Can't wait for our next picture on 6/14th at 12 weeks! And really looking forward to finding out the sex. I have a feeling it's a boy, but Mike's not so sure. So far, we both like the name Taylor for either a boy or a girl, but we'll see...
Friday, June 04, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Another prayer answered...
And once again, my faith is strengthened by seeing that patience DOES pay off. :)
Mike and I recently learned that we will finally be parents in about 7 months. After so much waiting we can hardly believe it's true, but each time I crave french toast at 6pm or attempt to eat an entire pint of ice cream we are reminded that it finally happened!
Only a few more months and we should know if it's a boy or girl. Then we can think about a name!
Mike and I recently learned that we will finally be parents in about 7 months. After so much waiting we can hardly believe it's true, but each time I crave french toast at 6pm or attempt to eat an entire pint of ice cream we are reminded that it finally happened!
Only a few more months and we should know if it's a boy or girl. Then we can think about a name!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Next Chapter
So, it's been a while since the last post. In some ways a lot has happened since then, yet in other ways, not so much. I obviously had much more time on my hands then, being out of work, and certainly much more to write about after having gone through such a stressful time.
Looking back at those posts is so therapeutic and spiritually refreshing. Reminds me of someone who might have kept a diary through a war or terrible storm, and then later, after the battle is over, the clouds have passed and the sun comes out, going back and rereading what was written. Makes you thankful in so many ways; thankful that God was with me during that time, thankful that I made it through, and so thankful to be in a new place. It is also gives me a spiritual recharge because once again, it proves that God does NOT leave us in times of trouble and He DOES listen to our prayers.
So, what has happened since the big 'storm' of 2009? Well, the sun did come out, the clouds did clear, and the last 7 months have been quite calm. For us, that is. I found new employment with an organization that has, for now, provided a welcome change of pace and a much needed reprieve from the former hustle and bustle I had come to accepted as 'the norm'. Thankfully, Mike continues to enjoy his employment and has a great relationship with his boss. We were fortunate to have a large family gathering for the holidays, have begun some new projects on the house, and have recently taken up cycling to keep us in shape. All, during a time of blessed financial security and relatively good health. SO many things to be thankful for right now. Indeed, it feels like the quiet after the storm.
Then I think back to what I read last year about why we go through tough times.... to help prepare us for ministry to others, to strengthen our roots to withstand future storms, and to help us appreciate the good times - all of which appear to be true. We are certainly appreciating our current blessings, and I am reminded that no matter what happens in our lives, God will be right there to guide us and give us strength. But while the storms in our lives have subsided, we have no doubt seen the dark clouds roll in to the lives of those around us in recent months. Which is exactly why God's timing is perfect; afterall, how could we have been equipped to support a friend or family member when I was moping around, wounded and struggling to get through each day? Needless to say, the moment we saw a friend and family member in need, that was our cue to step up and step in with a hand and shoulder.
It is wonderful to see God at work in our lives, and it feels wonderful to be able to offer an empathetic ear or a helping hand to someone else going through a life crisis at the moment. It hurts to see those you love in pain or struggling with life, but I know our prayers are being heard and I know God is at work in each of their lives, providing strength to help them get through each day, whether they feel it or not.
We are not home yet - THIS is not our home - this is the journey, and the path is rough through a dark and dangerous jungle full of wolves and poison ivy. God recently provided us with some much needed armor and a new pair of comfortable hiking boots, so blessed are we who can offer some water and momentary shelter to our loved ones currently feeling battered and bruised as they travel on their journies.
I am so happy to know that my mother is home. I miss you, mom.
Looking back at those posts is so therapeutic and spiritually refreshing. Reminds me of someone who might have kept a diary through a war or terrible storm, and then later, after the battle is over, the clouds have passed and the sun comes out, going back and rereading what was written. Makes you thankful in so many ways; thankful that God was with me during that time, thankful that I made it through, and so thankful to be in a new place. It is also gives me a spiritual recharge because once again, it proves that God does NOT leave us in times of trouble and He DOES listen to our prayers.
So, what has happened since the big 'storm' of 2009? Well, the sun did come out, the clouds did clear, and the last 7 months have been quite calm. For us, that is. I found new employment with an organization that has, for now, provided a welcome change of pace and a much needed reprieve from the former hustle and bustle I had come to accepted as 'the norm'. Thankfully, Mike continues to enjoy his employment and has a great relationship with his boss. We were fortunate to have a large family gathering for the holidays, have begun some new projects on the house, and have recently taken up cycling to keep us in shape. All, during a time of blessed financial security and relatively good health. SO many things to be thankful for right now. Indeed, it feels like the quiet after the storm.
Then I think back to what I read last year about why we go through tough times.... to help prepare us for ministry to others, to strengthen our roots to withstand future storms, and to help us appreciate the good times - all of which appear to be true. We are certainly appreciating our current blessings, and I am reminded that no matter what happens in our lives, God will be right there to guide us and give us strength. But while the storms in our lives have subsided, we have no doubt seen the dark clouds roll in to the lives of those around us in recent months. Which is exactly why God's timing is perfect; afterall, how could we have been equipped to support a friend or family member when I was moping around, wounded and struggling to get through each day? Needless to say, the moment we saw a friend and family member in need, that was our cue to step up and step in with a hand and shoulder.
It is wonderful to see God at work in our lives, and it feels wonderful to be able to offer an empathetic ear or a helping hand to someone else going through a life crisis at the moment. It hurts to see those you love in pain or struggling with life, but I know our prayers are being heard and I know God is at work in each of their lives, providing strength to help them get through each day, whether they feel it or not.
We are not home yet - THIS is not our home - this is the journey, and the path is rough through a dark and dangerous jungle full of wolves and poison ivy. God recently provided us with some much needed armor and a new pair of comfortable hiking boots, so blessed are we who can offer some water and momentary shelter to our loved ones currently feeling battered and bruised as they travel on their journies.
I am so happy to know that my mother is home. I miss you, mom.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Something to Remember
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:11
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Peace
In Ephesians 4:31-32 we read:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I can't even remember how many times I've read or heard that. I know I need to hear it. Each day the anger creeps up, I try to forgive. I ask the Lord to help me forgive, and I must say that after 2 months of bitterness I do feel much more at peace with it today than 2 months ago. Each day gets easier. And then I read a page from Joyce Meyer's devotional "New Day - New You", that talks about being merciful and forgiving, and how letting the anger go is the only way to peace. She's absolutely right, but it's hard to accept that people can be so cold and ruthless. Is there a tip or trick for dealing with those who hurt you? Some sort of technique I can use to remind myself that they obviously don't know any better and that God will discipline them in His own way in His own time. I certainly hope that the resentment does continue to dissipate. I am SO ready for the next chapter!
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I can't even remember how many times I've read or heard that. I know I need to hear it. Each day the anger creeps up, I try to forgive. I ask the Lord to help me forgive, and I must say that after 2 months of bitterness I do feel much more at peace with it today than 2 months ago. Each day gets easier. And then I read a page from Joyce Meyer's devotional "New Day - New You", that talks about being merciful and forgiving, and how letting the anger go is the only way to peace. She's absolutely right, but it's hard to accept that people can be so cold and ruthless. Is there a tip or trick for dealing with those who hurt you? Some sort of technique I can use to remind myself that they obviously don't know any better and that God will discipline them in His own way in His own time. I certainly hope that the resentment does continue to dissipate. I am SO ready for the next chapter!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Just Don't Quit
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9
No matter how bad things get, lean on the Lord and don't give up.
No matter how bad things get, lean on the Lord and don't give up.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Overcoming Tough Times
I read another book recently, titled "Overcoming Tough Times - God's Plan for Your Life". (I don't recall the author, but will look it up and add it here in the future, along with a link.) Once again I jotted down 30 prayers that spoke to me and helped me through some hard times. Maybe they will help someone else, as well.
1) Dear Lord, Even when I am discouraged, even when my heart is heavy, I will earnestly seek Your will for my life. You have plan for me that I can never fully understand. But You understand, and I will trust You today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.
2) Lord, when I face the inevitable disappointments of life, give me perspective and faith. When I am discouraged, give me the strength to trust Your promises and follow Your will. Then, when I have done my best, Father, let me live with the assurance that You are firmly in control, and that Your love endures forever. Amen.
3) Lord, sometimes my problems are simply too big for me, but they are never too big for You. Let me turn my troubles over to You, Lord, and let me trust in You today and for all eternity. Amen.
4) Dear Lord, every day can be an exercise in character-building, and that’s what I intend to make this day. I will be mindful that my thoughts and actions have great consequences in my own life and in the lives of my loved ones. I will strive to make my thoughts and actions pleasing to You, so that I may be an instrument of Your peace every day. Amen.
5) Dear Lord, I have so much to learn. Help me to watch, to listen, to think, and to learn, every day of my life. Amen.
6) Dear Lord, thank you for the mentors whom You have placed along my path. When I am troubled, let me turn to them for help, for guidance, for comfort, and for perspective. And Father, let me be a friend and mentor to others, so that my love for You may be demonstrated by my genuine concern for them. Amen.
7) Lord, sometimes this world is a terrifying place. When I am filled with uncertainty and doubt, give me faith. In life’s dark moments, help me remember that you are always near and that You can overcome any challenge. Today, Lord, and forever, I will place my trust in You. Amen.
8) Lord, I pray for an attitude that is Christlike. Whatever my circumstances, whether good or bad, triumphal or tragic, let my response reflect a God-honoring attitude of optimism, faith, and love for You. Amen.
9) Dear Lord, your timing is seldom my timing, but Your timing is always right for me. You are my Father, and You have a plan for my life that is grander than I can imagine. When I am impatient, remind me that You are never early or late. You are always on time, Lord, so let me trust in you…always. Amen.
10) Dear Lord, when I have questions or fears, I will turn to you. When I am weak, I will seek your strength. When I am discouraged, Father, I will be mindful of Your love and Your grace. I will ask You for the things I need, Father, and I will trust Your answers, today and forever. Amen.
11) Heavenly Father, free me from anger, resentment, and envy. When I am bitter, I cannot feel the peace that you intend for my life. Keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment, and help me accept the past, treasure the present, and trust the future…to you. Amen.
12) Dear Lord, let me raise my hopes and my dreams, my worries and my fears to you. Let me be a worthy example to family and friends, showing them the importance and the power of prayer. Let me take everything to you in prayer, lord, and when I do, let me trust in your answers. Amen.
13) Lord, sometimes life is difficult. Sometimes, I am worried, weary, or heartbroken. And sometimes, I encounter powerful temptations to disobey your commandments. But when I lift my eyes to you, Father, you strengthen me. When I am week, you lift me up. Today, I will turn to you for strength, for hope, for direction, and for deliverance. Amen.
14) Dear Lord, when I open myself to you, I am blessed. Let me accept your love and your wisdom, Father. Show me your way, and deliver me from the painful mistakes that I make when I stray from your commandments. Let me live according to your word, and let me grow in my faith every day that I live. Amen.
15) Dear Lord, help me speak courteously to everyone, including myself. And when I make a mistake, help me to forgive myself quickly and thoroughly, just as I forgive others. Amen.
16) Lord, I will focus on your love, your power, your promises, and your Son. When I am week, I will turn to you for strength; when I am troubled, I will turn to you for patience and perspective. Help me guard my thoughts, Lord, so that I may honor you this day and forever. Amen.
17) Heavenly Father, your word is a light unto the world; I will study it, and trust it, and share it. In all that I do, help me be a worthy witness for you as I share the good news of your perfect son and your perfect word. Amen.
18) Lord, when life is difficult, I am tempted to abandon hope in the future. But You are my God, and I can draw strength from you. Let me trust you, Father, in good times and in bad times. Let me persevere, even if my soul is troubled, and let me follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, this day and forever. Amen.
19) Lord, sometimes I face challenges that leave me breathless. When I am fearful, let me lean upon you. Keep me ever mindful, Lord, that you are my God, my strength, and my shield. With you by my side, I have nothing to fear. And with your Son, Jesus, as my Savior, I have received the priceless gift of eternal ife. Help me to be a grateful and courageous servant this day and every day. Amen.
20) Heavenly Father, even when it seems to me that you are far away, you never leave my side. Today and every day, I will strive to feel your presence, and I will strive to sense your love for me. Amen.
21) Heavenly Father, let today and every day be a time of worship. Let me worship you, not only with words and deeds, but also with my heart. In the quiet moments of the day, let me praise you and thank you for creating me, loving me, guiding me, and saving me. Amen.
22) Dear Lord, give me the courage to dream and the faithfulness to trust in your perfect plan for my life. When I am worried, give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Today, Father, I will trust you and honor you with my thoughts, my prayers, my actions, and with my dreams. Amen.
23) Dear Lord, when I am confronted with things that need to be done, give me the courage and the wisdom to do them now, not later. Amen.
24) Heavenly Father, when I focus intently upon you, I am blessed. When I focus too intently on material possessions, I am troubled. Make my priorities pleasing to you, Father, and make me a worthy servant of Your Son. Amen.
25) Lord, sometimes life is difficult. Sometimes, I am worried, weary, or heartbroken. But when I lift my eyes to you, Father, you strengthen me. When I am weak, you lift me up. Today, I turn to you, Lord, for my strength, my hope, and my salvation. Amen.
26) Heavenly Father, forgiveness is your commandment, and I know that I should forgive others just as you have forgiven me. But, genuine forgiveness is difficult. Help me to forgive those who have injured me, and deliver me from the traps of anger and bitterness. Forgiveness is your way, Lord; let it be mine. Amen.
27) Heavenly Father, when I am fearful, keep me mindful that you are my protector and my salvation. Give me strength, Lord, to face the challenges of this day as I gain my courage from you. Amen.
28) Lord, you are my rock and my strength. When I grow weary, let me turn my thoughts and my prayers to you. When I am discouraged, restore my faith in you. Let me always trust in your promises, Lord, and let me draw strength from those promises and from your unending love. Amen.
29) Dear Lord, let your purposes be my purposes. Let your priorities be my priorities. Let your will be my will. Let your word be my guide. And let me grow in faith and in wisdom today and every day. Amen.
30) Dear Jesus, because I am your disciple, I will trust you, I will obey your teachings, and I will share your good news. You have given me life abundant and life eternal, and I will follow you today and forever. Amen.
1) Dear Lord, Even when I am discouraged, even when my heart is heavy, I will earnestly seek Your will for my life. You have plan for me that I can never fully understand. But You understand, and I will trust You today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.
2) Lord, when I face the inevitable disappointments of life, give me perspective and faith. When I am discouraged, give me the strength to trust Your promises and follow Your will. Then, when I have done my best, Father, let me live with the assurance that You are firmly in control, and that Your love endures forever. Amen.
3) Lord, sometimes my problems are simply too big for me, but they are never too big for You. Let me turn my troubles over to You, Lord, and let me trust in You today and for all eternity. Amen.
4) Dear Lord, every day can be an exercise in character-building, and that’s what I intend to make this day. I will be mindful that my thoughts and actions have great consequences in my own life and in the lives of my loved ones. I will strive to make my thoughts and actions pleasing to You, so that I may be an instrument of Your peace every day. Amen.
5) Dear Lord, I have so much to learn. Help me to watch, to listen, to think, and to learn, every day of my life. Amen.
6) Dear Lord, thank you for the mentors whom You have placed along my path. When I am troubled, let me turn to them for help, for guidance, for comfort, and for perspective. And Father, let me be a friend and mentor to others, so that my love for You may be demonstrated by my genuine concern for them. Amen.
7) Lord, sometimes this world is a terrifying place. When I am filled with uncertainty and doubt, give me faith. In life’s dark moments, help me remember that you are always near and that You can overcome any challenge. Today, Lord, and forever, I will place my trust in You. Amen.
8) Lord, I pray for an attitude that is Christlike. Whatever my circumstances, whether good or bad, triumphal or tragic, let my response reflect a God-honoring attitude of optimism, faith, and love for You. Amen.
9) Dear Lord, your timing is seldom my timing, but Your timing is always right for me. You are my Father, and You have a plan for my life that is grander than I can imagine. When I am impatient, remind me that You are never early or late. You are always on time, Lord, so let me trust in you…always. Amen.
10) Dear Lord, when I have questions or fears, I will turn to you. When I am weak, I will seek your strength. When I am discouraged, Father, I will be mindful of Your love and Your grace. I will ask You for the things I need, Father, and I will trust Your answers, today and forever. Amen.
11) Heavenly Father, free me from anger, resentment, and envy. When I am bitter, I cannot feel the peace that you intend for my life. Keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment, and help me accept the past, treasure the present, and trust the future…to you. Amen.
12) Dear Lord, let me raise my hopes and my dreams, my worries and my fears to you. Let me be a worthy example to family and friends, showing them the importance and the power of prayer. Let me take everything to you in prayer, lord, and when I do, let me trust in your answers. Amen.
13) Lord, sometimes life is difficult. Sometimes, I am worried, weary, or heartbroken. And sometimes, I encounter powerful temptations to disobey your commandments. But when I lift my eyes to you, Father, you strengthen me. When I am week, you lift me up. Today, I will turn to you for strength, for hope, for direction, and for deliverance. Amen.
14) Dear Lord, when I open myself to you, I am blessed. Let me accept your love and your wisdom, Father. Show me your way, and deliver me from the painful mistakes that I make when I stray from your commandments. Let me live according to your word, and let me grow in my faith every day that I live. Amen.
15) Dear Lord, help me speak courteously to everyone, including myself. And when I make a mistake, help me to forgive myself quickly and thoroughly, just as I forgive others. Amen.
16) Lord, I will focus on your love, your power, your promises, and your Son. When I am week, I will turn to you for strength; when I am troubled, I will turn to you for patience and perspective. Help me guard my thoughts, Lord, so that I may honor you this day and forever. Amen.
17) Heavenly Father, your word is a light unto the world; I will study it, and trust it, and share it. In all that I do, help me be a worthy witness for you as I share the good news of your perfect son and your perfect word. Amen.
18) Lord, when life is difficult, I am tempted to abandon hope in the future. But You are my God, and I can draw strength from you. Let me trust you, Father, in good times and in bad times. Let me persevere, even if my soul is troubled, and let me follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, this day and forever. Amen.
19) Lord, sometimes I face challenges that leave me breathless. When I am fearful, let me lean upon you. Keep me ever mindful, Lord, that you are my God, my strength, and my shield. With you by my side, I have nothing to fear. And with your Son, Jesus, as my Savior, I have received the priceless gift of eternal ife. Help me to be a grateful and courageous servant this day and every day. Amen.
20) Heavenly Father, even when it seems to me that you are far away, you never leave my side. Today and every day, I will strive to feel your presence, and I will strive to sense your love for me. Amen.
21) Heavenly Father, let today and every day be a time of worship. Let me worship you, not only with words and deeds, but also with my heart. In the quiet moments of the day, let me praise you and thank you for creating me, loving me, guiding me, and saving me. Amen.
22) Dear Lord, give me the courage to dream and the faithfulness to trust in your perfect plan for my life. When I am worried, give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Today, Father, I will trust you and honor you with my thoughts, my prayers, my actions, and with my dreams. Amen.
23) Dear Lord, when I am confronted with things that need to be done, give me the courage and the wisdom to do them now, not later. Amen.
24) Heavenly Father, when I focus intently upon you, I am blessed. When I focus too intently on material possessions, I am troubled. Make my priorities pleasing to you, Father, and make me a worthy servant of Your Son. Amen.
25) Lord, sometimes life is difficult. Sometimes, I am worried, weary, or heartbroken. But when I lift my eyes to you, Father, you strengthen me. When I am weak, you lift me up. Today, I turn to you, Lord, for my strength, my hope, and my salvation. Amen.
26) Heavenly Father, forgiveness is your commandment, and I know that I should forgive others just as you have forgiven me. But, genuine forgiveness is difficult. Help me to forgive those who have injured me, and deliver me from the traps of anger and bitterness. Forgiveness is your way, Lord; let it be mine. Amen.
27) Heavenly Father, when I am fearful, keep me mindful that you are my protector and my salvation. Give me strength, Lord, to face the challenges of this day as I gain my courage from you. Amen.
28) Lord, you are my rock and my strength. When I grow weary, let me turn my thoughts and my prayers to you. When I am discouraged, restore my faith in you. Let me always trust in your promises, Lord, and let me draw strength from those promises and from your unending love. Amen.
29) Dear Lord, let your purposes be my purposes. Let your priorities be my priorities. Let your will be my will. Let your word be my guide. And let me grow in faith and in wisdom today and every day. Amen.
30) Dear Jesus, because I am your disciple, I will trust you, I will obey your teachings, and I will share your good news. You have given me life abundant and life eternal, and I will follow you today and forever. Amen.
Have No Fear...
Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you to difficulties; I will help you; I will hold you up and retain you with My right hand of rightness and justice... For I hold your right hand; I am the Lord, who says to you fear not; I will help you! - Isaiah 41:10, 13
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Burnout
And Jesus said to them, The Sabbath was made on account and for the sake of man, not man for the Sabbath; so the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. - Mark 2:27-28
It wasn't until I read this that I realized I had not been "resting" on the Sabbath, as God intends. I have been such a work-aholic most of my adult life that I have not made time to obey God's ordinances. If we reap what we sow and all I sow is stress, then I will pay the price. I'm making a promise not to let that happen again.
It wasn't until I read this that I realized I had not been "resting" on the Sabbath, as God intends. I have been such a work-aholic most of my adult life that I have not made time to obey God's ordinances. If we reap what we sow and all I sow is stress, then I will pay the price. I'm making a promise not to let that happen again.
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