tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48324600339846915222024-02-06T19:17:28.965-08:00Following After HimAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-72221799162410132014-05-12T06:29:00.000-07:002014-05-12T06:29:08.501-07:00Motherhood: When NO ONE else Gets It<div class="MsoNormal">
Some days on this beautiful journey of motherhood I feel
like I am all alone. No, I am not a single mom (but shout out to any single
mom’s out there cause you all are AMAZING!). And, yes, I have a great support
system- a husband, family, friends, etc… BUT some days I feel like no one really
gets it. Like no one understands…<b>NO ONE!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband who has the biggest glimpse into this job and
shares the task of parenthood with me… some days, it feels like he doesn't get
it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My siblings who get to be the “fun” aunts and uncles, but
have no babies of their own… most days, they definitely don’t get it <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friends, who haven’t yet had babies, but sometimes try to
offer wise advice…. don’t get it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even my fellow moms out there who may be experiencing the
exact same thing I am… some days it feels as though they don’t understand
either. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sometimes I feel like no one could possibly get it. No one
could possibly understand this roller coaster ride that is motherhood. The
beauty and discouragement. Joy and sadness. Love and sacrifice. And, sometimes
just the pure exhaustion. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was reminded of this during the weekend as my family went
on a little over night trip and my younger sister tagged along. After being
with our family in a hotel room for less than 24 hours she bluntly stated, “You
are an angel, I don’t know how you deal with these kids.” I couldn't help but
chuckle. Angel? Probably not. But when my baby was crying his eyes out on our
short little road trip, I was there to fix a bottle, sing a lullaby, and gently
put my arm around him the best I could until he finally gave up and drifted
into sleep. When my toddler was tired, and fell down, and her legs were “broken”
I was there to pick her up and carry her even though truth be known I was tired
too. When it was time to shop and have fun but my children were done for the
day, and clearly not excited to do any shopping, I was the one who chose to
call it quits, without making the purchases I wanted, because it was just too
much. When it was bedtime and the baby was again screaming his sweet little
head off, I held him, and cuddled him, and rocked him until he was peacefully asleep.
And then when he woke up at 1, and at 3, and at 5, I was there to wake up from
my own sleep and do what was needed to comfort him. And, when my toddler woke
up some time in between there because of a bad dream, I was up then too. When
they both decided that although it was vacation and we had nowhere to be, 6am
was the time to be awake, I was the one who woke up with them, while the others
were snoozing. I fixed their plates, and got them dressed, and dealt with their
fits, and their messes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I say all of this not to say that I am awesome. And, there
are others who did many things for my kids as well. I’m sure my husband could
come up with a long list too. But this is the life of a mom, is it not? My
sister got a 1 day glimpse into what many of my days are like, but she still
doesn't really get it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I am so glad that my Father in Heaven sees my heart. He sees
what I do each day, every day, when no one else is looking. </b>He sees the 1 am
wake up, and then the 3 am, and the 5 am. He knows the times I would rather
sleep in but instead I’m awake. And, the times I want to go shopping, or read a
book, or watch my tv show, or eat my dinner while it’s warm but instead I am
rocking babies, or giving discipline, or reading children’s books, or fixing
plates that are not my own. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On those days when it feels like NO ONE could possibly get
it, I know He gets it. I know my Heavenly Father understands. Because He doesn’t
just see a glimpse, He sees it all, he knows it all. He gets it. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friends, I LOVE my babies, and I LOVE being a mommy. It is
truly one of the biggest blessings in my life. But, there are still those days.
I’m sure you have experienced them too.<b> So, on those days, rather than
complain or feel sorry for yourself, I encourage you to go to your Heavenly
Father. Talk to Him. Seek rest from Him. And, let Him work on your heart.
Because when it feels like NO ONE understands, He does. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Psalm 139:1-4 </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"You have searched me,</span><span class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16241A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">,</span></b></div>
<b><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1" style="position: relative;">and you know<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16241B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> me.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-2" id="en-NIV-16242" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">2 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
You know when I sit and when I rise;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-2" style="position: relative;">you perceive my thoughts<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16242D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> from afar.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-3" id="en-NIV-16243" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
You discern my going out<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16243E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> and my lying down;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-3" style="position: relative;">you are familiar with all my ways.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-4" id="en-NIV-16244" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">4 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
Before a word is on my tongue</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-4" style="position: relative;">you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, know it completely."</span></div>
</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-86582472301710871852014-05-07T10:30:00.000-07:002014-05-07T10:30:04.787-07:00Defining Yourself Daily: Who Are You?<div class="MsoNormal">
In the short time we have been in the month of May I have
spent lots of time reflecting on life. As I have watched my baby sister
graduate high school and celebrated my brother graduating college, we have
sorted through child hood photos and talked about lots of memories. Today marks
my birthday, so again I find myself reflecting, thinking about life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvikREHkTWdFFF4N4bvwitZ3wkUOk6vmF4qa71UI4g-2zMnzG6U0smA7fIGv0V4bgEEc-IWH8ZGEsurHHTK6Bw8l2XV3BgSM_0YYORYrp5gHeLGkzhu-_iG71up2qrtMnB8jcwEcXJ9s/s1600/name+tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvikREHkTWdFFF4N4bvwitZ3wkUOk6vmF4qa71UI4g-2zMnzG6U0smA7fIGv0V4bgEEc-IWH8ZGEsurHHTK6Bw8l2XV3BgSM_0YYORYrp5gHeLGkzhu-_iG71up2qrtMnB8jcwEcXJ9s/s1600/name+tag.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I have gotten older I think I have finally come to
realize that <b>THIS IS MY LIFE</b>. <b>What I’m doing today, what I do tomorrow, it is
who I am. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>As a follower of Christ, ultimately I realize that my
identity is in Jesus Christ</b>, and I am so grateful for that.<b> But, the reality is
that to the world around me I am defined by my actions. </b>The choices I make, the
actions I take, the words I say or don’t say, even the things I post on social
media- these things all show the world who I am. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of my life, hopefully I will be known to the
world above all else as a follower of Christ, but are my actions proving that
to be true? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will I be remembered for the help I gave others? OR will I
be remembered for being too selfish and busy to help?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will I be remembered for the acts of kindness shown? OR for
making a choice to be unkind?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will I be remembered as an encourager, someone who spoke
life into others? OR as someone who demoralized and tore down others because of
my own insecurities?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will people know that I lived out love to all those around
me? OR will people see someone who was too self-centered to TRULY love?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scripture tells us that the words we speak and I would tend
to believe the actions we take are a direct result of what is happening in our
hearts. Friends, none of us are perfect so, this is not a call to guilt. BUT
this is a reminder for us all!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For as long as I can remember, my mom’s farewell statement
has been, “Remember who you are.” I would take this idea even a little farther
today and ask you to not only remember who you are, but to live like who you
are. <b>Live today as the person you want to be remembered as. Live today like the
Child of God that you are. Live out Christ’s love to the world around you. When
you are tempted to say that negative comment, or take that selfish action
today, REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE and DON’T DO IT. When you fall down, or fall short
today, REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE and seek forgiveness, pick yourself up, and move
forward.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a new day, who will you be?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Luke 6:45 “<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A good man
brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man
brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks
what the heart is full of.”</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-23245488488049269752014-05-05T12:23:00.000-07:002014-05-05T12:23:31.060-07:00Motherhood: Understanding A Mother's Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN63o7gRgan-2j5jSiPA1hm5ccHnF_GutHry_zsA2ELI4luRl1sn3Yi5b8MtXmFTZVZVdC9C83LriskBgIQQiyZZDe5INs4Der_k4u2hzP-3FWcGh66x7K8hJpltQywNrsQaSmIXVq2Y/s1600/proverbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN63o7gRgan-2j5jSiPA1hm5ccHnF_GutHry_zsA2ELI4luRl1sn3Yi5b8MtXmFTZVZVdC9C83LriskBgIQQiyZZDe5INs4Der_k4u2hzP-3FWcGh66x7K8hJpltQywNrsQaSmIXVq2Y/s1600/proverbs.jpg" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I think there is something about becoming a mom yourself
that makes you view motherhood a little differently, wouldn’t you agree?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>All the sudden you become more aware. You become more
understanding. You in some small way begin to put the pieces of the puzzle
together. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a mom, you come to the awakening where you understand how
your actions, your choices, your words, and ultimately your life has affected
the heart of a mother, of YOUR mother. You now understand the times that you
must have unknowingly broke her heart. The times that she surely locked herself
away to shed a few tears in the secret. The times you brought stress, or fear,
or chaos into her life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you also understand the beauty. You now know what it
feels like to give life to a person. To invest all that you are into another.
You see for yourself the joy, the heartwarming and proud moments that come with
raising a child.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>As a mother you slowly begin to understand the mass amount
of vulnerability it requires to have so much of your heart, and your life, and
your time invested into a person, a person who one day will grow up and become
their own person. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have watched my mom over the last several years as one by
one the babies that she raised have graduated high school, moved away, started
families of their own, finished college, and ultimately became adults. One by
one our lives have moved forward and time has quickly passed. Just this weekend, I watched the joy and the
sadness in her eyes as she looked on while her final baby walked across that
graduation stage. The happiness and pride that comes with such an
accomplishment, but then the heart wrenching feeling that must accompany….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I, in only a very small way understand more than I did
before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Today is a tribute to my mom and to your mom. It’s a little
shout out to those women who have already walked in the shoes we moms are
currently walking. And, now, now we FINALLY begin to get it. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thank you for being vulnerable. Thank you for giving, and
giving, and giving. Thank you for the days you wanted to just give up on us, but
you didn't. Thank you for the love only a mother can give. Thank you for
letting us grow up, and become adults, and make decisions, even when we were
breaking your heart. AND thank you for a million other little things that I
never even knew you did before, but now I do. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I love you mom!</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGBdaQEAYP19-QNQHOtq2InNjTZPxy9PhVrg3NWCI9Fg1yge2-CmfTkffCTOayJithre8BnCm61SbROIRFHUJQJQ8BATVPN74kA6p79uGU8tMziOPVGLmJo-HIIJEltLbD0ZcNIWsH8s/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGBdaQEAYP19-QNQHOtq2InNjTZPxy9PhVrg3NWCI9Fg1yge2-CmfTkffCTOayJithre8BnCm61SbROIRFHUJQJQ8BATVPN74kA6p79uGU8tMziOPVGLmJo-HIIJEltLbD0ZcNIWsH8s/s1600/mom.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom holding her grandbabies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJADXY1oKyNLTe5rdWbQQ4wBtr2DAzfNV53oEL9lE3-N97gJsh6_lhLnI5-qcutW00qKDiKWmu3pNo8nwCBqbMMXdKPXlt1SYouN4Ouhn_tP5tWOhRsJiUEWtv57wwpqHPW4HYclFMT7c/s1600/family+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJADXY1oKyNLTe5rdWbQQ4wBtr2DAzfNV53oEL9lE3-N97gJsh6_lhLnI5-qcutW00qKDiKWmu3pNo8nwCBqbMMXdKPXlt1SYouN4Ouhn_tP5tWOhRsJiUEWtv57wwpqHPW4HYclFMT7c/s1600/family+photo.jpg" height="124" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating the HS graduation of baby sister, Emily, and college graduation of brother, Caleb.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Proverbs 31:10 & 28 “A woman of noble character, who can
find? She is worth far more than rubies…Her children rise up and call her
blessed…”</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-86079484605846233772014-05-02T10:57:00.001-07:002014-05-02T10:57:15.711-07:00To My Fellow Christians: STOP Being SO "Churchy"!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf1pfCOW0qs4A4byco2SU4aXii-UeWJ85yM5sX5ypVtv3EiaIYCMIynD9T6PtWIWhT9ZrFSqhZEQGpU8VxVZopcSkYuW4ocdD4Rmg7Rp_DkoSc-C6kS4Z871A5DM_CJfPnPV2bvWOBoA/s1600/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf1pfCOW0qs4A4byco2SU4aXii-UeWJ85yM5sX5ypVtv3EiaIYCMIynD9T6PtWIWhT9ZrFSqhZEQGpU8VxVZopcSkYuW4ocdD4Rmg7Rp_DkoSc-C6kS4Z871A5DM_CJfPnPV2bvWOBoA/s1600/church.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>If you are a fellow Christian, this is for you. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are a part of the church, this title may have grabbed
your attention. I SINCERELY hope it did. <b>First, let me start by saying I almost
hate using this title because I am fully aware that Scripture has much to say
about the church. I understand that the Lord Himself is the one who ordained
the church and through His word has shown us the great importance of the
church. The church is vital to the spreading of the Gospel in our world today.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I LOVE the church. </b>I love my fellow brothers and sisters in
Christ around the world, and I love my local church home. I attend church
regularly. I’m involved in the ministry of the church. I. Love. The. Church.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I got that out there, let me explain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, I had an encounter with a nice couple and their
children at the park. I was enjoying day of playing with my kiddos and they
happened to have kids similar in age. Our kids were playing together and so in
the polite manner we adults began to exchange conversation as well. “Do you
live in this area?” The man politely asked. I answered his simple question and
then said, “what about you guys?” He responded and followed up his answer with
“I’m the pastor of thus and such church here in town.” I replied telling him
that I knew of the church he was talking about and mentioned that my dad too is
a pastor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So, what denomination are you?” he asked. This question
seemed to rub me the wrong way but I politely responded anyways…And then it
happened…. <b>With the next question from his lips I suddenly felt like I had been
smacked in the face with a “churchy” 2X4. To be honest, I was almost appalled.
I wasn’t even quite sure how to respond. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He didn’t ask me about my relationship with Christ. He
didn’t ask me if I personally attended church. He didn’t even ask me what I believe.
He said, “So, what type of baptism do you guys believe in, do you pour? Sprinkle?
Or do you guys believe in submersion?”…….. In my head I was thinking “REALLY!?!?
What the heck difference does that make?”….. Instead I smiled and simply said,
“You know it really doesn’t matter to us. Some of us have preferences, but at the
end of the day the only thing we care about is that someone’s life has been
changes for and because of Jesus Christ.”……</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4UYqoiGolzYlyfkMnk6wTiBEgNYVVar9hvhcZCnGEeYZK5EfsInrvSSPXBzbQgw9UqbmVCwNFiix4j68_dvBJJTspLERvyp6zoCfTE7UTgoPcvSb_4gozUPBHBUC3pJpSexmVEXH9J0/s1600/john+146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4UYqoiGolzYlyfkMnk6wTiBEgNYVVar9hvhcZCnGEeYZK5EfsInrvSSPXBzbQgw9UqbmVCwNFiix4j68_dvBJJTspLERvyp6zoCfTE7UTgoPcvSb_4gozUPBHBUC3pJpSexmVEXH9J0/s1600/john+146.jpg" /></a><b>That day I left the park with turmoil in my heart. I was SO
annoyed, and I wasn’t even sure why. And then, I remembered….I remembered why
those simple questions would bother me so deeply. I was SO annoyed because I have been around “churchy”
people my entire life</b>. I have been around people who cared more about me
wearing the proper church attire Sunday morning than they cared about what was
going on in my heart. I have been around people who were passionate about the
type of baptism that must be practiced and the denominational title that must
be shown, but seemed to lack passion about the things that REALLY matter. I’ve
experienced people who cared more about my “churchy” face that I put on to show
up Sunday morning than the real life stuff that was happening in me the rest of
the week. People who could talk about traditions, and religion, and the church
carpet color all stinkin’ day….. And you know what, when eternity comes <b>NONE OF
THAT STUFF MATTERS.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my heart I was so thankful he had asked that question to ME,
a pastor’s kid who is walking with the Lord and does have a positive view of
the church. I thought, what if he had asked that question to someone who
already had a negative view of the church and it’s “churchy” people? What if he
would have asked that question to someone who didn’t even know Jesus Christ for
themselves? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s the thing. Many of the “churchy” people I have
interacted with, I know their intentions were good. That pastor at the park, I
KNOW his heart was in the right place. WHY? Because he, his wife, and kids
continued to interact with us throughout the day. They were joyful and kind.
They helped me lift my kiddo into the swing. They let my kids pet their dog. It
was obvious they loved people. Their hearts were good. They love the Lord. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>AND you know what, I’m sure I’m guilty of doing the same
type of thing a time or two. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>SO, this message is for me, and this message is for you. It’s
not a message to stop talking about the Gospel, or to stop being passionate
about the church. But this is the message:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>STOP IT!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stop going out into the world and asking “churchy”
questions! STOP asking questions that have NO affect on the eternity of that
person’s soul. STOP asking them things that are meaningless, and empty, and “religious”.
STOP! I’m sincerely begging you. Because I as a believer and part of the church
was really turned off to the church by those seemingly religious questions, and
I have to believe the same would be true for those who aren’t a part of the
church, who don’t know Jesus Christ. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go out into the world and love people, get to know them,
ask them what they believe in, and share with them what you believe! <b>Share with
them the love of Jesus Christ today<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>, not the method of
church baptism that you prefer….</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>John 14:6 “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the
life. No one comes to the Father except through me’.”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-78153690166224069252014-04-30T13:09:00.001-07:002014-04-30T13:09:07.886-07:00Motherhood: Putting On The Oxygen Mask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTHZg06cNoJBVRF_or7jJCS_JhmUhzAB-RQDCsZ_thJtPx67nfSTPwzcuDDYHsLhwrLfljPP-An-Q6koCXRk45PuXHY_nl2yR0zfgfWK1nfSUOKzP_GuBj_RhIHnUfg9z6FZz08Ota8E/s1600/oxygen+mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTHZg06cNoJBVRF_or7jJCS_JhmUhzAB-RQDCsZ_thJtPx67nfSTPwzcuDDYHsLhwrLfljPP-An-Q6koCXRk45PuXHY_nl2yR0zfgfWK1nfSUOKzP_GuBj_RhIHnUfg9z6FZz08Ota8E/s1600/oxygen+mask.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Likely you’ve heard the speech that is given aboard every
air plane that ever takes off. Your flight attendant in the midst of giving
directions about turning off electronics, bathroom locations, and emergency
exits throws in the following:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In case there is a loss
in cabin pressure, yellow oxygen masks will deploy from the ceiling compartment
located above you. To secure, pull the mask towards you, secure the elastic
strap to your head, and fasten it so it covers your mouth and nose. Breath normally.
Even if the bag does not inflate, please keep in mind that oxygen is flowing.
<b>Please make sure to secure your own mask before assisting others</b></span>”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>That final little sentence is the one that relates all too
well to motherhood. “…MAKE SURE to secure your own [oxygen] mask before
assisting others.”</b> In other words, if you try to help everyone else before you
take care of yourself you’re probably going to pass out and be useless anyways,
SO breathe your oxygen first so that you can be the help to others that you
need to be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How often do we as moms forget to stop and put on our own
oxygen mask? How often do we forget to stop and breathe for ourselves? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know if it’s the idea that we are afraid to ask for
help, we feel like we don’t deserve it, or we fear becoming the opposite type
of mom who never has time for her kids because she is always taking care of
herself, but it needs to stop. Just like we as humans desperately need oxygen,
we as moms also desperately need something. We need to fill ourselves. We need
time to be refreshed. We need that opportunity to stop and breathe in the
oxygen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is many of us are running on empty. We give and give,
and help and help, and work, and work, and on it goes. But, eventually we run
out of oxygen, and rather than truly being a help, truly being the mom that we
desire to be, we eventually start to suffocate! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So, today I challenge you as a mom to start filling yourself
first, so that you can truly be the blessing and help to others that you desire
to be. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This will look different for every person. For me, an
essential act of taking care of myself first is spending some time with my
Savior each day. He is the one who refreshes my heart. He is the one who gives
me rest. And, He can continue to fill you throughout the day through other
things that give you joy. For me, sometimes it’s as simple as a piece of chocolate
and a good book while my kids are napping, maybe it’s a kid free night out with
friends, maybe it’s a short stop as your favorite coffee shop, a workout, or
even a trip to the grocery store by yourself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Figure out what fills you, what gives you joy and refreshes
your heart… and then breathe it in. Breathe it in on a regular basis, so that
in turn you can give life, and joy, and refreshment to those around you!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jeremiah 31:25 “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the
faint.”</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-35187887209534589252014-04-28T15:49:00.000-07:002014-04-28T15:49:11.084-07:00The Journey:Holding on For Dear Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ-usSYP0nnlQt7axgPnMBbN-1NCMWMqxhqFz45bhrjBFyn61lHXxgp_RXvEn_Pem9d20DYSL1phoEzyfdyN49iepFq5s0Yk8dLe92-7bzvWWmqxx3AQxAFZ_myfj7WN94jViLbO-4EM/s1600/rollercoaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ-usSYP0nnlQt7axgPnMBbN-1NCMWMqxhqFz45bhrjBFyn61lHXxgp_RXvEn_Pem9d20DYSL1phoEzyfdyN49iepFq5s0Yk8dLe92-7bzvWWmqxx3AQxAFZ_myfj7WN94jViLbO-4EM/s1600/rollercoaster.jpg" height="113" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend, Aren't you SO glad that the good Lord above is in
control of this Journey that we are on? Aren't you thankful that through the
ups and downs of this crazy thing called life, ultimately God’s plan is at
work? Ultimately amidst the plans we make and the paths we take, His hand is up
above us, working in us and through us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I am so beyond thankful that I can hold onto this
truth.<b> I am so beyond thankful that when my life does not seem to make sense, I
can look above to my Father who already knows the whats and whens and whys.
</b>Today, when I begin to feel stress because my plans did not work as I thought
they should, or would, I know that I can instead say “thank you Lord” because
His plan is still at work and is always better than my own. And, when my heart
is heavy from the weight of my unfulfilled expectations, or when I feel like I
have been beat up or knocked down one too many times to possibly get up again,
I lean on my Father because He is my strength and my helper.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The term “journey” is described as an act of traveling from
one place to another. I suppose that is true of life, but I think we may be
better to describe this life that we live as an epic roller coaster. I don’t
know about you, but I happen to be a fan myself. The thrill. The excitement.
The fear. The sick feeling in my stomach. The joy. The ups and downs. The
shock. And then the relief. This is how I have found life to be many times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently took a detour in the plans I had made for myself
at this point in my life. What I thought was going to be, just wasn't. And in
the midst of the prayer, and the decision making, and the “now what” it often
felt like the up and down, and thrill, and fear, and joy, and excitement all at
once. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>But, here’s what I know, & as I wait, I remember, the
Lord is in control. HE is the one who sees the BIG picture of my life when I
only see a tiny glimpse. He is the one who understands how my life, my actions,
my roller coaster ride not only affects me, but affects other’s around me.</b> I
take comfort in knowing that it’s OK for me to NOT know the “what next”,
because my God knows. His plan is always the BEST plan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So today, as you are coasting along through life and you
meet an unexpected “turn you upside down” loop or a quick drop in the path that
leaves your stomach in your throat, know that God has a plan. This journey is
not your own. <b>Let Him be in control and hang on for dear life (actually, just
throw those hands on up in the air <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>). Enjoy the ride my
friend!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the
Lord determines his steps.”</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-91745311683972951672014-04-23T08:01:00.000-07:002014-04-23T08:01:12.295-07:00Guarding Your Heart: Why Should You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaV2itZl6rIFQE9C1-qL_m4oYdzZtvASas2rOVkfwHS71u6JpishJptPdjPHuNCWG9s8HspR-S3pIEtqxHibj4g4CwNquwsY8dJZx9Rm1PMrqxDnrIhCPrYfHkBPQTgdwkpQECUjZ-QY/s1600/guard+your+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaV2itZl6rIFQE9C1-qL_m4oYdzZtvASas2rOVkfwHS71u6JpishJptPdjPHuNCWG9s8HspR-S3pIEtqxHibj4g4CwNquwsY8dJZx9Rm1PMrqxDnrIhCPrYfHkBPQTgdwkpQECUjZ-QY/s1600/guard+your+heart.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me start out by saying, I understand. I KNOW! What I’m
about to say is old fashioned in the least, possibly pre-historic. It’s a
concept that is mostly unheard of in today’s society. I GET IT… It’s not easy
doing the thing that <b>NO ONE </b>else seems to be doing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understand that to some this concept will sound ridiculous,
extreme. That’s OK. But, will you allow me to share with you from my own
experience? From my heart? From the truth that I have encountered?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was in middle school and high school I never really
dated. My parents had rules that to most seemed pretty “strict” regarding the
world of dating. If I remember correctly the rule was NO dating until you are
at least 16 and at that point it was still very STONGLY discouraged. In a
society where we encourage are children to have a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend”
in kindergarten and most kids start “dating” before they even know what dating is,
this seemed a bit crazy. Of course I had the middle school boyfriend because
they couldn’t really keep that from happening, but outside of school, my
parents never went out of their way to allow us to hang out together, even when
all the other parents were. At the time, it didn’t seem fair, BUT now as an
adult, you know what? I’m THANKFUL.<b> They were guarding my heart. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then, I can remember when I started dating my first “real
boyfriend”. I was 17 and getting ready to leave for college at the end of that
summer. He was handsome, older, and more experienced. O, yeah, and now he
happens to be my husband ;). He still teases me to this day about my twice a
weak rule. When we first started dating, I told him that I was only able to see
him twice a week. We joke about it now, but looking back, I’m glad I did that,
you know why?<b> I was guarding my heart.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we got more serious in our relationship, we set
boundaries. Boundaries that to most were unheard of, especially for 2 adult
people who were “in love”. We made the choice to wait to have sex until we were
married, and set other boundaries regarding physical contact. It was not the
popular decision. It was not what most of the people around us were doing. In
fact, a lot of our friends did not believe that we would actually follow
through with our boundaries. BUT, looking back, I am so glad we set them. You
know why? <b>We were both guarding our hearts. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know this is a concept that you don’t hear much about, but
<b>CAN I BEG YOU? I beg you to start now. Start guarding your heart. </b>Don’t pour
out your heart and all your secrets to some boy you just started talking to…
Don’t spend all your time and energy trying to impress a boy that you barely
know…. Know that it’s OK to not date, to NOT hold hands, to NOT kiss, and
ultimately, to NOT have sex. The boundaries will look different for everyone.
BUT what boundaries could you put in play to start guarding your heart today?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I look around at my friends who made the choice not to
guard their hearts, I see hurt. I watched them search for love, for acceptance,
for their identity in a relationship. And, some of them never found it….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ask the Lord to guide you as you set boundaries to guard
your heart and allow HIM to be the keeper of your heart today!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for from it
flows the springs of life.”</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-4830057523373042932014-04-22T06:09:00.004-07:002014-04-22T06:09:51.235-07:00Motherhood: 9 Tips on Intentionally Being With Your Kids Each Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dYEfx2KrttM-I2xwZsrmuTKdnMVYWSeG1BVH-RJh9DKYSmtthhcdo4kYSMEFDGc9A18a03GocqbpHTxl2It8yTcAmWcHW7XrKtBFV32ZjxrWlOhud9wLAQswKhpRAFmR6RWI4qUbTjk/s1600/busymom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dYEfx2KrttM-I2xwZsrmuTKdnMVYWSeG1BVH-RJh9DKYSmtthhcdo4kYSMEFDGc9A18a03GocqbpHTxl2It8yTcAmWcHW7XrKtBFV32ZjxrWlOhud9wLAQswKhpRAFmR6RWI4qUbTjk/s1600/busymom.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rather you are a working mom or a stay at home mom, no doubt
your schedule is busy, and your to do list is never complete. As a mom we are
expected to wear lots of different hats! For me there have been times when I
have been so wrapped up in my to do list- laundry, cleaning, dinner, bath time,
other activities and functions- that I get to the end of the day and realize
although I was with my kids ALL day, I wasn't REALLY WITH THEM. I hadn't taken
the time to be with them. Sure, I filled a sippy cup in between tasks, I
hurried them to nap time so that I could accomplish a few more things, but I
hadn't been intentional in my time with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t know about you, but I want to be a mom who is really
with my kids each day.</b> I am still learning, but here are a few tips I have
found very helpful in order to keep the balance in my household while still
having intentional time with my children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#1 Have an approximate schedule for the day.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As moms, we all know that a lot of time schedules get thrown
out the window, so I am not saying have every minute of your day scheduled.
But, have an idea in your head of what you would like to see your day look
like. For example, I know that around 7:00 I’m going to spend about 45 minutes
getting drinks and breakfast, watching cartoons, and giving my babies morning
cuddles; around 10:00 I’m going to spend a few minutes doing an activity with
my kids followed by a snack; around 11:00 I’m going to work with my kids to get
the play area picked up before lunch…. Etc. There are days when a teething baby
throws the whole routine off, and that’s fine, but in general this has been
great for our routine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#2 Have intentional conversations with your kids throughout
the day (even the ones that can’t really talk).</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been intentional about this one. I choose not to just
shrug off my 3 year old who could talk non-stop all day long, instead I ask her
questions. At the beginning of the day it may go something like this: How did
you sleep? Did you have any dreams? What do you want to do today? Did you have
fun yesterday? What did you do? At the end of the day it may look like this:
Did you have a good day? What was your favorite part of today? Why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If she has a story to tell, I ask for details. I engage her.
I want her to know I’m listening. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#3 Enlist them in helping with whatever you are doing.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is something you can start doing with your kids when
they are still very young. Have them help you pick up the living room. As they
get older let them help you unload the dishwasher, wash dishes, sweep the
floor, make lunch, etc. Sometime it does feel like extra work to have them
alongside of you, but it keeps them occupied, teaches them the importance of
helping, and allows them to feel like a part of your day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#5 Take intentional breaks throughout the day to do specific
activities with your kids.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I have completed one task and am ready to move onto
the next I often times stop and intentionally do something with my kids. Maybe
it’s going outside to swing, blow bubbles, create with sidewalk chalk? Maybe,
it’s reading some books, having a tea party, building a block tower, or doing a
craft? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They really feel special when you stop and focus solely on
them for a few minutes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#6 Put your phone away for a while.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had to learn throughout the day to put my cell phone
on silent and put it up, especially during those times of focused activity with
my kids. Simple idea, but such a big impact.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#7 Set a timer for different activities throughout the day.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is useful both for your own personal to do list AND for
your activity time with your kids. In order to keep a good balance throughout
the day I find setting a timer for things SO helpful. I’ll clean for 30
minutes, and then spend an intentional 30 minutes with my kids. Do laundry for
15 minutes, then stop and spend 10 minutes reading a book to my kids. This will
look different for every mom, but has allowed me to take control of my time
without feeling extra stress. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#8 Have intentional eye contact time with your kids each
day.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With little ones, tickle time is a great way to look them
right in the eyes, tell them you love them, laugh with them a little, and then
you both feel better moving on to whatever is next in your day. With older
children this will look different but intentionally having “eye to eye” time
each day does something to show your children your unconditional love. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#9 Have a day all about them.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every once in a while it is great to throw the to do list
out and just BE with your kids ALL DAY LONG. Don’t worry about the pile of
dishes or laundry, just intentionally be with them. They will surely appreciate
it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you find these ideas helpful! What intentional parenting tips would you add to the list?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-75489272629405609692014-04-18T12:39:00.002-07:002014-04-18T12:39:20.221-07:00Good Friday: What's All the Fuss About?<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is Good Friday, a day that I’m sure hundreds of others
are writing about. This is the day that we remember the sacrifice that Jesus Christ
made by dying upon the cross, and ultimately taking our punishment so that we
can be saved, freed, redeemed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many things I could write about regarding this
day, but if I could only tell you one detail, this is what I would want you to
know: He died for you.</div>
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</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-pqSQVFfTJXSBBSbixduxL-ghPHn71OG0vzMnzIyI6GfhtJi-leJCazny8NES1c8J2OzaY0wG1TMEH_U-FGXGX65cFxQYOejpk3S1UtRMjFDGRYT8oocrl7b9QLY3ZKMH0bhchA5RmQ/s1600/cross+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-pqSQVFfTJXSBBSbixduxL-ghPHn71OG0vzMnzIyI6GfhtJi-leJCazny8NES1c8J2OzaY0wG1TMEH_U-FGXGX65cFxQYOejpk3S1UtRMjFDGRYT8oocrl7b9QLY3ZKMH0bhchA5RmQ/s1600/cross+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes….YOU. If you are reading this, He died for you. It
really does not matter if you have chosen to believe or not to, if you have
chosen to accept His sacrifice or not, He still died for you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For you, the one who thinks this God thing is a bunch of
bunk, He died for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For you, the one who walked away from the “religious” scene
long ago, never to return, He died for you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For you, the one who feels distant from God today, He died
for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the one who is the first to say “God Bless America” or believe
that Heaven is where you’ll be spending eternity, but this whole personal relationship/Jesus
Christ thing isn't really you, He died for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the one who feels like they have sinned too many times,
or messed up too badly, He died for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, to you, the one who thinks the Bible, the story of this
day is nothing but a dreamt up fairy tale, He died for you too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, whoever you are, it doesn’t matter, HE DIED FOR YOU.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>He gave His life in place of yours. All you have to do is
accept that and know that it’s enough. You don’t have to be the best, or follow
all the rules, or know the Bible frontward and backward. He meets you right
where you’re at. He gave His life for you. He loves you. And, ultimately, He
died for you!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romans 3:22-24 “This righteousness from God comes through
faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And are justified freely by His
grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-64846206708328322532014-04-16T08:32:00.000-07:002014-04-16T09:31:07.601-07:00Holding My Tongue: The Three Words That Slipped Out<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’m almost embarrassed to tell you this story.</b> Really, I don’t
want to. But, God continues to bring it back to my mind as an important lesson
so I suppose I will share it with you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had been a long day, dealing with needy babies, cooking
and cleaning, and working on getting the house and yard ready for summer time.
I was tired. I hadn't had the time to spend with my Lord that day, which always
affects my heart and therefore my attitude negatively. So, I have about a
million excuses for my actions, but none of them make it OK. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was working alongside my husband outside, I started a
discussion. It was on a topic that I knew was a hot button for us. We have had
the same argument MANY times. We both are aware that we 100% disagree on this
topic. And, yet, I still for some strange reason feel that maybe if I bring the
topic up enough times, or discuss it with enough passion or conviction I will
change his mind. Anyways, as the discussion ensued it began, AS ALWAYS, to get
heated. As I spoke with what I thought was sound reasoning, my husband
continued to laugh me off and disagree. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrY9xW9jmovtyMtzFIeFUNIJug8u9SsEAVZaZ5uzlgAz0jOvmORwBost4oKpfZej5ARTfI4Amy_NWTLH1L9kureqnR-oH1g4wiF7DV6pr4AsHJOUeykQ5aQNhzJ5sCpmNxOqQqVgNiR-s/s1600/hate.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrY9xW9jmovtyMtzFIeFUNIJug8u9SsEAVZaZ5uzlgAz0jOvmORwBost4oKpfZej5ARTfI4Amy_NWTLH1L9kureqnR-oH1g4wiF7DV6pr4AsHJOUeykQ5aQNhzJ5sCpmNxOqQqVgNiR-s/s1600/hate.png" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So, there I was, annoyed, frustrated, tired, upset…. And that’s
when it happened… Just like that I felt the words coming up like verbal vomit
that I could not stop… “I hate you” with an added “right now” at the end to
take a little bit of the permanent sting off. Yikes. As soon as I said it I
felt remorse. I felt conviction. I knew I was in the wrong. But, as we learn in
elementary school, just like squirting out the tube of toothpaste, those words
could not be taken back. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent some time alone and asked the Lord to work on my
heart. And, as always, He did. I apologized to my husband for saying those
words and made a great argument for why they were absolutely not true but just
seemed to slip out in the heat of the moment. He forgave me, like he always
does. And, just like that we moved on with life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A day or two went by and<b> I thought my lesson regarding this
mistake was over, but God was not done teaching me. </b>Riley (my 2 year old
daughter) and I had been playing, but it was time to pick up the living room
and get ready for nap time. This really isn't a favorite part of the day for
Riley and she insisted that instead of picking up we should have a tea party. A
tea party sounded pretty good to me but I knew I needed to stick to my guns and
have her help me pick up. <b>And there it was again…. “Mom, I hate you”….She said
it. My 2 year old just said that she hates me. Where could she have possibly
heard that?!? O yeah, I remember....She heard it from me. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ug, my heart dropped in my chest. I knew at that moment that
I also had to apologize to my child for using that 3 word phrase. So, I did.
And, I also shared with her why it was not OK. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learned a REALLY important lesson that day. <b>Someone is
listening to what I say, even if I don’t realize it. What I say, what I do- it
matters. It has an effect on others. As a mom, there are always little ears listening,
but in general, even if you aren't a mom, know that your words have an impact
on people. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, be aware of what you are saying.<b> Speak life. Speak
hope. Speak joy to others. If you find yourself in my shoes, allow God to work
on your heart. Don’t be too prideful to say that you’re sorry. And then, give
thanks for a God who never stops forgiving! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of
your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daniel 9:9 “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even
though we have rebelled against him.”</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-54510324402683089282014-04-14T06:55:00.002-07:002014-04-14T06:55:52.928-07:00Motherhood: When It Feels Like Surely There Is More For Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuAqcJJfW9SQSeW42ka2O7SF4YnBRqKLejMPzxJyClJqBbZnlykNVKBcmP5MEri3nTF3nQjJnfCr5q07HypoXRGTEiv2ZfeHWu2hoH7-2ut16B-pMgXm0_GLtWF5N9B1i9B0UUPmvIyQ/s1600/gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuAqcJJfW9SQSeW42ka2O7SF4YnBRqKLejMPzxJyClJqBbZnlykNVKBcmP5MEri3nTF3nQjJnfCr5q07HypoXRGTEiv2ZfeHWu2hoH7-2ut16B-pMgXm0_GLtWF5N9B1i9B0UUPmvIyQ/s1600/gift.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, I am going to be REALLY
honest with you. There have been times in my life, even recently, that I
thought surely this isn’t it? Surely the Lord has more for me to do- bigger
things, world changing things?!? Things that will really make a difference?!<b>
Surely, there is more for me…</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know God has gifted me with
individual passions, talents, and abilities that are specific to me, just as He
has you. And, as I dream about the future, I dream BIG dreams. <b>I dream about
all that the Lord has in store for me. And, I get excited, but then I think to
myself that most of the BIG things will just have to wait. You see, in this
stage of my life I am too busy doing the things that seem little, building a
home, giving life to babies, raising up children, teaching them, and bathing
them, and feeding them, and loving them…. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the Lord has been working on my
heart over the last months I have continually prayed “Lord lead me, lead me to
do things that are BIG, things that clearly I have not done on my own, things
that cause me to need you in such a way that I couldn’t possibly do them
without you.” And, I have also continually asked Him to show me what those
things might be….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then, one day as I sat still
before Him singing the lyrics to a popular song, “Spirit, lead me where my
faith is without borders, let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call
me, take me deeper than my feet could ever wander…” <b>It hit me. Like a ton of
bricks. It’s been right in front of my nose all along. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>You see, the “little” things that
I am doing right now, in this stage of life and motherhood, well, they are NOT
so little. </b>The task of motherhood that the Lord has placed before me each and
every day, IT IS a BIG thing. It is the thing that requires me to be on my
knees daily crying out to the Lord for help. It IS the thing that He has called
me to do, gifted me to do. It is the task that I could not possibly complete on
my own each day without the help of my Heavenly Father. It is really the
BIGGEST thing I could ever possibly do! I am raising little people. PEOPLE. I
have the opportunity to be an instrument in molding their lives, in teaching
them, in showing them Christ’s love. I want to change people’s lives… well,
HELLO, I have little people right here in my home who I have the opportunity to
be a life changer to every single day! They are people who will grow up. Who I
am to them now and what I teach them now will affect the rest of their lives! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Today, I remember that what I am
doing has purpose. It is definitely NOT little. It is real. It has eternal
value. It is important. And, it is REALLY REALLY BIG. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, I continue to dream about
other things that the Lord may be calling me to do, now or in the future as my
children grow. And, I think that is important too! But, at the end of the day,
I know I am already living out His BIG purpose each day, as I call upon Him to
help me be the mom I am supposed to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 127:3 “Sons are a heritage
from the Lord, children a reward from Him.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Proverbs
6:20-23: "My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not
forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie
them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you
sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For
the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for
discipline are the way of life."</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-91458007159948694002014-04-09T10:36:00.002-07:002014-04-09T10:36:11.382-07:00Putting Up the Guardrails: 3 Tips to Start Setting Boundaries in Your Marriage<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o2e2Iia_rOA3aTchrFGxHJrwZ17c_3915RrZmZbmRIP09tkBOa-F43T1RYSEGhRt4DZs7rEIBXIBY8Fr7Gr1Hm-q3TJfgaWUXdTdYAXDv8AYtWeo_luyT7mPQRPm6Fftl9MUFW69qyU/s1600/Wedding+Photos+2+090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o2e2Iia_rOA3aTchrFGxHJrwZ17c_3915RrZmZbmRIP09tkBOa-F43T1RYSEGhRt4DZs7rEIBXIBY8Fr7Gr1Hm-q3TJfgaWUXdTdYAXDv8AYtWeo_luyT7mPQRPm6Fftl9MUFW69qyU/s1600/Wedding+Photos+2+090.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan and I on our wedding day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I am very passionate about the topic of marriage, I
have strongly hesitated to write anything about it, mostly because I don’t feel
qualified. I (and I’m sure my husband) will tell you on any given day I fail
MANY times in the wife category. I’m working on it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realize that in the scheme of life, I’m really just a
newlywed. I’m aware that compared to many married couples we have faced very
little as a couple. We still have lots of life left to face, lots of ups and
downs, lots of trials and joys to experience together. So, for a while now I
have chosen to refrain from writing. However, as I sit and watch marriage and
families fall apart all around me, I am compelled to write. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please know that if you are divorced, if you for some reason
have had a marriage that did not work, this is not intended to condemn you. BUT
if you are married, this is for you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWNolk6vEp9WXwqhPsqYm8RwmLUHtO0V516x6Ss_XEClk0eXsBUp5szZ5LWt4641b7VwrUa8C1J1LMVop41xKZ2rEwgtZnIOppSx69sUZSnCGyUoEDjkhjt0reWluP6hMnFsfWudAC_M/s1600/guardrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWNolk6vEp9WXwqhPsqYm8RwmLUHtO0V516x6Ss_XEClk0eXsBUp5szZ5LWt4641b7VwrUa8C1J1LMVop41xKZ2rEwgtZnIOppSx69sUZSnCGyUoEDjkhjt0reWluP6hMnFsfWudAC_M/s1600/guardrail.jpg" /></a>It is really easy to slowly slip into habits or behaviors
that eventually destroy our marital relationships. These things do not
generally happen overnight, but it’s a slow fade from one thing to the next.
This is why it is SO important to set up boundaries and safeguard your
marriage. No, these things will not make your marriage a “walk in the park” and
yes, some of them will sound extreme, BUT these tips will be great guardrails
for you to protect your marriage from harmful habits.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> #1 Create Social
Media Boundaries</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a married woman, there are very rare occasions in which I
should ever find myself having a conversation via text or facebook message with
someone of the opposite sex. Extreme, right?! I believe that anything that is
private and easily hidden can be one of those areas that slowly fade into
something it was not intended to be. Yes, there will be exceptions to this rule
on RARE occasions, but for the most part this is just off limits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#2 Create “alone” Boundaries</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a married person, there are also boundaries that should
be set up regarding who you allow yourself to be alone with. Again, this may
sound extreme but my rule is that there is never really any reason why I need
to be alone with someone of the opposite sex- not to go out to lunch, not a car
ride together, not even a hang out session with an old friend. If I have male
friends that I would like to hang out with, my husband should be included. It’s
no longer “him” and “I”, it’s “we” and this should be carried into our
relationships with others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#3 Create Verbal Boundaries</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is one I learned from my parents and I find it to be SO
necessary. There are certain words in your marriage that should absolutely be
off limits. For example the word “divorce”… we don’t say it. NEVER. We never
say this word. Why? Because I have seen many friends start out using the word “divorce”
or “separation” as a meaningless threat, but it eventually turns into the real
deal. Using these words creates a lack of trust and you can seemingly destroy
your marriage just by throwing these words around.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>These are just a few boundaries that I have found extremely
helpful in my marriage, but in different relationships there may be many
different “safeguards” that should be set in place. Consider what boundaries
need to be set up in your marriage and take the initiative to start the
conversation with your spouse! You never know, it could just save your
marriage!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-13676858148219980272014-04-07T06:46:00.001-07:002014-04-07T06:46:41.169-07:00Motherhood: Taking Off the Mask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iWbYrpze-O-eEsvTaL-iH5SVQjXZrIn15vMtkrPe-LBX80gv_DShp8mccU-FPpLjx6PSM3c9wk2d32v-VhDJGFmdCcd3OZiTDIgZ6666eoKQWXo4hoYFrxmAP_yMCE_VpyLWhoaz8KE/s1600/is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iWbYrpze-O-eEsvTaL-iH5SVQjXZrIn15vMtkrPe-LBX80gv_DShp8mccU-FPpLjx6PSM3c9wk2d32v-VhDJGFmdCcd3OZiTDIgZ6666eoKQWXo4hoYFrxmAP_yMCE_VpyLWhoaz8KE/s1600/is.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been guilty of wearing it on many occasions. It’s so
easy to keep it on when out and about, when answering those “how’s everything
going” questions. You know….the mask.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a young mom I quickly learned about this mask that tends
to be worn during motherhood. Although, I have to admit I don’t fully
understand it. <b>Somewhere in the midst of trying to stay positive and not
putting our dirty laundry out for the world to see we as moms lose something. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>We
accidently take our good intentions too far and we lose the honesty, the
rawness of motherhood. We stop being REAL.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Can I just say that as a new young mom, there are times I
desperately needed someone to be real with me. </b>When I saw you, fellow mom in
the grocery store, I needed you to put aside the “everything’s great,
motherhood is so beautiful” line and say the REAL thing, the “motherhood IS
great, but I’m SO beyond exhausted and I would give ANYTHING for 5 minutes to
myself” truth. When I saw you veteran mom at church, I needed you to put away
the “I have it all together” show and let some of the “I’m just as disorganized
and imperfect as you” realness shine through. When I came to that play date at
your house, friend, I needed you to forget about the perfectly clean house, perfectly
healthy meals, perfectly well behaved children act and I needed to see a little
more of the scattered undone laundry, and “yes, my kids had McDonalds for lunch
too” honesty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understand that as moms we are all striving to be
organized, and healthy, and somewhat put together. I understand and appreciate
the fact that we are all working to be the best mom, wife, employee, friend we
can possibly be. BUT, sometimes, I NEEDED to see the flaws, the fall downs, the
imperfection (and I have to believe I am not the only one who has ever needed
to see this). Not so that I could think less of you, or think more highly of
myself as a mom, but because I needed to know that I was not alone…That I am
still not alone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So moms, this is a cry out to you. And really, people in
general this is a cry out to you, a cry to put the mask up on the shelf; a cry
for you to PLEASE at the risk of someone thinking less of you, BE REAL</b>… Be
positive. Be an encouragement. BUT, also be honest. It’s ok for other’s to see
the imperfections, in fact, I’ve found they actually like you MORE when they
see, that just like them, you have struggles too. You never know who just desperately
needs to see that they are not alone, that you, just like them have struggles,
have shortcomings, and do not have it all together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…AND no, I do not have a Scripture basis that says “Moms,
thou shalt be real” <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>. BUT, I do believe Scripture calls us to do life
together and to be bearers of each other’s burdens, which is impossible without
being real…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way
you will fulfill the law of Christ.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-68137243868936435692014-04-04T12:15:00.000-07:002014-04-04T12:15:16.979-07:00Life: When it Storms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWKM-SvupIhxp7ysfTinYO4_yI9AhEremWtePTedNWPQ8gWxtRrcTS2Y0ttDpY9Ss356ZOLsv-wrpYMcBh7tSw9GX6kR7ebcq-f5jHKKJLSdGG4cjS5tXzaaaYLpifeMHTqDSRxAPFnE/s1600/storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWKM-SvupIhxp7ysfTinYO4_yI9AhEremWtePTedNWPQ8gWxtRrcTS2Y0ttDpY9Ss356ZOLsv-wrpYMcBh7tSw9GX6kR7ebcq-f5jHKKJLSdGG4cjS5tXzaaaYLpifeMHTqDSRxAPFnE/s1600/storm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have now entered that time of year, thunderstorms and
rain will be a regular part of life for the next couple months here in the
Midwest. I personally am not a fan of the dark dreary days that generally
accompany this rainy season. The rain and storminess itself feels like a downer
to me as I anxiously anticipate my favorite time of year, summer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I thought about this I thought about the fact that in a
lot of cases rain is referred to as not such a good thing. Phrases like “when
it rains it pours” are usually used in reference to bad situations happening
one right after the other. Sometimes we talk about a “stormy season” in life.
Overall the metaphor of “rain” or a “storm” is often negative.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, even as one who is not a fan of the rainy days I
have watched in amazement as right before my eyes the brown grass has quickly
turned green, the trees that appeared dead are surely starting to bud. I have
even watched spring flowers pop up and bloom in a matter of days as we have
steadily received the rain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGecMMQZbHJtAwkAF5-Hl8Tl3WkcfhEZlFblApQzXauvjMQ3kN0N4z5p9pcQTammG4ivP1fBc7kNeA9cOtTOM9FQKV3udarZcr7-bCQ6YXbIa2ZGRAo1ev3r-4GVyIAGRnzOqqvnT7G20/s1600/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGecMMQZbHJtAwkAF5-Hl8Tl3WkcfhEZlFblApQzXauvjMQ3kN0N4z5p9pcQTammG4ivP1fBc7kNeA9cOtTOM9FQKV3udarZcr7-bCQ6YXbIa2ZGRAo1ev3r-4GVyIAGRnzOqqvnT7G20/s1600/spring.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a lot like what happens in life. Sometimes the
“rainy seasons” of our lives our filled with heart ache, betrayal, trials, and
discouragement. I personally have experienced what felt like storms in my life
after the loss of a loved one, or at times when I was betrayed by friends. I
have felt like the rain was pouring when met with financial strains, when
struggling emotionally, and when physically ill. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>But, one thing was true after all of these different storms
in my life. I came out of the other side with growth. </b>The Lord worked during those
times to spring up new life inside of me, to make me stronger. Much like the
grass and trees, that as the storm rages they begin to grow again and at the
end of the stormy time they come out healthier, more beautiful, and they
continue to grow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I thank God for the different storms I have faced
because I know that He used those times to continue growing me into the woman
of God He desires for me to be. It doesn't mean the storms in life will be easy,
it just means after the storm has passed we can look back and thank God for how
he shaped and grew us during that time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Romans 5:3-4 “…But we also glory in our suffering, because
we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope.”</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-37252494845732622042014-04-02T12:28:00.000-07:002014-04-02T12:28:08.548-07:00The Worst in Me<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently my family and I were out for Sunday lunch. As it
came time to order the pizza, nobody had made a decision on how much we needed,
or what kind we wanted. So, my sister Rebecca and I started to try and figure
it out and we soon found ourselves in a little argument, a heated discussion;
let’s just say our voices were raised higher than they ever should be in an
eating establishment and I think our waitress was a little scared. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those of you who know my sister and I know that a little
head butting is not necessarily an uncommon occurrence. We are both strong
willed. We both have different view points on a number of things. And, worst of
all, we both think that we are right, even about a silly pizza order.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the discussion ended I quickly turned to my husband,
shifting the blame from myself to my sister and maybe looking for a little bit
of understanding from him, I said, “I don’t know what it is about my siblings,
but they ALWAYS bring out the worst in me.” He quickly and calmly looked at me
and responded, <b>“It’s not your siblings that are the problem, the problem is
that the worst is in you.” …. “The worst is in you”….</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ouch….That really wasn’t what I wanted to hear. But, the
more I thought about it the more true it seemed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often times in our society we choose to put the blame for
our life, for our decisions, for our sin onto someone else. Quite honestly,
it’s just easier that way. If I don’t have to take responsibility for my
hateful attitude and unnecessary remarks I can move on quickly without any
remorse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>But the truth is it IS my responsibility. The sin in my life
is no one’s fault but my own. And, friend, I know you don’t really want to hear
it, but the sin in your life is also no one’s fault but your own. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sad truth is that “the worst” is in each of us. But,
that’s not the entire story. <b>The beautiful part of this story is that though “the
worst” is in each of us, and though God sees our heart and therefore sees “the
worst” in us, He still loves us. He still forgives us. Thank God for His unwavering
mercy and love that never fails us, even when “the worst” comes out. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that
came by Christ Jesus.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-52370131698882948832014-03-31T08:46:00.001-07:002014-03-31T08:46:07.958-07:00Motherhood: Choosing to Cherish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cRF9M8bOhWtFCmb9N2fxX8LqNyJaLCtPA7aPIeW39STOIYT8VU9LZkCr-N7VNeI0o30dH71-YrUPor-hHYT2Lkym8rTy5Usk41wOGwk5lzQ4QA_7ge79FRkomdKqX7_MwvhkVQoGTZQ/s1600/cherish+photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cRF9M8bOhWtFCmb9N2fxX8LqNyJaLCtPA7aPIeW39STOIYT8VU9LZkCr-N7VNeI0o30dH71-YrUPor-hHYT2Lkym8rTy5Usk41wOGwk5lzQ4QA_7ge79FRkomdKqX7_MwvhkVQoGTZQ/s1600/cherish+photo.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a pretty real person when it comes to what I write. So,
I often write about the challenges, the struggles of mommy hood; the things
that make this journey so difficult that we as moms have no other choice but to
look to God for our strength, for our help, for our joy. But, what about the
good stuff. The things about mommy hood that are so beautiful and so amazing they
point us directly to our Creator. After all, these things are a very real part
of the journey as well.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What about those moments, that make us stop directly in our
tracks and give thanks for the good.</b> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_qdIAVMYYQmT5C__64gP7-hDLjbylqRfBIV-NgWMZEnaZQQDUsVE7qhhndXkUq3Rse3ogukaQWf0zEV_CEA9KkpC5hyphenhyphen6z36coTTLkS3Wx7RnQcIhtlBv3alDQBZJwWHs8yuF8usreN4/s1600/rileys+1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_qdIAVMYYQmT5C__64gP7-hDLjbylqRfBIV-NgWMZEnaZQQDUsVE7qhhndXkUq3Rse3ogukaQWf0zEV_CEA9KkpC5hyphenhyphen6z36coTTLkS3Wx7RnQcIhtlBv3alDQBZJwWHs8yuF8usreN4/s1600/rileys+1st.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter Riley's 1st birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those moments when you sit awake at 3 am,
exhausted, rocking a newborn, only to glance down and see the smile wash over
their face and suddenly a smile washes over yours as well….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The times when sweet baby snuggles are like a comfort to
your soul, and there is nowhere else you would rather be…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That day when your baby says “momma” for the first time and
you remember how joyful this journey can be…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sound of little giggles that fill your home and at the
same time fill your heart…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first time they roll, and crawl, and stand, and then the
highly anticipated very first step when you realize that the little life you
are shaping is growing up right before your eyes…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That moment when you see that they actually understand something
you have been working to teach them…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You watch as they live out kindness and love to those around
them…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That tight squeeze around the neck and “mommy, I love you” whisper
that seems to wash away the weight of the world…</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwfu9rP2xYxn9vTF_q5AU_CsO94R7EKAMnOWimcGN4wdyuPBRFHlI1VMFqf0Sj9QOXBtff3ipBgK1imHVuQprYv5MyChXcZKc9lqJfbzI-PZRef9z3wQqK_2lk77nesgBgAJi_8sqo78/s1600/jase+1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwfu9rP2xYxn9vTF_q5AU_CsO94R7EKAMnOWimcGN4wdyuPBRFHlI1VMFqf0Sj9QOXBtff3ipBgK1imHVuQprYv5MyChXcZKc9lqJfbzI-PZRef9z3wQqK_2lk77nesgBgAJi_8sqo78/s1600/jase+1st.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son Jase, starting to stand by himself for the fist time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is beauty, friends. There is joy. <b>There is something
SO amazing about this journey</b>. I cannot help but stop, right in my tracks, in
the midst of my busy day, and say,”Lord, thank you.” I am amazed by the
presence of the Lord on this journey, as He has allowed me to teach, to love,
to raise these beautiful children that are ultimately His. They are His
Creation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I encourage you to look for the moments, the moments
that bring joy, the ones that fill your heart and then overflow as a smile upon
your face, those motherhood moments that you will cherish forever. And, <b>as you
cherish the moments, cherish the Creator who gave them to you. Stand in
amazement, not just of your beautiful babies, but of the God who created them
in your womb, the one who gave them the ability to say that first word, the
health to take that first step. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Live in those moments today, find joy, and give thanks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 118:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his
love endures forever.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-7832550674764418712014-03-26T14:34:00.000-07:002014-03-26T14:34:04.556-07:00Dancing Around the Dirt Pile: A Lesson in Obedience<div class="MsoNormal">
Today as I hurriedly tried to straighten my home before we
had company I grabbed the broom and began to sweep the floor. In our home the
majority of the flooring is hardwood, so sweeping with a broom seems to be the
best way to go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I swept, a pile began to form, mainly composed of dirt
that had been tracked in throughout the day, along with the food crumbs and
trash my babies have dropped. There is never anything special about the dirt
pile. Sure, once in a while my daughter Riley who is 2 will happen upon a small
treasure in the pile but overall it’s a pile of dirt and trash. However, as I
observed my daughter there was just something about the pile that she could not
seem to resist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMQPpbkaWzEaYSNOXXKFyqAT55cze0HGQsQ8mz-ONOrawXh_bPZUWsBe1FBo-XRqesrmtFvYutTBxPmFRKXAnvHBadPTHOMoD3nR9Iq8hxpBmfdgBwwMRlgCXLUf0pbsD4uRXfchoVuE/s1600/broom-sweeping-300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMQPpbkaWzEaYSNOXXKFyqAT55cze0HGQsQ8mz-ONOrawXh_bPZUWsBe1FBo-XRqesrmtFvYutTBxPmFRKXAnvHBadPTHOMoD3nR9Iq8hxpBmfdgBwwMRlgCXLUf0pbsD4uRXfchoVuE/s1600/broom-sweeping-300x200.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not a new occurrence. It happens EVERY single time
that I sweep the floor. I start out by observing. As the dust pile begins to
form, it never fails that miss Riley will begin to get closer and closer. I
stop, look her in the eyes, and give the warning that she’s heard a hundred
time before, “do NOT step in my dirt pile, UNDERSTAND?” The warning has grown
more stern and serious over time. She usually steps away at first, but then it
happens. She steps a little closer, and a little closer. Inch by inch she’s
making her way nearer to the pile of dirt. Soon, she’s dancing in circles and
her circles are now around the pile. Eventually, she can’t help it, she gets
TOO close and scatters the pile of dirt all over the floor again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes this is an occurrence that takes place multiple
times on the same day. I’ll sweep up the mess again, and then slowly but surely
she will inch her way closer, gracefully dancing around the dirt pile, getting
as close as she can without dipping her tiny toes in the dirt. But, before
long, she has done it again, she slipped, she got too close, maybe in the midst
of her twirl she fell directly into the pile. <b>And there’s the dirt. AGAIN. Scattered all over the floor.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously, as a parent I have to discipline her for her disobedience
and her normal response is “I’m sorry mom, I didn’t mean to- I wasn’t trying to
step in the dirt pile.” As I watch her, I understand her response. It is true.
She was not trying to actually step in the dirt pile. <b>What she was doing however was trying to get as close as possible to
the dirt pile without actually stepping in it.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How often do I do the
same thing? Maybe I am not blatantly and purposefully walking in disobedience to
my heavenly Father, but I surely am trying to get as close as possible to that
pile of sin without stepping in it.</b> And, just as in the story of my little
Riley, eventually I too will lose my balance and fall face first into the mess
that I was trying to tip toe around. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I have warned my Riley, my Father has usually given me a
warning as well, but there is something about that particular sin that is just
calling me….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it is frustrating for me to watch Riley fall in the dirt
over and over again, I’m sure my heavenly Father looks down wishing I would
have just listened the first time. It would have saved me from a dirty mess.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, just as I clean up her mess again, brush off her knees
and give her another warning, the Father so graciously does the same to me each
time I fall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The moral of the
story- #1 Don’t get so close. If there is a sin in your life that seems to draw
you in, keep your distance! Our human nature will always want to get as close
as possible, but that will always lead to falling down.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Moral #2- If you’ve
already fallen down, don’t worry, the Lord is right there ready to help brush
you off, and give you another chance. Thank God for His amazing grace! Now,
remind yourself the moral #1 again </b><b><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>.
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Timothy 2:22 “<b>Flee</b>
the evil desires of youth, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…”</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-51048097693273920702014-03-24T09:56:00.000-07:002014-03-24T09:56:00.133-07:00Motherhood: For Those Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZP0ovq-TsKpjRhM-2IjAKvLlaNoLdjfxKNh_sgKNWxvlb8D_mmD6zcJ5RmKLLVptOT4ydMJ-mzB0vNjVu15cWMmSMDb_a8xD-JPGi4BdaFQMsmgLJseKOpW3uj1RaU9xLPUOSx7Fplc/s1600/Matthew11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZP0ovq-TsKpjRhM-2IjAKvLlaNoLdjfxKNh_sgKNWxvlb8D_mmD6zcJ5RmKLLVptOT4ydMJ-mzB0vNjVu15cWMmSMDb_a8xD-JPGi4BdaFQMsmgLJseKOpW3uj1RaU9xLPUOSx7Fplc/s1600/Matthew11.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know those days? The ones that are too long, come with
too little rest, and too much responsibility? The days when your weary heart
feels like it can do no more, even in the beauty of motherhood. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I know those days exist. Why is that? Well, my dear
friend, I am in the midst of one. One of those days where I have wiped many
snotty noses; I have cleaned up toys, and dirt, and baby spit up; I have
changed diapers and wiped up spills; I have given medicine, kissed booboos,
taken temperatures, and rocked crying babies; I have made bottles, and lunches,
and snacks; I have battled a stubborn toddler, and I have held and cuddled with
that same toddler as she just needed mom; I have played with play dough, read
books, started movies, colored pictures, and anything else that these sweet
babies may need. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, my friend is one of those days. One of those days
that I’m sure you too have experienced if you have ever been a mom or caretaker
of littles. As I sit here trying to catch a few minutes to myself, I would be
lying if I told you I wasn’t a hot mess today. It’s one of those days where
everyone is still in their PJ’s from the night before come bed time. One of
those long days. I have not showered, brushed my hair, or my teeth for that
matter. My house is not clean and my to do list is not done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is exhausting. It is long. Days like today are just
TOO much….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then, in the midst of my exhausted sigh and short “dear
Lord, help me” prayer, I remember. I remember the truth. I remember that this
day cannot possibly be too much. This is the day that the Lord has given me.
This is the home that the Lord has given me. He has given me these beautiful
babies and He has gifted me with the task of nurturing them, teaching them,
taking care of them, and yes some days that means wiping poopy butts, and
snotty noses. The Lord has given me this day and before it even started He knew
what this day would entail. He knew that I would be needed for what feels like
every. SINGLE. Moment. of this day. He knew that I would feel tired and worn. He
knew that at some point in this day I would feel like a failure, like I haven’t
done enough or accomplished enough. My Lord knew that I am weak, that this day
might be hard, and that I might even feel like it has been WAY too much. But,
He also knew that HE would be my strength to make it through this day. That He
could bear my burdens if I would only give them to Him. He has been right here
with me, waiting…Just waiting patiently for me to remember the truth: that He
is God and I am not; that in my weakness, His power is perfect. And, that above
all else, on those days that seem too hard, too long, too much, I can find the
rest, the sufficiency, the renewal, the ENOUGH to make it through if I only
come before my Savior and rest in His presence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you Lord for your truth about this day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said, “My grace is sufficient for
you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the
more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-74641703562076771082014-03-20T06:51:00.001-07:002014-03-20T06:51:37.513-07:00The Beauty You Need To Hear Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4832460033984691522" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
You. Yes, you, the one quickly scrolling through statuses
and newsfeeds; the one who for some reason or another chose to open up this
blog and quickly scroll through the words to see what you could find today. <i>You are beautiful.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, you. The young lady with a twinkle in your eye and
dreams in your heart, <i>you are beautiful</i>.
In your world beauty is often defined by the way you fix your hair, the makeup
that you wear, or those cute clothes you may or may not be wearing. Either way,
<i>you are beautiful</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the mom of littles, with tired eyes and spit up stained
pjs, you probably don’t feel it. You probably feel worn and ragged. You maybe
haven’t heard it today, or this week, or for months, but today I will tell you
the truth, <i>you are beautiful</i>. You
maybe haven’t dolled yourself up or fixed your hair in what seems like an
eternity, but trust me my friend, <i>you ARE
beautiful</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you, the middle aged woman whose house is growing
emptier by the day. You have lived life. You have experienced heart ache and disappointments.
You may look back and remember the younger days when you truly felt beautiful. You
see beauty in others. You tell your daughters and the young ladies you know how
beautiful they are. But, today, let me tell you, <i>you are
beautiful.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, to the woman who is “old” in the eyes of the world.
Your skin may be wrinkly and your body is marred with the marks of a life well
lived; a life of work, and love, and joy, and heartache and selflessness. As
you look in the mirror today, you may not see it, but just as it has always
been, <i>you are still beautiful</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglakPsFfmIbzaYWD8Imfl_L4Xs1jRqf2JO6mkOcBfQKMmP_6FOnmMopC1u2UT02tCWilg6mMtYJXEGjeqKrA-KfeIOFxLIojGb9kRsAhszwsXz8W7PktajsH2YEOoCUZEC4ov6ep5yNkg/s1600/older+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglakPsFfmIbzaYWD8Imfl_L4Xs1jRqf2JO6mkOcBfQKMmP_6FOnmMopC1u2UT02tCWilg6mMtYJXEGjeqKrA-KfeIOFxLIojGb9kRsAhszwsXz8W7PktajsH2YEOoCUZEC4ov6ep5yNkg/s1600/older+woman.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are beautiful not because your hair falls just right, or
your clothes fit a certain way. In fact, by the world’s standards you may or
may not be beautiful. Your nose might be too big, your hair too plain, your
face too wrinkly. You might be too tall or too short, too thin, or too “fat”. You probably will never live up to the beauty
standard that our society had set. But, <i>you
ARE beautiful</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You are beautiful
because the Lord says so.</i> Your Father in Heaven looks at you and sees
beauty. In fact, before anyone else had even thought of you, He had. He took
the time to design you. He knit together your unformed body, one intricate piece
at a time. He made you with that nose, those freckles, and that plain hair. In
fact, He even knows how many of those hairs are on your head. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More than that, He thinks you’re precious. He knows your
heart. He rejoices over you. Why? Because you are His daughter, His wonderful
Creation, and <i>you my dear ARE beautiful</i>!
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For your 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 full well.” Psalm 139:13-14</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-27180446537124461022014-03-18T07:14:00.001-07:002014-04-16T09:31:27.106-07:00Motherhood: The Journey of Dying to Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbk-adlx7lkeE_1Z_ghGTaCR0M3tdyuDizvPuhvhOd-F84Phj1dXDKWTggG603GipvntFDT7apKjl1bGPZrqOJjltLN25bu4XOCAJPNfoSK0EUHim2MM_O47hKoId4dsQYWo02q21Zjg/s1600/its+not+about+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbk-adlx7lkeE_1Z_ghGTaCR0M3tdyuDizvPuhvhOd-F84Phj1dXDKWTggG603GipvntFDT7apKjl1bGPZrqOJjltLN25bu4XOCAJPNfoSK0EUHim2MM_O47hKoId4dsQYWo02q21Zjg/s1600/its+not+about+me.jpg" height="120" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beginning of the journey-</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>I find myself reminiscing more and more about my experience
of giving life to my 2<sup>nd</sup> child as we quickly approach his first
birthday. Jase is such a handsome, sweet, adventurous child and I could never
be surer of the perfect fit he is in our little family. However, I’m
embarrassed to say I have not always felt that way….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have not shared with many people the emotions, feelings
and experience leading up to and during the birth of my little Jase. Maybe this
is because I was shameful. I would not want anyone to think poorly of me. Maybe
it’s because at the time I did not know what to do with these emotions and
feelings. Either way I think it is time I share. I share not to be a “downer”
in your day or to discourage your from having more babies<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>.
I share because I know I cannot possibly be the only one who has felt this way.
I pray that my honesty and experience can be a blessing and encouragement to
you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, let me take you back to that day, April 12, 2013. The
days and months leading up to that day had been pretty miserable ones. This
second pregnancy greeted me with a lovely dose of nausea, vomiting, heart burn,
and exhaustion throughout almost the entire 9 months! For those of you who have
ever experience long term physical illness you will probably recognize that
after a period of feeling miserable and not like yourself physically the devil
will begin to attack you spiritually and emotionally as well. This happened. Needless
to say by the week of my due date, I was done! I, like most women who are 9
months pregnant, was MISERABLE. Seriously. MISERABLE. I was not sleeping. I
wasn’t enjoying eating. My body ached. And mostly I just wanted to cry. The
days following up to the 12<sup>th</sup> along with everything else included
very consistent contractions almost 24-7. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, in one sense I was more than ready to get this monster
of a baby out of my body! But, there was a part of me that didn’t feel ready AT
ALL. Rather than being filled with joy and excitement that morning as we headed
to the hospital, I found that my heart was filled with something else,
something really ugly. Mainly, the big S… selfishness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we entered the hospital my heart and mind were filled
with a lot of questions and concerns. All of my “what ifs” floated to the
surface and merged in a mess of emotions. I was about to experience a life
changing event. Somewhere between concern, anticipation, and discontentment I
found myself with many deep rooted questions. “How will I do it?” I can barely
take care of one child, how will I manage 2?” “I don’t think I have enough to
give, what if I don’t?” “What if I don’t love him like I love my first baby?” “Who
is going to help me?” “What in the world have I gotten myself into?” “Why did I
do this?” AHHH! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I literally felt like screaming and crying. It was too late.
I was having a baby today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My nerves were completely shot and to be bluntly honest, my
heart was heavy. I was grieving. Once again, I was grieving the loss of self
that motherhood requires. I thought about what this life change meant for MY
home, for MY family, for MY business, and mostly for MY self- MY dreams, MY
desires, MY goals, MY time…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was not really prepared for the events that transpired
that day. Giving birth to a child is always a little scary, but this specific
delivery met us with what in the blink of an eye became an emergency situation.
One of those moments where you look back and realize that you literally could
have lost your life. And the life of that precious baby. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully the Lord was watching over us and both Jase and I
made it through the delivery. The hours that followed consisted of stitches,
blood transfusions, and pain meds. As I laid exhausted, sore, and already weary
of the uncomfortable hospital bed, my heart changed. Suddenly like the breath
of life given by the warm springtime breeze, the Lord breathed something new in
me. AMAZEMENT. I was amazed, stunned. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The old saying “Momma knows best” translated into what I
felt about my Heavenly Father. All along He knew. As I held that tiny,
handsome, miracle to my chest I felt joy. As I glanced at his intricately designed
body, tiny fingers, tiny toes, I felt blessed. All of the doubt, fear,
selfishness, and pain drifted away in the blink of any eye. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How great is my God, that when my heart is confused and my
selfish desires are overtaking me, He knows what is best and he lavishes me
with far more than I could ever deserve. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course the journey of dying to self does not end there.
It only just begins. There are many days of motherhood where the ugly S word
rears his head up and tries to take over, but that’s a story for another day….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m thankful today that God was working on me that day
almost a year ago; and He continues to do so each day along this journey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my
anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the
way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24<br />
<br />
<br />
<a<br />
_blank"="" href="http://www.awisewomanbuildsherhome.com"><img<br />
alt="a-wise-woman-builds-her-home" border="0"<br />
src="http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt60/junefuentes/mombutton1med_zpsbce98aed.jpg"<br />
/></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4832460033984691522.post-53548021377894695222014-03-17T07:06:00.001-07:002014-03-17T07:06:04.718-07:00The Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxN0CDnzWZq5cM4c8Olj4cBGqry9SE7qMZSgaa7v52jB-3iQAIBv0cEHYUeWB5giO9LgKMbhg1ZGVxbrCKboylhfn0XmbJV1WtFWGa8xA3c_WZqsUIwYFySOvpXDXku1zkdrxbip5iXU/s1600/blog+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxN0CDnzWZq5cM4c8Olj4cBGqry9SE7qMZSgaa7v52jB-3iQAIBv0cEHYUeWB5giO9LgKMbhg1ZGVxbrCKboylhfn0XmbJV1WtFWGa8xA3c_WZqsUIwYFySOvpXDXku1zkdrxbip5iXU/s1600/blog+photo.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Have you ever just felt a burning
desire to do something more? Something that is beyond your self? That passion
deep inside your heart to really set the world on fire? To feed the hungry, to
give homes to the orphans, to change millions of lives all in the name of
Christ?! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Recently I have felt this passion
rising up within me. It’s like a tidal wave just hit me in the face and
suddenly I’m re-evaluating everything that I do in life. It’s a feeling that’s
unexplainable; it’s beyond me. It’s not about me. It’s that feeling that He
made me and even in all my imperfections He wants to use me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The problem with this kind of set
the world on fire passion is the “NOW WHAT?!” feeling that soon follows. And
then, the “maybe you’re calling the wrong person” that soon creeps up as well. Where
do I begin? This is the question I have been asking. These are the words I have
spoke over and over again in my time of prayer- when? How? What? “Lord, I will
do whatever it is you want me to do, but what is it?” These are the words that
I find slipping out day after day as my heart feels like it is ready to explode
with hope for the hopeless. And, over and over again I seem to hear a still small
voice saying “write”. Write what? “just write”….hmmm, ok …. So here I am. This
is my first act of obedience. Today I will begin to write. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As I begin to write my prayer is
that I will be able to be an encouragement to you. That as you follow my blog I
will be a source of hope, healing, and help, and that above all God would be
glorified as I start to write.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
What is the Lord calling you to do
that maybe you have been ignoring? What does that still small voice say if you
would just listen? I pray that God would give you that same passion deep in
your heart to be a world changer today, and then you would listen to the
“what’s next” and follow where He leads. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Sarah Lango</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340597153727341438noreply@blogger.com0