A few pictures of what has been happening in the past 7 days....
A cute lil' snapshot of Miracle...I heard Miracle waking up, making loud sighs while laying in bed (I'm sure she is just trying to get my attention). She is already, at the young age of 2, a snoozer and loves to stay in bed until the very last minute she can. So this morning I opened her room door to find her laying on her bed, her legs crossed, her head propped up by the pillow reading her board book "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep". She just looked up and smiled. Too cute!
Pete and Miracle went to Dairy Queen on a father/daughter date the other night and when they were leaving Miracle looked at me as she was leaving and said, "bye mommy, be good."
The baby snapshot of Matthias...we attempted to give him his first taste of whole grain rice cereal this past week. He was pretty cute licking the small plastic spoon with his lil' tongue just like a kitten (boy, won't he be impressed with that description when he's older). He loves to babble to me and is always trying to find Miracle in the room. I hope and pray that God blesses Miracle and Matthias with a brother/sister bond that can only come from Him.
It's that time again - I love to carry note cards with verses that the Lord gives me to claim and I've found some new verses to carry with me.
Here are the snapshots of truth:
Isaiah 25:9 And it will be said in that day: "Behold, this is our God: we have waited for Him and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for His; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."
Ephesians 6:12 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. (My best friend and I were talking this past week and she just said that when I am on the vurge of arguing or getting frustrated with my husband to say this verse out loud. It really hit me...I'm always saying that I know there is a war going on much deeper than we know or understand but this lil' practical might help me keep some perspective with my dramatic, passionate self.)
Psalm 119:73, 90a Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments. Your faithfulness endures to all generations.
Ephesians 3:16-21 I pray out of His glorious riches He may strengthen me with all power through His Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses all knowledge - that I may be filled with the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within me, to Him be glory in the Church and Christ Jesus throughout all gernerations. Amen
Psalm 38:9,21,22 All my longings lie open before you, O Lord, my sighing is not hidden from you...O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me, o my God come quickly to me, O Lord my Savior.
I am so blessed I have been able to make it to women's bible study on Thursday nights for 3 weeks in a row now. We are studying Esther: It's tough being a woman. I am loving it!
A technology snapshot...gotta love cell phones. I was able to have a 3way phone conversation and catch up with my sister in-law and mother in-law.
A physical snapshot...my sister Lindsey borrowed me some 10 minute dvd workouts for moms and I love them. Finally, a workout that I can do every day!
I could share other snapshots with you about the past week. You know the snapshots that would remind you that I have enough drama and troubles of my own and that God is constantly refining and molding me to become like Him but I think I'll let it be this week. I liked this quote from my bible study, "God, in His mercy, chooses at times to retain only the snapshots He took when they (the various biblical people) were standing firm. Then, we can take those moments as beautiful examples."
Extending grace to myself this week and praying that in just a few ways Christ can use me as a beautiful example to my husband and my children of what it means to never stop looking at the snapshots of God's word and allowing Him to continually work in me, through me, and all for His glory.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Does My World Have To Shake Before I Kneel?
Haiti Earthquake, January 12, 2010
“The countries most severe earthquake in over 200 years.”
I am numb. I am ashamed(of what I take forgranted). I am humbled. I am forgiven(of my lack of...).
So consumed with how to live the "American dream life" that it has taken more than a day for my heart to penetrate the reality of this current event. How I so easily forget that there truly is more than America. It bothers me to even type that sharp realization, but truth be told, I watch the videos of starving children, barren and dark lands, the chosen land of Israel yet my body doesn’t flinch sometimes that there is an entire world out there…”For God so loved the world…”
…always thinking about the trivial things of life: a better job/career for Pete (because he desires it so much), how to get my baby to sleep at night, how to enjoy my mornings as I race out the door with my two lil’ ones, finding motivation to work, paying the bills, etc. The list goes on. You have your own list I’m sure.
Yet, there are 3 million people directly affected (millions more indirectly affected) by the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake…One article spoke of Port-Au-Prince as ‘now the saddest place on earth.’ The tragedy, the shock, the silence after the storm; these are just some of the ponderings of it all. In the midst of it still people are looking for pockets of hope: hope that they will reconnect with family, hope that their home will not collapse, hope that food and water will come soon, hope that they wake up from a dream, hope that they will escape their misery, hope that their loved ones are in heaven, and mostly if they don’t know it yet hope that there is a Sovereign God that loves them that will someday be able to explain this horrendous stifling and fatal storm and save them eternally.
I am having a tough time moving from my numb state of mind to write anymore.
Suddenly, I have an overwhelming urge to kneel knowing full well that Jesus is still alive! I do want to ponder the sounds of the earthquake that brought hope to the nations. It’s Miracle’s favorite: the story of the stone that was rolled away proving that Jesus is alive! It’s the salvation message for all people. For it was ‘a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it’ (Matthew 28:2) that proved the awesome truth, granting life after death and salvation for a world of sinners. I do not in any way want these comments to downplay the strength and darkness and loss that this Haiti earthquake has brought. I cannot imagine the sounds of the land right now in such terror. I truly am numb and struggling to pull my thoughts together.
What my heart and mind desire is to somehow be sure to kneel for the world that God created when any part of it shakes, not just my little world.
I just want to pray (so if this is too intimate for you, you can stop reading now) or you can join me:
Lord God, You alone are creator of heaven and earth. Even the wind and the waves obey you yet in times like this people question your Sovereignty…will you be the Almighty Comforter to the people of Haiti right now? You are the provider of all things, provide them with food and water please. Because you are the Author of Life, you save the living from the dead. Bring hope to the Nations, that those who survived and all of us who witness will heed the call to draw near to you not run from you or blame you. Thank you for the cross where your precious son Jesus’ blood was shed to save us from our sins, to save us from this world that is not our home. Forgive me for the sake that it sometimes takes tragedy to bring me to my knees, but thank you that you are changing my heart to be more like yours by reminding me of your world that is more than just me and my lil’ family. As it says in Isaiah 58, you are the Repairer of Broken Walls and you can rebuild the lives of the people of Haiti. I feel so helpless but in the power of the Holy Spirit I claim authority in Jesus name to live for Christ that others may see and hear and believe. For you are The Way, The Truth, and The Life for all people and I ask that we all will hear the sounds of the life-giving earthquake that happened long ago proclaiming to us all that you Jesus have conquered the grave. Nothing is too hard for you. Have your way Lord Jesus. You see the larger picture and you are not numbed by all of this. I trust you and I run to you my strength and my redeemer. Yes, hallowed be thy name.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
“The countries most severe earthquake in over 200 years.”
I am numb. I am ashamed(of what I take forgranted). I am humbled. I am forgiven(of my lack of...).
So consumed with how to live the "American dream life" that it has taken more than a day for my heart to penetrate the reality of this current event. How I so easily forget that there truly is more than America. It bothers me to even type that sharp realization, but truth be told, I watch the videos of starving children, barren and dark lands, the chosen land of Israel yet my body doesn’t flinch sometimes that there is an entire world out there…”For God so loved the world…”
…always thinking about the trivial things of life: a better job/career for Pete (because he desires it so much), how to get my baby to sleep at night, how to enjoy my mornings as I race out the door with my two lil’ ones, finding motivation to work, paying the bills, etc. The list goes on. You have your own list I’m sure.
Yet, there are 3 million people directly affected (millions more indirectly affected) by the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake…One article spoke of Port-Au-Prince as ‘now the saddest place on earth.’ The tragedy, the shock, the silence after the storm; these are just some of the ponderings of it all. In the midst of it still people are looking for pockets of hope: hope that they will reconnect with family, hope that their home will not collapse, hope that food and water will come soon, hope that they wake up from a dream, hope that they will escape their misery, hope that their loved ones are in heaven, and mostly if they don’t know it yet hope that there is a Sovereign God that loves them that will someday be able to explain this horrendous stifling and fatal storm and save them eternally.
I am having a tough time moving from my numb state of mind to write anymore.
Suddenly, I have an overwhelming urge to kneel knowing full well that Jesus is still alive! I do want to ponder the sounds of the earthquake that brought hope to the nations. It’s Miracle’s favorite: the story of the stone that was rolled away proving that Jesus is alive! It’s the salvation message for all people. For it was ‘a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it’ (Matthew 28:2) that proved the awesome truth, granting life after death and salvation for a world of sinners. I do not in any way want these comments to downplay the strength and darkness and loss that this Haiti earthquake has brought. I cannot imagine the sounds of the land right now in such terror. I truly am numb and struggling to pull my thoughts together.
What my heart and mind desire is to somehow be sure to kneel for the world that God created when any part of it shakes, not just my little world.
I just want to pray (so if this is too intimate for you, you can stop reading now) or you can join me:
Lord God, You alone are creator of heaven and earth. Even the wind and the waves obey you yet in times like this people question your Sovereignty…will you be the Almighty Comforter to the people of Haiti right now? You are the provider of all things, provide them with food and water please. Because you are the Author of Life, you save the living from the dead. Bring hope to the Nations, that those who survived and all of us who witness will heed the call to draw near to you not run from you or blame you. Thank you for the cross where your precious son Jesus’ blood was shed to save us from our sins, to save us from this world that is not our home. Forgive me for the sake that it sometimes takes tragedy to bring me to my knees, but thank you that you are changing my heart to be more like yours by reminding me of your world that is more than just me and my lil’ family. As it says in Isaiah 58, you are the Repairer of Broken Walls and you can rebuild the lives of the people of Haiti. I feel so helpless but in the power of the Holy Spirit I claim authority in Jesus name to live for Christ that others may see and hear and believe. For you are The Way, The Truth, and The Life for all people and I ask that we all will hear the sounds of the life-giving earthquake that happened long ago proclaiming to us all that you Jesus have conquered the grave. Nothing is too hard for you. Have your way Lord Jesus. You see the larger picture and you are not numbed by all of this. I trust you and I run to you my strength and my redeemer. Yes, hallowed be thy name.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Friday, January 8, 2010
Needed: A King Size Bed & Pajamas. Given: 7 Blessings.
I am in need of a King size bed after last night. Let me describe the picture from 3:30 am til' about 5 am last night: How "cuddly" do you think it was when you put my 6'3" 215lb husband, my 37lb 2yr old, me (what woman would tell anyone her weight...sorry), and 17lb almost 5mo old all into a Queen size bed? It was tight and it didn't last long, but what you don't try for a lil' peace and quiet in the middle of the night, I tell ya. The morning came too quick once the kiddos finally fell back to sleep in their own 'beds'(blessing #1).
I was able to have a short prayer time while I nursed Matthias this morning (blessing #2). By the way, if you haven't told me any prayer requests...leave a comment with them so I can pray for you too).
I am amazed at a 2yr old's mind these days. Miracle is remembering the pajamas and clothes she wore this past summer and is diggin' through her drawers every morning to find the certain pair she has on her mind to wear(mickey mouse, the monkey ones, the silky ones...). So for the past few days she has worn her pajamas to daycare. Yes they are a lil' small but I just put her actual clothes underneath so she has long pants and shirt under the shorter smaller ones. I wish I had taken a picture to post! So today I am thankful for pajamas (blessing #3) and in need of some more special ones because it seems to make it smoother and quicker for Miracle to get ready in the morning. When else in our lives, besides when we are two can we get away with wearing our pajamas? I think it's cute and funny and the last battle that I need to win with her.
My husband, as always, had my lunch waiting in the fridge for me to grab on my way out the door (blessing #4).
On my way to work, I realized I hadn't had even a sip of water to drink yet today and surprisingly my bottle of water that was in the car wasn't frozen solid but rather full of small ice chunks so I was able to have a drink of water (blessing #5).
I made it to work and even threw some makeup on my face(blessing #6 & #7).
And it's only 10:15am...more blessings to come and lots of work to do.
Back to work - I just couldn't resist the urge to write a lil' so I never forget these sweet memories and challenges.
I was able to have a short prayer time while I nursed Matthias this morning (blessing #2). By the way, if you haven't told me any prayer requests...leave a comment with them so I can pray for you too).
I am amazed at a 2yr old's mind these days. Miracle is remembering the pajamas and clothes she wore this past summer and is diggin' through her drawers every morning to find the certain pair she has on her mind to wear(mickey mouse, the monkey ones, the silky ones...). So for the past few days she has worn her pajamas to daycare. Yes they are a lil' small but I just put her actual clothes underneath so she has long pants and shirt under the shorter smaller ones. I wish I had taken a picture to post! So today I am thankful for pajamas (blessing #3) and in need of some more special ones because it seems to make it smoother and quicker for Miracle to get ready in the morning. When else in our lives, besides when we are two can we get away with wearing our pajamas? I think it's cute and funny and the last battle that I need to win with her.
My husband, as always, had my lunch waiting in the fridge for me to grab on my way out the door (blessing #4).
On my way to work, I realized I hadn't had even a sip of water to drink yet today and surprisingly my bottle of water that was in the car wasn't frozen solid but rather full of small ice chunks so I was able to have a drink of water (blessing #5).
I made it to work and even threw some makeup on my face(blessing #6 & #7).
And it's only 10:15am...more blessings to come and lots of work to do.
Back to work - I just couldn't resist the urge to write a lil' so I never forget these sweet memories and challenges.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Kicking and Screaming...
From the words of my two year old:
"I don't want to put clothes on."
"No coat."
"Me not want juice in that cup."
"I want my puppy."
She threw her boots down the stairs...
So off I carried her in the cold outside temperatures (-11 to be exact) with her pajamas on, no diaper change since last night, no coat, no boots...just kicking and screaming...Thankfully, I had started the car so it was warm and daycare is only a block away...need I say more about my morning.
Oh in my own ways, I too am a two year old kicking and screaming trying to get my life all ready before I meet with God. Not allowing him to dress me with his armor, his grace, his mercy, his counsel, his will...but yet He too picks me up kicking and screaming because he knows I desire Him more than this life but my eyesight is blind and my ears become deaf to the things of Him sometimes.
My prayer today - Isaiah 11:2 "May the Spirit of the Lord rest on (Pete, Miracle, Matthias, and) Me; the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirt of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord." Amen
"I don't want to put clothes on."
"No coat."
"Me not want juice in that cup."
"I want my puppy."
She threw her boots down the stairs...
So off I carried her in the cold outside temperatures (-11 to be exact) with her pajamas on, no diaper change since last night, no coat, no boots...just kicking and screaming...Thankfully, I had started the car so it was warm and daycare is only a block away...need I say more about my morning.
Oh in my own ways, I too am a two year old kicking and screaming trying to get my life all ready before I meet with God. Not allowing him to dress me with his armor, his grace, his mercy, his counsel, his will...but yet He too picks me up kicking and screaming because he knows I desire Him more than this life but my eyesight is blind and my ears become deaf to the things of Him sometimes.
My prayer today - Isaiah 11:2 "May the Spirit of the Lord rest on (Pete, Miracle, Matthias, and) Me; the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirt of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord." Amen
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Decisions, decisions...oh my undecisiveness!
So I have been trying to find the perfect blog background and have run out of time to write much on my blog tonight. Just so you know, I still haven't found a background I like...so expect a change soon. It's 11pm and with a 4 1/2 month old baby that is still waking up 2-3 times a night, I really should get to sleep before he wakes up again.
Since I wrote last...here's what has happened:
Christmas with my side of the family...
*anxiety travelling on the North Dakota winter roads and in the car 10 hours to get home - thank the Lord for DVD players and PRAISE BABY DVD'S
*16 people total, 7 of them kids all under the age of 7
*snow, blizzard
*pinochle games
*family share time and prayer time
Christmas with Pete's side of the family
A New Year's Eve Party with friends and family
Pete experienced life as a stay at home dad for 3 days because daycare was closed. I was so impressed! What a dad he is! Life was less stressful since I only had to get myself out the door and not the two kiddos. Life will be back to the normal grind tomorrow...another reason I should get to bed and SOON! YIKES!
So much more to say...
Happy 2010 - already needing to breathe in a lil' bit more of Jesus. Pray for me and let me know how I can pray for you.
Goodnight.
Since I wrote last...here's what has happened:
Christmas with my side of the family...
*anxiety travelling on the North Dakota winter roads and in the car 10 hours to get home - thank the Lord for DVD players and PRAISE BABY DVD'S
*16 people total, 7 of them kids all under the age of 7
*snow, blizzard
*pinochle games
*family share time and prayer time
Christmas with Pete's side of the family
A New Year's Eve Party with friends and family
Pete experienced life as a stay at home dad for 3 days because daycare was closed. I was so impressed! What a dad he is! Life was less stressful since I only had to get myself out the door and not the two kiddos. Life will be back to the normal grind tomorrow...another reason I should get to bed and SOON! YIKES!
So much more to say...
Happy 2010 - already needing to breathe in a lil' bit more of Jesus. Pray for me and let me know how I can pray for you.
Goodnight.
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