Bigger Picture Moments: To Plant Truth

Every night as the sun goes down and the kids cozy up in their bedtime clothes, daddy sits down with our two quickly growing children and opens up their favorite book.

"Yay!  God-book!" they declare and stare at the page mesmerized as daddy reads the words that tell the most beautiful story.

Their eyes wide, daddy sees an opportunity to teach truth and train up these little ones in the way they should go.  He takes their wild imaginations and gives them each a part to play as the words on the page take on new meaning through drama.

"Here, Valerie, you can be the angel and this will be your sword.  Almanzo, you can be Balaam and I'll be your donkey," he explains as they giggle at daddy down on all fours with a silly three year old boy on his back.

"Now, Almanzo, Balaam told the donkey to go that way, so tell me to go that way," he continues.

"Go that way!" he declares as another fit of laughter makes him nearly fall off his noble steed.

"Ok, Valerie, now, you're the angel and the angel doesn't want us to go that way, so hold up your sword to stop us," he says as our four year old holds up the coat-hanger-turned-sword shaking with the humor of the entire dramatic scene being played out in our living room transformed into a stage.

The story moves forward as daddy explains how God sent the angel to protect Balaam from the danger ahead.

"Daddy, God sent a angel to me while I was sleeping!  The angel was singing and dancing so I not be afraid," Valerie blurts out and daddy seizes the opportunity to tell her how much God cares for her, so much that He sent His son to die on a cross.

"And He rose again!" both kids exclaim and our four year old daughter, who so often understands far more than we give her credit for asks daddy to tell her more and then, as my heart nearly explodes with joy, she says she wants Jesus to be in her heart too.

Later that night, as I curl up in bed with my love, we pray for our daughter's sweet heart and the beautiful decision she made to open the most precious gift.  I fall asleep thinking about all the times we have talked about Jesus as we go about our days wondering if we were really making a difference.

All those times we shared truth, even when they seemed far more interested in making messes and running circles around us, were worth it.  Because you never know when those seeds planted and watered will fall on fertile ground and God will make them grow. 

Linking up with Bigger Picture Blogs for this weeks' Bigger Picture Moment.

 

{Bigger Picture Poetry} New Memories Blossom

 Photo credit: luz

It was the day after Easter,

the Monday after hope was found

in an empty tomb

and a risen Savior.

My heart ached

for the one I loved

who never rose again,

but whose body lay cold

beneath the dirt and the grass

and the stone that showed

a mere dash where he

had once breathed

and danced

and laughed

and lived.

Three years later,

my heart still breaks,

sometimes fresh as the day

he breathed his last.

I fight for memories

of joy and love

and life well lived.

And wonder when

it will stop being so hard.

It was the day after Easter

that our firstborn

the daughter who is so much like me

and yet so much like her,

the one who dances and sings

as though the whole world is her stage,

whispers to her daddy

a hunger and longing

to know Truth and grace

and to unwrap the gift

found in the blood of the cross

and the joy of the empty tomb.

She wants to enjoy that gift,

to open her heart

and let Him in,

to confess with her mouth

and believe in her heart

that He is not just God and Son,

but Savior and Messiah.

As new life blossoms

on trees waking from their winter slumber

and snow melting gives way to green grass,

new memories blossom

in a four year old girl

unwrapping the most precious gift

and claiming it as her own.

Hope covers the still aching wounds

and mends broken hearts

as tears give way to dancing

and we join angels in singing

for one more lost sheep

found and redeemed

and forever His.

Linking up with Bigger Picture Blogs to find meaning in the word plant with Poetry.

 

Joy Dare: He Knows ME

Photo credit: wili_hybrid

This morning, I read these words of Truth:

 "O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar."  

(Psalm 139:1-2)

I was struck by this reminder that He not only created me and numbered my days, but that He also knows and cares about the little details of my life from my coming to my going, my sitting to my rising.

And, even more so, He knows my thoughts while they are still out of reach for me.  Matthew Henry puts it so beautifully when he explains, "Though my thoughts be ever so foreign and distant from one another, thou understandest the chain of them, and can make out their connexion, when so many of them slip my notice that I myself cannot". 

A few weeks ago, a friend shared this verse with me, "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?" (Psalm 56:8)

Today, as I continue to count His gifts, I am most thankful that I serve a Father who understands me more than anyone else on earth ever could.

***

127. News from the radiologist that my sweet friend, Kim, will not have to deliver her baby early. 


128. This truth: that though circumstances and trials be out of our control, it is always Him who goes before you. So, let your heart take courage and wait for the Lord, who is great and awesome and faithful. (Deuteronomy 31:6)


129. A mom who takes time out of her busy schedule to help me clean and ready our house for selling. 


130. A very, very clean house and a for sale sign as we look to the future.


131. My beautiful pregnant sister and the sweet baby girl growing healthy and strong in her womb.


132. A husband who reminds me that beauty is more than my outward appearance and who daily affirms that I am beautiful. 


133. The privilege and joy of raising the next generation and being more than just a mom to these little ones. 


134. This fallen world is not my home; I await the joyful hope of my citizenship in heaven and the transforming of this dying body into its glorious heavenly form. (Philippians 3:20-21)


135. I am not perfect, but I am enough. 


136. Sweet fellowship with friends who speak truth in love and words that are sweeter than honey...and that we were made for community, to encourage and build each other up.


137. Conversations between my little ones and watching a lifetime of friendship unfold. 


138. A gluten free cookie recipe that my husband, who enjoys a good gluten-filled dessert, calls "pretty good, babe". 


139. The blessing of MOPS and the group of women who have welcomed me with open arms and caring hearts. 


140. Doctors and nurses who care for our daughter's wound, stitches that heal, and a brave little girl who says after all she's endured, "I feel better now, mommy!".  


141. Shifting the focus from "two-piece swimsuits and skinny jeans to healthy heart, healthy body mass and healthy thoughts". 


142. This truth reminder for my tender, aching heart: "I’m loved, I really can do this. I’m chosen for a purpose."


143. Teaching my little ones to take care of our home and hearing them say, "I help you, mommy!" with joy and anticipation.


144. Laughter and sweet fellowship on a much needed mom's night out. 


145. His love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on me.


146. Cleaning and getting rid of more stuff - so freeing!


147. Knowing that my labor in the Lord is not in vain and that it is more than worth it to persevere and remain steadfast in my walk.  (1 Corinthians 15:58)


148. Celebrating nurses week by remembering the amazing NICU nurses who cared for our little ones so tenderly and compassionately. 


149. This beautiful love story and the reminder that love is a daily choice we make to put the needs of our loved one before our own. 


150. The tot spot at our local grocery store and kids who are excited to play while mommy grocery shops alone.


151. The Word of God that always proves true against all the lies the world throws my way.  (Psalm 18:30-32)


152. A much needed social media break and the time spent soaking up His truths and gaining a clearer perspective. 


153. "That motherhood is both the hardest and most magnificent thing you will ever do." 


154. Sharing the love of babywearing with other expectant mommas and learning more to better equip me for babywearing our littlest one. 


155. These mother's day words of love from my sisters: "Happy mothers day to the best mommy of THREE!" and "Happy mothers day :) you have some pretty lucky kids!".


156. A day "off" from mothering to enjoy a Brewers/Cubs game with my sisters, brothers, and cousins. 


157. Coming home to hand picked wildflowers and handmade cards from my little blessings and love from the three people who make my life more complete. 


158. A hubby who blessed me with the day off and is my biggest cheerleader on the hard mothering days. So thankful to have him by my side to journey this road of parenting together. It's a crazy, challenging life, but it is SO worth it.


159. Missing my sweet grandma on Mother's Day, but remembering the beautiful legacy she left and the family who carries pieces of her into the future.  


160. I am not perfect, but I press on to the perfection He promises in heaven because He has made me His own. (Philippians 3:12)


161. Being held safe and secure in the arms of the One who only allows what will build me up and mold me into the woman He desires me to be, not for my glory, but for His.  


162. Friends who remind me of His truth spoken in love and who join me in faithful prayer.


163. I will not shrink back and be destroyed when trials and struggles overwhelm, because I have a greater hope and nothing can separate me from His love.  


164. Finally feeling well enough to begin exercising again and discovering a new exercise routine that works for this pregnant momma.  


165. Connecting with a group of men and women who understand my gluten intolerance and the wealth of knowledge and resources gleaned from the local support group meeting.  


166. Discovering a $10 bill while cleaning out our bedroom closet.


167. Feeling more frequent and definite kicks from this littlest one in my womb - the coolest feeling ever.  


168. Though trials and tribulation may about in this world, I can take heart because HE has overcome the world (John 16:33)


169. Overhearing my daughter tenderly care for her brother, "Aw, yeddo, you got hurt. Wanna sleep on the couch...and I tuck you in?" Sometimes, as much as mommy wants to run and comfort even the little bumps and bruises, it's so precious to watch these two comfort each other.


170. "There's something so powerful about the friendships you can touch and see and feel." (Holley Gerth) So, so thankful for the friends God has placed in my life to dance with me in the moments of joy and cry with me in the moments of pain. ""When we're with people in the skin...it can really add richness to our lives." (Bonnie Gray)


171. When God reaches me with His word right where I am. I needed this today. Contentment does not come from wealth, success, health, or possessions, but from the feet of Christ, in wholly depending on Him, for when I am weak, He is strong and His grace is always sufficient. (Philippians 4:11-13)


172. Saying goodbye to sweet friends, but knowing that God has great plans in store for them and that they are obediently following Him exactly where He would have them be.


173. Cheering on our favorite mountain biker despite a rainy, muddy race day.


174. This quote from Matthew Henry's commentary about the importance of prayer and calling to God in our distress: "a good man is made up of prayer and gives himself to prayer".


175. That God, ultimately, overrules human sin and the effects of it. Not that He is the author of sin, but that He is in control of the events and directs the chain effects of human sin, not to make sin less punishable, but to further elevate His name to the praise and glory of the One who is over all.


176. Sunshine, bike rides, playgrounds, and picnics enjoyed with two sweet little ones and the steady pitter patter of the littlest one in my womb.


177. A 20 week ultrasound that revealed a healthy and ever growing baby BOY.


178. Waking up to a little monkey in my belly pitter-pattering away and another little monkey crawling all over our bed giggling. I couldn't help but smile - I'll take early mornings just to wake up to this happiness.


179. Date night with my love by his suggestion and parents who are more than happy to spend time with their grandkids.


180. A day at the beach chasing the waves and building sand castles with my loves.


181. Freedom, both in this land of the free and home of the brave (and for the men and women who sacrifice daily to keep it so) and in the redemption of my soul and the hope of eternal life in heaven.


182. Hearing our little ones memorize His words and encouraging their hearts to follow after Him.


183.  Long afternoon naps.


184. Grocery shopping in the early morning before my hubby leaves for work - so quiet and peaceful.


185. Beautiful maternity photos taken by a sweet friend.


186. The many rich and beautiful marriages that have encouraged and blessed my husband and I in our own marriages.


187. Singing hymns with my kids and hearing them say, "again, mommy! sing God song again!". 


188. The privilege to vote and have my voice heard. 


189. Celebrating 20 years since my baby brother joined our family and made it complete.


190. Overheard from my daughter, "And I love mommy too. Cuz I do!" And then my heart melted.


191. Baby shower festivities, the blessing of family, and the anticipation of our precious niece.

 

 

Wednesday Morning Coffee #2

 

 Photo credit: alfstorm

Since it's been quiet around here lately, I decided Wednesday Morning Coffee was the best way to play catch up, because there's a lot on my mind but my thoughts are so jumbled lately. 

First of all, if you missed my last post, yes, we are expecting number 3!  It was a little bit of a surprise...but, then again, when you use natural family planning a surprise is not really a surprise after all.  Ha! 

I feel like all I do is sleep lately.  I have no energy and the nausea is only getting worse.  Don't get me wrong - I love knowing that I am carrying a little one in my belly and I love watching my belly grow and feeling the baby move as they grow...but those first few months of pregnancy are always so hard for me.  I have to remind myself constantly that it is worth it.  So, when the nausea, fatigue, dizziness hit me in full force, I spend my days praying and thinking about who this little one will be and how our family will be blessed to welcome him or her. 

I honestly was not convinced I was pregnant this time around until I saw a positive pregnancy test.  My husband started teasing me before I had even missed my period that I was probably pregnancy when I started complaining of nausea and was already feeling so tired.  I had one pregnancy test leftover from a couple years ago and when I tried it, the line that says the test was complete didn't show up. 

I was about to head to the store for a new one when I decided to check it one more time.  My daughter followed me to the bathroom and as I held it up to look, I gasped as I saw a very clear positive.  "Valerie, we're going to have another baby!" I shrieked and she grinned and started talking about the baby in my belly. 

Valerie has already declared there is a baby girl in my belly.  When I tried to explain that it could be a boy too, she said, "NO! Baby girl!"  We could have some tears to deal with if this little one is a boy. 

The best part about this pregnancy is that my sister is also expecting, so we get to watch our bellies grow together.  She is due August 28th and I'm due October 11th.  I hope our little ones grow up to be close friends. 

Monday night, my hubby and I planned a Valentine's date night.  We ate dinner here and then he picked up a babysitter so we could enjoy some quiet time alone at a coffee shop nearby.  We spent the time talking about our family mission statement and wrote our rough draft.  It was so refreshing to talk about it and know that we are on the same page as a couple and as parents. 

He even showed me his personal mission statement and I told him how proud I am of the work He has allowed God to do in making him a leader of our home.  Now I just have to find the time and energy to write out my own personal mission statement.  There's really something so freeing in knowing your purpose, because it helps make those day to day decisions more focused and helps put things into perspective. 

We also had a very serious discussion about creating our will.  Now that we have little ones, it's really been on our minds to write up our will, because we never know what tomorrow or the next day will bring.  If something happens to us, we want to make sure our children are well taken care of. 

My parents encouraged us to do the same, because they explained that without putting in a legal document who the guardians would be for our children, they would end up in foster care until it could be sorted out among our family members.  As hard as I know it would be for both of them if something happened to both of us, it would be so much harder and scarier if they had to go to a strangers' home.  I think, as parents, it's part of our responsibility to talk about these hard things, because the future really is so uncertain. 

I still haven't found the time or energy to finish our home management binder.  I bought a really cute binder at Target along with some index dividers, clear plastic page protectors, and an even cuter notebook.  I wanted it to be cheery and fun so I would be more willing to use it on a daily basis.  I love the idea of having a central location for all those important papers and being able to have an organized and well thought out schedule from day to day. 

I've also continued working on purging unnecessary clutter in our home.  I finished organizing all the totes in our basement storage.  I labeled them each with a letter of the alphabet and made a master list of what is in each tote.  I've heard of this system before but never got around to actually putting it into practice in our home.  My husband was even impressed with how well organized it makes our basement storage.  And I love seeing the growing pile of clutter that is going to be leaving our home.  It is so freeing!

Well, I should probably sign off now and take some time to do my daily devotions, because I've been slacking so badly in that area again.  I know that my attitude towards my family improves so much when I am spending time daily in His word.  And our pastor's series of sermons on the book of James has been so convicting to me lately.  I told my husband I find myself squirming in my seat on Sunday mornings, because I know God is trying to get my attention and I don't always want to listen.  Discipline is so hard, but I know it is for His glory to grow and mold me into the woman He created me to be. 

I'd love to hear from YOU too.  Share with me what's been on your heart lately or how I can be praying for you.  I am so grateful for each and every one of you who read my blog and take the time to leave your words of encouragement and love in this space. 

 

Fresh Brewed Sundays: {Blessed}

Photo credit: evanlavine

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, 

the fruit of the womb a reward... 

Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!"

(Psalm 127: 3, 5a)

 I just had to share these verses today as I nearly explode with joy over our exciting news.  Children are really a wonderful blessing from the Lord and I am thrilled God has chosen us to be parents again! 

(And this would explain the silence around here lately...because this mommy is exhausted (and, not to mention, nauseous too...)!  Of course, I couldn't be happier to be this exhausted!)

Linking up with Barbie of My Freshly Brewed Life for Fresh Brewed Sundays.

Wednesday Morning Coffee

Photo credit: alfstorm

In case you didn't already know, I love my morning coffee.  Currently, my favorite is Target's Archer Farms Hazelnut coffee with a little bit of vanilla flavored almond milk.  But, on the go, I do enjoy a delicious soy chai tea latte from Starbucks.  This morning, as I sip my morning coffee, I thought it would be fun to invite YOU for a virtual coffee date.

So, sit back, relax, and sip your favorite cup of coffee (or tea, if you prefer - I love chai tea!)...and join me as I share some random thoughts from my week and a few things that have been on my heart.  I'd love to hear from you - what's on your heart today, what are you struggling with, what are you joyful about, what are you needing prayer for.  

***

I talked yesterday about how I've been longing for simplicity.  This morning I opened up my FlyLady email to discover February's challenge: 15 minutes of decluttering every day.  Then, as I sifted through my facebook newsfeed I saw this status on Money Saving Mom's page:

Happy February!  This month we're going to be focusing on reducing clutter and getting our homes in bettr order.  I'm going to be going through my home from top to bottom and blogging some fun clear-out-the-clutter challenges. 

I love how everything is focusing me on the same thing this month: a desire to live simply and no longer let the clutter of "stuff" control my life.  Could it be God getting my attention again?  Because he has a way of repeating things like that to get ahold of me. 

Yesterday was a rough day for me.  I'm not sure why, but I was feeling down and gloomy all day.  I sat around in my pajamas all day, sipping tea and munching on gluten free bread, my favorite comfort food.

My little ones were so sweet all day.  My daughter came up to give me a hug and said, "Mommy, I give you feel-good hug?" and my son kept asking me, "Mommy, you not feel good?"  At one point, he even climbed into my lap and cuddled with me for a while. 

I did part of my daily cleaning, but didn't have the energy to clean the kitchen floor.  And, really, that's okay.  I love having a cleaning schedule, because it gives me something to do each day so everything doesn't pile up...but, if I don't get one thing done it's easy to do it the next day or just not worry about it.  I'm learning to give myself grace in this area.

My husband asked me last night if I was physically tired...or if something was bothering me, because that often makes me feel tired.  I love how well he knows me and at the extra effort he's made to understand and care for me.  I don't think anything is really worrying or making me anxious right now (of course, sometimes it takes me a while to realize it)...maybe it's just the weather or my hormones or maybe I'm coming down with something again.

I went to the chiropractor on Monday morning.  He's been doing some therapy on my Achilles tendon to help me heal from my tendinitis flare up.  He was convinced my foot is getting stronger, especially after I told him I had done a 1 1/2 minute run that morning.  I'm anxious to get back into a running routine and start training for my goals this year.

My kids were quite entertained by the skeleton hanging in the room at the chiropractic clinic.  They kept laughing and saying "that's funny, mommy!"  We went to the library after and found several books about bones and the skeleton.  I figured if they're showing some interest I might as well take it as a learning opportunity.

Speaking of learning opportunities, I need to start doing some more tot school activities with the kids.  Valerie is so interested in learning these days and I want to encourage her curiosity and interest with fun projects and experiments.  I found a book on preschool science activities at the library too.  I'm going to search through it today and find some things to do for the next week.

I need to spend more time in His word.  Why is it always so hard to be disciplined about making time for bible study?  I always come up with some excuse - I'm too tired, I have too much to do, I can't concentrate right now... And before I know it several days have gone by without time spent with Him.

It melts my heart hearing my kids sing the words to "Jesus Loves Me" and hearing them ask to pray with them.  "I talk to God!" my daughter loves to say.  I want to be a better example to them, but I also know my soul needs Him too.

I read this verse on facebook yesterday and it was just what I needed to be reminded of:

Oh satisfy us early with your mercy 

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!" 

(Psalm 90:14) 

Bigger Picture Moments: Blessings Through Raindrops

Photo Credit: SoNo_PolarBear

My memory verse from last week (which I totally forgot about...so I'm working on it a week late) is the first part of James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above..."  I've been thinking about this verse a lot this week, especially since my sister made her pregnancy official on facebook.

When she told us a few weeks ago, I was surprised and completely excited.  I can't wait to spoil another little nephew or finally have a niece to shower with pink and frills.  But the most exciting part of her announcement came when she told us her due date - August 28th. 

To most people it is just another day, but to our family it has a special place in our hearts.  On that day in 1948, my Grandpa and Grandma Klein began their journey of life together, a marriage that lasted 62 beautiful years and has been the most precious legacy to us.

I can still clearly picture in my head seeing my sweet grandfather hold out his hand to my grandma as they were walking through the woods at my uncle's house.  Theirs was a love that was not just empty words, but a lifetime of holding each other and walking together in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health. 

When my mom reminded us what that date meant, I immediately saw a picture of my grandpa and grandma, holding hands and walking through life together...and I knew this was one of those good and perfect gifts from above.  Because it's no coincidence that her due date is that exact day.  It is a blessing that comes through rain drops, a reminder that, even when life is hard, God is working all things together for good to those who love Him and are called by His name. 

Linking up with Bigger Picture Moments at Melissa's today.

'Twas the Write Before Christmas: {Day 3}

"It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah."

"Praise the LORD! [hallelujah] Praise the LORD [hallelujah], O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish...The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD! [hallelujah]" (Psalm 146: 1-4, 10)

The phrase "Praise the LORD" is found often in the Psalms, a command to lift our hands and sing our praises to the One who is worthy and awesome and good.  But, sometimes, opening our mouths to say "hallelujah" is hard.

In the last week of my grandfather's life, as his body grew weaker and the end loomed near, I fell to my knees, begging God to spare Him.  My words were broken and I felt cold and lonely.  But, somehow, in that moment of simply laying it all at His feet, even when it was hard, I found reason to praise Him.

I don't know what You saw in me / But I'm glad you believed / In spite of my condition / That Your mission was to rescue my heart
 
Don't understand the sacrifice / Why You gave up your life for the sake of my soul / Only heaven knows 

There's a mystery that lies / Within the logic of your love / There's an undying mercy / That I'm unworthy of
 
If that isn't reason enough to love You / Reason enough to give You / All of my heart and soul / There'll never be a reason

(Avalon, "Reason Enough")

As my sweet friend, grieves another loss, even in the midst of that kind of tired, she still finds the words to praise the One who will heal all her wounds and dry all her tears.  Because she knows there's reason enough to praise Him even in the storms.   

When our external hard drive with every single one of my photos on it crashed and the only way to fix it costs more money than we have right now...and when our washing machine broke on the same day...I still found the strength to lift my eyes to the hills and praise the One who's already given me more than I deserve.

Because, there are always moments like this...

...when a friend's husband was inches away from an explosion and literally on fire...and still came home un-burned to be a husband and dad, when she should have been planning a funeral but instead God chose to spare his life.  In those moments, it's impossible to not stand in awe of such an awesome God.  

His ways are often well beyond what we can comprehend, but He always, always has a plan, a perfect, beautiful, and wonderful plan for each and every one of us. 

So, even when it's a cold and broken hallelujah, it is still a hallelujah, because there is reason enough to praise Him, reason enough to love Him, reason enough to trust Him.

And that reason came in the form of a newborn babe, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger, who grew up to be the Prince of Peace, the perfect and spotless Lamb. 

***

This post is part of Bigger Picture Blogs' series, 'Twas the Write Before Christmas, a prompt a day to encourage us to share our story and give our gifts as a small creative respite from the busy, crammed full of things to be done, holidays.  I am linking up today's post with Day 3's prompt.

Sunday Scripture

Photo credit: DerekL

 

"Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise 

to the rock of our salvation! 

Let us come into his presence with 

thanksgiving; 

let us make a joyful noise to him 

with songs of praise! 

For the LORD is a great God, 

and a great King above all gods."

{Psalm 95:1-3} 

This month, in honor of Thanksgiving, I'm re-learning to give thanks to God in all things.  I'm posting 30 Days of Thanks on facebook and will post them all here at the end of the month.  Will you join in on this giving thanks, here, on facebook, on your own blog, or simply on a piece of paper at home?  It's all about turning the tough moments into opportunities to praise the One who has blessed us with more than we deserve and being reminded that He really is GOOD at all times.  I find that when I focus on the blessings He has given me, I can find joy no matter what comes my way.  

And, a HUGE congratulations to my sweet friend, Kristin, on the birth of her beautiful baby boy, Matthew.  He is absolutely precious!  I'm so happy for you, Kristin!

Rainbows

Just had to pop in with another quick post to say...WOW, God is AMAZING!  I met sweet Sara Joy at Cupcake 10' and was overwhelmed with love for her and her story.  I wish I had gotten a chance to talk with her more, but the whole weekend was quite a whirlwind for me.  Nevertheless, I've been reading her blog and hoping that someday God would prove His faithfulness to her once again.  And, guess what?  He did...times TWO!  Go check out her blog if you have no idea what I'm talking about (or even if you do, because she is so sweet).  You are going to fall in love with her story and be prepared to cry tears of joy, because our God is SO faithful!  I'm so, so happy for you, Sara!

There is GRACE

Wow - what an awesome response to my last post!  I was blessed by your encouraging words, but, even more so, that we can all openly and honestly share our struggles as moms and be reminded that we are not alone.  I am often guilty of looking at other moms and thinking their lives are perfect and feeling like a failure because I'm not.  But when I share my heart and my burdens, I am overwhelmed with your hearts too...and realize that we all share this same burden...to be the wives and moms He desires. 

James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  Joy...in trials?  Sounds crazy, doesn't it?  How many of us can honestly say that, in the middle of our lowest moments as moms, we have joy?  But, that's exactly what we're supposed to have.  Remember when I posted about Corrie ten Boom's story?  If she could find joy in the middle of a concentration camp where death was so ever present...why can't I? 

At bible study Wednesday morning, my friend, Karen, read a prayer that she heard on the radio the other day and the phrase that stuck out to me was "There is grace."  It is such a simple statement, but it holds so much hope. Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned". That statement holds no hope, because it's a reminder that we are ALL sinners deserving of death.  But verses 15-17 bring so much hope - "But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ."  I'm holding onto that hope and promise today and I hope it encourages you today too.  Our circumstances and our sinful nature may make us feel hopeless, but, in Christ, we have so much hope, because there is grace. 

Thank you ALL for sharing your hearts - I was blown away by how many of you said you've been there, done that...even though I know we all struggle, because sometimes I forget that I'm not the only one.  I encourage you to read through the comments on my last post, because you all shared some amazing truths.  May we all be reminded constantly that THERE IS GRACE...and PRAISE Him for redeeming us by His grace!

An Attitude of Gratitude

As I have challenged myself this week to be thankful in EVERYthing...I've realized my attitude IS starting to change.  Instead of complaining, I stop myself and think about how I can be thankful for the situation.  Like, when my children are BOTH crying and whining at the same time...I realized I am SO blessed to have two healthy children.  I'll take the crying and whining any day...as long as they are here in my arms.  Or like when I wake up early because my Little Pumpkin wants to be wide awake at 5 am...I realized I can be thankful for the quiet of the morning and a time to prayer or study His word.  I also catch myself getting upset with my husband when he comes home from work and goes straight to biking, leaving me no break...and realize I can be thankful he has a job that provides for our needs and allows me to stay home with our little ones...and that he stays healthy and active, setting a good example for our children (and for me, too!).  Plus, yesterday he surprised me by coming home for lunch and BOTH our little ones were sleeping so we enjoyed a quiet lunch together.  It was so sweet and I was SO thankful!

We are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with my family and SO thankful that we have family to celebrate with.  Recently my grandpa had a heart attack...but God spared him and we are SO thankful we can go to his home and celebrate the holidays WITH him.  Last winter, my other grandpa was so sick with pneumonia, we were almost prepared to lose him...but it was not his time yet and we were blessed with more time with him.  I am blessed with FIVE grandparents, including one GREAT grandma who are all very much alive and well.  I am also thankful that all of my dad's siblings, except one will be there to celebrate with us along with most of their children.  I can't even remember the last time we had that kind of turn out for Thanksgiving.

Of course, Thanksgiving leaves a sad, empty feeling in the hearts of my mom's family...just one year ago we lost my great aunt Carlyne.  I still remember the last time I saw her...she was in the ICU, could barely talk and looked so weak and thin...but she gave me a big smile and told me she loved me.  I am so thankful I had that moment with her...but, most importantly, I am thankful for a God and Savior who will one day wipe away ALL my tears.  He IS good...and His steadfast love endures FOREVER!

Home Sweet Home

We are officially HOME...and life as a family of four has begun.  I am exhausted and it will take some getting used to, but we are so thankful to be home.  God is good!  Thank you so much for all your prayers, support, and sweet words of encouragement.