Thank Heavens…for Little Girls

     Last Saturday, the weather was fantastic, and I got this sudden urge to get out after such a crazy couple of weeks, and felt that fresh air and a change of pace was just what we needed. So, we called up Jon’s brother and fam, and headed down to the Balboa Pier to walk around, enjoy the beach weather, cast a few lines off of the dock, and have dinner together.

     Upon arriving at the beach, we realized it was a little warmer than anticipated, and we’d dressed for “observing” more than “interacting” with the waves.  But, it was just too tempting to pass up.  Ellie, a fan of cold water and wet sand last summer-decided she was in the mood just yet.  So, most of the pics I snapped are of her sitting in her favorite place in the entire world-her Daddy’s arms.  She is such a Daddy’s girl, (yes, I'm battling envy).  I LOVE that she loves her Daddy so much.  It’s very sweet!

     So, thanks God for a beautiful day to change up our normal routine, enjoy your beautiful creation, get a little salt water and sand in our toes, and enjoy the importance of spending time with people we love.

     It may be awhile before we get to the beach again, but it was fun to feel the freshness and warmth of summer days a comin’-they’ll be here before we know it!

     Sidenote-I had to wear shoes and socks due to my bum toe (I was afraid of doing more damage), and I was taking pictures on the beach when a huge wave surprised me and soaked my pants, socks, and shoes up to my shins.  Unfortunately-I had to leave my socks and shoes on because I was afraid to take them off and try to put them back on again!  It was pretty funny...and surprisingly refreshing! :)

For God so LOVED the World-Happy Valentine's Day!

     Valentine’s Day is such a beautiful day to celebrate love and being loved.  Not just in the romantic sense, but in every sense of the word. I was researching the meaning of love, and stumbled upon a great article that referenced some key scriptures that God has used to show us how to love, and what love is really all about. 

     It stated “The Bible covers two types of love: agape and phileo. Agape love is represented by God's love for us.  The other kind of love, phileo, is considered "brotherly love."

     I was personally ministered to by these three verses, because I think they are a great reminder of how God loves his children (Agape), how we are to love God in return, and how we should love each other (Phileo).

     "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."

     "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27)

     "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

     One of the last passages of this article really got me.  It reminded me that I must choose to love my husband, my children, my friends, family, and even strangers-everyday.  I have to renew that desire and that purpose everyday.

     “But, above everything else that is demonstrated in God's Word, it's important to keep in mind that love/romance is an action. It's not passive, and it's not a feeling. It's a verb. It requires you to do something in order to bring it to pass. It also requires that you put the other person's wants and desires above your own. Whenever you need a reminder, go back and read 1 Corinthians 13. And remember, you don't have to do it alone. God's Spirit will work through you. All you have to do is ask.”

     I pray that I can show love to my friends, my family, my hubby and children, my colleagues and those I don’t know everyday.  It’s not always easy-but it IS a choice. Thankfully, as the passage mentions-I don’t have to do this all on my own (hallelujah).  God is the one who I must rely on daily, to provide me the desire and will to purposefully show love, and act in love to others.

I want to challenge myself to commit to that choice everyday.

     Happy Valentine’s Day!  Know that YOU are LOVED!

ESPN Alabama Roll Tide Commercial

So, Jon's Grandpa was a HUGE Alabama fan, as most Alabama fans are.  I have many friends who have attended both Auburn and Alabama, so I'm often caught in the middle. But-as a supporter of my hubby and his Papa, I'm a big Bama Fan, and I absolutely LOVE college football and this commercial!

Miss you Grandpa Bill! Roll Tide!

Sometimes, Life is just so "daily"...

The past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind!  I feel like I’ve experienced almost every emotion imaginable-but thankfully, God has brought me full circle, and back to a place of thanksgiving and joy in knowing that I can’t sweat the small stuff, and GOD IS IN CONTROL!  We’ve experienced some funny, scary, and frustrating moments that have kept me on my toes (all but one-I’ll explain later), up at night, and laughing until I cry just to get through at times.  But through it all-I have been reminded that life goes on, and things could always be worse.  Complaining is useless, and God is so faithful to meet our every need. 

Here are some of the things we’ve been through in the past 2 weeks: 

-Ellie was very sick due to a cold, teething, constipation, and an undiagnosed ear infection that caused a ruptured eardrum ALL AT ONCE.  She was such a trooper through it all, and I just can’t believe what a champ she was!  Thank God for antibiotics!

-My “I do” mom (married my Dad), while celebrating their 10 year anniversary tomorrow to my Dad (yay), has been counseling and supporting the emotional burden of her ex-husband's recent diagnosis of Stage 4 Melanoma cancer.

-Several homes we’ve called on to rent in April have echoed “no pets”...to our discouragement.

-I almost ripped off my toenail (not pretty and very annoying more than anything) being a klutz, and was forced to hobble, while pregnant, with a 14 month old. (Are you playing your tiny violin for me?) J

-Sophia, Ellie’s 7-month-old cousin in Idaho contracted a MRSA Staph infection and had to have surgery.  She’s recovering-but she’s still not out of the dark just yet.

-Our MAC desktop up and died for no reason…turns out he problem was an easy fix, and covered under the warranty-hallelujah!

-I am celebrating 25 weeks of pregnancy this Tuesday, a fabulous Valentine’s Day with my hubby, a healthy daughter, and the privilege of having a bed to sleep in, a home to live in, food on my table, and a car to drive!

Even though these past 2 weeks have been trying, I am reminded that my issues are so minor and insignificant at times when compared to what my friends, family and neighbors are all dealing with.

God did not promise of a life without trial and circumstance, but He did promise to walk the journey with us, to give us the tools needed to navigate through, and even keep us laughing in the midst of frustration. 

I am so thankful, so blessed and so humbled.

Tubby Time

    When Ellie was still a baby, I was given some very wise advice from a dear friend.  Routines are critical!  So, at about 6 months, we began a very systematic routine of dinner, playtime, tubby time, bedtime story, prayers, and bed.  It worked like a charm, and Ellie is out almost every night the moment we start her prayers and bedtime song.  

     As the months have progressed, and Ellie has become more mobile in the bathtub-she has begun to explore her little water world, and I was able to capture her latest discovery.  Every once in awhile, she remembers that the shiny mirror-like surface of the knob at the end of the tub hides a little baby friend.  Just a couple of weeks ago, she began visiting her little "friend" and saying hello, and giving her kisses.   She gets so excited and loves being able to see her reflection.  

     It's the cutest thing ever!  Ellie is very used to my taking pictures of her-but she also gets distracted once she sees the camera, so capturing this moment was a little challenging.  But it was worth the wait!

Freefalling

This week shaped up to be pretty eventful-even though I didn’t realize it until I started thinking back on all that occurred throughout the past 6 days. 

     On Monday, I was blessed beyond measure to have dinner with some very precious girlfriends who have been in my life though the college years, dating, getting married, and now raising children.  It’s so fun to relish in their life experiences, Godly perspectives, and honest wisdom about the challenges of life and what we’ve each learned so far along the way.  I am so thankful to have such precious moments as these.  My wonderful hubby was sweet to watch Ellie that night so that I could get away for a much needed Girls’ Night Out!

     On Tuesday, My precious baby sister turned 25!  How old do I feel!  Although she was incredibly busy all day, we were able to celebrate through phone calls, texting and facebook.  Aahh-technology.

     Thursday boasted a whole host of emotions.  Excitement, happiness, disappointment and a bit of overwhelm.  First off, we celebrated my sister at a surprise birthday dinner.  It was so what she needed after a frustrating day at work. 

     Before dinner, my principal called and asked if I had come to a decision regarding my plan for teaching next year.  There was a sense of urgency, as she had just learned of news that our school would have to let go out one teacher this next school year, and my decision would impact whether or not that needed to happen.  I have been waiting to share all of this with family and friends, as the news was hush hush…until now.  After much prayer and contemplation, Jon and I have decided to take a leap of faith, and prepare for the financial sacrifice it will be for me to stay home with our children after the close of the school year.  It was an easy decision, and yet, I labored over if I was thinking selfishly, or I was just struggling with wanting to please everyone else.  I am so excited to say that once we made the decision-God granted the “peace that passes all understanding”.  It is now official – and while I am confident in our choice, and in God’s provision for the future-I was a little overwhelmed after I hung up the phone.  It’s kind of like the moment you start free falling on a rollercoaster.  It takes your breath away for just a moment.  And in the moment, you question if you’ll stay connected to the track and safely finish the ride’s journey. 

     Before the phone call, I found out some disappointing news.  A house that I had found to rent is not available.  We are planning to move out of our house, while my Dad and step-mom move in, and we need to find something within our new price range.  I know that God is faithful, and will provide the right house when we need it.  But, WOW what an endeavor.  It’s a little scary at times, not knowing something major such as where you’ll be living in a few months.  But God is faithful.  Throughout this whole decision making process, I have been comforted over and over again by the verse, “For I am about to do a brand new thing.  See, I have already begun…do you not see it?” – Isaiah 43:19

     On Friday, I was able to share my decision to stay home with my 5^th grade team.  They were so supportive and excited for me.  What a blessing to work with such wonderful women!  I will really miss their support, wisdom, and witty humor.  I have been so fortunate to work with such incredible teachers, students, parents, and principal!  I am so grateful for the past 5 years I’ve had at Smiley Elementary, and I am especially comforted in knowing that God is still using even my leaving to provide for another.  A wonderful woman who is new to our school will be able to continue teaching at Smiley-which is great considering she has 2 children enrolled there.  God really does work everything for good according to His will.

     Saturday has brought the joy and celebration of my amazing Mom!  Her birthday is today, and she is such a fantastic support and source of wise counsel in my life, especially since my becoming a mom myself.  I was fortunate to have to the blessing of my Mom staying home with me, and I am so experience the same joys she provided us by being home.  It’s been fun to reminisce with her and reflect on how much I really love and appreciate all that my Mom has done for me throughout my life.  We had a wonderful time celebrating my mom tonight at a birthday party in her honor.  Happy Birthday Mom!

     Today was also a big day because I was able to witness my little Ellianah taking her first steps all by herself.  She has been practicing and ready for sometime.  But like her mommy-she is very cautious.  Jon is so great about helping her feel confident and secure about trying new things.  It’s remarkable to see how much she really trusts in her Daddy.  An awesome parallel of how I too should trust my Heavenly Father with a little more reckless abandon.  It brought me so much joy to see her take 4 or 5 big steps all by herself before collapsing in her Daddy’s arms.  No video yet…of course. But, we’ll catch her again soon enough!

     Tomorrow is Sunday, and I often forget that I need to really pay attention to what God wants to share with me for the upcoming week.  I hope to spend some quiet time reflecting, resting, and restoring.  To really hear His voice, his desires for me, his revelations to me of things to work on in my own heart.  For now, rest is calling. 

Believe and Be Satisfied

I had an amazing moment just now!  I was trying to recall this wonderful poem that I was given in bookmark form at a Christian conference with my church when I was in 10th grade.  I remember cherishing and loving this poem, almost memorizing its words-and God used it time and time again to encourage me and strengthen me.  


At some point, I misplaced the bookmark.  I searched for it online years ago, recalling brief phrases I remembered of the poem, to no avail.  Many times I came across opportunities to share the encouraging message, wishing I could find it again; with girls I had discipled, or my teen campers when I worked several summers at the JH Ranch Christian Camp in college.


Just tonight, I was thinking about this poem again.  So I got on the computer, and within minutes, I found it!  I immediately starting crying (I do that a lot these days)!  I was so excited to find such a nostalgic memory of such a precious time in my life.  A time when I was single, and feeling very alone, wondering if God really had the amazing man out there for me that I had always prayed for.


So, here it is.  May its words encourage you, or remind you of God's faithfulness in your own life.  I am so excited to have this to share with my children someday.  Its message is still just as moving, its words just as powerful as the first time I read them.

Believe and Be Satisfied

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,

to have a deep soul relationship with another,

to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But, to the Christian, God says,

“No. Not until you are satisfied and fulfilled and content with living loved by Me alone,

with giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me,

to have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.

I love you, my child, and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you.

You will never be united with another until you are united with Me

– exclusive of any other desires and longing.

I want you to stop planning, stop wishing,

and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing

 – one that you cannot imagine.

I want you to have the BEST.

Please allow Me to bring it to you.

You keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things.

Keep that satisfaction, knowing that I AM.

Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you; and you must wait.

Don’t be anxious, and don’t worry.

Don’t look around at the things others have gotten or that I have given them.

Don’t look at the things you think you want.

Just keep looking off and away and up to Me, or you’ll miss what I have to show you.

And then, when you’re ready,

I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than you would ever dream.

You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready

(I am working right this minute to have both of you ready at the same time),

and until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I’ve prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me,

and this is the perfect love.

And, My dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love.

I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me,

and enjoy materially and sincerely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you Myself.

I love you utterly.

I AM God Almighty.

Believe and be Satisfied.”

-Anonymous