The light at the end of the pregnancy tunnel

13 weeks and four days remaining until I become a mother to a baby boy! I'm feeling like I could tip over at any moment because of the weight I'm carrying at the front of my belly and I'm finding it more and more difficult to tie my own shoes. Thank goodness I live in a place where flip flops in the winter is considered acceptable fashion.  The struggle to get out of a chair is the ongoing joke in my family right now and it takes supreme effort just to turn over in bed…I do believe Russell secretly gets a good laugh every time. The physical symptoms are hard to bear sometimes but the hormone flood on the brain makes me feel like I’m going crazy.  Thankfully this will end soon enough.

You would think after already having two children, I would be an expert at this whole pregnancy thing by now but sad to say, that’s not true.   It’s like I’ve forgotten everything I went through and I’m humbled and reminded that each pregnancy is so unique in and of itself.  Yes, there is truth to the saying; God has a way of taking the pains and sufferings of child-bearing and wiping them out of a woman’s mind when all is said and done.  Ask any mother and they will tell you the discomfort is worth the reward in the end, or so many women wouldn't be doing it. 

Although it may sound like I’m complaining about my situation (and maybe I am), even though I’m not in the most comfortable stage of life right now, I’m reminded of the joys that my children constantly bring. Amongst the trials of motherhood and pregnancy, Gods love is the unending waterfall in all these circumstances.  Even though I sometimes find it challenging to stand under the water, he is always there to shower me with his love and grace. 

As I’m quickly coming to the end of this pregnancy I am also reminded that  even though this is a temporary state of discomfort in my life, there are so many women who are not able to experience pregnancy or motherhood at all, or are suffering in ways I can’t even imagine everyday of their life with no end. When I think of this, it makes my suffering seem like a mouse turd in comparison.  There is a famous slogan in the AA world that says  “God taught us to laugh again but God please don’t let us forget that we once cried” Going through these experiences in my life, in a very small way helps me see deeper into the life of those suffering.  May I never forget this difficulty and always have compassion for those who suffer in this world.

Cookie Exchange

One of the most exciting things about Christmas is spending time with friends. Last week I was invited to a cookie exchange party.  We were asked to each bring a couple dozen cookies for the party and copies of the recipes to share.  When we got there, Meghan the host prepared a large table for everyone to set out the cookies.  She had a beautiful arrangement to make the table look wonderfully festive. 

I don’t know what it is about spending time with other moms that is so vital to my sense of well-being but I always feel so recharged and my outlook on life is always higher once I leave a get together like this. While the cookie exchange was so much fun to prepare for, the get together was the perfect outlet for all the moms to visit and get to know each other a little bit better. It was also nice to have a good laugh, get some good advice and be around moms who struggle with some of the same things.  It was the perfect gathering to lift my spirits and help me be a more peaceful person as well as a better mom this season.  Thanks Meghan!

Emergancy Kit

We had our last MOPS meeting for the year last week. In preparing for the meeting I decided it would be fitting to put together an “emergency kit” to get all of us moms through the tough times of winter.

For many, sometimes it becomes hard to be motivated when we feel a sense of dryness or “winter” in our walk as Christians. During these times we may even find ourselves wondering what He is doing and is He really listening at all. However, in these times of dryness, God also gives us wonderful opportunities to build our faith on a more solid foundation. Instead of looking for his comfort, in many ways we are forced to look deeper into His truths. Preparing for these times in our life can make all the difference in the world.

Candle – God’s Guidance

we’ve all heard the saying, “Burning one’s candle at both ends”. As mom’s we are constantly working too hard with too many things, and as a consequence sometimes we can feel discouraged and overwhelmed. A candle is intended to be burned from one end to the other only. God’s guidance is our light source. We can’t get through our daily lives, without following God’s direction and leading. This candle will help you stay sensitive to God’s leading and continue to help you go in the right direction so that you can see a little more clearly.

Cocoa : God’s Warmth

During “winter”, it’s easy to develop a bad attitude. It doesn't take much at all for some of us. In comes the dreary days, the cold and chill, and drip...drip...we have formed those icicle attitudes. We become cranky and out of sorts with our family and anyone who we come in contact with. We also tend to complain more about anyone and anything.  When we are in the midst of a trial we sometimes automatically go into icicle attitude mode. We don't have any fellowship with anyone to help encourage us through our trial because who wants to be around us? We have to remember that no one else can fix our bad attitudes. Only we can do that. It's not easy either to adjust your attitude during a "winter" because the weight of that ice is bearing down on us. I've found that the simplest way to start working on adjusting a bad attitude is to take a step back and just remember who God is and who we are not. Open this packet and remember to "Be still, and know that I am God:" Psalm 46:10

God is the Living Water

Bottled water in a winter emergency is a must. We need it to survive just like we need the Living Water. We need Christ and His Word to live. Relying on Him will keep us from a parched existence. Drink in His love, His promises, His blessings, and His strength. Looking to Him in the face of our trials and circumstances will help see us through our "winter".

God’s "Riesens"

We like to keep things predictable and easy. Who wants to explore uncomfortable changes in life? During the “winter” circumstances in our lives we can also be devastated by sour relationships, sick children, and many other circumstances that weigh down on us until we think we can’t go on because we just can’t see the “reason”. During these times our when our life as a woman and mother seem unsettled, we need to remember that God’s “riesens” are far beyond our comprehension. He knows that our lives are much more beautiful when we endure a little difficulty or discomfort; it is then that we grow and lean on His strength.

"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10

Devotional Music

Have some things on hand to sustain you through the winter. Memorized Scriptures can help more than anything. Just a phrase of Scripture to grasp in the dead of our "winter" can be a great comfort to us. There is no easy way out motherhood at times, but keeping our lives in tune with God can help guard against difficult situations. Regular personal devotions and a time with God each day can go a long way.

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17

Remember, never give up! During this time of “winter” strengthen your week knees. Persevere. Know that God always rewards those who persist in chasing after him!

1 Corinthians 13, Christmas Version

I came across this Christmas version of 1 Corinthians 13 and found it most fitting in this time of season.
It's so easy to get sucked into the busyness of Christmas that we forget to cherish what's most important. I have personally caught myself missing the forest for the trees on several occasions and I pray this will be a verse I can reflect upon for the weeks ahead.  May God continue to strenghten my heart so that I will never lose sight of what is most important in this life. Love... 

by author unknown
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

The Laws of Parenting

This is a hilarious post for all of you who suffer from a child that never sleeps! Dr Ray is one of my favorite radio hosts on Catholic radio.  I can’t get over how very true this is!  Take a listen and see if you can relate.

Having a Thankful and Joyful Heart

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil. 4:6

I’m not a fan of the holiday season.  In fact, it’s the most common time of year I experience my depression. When I look back on my early adult years I remember feeling a lot of turmoil and chaos once my parents divorced, especially during the holidays.  So even in my adult life I still have feelings of dread when the holidays come around.

The closer I get to Thanksgiving my eyesight begins to get foggy and I fail to recognize God’s hand of blessing in my life.  I tend to focus on the negatives and let them pull me down.  At times I even find it hard to find any positives in my situation. So this year over the last month to help counteract the negatives, I decided to post my thankful list on face book.  (It was not an easy task, but very humbeling to say the least)  During this month I deliberately found things to be thankful for every day.  It was very enlightening for me and it allowed me to see how God always gives blessings even though I may not see them all the time.   Here is my Thankful list! 

1. I'm thankful for the challenges in my life. They may suck at the time, but they always make me a better person.

2. the words "I love you"

3. the sweet laughter and joy that fills my house. (Even though it's really early :)

4. kindness. Even the smallest act or word can change a day around...

5. My call as a mom to love and raise up the next generation. (Hmmm...what a scary thought:)

6. I'm thankful to live in a country were I have the freedom to vote. A country that still sings God bless America at baseball games and where patriots still fight for our liberties. Thank you to both of my brothers for serving our country.

7. I am NOT perfect. I will NEVER be perfect. I am thankful for forgiveness. It's great to forgive and it's a wonderful feeling to ask for it when I'm in the wrong (which seems to be quite often :)

8. Dogs. They are flat out amazing creatures. Love you, Miss Sadie Lou!

9. Good News!! It's so nice to hear the good stuff, because we all know there's a lot of bad stuff out there.

10. Creativity. It's such a great feeling to make something and know it came from your heart.

11. Character building moments....like being trapped in the car with my family and dog for six hours...What an adventure it's going to be!

12. As I lay here and watch my sleeping sick baby, I am thankful for the blessings given by God. I never want take them lightly and I need to realize it could be all taken away in an instant.

13. My imperfections... It's a tough thing to come to grips with as I'm slowly gaining the baby weight “once again” and my world as a mom seems to grow more challenging. But, through all of these little imperfections of my life, I know there are some perfect moments that make it all worthwhile.

14. Life. How cool is that we're actually here, in this world, living?

15. Memories. It's been a short visit to Midland, but it’s always comforting to know we've shared some great memories and one's that my girls will carry with them always.

16. Today and everyday I'm thankful for the cross.

17. I am thankful for God's often perplexing yet ultimately perfect plan in my life.

18. Words. They are literally my life line. I would not be me without them.

19. Music. It's one of those things I literally cannot live without.

20. Acceptance. I'm so thankful to those who accept me for who I am.

21. Hope. Sometimes it's hard to find, but it's always there, waiting to lift me up.

22. Patience. I don't have very much of it yet, but I'm getting better at it every day!

23. Prayers that turn into deep conversations.
24. A future in Heaven.

25. brokenness which helps me turn to the Lord.

26. women in my life so willing to mentor. Thanks to my God Mother, and many others…

27. Quality Time. When you get to spend really quality time with someone, it's sooo fantastic.

28. Sleep. There's nothing like a soft pillow and a warm blanket after a long, hard day as a mom of toddlers.

29. Plans. I love knowing that fun things are coming up. Putting plans in place is great!

30. Emotions. Sometimes it's scary to feel things deeply, but it's also very wonderful.

31. New Places. As Russell and I celebrate our fourth year in Frisco, I’m thankful I’ve been able to overcome new things and meet amazing woman in my life.  It was very scary but it’s been exciting as well.

32. A shower! It's super great when I can take one with no interruptions!

33. Strength.  I do feel like most of the time I have a lot of internal strength that I need to be thankful for.

34. Gratitude. Without it, I don't think I would be nearly as happy as I am right now.

35. I met a blind mother of five last night. What an amazing woman...Today I thank God who gave me eyes to see the beauty all around me.

36. Good conversation and wonderful friendship. There is no way I could survive without them.

37. Photos, there is nothing quite like a beautiful image to capture a moment. (My sonogram day)

38. Yea for Encouragement! So many people have supported me in my life. It always amazes me how God uses each of our different journeys to help each other. I thank God for the people he has placed in my life and those who have given me a hand in my time of need.

39. Questions. Most often one of the most exciting but busy task as a mom is answering questions.  I love the way my daughter thinks and many times I learn so much from her questions.

40. I have so many things to be thankful for but one of the biggest things is my husband. He is a phenomenal Dad and an incredible person.

Texas Pile-On

This is the first recipe I'm proud to post.  It's our famous "McBride" recipe that we use for our familly get togethers.  It's one of my all time favorites and one that will surely please "most" people. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! I Thank God for good food and great friends!  There is no way I could survive without them.

Control + Alt + Delete

“I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.”
Philippians 4:13
 
Some crazy day it was! Yes, it was just one of those days. Well, I feel like I’ve had many of those lately…You know the one where you wish you could just CONTROL + ALT + Delete the entire day. I was tired and the girls were pushing every button I had. I’m pretty sure there were several times that day that I wondered if I was really cut out to be a mom. Obviously I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, but sometimes as a mother I struggle to be patient with them.
 
The more I thought about my trying day, the more I realized how Jesus must have felt during those final hours on earth. When thinking about His suffering and crucifixion, I am brought to the realization that it was only through His unwavering love for his father and all of us that made his last hours endurable. As believers, the Lord is asking us to offer our difficult times so that it can be united with His cross. Salvation comes from the cross and through the resurrection we are given new life.
 
Philippians 4:13 says “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” We are all challenged from time to time with circumstances that test the limits of our physical, emotional, and mental resources. As I continue down the path of motherhood, I know God will give me all the strength I need to fulfill his calling just as he did for his son Jesus. When I feel like my spiritual life is failing me, I am reminded to stay faithful and leave the progress in His hands. No matter what this world throws at me, it’s all going to be okay. He is always faithful and willing to walk with me through the darkest and weakest hours of my days.
 

Ultrasound of my Heart

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139:23-24

One of the most amazing moments for most mothers is watching the ultrasound of their baby.   

As mentioned in my last blog, I had the opportunity to see our sweet baby boy floating peacefully with a room full of young adults. There is something unexplainable about watching the technician as she checks and makes sure all is well.   In some divine way, I felt this supernatural life working within me.  As I am going through this pregnancy, it makes me see how God must look at me on a spiritual level.

Spiritually, there are times in my life when I don’t know with certainty what is going on inside of me.  Most times, my spiritual side is working well as long as I try to empty myself so He can fill me.  Other times, some of the circumstances lead me to a negative outlook and a resentful attitude. I know there are many areas of my life as a woman, wife, and mother that I have a sinful attitude.  Some of my sinfulness runs in deeper areas of my life I cannot see, and it affects me on many levels and robs me of peace of mind. 

Psalm 139 is a beautiful prayer of permission for God to look inside of me and my spiritual condition.  This prayer helps me to look to God and ask him to help me in the areas of my life that need to be changed.  I need to let him take an “ultrasound” of my heart.  He sees things I cannot, and he knows the best treatment for the things that are wrong.  He is my divine physcian.

Help me father to empty myself in order for you to fill me with your love.  Help me to rely on you in every situation.  Help me to humble myself and acknowledge my weaknesses.  You are my creator and I am nothing without you.  Please change me and help me be spiritually healthy and content.

Baby Marlow

 “I knew you even before you were conceived” Jeremiah 1:4

A couple of weeks ago, a local Pro-Life pregnancy center came to educate the youth group at our Church. I was asked to share my pregnancy in a sonogram to help show them what a baby looks like in the womb. Although I was a little nervous in sharing such an intimate moment, I hoped this opportunity would help influence in some way these young adults.  Even though this is my third pregnancy, seeing life before my eyes is truly one of God’s miracles and one that never gets old.   

To give you a little background, I had a very close friend of mine in High School that got pregnant. I remember her telling me the only way out was to have an abortion.  It was a very difficult decision she needed to make and under the circumstances she felt abortion was her only option.  I would give anything to go back in time and help her make a different choice.  If I only knew what I know today, I would have done everything in my power to help her keep that baby. When I look back at that time in my life, I wonder if we would have been better equipped had there been education and awarenss available like there is today.

There were over a hundred teens in the church.  As I laid there on the table (In case your wondering, it was screened off for my privacy) and listened to their sighs of amazement every time the group watched my baby move, I couldn’t help but feel my eyes start to water. And then she asked me if I knew what I was having. I swallowed with a lump in my throat and with a huge sigh I said no. I knew Russell would be upset if I found out without him. (Please don’t judge, I was in a very tricky situation) The room filled with loud screams as they anxiously wanted to know the sex of the baby.  As the noise got louder, I knew what I had to do.  When she said it was a boy, the whole room filled with laughter and excitement. It was like we had just won the lottery!  It was one of the most amazing moments I have ever shared, one that I will never regret.

When she asked the group if anyone had seen a live sonogram, only seven raised their hands. The woman presenting that night said 90% of women who see a sonogram will choose life for their unborn baby.

Technology has come so far in the last 10 years. We all know life is precious, but to see the life of a baby unfold in the silence of a woman’s body is God’s most miraculous miracles.  One of my favorite quotes that I have come across as a mother is by Mother Teresa; she said “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies”.  I pray there are many unborn lives that will be saved through the simple truth that was revealed that night. May God continue to help all of us see the sanctity of life in every situation. 

 “I knit you together in your mother’s womb you are fearfully and wonderfully made”. Psalms 139  

Birthday

Last week we celebrated Russell’s Birthday.  As Kinley and I were preparing for the evening, I couldn’t help but be encouraged by Kinley’s excitement about her daddy’s birthday. (She was so excited she woke up at 5:30 a.m. and was non-stop till dark!)

I started thinking about how much we look forward to our birthdays when we’re young.  But, as we get older, we tend to not look forward to them as much. Why is that?  Is it because as we get older we tend to look more at our physical appearance and dread the changes that happen to our bodies? Or, for me, I think it’s the reality that life seems to pass by faster the older I get.  (Especially when it comes to celebrating the girl’s birthdays).

Anyway, I’m accepting that if I were to just look at the surface of my life, I will never be satisfied with where I am. There will always be the physical parts that need work and the worldly expectations that need to be met.  But, that’s not the way God intended any of us to live our life entirely. Jeremiah 1:5 says “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”

How profound and mysterious… Before he even created me, God had a purpose for my life that is different from his purpose for anyone else’s life. And in making me, He gave all the grace and talents I need to accomplish that purpose, Wow! 

So, I can look at the outside part of my life and say “I am too old for this or I’m not quite old enough for that” or I can look at every day as a gift and one that only gets sweeter with time. That’s not to say that I will sail through life without problems or obstacles, but Christ will give me everything I need to take one step in the direction I feel He is laying before me and see where it goes.  I’ve got to trust Him to direct the course if I get it wrong.  I should never let the fear of getting it “wrong” keep me from getting started though.

He will provide what I lack.  He will empower me and redirect me when necessary.  He will take care of the details, probably in ways I can’t imagine.   Christ will always give me the grace and love that will help me handle each year. To make a long story short, I’ve got to make every year of my life count for Him.

(Just in case your looking for a great way to celebrate a birthday, here are two amazing recipes brought to you by The Pioneer Woman;)

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/brisket_baby/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/08/the-best-baked-beans-ever/

My sweet girls!

These sweet precious little girls belong to God and He has entrusted me to them.  What a wonderful GIFT!

Got Lemons?

The girls and I just sat down for dinner when Russell called from the airport explaining his car wouldn’t start.  I told him I would head his direction as soon as dinner was finished. Conveniently, there are two different airports in Dallas, so to make the adventure more memorable; I ended up driving to the wrong airport in the pouring down rain.

Have you noticed when you’re a mom the more times you’re thrown into life’s unexpected situations, the more resilience you tend to build?  That’s because God knows that as a mother, we must face these small trials in order to see that we do not have total control over our situation. He always finds a way to graciously throw us those unexpected lemons. 

I finally made it to the right airport and after we made it home from our night of adventure, I started wondering why these things happen in my life. As I walked into my bedroom closet, I read the small plaque hanging on my wall that says; “Be still and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10.

What an inconvenience it was to go through that trial. But, what if going through that event was God’s protecting hand on my husband not driving that night?  Or even taking that small detour prevented something bigger from happening?  Yes, it’s true “understanding God would be easier if we had infinite IQ.”  But unfortunately we don’t.

Although I will never understand the entirety of my “whys” in life, maybe it’s through these ordinary mundane things where God is speaking to me the most?  There will always be those unexpected lemons, just like last week I spent 45 minutes with Bailey in the waiting room until finally they said they had forgotten about me.  Or that inconvenient moment half way through the grocery store when Kinley needed to go potty and she couldn’t wait. Sometimes the lemons seem to come so often I wonder if I should start my own lemonade stand.

But, it’s during those moments I have to stop and recognize that this is where God wants me to be. I have to trust that it’s through these little promptings in my daily life, He is speaking directly to me. “Be still and know that I am God” has taken on a new meaning in my life and one that will remind me that I must be still and know He is my only way; He is the only one that can give me deeper purpose in life.

The Wife of Noble Character

Is there really such a thing as a total complete Proverbs 31woman? As I read this scripture the other day, I started feeling myself getting a little overwhelmed. When I was making my checklist and comparing notes, I couldn't help but think I sure have a long way to go to reach this woman God desires me to be. However, this scripture also gives me something greater to strive for in my daily life as a woman who loves Christ, a wife and mother.
 
Being a proverbs woman like anything in life takes work. I've got to work at becoming a good mother, good cook, good wife, and all those oher things.  We don't wake up one day and automatically become that woman. (Although it would be nice if I could magically have all of these qualities and never have to work at putting God and my family before myself.)
 
I've noticed as I reflect on areas of my life, I don't see any area that doesn't need work. There are times that I keep my house maintained and I am well aware of the things that are happening in my household, while other times, I feel like I'm missing the boat on so many levels. I don't think God's intentions were to overwhelm us as women, but to allow us the opportunity to live a deeper more fulfilled
life within him.
 
Keeping our life in tune with Christ is a huge part of making our qualities as women something that reflects Him and his life we have in Him. It's not an easy journey and one with many challenges but I'm fully up to giving Him my best and trusting He will do the rest. It's a never ending challenge and one that is well worth the price in the end.

The MOPS story

I am beginning my first year as the coordinator of Grace Avenue MOPS group, and my fifth year in MOPS.  I have been married to Russell for 6 years.  We have a 4 year old little girl named Kinley and a 15 month old little girl named Bailey and another due at the end of March!  Russell and I moved to Frisco almost four years ago from the great little West Texas town of Midland. We were High School sweet hearts who couldn’t wait to finish college so we could finally live our life together.   

After Kinley, I had full intentions of going back to work and the last week left of maternity leave my heart did a huge twist! I decided my role as a new mom was where my heart was pulling me so I chose to leave my career and become a stay at home mom.   

I soon learned that with all of the rewards also came the fears and struggles and the need to connect with other moms with young children.  My dear friend, Kirsten invited me to visit our local MOPS group.  At first, I was just so excited to find an activity I could be a part of, but now the meaning of the group has grown to include the friendships, support, fun, leadership opportunities and spiritual growth that MOPS has provided to me.  I hope this will bring you the same joys of connection and understanding that MOPS has given to me. 

Last year we learned together about ourselves as we went through the adventures of motherhood.  We celebrated and embraced the fun in the experiences, even in the midst of daily mom life that stretched us emotionally and spiritually.  The theme for last year “Adventures in Mothering” with the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the amusement park, motherhood felt like a sensory overload. But, the main underlying reason for the theme was to allow us to focus on how God is with us in our mothering adventure.  The knowledge that God is with us on the mothering adventure gives hope and that God’s love is big enough for the magnitude of the adventure!

This year’s theme is “Momology the Art and Science of Motherhood”.  Mothering is both art and science.  There’s the scientific side of mothering where we develop a hypothesis based on certain principles, test and keep refining our hypotheses until we find what works for us. Intertwined with the scientific, mothering requires an artistry that shades with our personality, colors with our unique gifts, and blends past and current experiences. The Theme passage for this year is “Even there your hand will guide me your right hand will hold me fast” Psalm 139:10.  Anywhere we go, God sees, knows, and guides. So we can lead — and love — knowing God will get us through all the hard spots, all our decisions, all our roles, all our times we can’t hold open our eyelids and the times we’re bursting with joy. God’s hand guides us as we guide our children. As we study Momology together to become better moms making a better world. I hope this MOPS year we can learn together how to “experiment” the “Art” of mothering so that what begins in MOPS will serve you as you go out into the world.  Here is our 2010-2011 Steering team!! ENJOY!

The Snow Cone Lady

It’s the end of August and another summer’s promise is almost gone…though the long summer heat is coming to an end, we were excited to spend the last day of August at the Snow Cone lady. (The most famous woman in our house during these hot summer days!)

 
Have you ever noticed that our lives unfold through seasons? We experience periods of joy like robbing your daughter’s piggy bank for $3.00 and meeting great friends for a snow cone, to times that we experience
sadness and emptiness, like the trees in winter that sleep for a time. In spite of that, like the joy of eating a snow cone in the summer, so also the trees in the winter are called back to new life with the
blossoms in the spring.
 
During my difficult times, I sometimes begin to feel that God has forgotten me, left me in darkness. But no: God never intended for any of us to stop seeking him, we were made to have communion with him in
every situation. It amazes me, just when I feel complacent in my walk with Him, He allows adversity to happen. Gratefully, With those hardships, produces more dependence on Him. And in many ways helps me
have more compassion and understanding for others. Perhaps I can't make a difference in the world if I can’t relate to the struggles of others?
 
The Lord says it simply and directly to His people: “I am concerned about you.” And it’s more than a soothing sentiment. God came down from Heaven, and He experienced suffering and sorrow in human flesh.
We know that in Jesus we have an advocate who is compassionate and understanding. May I never doubt His concern for me.
 
Father, help me appreciate all the seasons of my life. Weather in summer or fall may I honor You, in Christ’s precious name. Amen

GG

                                            Gloria "GG"  January 10, 1931 - August 22, 2010

There are a handful of people who come into your world, and touch your life in a dramatic fashion.  Some of the people are just flickers of light during a long life, while others are consistent glows for years.  For me, GG was one with a bright everlasting glow.  She was a woman who lived life to the fullest and loved from her heart every chance she got.

She was so much, to so many. I remember the first time I saw GG was 10 years ago as I was playing a “Space Girl” in the famous Summer Mummers play back home.  You couldn't miss her, of course.  She was the beautiful 70 year old woman who was the first card girl in the “Olio” act that started the year I was born in 1979. Almost 32 years ago!! Her contagious personality could be received for miles…Tina (my counter part at the time) and I admired her beauty and classy style. I remember us both telling her we hoped we looked that good at her age!!!  She just had that special glow about her.

As I look at her life, it amazes me to see how she was so much too so many.  She lived a long beautiful life as a mother of four, and was a member and volunteer for several local charities in the Midland area over her years.  It has been said that "one of our greatest gifts to us is each other" and she truly reflected this in her life.  She was extremely beautiful both inside and out.  To those who knew her, no explanation is necessary... To those who didn't, no explanation is possible... GG, you leave an everlasting legacy, thank you for your beautiful spirit.

After Glow

I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an after glow
of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done

I Get to have another baby

Well, we finally decided to make the announcement!  Here lately I've been starting to feel a little less overwhelmed about the thought of having three.  Today, I’m counting my blessings and realizing as I begin bending my knees, God is showing me that "I get to have another baby." Nothing is going to happen during this time in my life that God and I can’t handle together.

“Because I get to have another baby”

As I look back at the unfolding of this reality, I remember how my heart started racing when I saw the positive sign on the pregnancy test.  I remember the look of excitement on Russell’s face as I told him the news.  I remember the exciting night I made baby back ribs just to announce the news to our girls. It was so exciting to watch Kinley's reaction when she was told she was going to be another BIG sister… Yes, we are truly blessed and highly favored, we get to have another baby.

As the time is slowly moving along, I have the beautiful opportunity to hear the brand new heart beat and the comforting noise that tells me the baby is still well. Not long from now I will get to feel the flutters of my baby and know that God is present in me and building this precious life that will soon reflect His love in this world.

I get to “gracefully” see the swell of my belly and try not to get bothered by my weight gain Whoo!!! I get to laugh at Kinley’s names she has already picked out; Bailey the 2^nd  and Marsh Marlow just to name a few. 

I get to learn the rhythms, the active times, the sleep times, the hiccups and the guessing of movements all before I see that beautiful face. I get to fold the little bitty clothes and cherish the quietness of their sweet coos.

I get to imagine the arrival into the world and all the wonderful feelings of holding and touching that sweet soft skin against mine.  I get to again, feel the real presence of the Lord right beside me as I love and nurture this sweet gift of life he as freely and lovingly given me.

I get to have another baby. Again.

Isn’t God so wonderful to allow our lives the unending blessings that come with parenting and motherhood?  I am so thankful he has led me to this precious time in my life as a mother. 

Every child comes with a message that God is not yet discouraged of man.  Rabindranth Tagore

Strong Willed

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)

As a mother, one of my greatest worries in bringing up my girls is the constant concern I have of trying to discipline them without hurting their spirit.  For those of you who know Kinley, I’ve always labeled her personality as “strong willed.” Well, most of us would label our children in that category right? OK, maybe just a few of us…  I was listening to one of my favorite child psychologist Dr. Ray Guarendi. He is a father of 10, clinical psychologist, author, and public speaker and radio host. He really set a few things straight in my uneasiness when it comes to disciplining my sweet KinleyJ

First he said, we need to keep in mind that we are all sinful in nature because of original sin. This nature creates an automatic bent will that leads to rebelliousness. In other words, it’s a natural battle we will have with our children.  I don’t know about you, but that in itself gives me great comfort!  There are obviously deeper areas involved in shaping the hearts of our children but, it’s reassuring to know there is a way to direct the behavior of my child without feeling the guilt of hurting her spirit.

The ultimate message I a came away with was that it’s not the discipline that breaks the child’s spirit, it's the arguing, nagging, yelling, screaming, negotiating, and frustration that ultimately puts stress on the relationship. If I’m responding with discipline without the nastiness, I’m on the first steps in creating a loving environment for healthy growth in my child.  If I make my discipline strong and firm without all the clutter I can be a better more effective mother. Wow, what a great nugget of information I can add to my parenting plan!

There is also a wonderful book that I reference back to for direction in this area called, "Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp." This book is written for parents with children of any age and there are amazing procedures that are given on how to shepherd the heart of our children from a biblical perspective.  It’s GREAT! 

I am pretty far from the parent I strive to be, but little by little I’m learning that I’m not always going to get it right the first time around. Mothering is definitely an art that takes lots and lots of practice and patience... Eventually I might get it right a few times along the wayJ 

Love is Patient at all times...

 "Never utter in your neighbor's absence what you would not say in their presence." St. Mary Magdalene of Pazzi

Ouch!!!  How well do I heed this wise advice?  This is one of the golden rules right?  So why is it so difficult some times to avoid falling into this gossip trap?  So often times we forget how delicate our words are to the people in our lives.  I have been the victim of rumors and sadly also the guilty party. It's a tough road to avoid when you are in the middle of it and very hurtful when you hear the after effects of it.

As I take a look into my own personal struggle with this problem, I must also take a deeper look at my relationship with my loving father.  Everyone knows that loving one another is of God.  Whenever I get caught up in this type of chitchat, I also find that many times it’s my own pride and ego that gets in the way of God’s truth.  When I can bring myself to recognizing this truth, thankfully, that's when humility steps in...

No one has ever seen God.  Yet if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.  This is how we know that we remain in him and him in us.  That he has given us his spirit. When I catch myself in hearsay, I must remember to always remain in his love and he will perfect my ways. It’s a tough act to follow, and it’s one with great challenge but as the famous verse in scripture says, 1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.”

Whoever walks dishonestly reveals secrets.  But whoever is of a faithful soul conceals what is confided by a friend. Proverbs 11:13

Finding Courage

Falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmovable, but the hinder part was broken with  the violence of the waves. Acts 27:41

As I was reading my devotion today, in Acts 27:33-34 it talks about Paul finding courage in the stormy sea.  It's pretty amazing how God always finds the perfect way to speak to me through scripture!

We're going on our fourth day without air conditioning!!!  It's the hottest time of the year in Texas right now and I feel like Paul the apostle.  It's like I've been thrusted into this violent wave not knowing when the winds will calm.  It's definitely eye opening to realize how much I take for granted these "things" in my life... Just like many unexpected turns in my life, I do know that one thing is constant, I have a wise and powerful guide that will help me through these stormy trials.  If I put my trust in Him, he will get me through this and lead me to calmer waters.

Thankfully as I was telling my cousin today, we have a God who knows exactly what we need in our time of struggle.  The God to whom we belong, has brought two amazing people into our lives that have taken our family into their home for a breath of cool air. (You will notice above a sweet picture taken as Bailey warms up to Mr. Rey)  as the old saying goes, "a smooth sea never makes a good sailor"

Father, I know you've never promised that the sea would always be calm.  But you are present and steadfast when my little boat jostles in the waves of life. Please help me to always be mindful of your protecting hand. 

Psalm 57:2 "I cry to God the most high, to God who fulfills his purpose for me"

If you give a mom a muffin

I've always loved this poem.  We all can relate to the chaos that comes with one cup of coffee. We are NOT crazy, we just have kids...

If you give a mom a muffin,
She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
So she'll pour herself some.
The coffee will get spilled by her three year old.
She'll wipe it up.

Wiping the floor, she will find some dirty socks.
She'll remember she has to do some laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She'll trip over some snow boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan supper for tonight.

She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She'll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To Make With a Pound of
Hamburger.)
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.
She will look for the checkbook.

The checkbook is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two year old.
She'll smell something funny.
She'll change the two year old.
While she is changing the two year old the phone will ring. (Of course!)
Her five year old will answer it and hang up.

She remembers that she wants to phone a friend to come over for coffee on
Friday.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
She will pour herself some.
And chances are,
If she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

Written by Kathy Fictorie

Lead Me

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;  Try me... and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23

So often times we get caught up in the crazyness of our life and kids, we forget what is most important to the life of our marriage.  Everytime I hear this song on the radio, it makes me think of Russell and how important he is to the life of our family.  I read  a great method to use in a book written by Annie Chapman on how we should pray for our husbands.  She says, we need to use the HELP method...we should pray for his head, endeavors, love of God, others, and physical health.

Head: that his thoughts will be controlled by and line up with the Word of God.
Endeavors:  That he will prosper and find purpose for that of which God has called him to accomplish.
Love: that his love for the lord and others grow stronger.
Physical Health: that his body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit will be healthy, able and free from disease.

A Father's Love

Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus. Let us, then, who are "perfectly mature" adopt this attitude. And if you have a different attitude, this too God will reveal to you. Philippians 3:13-15

I saw this posted on facebook by a friend.  What an amazing video with so much truth!!! To Win the Prize I've got to run the race...I HOPE at the end of my life when I reach the "The pearly gates," God will look at me and say, "well done my good and faithful servant well done......."

All Things Working Together?

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

God always works for my good?  Sometimes it's hard to believe.  At other times I've found this belief to be a beautiful thing.  As I'm going through this difficult time, I find strength in the fact that God is working in my life and I know his ways are beyond my understanding.  I also know bad things happen to God's people, for He has allowed human will much freedom until Christ returns.  But, I know that as I seek God's guidance during this time, He will oversee my world, moment by moment. I will continue to be strengthened by this scripture and know that his blessings are abundant in my life.  YES, this too shall pass....

Thank you, dear God, for being who you are, working on my behalf in little things as well as in big things.  In Christ's name I pray. Amen

If Ever You Worshipped

this is a beautiful video!!!! 

Quit Compairing!

2 Corinthians10:12 says, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But we measure ourselves by ourselves, and we compare ourselves with ourselves."

Kinley has been going to gymnastics for over a year and a half.  Yesterday, as we were getting ready for her class, she told me she didn’t want to go.  As I was trying to get to the bottom of why she all of a sudden wanted to quit, she finally told me she wasn’t as good as some of the other kids in her class.  Wow, I was a little taken back by her answer because I’ve always felt she was great ( I know I’m her mother but…) she always seemed pretty excited about going.  Then I got to thinking, since when did she start comparing herself to other children her age?

Just like Kinley, in our culture a lot of times people advise us to compare ourselves with others. “You can win, the others aren’t near as good as you”, “It’s beyond me; I’ll never be as good as they are. Besides, does it really matter?” or, “I’m not ever going to compare to what she’s doing…”etc., we all do it.  We all compare ourselves to someone and come up short in our own eyes.  And then we are discouraged. 

Unfortunately, this is the plan of the enemy: that we intimidate one another and drive one another into defeatism.  There have been many occasions I do nothing because my own pessimistic attitude gets the best of me.

Thankfully, God never gives up that easily.  His plan is that we inspire and encourage each other to perfection.  In the body of Christ, we are not meant to compare or compete, but to compliment each other.  “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4).  “The body does not consist of one member but of many” (verse 14).  The Lord has equipped every one of us with spiritual gifts and he distributes them as He sees fit. Just because I am the eye in the body, and I don’t have the same function as the Foot, doesn’t mean I need to give up.  The Truth is… the foot would not be directed without the eye. There should be no division in the body and we should all have concern for everyone else. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, then every part rejoices with it. We are all appointed by God for a specific role and we are all too eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Although Kinley has many more years of nurturing to learn her beautiful talents that Christ has given her, it’s made me realize that instead of looking to the world for standards, I’ve got to continue to find my own unique plan in my life.  God has called each of us to our own mission and, no one’s mission is exactly like anyone else’s.  We have been called to write our own story and when we cooperate with him in the authorship, those stories are more beautiful than any we’ve ever read or anything that could ever compare. So, for today, I will try to surround myself with only things that encourage me, educate me, and build me up so that I can build his kingdom on earth.

“What you are is God’s gift to you;

What you do with yourself is your gift to God.”

Danish proverb

Love you Forever

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8

I just finished reading Kinley the famous book, I love you forever. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s the tale of the mother who rocked her baby and sang about how much she loved him. The story continues as the baby grows and she rocks her two-year-old and her nine-year-old and her teenager. Finally, she drives to her grown son’s house and when he is asleep, she creeps into his room and rocks him while he sleeps, too.

This book has found a way to always bring a tear to my eye.  It speaks straight to my heart about the beauty of parenthood and the continuous circle of life and love. As we go through the tough stages in raising our children, it makes me remember that this stage will not last forever.  

Even though my girls can drive me crazy at times, my love for them is unconditional.  I’m so happy I still have the opportunity to hold them in my lap and soothe them when their hurt.  I’m thankful that at this moment in their life, I am their whole world.  I am in charge of making their days happy and healthy and that right now I am enough.

I know there will come a day when my little girls will grow up and I will no longer be their whole world.  So for today, I’m going to cherish this precious time I have with them and expand my capacity for silliness and learn new ways to play with them.  I’m going to keep my promises and let them know that they are my greatest treasures.  I’m going to be generous with my hugs and kisses and treasure this gift of motherhood to its fullest capacity. 

Here is a beautiful prayer that I came across that reminds me that God's Love is present in helping me on this motherhood journey.

"Lord, you know my inadequacies.  You know my weaknesses, not only in parenting, but in every area of my life.  I'm doing the best I can to raise my kids properly, but is may not be good enough.  as you provided the fish and the loaves to feed the five thousand hungry people, now take my meager effort and use it to bless my family.  Make up for the things I do wrong.  Satisfy the needs that I have not met.  Compensate for my blunders and mistakes.  Wrap your great arms around my children, and draw them close to you.  And be there when they stand at the great crossroads between right and wrong.  All I can give them is my best, and I will continue to do that.  I submit them to you now and rededicate myself to the task you have placed before me.  The outcome rests securely in your hands."

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13