Awhile back Andy brought home a book by David Platt called Follow Me a call to die a call to live. I immediately said I wanted to read it. I even attempted to during my short little bath times but it quickly made it's way back to my pile of other magazines and books I someday hope to read. As a mom of two young girls it is hard enough to find time to think a coherent thought let alone read a book that takes some time and focus to really hear the words on the page.
Well tonight I picked it back up and to say I have been once again wrecked by what it means to follow Jesus is an understatement. I will admit it, I have, like many others, become distracted by the people and things around me; the mountain of "things to do", and my plain ol' selfishness. I have allowed things that mean nothing, to distract me from my everything!
In a time where follow me leans more to social media then it does Jesus, I feel it is a perfect time to take a step back to really look at how I am doing this life.
How does my life look any different from any other person (follower of Jesus to not)? Who is guiding my thoughts, my actions? Driving my will to do this or that? These are all simple yet important questions I am asking myself tonight.
When speaking on the many people of the world who claim the title "Christian" without really understanding (or maybe just not caring) about the gravity of what following Jesus really means, Platt tells this simple little story:
"Imagine you and I set up a meeting for lunch at a restaurant, and you arrive before I do. You wait and wait and wait, but 30 minutes later I still haven't arrived. When I finally do show up, completely out of breath, I say to you "I'm so sorry I'm late. when I was driving over here, my car had a flat tire, and I pulled over on the side of the interstate to fix it. While I was fixing it, I accidentally stepped into the road, and a Mack truck going 70 mph suddenly hit me head-on. It hurt, but I picked myself up, finished putting the spare tire on the car, and drove over here."
If this was the story I shared, you would know I was either deliberately lying or completely deceived. Why? Because if someone gets hit by a Mack truck going 70 mph, that person is going to look very different then he did before!"
Do I look any different today then when I fell in love with Jesus? I know the answer is yes, and I truly believe and love Jesus with every once of my being and feel that I have been blessed to understand His grace, but am I continuing to look more and more like Him or am I aiming to look like a warped image of who the world and my distractions have made Him out to be? It's not even that my distractions are bad, it's just that He is so much better!
We are coming up against a lot of questions in our home about how to best be effective for Jesus and how to love Him and others well. With those questions come a call to dare to be different and to ask and explore what this so called "different" means.
I don't have the answers to these questions but I know I want to walk the path of finding them and not just be okay surrounded by the pretty things. I am starting my own journey of finding out how to really do the things Jesus is asking of me, do them well, and do them without fear.
Platt quotes from Oswald Chambers My utmost for His highest saying:
"Suppose God tells you to do something that is an enormous test of your common sense, totally going against it. What will you do? Will you hold back? If you get into the habit of doing something physically, you will do it every time you are tested until you break the habit through sheer determination. And the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will come right up to what Jesus wants, but every time you will turn back at the true point of testing, until you are determined to abandon yourself to God in total surrender...
Jesus Christ demands the same unrestrained, adventurous spirit in those who have placed their trust in Him... If a person is ever going to do anything worthwhile, there will be times when he must risk everything by his leap in the dark. In the spiritual realm, Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything that you hold on to or believe through common sense, and leap by faith into what He says. Once you obey, you will immediately find that what He says is as solidly consistent as common sense.
By the test of common sense, Jesus Christ's statements may seem mad, but when you test them by the trial of faith, your findings will fill your spirit with the awesome fact that they are the very words of God. Trust completely in God, and when He brings you to a new opportunity of adventure, offering it to you, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis-- only one out of an entire crowd is daring enough to invest his faith in the Character of God."
Jesus promised that this life would not be without trials and hardship but he never once said in the midst of or in-between them that this life wouldn't be fun! Jesus demands a unrestrained, adventurous spirit in those who have placed their trust in Him, now that is how I want to live!
So here goes. A little less distracted by the petty things in order to leave plenty of room for that unrestrained + adventurous spirit to shine!
Can we all just admit that by having known Jesus and fallen for His way of life we have been ruined.
Ruined for the ordinary life!
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Friday, January 3, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Processing Mr. Banks...
Some girlfriends and I met this afternoon for a much needed fun, kid free, mama-movie-date. We all wanted to see Saving Mr. Banks (I think we all figured this was our chance since most our husbands were not jumping at the opportunity to see a movie about the "making" of Mary Poppins.)
I went into the theater with little knowledge of the movie and the expectation of some lighthearted fun. To be honest, I don't think I have ever even seen Mary Poppins the whole way through and really just went along for the good company of sweet friends. I did not though, bargain for the roller coaster of emotions that hit me at each scene of the movie and the intense thoughts, pictures, memories, and realizations that have swarmed me after.
This is not, I repeat NOT a fluffy film about the making of a Disney movie. This was a beautifully told story of real life actions, consequences, and the path that life takes to make us who we are!
In the two hours I sat in that uncomfortable chair, I saw bits of how I got to be who I am and the kind of mother I want to be!
You see, whether we like to admit it or not, we are greatly affected by the childhood we have. The family we are born into and the way we are raised set the very tone for the rest of our lives. Coming from the mindset of my own childhood this brings up a mixed bag of good and bad. Luckily, the memories of the good outweigh the bad but both emotions do still coexist. This is not about me though, I know there is far more to the story then how I was raised and who I have become. More then that I am overcome with thoughts of what my own Mother has gone through and who I am raising my own daughters to be.
I thought about breaking down each thought but realized in doing so I would be revealing things I have no right to speak on (at least at this point in my life.) So instead I just want to say a quick thought and encourage you to see the movie through your own background and lens.
What each person in this life has experienced is what sets them up for who they will become. For some it is generations of love and good and joys and for others it is not. P.L Travers reminded me so much of my own mom and watching the story of her with her dad showed me how one might become that way.
To consider why someone is who they are is a beautiful gift we have to give. To not write them off for the actions they have (or lack there of) but to truly question, wonder, and ask is a responsibility we have in loving one another well. This movie showed me so clearly how one does not just wake up one day to be who they are: but took me on a two hour journey of how it can come to be.
Find out more about that person in your life who holds so much mystery. Boldly ask them more about their story so that you can better understand them and in return love them well and meet them in that place where they need to be. (I write this from my own vulnerability. So Mom, if you are reading this, I want to know more and invite you to write and share things with me...)
Take the time to invest into peoples lives and go beyond the surface of who you think they are. There are events that lead us and people who change us: each one leaving a lasting imprint on who it is we become. Our own words and actions also do the same for others so the responsibility is ours to be careful and thoughtful, because wounds run deep and impact so much more then our simple minds can see. (note: the entire movie is about just this!)
And lastly, do not give up on the ones you love even if you do not understand them. Be patient and pray and maybe, just maybe, like the film, you will see the whole picture and it will all make sense one day!
ok, Now Go, see the movie for yourself! And do not worry, there are PLENTY of laughs and light hearted moments to balance the intensity :)
well done Disney, so very very well done!
I went into the theater with little knowledge of the movie and the expectation of some lighthearted fun. To be honest, I don't think I have ever even seen Mary Poppins the whole way through and really just went along for the good company of sweet friends. I did not though, bargain for the roller coaster of emotions that hit me at each scene of the movie and the intense thoughts, pictures, memories, and realizations that have swarmed me after.
This is not, I repeat NOT a fluffy film about the making of a Disney movie. This was a beautifully told story of real life actions, consequences, and the path that life takes to make us who we are!
In the two hours I sat in that uncomfortable chair, I saw bits of how I got to be who I am and the kind of mother I want to be!
You see, whether we like to admit it or not, we are greatly affected by the childhood we have. The family we are born into and the way we are raised set the very tone for the rest of our lives. Coming from the mindset of my own childhood this brings up a mixed bag of good and bad. Luckily, the memories of the good outweigh the bad but both emotions do still coexist. This is not about me though, I know there is far more to the story then how I was raised and who I have become. More then that I am overcome with thoughts of what my own Mother has gone through and who I am raising my own daughters to be.
I thought about breaking down each thought but realized in doing so I would be revealing things I have no right to speak on (at least at this point in my life.) So instead I just want to say a quick thought and encourage you to see the movie through your own background and lens.
What each person in this life has experienced is what sets them up for who they will become. For some it is generations of love and good and joys and for others it is not. P.L Travers reminded me so much of my own mom and watching the story of her with her dad showed me how one might become that way.
To consider why someone is who they are is a beautiful gift we have to give. To not write them off for the actions they have (or lack there of) but to truly question, wonder, and ask is a responsibility we have in loving one another well. This movie showed me so clearly how one does not just wake up one day to be who they are: but took me on a two hour journey of how it can come to be.
Find out more about that person in your life who holds so much mystery. Boldly ask them more about their story so that you can better understand them and in return love them well and meet them in that place where they need to be. (I write this from my own vulnerability. So Mom, if you are reading this, I want to know more and invite you to write and share things with me...)
Take the time to invest into peoples lives and go beyond the surface of who you think they are. There are events that lead us and people who change us: each one leaving a lasting imprint on who it is we become. Our own words and actions also do the same for others so the responsibility is ours to be careful and thoughtful, because wounds run deep and impact so much more then our simple minds can see. (note: the entire movie is about just this!)
And lastly, do not give up on the ones you love even if you do not understand them. Be patient and pray and maybe, just maybe, like the film, you will see the whole picture and it will all make sense one day!
ok, Now Go, see the movie for yourself! And do not worry, there are PLENTY of laughs and light hearted moments to balance the intensity :)
well done Disney, so very very well done!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
A letter to my girls.
Am I the only one that sometimes feels overwhelmed with the world we are currently raising children in and the influence it has? Now don't get me wrong, I fully understand that people have always been a bit crazy and they always will be, but whew, the responsibility I have as a mother to guide my girls properly and give them the the right perspective on how to decipher what is right and wrong, true and false, gospel and not, is just a really really big deal.
So here are my thoughts. As I sit here at 30, processing all I hear and see, here are just a few things I want to say and influence those two beautiful girls asleep in the next room...
My girls,
I hope to always start everything I pass onto you with Love. I know I do not always do this by example, but I always want pure love to be the driving force in all that I and all that you do. The reason why love is so important is because love covers! It covers the good AND the bad. It's not up to us as to whom we love and to what degree we love, we are simply and clearly called to love. Even when you are tired of loving and feel like you have no more love to give, still I say, love!
Throughout your entire life you are going to see things that you do not agree with. Something you must know though is, there is a difference between an injustice and disagreement. You cannot fight every battle nor should you try and let your opinion be known in every thing that rubs you the wrong way. Know when to turn the other cheek and when to stand up for the one who has had their voice taken away. Save your energy for the things that are really important so that when you do speak up, the people around you will listen!
You have the ability to create beauty in yourself and in others. By the way you speak and the way you listen, you have the power to raise someone up (and the same power to tear them down). You have been created in the very image of the living God and to see yourself as anything less then is a shame. No you are not perfect, and sometimes your imperfections will be more obvious then others, but more importantly then the way you see yourself, I want you to see the way God sees you through Jesus. True beauty shines so bright through the understanding and ability to see yourself and others through eyes that are far more gracious, pure, and enlightened then your own.
More then anything I want you two to be gracious, generous, empathetic, loving, true, just, and kind. I want you to take on the heart of your maker and have the ability to see his people through a glimpse of the lens that he sees. I so desire for you to be slow to speak and really weigh your words carefully for they have so much power to build and destroy. Recognize the influence you have to breathe life and to share the hope I pray you will grow to know well. Changes of the heart do not come from being attacked and belittled, but come when we extend the grace we have been given, especially when it is not deserved.
Be slow to anger, quick to forgive and always always be ready and willing to love and love well!
You create beauty with your attitude, your behavior, your actions (it's all up to you).
I am already so proud of you!
your mama
Our kids are going to hear MANY MANY voices in their days, make sure yours is one they know they can always always trust and come to!
So here are my thoughts. As I sit here at 30, processing all I hear and see, here are just a few things I want to say and influence those two beautiful girls asleep in the next room...
My girls,
I hope to always start everything I pass onto you with Love. I know I do not always do this by example, but I always want pure love to be the driving force in all that I and all that you do. The reason why love is so important is because love covers! It covers the good AND the bad. It's not up to us as to whom we love and to what degree we love, we are simply and clearly called to love. Even when you are tired of loving and feel like you have no more love to give, still I say, love!
Throughout your entire life you are going to see things that you do not agree with. Something you must know though is, there is a difference between an injustice and disagreement. You cannot fight every battle nor should you try and let your opinion be known in every thing that rubs you the wrong way. Know when to turn the other cheek and when to stand up for the one who has had their voice taken away. Save your energy for the things that are really important so that when you do speak up, the people around you will listen!
You have the ability to create beauty in yourself and in others. By the way you speak and the way you listen, you have the power to raise someone up (and the same power to tear them down). You have been created in the very image of the living God and to see yourself as anything less then is a shame. No you are not perfect, and sometimes your imperfections will be more obvious then others, but more importantly then the way you see yourself, I want you to see the way God sees you through Jesus. True beauty shines so bright through the understanding and ability to see yourself and others through eyes that are far more gracious, pure, and enlightened then your own.
More then anything I want you two to be gracious, generous, empathetic, loving, true, just, and kind. I want you to take on the heart of your maker and have the ability to see his people through a glimpse of the lens that he sees. I so desire for you to be slow to speak and really weigh your words carefully for they have so much power to build and destroy. Recognize the influence you have to breathe life and to share the hope I pray you will grow to know well. Changes of the heart do not come from being attacked and belittled, but come when we extend the grace we have been given, especially when it is not deserved.
Be slow to anger, quick to forgive and always always be ready and willing to love and love well!
You create beauty with your attitude, your behavior, your actions (it's all up to you).
I am already so proud of you!
your mama
Our kids are going to hear MANY MANY voices in their days, make sure yours is one they know they can always always trust and come to!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
out of this funk. hope restored
I know who supplies my Joy and my Hope. I know who holds my future and I love Him well. Sometimes though, it takes awhile for what you know in your head, to catch up to what you feel in your heart.
Sometimes life is just a bit hard.
Uncertainty and unknowns are hard; but in true Jesus fashion, just when those feelings become suffocating and too much to bare, he gives you a glimmer of hope, a glimpse into whats ahead, and somehow all light is restored! He just gives a little though, enough to bring peace but not so much that we start moving forward on our own accord.
I am sharing all this because I know I am not alone today in the need for a little bit of Hope. Look for Him and answers in all the obvious places, but don't be quick to write off the people He has placed in your life and in the mundane. Quiet your mind, reach out to friends, and don't push away what you know and feel to be true.
He is up to something. I promise.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
waiting: a season of unknown
Ever find yourself waiting? of course you do! Ever find yourself waiting for something and you are not even quite sure what that thing you are waiting for even is? well, thats me.
I am in a strange season right now. I feel as if we are headed somewhere and into something great, but I am so uncertain and in the dark as to what that something is. It's like we are on the cusp of something super special but have yet to get the okay from the Lord to dive on in!
I wish I could share that we had this amazing vision and have grand plans for whats ahead, but the truth is, we just don't. I search and pray, search and pray, and then do the same some more, and still we do not know what is around the bend.
Today I was reading in Mark and was silenced by the words that I read. It's words I have read time and time again but today I was in the posture to hear the words with a clear mind and pure heart and to receive them over mine and my families lives. Jesus spoke to this season of life and gave me a glimmer of what our focus should be, which was all about how it's not about me! He said "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns... whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will have it."
Have you heard these words before? I am sure you have... today I sit here thinking "what if, what if I actually owned these words over my life? left my comfort zone? was willing to go or do whatever God is leading us to? What if I took on Gods concerns over my own? Denied myself? what if..."
Man! Could Jesus really be possibly calling us to live out those words and own them as the purpose of our lives? Do you think He would ask us to really do these things??
YES!
and this fact makes me excited and terrified all in the same breath. I am ready to embark, to journey wherever he wants me. I want to take on His heart, His mind, His love, His character. I do not want to just be comfortable, I want to have life!
Are you here with me? In a similar season? If so my friends, can I encourage you to wait with great expectation for the life he promises to give! He never says it's gonna be fun or easy, in fact Jesus compares it to following him into one of the most painful deaths known to man! But with that death to self comes a life that is far more then the simplistic views on life we are taught to have!
I am still in the dark about what is ahead and I very well may be for quite some time! Gods sense of time is quite different then ours. He sees the whole picture, is focused on establishing the characters, and is working on my best spot into this storyline of life.
So until these things are revealed to me, I will continue to wait! pray, listen, love, learn to deny myself... and again, WAIT!
Monday, March 18, 2013
fight
The topic at church the past few weeks has been "The Good Fight". An honest conversation about the dark and light and How Jesus is fighting for us and will not give up on us no matter how many times we are tricked, blinded, or deceived into believing we are not worth it or have just simply messed up too big this time...
Fight. this word has been resonating in my head a lot over the past 15 or so hours. I even had dreams last night that brought new meaning and depth to what it means to fight for what we believe in and fight for what we love.
What or Who in your life do you need to fight for? Our society has become so complacent in the sense that if some things do not come easily or naturally to us that we should just "move on" to the next thing because it was not meant to be.
What?? really?! Just give up like that! Fighting is not easy my friends, It hurts! But if it is something worth fighting for, it is worth the pain!
I think about those last few moments of being in labor with Alomae. (giving birth is really a transforming moment that can be so relevant in many aspects of life) I was tired, my body was fatigued and I just wanted to give up and sleep... I wanted the discomfort to be gone but I didn't necessarily want to endure the pain it was going to take to get the most beautiful end result, my perfect baby girl. It was in that moment, I had to dig deep within, push through the pain and remember that, if I was willing, willing to endure for a moment longer and step outside of my own comfort, I would be forever changed!
Would you take a moment with me right now? would you quiet your heart and think about what in your life you are needing to set aside your own comfort and fight for? It may be the absolute hardest thing you have ever done, it may go against ever fiber of your being and you most likely will have to uncover some raw parts of yourself to get there. But what is that thing that stirs up in the pit of your stomach right now? That end result that is so beautiful in your head you think about it often but have yet to make the commitment to taking the hard road to get there...
Is it a relationship? is there someone in your life you need to Fight for? Do you need to let go of pride or insecurities or the fear of the raw emotions that come when we love so much and have to work on ourselves in order to best love or be loved?
Is it a dream or goal? Something you want to pursue so deeply but are scared of failure or the long uncertain road of what it takes to get you there?
My friends, I pray you muster up the courage to fight for the things that are true. The things God has put in your heart and life. Lean on the One who has the power to fully get you to the other side and do not give up in the hard moments along the way. Endure, push through the pain...
"and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Chirst, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
becoming a Braverman
I come from a good family. We are all scattered now though and not as close as my heart longs for us to be. Parents divorced, sister 3 hours to the north, brother 3 hours to the east.
My favorite show on TV and really the only one I follow is Parenthood. If you do not follow it, do yourself a favor and sign onto Netflix and start at season one. You will not be disappointed.
I love the Bravermans. I know this family is fictional, but I do not care. This is what I want.
I will not ever have a bigger blood family and I have my doubts about how close we will ever be, but I am determined to grow my family to be so big and loving and supportive and real and silly and authentic and precious. No I will not be having a bunch more children, I am not talking about that.
I want more, no I need more mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins. I long so deeply for family. God has created us to live in relationship with each other, to be involved, present, supportive, and in each others real day to day life! I want people who want genuine relationship with me. Who will butt in and correct me when I am wrong. Who will cry with me when I need a good cry and who will Love my babies like their own. People who will come to my girls dance recitals, games, plays, baptisms...
God has a family out there like this for all of us and friends they do not need to be of the same blood. I deeply love the family God has born me into but this is just not how my family runs. So I sit here tonight praying and pleading with God to weave the most beautiful family into my life. That He would hand pick special individuals and families to adopt me and my family into theirs and that I can adopt into mine.
Can I encourage you all to open up your lives. It does not matter if you come from a family of 50 or a family of 1. We are being called to live on Mission and do life with each other. There are lonely and hurting people all around. Some are Funny, some quirky, and yes, some down right annoying. But isn't that the dynamic of a family?!
Just like the writers hand picked actors to become the Braverman's, God wants to hand pick an equally fun and crazy family for us all! He want's to do this for me!
Reach out to those who God tells you to reach out to. Do not hesitate to ask them over for dinner or game night or to your child's football game. There are so many out there just waiting for a chance to be a part of something like this.
I love the family I was born into and I wish nothing more for it to be in tact. But today it is not.
Let us deepen the relationships around us and never assume that people are being taken care of in the way they deeply need to be.
I pray each of our families grow abundantly and that we are all overwhelmed by the invites, obligations, nosey siblings, and support.
Let's do this life with people, like He intended. I want to not just be in community but I want my girls to have so many aunts and uncles and grandparents that they call them by each others names and have a hard time remembering them all. Chaotic Holidays going from house to house, I cannot wait for this family to grow.
God, allow this family to grow.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
reminiscing
Poppy is almost 11 months old and I find myself looking back on this time last year...
Where does a year go? Can my baby really almost be at the one year mark!? With the second baby you know all too well how fast it really goes and I find myself clinging to these moments...
A year ago we were having my pregnancy/family photos done.
we were documenting our family becoming a family of four
A year ago we were having my pregnancy/family photos done.
we were documenting our family becoming a family of four
Alomae was so tiny...
and Poppy was making mama oh so big!
I am so thankful for Poppy's presence in our family,
this face brings me so much laughter & joy!
I know I have been absent from here. Summer has been crazy. but I am ready to catch up and document my babies lives (looking back on their photos on here is something I will cherish forever!)
I am also working on a little natural pregnancy/living/parenting site that I will hopefully be launching in the near future!
feeling thankful for my family and hugging my babies tight tonight,
echo
Thursday, June 28, 2012
none without purpose
My body is stressed. I can feel it and I can see it (my thumb was shaking uncontrollably while trying to scroll through my iphone today) Isn't it crazy how our thoughts and feelings manifest themselves in physical ways?! There is so much going on in my little world right now. Some happy, Some sad, but none without purpose.
I have always been a woman of great faith. Never doubting the reasoning behind the happenings in my life. Today I doubted though. My mind began spinning as I ran through all that I am facing... doubt is such an ugly ugly thing.
James says "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." Today I have fully been riding a wave. A crazy, loud, out of control wave... As my head was spinning and thumb shaking I kept thinking "what on earth is happening to me!?!" this went on most of the day. It was not until this evening when the house was quiet and I was doing the dishes that I heard that still small voice "do you not trust me? have I ever let you down? do you believe in my love? I am in control. have peace" And just as quickly as the stress came on, it disappeared to an overwhelming peace.
The pit in my stomach is gone.
I am no longer dizzy.
My thumb is still.
Why do we ever doubt? It's such a waste of time.
Tonight when Andy took Alomae on a little date to get frozen yogurt I even meant to ask him to stop by new seasons for me and pick me up some Rescue Remedy to help calm me down. I forgot to. Little did I know that God had his own rescue remedy in mind.
His healing power far surpasses that of any herb, tincture, or medication.
Friends, are you doubting? Are you afraid? I was! Times are hard. I know we want to know the reasoning of why everything happens all the time, but the truth is, we are not meant to. Some things are meant to stay a secret to protect us and to increase our faith. Relinquish control and let go of fear. It is then that we can fully hear and fully see. And remember, none of this is without purpose, even if it's the hardest thing for you to believe...
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
learning
It's no secret that Poppy was not the easiest baby in the world. for the first 5-6 months or so I would say I struggled with the fact that my baby was just not as happy as I dreamt she would be (or compared to her big sister).
but just like in life, the seasons change, there are mountains and valleys, and brighter days are always ahead.
Poppy is so happy now! she is full of smiles and giggles and is such a JOY.
I feel like my relationship with this baby is such a picture of life. That we must believe the best in the ones we love and wait patiently for them to come around. I could not force Poppy to be joyful, just like I cannot tell her to "roll over" or do anything else for that matter (and yes, she still does not roll.)
Poppy is her own person. She deserves the space to work through things, grow, mature, and learn at her own pace. I am here to love her, guide her, protect her, and to pray!
From the moment God placed her in my womb, I have had very little control. Sure, I had environmental control over what I ate, drank, and was around, but it was not my power or control that formed her into the beautiful little being she is today. She is her own person, and she let me know that from day one. She is a sensitive girl and sometimes she just needs her mama more then most. The more I accept that and appreciate it, the more I fall for her little crooked smile.
I will be faithful and pray for my girls to find Jesus and Walk with Him. For them to learn to hear His voice and listen to it so that they can avoid some of the heartaches life has to offer.
Friends, we cannot control the people in our lives. We can tell them what we want for them until we are blue in the face but it only hurts us in the end. Sometimes you have to just let go and relinquish the people you love to make their own choices and trust that Jesus is going to protect them. I walk with a mighty savior who knows the people I love so much more intimate then I. He created them, knows their thoughts, and has a creative life mapped out ahead.
Love the people in your life. Do not give up on them. This does not mean enable them to do destructive things though. Sometimes the brightest Love is letting them lean on Jesus alone. Pray without ceasing and when they come back to you, welcome them back with big open arms.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
little details
We have lived in our house 5 months now. The house is a rental so we are really just trying to make it feel like "ours" until the doors open for us to buy the right home. God has protected us time and time again from purchasing the wrong place in the wrong location at the wrong time. I feel really blessed to have a safe and comfortable roof over my families head.
I am a details girl. I like the little things that make the big picture look good! Today I was walking through my home, cleaning up messes and unpacking from our weekend trip to the beach when I kept noticing little things I love throughout our home.
here are a few of the things that make my house feel like home...
my homemade chalk/cork board filled with upcoming wedding invites!
coat rack I made
a little chalkboard Love
frame holding special notes from friends
sweet print representing Andy & I and antlers from my brothers deer
I love crates and have them throughout my entire home...
vintage berry crate "headboard"
bed frame to raise the bed a couple inches coming soon...
sweet words made by my love
I am thankful for our space and all the little details really do make me smile.
I love that my house is mostly filled with things you cannot just go and pick up at the store!
a home really is what you make it
it does not matter if you have a little room or an entire house, fill it with the special things you love!
I am a details girl. I like the little things that make the big picture look good! Today I was walking through my home, cleaning up messes and unpacking from our weekend trip to the beach when I kept noticing little things I love throughout our home.
here are a few of the things that make my house feel like home...
my homemade chalk/cork board filled with upcoming wedding invites!
coat rack I made
a little chalkboard Love
frame holding special notes from friends
sweet print representing Andy & I and antlers from my brothers deer
I love crates and have them throughout my entire home...
here are my crate shelves filled with books and treasures.
crate turned into side table
vintage berry crate "headboard"
bed frame to raise the bed a couple inches coming soon...
some succulent love
sweet words made by my love
I am thankful for our space and all the little details really do make me smile.
I love that my house is mostly filled with things you cannot just go and pick up at the store!
a home really is what you make it
it does not matter if you have a little room or an entire house, fill it with the special things you love!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
eat fresh
We have always been healthy eaters in our home. Lately though, we have began to eat a more plant based diet and it has really made me excited to come up with new ways to to feed my family.
We bought a Vitamix (i'll do a whole other post on it later!) and we have been enjoying morning smoothies filled with fresh fruit, vegetables,wheat grass, flax and chia seeds. It really has put a whole new meaning to Starting your day off right! (best part: alomae loves them)
We bought a Vitamix (i'll do a whole other post on it later!) and we have been enjoying morning smoothies filled with fresh fruit, vegetables,wheat grass, flax and chia seeds. It really has put a whole new meaning to Starting your day off right! (best part: alomae loves them)
I am not a vegetarian. I do not like being locked into any label and I have always been a believer of everything in moderation. But after much thought, research, and conversations with friends I have chosen to have the majority (we will still enjoy eating at Portland's finest and at friends houses) of my food be plant based with the occasional organic, kindly raised meat.
Poppy's dairy allergy has made this a really easy transition since I have been cutting out dairy for awhile now!
Poppy's dairy allergy has made this a really easy transition since I have been cutting out dairy for awhile now!
My refrigerator is filled with the color of the rainbow right now and i love it. It really is fun to open it up and see so much fresh foods available.
Some of my recent meals have been:
daves killer bread, lentils, avocado, sprouts, fresh ground pepper
wrap
sprouted tortilla, sundried tomato or black bean hummus, cucumber, carrot, lentils, sprouts
Stir Fry
purple kale, bok choy, carrots, onion, mushrooms, broccoli, red bell pepper, organic tofu, and udon noodles
doesn't it all look so yummy?
I know many people think that eating this was is not filling and totally boring.
I promise you it's not!
If you have any good recipes to share with me, please do!
and if you want to know more about eating this way watching the documentary
forks over knives
is a great place to start!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
time to play a little catch up
man! I really need to get with it. I have been so busy taking care of two little girls, that documenting their lives (and mine) on this blog has kind of been pushed aside to second string. So it is time to play a little catch up. The house is quiet and I have actually sat down with my computer open instead of just having my iphone handy. If you are a mom, you know that the invention of the iphone is every nursing moms best friend! It can be a curse too though if you are like me and end up never opening up your computer anymore. I feel like I am missing out on so many of my friends lives via their blogs but in return I have gotten to spend a lot more time with them in real life. So overall I would say that is a big win!
Life is crazy fun and crazy busy right now. Since moving to our house, we have been hosting so many friends and really working on building a strong community to do life with. I said going into 2012 that this was going to be the year of hospitality and hospitable I am learning to be!
Poppy has become such a fun-loving and happy baby girl. I still avoid dairy because when I do eat it, it shows up in her diaper a couple days later showing that it still upsets her insides, but now at least her outside is typically wearing a smile.
Alomae is 3.5 going on 16. That girl is just the smartest and sassiest little thing I have ever seen. A true delight!
Andy is working so hard. He is such a man of integrity and loyalty. June is upon us now and thus begins the craziness of summer youth trips. He is starting it off with a bang by taking a group of high school students to Haiti at the end of this month. I am so proud of him. My experience in Haiti was so wonderful and life changing and I am so thrilled that he gets to venture to that part of the world and experience the beautiful people of Haiti for himself. I just wish I could go too... someday, Lord willing, we will return together.
And as for me, I am doing good. To say the last 8 months have been a challenge for me may be an understatement. Nothing has been really bad, just hard. Transitioning from 1 to 2 kids is a lot of change and I do not feel that people really warn you or prepare you for the feelings that you may feel. Why is it that we as women are so quick to put a smile on our face and say "things are so good!" instead of saying how we really feel? I wonder how much more comforted, poured into, and prayed for we would feel if we actually were honest with ourselves and others so they knew there was a need? I have always been a very honest and open girl (never very good at the sugar coating thing) and I have been feeling called to pour into women in this same season of life. To be candid with them and share in the ups and downs so that they know, and I know, that what we are feeling is normal and we are not alone! I want to be real, approachable, and I want to love well. I hope to use this blog as a platform to do so from time to time. To share what I am learning as I go through the daily grind of being a woman, a friend, a wife, and a mom.
I am so thankful for this life and the experiences I get.
That's it for now, I have to put miss sassafras to bed and Andy just walked in the door from church so I am going to make him something healthy to eat. Looking forward to sharing more soon.
Life is crazy fun and crazy busy right now. Since moving to our house, we have been hosting so many friends and really working on building a strong community to do life with. I said going into 2012 that this was going to be the year of hospitality and hospitable I am learning to be!
Poppy has become such a fun-loving and happy baby girl. I still avoid dairy because when I do eat it, it shows up in her diaper a couple days later showing that it still upsets her insides, but now at least her outside is typically wearing a smile.
Alomae is 3.5 going on 16. That girl is just the smartest and sassiest little thing I have ever seen. A true delight!
Andy is working so hard. He is such a man of integrity and loyalty. June is upon us now and thus begins the craziness of summer youth trips. He is starting it off with a bang by taking a group of high school students to Haiti at the end of this month. I am so proud of him. My experience in Haiti was so wonderful and life changing and I am so thrilled that he gets to venture to that part of the world and experience the beautiful people of Haiti for himself. I just wish I could go too... someday, Lord willing, we will return together.
And as for me, I am doing good. To say the last 8 months have been a challenge for me may be an understatement. Nothing has been really bad, just hard. Transitioning from 1 to 2 kids is a lot of change and I do not feel that people really warn you or prepare you for the feelings that you may feel. Why is it that we as women are so quick to put a smile on our face and say "things are so good!" instead of saying how we really feel? I wonder how much more comforted, poured into, and prayed for we would feel if we actually were honest with ourselves and others so they knew there was a need? I have always been a very honest and open girl (never very good at the sugar coating thing) and I have been feeling called to pour into women in this same season of life. To be candid with them and share in the ups and downs so that they know, and I know, that what we are feeling is normal and we are not alone! I want to be real, approachable, and I want to love well. I hope to use this blog as a platform to do so from time to time. To share what I am learning as I go through the daily grind of being a woman, a friend, a wife, and a mom.
I am so thankful for this life and the experiences I get.
That's it for now, I have to put miss sassafras to bed and Andy just walked in the door from church so I am going to make him something healthy to eat. Looking forward to sharing more soon.
Monday, May 14, 2012
being a mama
being a mama is the most wonderful, scary, fun, tiring & rewarding thing I could have ever imagined!
it is hard to believe that this is my 4th mothers day.
and a lucky mama I am...
I have two of the most fantastic & beautiful little girls that God ever dreamt into existence
truly
thank you Andy for helping me become a mom
(and for my beautiful flowers- you know just how I like them)
thank you Alomae for being such a bright, spunky & caring little lady!
you keep me on my toes and make life so much more fun
and Poppy, you my sweet baby, are such a chubby delight!
you are beautiful little one and I love you to pieces
it's because of you three that being a mama feels so good!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
this season I am in: some honesty
My two girls are keeping me busy these days. Not busy in the running around sense but busy as in the "both are at very challenging stages and mama never gets a break" sense :) I am not complaining about this season of life I am in, it's just where I am at and I am daily (with the help of the Lord- without Him I would be lost...) choosing (at least trying) JOY.
Poppy will be three months old this week, and the poor little things favorite thing to do after her first nap of the day is through is...cry! Not a very fun hobby I know- but it is the one she chooses. We have been battling this whole possible food allergy thing for some time now (I have not been having any dairy for a month and a half now) and truthfully, I do not know if it's helping. Her skin has cleared up some but there are still signs that something may be irritating her. The poor sweet little thing is a mess. She also has thrush, which is yeast in her mouth and she ever-so-kindly has been passing it on to me via nursing (and i think it hurts me more then it hurts her...) Regardless of all these little issues though, I am madly in love with Poppy and am so thankful that she is here. She may be 100% more challenging then her sister was as a baby, but I know it is teaching me a lot about myself and allowing me to have empathy for so many women out there who have less-then-easy babes.
Alomae on the other hand is going to be three this month! She is so much fun and says the sweetest and funniest things! I adore that little girl more then anything. With such a big personality though comes a big desire to get her own way... and her way is not always the way this mama wants her to go. I am finding myself having to take a total 180 in the way I approach her and discipline her because quite frankly my girl is way too smart and knows how to get away with things all too easy. I want her so badly to grow into a sweet, kind, Godly woman so I know now has to be a time of really biting the bullet with her so that she can flourish into who God has created her to be.
Raising these two girls is a big job and a big responsibility. Someday I know I will look back on these days and miss them desperately. I am in a new season, a sometimes difficult one, and sometimes exhausting one. I know though that I have been made for this season and that I wont just "get through it" but that if I choose to I can find the beauty in it and actually enjoy these days with my spirited girls!
a little bit of Poppy tears
little beauty
drawing
little shopper...
with a big personality!
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