Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
Today things did not go the way I planned or wanted. I understand, deep down that this is a part of life. But, it being my birthday part if me REALLY wanted to pout.
I'm sure my parents remember growing up I would say it was going to be a beautiful day, because I had "ordered" nice weather. And, April being what it was where we lived, it usually was. I'd smile and say "see! He loves me!"
I'm so grateful for God's grace in my life that now I can know that when things are not going "my" way I can rejoice in Him and His sovereignty in my life.
What an incredible gift!
I know He loves me, as His special daughter. Even more than I love our sweet girl. More than I can fathom.
And in that love He gives me what I need!
Even snow on my birthday.
I am also grateful for His grace in leading me through a friend to Ann Vonskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts", and for Him teaching me to give thanks in all things, resting in His arms of love and Daddy's heart.
Even for pain. Even for things I don't like. Even for snow on my birthday.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
For His great name
Joshua 7:... And what will you do for your great name?”
Praying and asking God to work and what will He do for the sake of His name.
This really struck me during my quiet time this week. Wow! What boldness!
Joshua was in a tough situation to say the least. Israel had just been defeated at Ai. They were surrounded by enemies
I don't know about you, but I think I pray a little "politely"sometimes.
Joshua called on God to defend Himself and bring glory to His name.
I started to pray in this way after reading this. I challenge you to do the same!
Some gifts:
-Long winters, with spring coming when God call it, in the weather and in our lives.
- "Be strong and courageous"
- getting back to counting my gifts.
- quiet time with Jesus.
- Grace towards me that is new every morning.
- My car accident (trust in The Lord, and learning compassion for others).
Praying and asking God to work and what will He do for the sake of His name.
This really struck me during my quiet time this week. Wow! What boldness!
Joshua was in a tough situation to say the least. Israel had just been defeated at Ai. They were surrounded by enemies
I don't know about you, but I think I pray a little "politely"sometimes.
Joshua called on God to defend Himself and bring glory to His name.
I started to pray in this way after reading this. I challenge you to do the same!
Some gifts:
-Long winters, with spring coming when God call it, in the weather and in our lives.
- "Be strong and courageous"
- getting back to counting my gifts.
- quiet time with Jesus.
- Grace towards me that is new every morning.
- My car accident (trust in The Lord, and learning compassion for others).
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Almost A New Year
3 gifts prayed for:
~Continued provision.
~God's will in our lives.
~Joy in Him no matter what.
3 gifts Praised for:
~Learning to pray together as a couple.
~A wonderful Christmas with family and friends.
~The community of church family that we have.
3 hard gifts:
~Unanswered prayer.
~No answers from doctors.
~Physical pain.
3 gifts of change:
~Change of seasons.
~Change to the heart.
~Change to perspective.
A gift small: The changes in my little lady, her world is opening up!
A gift smaller: A sweet smile from the Sweetie.
A gift smallest: New beads :).
3 gifts read:
~“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7,8
~“I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Jeremiah 17:10
~ And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Acts 16:31
3 gifts said:
~Hearing my husband tell my daugher she gets more and more beautiful.
~Having my husband tell me that I have been a source of grace in his life over the past year.
~Hearing words that encourage me to believe the truth about how God views me.
3 gifts re-read:
~The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9
~One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Acts 16:14
~And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
Acts 23:1
3 gifts burning:
~Fire in the fireplace on Christmas.
~Candles all around on Christmas.
~Warmth in our hearts, put their by the greatest Gift Giver on Christmas.
~Continued provision.
~God's will in our lives.
~Joy in Him no matter what.
3 gifts Praised for:
~Learning to pray together as a couple.
~A wonderful Christmas with family and friends.
~The community of church family that we have.
3 hard gifts:
~Unanswered prayer.
~No answers from doctors.
~Physical pain.
3 gifts of change:
~Change of seasons.
~Change to the heart.
~Change to perspective.
A gift small: The changes in my little lady, her world is opening up!
A gift smaller: A sweet smile from the Sweetie.
A gift smallest: New beads :).
3 gifts read:
~“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7,8
~“I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Jeremiah 17:10
~ And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Acts 16:31
3 gifts said:
~Hearing my husband tell my daugher she gets more and more beautiful.
~Having my husband tell me that I have been a source of grace in his life over the past year.
~Hearing words that encourage me to believe the truth about how God views me.
3 gifts re-read:
~The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9
~One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Acts 16:14
~And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
Acts 23:1
3 gifts burning:
~Fire in the fireplace on Christmas.
~Candles all around on Christmas.
~Warmth in our hearts, put their by the greatest Gift Giver on Christmas.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Such Joy
A gift unexpected: an old friend of my husbands coming to town, and getting to have a quick breakfast with him.
3 gifts shy
The real me, that it's taken years to come out:
~My voice.
~Sharing my inner self.
~My personality.
3 gifts shelved:
~Shelves full of food.
~My tea cupboard.
~ Books.
3 gifts shining:
~The example of grace in a family that has been friend's with mine for years.
~A new uncle, so excited to meet his niece.
~A new daddy, constantly loving on and beaming over his girl.
A gift circling: onions cut and cooked in my healthy lunch.
A gift crowing: remembering The King of Kings, come as a tiny baby, just like mine, all those years ago.
A gift crafted: new booties, from a friend, which fit my girl's tiny feet.
3 gifts silver:
~Beads in my latest piece.
~Parts on my baby monitor.
~Ornaments on Baba's Tree.
3 gifts sweet:
~yogurt, the end of my lunch.
~cornflake peanut butter squares.
~the smell of a sweet candle.
3 gifts from your Savior:
~Grace in a husband, reminding me to see things as God sees them and not allow guilt to overcome me.
~Grace in family who love us so much.
~Grace in the opportunity to be a mother.
A gift hung: An ornament from a dear cousin.
A gift held: The hand of my Love.
A gift heard: Hearing my husband telling a friend how he knew he had to "marry that girl" and being reminded of how much he loves me.
3 gifts orange:
~My wonderful, handcrafted diaper bag.
~A cozy sweater.
~Yummy oranges, tastes like Christmas!
3 gifts falling:
~Snow flakes.
~My weight ;).
~Tears as my heart was shared.
A gift caught: Joy caught on camera as The Uncle meets The girly.
A gift let go: Pride, by His grace.
A gift mid-way: My walk with Him.
3 gifts reaped:
~Joy in sharing hope with someone I had invested in years ago.
~Love from little ones.
~Love from my husband.
3 gifts returned:
~Peace.
~Joy.
~Rest (as I let things go, let go of bitterness and trust Him.
3 gifts redeemed:
~My past.
~My present.
~My future.
A gift baked: cookies from friends.
A gift stirred: A cup of new tea.
A gift eaten: Truffles.
3 gifts shy
The real me, that it's taken years to come out:
~My voice.
~Sharing my inner self.
~My personality.
3 gifts shelved:
~Shelves full of food.
~My tea cupboard.
~ Books.
3 gifts shining:
~The example of grace in a family that has been friend's with mine for years.
~A new uncle, so excited to meet his niece.
~A new daddy, constantly loving on and beaming over his girl.
A gift circling: onions cut and cooked in my healthy lunch.
A gift crowing: remembering The King of Kings, come as a tiny baby, just like mine, all those years ago.
A gift crafted: new booties, from a friend, which fit my girl's tiny feet.
3 gifts silver:
~Beads in my latest piece.
~Parts on my baby monitor.
~Ornaments on Baba's Tree.
3 gifts sweet:
~yogurt, the end of my lunch.
~cornflake peanut butter squares.
~the smell of a sweet candle.
3 gifts from your Savior:
~Grace in a husband, reminding me to see things as God sees them and not allow guilt to overcome me.
~Grace in family who love us so much.
~Grace in the opportunity to be a mother.
A gift hung: An ornament from a dear cousin.
A gift held: The hand of my Love.
A gift heard: Hearing my husband telling a friend how he knew he had to "marry that girl" and being reminded of how much he loves me.
3 gifts orange:
~My wonderful, handcrafted diaper bag.
~A cozy sweater.
~Yummy oranges, tastes like Christmas!
3 gifts falling:
~Snow flakes.
~My weight ;).
~Tears as my heart was shared.
A gift caught: Joy caught on camera as The Uncle meets The girly.
A gift let go: Pride, by His grace.
A gift mid-way: My walk with Him.
3 gifts reaped:
~Joy in sharing hope with someone I had invested in years ago.
~Love from little ones.
~Love from my husband.
3 gifts returned:
~Peace.
~Joy.
~Rest (as I let things go, let go of bitterness and trust Him.
3 gifts redeemed:
~My past.
~My present.
~My future.
A gift baked: cookies from friends.
A gift stirred: A cup of new tea.
A gift eaten: Truffles.
Friday, December 21, 2012
His Grace Is Enough
3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
Reading
~"when God wants us to know answers, He wants us to know Him."
And
~"The secret to joy is to keep seeking God where we doubt He is"
And
~ "When we loudly question God’s culpability, God quietly questions our humility."
From Ann today. No, I have not lost my sweet child. But life is hard in many forms. Seeing your husband deal with illnesses for a year, some of which have no answer to them, is hard too.
A gift fixed: Our windshield wipers. Yay! Thank you my dear!
Folded: Laundry (one of my least favorite chores- yay, it's done!)
Freckled: The face of a little friend.
3 gifts in conversation: ~Watching my daughter's reaction to me telling her all kinds of things.
~Sharing the joy of new little things she is learning with others.
~ The comradeship of friendship.
3 gifts in salvation: ~Peace.
~Joy.
~Comfort.
3 gifts in information: Being able to share God's grace and love via:
~Facebook.
~Twitter.
~This blog.
A gift of reading: Truth in the book of Acts. Good stuff!
receding: The end of one year. What a year!
reclaiming: bad habits, ways of doing things admitted, repented of.
3 gifts quiet:
~The first moments of the morning.
~A quiet snuggle in the evening.
~A chance to nap as my mother in law (Baba) loves on the baby.
3 gifts funny:
~Laughing at how the girl wiggles straight out of being swaddled.
~Hearing a story of a prank pulled during my husband's college years.
~Hearing my husband sing silly songs to my daughter.
3 gifts finished:
~Delicious Italian leftovers.
~My last book.
~Old attitudes.
3 gifts flourishing:
My relationships with:
~The Lord.
~My husband.
~My daughter.
All by His abundant grace. No they are not perfect. But He brings growth.
3 gifts white:
~sparkling Christmas lights.
~A fresh bit of snow.
~White Christmas chocolate.
3 gifts bright:
~Red sparkling nail polish on my fingers and toes.
~ My in-laws beautiful Christmas tree.
~Camera flashes as we remember my girl's uncle meeting her for the first time.
3 gifts shining:
~The moon.
~ The sun, shining on this the shortest day of the year.
~Eyes that love their new little granddaughter.
Reading
~"when God wants us to know answers, He wants us to know Him."
And
~"The secret to joy is to keep seeking God where we doubt He is"
And
~ "When we loudly question God’s culpability, God quietly questions our humility."
From Ann today. No, I have not lost my sweet child. But life is hard in many forms. Seeing your husband deal with illnesses for a year, some of which have no answer to them, is hard too.
A gift fixed: Our windshield wipers. Yay! Thank you my dear!
Folded: Laundry (one of my least favorite chores- yay, it's done!)
Freckled: The face of a little friend.
3 gifts in conversation: ~Watching my daughter's reaction to me telling her all kinds of things.
~Sharing the joy of new little things she is learning with others.
~ The comradeship of friendship.
3 gifts in salvation: ~Peace.
~Joy.
~Comfort.
3 gifts in information: Being able to share God's grace and love via:
~Facebook.
~Twitter.
~This blog.
A gift of reading: Truth in the book of Acts. Good stuff!
receding: The end of one year. What a year!
reclaiming: bad habits, ways of doing things admitted, repented of.
3 gifts quiet:
~The first moments of the morning.
~A quiet snuggle in the evening.
~A chance to nap as my mother in law (Baba) loves on the baby.
3 gifts funny:
~Laughing at how the girl wiggles straight out of being swaddled.
~Hearing a story of a prank pulled during my husband's college years.
~Hearing my husband sing silly songs to my daughter.
3 gifts finished:
~Delicious Italian leftovers.
~My last book.
~Old attitudes.
3 gifts flourishing:
My relationships with:
~The Lord.
~My husband.
~My daughter.
All by His abundant grace. No they are not perfect. But He brings growth.
3 gifts white:
~sparkling Christmas lights.
~A fresh bit of snow.
~White Christmas chocolate.
3 gifts bright:
~Red sparkling nail polish on my fingers and toes.
~ My in-laws beautiful Christmas tree.
~Camera flashes as we remember my girl's uncle meeting her for the first time.
~The moon.
~ The sun, shining on this the shortest day of the year.
~Eyes that love their new little granddaughter.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
A worth while tiredness
I apologize if my references to gifts in my daughter are getting repetitive. I am still constantly thankful and amazed at the gift(s) that is her.
Last night we had an all-nighter with the youth. Always a good time :). My little bean was soooo good. She slept through some crazy levels of noise and even through being held while her holder played around the world ping-pong.
A gift cool: home-made apple sauce, pulled up from the basement.
Warm: Sweet piggy toes, curled in her daddy's beard.
Sun-soaked: My little bean a little while after she came home, getting some sun for her skin.
3 gifts Autum (again, still catching up):
~Seeing God's Soverignty over the seasons.
~Watching the leaves quickly change color on the mountains around the city.
~A pumpkin spice latte.
3 gifts growing:
~My little girl, even though she is still a petite little thing.
~Our practice in basic parenting (i.e. changing, bathing).
~Our love for each other as we love our little girl.
3 gifts given:
~ Time to the youth at our all-nighter last night (what a joy).
~ A Christmas package sent to family.
~ Energy in washing the babies diapers on a regular basis. (what a privilege).
A gift made: Christmas cookies baked for the youth Christmas party.
A gift scrawled: notes on information to a gift sent in the mail.
A gift started: Beginning to teach our daughter the truth of the Gospel.
3 gifts drawn:
~ Names from a hat as the kids played 4 on a couch last night.
~ A Merry Christmas sign on my friend's door as we got to mom's group yesterday, drawn by her sweet girl.
~ A pattern I'm using (that I created) to make a new version of an older idea.
3 gifts paired:
~Green earrings, a fun festive detail to go with my Christmas necklace.
~Peppermint cookies with candycane coffee.
~Teams of two around the table to play some Dutch Blitz.
3 gifts shared:~ Memories.
~Laughs.
~Prayer.
Last night we had an all-nighter with the youth. Always a good time :). My little bean was soooo good. She slept through some crazy levels of noise and even through being held while her holder played around the world ping-pong.
A gift cool: home-made apple sauce, pulled up from the basement.
Warm: Sweet piggy toes, curled in her daddy's beard.
Sun-soaked: My little bean a little while after she came home, getting some sun for her skin.
3 gifts Autum (again, still catching up):
~Seeing God's Soverignty over the seasons.
~Watching the leaves quickly change color on the mountains around the city.
~A pumpkin spice latte.
3 gifts growing:
~My little girl, even though she is still a petite little thing.
~Our practice in basic parenting (i.e. changing, bathing).
~Our love for each other as we love our little girl.
3 gifts given:
~ Time to the youth at our all-nighter last night (what a joy).
~ A Christmas package sent to family.
~ Energy in washing the babies diapers on a regular basis. (what a privilege).
A gift made: Christmas cookies baked for the youth Christmas party.
A gift scrawled: notes on information to a gift sent in the mail.
A gift started: Beginning to teach our daughter the truth of the Gospel.
3 gifts drawn:
~ Names from a hat as the kids played 4 on a couch last night.
~ A Merry Christmas sign on my friend's door as we got to mom's group yesterday, drawn by her sweet girl.
~ A pattern I'm using (that I created) to make a new version of an older idea.
3 gifts paired:
~Green earrings, a fun festive detail to go with my Christmas necklace.
~Peppermint cookies with candycane coffee.
~Teams of two around the table to play some Dutch Blitz.
3 gifts shared:~ Memories.
~Laughs.
~Prayer.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Getting there!
Yes, I have been forever catching up on this list! But I refuse to give up!
It's a reminder that I need to keep my priorities straight, and a good practice in counting God's constant blessings in my life.
Giving thanks has become such a part of my life now. I will be forever grateful for Ann's book!
3 gifts fragile:
~ Christmas tree balls.
~ Special ornament from a cousin.
~ Friendships, may I not take them for granted again.
A gift cut: homemade reusable baby wipes.
Sewn: Quilts made for my sweet girl.
Buttoned: Little dress worn for a short time by the girl on Sunday (guess she decided it wasn't her style ;) )
3 gifts new:
~ The outpouring of love on our family in so many gifts for our daughter. What a gift of grace!
~ A new haircut!
~ Perspectives.
3 gifts long awaited:
~Snuggles.
~Smiles.
~Cries in the night.
A gift one: Wonderful friend who lets me pop in on her.
Two: Sweet girls to visit with.
three: Cups of candy cane coffee.
3 gifts very small:
~ Sweet white chocolate peppermint kisses (a particular weakness of mine!)
~ Tiny toes.
~ Wee little diapers.
3 miracles:
~ That I get to be a mommy. I don't take this for granted, God kept me alive four years ago and allowed us to become parents, though it took a while (in our opinion ;) ).
~Salvation, come as a babe.
~ That God would create for me and prepare for me a husband and a daddy for my girl and that we would all fit together so perfectly.
3 gifts summer (memories now ;) Yes, I am forever catching up):
~ Watermelon.
~ Cool swims.
~ Warm sun kissing the skin.
3 gifts cut:
~ Paper cut on my tongue as I get thank you cards ready. How wonderful that we need to send thank you cards!
~ Slices of homemade bread.
~ Cheese to go in the bread for a sandwich.
3 gifts yellow:
~ My breakfast egg.
~bits of yellow on tiny little socks.
~ post it notes used to keep track of things during this season of not being able to remember everything!
It's a reminder that I need to keep my priorities straight, and a good practice in counting God's constant blessings in my life.
Giving thanks has become such a part of my life now. I will be forever grateful for Ann's book!
3 gifts fragile:
~ Christmas tree balls.
~ Special ornament from a cousin.
~ Friendships, may I not take them for granted again.
A gift cut: homemade reusable baby wipes.
Sewn: Quilts made for my sweet girl.
Buttoned: Little dress worn for a short time by the girl on Sunday (guess she decided it wasn't her style ;) )
3 gifts new:
~ The outpouring of love on our family in so many gifts for our daughter. What a gift of grace!
~ A new haircut!
~ Perspectives.
3 gifts long awaited:
~Snuggles.
~Smiles.
~Cries in the night.
A gift one: Wonderful friend who lets me pop in on her.
Two: Sweet girls to visit with.
three: Cups of candy cane coffee.
3 gifts very small:
~ Sweet white chocolate peppermint kisses (a particular weakness of mine!)
~ Tiny toes.
~ Wee little diapers.
3 miracles:
~ That I get to be a mommy. I don't take this for granted, God kept me alive four years ago and allowed us to become parents, though it took a while (in our opinion ;) ).
~Salvation, come as a babe.
~ That God would create for me and prepare for me a husband and a daddy for my girl and that we would all fit together so perfectly.
3 gifts summer (memories now ;) Yes, I am forever catching up):
~ Watermelon.
~ Cool swims.
~ Warm sun kissing the skin.
3 gifts cut:
~ Paper cut on my tongue as I get thank you cards ready. How wonderful that we need to send thank you cards!
~ Slices of homemade bread.
~ Cheese to go in the bread for a sandwich.
3 gifts yellow:
~ My breakfast egg.
~bits of yellow on tiny little socks.
~ post it notes used to keep track of things during this season of not being able to remember everything!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Mid December
A gift in a ring: Realizing what a treasure it is to wear my wedding rings when I have some trouble with them.
In a curve: My nursing pillow.
In a sphere: Fun toy for my little lady.
3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
~God showing me how I need to find joy in Him even if my husband is in pain or sick in some form for the rest of our lives.
~ Learning contentment.
~ Having God show me some things that need adjusting.
3 gifts of family:
~A new member for Christmas.
~Special times of bonding with my girl.
~Watching my husband daddy our girl.
3 gifts in the morning:
~Waking up early to feed our daughter.
~Quiet time in prayer.
~ A hot cup of coffee that tastes good again :).
A gift red: Christmas decorations.
Read: " When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.
Written: Writing in my journal about trusting God when we ask for something in prayer." Acts 12: 12-16
3 gifts in church:
~Christ centred worship.
~Family loving all of us, through joys and trials.
~Sharing in His Body and His blood.
3 gifts of serving:
~Joy in serving the older students as they packaged their baked goods for their fundraiser.
~Joy in serving my family in taking care of our home.
~Love in taking care of my daughter.
A gift straight: Thank you cards, for all the gifts poured on us. So much love.
Curve: Rim of my hot cup of tea on this cold snowy day.
Turn: My days changing from being about me, to about a little person.
3 gifts in light: ~Light from a sweet smelling candle.
~Light in the hall as I trip to get my waking baby in the night.
~ watching the light slip from sleepy eyes.
3 gifts old:
~ Scripture, and the Truth it holds.
~ A godly heritage passed on to me.
~ Christmas carols.
3 gifts moving:
My daughters arms, feet and legs.
In a curve: My nursing pillow.
In a sphere: Fun toy for my little lady.
3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
~God showing me how I need to find joy in Him even if my husband is in pain or sick in some form for the rest of our lives.
~ Learning contentment.
~ Having God show me some things that need adjusting.
3 gifts of family:
~A new member for Christmas.
~Special times of bonding with my girl.
~Watching my husband daddy our girl.
3 gifts in the morning:
~Waking up early to feed our daughter.
~Quiet time in prayer.
~ A hot cup of coffee that tastes good again :).
A gift red: Christmas decorations.
Read: " When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.
Written: Writing in my journal about trusting God when we ask for something in prayer." Acts 12: 12-16
3 gifts in church:
~Christ centred worship.
~Family loving all of us, through joys and trials.
~Sharing in His Body and His blood.
3 gifts of serving:
~Joy in serving the older students as they packaged their baked goods for their fundraiser.
~Joy in serving my family in taking care of our home.
~Love in taking care of my daughter.
A gift straight: Thank you cards, for all the gifts poured on us. So much love.
Curve: Rim of my hot cup of tea on this cold snowy day.
Turn: My days changing from being about me, to about a little person.
3 gifts in light: ~Light from a sweet smelling candle.
~Light in the hall as I trip to get my waking baby in the night.
~ watching the light slip from sleepy eyes.
3 gifts old:
~ Scripture, and the Truth it holds.
~ A godly heritage passed on to me.
~ Christmas carols.
3 gifts moving:
My daughters arms, feet and legs.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Whirlwind
The last month has been, to say the least, a little insane.
First, my husband was admitted to the hospital (he had some kind of virus behind his eyes that was affecting his site and giving him headaches). The same day I woke up with a sore neck. I thought I had just slept funny, but I'm still getting over it. That made me feel lousy and gave me some headaches. All while 37 weeks pregnant!
So, I was wrestling with resting in God and not stressing, all the while only wanting my husband to be okay and be with me in delivery.
He was able to be there.
The day after I was to be induced, I was and after a wild ride, my little lady joined our family. I really don't prefer being induced, but that is my life as I have to be one blood thinner while pregnant and it's safer to do things this way for both of us so we can make sure the thinner is out of my system.
So, this is God's will for me.
As I waited all day in the hospital the day I was scheduled to be induced and my body was waiting for those horrible gels to work, I remembered something my husband's cousin told me about God teaching her something about surrender to Him with each of her births. This was a huge encouragement and reminder to me.
Life is now completely changed, and completely amazing. My little girl is such a treasure to me.
She is my little petite princess.
I get less sleep. I laugh at ridiculous things from being over-tired. I need naps. I forget what day it is. And it's all amazing.
The funny moments when newborn poo comes sailing out onto my couch. The amazing moments of awe as I feed my girl and she grabs my hand and I look at her toes. The sweet moments when she just wants me and needs to snuggle on my shoulder.
I'm learning more about God as our Father and trusting Him to be just that at the same time, as I need so much wisdom to be her Mom.
Her Dad is completely smitten with his peanut and I love seeing this. This also is a huge treasure to me.
On the phone earlier this week he told someone it was all very natural. This is true. It was the same when we got married. Life together was all very natural.
This is God's plan for us, and it's an amazing treasure.
3 Gifts difficult:
~Being induced.
~Pre-labor
~Labor.
3 gifts white:
~Tiny little newborn diapers.
~Wipes to clean her tiny little bum.
~ Alcohol wipes for keeping her cord/belly button clean.
3 gifts sitting:
~My little honey, sitting in her chair, happily awake, at my feet.
~Getting to relax and heal.
~My new glider rocking chair, a gift from friends.
A gift outside: The first snow of the season.
A gift inside: A cozy day indoors.
A gift upside down: Our whole lives! What a sweet blessing having a baby is.
3 gifts in water:
~My constant glass of water, used to stay hydrated as I start to feed my baby.
~Hot, healing epsom salt baths.
~Water used to make coffee, that I can now enjoy.
A gift at 10 am: Getting ready to bring our girly to church for the first time.
A gift at 1 pm: Lunch for mommy and then little girl.
A gift at 10 pm: Fellowship with friends.
3 gifts in His Word:
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows... Isaiah 53:4
For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
A gift hole: A new wee little belly button in our house.
A gift whole: God's grace in labour, teaching me the beauty in pain.
A gift half: Pain decreased as I saw her sweet little face.
3 hard gifts:
~Learning how to have different sleep patterns in order to properly feed my daughter.
~Learning to be patient with her as I teach her to stay awake and eat.
~Learning to trust the Lord as my husband was in the hospital the days leading up to the day of my induction, knowing God would take care of me in the way that He saw best, whether that meant he would be with me or not.
3 gits of metal:
~My watch, now with a new battery so I can keep track of feeding my girl (among other things ;) )
~My engagement and
~My wedding rings, which mean so much more now with a new little one around.
3 gifts half-hidden:
~ Life under the freezing ground.
~piggy toes peaking out from under her nursing cover.
~Sweetness bundled up in blanket, hands freeing themselves every time.
3 gifts in green:
~ My girl's bouncy seat, she has been using it so much!
~Mom's team as we watch Sunday afternoon football.
~Healthy salads brought to me with meal ministry.
First, my husband was admitted to the hospital (he had some kind of virus behind his eyes that was affecting his site and giving him headaches). The same day I woke up with a sore neck. I thought I had just slept funny, but I'm still getting over it. That made me feel lousy and gave me some headaches. All while 37 weeks pregnant!
So, I was wrestling with resting in God and not stressing, all the while only wanting my husband to be okay and be with me in delivery.
He was able to be there.
The day after I was to be induced, I was and after a wild ride, my little lady joined our family. I really don't prefer being induced, but that is my life as I have to be one blood thinner while pregnant and it's safer to do things this way for both of us so we can make sure the thinner is out of my system.
So, this is God's will for me.
As I waited all day in the hospital the day I was scheduled to be induced and my body was waiting for those horrible gels to work, I remembered something my husband's cousin told me about God teaching her something about surrender to Him with each of her births. This was a huge encouragement and reminder to me.
Life is now completely changed, and completely amazing. My little girl is such a treasure to me.
I get less sleep. I laugh at ridiculous things from being over-tired. I need naps. I forget what day it is. And it's all amazing.
The funny moments when newborn poo comes sailing out onto my couch. The amazing moments of awe as I feed my girl and she grabs my hand and I look at her toes. The sweet moments when she just wants me and needs to snuggle on my shoulder.
I'm learning more about God as our Father and trusting Him to be just that at the same time, as I need so much wisdom to be her Mom.
Her Dad is completely smitten with his peanut and I love seeing this. This also is a huge treasure to me.
On the phone earlier this week he told someone it was all very natural. This is true. It was the same when we got married. Life together was all very natural.
This is God's plan for us, and it's an amazing treasure.
3 Gifts difficult:
~Being induced.
~Pre-labor
~Labor.
3 gifts white:
~Tiny little newborn diapers.
~Wipes to clean her tiny little bum.
~ Alcohol wipes for keeping her cord/belly button clean.
3 gifts sitting:
~My little honey, sitting in her chair, happily awake, at my feet.
~Getting to relax and heal.
~My new glider rocking chair, a gift from friends.
A gift outside: The first snow of the season.
A gift inside: A cozy day indoors.
A gift upside down: Our whole lives! What a sweet blessing having a baby is.
3 gifts in water:
~My constant glass of water, used to stay hydrated as I start to feed my baby.
~Hot, healing epsom salt baths.
~Water used to make coffee, that I can now enjoy.
A gift at 10 am: Getting ready to bring our girly to church for the first time.
A gift at 1 pm: Lunch for mommy and then little girl.
A gift at 10 pm: Fellowship with friends.
3 gifts in His Word:
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows... Isaiah 53:4
For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
A gift hole: A new wee little belly button in our house.
A gift whole: God's grace in labour, teaching me the beauty in pain.
A gift half: Pain decreased as I saw her sweet little face.
3 hard gifts:
~Learning how to have different sleep patterns in order to properly feed my daughter.
~Learning to be patient with her as I teach her to stay awake and eat.
~Learning to trust the Lord as my husband was in the hospital the days leading up to the day of my induction, knowing God would take care of me in the way that He saw best, whether that meant he would be with me or not.
3 gits of metal:
~My watch, now with a new battery so I can keep track of feeding my girl (among other things ;) )
~My engagement and
~My wedding rings, which mean so much more now with a new little one around.
3 gifts half-hidden:
~ Life under the freezing ground.
~piggy toes peaking out from under her nursing cover.
~Sweetness bundled up in blanket, hands freeing themselves every time.
3 gifts in green:
~ My girl's bouncy seat, she has been using it so much!
~Mom's team as we watch Sunday afternoon football.
~Healthy salads brought to me with meal ministry.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Sun Shining Through
A gift high: Sun shining through after a rainy day.
A gift low: My feet-they are not so swollen and feel a lot better!
A gift far away: My mother working out details to come and visit after our little lady arrives.
3 gifts of endings:
~Ending of our season of our family being made of two.
~End of the summer, start of autumn.
~End of one book (start of a new one).
3 gifts fresh:
~The cleaness that follows rain.
~Refreshment of tea with a friend, leading to a fresh prespective.
~Also fresh perspective from time alone with Him (of far greater importance than the first).
A gift on vacation: The treat of a Jimmy Johns sub ;).
A gift home: A good sleep in my own bed (there is just nothing like your own bed).
A gift in relaxation: Refreshment in reading.
3 gifts of beginings:
~Finishing getting little girl's room ready.
~Reading to learn how to care for baby girl.
~Learning to more fully embrace the gift of contentment.
3 gifts together:
~Bright beads;
~New pattern;
~New addiction to a new beadwork stitch.
3 gifts heard:
~God's faithfulness spoken through His Word to my heart.
~Words of love and care from my husband.
~Words from a friend that lift up.
A gift low: My feet-they are not so swollen and feel a lot better!
A gift far away: My mother working out details to come and visit after our little lady arrives.
3 gifts of endings:
~Ending of our season of our family being made of two.
~End of the summer, start of autumn.
~End of one book (start of a new one).
3 gifts fresh:
~The cleaness that follows rain.
~Refreshment of tea with a friend, leading to a fresh prespective.
~Also fresh perspective from time alone with Him (of far greater importance than the first).
A gift on vacation: The treat of a Jimmy Johns sub ;).
A gift home: A good sleep in my own bed (there is just nothing like your own bed).
A gift in relaxation: Refreshment in reading.
3 gifts of beginings:
~Finishing getting little girl's room ready.
~Reading to learn how to care for baby girl.
~Learning to more fully embrace the gift of contentment.
3 gifts together:
~Bright beads;
~New pattern;
~New addiction to a new beadwork stitch.
3 gifts heard:
~God's faithfulness spoken through His Word to my heart.
~Words of love and care from my husband.
~Words from a friend that lift up.
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