Long Days, Short Years.

The saying is true. These days are long, so very long; but the years are short! I can hardly believe that my sweet baby is a year old and my big girl is almost three!

This year has been a bit crazy. Well, absolutely crazy.
To recap:
Ada was born at the end of July
at 2 weeks postpartum I started training to be a Birth Doula
at 4 weeks postpartum I started a new job teaching 2 days a week at a Mothers Day Out program the next town over
at 5 weeks postpartum we started suspecting that the limp Cora developed at 2 weeks postpartum was something more serious and she was later diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Until almost December every time someone would ask how old Ada was I would respond 6 weeks old... because I felt like we were in survival mode 100% of the time. God is good, and I'm not complaining, that job was an answered prayer and it was a year of hard work in school but it's paying off now that I'm running my own business and I love it!

In February I finished my training as a Birth Doula and went to my Certification Workshop for a weekend (that weekend was a hoot - if it could go wrong it basically did!)

March through May I worked diligently on getting my business off the ground while still teaching two days a week. In May I had turned down 4 inquiries for doula clients because I couldn't be on call while teaching. I took a leap of faith, literally trusting God that this was His plan for us and said I would not be returning in the fall to teach.

In June I was really worried I'd made a big mistake by giving up my "day job" because I didn't have a single inquiry for doula services. God is good and he had a plan! I was contacted about training to be a Midwife Assistant at a local birth center. It's been a busy summer, I've learned more than I could ever imagine and as of today I have finished my training as a Midwife Assistant and I'm booked for doula clients through the New Year!

I really think the theme for the past 12 months is God is Good, God has a plan and trust God!!

I have really missed blogging. I think about it at least once a week but I just couldn't justify taking taking the time to sit down and write when so many things needed my attention. Life is still busy but I feel like we're coming out of survival mode and learning to live our new normal. Tonight I sat down on the couch and didn't know what to do with myself, I literally finished training as a MA this afternoon when I passed my skills check off for neonatal resuscitation and CPR so I don't have anything to study for the moment. So, blogging it is. I really hope I'm able to keep it up.

I'm glad to be back - how are you?!?

Life Lately - Living a Cross Shaped Life

Life lately has been... well it has been busy, but it also been a time of trials, unexpected surprises (of the good and not-so-good kind) and lots of prayerful soul searching. I don't have all the answers but I'm sure the Lord will reveal them to us in time. 

Anyway, enough about that for now. I've probably started this post five times. I never can find just the right words, so I figure if I'm ever going to publish it I'm just going to have to do the best I can and let the rest be. 

We live in the day of public information. We post about anything and everything all over social media. I can't remember who the first person I saw posting a picture of their food, but now that's the norm; you didn't have that meal unless you took a picture of it, right? Going to the gym, or out for a run is no different...

 

... What if we were more open about living a "cross shaped life" if we were more open about our Christianity. Imagine the difference we could make in the world. When did it become so important to not potentially offend someone that we stopped sharing our faith openly and publicly?

A couple of weeks ago our pastor was discussing the Protestant Reformation and the progression of Christianity in our country. He said something that has stuck with me, something that has haunted me since that Sunday. He discussed the fact that America is clearly not the Christian nation that we once were, that Christianity is steeply declining and that the country with the largest Christian population is China. CHINA. I just cannot fathom that, though I have no reason to doubt him. 

Once upon a time I was at dinner with some friends. I count these individuals among our close friends, I was discussing something that had happened in a recent Bible Study gathering and much to my shock I was laughed at. Not laughed at because of my faith, but because they didn't realize that people actually went to Bible Studies. They honest-to-goodness believed that the concept of Bible Studies were things that only crazy radicals attended. I couldn't believe that we were friends with someone who had never been to a Bible Study, and they couldn't believe that they're friends with someone "normal" who regularly attends Bible Studies. 

"So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I will spit you out of my mouth!

Revelation 3:16

Since that dinner a question that has been laid upon me (the night I first started pondering this post), am I living a cross shaped life or am I too much "of the world"?

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Could someone from the outside identify me as a Christian based on my daily life? 

.

I invite you to examine your own life and question these same things. As I look at my beautiful sleeping daughter, it breaks my heart to know that she is being raised in a world that is not friendly to Christians who live out their faith. I am fearful for the world she will face as an adult and what world my grandchildren will face. 

Praying for your Marine through Basic Training: Week 2

 

 

With Joshua off at MCRD for Basic Training, many of my prayers are centering around his safety and well being. I want to share my prayers and verses I've studied with you and hopefully it can be of some help to another Marine family. I have shared these verses and prayers with Joshua in his letters, feel free to do the same!

 

Week 1: Processing

 

Week 2: First Week of Training

For I know the Plan I have for you, Declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.

Jeramiah 29:11

    

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Phillipians 4:13

   

  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Matthew 14:28-29

 

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

  Psalms 28:7

 

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

 

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  

Mathew 11:28

 

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

Psalms 91:2    

Praying for your Marine through Basic Training (Week 1)

With Joshua off at MCRD for Basic Training, many of my prayers are centering around his safety and well being. I want to share my prayers and verses I've studied with you and hopefully it can be of some help to another Marine family. I have shared these verses and prayers with Joshua in his letters, feel free to do the same!

Processing Week
Day 1
In God I trust and am not afraid, What can mortal man do to me?
- Psalms 56:11

Dear Father, please place your protective hand on our Marines as they begin this journey to honorably serve this great nation and you. During this time of transition and acclimation to their new life at MCRD, I pray you guard their hearts and emotions. As a loved one, I worry about the emotions associated with this change and the process involved in turning these recruits from civilians to Marines.

Day 2
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 
- Colossians 3:17

Heavenly Father, I pray that this may be a reminder to our Marines that their service is in Your name. As we each have our own mission field in life, theirs is as they serve their country as representatives of the Army of God.

Day 3
Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you.

- 1 Peter 5:7

 

Father, I pray that today whatever may be troubling our new Marines, that they faithfully cast their concerns away and trust that you will see them through to the end. 

 

Day 4
 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
- Ephesians 6:10-12


Day 5 
(Black Friday)
 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
- Joshua 1:9

Father, I pray for our recruits as they meet their Drill Instructors and the men in their assigned platoon. I pray that they find camaraderie and friendship in their platoon assignment and that these relationships are strong and positive ones that last for years to come. 

Day 6
 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
- Isaiah 40:29-31

Heavenly Father, today I plead for strength and endurance for the recruits. I pray that they rely not on their own strength and knowledge, but on you. I pray that in years to come they look back on this time and see it as a season of spiritual growth. 

Day 7
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
- Hebrews, 11:1

Today I pray for our Marines to continue a faithful walk with you as they are in training. I pray they make other Christian comrades and find solace in worshiping with their Brothers at Arms in Chapel services.

Serving in your Church & Community

 

It isn't a secret that I have trouble saying "no" when someone comes to me needing help with something. Usually this takes the form of some leadership responsibility role that quite simply, I don't have time for. I love serving others, I believe it is my Spiritual Gift; so I usually don't mind - it can just make things hard when dates start stacking on top of each other & I look like Mrs. Frizzle from Magic School Bus trying to get it all done.

During my pregnancy, I have had a life lesson and have had to learn to prioritize. I cut back on my responsibilities wherever I could and let things go that I would have really rather not to have lost. I did this for a couple of reasons. While God has blessed us with a healthy pregnancy, I've been quite sick throughout the whole thing. Physically, I just couldn't stand up to the requirements of some of my usual commitments. Many of my commitments that I usually make throughout the year come up in the Fall & Winter, the tale end of my pregnancy and the first chapter of our lives as a family of three. As much as it hurt me to have to say no, I knew that my Husband and my Daughter deserve my attention and I just couldn't make that commitment, it wasn't fair to the project or my family.

Usually I think it's awesome when someone is strong enough to stand up against pressure and say "no, I just can't". A simple concept to some, saying "no" - but obviously a complex issue for me. However, here of late hearing others say "no" has become so frustrating.  People have become so reliant on people like me that when those willing to serve can't there isn't anyone there to take their place. This isn't exclusive to me attempting to get my remaining responsibilities covered for when Baby Girl arrives. This has become an epidemic in our churches and communities. 

When the do-er can't do anymore the project that everyone agrees is great, wonderful and necessary falls apart or is cancelled entirely.

That just isn't fair. It isn't fair to the people who have spent years holding up that project for everyone's benefit, just to helplessly stand aside and watch it crumble when their "can't" is legitimate and no one will step up to the plate & take their place. 

Today I challenge you, next time you are asked to take a role or a responsibility - don't just brush it aside because it will take time. What worth-while cause doesn't take a commitment of time?

If it is time you don't feel you "have", ask yourself what you would be doing with that time otherwise? Does it cut into time you spend serving others or the Lord? Does it conflict with your job? Or is it simply an inconvenience?

Speechless

Friday I heard the news with everyone else.

I kept silent because words did not come, only tears and a heavy heart.

Today, they are burying the first of the innocent children.

I still have no words but others more eloquent do.

Tomorrow I will be participating in the Blogger Day of silence, and posting this button only. There is also an option of  making a donation in honor of the victims; if you would like to join me, go here.

More Information about the Blogger Day of Silence can be found here.

Please join me in praying for the families of the victims, those directly affected and America as a whole.

Though I have never been to Connecticut nor know the families, I feel grief for their senseless loss as I am sure you do as well.

Sanger Christmas Celebration

Brothers, Father, Husband & Me: SCC 2011

 This year is the 10th anniversary of the Sanger Christmas Celebration! SCC is the Christmas production our church puts on every year and it has become a huge tradition for our family.

John dressing as the Bronze Wise Man

Every year it's different.

Two acts: Act 1 - That years theme and Act 2: Biblical Production.

John dressing as Roman Soldier

 There are 5 performances and countless hours of preparation and then there are the rehearsals!

You know it's almost time for SCC when... You left the church for the night at 11:30 pm, and you weren't the last one out the door. {my experience Monday night...}

John as Balthazar, the African Santa

My family has been involved every year for the last 10 years.

The first couple of years we all sang.

Mom and I played in our handbell choir between Acts.

 

Me & John after production 2010

 My Dad & Brothers started managing the Tech side of things about year 3 through to today.

On average my family puts in somewhere around 100 hours of prep time getting ready for each years SCC sound and lights.

The brothers also act in the production, sing and play handbells.

The Light & Sound Boards. AKA my Dad's Central Station.

 The Christmas Celebration has become a great way for my family to spend time together, serve the church and serve the community.

I can't wait to share pictures from this years production!

If you are in the DFW area - you should come and see it!

Tickets are Free (comment/contact me to reserve them for you)!

Performances are this weekend!

Saturday @ 4 & 7 pm

Sunday @ 11 am, 4 & 7 pm

Christmas Cards

Today is the beginning of our Christmas quest.
If we're going to send out Christmas cards this year, I've got to get them ordered asap.

Are Christmas Cards, or letters a tradition for your family?
Did you carry it over into your own household?

When my brothers and I were young I know my mother always wrote Christmas letters – then life got busy (we became less cute) and the letters turned into generic cards. 

Then even the generic manger scenes stopped with time and ever increasing busy lives. 

All that being said, I think it is a great tradition!

When John and I were dating and things were getting serious, I was so excited for us to send Christmas cards together!  It was an interesting dynamic for us; For John, Christmas cards were a nice gesture and you picked the cutest ones there. For me, Christmas cards are a way of connecting with family you don't see often and an opportunity to demonstrate that I believe in keeping Christ in CHRISTmas.

He wanted cuddly puppies, I wanted a Biblically accurate manger scene.
Over time we have compromised to a photo card, including pictures of our very own cuddly doggies, a holiday greeting and a select verse.

As with any other holiday tradition, I think it is all about what matters to you, the sender.

During the holiday season when I have friends and family around I wish them a Merry Christmas, our holiday correspondences are always Christmas cards with a Biblical message somewhere in it because that is what is important to us!

When I visit friends during Hanukkah, I am happy to receive the greeting “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Holidays” and I return the selected greeting. They probably got my Christmas card too, and I likely received their Holiday photo.

I’m not sure how we have gotten to the place we are at where saying “Happy Holidays” has become offensive to those celebrating a select holiday, and a specific greeting is an assault to someone celebrating a different holiday.

I bid to you, a Merry Christmas!

...and Gossip

Once upon a time...

not all that long ago, I had an influence in my life that I shouldn't have. 

We've all been there and done that - had friends we really shouldn't have.

In my case, she was far too manipulative.

I knew she lied to others and for some reason I assumed she would never lie to me or about me. 

Well, let's just say I was wrong.

A spade is a spade.

 When I saw this picture, the ugly fight that ensued when I had enough came to mind.

I wish that someone had used these words to calm me over the matter.
Of course nothing she was saying was true.
Or was so far from the seed of truth that it was ridiculous.

But I was furious! And through my fury, frustration and anger that my
reputation was being tarnished I lost sight of the fact that it wasn't true.

That none of it was true.

If I conduct my life in such a manner that is pleasing to God,
why would anyone believe it when the inevitable Gossip or lie surfaces.