1 Thessalonians 2:4 Message
God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval--only God approval.
Declaration of Faith
My heavenly Father has entrusted me with the Gospel, to spread it in my circle of influence. Therefore, I do not focus my attention on pleasing men but on pleasing God.
(Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15-20; Galatians 1:10; Proverbs 17:3)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Comfort and Encouragement
Psalm 42:5,8,11 NKJV
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me -- a prayer to the God of my life. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Declaration of Faith
I refuse to be depressed about any circumstance or situation I find myself in. I will never forget that my heavenly Father loves me with all of His heart and is caring for me every second of every day. He commands His lovingkindness in the daytime and at night His song remains with me. My father never fails to be there for me. He is my Comforter who restores to me the joy of my salvation.
(Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 51:12; Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:4)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me -- a prayer to the God of my life. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Declaration of Faith
I refuse to be depressed about any circumstance or situation I find myself in. I will never forget that my heavenly Father loves me with all of His heart and is caring for me every second of every day. He commands His lovingkindness in the daytime and at night His song remains with me. My father never fails to be there for me. He is my Comforter who restores to me the joy of my salvation.
(Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 51:12; Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:4)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Doing the impossible
Luke 18:27 NKJV
But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Declaration of Faith
Everything that is naturally impossible to me has become possible through the Holy Spirit dwelling within me.
(Matthew 17:20; 19:26; Mark 9:23; 10:27; 11:22-25; Luke 1:37; Hebrews 11:1,6)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Declaration of Faith
Everything that is naturally impossible to me has become possible through the Holy Spirit dwelling within me.
(Matthew 17:20; 19:26; Mark 9:23; 10:27; 11:22-25; Luke 1:37; Hebrews 11:1,6)
**Taken from The Complete Personalized Promise Bible for Women.**
Friday, February 20, 2009
The voice of truth
It seems like everything in the news is depressing. The world seems in mass confusion. The economy is disgustingly strained. Unemployment is almost to double digits nationally. Ethics are compromised by greed. We lie, steal, cheat, and murder and more every day these things become increasingly acceptable.
It is easy to see why depression is escalating. It is easy to see why so many are afraid of getting out of bed or looking beyond today. By all appearances, life is bad right now. To find someone not concerned about the economy is a challenge.
I am a self proclaimed optimist. Sure, I have my moments of darkness, but they are so infrequent and when doubt, confusion and depression rears its ugly head, I am able to find my happy place again quickly.
Having a conversation with my loving Father is encouraging, refreshing. Praising and worshipping Him helps to put things into perspective. I don't live in the worlds economy. I live in His economy. I don't have to worry about tomorrow. He will care for my needs. One day I will reside with Him and all the cares of the world will be a distant memory, if even that. My life on earth is but a blip on the radar of eternity. That is encouraging to me. That is what makes me smile.
Today, as I realized I was falling into a funk the song "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns continued to run through my head like a broken record. It is so relevant, so true. Please watch and listen and hopefully you will find a moment of peace as you hear His voice of truth speaking to you.
It is easy to see why depression is escalating. It is easy to see why so many are afraid of getting out of bed or looking beyond today. By all appearances, life is bad right now. To find someone not concerned about the economy is a challenge.
I am a self proclaimed optimist. Sure, I have my moments of darkness, but they are so infrequent and when doubt, confusion and depression rears its ugly head, I am able to find my happy place again quickly.
Having a conversation with my loving Father is encouraging, refreshing. Praising and worshipping Him helps to put things into perspective. I don't live in the worlds economy. I live in His economy. I don't have to worry about tomorrow. He will care for my needs. One day I will reside with Him and all the cares of the world will be a distant memory, if even that. My life on earth is but a blip on the radar of eternity. That is encouraging to me. That is what makes me smile.
Today, as I realized I was falling into a funk the song "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns continued to run through my head like a broken record. It is so relevant, so true. Please watch and listen and hopefully you will find a moment of peace as you hear His voice of truth speaking to you.
Monday, February 16, 2009
New ring update
So far, during my online search, I have only found one ring that I really, really just had to see in person. One day last week I went to take a look and after trying it on, I still really liked it.
The next step was to show The Designer the ring. On Friday he and I went to the store specifically to look at the ring. I tried it on. He looked at it. He made no comment about it one way or the other. We weren't prepared to make a purchase that night so after showing him, we left.
As we walked out of the store and he said, "I have to tell you this now because if I don't and you find out later, you will be very angry with me. I think that ring is EXTREMELY (very heavy emphasis on extremely) ugly. But, please, if that is the one you want, don't let that stop you from getting it."
So there you have it...I don't need The Designer to LOVE my ring, but I do not want him to HATE it either. If he feels that strongly about it, it is not the right ring for me. I haven't found anything else that I like enough to go look at in person, so for now, I will just repair the ring I have and continue to wear it. I like that ring just fine...I certainly don't need a new ring. For now I am no longer looking for a new ring. If one every jumps out at me as "The One" I'll definitely consider it at that time.
The next step was to show The Designer the ring. On Friday he and I went to the store specifically to look at the ring. I tried it on. He looked at it. He made no comment about it one way or the other. We weren't prepared to make a purchase that night so after showing him, we left.
As we walked out of the store and he said, "I have to tell you this now because if I don't and you find out later, you will be very angry with me. I think that ring is EXTREMELY (very heavy emphasis on extremely) ugly. But, please, if that is the one you want, don't let that stop you from getting it."
So there you have it...I don't need The Designer to LOVE my ring, but I do not want him to HATE it either. If he feels that strongly about it, it is not the right ring for me. I haven't found anything else that I like enough to go look at in person, so for now, I will just repair the ring I have and continue to wear it. I like that ring just fine...I certainly don't need a new ring. For now I am no longer looking for a new ring. If one every jumps out at me as "The One" I'll definitely consider it at that time.
I wonder
I wonder what God has in store for my future. I think about it often. I don't worry about it, just think about it.
I loved, loved, loved being a high school teacher. I loved the connections I made with students and the difference that I made. I fully believe that is the career God intended for me. I miss it. Alot.
I love that I have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, but that doesn't take away my desire to teach high school. I know we are blessed to be able to afford me to stay home. I have several friends who would love this opportunity. I don't take it for granted. I love having this opportunity. Really, I do. But every now and again I get this strong desire to start looking for a teaching job. Is that God or is that me? I struggle with knowing the difference sometimes.
We have four years until Lil Princess enters Kindergarten. I don't plan to return to work until she is in school full time, which, as it currently stands, would be five years from now as Kindergarten is part-time (they are considering changing that though). I have already been a stay-at-home momma for 4.5 years. I can do 5 more, right?
Finding a full time high school business teaching job is not going to be an easy task. I do know, however, that if that is where God wants me, the position will be available at the right time. Since our state has been struggling for so long, we have lost a lot of residents, therefore the number of students has dropped. As a result, many of the non-core classes have been cut from most high schools. That means there are few jobs out there and it is not often that someone currently teaching in that particular area actually retires...so, the window of opportunity is small...very, very small.
I will continue to seek Gods wisdom in this matter. I want to do what is pleasing to Him. I want to do what is right for our family. I trust that the two (do or will) align. The Designer has told me many times that the value I add to our family is beyond measure, beyond a paycheck...but why on those really long, very difficult days, does it not feel like that?
I am excited about what my (our) future holds. I can't wait to see what God has in store. I know in perfect timing, it will be revealed. Until then, I will go bathe my children, feed them breakfast, play with them, and do all of the other mommy things that a typical Monday calls for. I will love the special moments I share with them. I will cherish nap time, too! :)
**As I reread this, I felt it was important to mention that God has been providing for my career in that I do still teach 1 or 2 college classes every semester and have been for the past 4 years. It has helped to provide some for our family (financially) and to keep me in the classroom. I am teaching 1 night a week right now and I do enjoy getting out of the house. I just know that unless I have a heart change (which is possible) college is not where God plans for me to stay indefinitely.**
I loved, loved, loved being a high school teacher. I loved the connections I made with students and the difference that I made. I fully believe that is the career God intended for me. I miss it. Alot.
I love that I have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, but that doesn't take away my desire to teach high school. I know we are blessed to be able to afford me to stay home. I have several friends who would love this opportunity. I don't take it for granted. I love having this opportunity. Really, I do. But every now and again I get this strong desire to start looking for a teaching job. Is that God or is that me? I struggle with knowing the difference sometimes.
We have four years until Lil Princess enters Kindergarten. I don't plan to return to work until she is in school full time, which, as it currently stands, would be five years from now as Kindergarten is part-time (they are considering changing that though). I have already been a stay-at-home momma for 4.5 years. I can do 5 more, right?
Finding a full time high school business teaching job is not going to be an easy task. I do know, however, that if that is where God wants me, the position will be available at the right time. Since our state has been struggling for so long, we have lost a lot of residents, therefore the number of students has dropped. As a result, many of the non-core classes have been cut from most high schools. That means there are few jobs out there and it is not often that someone currently teaching in that particular area actually retires...so, the window of opportunity is small...very, very small.
I will continue to seek Gods wisdom in this matter. I want to do what is pleasing to Him. I want to do what is right for our family. I trust that the two (do or will) align. The Designer has told me many times that the value I add to our family is beyond measure, beyond a paycheck...but why on those really long, very difficult days, does it not feel like that?
I am excited about what my (our) future holds. I can't wait to see what God has in store. I know in perfect timing, it will be revealed. Until then, I will go bathe my children, feed them breakfast, play with them, and do all of the other mommy things that a typical Monday calls for. I will love the special moments I share with them. I will cherish nap time, too! :)
**As I reread this, I felt it was important to mention that God has been providing for my career in that I do still teach 1 or 2 college classes every semester and have been for the past 4 years. It has helped to provide some for our family (financially) and to keep me in the classroom. I am teaching 1 night a week right now and I do enjoy getting out of the house. I just know that unless I have a heart change (which is possible) college is not where God plans for me to stay indefinitely.**
Friday, February 13, 2009
18 months
Lil Princess is 18 months old today. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. We have actually had her in our lives as long as we officially waited for her to become a part of our lives now (i.e. from the time our profile was active until the day she was born).
The wait for our child to find us seemed long and sometimes overwhelming, but the moment she was in our arms, the wait seemed almost nonexistent. Now that we have had her with us as long as we waited for her, the wait seemed so minimal compared to the joy and completion she has brought to our lives.
She perfectly fills the hole our family experienced. We couldn't have picked a more perfect little person to join our family and I will be forever grateful to N for allowing us the honor and privilege or having Princess as our daughter.
Happy 18 month birthday Lil Princess.
We love you!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Another Lil Bug moment to share
This morning I received a call shortly after Lil Bug left for school. It was her physical therapist, Mrs. S. I haven't spoken with her in a while, so it was good to touch base.
Part way into the conversation she said, "You must have really been working hard with Bug while you were on vacation."
Um, no? Not really?!?!
According to Mrs. S, when Bug saw her (for the first time in over 2 weeks) she got very excited and started shouting, "I have something very special to show you, Mrs. S. You are going to be so proud of me."
She then sat down in the middle of the room and proceeded to stand up all by herself. Now, for 99.99% of the people in the world, that is very normal, very expected...but for Bug, it was yet another miracle.
Up until that moment she has always had to pull herself up to a stand using the couch, someones leg, a chair, whatever she had access to. If she fell while walking unaided, she would usually crawl over to something sturdy and pull herself up. But apparently last week that all changed.
Now here is the weird part of this story...we have NOT been practicing that. Not at all. While we were on vacation she basically stayed in the stroller the entire time. I'm the one who "works" with Bug during the day to practice getting stronger and learning things and I have not focused on standing up alone. So, how did she know that morning that she could do it? She was so sure when she saw Mrs. S. She knew without a doubt that she could do it, but why? I could understand if we had been working on it to 'surprise' her, but we hadn't...so how did she know?
When she came home from school today I asked her to show me how she stands up by herself and she did it, no problem. I, of course, celebrated (shrieking, dancing, thanking God, the whole-nine-yards) and she celebrated with me. I told her that I didn't know she could do that and she simply said, "I know you didn't know...but I knew I could."
How did she know? I have an idea. I'm sure it is a similar story to her "God told me to walk, so I got up and walked" story. But I don't want to flat out ask her because I don't want to lead her one way or another...so I'll just wait patiently for it to surface.
In the meantime I have been thanking God over and over again. Thank God for the miracles that he continues to bestow upon our family, upon my Bug. He is so good to us...so good. Not just sometimes, but all the time.
I have no doubt that she will continue to have miracles in her life. She is a very blessed little girl.
Part way into the conversation she said, "You must have really been working hard with Bug while you were on vacation."
Um, no? Not really?!?!
According to Mrs. S, when Bug saw her (for the first time in over 2 weeks) she got very excited and started shouting, "I have something very special to show you, Mrs. S. You are going to be so proud of me."
She then sat down in the middle of the room and proceeded to stand up all by herself. Now, for 99.99% of the people in the world, that is very normal, very expected...but for Bug, it was yet another miracle.
Up until that moment she has always had to pull herself up to a stand using the couch, someones leg, a chair, whatever she had access to. If she fell while walking unaided, she would usually crawl over to something sturdy and pull herself up. But apparently last week that all changed.
Now here is the weird part of this story...we have NOT been practicing that. Not at all. While we were on vacation she basically stayed in the stroller the entire time. I'm the one who "works" with Bug during the day to practice getting stronger and learning things and I have not focused on standing up alone. So, how did she know that morning that she could do it? She was so sure when she saw Mrs. S. She knew without a doubt that she could do it, but why? I could understand if we had been working on it to 'surprise' her, but we hadn't...so how did she know?
When she came home from school today I asked her to show me how she stands up by herself and she did it, no problem. I, of course, celebrated (shrieking, dancing, thanking God, the whole-nine-yards) and she celebrated with me. I told her that I didn't know she could do that and she simply said, "I know you didn't know...but I knew I could."
How did she know? I have an idea. I'm sure it is a similar story to her "God told me to walk, so I got up and walked" story. But I don't want to flat out ask her because I don't want to lead her one way or another...so I'll just wait patiently for it to surface.
In the meantime I have been thanking God over and over again. Thank God for the miracles that he continues to bestow upon our family, upon my Bug. He is so good to us...so good. Not just sometimes, but all the time.
I have no doubt that she will continue to have miracles in her life. She is a very blessed little girl.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Wedding Rings
About one month ago I noticed that my wedding ring was smashed...bad. One would think that I would actually recall something happening considering it was so disfigured, but alas, I don't.
I need to get it fixed. I haven't yet so currently I am wearing another of my rings until I get my wedding ring back.
Although I love having a wedding ring, I am not particularly attached to this particular ring. We married when we were poor, nineteen year olds. We didn't have money for anything extravagant but this ring just about broke the bank for us. I am totally ok with having a small ring. That has never bothered me in the slightest. The only regret I have is that the ring is yellow gold rather than white gold as I don't wear anything yellow gold.
Over the years The Designer and I have talked about getting new rings (he's not particularly attached to his either) but the rings have never made it to the top of our priority list so we've never saved the money for new ones.
When I discovered my ring smashed a while back I started teasing The Designer, telling him that it was surely a sign that it was time to get a new ring. And, besides...we are going to be celebrating 13 years of marriage and I am just about certain that a new wedding ring is the perfect gift for a 13 year celebration!!! He always rolls his eyes and tells me to keep dreaming.
Then, this weekend, totally out of the blue he says to me, "Lets start looking for new rings...I think it is time."
Wait...
What?!?!
Did he just say we can get new rings?
Really?
So, now that I have "permission" to shop for a new ring, I have no idea what I would even get...so, off to the stores I'll go.
I love that we didn't buy one before now. I would hate to think of financing a ring...it would be silly in this economy. It will be much more satisfying looking at a shiny new ring knowing that we saved, paid for it and earned it through our years of marriage! :)
Any suggestions out there of what I should get?
This is one that I *think* I like, but of course, once I see it in person, I'll may think it is gaudy or something. My concern with this one is that it might be too tall on my finger...hopefully I'll go see it in person soon. My big draw to this one is that it is unique (or at least I think it is...I really haven't been in the ring market for a long time so maybe it is very common, IDK)
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