Today has been a fun day! Emmett got to go to work with Daddy for a little bit while Emory and I went to visit Dr.Renew. Emory gets excited about going to the doctor. It really cracks me up. She is such a good girl too! Dr. Renew even commented on how sweet she was today. She is so obedient while they check her temp, take her weight, listen to her heart, and look in her ears. Dr.Renew said that her heart murmur sounded faint today...which is always encouraging to hear. Every Dr's visit is a reminder of the open heart surgery she may or may not have to have....a constant prayer request. I am at peace with whatever the Lord has in store...just praying for His will and for His peace to fill our hearts as we walk down whatever the path may hold. As long as He is with us...we will follow. Emory has had a big growth spurt!!! 26 pounds today:) She is getting so big! I praise God for how she is growing so well. Especially since we counted every ounce she gained for the first year of her life:) Emory was super excited to get a sucker and an angry birds sticker from Dr.Renew....good news....virus. I am so very thankful for good doctors and good medicine.
After the doctor visit we had to go to the church to pick up Emmett. I returned Ruth's call on the way there and was happy to hear that they are in town and were working out at the FLC. They invited us for lunch at Jim and Linda's which is ALWAYS a treat!! They both are great cooks!! Linda made the best gumbo and homemade salsa. YUMMMM!!! I love having friends that feel like family....soo blessed.
Came home for naps and with a full tummy I took a nap too!! It is a rainy day. Oh how I love naps on rainy days.....bliss!!! I love cuddling up on the sofa with some hot tea or coffee and lots of blankets to watch movies...Emory is all about Tinker Bell, Wallace and Grommit and The Grinch...it is so funny to ask her how the baby grinch laughs...she is funny! As I write she is shoving toilet paper into a milk jug...randomness of toddlerhood...maybe it is building some fine motor skills or something....
I called Emmett a hobbit this morning due to the fact that he got up before Emory and Jon fed him breakfast..well when Emory got up Emmett acted like he was starving....goes over to his seat whining and eats again...second breakfast..thats my sweet growing boy...Thank you Lord for healthy children and the ability to provide for them...may you use us to provide for others who are not able to do the same.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Fly, Flying, Flew
I was looking over pictures tonight of the past year...it makes me so very sad that I simply cannot remember all those moments. Sure I remember the big days (birthdays and such) but I wish so badly I could remember more details about minute, daily things with my babies. My sweet babies. I want to start writing just a little from each day hoping to savor it more..
Today, 12-16-12:
Had to stay home from church today...Emory ran fever last night...not sure what is going on but I have to admit I was bummed out!!! I have been practicing choir music for a solid month 1/2. In the car, every Wednesday night til 9pm or later....yesterday from 12-2pm....I knew my parts (most of them...FINALLY) and really was excited about participating today...had to stay home with sick baby girl. After a night of not so great sleep Emory really wasn't as cranky as I had anticipated (THANK YOU JESUS!). It's really nice to have some days at home just watching movies, eating snacks, playing..
I got to watch Warren on TV today which is a rare treat...I am so thankful for Jon's job and the awesome ministry opportunity God has brought to Warren this year. It's so wonderful to watch the Lord work. When we came back to Augusta I remember Jonathan saying he really had the desire for the media ministry to go "outside the walls" of the church and into the community...All praise be to God!!! This past April WRDW approached Warren and gave a wonderfully discounted rate for 3 full years of broadcast...11 am every Sunday. It was amazing to watch God's people give as within one weeks time and one Sunday of special giving that one full year has been paid in full! The quality is so good and it is so unique when compared to every other church service that is broadcast in this area. I am so thankful and amazed at how talented, smart, and creative my hubby is. I am so proud to be his wife! Oh yeah...the broadcast goes out to 19 counties and potentially 250,000 homes each week. I pray that God uses it each and every week to bring save lost souls. The timing of this weeks message was perfect. Even though it was last Christmas' sermon series, Pastor Mckinley spoke about having no fear when we face difficult or uncertain circumstances. He spoke of Carrie and Craig Harrison and the amazing story of God's healing and Carrie's strength as she prayed for her husband and raised 3 children as Craig was in ICU for over 7 weeks. Carrie's faith in God got her through the most difficult circumstance she has ever had to face. This message was so timely due to the fact that this past Friday afternoon a gunman went into an Elementary school in CT and shot and killed 20 people (most of them small children). Tragedy.....our hearts are broken when we think of these families who have lost loved ones due to senseless violence. I have no idea what the world will be like when my children are grown...I sure it will be even more evil than it is now, but thankfully I know I serve the sovereign God who is coming as King and will bring justice and peace. I know we can trust Him no matter what.
On a lighter note....Emory said something funny today....since she was sick I was trying to play doctor mom and diagnose her...I was on the phone with concerned Nana and kept asking her Emory does your foot hurt? -"No mama", does your ear hurt?-"yes mama", does your elbow hurt?-"yes", does your knee hurt?-"yes" does your bootie hurt?-"haha yes" then I asked her "does your hair hurt?- "no mama emory hair beautiful!!"cracked me up...she loves her hair especially when we pull it into a pony tail or piggie tails...so thankful it is finally long enough!
Emmett-where to begin...he has the highest pitched squeal and the biggest smile!! He also has the best and biggest kissy lips!! He is learning sign language and does so well when asking for more, milk and please..sweet boy..He is hungry ALL THE TIME!!! it was so funny this week when we were at the library playing in the back with toys..he went to go get a book off the shelf...this was the first time he had ever pulled a book off the shelf due to the fact that I normally keep him in the stroller. He went over and grabbed a book titled "I'm so Hungry".....oh the irony!!! He brought it over to me and couldn't help but laugh so hard!! hee hee...my sweet baby boy! He is so funny!
Today, 12-16-12:
Had to stay home from church today...Emory ran fever last night...not sure what is going on but I have to admit I was bummed out!!! I have been practicing choir music for a solid month 1/2. In the car, every Wednesday night til 9pm or later....yesterday from 12-2pm....I knew my parts (most of them...FINALLY) and really was excited about participating today...had to stay home with sick baby girl. After a night of not so great sleep Emory really wasn't as cranky as I had anticipated (THANK YOU JESUS!). It's really nice to have some days at home just watching movies, eating snacks, playing..
I got to watch Warren on TV today which is a rare treat...I am so thankful for Jon's job and the awesome ministry opportunity God has brought to Warren this year. It's so wonderful to watch the Lord work. When we came back to Augusta I remember Jonathan saying he really had the desire for the media ministry to go "outside the walls" of the church and into the community...All praise be to God!!! This past April WRDW approached Warren and gave a wonderfully discounted rate for 3 full years of broadcast...11 am every Sunday. It was amazing to watch God's people give as within one weeks time and one Sunday of special giving that one full year has been paid in full! The quality is so good and it is so unique when compared to every other church service that is broadcast in this area. I am so thankful and amazed at how talented, smart, and creative my hubby is. I am so proud to be his wife! Oh yeah...the broadcast goes out to 19 counties and potentially 250,000 homes each week. I pray that God uses it each and every week to bring save lost souls. The timing of this weeks message was perfect. Even though it was last Christmas' sermon series, Pastor Mckinley spoke about having no fear when we face difficult or uncertain circumstances. He spoke of Carrie and Craig Harrison and the amazing story of God's healing and Carrie's strength as she prayed for her husband and raised 3 children as Craig was in ICU for over 7 weeks. Carrie's faith in God got her through the most difficult circumstance she has ever had to face. This message was so timely due to the fact that this past Friday afternoon a gunman went into an Elementary school in CT and shot and killed 20 people (most of them small children). Tragedy.....our hearts are broken when we think of these families who have lost loved ones due to senseless violence. I have no idea what the world will be like when my children are grown...I sure it will be even more evil than it is now, but thankfully I know I serve the sovereign God who is coming as King and will bring justice and peace. I know we can trust Him no matter what.
On a lighter note....Emory said something funny today....since she was sick I was trying to play doctor mom and diagnose her...I was on the phone with concerned Nana and kept asking her Emory does your foot hurt? -"No mama", does your ear hurt?-"yes mama", does your elbow hurt?-"yes", does your knee hurt?-"yes" does your bootie hurt?-"haha yes" then I asked her "does your hair hurt?- "no mama emory hair beautiful!!"cracked me up...she loves her hair especially when we pull it into a pony tail or piggie tails...so thankful it is finally long enough!
Emmett-where to begin...he has the highest pitched squeal and the biggest smile!! He also has the best and biggest kissy lips!! He is learning sign language and does so well when asking for more, milk and please..sweet boy..He is hungry ALL THE TIME!!! it was so funny this week when we were at the library playing in the back with toys..he went to go get a book off the shelf...this was the first time he had ever pulled a book off the shelf due to the fact that I normally keep him in the stroller. He went over and grabbed a book titled "I'm so Hungry".....oh the irony!!! He brought it over to me and couldn't help but laugh so hard!! hee hee...my sweet baby boy! He is so funny!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
All is worship
Hahaha on saying I was going to post every week.....such is the life of a wife and mother of two...
Lately I have been thinking and praying alot about satisfaction...although I am a wife, a mother and have everything in life that I have ever really wanted and more sometimes I find myself just always looking for the next thing or almost wondering what else is out there. Like I am missing out on something. The more I pray and wait on the Lord the more I realize that this is just a trick from Satan. Of course the number one thing he wants me to do is become discontent and dissatisfied and ungrateful for the beautiful life God has given me.
I am so very grateful for the Lord's work in my heart in teaching me to be content and thankful for every moment. To truly give thanks in all circumstances. I find that He is healing my heart and allowing peace to fill my heart where once I would become frustrated. Joy where once there would be anger or discontent. I love the life God has given me. It is an honor to be a wife to my wonderful husband who works so hard for our family and who I know loves me unconditionally.
I got sick one day a couple weeks ago..I thought I had the flu...achy didn't want to get out of bed...stayed in bed for a entire Saturday while i could hear my kiddos laughter and cries down the hallway. I hated not being a part of it all. This day really gave me perspective on life. A restart for my soul if you will. I take so much for granted...the ability to get out of bed, the ability to get dressed and care for my family. I realized that I may have been doing all these things but perhaps my heart wasnt as grateful and happy as it should have been in doing all these things.. perhaps my little frustrations throughout the day stemmed from ungratefulness and not giving my best to God each and every moment of each and every day. To consider everything you do as an offering of worship to the Lord. Weather it be washing a dish, changing a diaper, kissing a boo boo, or folding a towel....do it all as to the Lord. This has given my heart such joy. Thank you Lord for molding my sinful heart...please give me a heart that honors and adores you in all I say and do.
Lately I have been thinking and praying alot about satisfaction...although I am a wife, a mother and have everything in life that I have ever really wanted and more sometimes I find myself just always looking for the next thing or almost wondering what else is out there. Like I am missing out on something. The more I pray and wait on the Lord the more I realize that this is just a trick from Satan. Of course the number one thing he wants me to do is become discontent and dissatisfied and ungrateful for the beautiful life God has given me.
I am so very grateful for the Lord's work in my heart in teaching me to be content and thankful for every moment. To truly give thanks in all circumstances. I find that He is healing my heart and allowing peace to fill my heart where once I would become frustrated. Joy where once there would be anger or discontent. I love the life God has given me. It is an honor to be a wife to my wonderful husband who works so hard for our family and who I know loves me unconditionally.
I got sick one day a couple weeks ago..I thought I had the flu...achy didn't want to get out of bed...stayed in bed for a entire Saturday while i could hear my kiddos laughter and cries down the hallway. I hated not being a part of it all. This day really gave me perspective on life. A restart for my soul if you will. I take so much for granted...the ability to get out of bed, the ability to get dressed and care for my family. I realized that I may have been doing all these things but perhaps my heart wasnt as grateful and happy as it should have been in doing all these things.. perhaps my little frustrations throughout the day stemmed from ungratefulness and not giving my best to God each and every moment of each and every day. To consider everything you do as an offering of worship to the Lord. Weather it be washing a dish, changing a diaper, kissing a boo boo, or folding a towel....do it all as to the Lord. This has given my heart such joy. Thank you Lord for molding my sinful heart...please give me a heart that honors and adores you in all I say and do.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Ok so I am going to try to blog at least once a week about what is going on, what I am learning, what I am thankful for and such.
This week August 19:
Our dear sweet friend went home with the Lord on Sunday. She was a patient of mine who became a friend. From the moment I met her I could just sense her sweet, gentle spirit. She has such a kind and gentle smile and she always spoke with such a gentle tone. She worked so hard in therapy. She was definitely the kind of patient I love to have...hardworking, kind and gentle:) When it came time for her to leave the facility where I work, I asked her if I could come visit her. She was so sweet to allow the kids and I to visit her. We tried to go at least once a week or once every other week. I loved being able to take her whatever she needed. Sometimes it was toilet paper or paper towels, sometimes it was chapstick or fresh juiced carrot juice. We would take her lunch (she requested something healthy) and then sometimes we would swing by Sonic for happy hour and take her a slush too:). The Bible is so right when it talks about giving as being better than getting. It always did my heart glad to help her and I think that she loved seeing us too. Everybody won:) which is a rare occasion in the world today. When I heard the news of her passing peace just overtook my soul. I was so happy for her...no more suffering from stage 4 bone cancer and pneumonia, no more being lonely, no more depending on others to take you to the bathroom or help get you dressed, no more having to use a dirty bathroom or share a shower with someone you don't know, no more being stuck in a tiny room, tiny facility, no more being cold all the time...INSTEAD she is home forever with the joy of her faith being made sight. She is forever whole and forever healed!! Thank you God for our hope that is in YOU!
It was my joy and such a privilege to have any part is walking this sweet dear lady home. Thank you God for the opportunities you give us to love as you have loved us.
Also this week....Emmett is cruising on all the furniture...he is such a busy and happy boy. He is eating table food now for about 3 weeks...one day just refused to eat any more baby food so here we go. He has 2 teeth now on the bottom. He weighs 24 lbs and 14 oz... only a few more ounces til we can officially call him our quarter pounder:) He is trying to say "Uh-oh" and claps when we sing or celebrate anything. He wants to do whatever big sister is doing and has become very opinionated about everything (especially when sister takes a toy)
Emory is talking talking talking...so cute...she has started singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and tries to sing all songs on TV or the radio or any song I try to sing...so sweet...she gets the words right every now and then and belts out the ones she knows. We are working on potty training..she is motivated by gum gum gum (she LOVEs gum) and m ms (m&ms). I bought some minis and try to reward her for sitting on the potty or tee teeing in the potty. So far today she has dripped in the potty once and peed on the floor twice.. hummm..this is going to be interesting.
We are meeting with the Mullinexs tonight to get our house on the market. We are praying for wisdom in the process and for God to bring a buyer soon and very soon. Our budget really can't take much more of this. I am so thankful for how the Lord has worked in mine and Jonathan's hearts just to abolish our pride and what we once felt was important. God is transforming us to help us see what He values and is really helping us to see the things of TRUE importance in this life..It is not more space or more stuff. It is more meaningful relationships and knowing God more and more each day. It is giving thanks is each and every moment and slowing down to listen to God and treasure each moment. Each moment is a gift. I don't want to ever be in such a hurry that I don't see that.
I am so thankful for friends like Marissa, Amanda, and Micah, Nan, Annie and Jennifer
I am thankful for God's work in helping baby RuthAnn and baby TJ to grow and heal from pre-mature births
I am thankful for Perrin being born safely and praying for Nan and Brad as they enter into parenthood
I am praying for our house to sell, for Michele and Jon's house to sell, for the buying of the next house, for Noelle as she goes to school and for JS and Melissa as they homeschool.
I am thankful for my sweet sister Melissa and our daily conversations. I am so thankful for her help in homeschool stuff and for so many that are helping to point me in the right direction (Jen Rucker, Lisa Lacy, Melissa, Ruth, Amanda)
I am thankful that THE ZONE starts back this week:) such an honor to be a part of it:)
I am thankful that I get to help Host in Gear Up and help to lead worship in the worship center this Sunday...humbled and honored for both opportunities
I am praying for Ashley Solesedo (girl I met at the park a couple weeks ago).I hope she will get involved in church somewhere or maybe BSF?
Read James 3 this morning. Lord please help me not to covet and be slow to speak and slow to get angry
Thankful that my father in law is better and praying for continued healing for him and for answers from the dr. as to why he is still having some nausea.
thats all for now..:)
This week August 19:
Our dear sweet friend went home with the Lord on Sunday. She was a patient of mine who became a friend. From the moment I met her I could just sense her sweet, gentle spirit. She has such a kind and gentle smile and she always spoke with such a gentle tone. She worked so hard in therapy. She was definitely the kind of patient I love to have...hardworking, kind and gentle:) When it came time for her to leave the facility where I work, I asked her if I could come visit her. She was so sweet to allow the kids and I to visit her. We tried to go at least once a week or once every other week. I loved being able to take her whatever she needed. Sometimes it was toilet paper or paper towels, sometimes it was chapstick or fresh juiced carrot juice. We would take her lunch (she requested something healthy) and then sometimes we would swing by Sonic for happy hour and take her a slush too:). The Bible is so right when it talks about giving as being better than getting. It always did my heart glad to help her and I think that she loved seeing us too. Everybody won:) which is a rare occasion in the world today. When I heard the news of her passing peace just overtook my soul. I was so happy for her...no more suffering from stage 4 bone cancer and pneumonia, no more being lonely, no more depending on others to take you to the bathroom or help get you dressed, no more having to use a dirty bathroom or share a shower with someone you don't know, no more being stuck in a tiny room, tiny facility, no more being cold all the time...INSTEAD she is home forever with the joy of her faith being made sight. She is forever whole and forever healed!! Thank you God for our hope that is in YOU!
It was my joy and such a privilege to have any part is walking this sweet dear lady home. Thank you God for the opportunities you give us to love as you have loved us.
Also this week....Emmett is cruising on all the furniture...he is such a busy and happy boy. He is eating table food now for about 3 weeks...one day just refused to eat any more baby food so here we go. He has 2 teeth now on the bottom. He weighs 24 lbs and 14 oz... only a few more ounces til we can officially call him our quarter pounder:) He is trying to say "Uh-oh" and claps when we sing or celebrate anything. He wants to do whatever big sister is doing and has become very opinionated about everything (especially when sister takes a toy)
Emory is talking talking talking...so cute...she has started singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and tries to sing all songs on TV or the radio or any song I try to sing...so sweet...she gets the words right every now and then and belts out the ones she knows. We are working on potty training..she is motivated by gum gum gum (she LOVEs gum) and m ms (m&ms). I bought some minis and try to reward her for sitting on the potty or tee teeing in the potty. So far today she has dripped in the potty once and peed on the floor twice.. hummm..this is going to be interesting.
We are meeting with the Mullinexs tonight to get our house on the market. We are praying for wisdom in the process and for God to bring a buyer soon and very soon. Our budget really can't take much more of this. I am so thankful for how the Lord has worked in mine and Jonathan's hearts just to abolish our pride and what we once felt was important. God is transforming us to help us see what He values and is really helping us to see the things of TRUE importance in this life..It is not more space or more stuff. It is more meaningful relationships and knowing God more and more each day. It is giving thanks is each and every moment and slowing down to listen to God and treasure each moment. Each moment is a gift. I don't want to ever be in such a hurry that I don't see that.
I am so thankful for friends like Marissa, Amanda, and Micah, Nan, Annie and Jennifer
I am thankful for God's work in helping baby RuthAnn and baby TJ to grow and heal from pre-mature births
I am thankful for Perrin being born safely and praying for Nan and Brad as they enter into parenthood
I am praying for our house to sell, for Michele and Jon's house to sell, for the buying of the next house, for Noelle as she goes to school and for JS and Melissa as they homeschool.
I am thankful for my sweet sister Melissa and our daily conversations. I am so thankful for her help in homeschool stuff and for so many that are helping to point me in the right direction (Jen Rucker, Lisa Lacy, Melissa, Ruth, Amanda)
I am thankful that THE ZONE starts back this week:) such an honor to be a part of it:)
I am thankful that I get to help Host in Gear Up and help to lead worship in the worship center this Sunday...humbled and honored for both opportunities
I am praying for Ashley Solesedo (girl I met at the park a couple weeks ago).I hope she will get involved in church somewhere or maybe BSF?
Read James 3 this morning. Lord please help me not to covet and be slow to speak and slow to get angry
Thankful that my father in law is better and praying for continued healing for him and for answers from the dr. as to why he is still having some nausea.
thats all for now..:)
Sunday, June 24, 2012
So once again I just finished reading a chapter from Kisses from Katie....I feel completely inadequate and overwhelmed. I mean here is this girl who has adopted 15 plus kids, 10 dogs, 2 goats, and a monkey, she cares for the people of Masese and of her own village, runs a sponsorship program, helps women make jewelry to get their families out of poverty, cuts jiggers out of feet, helps children that have scabies...takes the sick into her home and nurtures them back to health and on and on and on and on and on.....It makes me feel absolutely HORRIBLE about myself....It is like taking a loooonngg look in the mirror and for the first time realizing that I am absolutely dreadful and so beyond sinful....sinful to infinity and beyond...I mean most days I yell at Ace (the big dog) a million times a day to "HUSH" when he is barking...especially during Emmett or Emory's naptime, at least once a day (although becoming less and less) I find something to be resentful at my husband about, I get impatient with one or both of my children, I get overwhelmed with all the house work I need to do, plus putting the house up on the market and trying to keep it looking halfway decent in case someone wants to see it. This list could go on and on.....I have been praying for months now for God to truly give me a new nature...one that looks and acts more like Him. I pray for a mouth that only speaks wholesomely and edifyingly. I pray for hands that serve joyfully and feet that move swiftly to help someone in need. I have been praying for a nature that is gentle and meek. For a heart that is slow to speak and slooooooooow to anger. But over and over and over and over again....I fail and then I fail again and then I fail some more. Completely useless and clumsy. I fail and then later on I realize how badly I failed and the thick wave of guilt crashes over me and settles in.....there I go again. I guess I just feel like I try and try and keep on failing....Oh God how I need you!!! Lord I just want to please you> I just want to serve you, I just want to make the most and serve the best out of this life that you have soooo overwhelmingly blessed me with. I will NEVER be able to repay you for your goodness. I will NEVER be able to repay you for your endless mercy and your endless grace. I want to be completely dependent on you every second...please show me how this is done. Please help my eyes to not be distracted by worthless things like the desire to have a beautiful trendy home or beautiful trendy clothes. Please help me to desire what pleases you more than the approval of men...I keep wondering...am I doing enough? I know it is not about works but I just want you to use all of me for all of you! More than anything in my life I want to make you famous!! I want to make your name known. I want to lead others to you but I feel like I don't do it enough! I lay at your feet begging you to make me a servant that is useful and pleasing to you. Please show me how to let go....to let you take control...and TRULY be wholly yours....
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
starting my list of thankfulness...
There are soooo many random things that I think about during the day that I am thankful for. I wish there was a way that when I think of them they would automatically publish themselves on this blog so that I don't forget them...I am just going to start a list of things I love or am thankful for and try my best to remember them to post them here...
1. I love the way Emmett is so happy almost ALL the time. Unless he is tired or hungry or his big sister just swipped a toy....he is sooo happy!!! I prayed for a fat, healthy, happy baby...God answered my prayer 100 million times over!! I love walking into his room in the morning or when he wakes up from a nap and seeing his sweet little smile looking up at me from his crib. PRECIOUSNESS!!
2. For Emory Faye's strong will. I know it is weird, but I believe that it is her strong will and God's strong hand that helped Emory to survive in the womb and in the NICU...from the start she has been strong and fiesty!! OH BOY......Lord please help us because she is turning 2 and whines whines whines!! Although sometimes it drives me absolutely bonkers!!! I am so thankful to hear her voice every day......I am blessed beyond words by the work of the Lord.
3. For sawdust in my dryer's lint trap...we are trying to get our home up on the market but have been visited by a familiar pest to Georgians.....TERMITES!! We got them sprayed and taken care of, but they packed quite a punch and left their mess under our home around the door frame of the crawl space. Jonathan and his sweet Dad spent all weekend....day and into all hours of the night making all the necessary repairs. The kids and I went out of town (the noise and the construction mess would drive me batty, plus I was helping to throw my cousin's baby shower). I am OH SO THANKFUL that my husband and his dad are handy and can fix these things themselves. PRAISE THE LORD THAT IT IS FIXED!! ( I really have been praying about it getting fixed and Jon's dad finding the time to come up here...that man stays soooo busy!!) Anyways, I got home last night and went to dry a load of clothes, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sawdust in the lint trap. I texted Jon to tell him it made me laugh. He said he got sawdust in places that he didn't even know sawdust could go this past weekend.:) Silliness.
4. A hardworking, smart, handsome, positive, Godly, helpful, servant-hearted, loving, patient....this list could go on and on.........Husband....I definitely "married up" as it is said. I just can't get over how much God has bestowed His grace upon me and given me such a wonderful man as my husband. As you might can tell, I love to talk and I love to laugh....God often leaves me utterly speechless by His goodness and brings me to tears...Thank you Lord!!!
1. I love the way Emmett is so happy almost ALL the time. Unless he is tired or hungry or his big sister just swipped a toy....he is sooo happy!!! I prayed for a fat, healthy, happy baby...God answered my prayer 100 million times over!! I love walking into his room in the morning or when he wakes up from a nap and seeing his sweet little smile looking up at me from his crib. PRECIOUSNESS!!
2. For Emory Faye's strong will. I know it is weird, but I believe that it is her strong will and God's strong hand that helped Emory to survive in the womb and in the NICU...from the start she has been strong and fiesty!! OH BOY......Lord please help us because she is turning 2 and whines whines whines!! Although sometimes it drives me absolutely bonkers!!! I am so thankful to hear her voice every day......I am blessed beyond words by the work of the Lord.
3. For sawdust in my dryer's lint trap...we are trying to get our home up on the market but have been visited by a familiar pest to Georgians.....TERMITES!! We got them sprayed and taken care of, but they packed quite a punch and left their mess under our home around the door frame of the crawl space. Jonathan and his sweet Dad spent all weekend....day and into all hours of the night making all the necessary repairs. The kids and I went out of town (the noise and the construction mess would drive me batty, plus I was helping to throw my cousin's baby shower). I am OH SO THANKFUL that my husband and his dad are handy and can fix these things themselves. PRAISE THE LORD THAT IT IS FIXED!! ( I really have been praying about it getting fixed and Jon's dad finding the time to come up here...that man stays soooo busy!!) Anyways, I got home last night and went to dry a load of clothes, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sawdust in the lint trap. I texted Jon to tell him it made me laugh. He said he got sawdust in places that he didn't even know sawdust could go this past weekend.:) Silliness.
4. A hardworking, smart, handsome, positive, Godly, helpful, servant-hearted, loving, patient....this list could go on and on.........Husband....I definitely "married up" as it is said. I just can't get over how much God has bestowed His grace upon me and given me such a wonderful man as my husband. As you might can tell, I love to talk and I love to laugh....God often leaves me utterly speechless by His goodness and brings me to tears...Thank you Lord!!!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
God makes the change
I just have to take a moment to thank God for the changes that He has made in my heart and life over the past 2 years. Before I became a mommy I was selfish and career driven. In 2007 I graduated from a very strenuous 3 year graduate program that was immersed in the goal of graduating and getting a good job making lots of money. As soon as I graduated, got married, and passed boards I began working at an in-home pediatric therapy clinic. I traveled around to different homes and did OT sessions with children that received early intervention services through Babies Can't Wait of GA. Then in the Fall of 2007 Jonathan and I felt that God was calling us to move to Tifton. We moved to Tifton and through God's divine intervention I got a job at Tift Regional Medical Center. I was a WONDERFUL place to work. I learned so very much, made some great friends, and treasure the time that I got to spend there. In the Fall of 2009 Jonathan and I felt that the Lord was calling us back to Warren Baptist in Augusta so we moved back. One week after we moved away from family:( We found out that I was pregnant. I had gotten 2 jobs at the time. 1 part time as an OT with Aegis at a nursing home and 1 part time with the Warren Children's ministry.......work, work, and more work......we would leave home in the morning around 7 and not get home til around 8 or 9 at night. I was exhausted. Before Emory was born I had already registered her in Mother's Day Out at First Baptist....planning to return to work ASAP after she was born. Well as I am learning....my plans make God laugh.....and I am so glad that He allowed my plans to fail. At 23 weeks pregnant I was diagnosed with Pre-eclampsia and a virus known as CMV. Emory was diagnosed with Interuterine Growth Restriction. Dr.Bartley put me on bedrest with hopes that Emory would grow and that the pregnancy would make it til 37 weeks. Each week we went to see both Dr.Bartley and Dr.Ware (a high risk pregnancy specialist). GOD PUT ON THE BRAKES BIG TIME!! Through that time God really showed me how wonderful my family is...my sweet sister Melissa and her children came to see me and spend time with me JS introduced me to Mario Brothers on the Wii and my sweet mother-in-law came and sewed every stitch of Emory's baby bedding. Sweet friends like Jennifer Pike brought over dinner (delicious cubed steak) and my husband was a WONDERFUL helper. He went to every doctor's appointment with me and held my hand and prayed for Emory every time. My sister Michele made me this beautiful scripture book. Full of God's truth. She substituted Emory's name into scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11. I would go up to Emory's room and read that book every day while praying scripture over her life. Praying for God to heal the CMV and for Emory to grow strong. All of this time was priceless and God was showing Jonathan and I who He is through how His people loved on us.
Emory came at 35 weeks via emergency c-section. I started having contractions at 4 am and as soon as I could I called the Dr. and off we went. I will never forget standing in the hallway of the Dr's office talking/crying to my sister Melissa on the phone. Telling her that the Dr. had just told us that Emory was no longer growing and they needed to go ahead and take her........heartbreaking to say the least.
Emory spent 1 1/2 in the NICU at University Hospital. We praised the Lord for every ounce she ate and for every ounce she gained. We thanked God for NO TRACE of CMV being found on Emory's cranial ultrasound and bloodwork....lesson learned that GOD HEALS!!!!
The day we left the hospital and had to leave Emory there was the worst day of my life. I cried all night and called the NICU several times to check on her. God gave me comfort in knowing that she was being well taken care of by the best babysitters in the world...NICU nurses.
I could not drive after C-section and I was once again amazed at how God provided rides for me to and from the hospital. One day my sister Melissa came and another day Mr.Jim Yorio took me (treated me like a princess for the day:))
When we got Emory home she weighed 4lbs. She was sooooo tiny!!! The thought of putting her in a nursery or daycare frightened me beyond belief!!! The decision to become a stay at home mom was a no-brainer at this point......the easiest decision I have EVER made. God's peace passed all of my understanding. It is worth every penny we don't make. God has provided each and every month. He has provided a way for me to have a steady job working just Fridays and some Saturdays at a nursing home 10 minutes from my home. Jonathan is off on Fridays so he gets to spend much needed time with the babies:)
6 short months after Emory was born we discovered a huge surprise.....PREGNANT with baby number 2!!! I checked the directions on the pregnancy test over and over to make sure I had done it right and that the results were correct.......WHAT????????
October 18 of 2011 James Emmett was born. Healthy pregnancy...planned c-section. God is good. We had contemplated to adopt before we found out we were pregnant...I am not sure now if we are called to adopt or not, but I do know that during that time I was very scared to get pregnant again. I think the surprise pregnancy was God's way of taking me by the hand and showing me that I can trust Him.
I am so thankful that God writes our stories and not me. He holds the pen to my life and to the lives of my children and family.
He is changing my heart daily. He is showing me the JOY that is found in submission to Him. He is showing me the peace that is found when I let go of myself and selfish desires to go with Him on the journey He has for me. He is daily showing me my need for His Word!! He is teaching me how to put off my old nature of complaining, selfishness, judgementalness (if that is a word), pride, worry, blame, bad temper, rudeness....and instead to put on His love, selflessness, encouraging words, trust, gentleness, slow to speak and slow to anger..
This is the process that I feel that I am in right now. I pray that the Lord will continually, daily change me to look more like Him. I am so thankful for His forgiveness, for His grace, and for His patience with me in this process. At first I did not enjoy being a SAHM. I knew I was doing the right thing but I questioned my purpose in life. Now the Lord has shown me that my purpose is the LOVE GOD AND LOVE MY FAMILY. It is to be willing to share His love where ever I go and just be willing to be used by Him......I am a disciple of Christ (a learning believer).
I heard a quote today that I thought was so good. "Unless you feel the strength of the storm on the ship, you cannot know the strength of the anchor." Corrie Ten Boom
I am thankful beyond words that God has shown and is continuing to show me His strength and His love for me. Before all this I knew that God loves people, but I questioned His love for me. Now I know that He loves me too. Even unrighteous, wretched me.
Emory came at 35 weeks via emergency c-section. I started having contractions at 4 am and as soon as I could I called the Dr. and off we went. I will never forget standing in the hallway of the Dr's office talking/crying to my sister Melissa on the phone. Telling her that the Dr. had just told us that Emory was no longer growing and they needed to go ahead and take her........heartbreaking to say the least.
Emory spent 1 1/2 in the NICU at University Hospital. We praised the Lord for every ounce she ate and for every ounce she gained. We thanked God for NO TRACE of CMV being found on Emory's cranial ultrasound and bloodwork....lesson learned that GOD HEALS!!!!
The day we left the hospital and had to leave Emory there was the worst day of my life. I cried all night and called the NICU several times to check on her. God gave me comfort in knowing that she was being well taken care of by the best babysitters in the world...NICU nurses.
I could not drive after C-section and I was once again amazed at how God provided rides for me to and from the hospital. One day my sister Melissa came and another day Mr.Jim Yorio took me (treated me like a princess for the day:))
When we got Emory home she weighed 4lbs. She was sooooo tiny!!! The thought of putting her in a nursery or daycare frightened me beyond belief!!! The decision to become a stay at home mom was a no-brainer at this point......the easiest decision I have EVER made. God's peace passed all of my understanding. It is worth every penny we don't make. God has provided each and every month. He has provided a way for me to have a steady job working just Fridays and some Saturdays at a nursing home 10 minutes from my home. Jonathan is off on Fridays so he gets to spend much needed time with the babies:)
6 short months after Emory was born we discovered a huge surprise.....PREGNANT with baby number 2!!! I checked the directions on the pregnancy test over and over to make sure I had done it right and that the results were correct.......WHAT????????
October 18 of 2011 James Emmett was born. Healthy pregnancy...planned c-section. God is good. We had contemplated to adopt before we found out we were pregnant...I am not sure now if we are called to adopt or not, but I do know that during that time I was very scared to get pregnant again. I think the surprise pregnancy was God's way of taking me by the hand and showing me that I can trust Him.
I am so thankful that God writes our stories and not me. He holds the pen to my life and to the lives of my children and family.
He is changing my heart daily. He is showing me the JOY that is found in submission to Him. He is showing me the peace that is found when I let go of myself and selfish desires to go with Him on the journey He has for me. He is daily showing me my need for His Word!! He is teaching me how to put off my old nature of complaining, selfishness, judgementalness (if that is a word), pride, worry, blame, bad temper, rudeness....and instead to put on His love, selflessness, encouraging words, trust, gentleness, slow to speak and slow to anger..
This is the process that I feel that I am in right now. I pray that the Lord will continually, daily change me to look more like Him. I am so thankful for His forgiveness, for His grace, and for His patience with me in this process. At first I did not enjoy being a SAHM. I knew I was doing the right thing but I questioned my purpose in life. Now the Lord has shown me that my purpose is the LOVE GOD AND LOVE MY FAMILY. It is to be willing to share His love where ever I go and just be willing to be used by Him......I am a disciple of Christ (a learning believer).
I heard a quote today that I thought was so good. "Unless you feel the strength of the storm on the ship, you cannot know the strength of the anchor." Corrie Ten Boom
I am thankful beyond words that God has shown and is continuing to show me His strength and His love for me. Before all this I knew that God loves people, but I questioned His love for me. Now I know that He loves me too. Even unrighteous, wretched me.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
I did have quite a scare today though when Emory shut my parents door while I was laying Emmett down to sleep....the door locked with Emory, my phone, and a open dishwasher door full of knives on one side and Emmett and I on the other....SHEER PANIC!!! I kept saying :"God what am I suppose to do?" while repeatedly thrusting my body against the door to try and get it to open...I climbed out the window, comtemplated busting a window..thought I was going to have a heart attack or definitely throw up. I ended up using a chair to help me climb back in and kicking the door about 110 times with all my might to get it to open...once it opened I just sat there and cried......so grateful!!! I then had to calm Emmett down and give him some medicine for his fever. As I cried out " God I am so stressed right now please help me!" Emmett threw up all over me....YUCK!!! I got him cleaned up, me cleaned up, and both my kiddos into their beds for naps while mommy took a deep breath....several deep breaths to get my heart rate back to normal and moved on....I called my hubby and told him not to come home today without some really good food and some really good wine.....I think that there is not much in life that some simple remedies can cure.....Icecream, wine, good lovin, or good food:) Thankfully I got all of the above today so I am feeling good:)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Lessons from 2010
I feel like I have grown more spiritually this year than ever before....proof that becoming a parent changes EVERYTHING!!! Here are some things that I feel like the Lord has taught me this year.
1. I don't fully understand how blessed I am
2. I don't fully understand how unrighteous I am
3. Don't take a single moment for granted
4 No earthly human loves you like your Mama
5. CALM DOWN!!! SLOW DOWN....soak in life
6. Pick your priorities and stick with them......life will sweep you away...other people will sweep you away....stick to your convictions
7. God is ALWAYS righteous
8. God is ALWAYS faithful
9. You really can trust God no matter what example: my pregnancy with Emory and complications etc.
10. Pick your friends carefully
11. Don't gossip
12. Try your best not to say negative things about others...you really do not understand why they do what they do because you have never walked in their shoes...Don't judge, just love example: my sister Melissa: I use to talk about her alot and I know that is why we haven't been as close as we are now
13. my opinions/feelings don't really matter....what matters is that God gets the glory and that I love with action and in truth and hold fast to what God's word says.
14. Be at peace with others......I get sick to my stomach and can't sleep if I know that I am not at peace with someone
15. Sometimes all you can do is say you are sorry and agree to disagree....love them in action anyway
16. God has a plan.....he doesn't need my plan to accomplish his plan so I need to STOP PLANNING!!!
my plans always fail....thank the Lord
17.
1. I don't fully understand how blessed I am
2. I don't fully understand how unrighteous I am
3. Don't take a single moment for granted
4 No earthly human loves you like your Mama
5. CALM DOWN!!! SLOW DOWN....soak in life
6. Pick your priorities and stick with them......life will sweep you away...other people will sweep you away....stick to your convictions
7. God is ALWAYS righteous
8. God is ALWAYS faithful
9. You really can trust God no matter what example: my pregnancy with Emory and complications etc.
10. Pick your friends carefully
11. Don't gossip
12. Try your best not to say negative things about others...you really do not understand why they do what they do because you have never walked in their shoes...Don't judge, just love example: my sister Melissa: I use to talk about her alot and I know that is why we haven't been as close as we are now
13. my opinions/feelings don't really matter....what matters is that God gets the glory and that I love with action and in truth and hold fast to what God's word says.
14. Be at peace with others......I get sick to my stomach and can't sleep if I know that I am not at peace with someone
15. Sometimes all you can do is say you are sorry and agree to disagree....love them in action anyway
16. God has a plan.....he doesn't need my plan to accomplish his plan so I need to STOP PLANNING!!!
my plans always fail....thank the Lord
17.
More lessons from 2010
17. Sometimes when you feel like you have been wronged, or someone hurts your feelings...the person(s) that hurt you won't apologize. It must be taught in like Type A personality 101 or something. We have to forgive 7 X 70 times and move on. Holding onto bitterness will eventually affect every single area of your life...it's not worth it...just let it go and move on.
18. Being a mommy is the hardest and the most fun job EVER!!
20. Having kids changes your marriage.....ours has gotten better! and so has our relationship with the Lord!
18. Being a mommy is the hardest and the most fun job EVER!!
20. Having kids changes your marriage.....ours has gotten better! and so has our relationship with the Lord!
"Do you love me?"
We had Dee Brestin come to our church this past Sunday night. She did such a great job speaking. I loved her main point. She told the story of the famous play Fiddler on the Roof where the main character has 5 daughters (all jewish) who sort of "rebel" against the tradition and decide they want to marry for love instead of who they are pledged to (I am a sucker for romance). This gets the main character questioning his own relationship with his wife....in a musical way (I am also a sucker for musicals) he ask her "Do you love me?"....she then replies "For 25 years I've washed your shirts"......and on and on and on of all the things she has done for him. He keeps asking her "But do you love me?" Dee compared this story to the story of Jesus and Peter. After Jesus rose from the dead he appears to his disciples and they have a picnic on the beach. Jesus keeps asking Peter "Do you love me?" Dee said that alot of Christians are much like the wife in Fiddler on the Roof. When Jesus asks them "Do you love me?" they begin listing all the things they have done like.."For 25 years I've gone to church." This really got me thinking..I want Jesus to KNOW that I love him. I want to spend time with Him and have such a relationship with him so that when he asks me "Do you love me?" he already knows without a doubt that my answer is "YES YES YES!!"
Boy it has been such a LOOOOONNNNGGGG time since i posted....where do I start? Well I guess I will just say that when Emory was about 6 months old we thought we were feeling the call to adopt....prayed about it, filled out some paperwork, sent our application in and a week later found out that we were pregnant with number 2....blew us away!(this is a HUGE understatement)...lesson I learned....I love how God's plan is so perfect and if you are seeking Him..you can't mess it up. I LOVE being the mother of a son. Don't get me wrong....I LOVE LOVE LOVE having a daughter, but from the moment that little boy was born...he just blew me away..has my heart on a string (I think this must be how Daddy's feel about their little girls).
FAST FORWARD......Emmett is now 6 months old and Emory is 22 months old (ALMOST 2!!!) I really can't believe it!! I am one blessed and busy mama! I LOVE BEING A MOM!!! I especially love being a stay at home mom. I feel so blessed to be able to share such special moments with my children. I love that I get to see the happy and sad sides, the silly and mad sides (from "I love you through and through" book). I am so honored that I get to be there to play and share silly faces, goldfish, fish kisses, silly songs and dances with them each and every day. I love that I get to be there to love on them when they get "boo boos." I love that Emory wants to rock now with "bankie" (blankie) and one of her stuffed animals and a book before nap or bedtime. I love praying with my children and hearing Emory say "AMEN!" I love how Emmett laughs like Ernie on Sesame Street. I love how he is the happiest little boy....he loves to laugh and smile like his mama....more to come...it is late and after a very busy weekend of yard sale I need sleep!!!
FAST FORWARD......Emmett is now 6 months old and Emory is 22 months old (ALMOST 2!!!) I really can't believe it!! I am one blessed and busy mama! I LOVE BEING A MOM!!! I especially love being a stay at home mom. I feel so blessed to be able to share such special moments with my children. I love that I get to see the happy and sad sides, the silly and mad sides (from "I love you through and through" book). I am so honored that I get to be there to play and share silly faces, goldfish, fish kisses, silly songs and dances with them each and every day. I love that I get to be there to love on them when they get "boo boos." I love that Emory wants to rock now with "bankie" (blankie) and one of her stuffed animals and a book before nap or bedtime. I love praying with my children and hearing Emory say "AMEN!" I love how Emmett laughs like Ernie on Sesame Street. I love how he is the happiest little boy....he loves to laugh and smile like his mama....more to come...it is late and after a very busy weekend of yard sale I need sleep!!!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Something about Mary
This blog was inspired by one of my good friends Amanda Pierce and a song that she sang at church last Sunday....I think the name of it was "Labor of Love"....don't quote me on that, I am probably wrong.
It really just got me thinking about Mary.....Jesus' mother. I had my first born this year and I cannot IMAGINE 1. having a baby when I was a teenager....out of wedlock or 2. having a baby in a barn.
I think people sometimes try to glamorize the story of Christ's birth. Even the song Away in a Manger....as beautiful as that song is....its a sloooooow, sooooooft, beautiful song about the night Christ was born.....apparently he didn't cry as a baby (I mean, I know we don't know this, but don't all babies cry...especially when they are first born...it clears the amniotic fluid out of their lungs).
I'm not really sure why we try to glamorize it, maybe to make it more appealing, or just because as humans we all like glamor. I don't know, but what I know is that Christ came to Earth to get messy. Sin is ugly and despicable in God's sight. Christ came to save us from our sin, to take on OUR sin, therefore He came to get messy FOR US because of His love. I don't think it was at ALL like the beautiful picture we like to paint or the beautiful manger scenes we put on our mantles at Christmas to decorate our homes.
So, back to number 1. Having a baby when I was a teenager...out of wedlock.....
I saw something on the news last night about a show that is currently on MTV called "Teen Moms". It is about just what the title states, teenage girls that got pregnant by a high school boyfriend. It showed some of the clips from the show....basically all these girls were doing was struggling. Struggling to raise these babies with jobs that pay minimum wage, struggling to get support from their families and "baby daddy's", struggling to somehow finish high school and take care of their babies at the same time.....I mean can I say ROUGH!! I am married, have a job, have a wonderful family and support system and I will unashamedly admit that becoming a parent is the HARDEST job I have EVER tried to do (even though I LOVE Emory so much). At the end of the segment each one of the teen moms (including Bristol Palin) have started an advocacy group for abstinence....can you blame them? I am really proud that they are trying so hard to get their lives together and care for their babies. I really hope that teenagers will watch that show and decide NOT to have sex before they are married.
Back to Mary.... so there she was...a virgin....betrothed to Joseph...when the angel gives her the message that she is pregnant with a baby boy.....instead of acting like I probably would (what? why? how?), Mary simple states "If it is what the Lord wants."....that's AMAZING!!! She had so much faith!!
She trust God no matter what. It wasn't til later that Joseph had the dream and he believed her.
Flash forward to the LONG journey to Bethlehem....she probably felt 9 1/2 months pregnant if she is like most pregos I know...or anything like me in my last trimester. I don't know if Mary was anything like me, but anyone in my family will tell you that I am a planner...it's a blessing and a curse. If it had been me I would have been like "Ok....we will go to Bethlehem, get a nice room so I can lay down, get some food, get some good rest in a cozy room" but OH NO....God had other plans (much like He does with me 99.9% of the time). Instead, Mary has her first born in a dirty barn, no other family (like a mom) to hold her hand, pray for her, or just help her through labor. The smell of animal poop all around, blood from labor on the ground, no where to put her baby but in a food trough on some hay, wrapping him in scraps of cloth. I guarantee it wasn't pretty or glamorous. Praise God that from the beginning He has shown us that He came to get messy....to be involved in our crazy dramas of life...and to show us He is able to do anything!!! PRAISE THE LORD! It's Christmas!
It really just got me thinking about Mary.....Jesus' mother. I had my first born this year and I cannot IMAGINE 1. having a baby when I was a teenager....out of wedlock or 2. having a baby in a barn.
I think people sometimes try to glamorize the story of Christ's birth. Even the song Away in a Manger....as beautiful as that song is....its a sloooooow, sooooooft, beautiful song about the night Christ was born.....apparently he didn't cry as a baby (I mean, I know we don't know this, but don't all babies cry...especially when they are first born...it clears the amniotic fluid out of their lungs).
I'm not really sure why we try to glamorize it, maybe to make it more appealing, or just because as humans we all like glamor. I don't know, but what I know is that Christ came to Earth to get messy. Sin is ugly and despicable in God's sight. Christ came to save us from our sin, to take on OUR sin, therefore He came to get messy FOR US because of His love. I don't think it was at ALL like the beautiful picture we like to paint or the beautiful manger scenes we put on our mantles at Christmas to decorate our homes.
So, back to number 1. Having a baby when I was a teenager...out of wedlock.....
I saw something on the news last night about a show that is currently on MTV called "Teen Moms". It is about just what the title states, teenage girls that got pregnant by a high school boyfriend. It showed some of the clips from the show....basically all these girls were doing was struggling. Struggling to raise these babies with jobs that pay minimum wage, struggling to get support from their families and "baby daddy's", struggling to somehow finish high school and take care of their babies at the same time.....I mean can I say ROUGH!! I am married, have a job, have a wonderful family and support system and I will unashamedly admit that becoming a parent is the HARDEST job I have EVER tried to do (even though I LOVE Emory so much). At the end of the segment each one of the teen moms (including Bristol Palin) have started an advocacy group for abstinence....can you blame them? I am really proud that they are trying so hard to get their lives together and care for their babies. I really hope that teenagers will watch that show and decide NOT to have sex before they are married.
Back to Mary.... so there she was...a virgin....betrothed to Joseph...when the angel gives her the message that she is pregnant with a baby boy.....instead of acting like I probably would (what? why? how?), Mary simple states "If it is what the Lord wants."....that's AMAZING!!! She had so much faith!!
She trust God no matter what. It wasn't til later that Joseph had the dream and he believed her.
Flash forward to the LONG journey to Bethlehem....she probably felt 9 1/2 months pregnant if she is like most pregos I know...or anything like me in my last trimester. I don't know if Mary was anything like me, but anyone in my family will tell you that I am a planner...it's a blessing and a curse. If it had been me I would have been like "Ok....we will go to Bethlehem, get a nice room so I can lay down, get some food, get some good rest in a cozy room" but OH NO....God had other plans (much like He does with me 99.9% of the time). Instead, Mary has her first born in a dirty barn, no other family (like a mom) to hold her hand, pray for her, or just help her through labor. The smell of animal poop all around, blood from labor on the ground, no where to put her baby but in a food trough on some hay, wrapping him in scraps of cloth. I guarantee it wasn't pretty or glamorous. Praise God that from the beginning He has shown us that He came to get messy....to be involved in our crazy dramas of life...and to show us He is able to do anything!!! PRAISE THE LORD! It's Christmas!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Some things I love
These are some random things that I am thinking about this week that I love....
* That almost every ornament on our Christmas tree has a story...it's not a "designer" Christmas tree, it's not perfect, but I LOVE the ornaments that sort of record our life's story for instance...the minnie and mickey mouse ornament that says "Just Married" that Jonathan and I got on our honeymoon, the North Augusta ornament that we got right before we moved to Tifton (North Augusta, our first home as a married couple), the one with the picture of Toby that reads "I've been good"....Toby..our first baby:), the fishing boat one that I got off of a spray of flowers at my granddaddy's funeral.....I miss him so much!, the one of Santa riding on top of a crab that we got in Hilton Head this year when I was pregnant and we both ate our weight in crab meat....the laziest vacation we ever had, the one from NYC last year when we went with Jonathan's parents....we saw the Rockettes, Wicked, ate at Carmines, went to Times Square, the Statue of Liberty...all while freezing our booties off.....by the way...that trip almost didn't happen due to a "perfectly timed" snow storm...please catch the sarcasm here... that delayed our flights for almost two days. I especially love the latest edition to our Christmas tree...Baby's first Christmas ornament for our little Emory Faye..... yes, every ornament has a story.... a story that reminds us of God's healing, of God's goodness and mercy upon us, a story that shouts of how the Lord is able to take broken, sinful lives, and mend them together with His grace. Every time I look at my Christmas tree I can't help but thank God for His love. It is a constant reminder to me that Jesus did come so that we could indeed have a more abundant life. It is also a constant reminder for me to put away selfishness and follow God wholeheartedly.
* I love watching Emory grow and discover something new every day. I am so honored to be her mother. She has started to roll over this week...PRECIOUS!! I love watching her reach for toys or my cell phone. I love how intently she studies everything. I LOVE all of her baby noises!!! I guess I just never imagined that I would experience this much Joy in my lifetime her on Earth. Family is truly a little piece of Heaven. Thank you Lord for every day that I get to spend with them.
*I am hopelessly in love with my husband.....Oh my goodness.....how in the world did I get so so blessed? He is WONDERFUL! There are just too many ways to count how wonderful He is. He shows me every single day a way that God loves me. He is so patient with me, so gentle, so loving, so very serving. I am so blessed to have such a handsome and amazing "other half"
*Our community group.....another way that I am blessed beyond words....Each week I look forward to the laughter that we share. I look forward to hearing about how their weeks have been and how we can lift one another up or minister to others. They are an awesome group! I am looking forward to the next time we meet....they are the bomb!!!
*My Mama......where do I strart? It's my mom. My mom and I have DEFINITELY had our ups and downs...by no means do we have a perfect relationship, but over the past year I have just come to appreciate her so much. There is no doubt in my mind that she LOVES her children and grandchildren...so much that she is super sensitive about it...if she has a passion in life....family is it. She will drop anything and every thing to help one of us, she is always willing to answer the phone...no matter what time of the night it is. I just love my mama....there is no one like her
more things I love to come.......gotta run go take care of my sweet girl!
* That almost every ornament on our Christmas tree has a story...it's not a "designer" Christmas tree, it's not perfect, but I LOVE the ornaments that sort of record our life's story for instance...the minnie and mickey mouse ornament that says "Just Married" that Jonathan and I got on our honeymoon, the North Augusta ornament that we got right before we moved to Tifton (North Augusta, our first home as a married couple), the one with the picture of Toby that reads "I've been good"....Toby..our first baby:), the fishing boat one that I got off of a spray of flowers at my granddaddy's funeral.....I miss him so much!, the one of Santa riding on top of a crab that we got in Hilton Head this year when I was pregnant and we both ate our weight in crab meat....the laziest vacation we ever had, the one from NYC last year when we went with Jonathan's parents....we saw the Rockettes, Wicked, ate at Carmines, went to Times Square, the Statue of Liberty...all while freezing our booties off.....by the way...that trip almost didn't happen due to a "perfectly timed" snow storm...please catch the sarcasm here... that delayed our flights for almost two days. I especially love the latest edition to our Christmas tree...Baby's first Christmas ornament for our little Emory Faye..... yes, every ornament has a story.... a story that reminds us of God's healing, of God's goodness and mercy upon us, a story that shouts of how the Lord is able to take broken, sinful lives, and mend them together with His grace. Every time I look at my Christmas tree I can't help but thank God for His love. It is a constant reminder to me that Jesus did come so that we could indeed have a more abundant life. It is also a constant reminder for me to put away selfishness and follow God wholeheartedly.
* I love watching Emory grow and discover something new every day. I am so honored to be her mother. She has started to roll over this week...PRECIOUS!! I love watching her reach for toys or my cell phone. I love how intently she studies everything. I LOVE all of her baby noises!!! I guess I just never imagined that I would experience this much Joy in my lifetime her on Earth. Family is truly a little piece of Heaven. Thank you Lord for every day that I get to spend with them.
*I am hopelessly in love with my husband.....Oh my goodness.....how in the world did I get so so blessed? He is WONDERFUL! There are just too many ways to count how wonderful He is. He shows me every single day a way that God loves me. He is so patient with me, so gentle, so loving, so very serving. I am so blessed to have such a handsome and amazing "other half"
*Our community group.....another way that I am blessed beyond words....Each week I look forward to the laughter that we share. I look forward to hearing about how their weeks have been and how we can lift one another up or minister to others. They are an awesome group! I am looking forward to the next time we meet....they are the bomb!!!
*My Mama......where do I strart? It's my mom. My mom and I have DEFINITELY had our ups and downs...by no means do we have a perfect relationship, but over the past year I have just come to appreciate her so much. There is no doubt in my mind that she LOVES her children and grandchildren...so much that she is super sensitive about it...if she has a passion in life....family is it. She will drop anything and every thing to help one of us, she is always willing to answer the phone...no matter what time of the night it is. I just love my mama....there is no one like her
more things I love to come.......gotta run go take care of my sweet girl!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Random thoughts
Why do I blog?
1. Because I have got to do something with all the thoughts in my head
2. because I want to look back and remember these moments
3. Because I want my children, maybe even grandchildren to know me.
People that I wish would blog so I could read it:
1. My grandmother -she is in heaven now, but I wish she would have journaled or scrapbooked or something for herself. She made a baby book for me that I can look back on to remember how I was when I was little. I wish that she would have took time to write about herself. I have wondered so many times in life "What would Grandma say? What would Grandma do?" or "I wonder what she would think about this?"
2. Sometimes I wish my husband would blog...sure we live together, but sometimes we get so busy and so tired that we don't have time to talk.
3. Pop-Jonathan's grandfather: he is such an interesting man, a true man of God and it would be nice to read what he writes
4. Pastor Mckinley- I look up to him so much. It would be cool to know what he thinks about...not just sermons.....I think I am going to read his book...maybe that will be cool
I would like to shake the hand of the inventors of the following foods:
cheese, meatballs, pretty much anything Italian....I will add more to this later
Thoughts today: If someone were to sneak into my house while I am not at home, what would they think that I think is important?
Hopefully they would know that
1. I love and am a servant of Christ
2. That my number one joy in life is loving God and caring for my family
3. That I strive to be a generous giver and love to care for the needy
This is a process that God is still working in me to accomplish
I hate to get on my soapbox here, but this morning I saw a story on TV about a girl who sustained a C6 spinal cord injury while she was horsing around at her bachelorette party. It was really sad, but she seems to be recovering well. It showed that she is using adaptive equipment for eating and is able to do alot of things for herself. Meredith on the Today show asked her how her "Physical Therapy" was going.....thats when I got mad!! I thought...UGH!!!! why do PTs get all the credit when more than likely an OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST is busting their butt to help this girl. It ticked me off. I mean, I know that it really doesn't matter who gets the credit I guess, but sometimes it would be nice to know that my profession is recognized for the great things it helps people do. Ok, on to something else...
I LOVE going home for the holidays. I have been spending the whole morning packing up to head to Tifton...then to Macon for Thanksgiving. I have been singing "Oh there's no place like home for the holidays" to Emory all morning (she is probably sick of it). I just get so excited about seeing family, eating good food, and getting to relax with everyone for a couple days. It is going to be so fun!!
1. Because I have got to do something with all the thoughts in my head
2. because I want to look back and remember these moments
3. Because I want my children, maybe even grandchildren to know me.
People that I wish would blog so I could read it:
1. My grandmother -she is in heaven now, but I wish she would have journaled or scrapbooked or something for herself. She made a baby book for me that I can look back on to remember how I was when I was little. I wish that she would have took time to write about herself. I have wondered so many times in life "What would Grandma say? What would Grandma do?" or "I wonder what she would think about this?"
2. Sometimes I wish my husband would blog...sure we live together, but sometimes we get so busy and so tired that we don't have time to talk.
3. Pop-Jonathan's grandfather: he is such an interesting man, a true man of God and it would be nice to read what he writes
4. Pastor Mckinley- I look up to him so much. It would be cool to know what he thinks about...not just sermons.....I think I am going to read his book...maybe that will be cool
I would like to shake the hand of the inventors of the following foods:
cheese, meatballs, pretty much anything Italian....I will add more to this later
Thoughts today: If someone were to sneak into my house while I am not at home, what would they think that I think is important?
Hopefully they would know that
1. I love and am a servant of Christ
2. That my number one joy in life is loving God and caring for my family
3. That I strive to be a generous giver and love to care for the needy
This is a process that God is still working in me to accomplish
I hate to get on my soapbox here, but this morning I saw a story on TV about a girl who sustained a C6 spinal cord injury while she was horsing around at her bachelorette party. It was really sad, but she seems to be recovering well. It showed that she is using adaptive equipment for eating and is able to do alot of things for herself. Meredith on the Today show asked her how her "Physical Therapy" was going.....thats when I got mad!! I thought...UGH!!!! why do PTs get all the credit when more than likely an OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST is busting their butt to help this girl. It ticked me off. I mean, I know that it really doesn't matter who gets the credit I guess, but sometimes it would be nice to know that my profession is recognized for the great things it helps people do. Ok, on to something else...
I LOVE going home for the holidays. I have been spending the whole morning packing up to head to Tifton...then to Macon for Thanksgiving. I have been singing "Oh there's no place like home for the holidays" to Emory all morning (she is probably sick of it). I just get so excited about seeing family, eating good food, and getting to relax with everyone for a couple days. It is going to be so fun!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
HS at work
Ok not much time to chat today...cleaning house, doing laundry, taking care of baby Emory (joy of my life:))
So I was getting Emory settled in for a nap this morning and we always read a Bible story before I put her down. She has a little storybook Bible that is PRECIOUS!! It shows how every story in the Old Testament points to Jesus, I LOVE IT!!
So we read a story every day and today's story was about Moses...ordinary...speech impediment Moses.
He's out there minding his own business, tending sheep or farming (I can't remember his occupation) when out of nowhere he sees this bush that is burning but not consumed ( weird right?). Moses walks over to the bush...gets a message from God and BAM!! Just like that his life is transformed. If you want to know the rest, just read Exodus.
It really got me thinking about what happened yesterday. I thought it was crazy, but I really think that it is just how our God works. I mean we have enough examples of it in scripture. If it was all news headlines, it would probably read like this (humor me here)......Virgin Gives Birth to Son......Nobody(Gideon) Wins the Battle......Midget Taxcollector (Zaccheus) Returns the Funds....and so forth and so on. It really makes me wonder....why do I deny the power of the holy spirit (HS) in my life? How come every time I feel like God is speaking to me I brush it off as "I must just be crazy"? I decided that I am resolving to stand firm. I am going to go forth in full confidence that God is able to speak in and through me to reach the lost for Him. Sure..., most days I feel like a nobody. Like, why would such a wonderful, infinite God choose to use someone like me? But ya know what.....I AM HIS!! PRAISE GOD I AM HIS!!!...and when He speaks to me, I pray for the courage to walk in obedience.
So Tony....I am praying for your salvation daily and I think I am suppose to give you a copy of Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.
So I was getting Emory settled in for a nap this morning and we always read a Bible story before I put her down. She has a little storybook Bible that is PRECIOUS!! It shows how every story in the Old Testament points to Jesus, I LOVE IT!!
So we read a story every day and today's story was about Moses...ordinary...speech impediment Moses.
He's out there minding his own business, tending sheep or farming (I can't remember his occupation) when out of nowhere he sees this bush that is burning but not consumed ( weird right?). Moses walks over to the bush...gets a message from God and BAM!! Just like that his life is transformed. If you want to know the rest, just read Exodus.
It really got me thinking about what happened yesterday. I thought it was crazy, but I really think that it is just how our God works. I mean we have enough examples of it in scripture. If it was all news headlines, it would probably read like this (humor me here)......Virgin Gives Birth to Son......Nobody(Gideon) Wins the Battle......Midget Taxcollector (Zaccheus) Returns the Funds....and so forth and so on. It really makes me wonder....why do I deny the power of the holy spirit (HS) in my life? How come every time I feel like God is speaking to me I brush it off as "I must just be crazy"? I decided that I am resolving to stand firm. I am going to go forth in full confidence that God is able to speak in and through me to reach the lost for Him. Sure..., most days I feel like a nobody. Like, why would such a wonderful, infinite God choose to use someone like me? But ya know what.....I AM HIS!! PRAISE GOD I AM HIS!!!...and when He speaks to me, I pray for the courage to walk in obedience.
So Tony....I am praying for your salvation daily and I think I am suppose to give you a copy of Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Why Looneykris?
Ok so this is pretty out of character for me. Even though I am an extrovert, I still consider myself a pretty private person. My oldest sister encouraged me to start a blog, and like most of her advice, I am doing it. She is older and wiser than I am so I figured...what the hey? Sounds fun...so here it goes
Why Looneykris?
So I had to go to Athens GA this morning for a class that I was registered for with Summit Professional Education Services. I have to get twelve credits a year to keep my Occupational Therapy license. I already have 6 and this class I was going to was going to give me the rest of the credits I need before the year has ended. So, I got up at 4am, left the house at 5:30 and headed to Athens. I got there at 7:30 and went to the course. I was there for about 15 minutes when this lady came in and told us that the instructor was not able to make it today so the course is going to be rescheduled....BUMMER right? "Ok" I thought..."How can I make the most of this? My husband is at home with my 4 month old and I am hungry." Then I remembered that my sweet husband told me about this really good restaurant called Five Star Day in downtown Athens. I had also passed this restaurant on the way into town. So, I decided to go. I took my prayer journal and Bible in so that as I ate, hopefully I would get some reading done...."Finally some alone time" I thought.
I placed my order, a to go order for my husband, and sat at the table nearest to the window. As I was waiting for my order, I began to write in my prayer journal..praying for my relationship with my parents (it was a crazy weekend), praying for my sweet baby girl to feel better (she has a right ear infection), and just praying in general for God's will to be done in our lives, for His leadership, His guidance etc. I had to stop when my food came. Oh man!!! Those were the best scrambled eggs EVER!!! Spinach, bacon, and goat cheese...what more could I ask for? At this point I looked around and noticed I was the only person in the restaurant. The owner (and cook) for the restaurant was standing at the counter so I decided to complement her on the food. "These eggs are awesome." I said. Ok...I am going to get to the point here and shorten this up a bit...To make a long story short, the owner and I ended up getting into a normal conversation about different chefs. I got the recipe for the eggs I had eaten and thanked her for giving it to me. She was a nice girl.. I finished up my meal and continued to write in my journal. Just then I got the overwhelming feeling that I was suppose to pray with this chick. "What God?" I was thinking.."That is just crazy. No way man. Sorry." I then got my dirty dishes off the table, took them to the owner, thanked her for the meal, said "God bless You," turned around and walked out the door. Then it hit me again...."Pray with her" is what I felt like God was saying in my heart. So, I swallowed my pride and went back into the restaurant. At this point I was still the only customer in there and the owner was wiping down the table where I had sat. "I know this may sound crazy," I said, "but I feel like I am suppose to pray with you." she looked at me like I was crazy (which is totally understandable). I continued anyway..."Is it ok if I pray with you?" She sighed and then told me that she doesn't believe like that...basically she was saying (no you crazy person). I then said "Ok that is ok...God bless you any way" and then I left...for good this time. As I walked out I got so so mad!!! "Thanks God." I thought. "Now I look like a complete looney toon!" I felt like one of those crazy people you see standing on the sidewalk preaching to themselves. "UGH!!!" I told God. " I can't believe you made me do that!!" Then is hit me....she (Tony) has rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ and it is my job as a servant of Christ to share Him with her...even if I look like a complete idiot. "Ok Lord.....I am sorry for my pride....you humbled yourself, came down to Earth, died for us (essentially made yourself look like a lunatic) and here I am complaining. God please forgive me of my pride, of my selfishness, of my ignorance. I live for you now and that means that I will walk in obedience to you even if it makes me look crazy."
So there you have it....why Looneykris (sort of like Ludakris the rapper)...I thought it was catchy....corny I know, but it's ok....I'm crazy anyway right?
So I am going to start praying for Tony...I think God is drawing her to himself... I pray that God would send someone into her life to share the gospel with her...someone that she will listen to. I pray that God would break down and destroy whatever it is that is making her reject him i.e...doubt, pride..etc.
I have to go back to Athens in a couple weeks....I am going to pray and see if God wants me to go back there.....It will be such a shame if He says no because those eggs were so incredibly delicious!!!
Why Looneykris?
So I had to go to Athens GA this morning for a class that I was registered for with Summit Professional Education Services. I have to get twelve credits a year to keep my Occupational Therapy license. I already have 6 and this class I was going to was going to give me the rest of the credits I need before the year has ended. So, I got up at 4am, left the house at 5:30 and headed to Athens. I got there at 7:30 and went to the course. I was there for about 15 minutes when this lady came in and told us that the instructor was not able to make it today so the course is going to be rescheduled....BUMMER right? "Ok" I thought..."How can I make the most of this? My husband is at home with my 4 month old and I am hungry." Then I remembered that my sweet husband told me about this really good restaurant called Five Star Day in downtown Athens. I had also passed this restaurant on the way into town. So, I decided to go. I took my prayer journal and Bible in so that as I ate, hopefully I would get some reading done...."Finally some alone time" I thought.
I placed my order, a to go order for my husband, and sat at the table nearest to the window. As I was waiting for my order, I began to write in my prayer journal..praying for my relationship with my parents (it was a crazy weekend), praying for my sweet baby girl to feel better (she has a right ear infection), and just praying in general for God's will to be done in our lives, for His leadership, His guidance etc. I had to stop when my food came. Oh man!!! Those were the best scrambled eggs EVER!!! Spinach, bacon, and goat cheese...what more could I ask for? At this point I looked around and noticed I was the only person in the restaurant. The owner (and cook) for the restaurant was standing at the counter so I decided to complement her on the food. "These eggs are awesome." I said. Ok...I am going to get to the point here and shorten this up a bit...To make a long story short, the owner and I ended up getting into a normal conversation about different chefs. I got the recipe for the eggs I had eaten and thanked her for giving it to me. She was a nice girl.. I finished up my meal and continued to write in my journal. Just then I got the overwhelming feeling that I was suppose to pray with this chick. "What God?" I was thinking.."That is just crazy. No way man. Sorry." I then got my dirty dishes off the table, took them to the owner, thanked her for the meal, said "God bless You," turned around and walked out the door. Then it hit me again...."Pray with her" is what I felt like God was saying in my heart. So, I swallowed my pride and went back into the restaurant. At this point I was still the only customer in there and the owner was wiping down the table where I had sat. "I know this may sound crazy," I said, "but I feel like I am suppose to pray with you." she looked at me like I was crazy (which is totally understandable). I continued anyway..."Is it ok if I pray with you?" She sighed and then told me that she doesn't believe like that...basically she was saying (no you crazy person). I then said "Ok that is ok...God bless you any way" and then I left...for good this time. As I walked out I got so so mad!!! "Thanks God." I thought. "Now I look like a complete looney toon!" I felt like one of those crazy people you see standing on the sidewalk preaching to themselves. "UGH!!!" I told God. " I can't believe you made me do that!!" Then is hit me....she (Tony) has rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ and it is my job as a servant of Christ to share Him with her...even if I look like a complete idiot. "Ok Lord.....I am sorry for my pride....you humbled yourself, came down to Earth, died for us (essentially made yourself look like a lunatic) and here I am complaining. God please forgive me of my pride, of my selfishness, of my ignorance. I live for you now and that means that I will walk in obedience to you even if it makes me look crazy."
So there you have it....why Looneykris (sort of like Ludakris the rapper)...I thought it was catchy....corny I know, but it's ok....I'm crazy anyway right?
So I am going to start praying for Tony...I think God is drawing her to himself... I pray that God would send someone into her life to share the gospel with her...someone that she will listen to. I pray that God would break down and destroy whatever it is that is making her reject him i.e...doubt, pride..etc.
I have to go back to Athens in a couple weeks....I am going to pray and see if God wants me to go back there.....It will be such a shame if He says no because those eggs were so incredibly delicious!!!
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