texts/calls unless imperative
so, i'm excited to see what God will do just in the upcoming month as i fast from these things that can overtake me, and change the way i handle the others. these are things that i've been probed to fast from or challenged to change my habits. my husband is holding me accountable and you can too. :-)
what God has already shown me today:
*i don't hunger & thirst for righteousness, so i am not satisfied. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A6&version=NIV (thanks lauren duke.)
*i have not been content in my circumstances. (see above)
*i have not had joy. (see above)
*i have not been cultivating a heart of thankfulness.
*i've had an anxious disposition. "noise in my thoughts constantly"
*i cannot obtain joy & peace on my own or from my cirucumstances, only from Him. He counts me worthy to be in my current trials. (thanks to a dear friend's note i received in the mail today).
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%205:1-5&version=NIV
He also used someone dear to my heart to show me my sinful heart. long story short, this person asked me why God had this particular trial to keep repeating in their life. they keep running to the same sin. my answer was this: because He wants you to run to Him & not to it. (you can fill in the blank for your "it") ummm, yeah that was good for me. He showed me things that i run to instead of Him.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2050:15&version=ESV
maybe these things seem elementary. maybe they are. it's been good on this first day of fasting & such to be reminded of His promises & truth.
and yes, i did sign onto facebook this eve to let people know i am fasting for february, so that you won't think i'm ignoring you. does that qualify as "fear of man"? well, that's something i'm working on too. :-)
i plan to journal more this month & then i'll blog to update.
pray for me.
if anyone has any other fasting tips, let me know.
are you fasting?
or being challenged?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Joy, Unspeakable Joy or NOT?
Ahem.
i know. what a way to start off a post.
that's how my days have felt as of late. don't feel sorry for me. thank God it's not all about feelings.
God has been laying this on my heart for a couple of months now and i actually have a minute to write a bit before the nursling gets up and the toddler is running crazy while i'm trying to feed said nursling. life is good.
have you ever had a baby? do you know someone who has? now i've got you all! it's pure joy, right?!
i had an a-mazing delivery! long story, short: water broke on dec. 16th at 7 p.m. and babe arrived on dec. 17th, contractions began at about 2 a.m. got up. took shower. woke hubby up. he took shower. by this point, felt like i couldn't labor any longer. arrived at hospital around 4:30 a.m. and was in transition, 6 cm & 100% effaced, felt like i was going to puke & D-I-E! begging for epidural. thankful for my awesome, encouraging husband, midwife & nurse. did not get epidural. baby born at 5:57 a.m. joy!
well, for me (and some others i'm sure), it's not all joyous....the postpartum. crying. tired. crying. worthless feeling. more crying. anger toward those closest to you. cry. fatigue. add more crying. i wanted to share this so that perhaps someone could be encouraged that you are NOT alone!
i think i should preface by saying that i love my kids and my husband and i know things won't be the same forever. for that, i can praise God.
have i always wanted to praise God each and every day? absolutely not! gasp!!! most days, not! especially on my really sleepy days, which are greater than fewer right now, i don't want to.
i've always wanted babies. i love babies. then what is wrong with me? why are these thoughts coming? i have 3 babies! more than some. and some pray for just 1. so, what is wrong with me? i have THREE! i had an awesome delivery. my baby was healthy and full-term. i can nurse my baby. for that, i can praise God.
i will not go into the very specifics of my thoughts. just know that they were AWFUL!! and for that, i can praise God.
how, you ask? well, i can have compassion for lots of different people and cultivate a heart of thankfulness for what God has given me. i feel for those who can't have kids. i feel for those that have not gotten to bring a little one home. and those that want to nurse but can't. (i know that all too well myself). i feel for those who've miscarried and may still have postpartum changes, but no little one to share it with. i feel for those that are single mommas & have no encouragement from a husband. (i know this one well, too). and i can feel for those mommas who have the AWFUL thoughts and carry them out. but for the grace of God, go I. and for those lessons, i can praise God.
other things He has taught me, and what's even more awesome is that He used people to show me these things:
*think on things that are true. i am not worthless.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Isaiah 43:4
*why do i think i have to do so much?! reading a single verse may be my quiet time for now. and that.is.ok.
*also, even when i don't believe it, (and most days i haven't), continue to repeat truth to myself.
and don't pray myself out of the trial, but ask what He is trying to teach me through it.
*wait on the Lord!
*this trial won't last forever.
*i can praise Him. give my struggles to Him. and praise Him yet again.
*i am not self-sufficient. apart from Him, i really can't do anything.
*He is near to me. i should be drawing near to Him.
2 Corinthians 9:8
and finally, i am meditating on Psalm 51. writing down all of the attributes of God and man's character too. we are, by our sinful nature, evil, impure, rebellious and broken. so thankful that just a few of his characteristics are: gracious, loving, compassionate, just and pure....and the list goes on.
and it hit me sunday while i was at church: He didn't just die for us. He died for me! lightbulb moment. and for that, i can praise God.
i almost forgot 2 more added bonuses. #1: someone gave me the book, "31 days of praise." so good.
#2 bonus: are you ready for this?...drumroll please...i went out for 2 hours sans kids on tuesday. the best part: my husband kept the kids as well as arranging the said outing with my dear friend. and for that, i.can.praise.God.
i know. what a way to start off a post.
that's how my days have felt as of late. don't feel sorry for me. thank God it's not all about feelings.
God has been laying this on my heart for a couple of months now and i actually have a minute to write a bit before the nursling gets up and the toddler is running crazy while i'm trying to feed said nursling. life is good.
have you ever had a baby? do you know someone who has? now i've got you all! it's pure joy, right?!
i had an a-mazing delivery! long story, short: water broke on dec. 16th at 7 p.m. and babe arrived on dec. 17th, contractions began at about 2 a.m. got up. took shower. woke hubby up. he took shower. by this point, felt like i couldn't labor any longer. arrived at hospital around 4:30 a.m. and was in transition, 6 cm & 100% effaced, felt like i was going to puke & D-I-E! begging for epidural. thankful for my awesome, encouraging husband, midwife & nurse. did not get epidural. baby born at 5:57 a.m. joy!
well, for me (and some others i'm sure), it's not all joyous....the postpartum. crying. tired. crying. worthless feeling. more crying. anger toward those closest to you. cry. fatigue. add more crying. i wanted to share this so that perhaps someone could be encouraged that you are NOT alone!
i think i should preface by saying that i love my kids and my husband and i know things won't be the same forever. for that, i can praise God.
have i always wanted to praise God each and every day? absolutely not! gasp!!! most days, not! especially on my really sleepy days, which are greater than fewer right now, i don't want to.
i've always wanted babies. i love babies. then what is wrong with me? why are these thoughts coming? i have 3 babies! more than some. and some pray for just 1. so, what is wrong with me? i have THREE! i had an awesome delivery. my baby was healthy and full-term. i can nurse my baby. for that, i can praise God.
i will not go into the very specifics of my thoughts. just know that they were AWFUL!! and for that, i can praise God.
how, you ask? well, i can have compassion for lots of different people and cultivate a heart of thankfulness for what God has given me. i feel for those who can't have kids. i feel for those that have not gotten to bring a little one home. and those that want to nurse but can't. (i know that all too well myself). i feel for those who've miscarried and may still have postpartum changes, but no little one to share it with. i feel for those that are single mommas & have no encouragement from a husband. (i know this one well, too). and i can feel for those mommas who have the AWFUL thoughts and carry them out. but for the grace of God, go I. and for those lessons, i can praise God.
other things He has taught me, and what's even more awesome is that He used people to show me these things:
*think on things that are true. i am not worthless.
Philippians 4:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Isaiah 43:4
New International Version (NIV)
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
*why do i think i have to do so much?! reading a single verse may be my quiet time for now. and that.is.ok.
*also, even when i don't believe it, (and most days i haven't), continue to repeat truth to myself.
and don't pray myself out of the trial, but ask what He is trying to teach me through it.
*wait on the Lord!
*this trial won't last forever.
*i can praise Him. give my struggles to Him. and praise Him yet again.
*i am not self-sufficient. apart from Him, i really can't do anything.
*He is near to me. i should be drawing near to Him.
2 Corinthians 9:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Psalm 103:8
Psalm 103:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
slow to anger, abounding in love.
and finally, i am meditating on Psalm 51. writing down all of the attributes of God and man's character too. we are, by our sinful nature, evil, impure, rebellious and broken. so thankful that just a few of his characteristics are: gracious, loving, compassionate, just and pure....and the list goes on.
and it hit me sunday while i was at church: He didn't just die for us. He died for me! lightbulb moment. and for that, i can praise God.
i almost forgot 2 more added bonuses. #1: someone gave me the book, "31 days of praise." so good.
#2 bonus: are you ready for this?...drumroll please...i went out for 2 hours sans kids on tuesday. the best part: my husband kept the kids as well as arranging the said outing with my dear friend. and for that, i.can.praise.God.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Oh, how he loves her!
I haven't blogged in a few months, but how my husband loves our daughter just keeps coming to mind. I want to write down these things so I can remember...insert "pregnancy brain." Also, I thought it'd be good to write some things down so that when she's a teen & parents are not cool anymore, maybe she can look back at how he loved/loves her.
I am not sure where to begin, but from the beginning of their relationship, that is. It started a little over 3 years ago when she was in his 4 y.o. old Sunday school class. She knew him as "Mr. Sweet" then & she thought it was so cool that he had the same last name as her! She always liked to be around him & was so sad when he visited his family for 3 weeks that year. She didn't know that's where he was. She thought he'd moved away & she was thinking of everyone who might have his phone #. She wanted me to call everyone to find out his # so that we could ask him where he had gone.
And so it begins.....he came back to KY in the New Year & she was so excited. It wasn't too long after that our relationship began.....
We talked to her lots about our relationship & how we were hoping to get married. We told her then that once we were married, she didn't have to call him Mr. Sweet anymore. We asked her what she thought she may want to call him & it was always "Mr....this, or Mr....that." But about 2 weeks before we married, she decided to call him "Daddy."
Since then, so much has happened, but I think one of the greatest things is how God united us w/ Daddy. HE really has blossomed their relationship & grown them both. It's really cool to see. Does this mean that it's all been easy?? Please, don't hear me saying that things are always perfect. It just isn't possible on this side of heaven. I just see how they interact with one another. ....how he lovingly comes along side and teaches her, disciplines her, takes her on dates to Skyline (her fave), how he gets just as excited w/ her when she accomplishes something, and how he is being grown by raising a little girl. In return, she responds to his teaching (sometimes w/ resistance...little sinner, ha!), respects him, still loves him after the discipline, and gets so excited to tell him when she does accomplish something (probably because of the anticipated reaction that he will have), likes to go to work w/ him on side plumbing jobs (& even wants to wear similar attire w/ tools & all)....and she lets everyone know that HER DADDY is a plumber if they need help. I also love how he prays for her & teaches her how to do this. I love how he teaches her about dressing modestly & her response to it also. After all, I'm a woman & I don't see things the same as a man. Like Pastor Pete said, "He knows what's 'hot'." (as a man) I love that my hubby can take this lead & show her what is ok & what's not. Women really just don't see things the same! And I don't want boys/men looking at our little lady that way.
Now we're into a new school year & he does her daily bible lessons w/ her. So cute to see them snuggle up, read the Word & pray together.
Yes, I just gloated on my husband. I think he's pretty cool! Most of all, I love that he loves the Lord & I know that without this, it'd be impossible for him to be so good at stepping into his daddy role. So when he messes up, he does apologize to her & asks for forgivesness. Not only that, but she reciprocates, thanks to his teaching!! Love them both!
I am not sure where to begin, but from the beginning of their relationship, that is. It started a little over 3 years ago when she was in his 4 y.o. old Sunday school class. She knew him as "Mr. Sweet" then & she thought it was so cool that he had the same last name as her! She always liked to be around him & was so sad when he visited his family for 3 weeks that year. She didn't know that's where he was. She thought he'd moved away & she was thinking of everyone who might have his phone #. She wanted me to call everyone to find out his # so that we could ask him where he had gone.
And so it begins.....he came back to KY in the New Year & she was so excited. It wasn't too long after that our relationship began.....
We talked to her lots about our relationship & how we were hoping to get married. We told her then that once we were married, she didn't have to call him Mr. Sweet anymore. We asked her what she thought she may want to call him & it was always "Mr....this, or Mr....that." But about 2 weeks before we married, she decided to call him "Daddy."
Since then, so much has happened, but I think one of the greatest things is how God united us w/ Daddy. HE really has blossomed their relationship & grown them both. It's really cool to see. Does this mean that it's all been easy?? Please, don't hear me saying that things are always perfect. It just isn't possible on this side of heaven. I just see how they interact with one another. ....how he lovingly comes along side and teaches her, disciplines her, takes her on dates to Skyline (her fave), how he gets just as excited w/ her when she accomplishes something, and how he is being grown by raising a little girl. In return, she responds to his teaching (sometimes w/ resistance...little sinner, ha!), respects him, still loves him after the discipline, and gets so excited to tell him when she does accomplish something (probably because of the anticipated reaction that he will have), likes to go to work w/ him on side plumbing jobs (& even wants to wear similar attire w/ tools & all)....and she lets everyone know that HER DADDY is a plumber if they need help. I also love how he prays for her & teaches her how to do this. I love how he teaches her about dressing modestly & her response to it also. After all, I'm a woman & I don't see things the same as a man. Like Pastor Pete said, "He knows what's 'hot'." (as a man) I love that my hubby can take this lead & show her what is ok & what's not. Women really just don't see things the same! And I don't want boys/men looking at our little lady that way.
Now we're into a new school year & he does her daily bible lessons w/ her. So cute to see them snuggle up, read the Word & pray together.
Yes, I just gloated on my husband. I think he's pretty cool! Most of all, I love that he loves the Lord & I know that without this, it'd be impossible for him to be so good at stepping into his daddy role. So when he messes up, he does apologize to her & asks for forgivesness. Not only that, but she reciprocates, thanks to his teaching!! Love them both!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Kid Stuff & Mom Stuff too
I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks so I asked Maya what I should blog about. She suggested that I blog about her tooth that she just lost today. Hmmmm...what to say?! She actually tolerated it really well, no tears or obnoxious screaming. Her description of the event, "Tell them that when you pulled my tooth with a string, it started bleeding. So I got a rag. And I didn't cry or anything. That's it."
As she made the suggestion for blogging, I thought I could write a little about the cool things I'm learning as a mom. Not because I am a new mom, but I am newly a stay-at-home momma. It's been a struggle at times for me. After working some sort of job outside of the home for nearly 20 years, I was thrust into this new role. I don't always understand it. Maybe most realize that, but I didn't until I began doing this a mere 6 months ago. Just realized that by using the terms "thrust into..." that could be misconstrued as a bad thing. Not bad, just different & shocking & awesome too!
It really is cool to be able to watch your kids do different things & be able to experience the changes with them.
Let me explain...for a long time, I had often felt guilty for the things I missed out or the ways I thought I messed up (& probably did) with Maya. I was working full time & a single mom too. This is not to tell you so you'll pity me, but just to let you know just how sufficient God's grace really is. Even though I made sinful choices, God still was so gracious to save me & now teach me lessons about those guilty feelings. I often think of this verse & I like the NASB version best: Psalm 32: 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Another verse that I've read many times before, but really hit me a couple days ago (when reading the NKJB version): Lamentations 3: 21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
I was just so taken aback by the fact that because of His mercies, we are not CONSUMED! I don't think I had ever read this version before. That was such good news to me & is really helping when I feel overwhelmed about other things.
I also was just overwhelmed (in a good way) with thankfulness today as I was the one able to pick up my sleeping babe from his nap. And also that he was being super snuggly when he woke up. That doesn't happen much anymore since he's learned to pull himself up and cruise. And it's so cute that he hides his sweet little face behing something or will bend down & then "pop up" so you'll play peek-a-boo with him. And....I just could go on and on.....
And now to think about a third one joining us....that scares me sometimes when I think about it. "I'm going to be a mommy of three, Lord willing." Exciting too!
So, I never really touched on the struggles of staying home. I'll have to leave that for another post. As I am reading this back, I am so thankful that God put things in perspective for me. I think I'll come back & read this when I feel like I'm having an overwhelming day or just starting to pity the fact that I don't get to go to work to hang out w/ "big people." But for today, I choose joy. And I'm praying that God will remind me once again why I have reason to choose joy everyday, even when "I" think life is hard.
As she made the suggestion for blogging, I thought I could write a little about the cool things I'm learning as a mom. Not because I am a new mom, but I am newly a stay-at-home momma. It's been a struggle at times for me. After working some sort of job outside of the home for nearly 20 years, I was thrust into this new role. I don't always understand it. Maybe most realize that, but I didn't until I began doing this a mere 6 months ago. Just realized that by using the terms "thrust into..." that could be misconstrued as a bad thing. Not bad, just different & shocking & awesome too!
It really is cool to be able to watch your kids do different things & be able to experience the changes with them.
Let me explain...for a long time, I had often felt guilty for the things I missed out or the ways I thought I messed up (& probably did) with Maya. I was working full time & a single mom too. This is not to tell you so you'll pity me, but just to let you know just how sufficient God's grace really is. Even though I made sinful choices, God still was so gracious to save me & now teach me lessons about those guilty feelings. I often think of this verse & I like the NASB version best: Psalm 32: 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Another verse that I've read many times before, but really hit me a couple days ago (when reading the NKJB version): Lamentations 3: 21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
I was just so taken aback by the fact that because of His mercies, we are not CONSUMED! I don't think I had ever read this version before. That was such good news to me & is really helping when I feel overwhelmed about other things.
I also was just overwhelmed (in a good way) with thankfulness today as I was the one able to pick up my sleeping babe from his nap. And also that he was being super snuggly when he woke up. That doesn't happen much anymore since he's learned to pull himself up and cruise. And it's so cute that he hides his sweet little face behing something or will bend down & then "pop up" so you'll play peek-a-boo with him. And....I just could go on and on.....
And now to think about a third one joining us....that scares me sometimes when I think about it. "I'm going to be a mommy of three, Lord willing." Exciting too!
So, I never really touched on the struggles of staying home. I'll have to leave that for another post. As I am reading this back, I am so thankful that God put things in perspective for me. I think I'll come back & read this when I feel like I'm having an overwhelming day or just starting to pity the fact that I don't get to go to work to hang out w/ "big people." But for today, I choose joy. And I'm praying that God will remind me once again why I have reason to choose joy everyday, even when "I" think life is hard.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Docs name five worst 'healthy' fast foods
Docs name five worst 'healthy' fast foods
I've been thinking a lot lately about the foods we put into our bodies. being pregnant sure isn't helping with the craving of some bad choices in food consumption. ha! for example, just a couple of weeks ago, i craved (and it was super yummy) a wendy's double stack & fries. and a couple of weeks before that, it was a crave for the "what you crave." that's right, 4 white castles & fries, along with a couple of onion chips ordered by my hubby. now it's making me ill to think about either of them. i honestly don't think i've ever eaten a double cheeseburger in my life! did i mention that it was yummy though?! and i can't forget the super five way that i ate when i was pregnant with my sweet little lady, not to mention that i ate every.single.bite. all that to say, i thought i'd blog about what we eat & also hope for some input about what you & yours eat.
besides the intermittent cravings, i really never thought that we ate poorly.
for example, in the planting season, we grow our own veggies, shop at farmer's markets for things we don't grow and then at the season's end, we can or freeze what we're able to get us through the winter. and with the help of a dear friend who gave us a plethora of green beans last year, we canned about 14 qts and froze 3 gallon bags of them. (and gave some away) maya and i canned pickles from cucumbers that we got from the same friend. homemade salsa and pesto are also some of our favorites to feast on during this time too. i know it sounds weird to feast on meal accompaniments, but we certainly do. what do you do in the way of growing, buying, etc? and what are your faves?
for the past couple of years, we have been buying grass fed beef from a local farmer too. however, this year our allotment is almost gone, and we can't get anymore from this particular farm until the fall. :-(
where do you get your beef? and if you don't buy grass fed, or from a farm, what is your alternative?
i'm interested in knowing more about a better chicken or pork choice(s). we do try to buy the organic, no hormone/antibiotics chicken, but i'm a little skeptical about our local grocery store variety. i do know of a local who can get a seemingly comparable type of chicken, but quite frankly, it's expensive. ($3.50-$4/lb--yikes!) and as far as eggs, i have not been able to find "good" ones for <$3/dozen. so i reluctantly spend a mere $1 and some change at my local kroger. then i question myself, should i give up my frugality or do i continue to trade our health to save a couple of bucks? pork...well, i'm at a loss here. suggestions, please.
i could really get carried away with this post. some of you may think i already have. i would like to continue in another post as more thoughts come. i'll leave you with a few more questions.
do you eat processed meat? why or why not? do you only eat organic veggies & fruits? what ways to do you feed your family? is it the healthiest, cheapest....?! and the biggest question is, are we treating our bodies as our own or as one that belongs to God?
I've been thinking a lot lately about the foods we put into our bodies. being pregnant sure isn't helping with the craving of some bad choices in food consumption. ha! for example, just a couple of weeks ago, i craved (and it was super yummy) a wendy's double stack & fries. and a couple of weeks before that, it was a crave for the "what you crave." that's right, 4 white castles & fries, along with a couple of onion chips ordered by my hubby. now it's making me ill to think about either of them. i honestly don't think i've ever eaten a double cheeseburger in my life! did i mention that it was yummy though?! and i can't forget the super five way that i ate when i was pregnant with my sweet little lady, not to mention that i ate every.single.bite. all that to say, i thought i'd blog about what we eat & also hope for some input about what you & yours eat.
besides the intermittent cravings, i really never thought that we ate poorly.
for example, in the planting season, we grow our own veggies, shop at farmer's markets for things we don't grow and then at the season's end, we can or freeze what we're able to get us through the winter. and with the help of a dear friend who gave us a plethora of green beans last year, we canned about 14 qts and froze 3 gallon bags of them. (and gave some away) maya and i canned pickles from cucumbers that we got from the same friend. homemade salsa and pesto are also some of our favorites to feast on during this time too. i know it sounds weird to feast on meal accompaniments, but we certainly do. what do you do in the way of growing, buying, etc? and what are your faves?
for the past couple of years, we have been buying grass fed beef from a local farmer too. however, this year our allotment is almost gone, and we can't get anymore from this particular farm until the fall. :-(
where do you get your beef? and if you don't buy grass fed, or from a farm, what is your alternative?
i'm interested in knowing more about a better chicken or pork choice(s). we do try to buy the organic, no hormone/antibiotics chicken, but i'm a little skeptical about our local grocery store variety. i do know of a local who can get a seemingly comparable type of chicken, but quite frankly, it's expensive. ($3.50-$4/lb--yikes!) and as far as eggs, i have not been able to find "good" ones for <$3/dozen. so i reluctantly spend a mere $1 and some change at my local kroger. then i question myself, should i give up my frugality or do i continue to trade our health to save a couple of bucks? pork...well, i'm at a loss here. suggestions, please.
i could really get carried away with this post. some of you may think i already have. i would like to continue in another post as more thoughts come. i'll leave you with a few more questions.
do you eat processed meat? why or why not? do you only eat organic veggies & fruits? what ways to do you feed your family? is it the healthiest, cheapest....?! and the biggest question is, are we treating our bodies as our own or as one that belongs to God?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
What a Difference a Mother's Day Makes
I've been thinking lots lately about where God has brought us over the past year, and what better day to reflect than Mother's Day.
Last year Mother's Day was just a mere 6 days after our sweet baby boy joined us. I never thought I'd survive that first week of his life, not being able to hold him. OR even touch him except through those 2 holes on the side of his incubator. OR stop crying when I saw my sweet husband & daughter join hands to place on his back through those same 2 holes, one on each side of his "bed." OR celebrating (with many tears) the baby dedication with the other mothers at church, while my newest born was lying in a hospital on life support. But I'm so thankful for Christ, and a husband to bear it with.
When we arrived that day to see him, there hung a picture of his sweet face without the tube in his mouth! What a great Mother's Day gift! Words just cannot describe the awesomeness (is that a word?) of it.
I have seen him grow into a sweet, and yet, "determined" (aka sinner) little man. He can say momma & dadda. The most awesome thing is to see that all of the doctors have been proven wrong more than once. I don't find joy in the fact that people were proven wrong, but that God always has the best plan. I know I'm sounding like a broken record (from my last post). It truly is cool to see how He has proved, both before & after his birth, that He is a good God & that prayers really do work. And even if things were different with our circumstances, He is still good & still answers prayers.
We've also seen Maya just blossom into such a more loving, compassionate, and also protective big sister. She has grown in so many ways and has such a heart for her brother & special needs' kids. She knows all of his history & honestly could probably take care of without a problem. Again, just awesome to see how God has grown her into this sweet little girl. The things she's gained (& us too) with homeschooling her are just amazing to me--sweet morning snuggles, a hunger for the gospel, and lots of learning about her own heart, and of course mine as well. I would beg the point that she's taught me more about mine.
And lastly, we're so thankful that this Mother's Day, we were not only dedicating Myles, but celebrating the new life growing inside of me. Please, continue to pray earnestly. I've been so blessed & thankful for very few nauseous days. I'm 7 weeks today. My heart is burdened for those that continue to try to conceive, yet can't; those that have miscarried in the past & recently. I've been surrounded by this, or maybe just have more of a heightened awareness of these things recently. So I continue to pray & I know that God answers prayers.
Last year Mother's Day was just a mere 6 days after our sweet baby boy joined us. I never thought I'd survive that first week of his life, not being able to hold him. OR even touch him except through those 2 holes on the side of his incubator. OR stop crying when I saw my sweet husband & daughter join hands to place on his back through those same 2 holes, one on each side of his "bed." OR celebrating (with many tears) the baby dedication with the other mothers at church, while my newest born was lying in a hospital on life support. But I'm so thankful for Christ, and a husband to bear it with.
When we arrived that day to see him, there hung a picture of his sweet face without the tube in his mouth! What a great Mother's Day gift! Words just cannot describe the awesomeness (is that a word?) of it.
I have seen him grow into a sweet, and yet, "determined" (aka sinner) little man. He can say momma & dadda. The most awesome thing is to see that all of the doctors have been proven wrong more than once. I don't find joy in the fact that people were proven wrong, but that God always has the best plan. I know I'm sounding like a broken record (from my last post). It truly is cool to see how He has proved, both before & after his birth, that He is a good God & that prayers really do work. And even if things were different with our circumstances, He is still good & still answers prayers.
We've also seen Maya just blossom into such a more loving, compassionate, and also protective big sister. She has grown in so many ways and has such a heart for her brother & special needs' kids. She knows all of his history & honestly could probably take care of without a problem. Again, just awesome to see how God has grown her into this sweet little girl. The things she's gained (& us too) with homeschooling her are just amazing to me--sweet morning snuggles, a hunger for the gospel, and lots of learning about her own heart, and of course mine as well. I would beg the point that she's taught me more about mine.
And lastly, we're so thankful that this Mother's Day, we were not only dedicating Myles, but celebrating the new life growing inside of me. Please, continue to pray earnestly. I've been so blessed & thankful for very few nauseous days. I'm 7 weeks today. My heart is burdened for those that continue to try to conceive, yet can't; those that have miscarried in the past & recently. I've been surrounded by this, or maybe just have more of a heightened awareness of these things recently. So I continue to pray & I know that God answers prayers.
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