Sunday, December 26, 2010

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.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

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!


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

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!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

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.

Friday, December 3, 2010

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.