Over the past few months, I decided to put blogging to the side. No particular reason.
Just wanted to take a break.
Just wanted to push away from the computer.
Just wanted to regroup.
Just wanted to enjoy being free from schedules and time constraints.
and that I did!
My Spring quarter finished out mid-June, which happened to be in the very same week our church was hosting Vacation Bible X-treme... at which I was a teacher's helper.
The kids and I have enjoyed hanging out at some friend's community pool.
We enjoyed a vacation.
I read some books at which I need to seriously update.
And alas... here I am. Lots to prepare for next week. I'm game.
One of my most precious memories to date is the night I brought my baby girl home from the hospital. The day was December 31, 1999. Words cannot describe the emotions I felt that night. It was such an exhilarating yet terrifying time. I was a very young, brand new mom without a clue as to what I was doing, yet I felt so proud and overwhelmed with joy. Holding that little person in my arms suddenly gave me a sense of purpose. To know that I was her sole caregiver and it was no longer "me" but "us" was life-changing to say the least. It's true what they say.... you never know that pure love until you have a child of your own. I copied this from junk mail. The words are so very true and spoken so very poignantly.
Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy. Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom
I love to listen to music. I love all kinds of music provided the lyrics are clean and the beat makes me want to raise my hands, belt out loud, rock my head or shake my tush. Music inspires me and keeps me going. I listen to music with the hubs and kiddos, I listen when I'm going places, I listen when surfing the net and almost always listen while I exercise. While working out the other day my I-pod shuffle mix played one song that I just can't get out of my head. The lyrics are so beautifully poignant and capture my soul as I listen. This song is my praise to my heavenly Father. The song is called Oh Glorious Day by Casting Crowns.
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day
One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing
My Savior, Jesus, is mine
Okay so this one is a little tricky because I've only a couple of best friends in my lifetime. I know... I know... but who is your BEST friend is what the photo challenge is specifying. One special friend, in particular, has been in my life since the year 2000 when we both began working for a major corporate insurance company. We were in training at the same time and pretty much were inseparable for many years. When we were both struggling as single mothers, we banded together with our kiddos and lived our lives the best way we knew how... as best friends. This friend is Kim B. Growing up my daughter called her Na-na. Over the years our season of lives have separated us but that has not kept the bond we share from wavering. Kim is one of the most loyal, loving, warm, devoted and kind persons I have ever known. She is one of those types of people that you can depend on for anything. Kim has a beautiful and magnetic personality and never have I seen her not make a friend wherever she goes! She works hard for her family and has a heart the size of Texas. Kim and I have gone through so much together. We've laughed, we've cried, we've argued, we have ticked each other off but always made up later. To say we have had some wild and crazy adventures is an understatement. Kim has always had my back and supported me through the thickest of thick and the thinnest of thin. She's even witnessed the birth of my son Caleb. We've celebrated birthdays, weddings, holidays, and even sharing in the sadness for the loss of friends and loved ones. This gal definitely holds a special place in my heart. I love you Kim and although we are miles apart, God has placed you in my life for a reason.
While I know this isn't the best picture, it personifies a time in my life when my emotions ran the gamut. From joy to excitement, from anticipation to happiness and elation. I married the love of my life. One of the happiest days of my life.
Prayer is a powerful tool in reaching out to God and having a private conversation with Him. Even if you have never prayed or you pray daily, know that your prayers are heard by our Heavenly Father. The bible tells us the following:
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8(NKJV)
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and listen to the cry of my supplications. Psalm 86: 6
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. Colossians 4: 2
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4: 1(NKJV)
The bible tells us many times in the bible that prayer changes lives, changes people, can change circumstances and can change things. Someone forwarded an email with a prayer that I absolutely love. I have even printed this one out and posted it to my wall. It's beautiful and says all that I want to say when I don't know what to say. Prayer has changed my life in so many ways. My prayer is that is changes your life as well. Be well and blessed!
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. Thank you for the person reading this right now. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to You. I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.
And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak.. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank You that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..
Over the past few months a few of my lovely friends have been sharing their "word" for the year. What I mean by their "word" is this... a word you will claim as your mission to live out through the rest of the year. One friend's word is "intention" and I think another friend's word is "peace". So what exactly is my "word" and how can I live out my word. Being a woman of Christ, I feel it necessary to always try to live intentionally but what does that really mean? Day in and day out we live our lives. We wake up, go about our day and basically go through the motions. Being intentional does not come naturally. It's a conscience effort to be the best you can be according to God's plan and purpose. Along the way, we all have shortfalls and shortcomings. We stumble, we fall, we get back up and move about our merry way. It's often hard to live each day by what God called us to do. Just a few weeks ago I went through a somewhat difficult situation. My first instinct was to react in a way that is not pleasing to my Holy Father. Isn't reacting in a negative way the natural thing to do? I say YES, but God says NO. Immediately following the situation, I began to pray and before I could get two statements out of my brain, the word Grace was uttered. I felt this strong sense that God wanted me to handle the entire situation with Grace. So I did. I retreated and continued to pray. I had to let the situation go. It was an extremely difficult thing to do. Ten years ago, I would have probably put on my sassy pants, gone into the war zone with my sharp words and quick temper as my ammo. Ten years ago I would have said some not so nice things and severed that relationship. I would have allowed the enemy to control my emotions and all cool would have been lost. For me personally, it was an incredible gain. Not only did I feel better but I got something that I needed most. Peace and calm. While I cannot say what will come from the situation later on down the road, what I can say is this... if you allow God to take control of your life you will remain victorious. Just letting go and letting God is no easy task but with time and lots of prayer it gets so much easier. Thank you heavenly father for this one small victory in the constant battles I face each and every day. Today and each day after my "word" is Grace. What's your word?
But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it). James 4: 6
I stand for the unborn. Life begins at conception, not birth.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that fully well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139:13-16).
Seriously though I think this past year has been my healthiest year since I was a teenager. I lost weight, I started working out and most important ... if not the most exciting - I started running. When I run I know my heart is getting stronger with each pump. I know my lungs are expanding and working for the better of my body. I know that my blood is flowing and pumping and going to all the right places. I love it. When I run my legs hurt, my chest is tight and I can't carry on a conversation and that is just the way I like it. Am I crazy? Who knows, and honestly who cares. All I know is I have been a running for one year! One year ago this month I ran my very first 5k race. One year ago I began a new journey that I never in a million years imagined I would love so very much. After I run I feel refreshed and renewed. I feel rejuvenated and unstressed so to speak. The proud feeling of accomplishment creeps through my veins and it sure feels good. Thank you God I have a mind to set on running, lungs to take in that fresh air, a healthy heart to pump that blood and legs to get me where I need to go.
With the new year well under way I thought I would take a look back on some of my older posts. I came across my cleaning prayer and loved reading it so much I thought I would share it again. Day in and day out the daily duties of a part-time or full-time stay-at-home mom become quite mundane and very mechanical. I share this in hopes it can give you a breath of fresh air or a new perspective on the importance of being the woman of your home. Enjoy!
Dear Lord Jesus
As I go about my housework
Let me see each job I do,
As a service for my King
And a way of loving You.
Let me wash away my judgments
Of others right or wrong,
As I wash up the dishes
Place within my heart a song.
As I clean up little fingerprints
And lots of muddy shoes,
May I remember how you cleaned the feet
Of the loved ones you did choose.
As I mend up torn pajamas
And sew a button on,
Show me where I need to mend a breech
That's gone on far too long.
Let me tidy up my thoughts
As I tidy up the toys,
Let me sweep away my fears
Like the dirt from little boys.
May I be just as quick with my forgiveness
As I am with mop and broom,
Sweeping up the clutter
In my heart and living room.
May I rinse out pride and ego
As I rinse the bathtub out,
And while we are at it Lord
Let's take care of anger, hate and doubt.
Please remind me often Lord
That the way I'm called to serve,
Is an honor given me
And not below what I deserve.
You know Lord, as I look
At all the work we need to do,
I think we'd better house clean
At least each day or two.
The past few months have been a whirlwind to say the least. I, once again, and without plan decided to take another break from blogging. Bible studies, soccer, school activities (and everything in between) were once again coming to a break and with that I decided my computer break needed a little break as well.
Our December was spent, in part, celebrating life. We celebrated the birth of our savior Jesus Christ as well as the birth of our children. I often wonder and ask God why he gave me my children in the same month and same week as my birthday and Christmas. It can be a really scary thought! Three birthdays in the same month... in the same week...on top of Christmas. YIKES! Normally I am consumed with planning the perfect party for my children. I am enveloped in my thoughts ... gotta get the right present, gotta get the right invitation, gotta get the perfect cake.. gotta find the perfect party venue. But this time I wanted everything to be different. I decided I would not focus solely on having the perfect party... rather having the right frame of mind. This time I decided to thank God and give Him all the praise for my children. So many try so very hard to have children and cannot. So many pray fervently to get pregnant and are unable to conceive. So many spend countless hours consumed with getting pregnant only to lose their baby. Then there are those that spend thousands of dollars on in vitro fertilization or adoption. I look as those and my heart breaks. It makes me realize how much I take take for granted when it comes to my children. The bible tells us Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17. How so very true! I look at my children and think... WOW! I carried them in my womb and God created them for me to mother. Before you were formed in the body of your mother I had knowledge of you, and before your birth I made you holy; I have given you the work of being a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5. He gave me those precious gifts and I need not worry about the timing of when God gave them to me. I need not worry with the "how" or "why". I just need to let go and let God handle everything. God's timing may not be my timing nor His purpose be my purpose but He did have the perfect plan for me. God knew I would have my children and when I would have my children. This is the perfect gift. My children are GOOD and PERFECT! They are beautiful and precious. Thank you Heavenly Father for allowing me the honor of raising two of your finest creations.
I follow many blogs, but one blog in particular really feeds me my daily encouragement that is much needed when being a full-time stay-at-home wife & mother. If you are struggling this holiday season - READ THIS POST from http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/
Let me encourage you today if you are feeling stressed out and down due to the financial pressures this wonderful time of year tends to bring. Let’s remember this beautiful story that Jesus told so many years ago and realize that it’s not the size of the gift or how much money it costs that determines it’s value, but the size of the sacrifice from the one giving the gift. - Angela @ Goodmorninggirls.org
Our weekly challenge for Good Morning Girls is to memorize Philippians 3:13-14 and to set a goal for the fall 2010 session. I haven't quite memorized the verse but I am working on it. As far as my goal, I am challenging myself to get on my knees daily and spent my quiet moments with the Lord before I go to bed. If you are like me, I tend to do my nightly routine then tuck myself into bed. Once my head is gently laid on my pillow I begin my prayers, which more times than I can count, end up being cut short because I have fallen asleep. Sure I pray throughout the day, but what a difference it would make to get on my knees after I wake and before I sleep... allowing God to work throughout my day from the very beginning to the very end. It's a challenge, especially if I am not in the habit. So starting last night I got on my knees and began to speak to my heavenly Father. I actually fell asleep much faster not fighting to keep my eyes open and my brain flowing with thanksgiving and requests for God. I challenge you to memorize the scripture and set a personal goal. It can be anything really... more quiet time, having a more gentle & quiet spirit, fasting... whatever. As Courtney from Good Morning Girls suggests, pray about it. Be blessed my readers!
I know many of my loyal readers have been a little disappointed with me in my lack of posting. For that, I am sorry. I have taken a little break from blogging. This is, in part, due to my ever busy life as a stay-at-home mommy, soccer for my daughter, preschool for my son, bible studies, and just life in general. I've had sickness in my family that has kept me away from the computer some. Rest assured, I will get back to blogging very soon. Until then, stay posted. New posts are coming.
An Echo In The Darkness - Book #2 (The Mark of the Lion Series) - Francine Rivers
I finally finished this second book of the series and I just have to say, reading these books has literally changed my life. I view my faith in Christ a little differently these days. This book was AMAZING. Nothing shy of a fictional masterpiece. I have to give props and kudos to Francine on this one. As you can imagine I gave this book 5 Stars. I loved it!! Since book #1 of this series, A Voice In The Wind, literally kept me hanging on to the very last sentence I could not wait to dig in to the second book. My heart ached, my soul revolted as I read about each character and their lives...most importantly how the Lord was using and molding each one. Here's a brief summary: Through the courageous faith of the Christian slave girl Hadassah and the troubled lives of the Roman masters, An Echo in the Darkness continues this moving tale of first-century Rome. Having narrowly escaped death, Hadassah conceals her scars--and identity--with veils. But it is her God-given ability to heal others that brings her to perhaps her greatest trial. God's forgiveness and redemption triumph as this young woman, assumed to be dead, is called to risk her life for the one who would have destroyed her. I grabbed this review on Amazon.com which says it all: The MARK trilogy is set in the Roman Empire, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem. Using a Hebrew slave girl (Hadassah) and a German gladiator (Atretes; think the film GLADIATOR) as the main characters, three books are crafted around themes of faith, redemption, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Rivers is one of the best at writing characters and those that she creates here are absolutely convincing -- flawed and heroic on multiple layers, with developmental conflicts that relate to and parallel modern times almost seamlessly. AN ECHO IN THE DARKNESS, the middle book of the series, picks up immediately after A VOICE IN THE WIND's climax. Where A VOICE focused mainly on Hadassah and her struggle to stand for her faith, AN ECHO's main conflicts surround the Valerian family (whom Hadassah served) and their responses to the sacrificial price that Hadassah paid. The resulting journeys towards redemption play out wonderfully and, as the book progresses, become more and more moving.
Welcome to our family blog. I'm glad you could join us in experiencing a snippet of our little world and see how God has blessed us so. The purpose of this blog is to journal the everyday life of a devoted wife, mommy, super crafter, scrap booker, avid reader, blogger & 5k runner! I go by many titles but the ones most coveted are wife to Walter and mommy to Megan & Caleb. I am, as I like to call myself, a Domestic Diva. My husband & I live a simple life with our two kids, our Maine Coone, and our Chocolate Lab Mix. My life truly blessed and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me and my family.
