Saturday, September 29, 2012
Introducing...Asher Thomas
Carrying my Sweet Boy...Beyond the "Bump"
30 weeks, 3days--Father's Day
34 weeks
40 weeks, 2 days. SO ready to meet my son!!
40 weeks, 4 days. Not much difference, but it's us leaving Arby's after my "last supper" before being admitted for my induction. I should've eaten double! They expect me to last 22 hours of labor on clear liquids?!
I am trying to write up Asher's birth story, but need to fill in some hole's with Conrad's knowledge:) I'll post it when I'm done.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
My Baby Boy...25w3d
My *first* Mother's Day!
So, I'm not exactly sure if I'm involved in this holiday yet, being my little guy is still in utero. But, I'm saying that I am:)
It's the first Mother's Day in five years that I didn't wake up wanting to stay home from church (thank God that I was usually doing my second-Sunday-of-the-month nursery duty...not having to be totally in the midst of the infertile unfriendly celebration), away from people in general. I won't cry tears of frustration or longing today. I won't ask my God, "When?!" or "Have you forgotten me?!".
Today, I thank my God for the life inside of me, and for the strength to make it to this moment. I am so grateful for the family and friends who stood beside me, believing for me, when I had seasons where I did not have the strength to believe anymore. Today, I am filled with gratitude for my son, who's movements make me smile, and who's healthy growth is apparent in my expanding belly. Today, I proclaim, "He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord" (Psalm 113:9).
God is faithful. I saw this on FB and "shared" it as my status, because it's SO true: "Father, thank You for being an on-time God. – Although we may be impatient at times, we place our trust in You. – Please renew our strength, and let Your will be done in Your timing ... not ours. ~In Jesus' Name, Amen.
For you mommies-in-waiting, I pray God's supernatural strength be yours today, and every day, until you receive your little blessing(s).
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Ladies and Gentlemen...
Yesterday, on my 29th birthday, I received the most special birthday gift I could ever ask for...finding out the sex of our miracle baby. Going into it, I didn't have any intuitions, though people had told me theirs. It was 50/50 as far as who guessed right and who guessed wrong:) Once I get my scanner back I will (maybe) find time to put some ultrasound pics up on my blog. Until then, picture a perfect little facial profile, healthy bone structure, quick-beating little heart, and, of course, my little man in all his glory. So sweet to see him up on the screen. It's so wonderful knowing that everything is progressing as it ought to be, and to finally know that the little movements I've felt in my belly are a sweet little prince.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Sweetest Sound
At 17 weeks pregnant, I will have to say the sweetest sound of my life thus far is when the Doctor moves the doppler over my rounding belly and I hear the swift, steady beating of my baby's heart. Nothing like it.
Friday, March 02, 2012
Beauty from Ashes
Here are a few pictures from our fire in December. The 8th will mark 3 months we've been trying to restore what the enemy tried to take away. Thankfully, God proved faithful and saved our structure. Oh yeah, and did I mention we've done a total remodel of the 80s ranch-style house (the main level)? That's a God-thing too. The restoration company says it's the worst smoke damage they've every seen, so our upstairs has been compleletly redone. We've done updates that we were hoping to do over the next 30 years of living here. It is such a blessing to see the progress,and the insurance company is even "subsidizing" our remodel:). Not exactly what we had planned for how it should happen, but hey, at this point, we realize things could've been A LOT worse, so we are thankful for how things are [slowly] working out.
However, I will admit that I've felt as if Conrad and I have been stripped. God is helping us through that, and I don't get as emotional about the whole ordeal as I used to. Though uploading these pics brought me back a bit! And, even thinking about the smell of our home while we were in St. Lucia literally made me nauseous. Actually, it still does. The drama of the restoration company and dealing with the finances of it all has been trying...I'm so thankful for Conrad, who can deal with the logistics while I deal with the emotions of it all!!
A few humbling moments of the process; the reality of your mother-in-law washing your underwear (we lived with them 1 1/2 weeks after the fire and I had to work a ton), strangers packing up/itemizing every item in your home with no attachment, waking up to strange men in your home unannounced on your day off, having to shower in a bathroom without doors with forementioned strange men working literally feet away, to name a few.
We are not totally done. We are hoping by April to be moved in upstairs, with our stuff back. The bottom picture shows one of the many updates we did in the process. This encourages me! Also, contrary to my original thoughts of horror that the charred webs in every edge of my home were cobwebs indicating my lack in the housekeeping department, they are smoke webs, indicating the extreme heat that our home endured. Just had to clarify:)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Valentine's Day Gift
On Tuesday, I received the best Valentine's gift a girl could ask for...I got to see my baby!! Conrad and I had our first appointment with the Doctor on the 14th, and besides the usual, check-up stuff, she did an ultrasound.
When I saw that little outline on the screen, it seemed as if I was peering into someone else's live, surely not my own!! Doctor got a few pictures of baby, including one where baby's hand are raised up as if he/she is waving at us:) If I had access to my scanner (and computer, for that matter) I'd try to scan the blurry pictures that only a mother could love to try and show off my little munchkin!! I was 12w5d according to the measurement on the ultrasound, which is right where I thought I was. My due date will remain August 25, 2012 (YES, I'M GOING TO BE A MOMMY IN 2012!!!).
I continue to be overwhelmed with the vastness of God's love toward Conrad and I as we journey on into the adventure of mommy- and daddyhood. So surreal.
When I saw that little outline on the screen, it seemed as if I was peering into someone else's live, surely not my own!! Doctor got a few pictures of baby, including one where baby's hand are raised up as if he/she is waving at us:) If I had access to my scanner (and computer, for that matter) I'd try to scan the blurry pictures that only a mother could love to try and show off my little munchkin!! I was 12w5d according to the measurement on the ultrasound, which is right where I thought I was. My due date will remain August 25, 2012 (YES, I'M GOING TO BE A MOMMY IN 2012!!!).
I continue to be overwhelmed with the vastness of God's love toward Conrad and I as we journey on into the adventure of mommy- and daddyhood. So surreal.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Series of Unexpected Events
Tonight I'm going to stay late at work so I can catch up on my blog! So crazy being without internet at my beckon call. Hopefully it makes some sense, because at this time on a Friday night after working all day at a financial institution, I am drained!!
During the last weekend of October, I went to a women's convention in Boise. This was my 3rd time going to this convention, and the speakers at the two previous really touched me because they'd both struggled through infertility. I had them both pray for me, but didn't become pregnant (I've had LOTS of prayer, but I guess it just wasn't God's timing yet). Though I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship, the speaker that time was not my favorite. They had talked about her having a gift of healing, and when she called people who wanted healing to the altar during the last session, I sat with my arms crossed at first. I've been prayed for a million times, and it hasn't worked like I wanted it to yet!! However, I came to the conclusion in the next few minutes that I should just go up there...maybe this would be the time. She prayed specifically for me and infertility as I placed my hands over my womb. I didn't feel anything special physically, but did feel a little bit more peace.
As we headed into "winter", meaning after harvest, I was dreading that we were heading into our next round of "trying" since Conrad was winding down. I pleaded with God because I did not want to go through the IUIs again, and we didn't have money for IVF. I decided instead to try accupuncture, which I did twice in December. On December 1st, I had my first accupuncture appointment...fancy that, I happened to be ovulating (good, he said). I scheduled an appointment for the 13th, and at that point he told me to call and schudule my next treatment on the first day of my next period. Meanwhile...
December 8th rocked our world with a house fire. The fire was small, though the restoration company has told us numerous times that it is the worst smoke damage they've ever seen. Out main floor has been torn apart since then, and I'm anticipating being able to "move in" again by March (fingers crossed...we are currently living in the basement...no kitchen, no appliances). We lived with my in-laws for a week and a half while they gutted it and got the basement in good enough order to live in. On December 17th, I took a pregnancy test at my in-laws' (awkward!) and it was negative. No surprise. Life as [kind of] usual carried on, as it does when you're "homeless" and heading toward Christmas. We were living in our basement, and on Christmas I was looking for some heartache (as infertiles do) and took another pregnancy test because I was a week late and had some pains in my pelvic area. Negative. Okay. Used to this.
I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that holidays are hard for people longing for a baby. It seems as if I would always think maybe this Christmas, maybe on my birthday, maybe on Mother's or Father's Day, etc., etc. I trucked through the holidays with a smile plastered on my face, though somewhat more hopeful than usual feeling like we were doing something (accupunture) to move us forward toward parenthood. I kept telling my co-workers I wasn't feeling quite right and a few said they had pains like I was having when they were first pregnant, "But I've taken 2 tests and they were negative!"
On New Year's Eve, I had a pity party because I was thinking about entering another year, childless. Somehow overnight, however, I got a wild hare to take a test in the morning. I did, and it was POSITIVE! I went and told Conrad but we didn't get too excited. I took 2 more tests. POSITIVE!! I decided I had better get a "fresh" test after church since the 3 I took had been in the fire. I got a 2-pack and took one right when I got home (that was a looooooong church service!!). POSITIVE!!! I wanted to take the 2nd one of the pack, but Conrad assured me that with four positives, it was safe to assume that I was pregnant. I instantly wanted to find out my due date and how far along I was. According to my calculations on the computer, I was 6 weeks when I found out, and my due date is August 25th. Week 6 was long because we weren't going to tell anyone until we'd told my parents on the next Sunday, before we left the country for 2 weeks.
sidenote: Did I mention that in November we made a commitment to go to St. Lucia for a missions trip to build a church from Jan. 10-25th? Can you say crazy timing?! end sidenote.
My family was ecstatic. There were tears and hugs all around. The only other people we told were the church council members at Conrad's meeting Monday night because we wanted there to be a group praying for me while we were on this trip that included physical labor traveling. Everything went fine, and it was funny because in St. Lucia, it was common knowledge that I was pregnant (mainly because the second week the all-day morning sickness began). The team would tease, "Does baby want ______?", fill in the blank with ice cream, beef, candy, etc. I came back to America and told only close friends until we had a chance to tell Conrad's family.
We told them a few days after we got back, then made the big Facebook announcement (doesn't that make things official?).
It is so surreal, still, that I am pregnant. Yesterday, we had our first appointment with the nurse (10 1/2 weeks...a little late b/c I was out of the country!), and got to hear the heartbeat. I just about melted.
My first doctor's appointment is on Valentine's Day, and they will do an ultrasound. It is all so amazing. It's had to believe that it's happening, and I'm so grateful that God didn't give up on Conrad and I being parents. I've known all along that He has the perfect timing, but it's SO hard to wait for some dreams to come true. I feel blessed beyond belief that the physical part of infertility is over, and there's a beautiful baby growing inside of me (against A LOT of odds!). I know the emotions of infertility will never leave, though they will fade, I'm sure.
My heart still goes out to those waiting for their miracle. I will never stop believing it for you or praying for you. Our God is strong, and able, and oh-so-good. May He increase all of our faith as we hear more and more stories of babies coming into our lives.
During the last weekend of October, I went to a women's convention in Boise. This was my 3rd time going to this convention, and the speakers at the two previous really touched me because they'd both struggled through infertility. I had them both pray for me, but didn't become pregnant (I've had LOTS of prayer, but I guess it just wasn't God's timing yet). Though I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship, the speaker that time was not my favorite. They had talked about her having a gift of healing, and when she called people who wanted healing to the altar during the last session, I sat with my arms crossed at first. I've been prayed for a million times, and it hasn't worked like I wanted it to yet!! However, I came to the conclusion in the next few minutes that I should just go up there...maybe this would be the time. She prayed specifically for me and infertility as I placed my hands over my womb. I didn't feel anything special physically, but did feel a little bit more peace.
As we headed into "winter", meaning after harvest, I was dreading that we were heading into our next round of "trying" since Conrad was winding down. I pleaded with God because I did not want to go through the IUIs again, and we didn't have money for IVF. I decided instead to try accupuncture, which I did twice in December. On December 1st, I had my first accupuncture appointment...fancy that, I happened to be ovulating (good, he said). I scheduled an appointment for the 13th, and at that point he told me to call and schudule my next treatment on the first day of my next period. Meanwhile...
December 8th rocked our world with a house fire. The fire was small, though the restoration company has told us numerous times that it is the worst smoke damage they've ever seen. Out main floor has been torn apart since then, and I'm anticipating being able to "move in" again by March (fingers crossed...we are currently living in the basement...no kitchen, no appliances). We lived with my in-laws for a week and a half while they gutted it and got the basement in good enough order to live in. On December 17th, I took a pregnancy test at my in-laws' (awkward!) and it was negative. No surprise. Life as [kind of] usual carried on, as it does when you're "homeless" and heading toward Christmas. We were living in our basement, and on Christmas I was looking for some heartache (as infertiles do) and took another pregnancy test because I was a week late and had some pains in my pelvic area. Negative. Okay. Used to this.
I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that holidays are hard for people longing for a baby. It seems as if I would always think maybe this Christmas, maybe on my birthday, maybe on Mother's or Father's Day, etc., etc. I trucked through the holidays with a smile plastered on my face, though somewhat more hopeful than usual feeling like we were doing something (accupunture) to move us forward toward parenthood. I kept telling my co-workers I wasn't feeling quite right and a few said they had pains like I was having when they were first pregnant, "But I've taken 2 tests and they were negative!"
On New Year's Eve, I had a pity party because I was thinking about entering another year, childless. Somehow overnight, however, I got a wild hare to take a test in the morning. I did, and it was POSITIVE! I went and told Conrad but we didn't get too excited. I took 2 more tests. POSITIVE!! I decided I had better get a "fresh" test after church since the 3 I took had been in the fire. I got a 2-pack and took one right when I got home (that was a looooooong church service!!). POSITIVE!!! I wanted to take the 2nd one of the pack, but Conrad assured me that with four positives, it was safe to assume that I was pregnant. I instantly wanted to find out my due date and how far along I was. According to my calculations on the computer, I was 6 weeks when I found out, and my due date is August 25th. Week 6 was long because we weren't going to tell anyone until we'd told my parents on the next Sunday, before we left the country for 2 weeks.
sidenote: Did I mention that in November we made a commitment to go to St. Lucia for a missions trip to build a church from Jan. 10-25th? Can you say crazy timing?! end sidenote.
My family was ecstatic. There were tears and hugs all around. The only other people we told were the church council members at Conrad's meeting Monday night because we wanted there to be a group praying for me while we were on this trip that included physical labor traveling. Everything went fine, and it was funny because in St. Lucia, it was common knowledge that I was pregnant (mainly because the second week the all-day morning sickness began). The team would tease, "Does baby want ______?", fill in the blank with ice cream, beef, candy, etc. I came back to America and told only close friends until we had a chance to tell Conrad's family.
We told them a few days after we got back, then made the big Facebook announcement (doesn't that make things official?).
It is so surreal, still, that I am pregnant. Yesterday, we had our first appointment with the nurse (10 1/2 weeks...a little late b/c I was out of the country!), and got to hear the heartbeat. I just about melted.
My first doctor's appointment is on Valentine's Day, and they will do an ultrasound. It is all so amazing. It's had to believe that it's happening, and I'm so grateful that God didn't give up on Conrad and I being parents. I've known all along that He has the perfect timing, but it's SO hard to wait for some dreams to come true. I feel blessed beyond belief that the physical part of infertility is over, and there's a beautiful baby growing inside of me (against A LOT of odds!). I know the emotions of infertility will never leave, though they will fade, I'm sure.
My heart still goes out to those waiting for their miracle. I will never stop believing it for you or praying for you. Our God is strong, and able, and oh-so-good. May He increase all of our faith as we hear more and more stories of babies coming into our lives.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
It's Official...I'M PREGNANT!!!
Things always seem to happen when you least expect it. I found out on New Year's Day that I'm expecting (after 2 negative tests on Dec. 17 and 25!). According to my rough calculations, I'm 9 1/2 weeks, due Aug. 25th. There's quite a story to it all, and since I'm without a computer at home to write at my leisure, the whole story will have to wait:)
My God is faithful. He will finish the good work He's started in Conrad and in me.
I am excited to be on this wonderful journey, and humbly realize that there are many out there that are still waiting patiently--with many tears and prayers--for their miracle. God, thank you for your plan.
My God is faithful. He will finish the good work He's started in Conrad and in me.
I am excited to be on this wonderful journey, and humbly realize that there are many out there that are still waiting patiently--with many tears and prayers--for their miracle. God, thank you for your plan.
Monday, January 02, 2012
Better Late Than Never!
Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's hard to know what 2012 might hold, but I am eagerly looking forward to what God has.
This last sabbatical from the blog world has been longer than my usual disappearances... but this time I actually have good reason for it. On December 8th, we had what some might label a "tragedy" occur when our house almost burned down. Because of God's mercy, Conrad arrived home 5-10 minutes before it completely burned to the ground and put the fire out. However, our whole main floor is smoke-damaged, and, at this time, gutted. This could be it's own post (if I get around to it)...but, mostly I'm just explaining that I don't have constant internet access like I'm used too. Life is just so rough!:)
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know I'm still alive. That is, if anyone checks on my 6x/year blog posts... I seriously want to be better about it! So far, I've blogged for half of the days of 2012. So far, so good.
This last sabbatical from the blog world has been longer than my usual disappearances... but this time I actually have good reason for it. On December 8th, we had what some might label a "tragedy" occur when our house almost burned down. Because of God's mercy, Conrad arrived home 5-10 minutes before it completely burned to the ground and put the fire out. However, our whole main floor is smoke-damaged, and, at this time, gutted. This could be it's own post (if I get around to it)...but, mostly I'm just explaining that I don't have constant internet access like I'm used too. Life is just so rough!:)
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know I'm still alive. That is, if anyone checks on my 6x/year blog posts... I seriously want to be better about it! So far, I've blogged for half of the days of 2012. So far, so good.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Great Reminder
I saw a friend re-post this on FB tonight and it struck a cord. It is SO true, but so hard to believe sometimes. All of this heartache is not in vain. I just *know* God has a plan for our family, it is just taking a bit longer--four years longer--than I ever imagined. But, for some reason, pregnancy hasn't happened for us yet and I just need to keep living life to the fullest, even though sometimes I want to curl up in a ball and not leave the house:) I am so thankful that my God is faithful.
Friday, October 21, 2011
A New Addition to our Family
Sophie
10 weeks old tomorrow, though this pic was taken at 8 weeks, 1 day. She's a cutie, huh? We are still getting used to having a puppy...potty training, etc. Our cats are less than thrilled about the new addition, but they are tolerating her better now than when we first got her. Conrad's wanted a black lab since we got married, so we now have one. She will be his companion in the pick-up, on the tractor, etc., etc. For now, however, I am her main trainer and we have good days and bad days. Oh well, such is life. She's lovable, though, so I can't stay mad at her too long. Unless of course she licks my lips with her tongue full of cat poop she just retrieved from the litter box. That one took a few days.
10 weeks old tomorrow, though this pic was taken at 8 weeks, 1 day. She's a cutie, huh? We are still getting used to having a puppy...potty training, etc. Our cats are less than thrilled about the new addition, but they are tolerating her better now than when we first got her. Conrad's wanted a black lab since we got married, so we now have one. She will be his companion in the pick-up, on the tractor, etc., etc. For now, however, I am her main trainer and we have good days and bad days. Oh well, such is life. She's lovable, though, so I can't stay mad at her too long. Unless of course she licks my lips with her tongue full of cat poop she just retrieved from the litter box. That one took a few days.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Let Me Take It...
Throughout our 3+ years TTC, I have been grateful that I have never had to endure a miscarriage. Though the silent grief of infertility rages on, I think that knowing that I actually was able to get pregnant, but then losing the baby might rip my soul out whole. I know a lot of infertility stories hold a baby, or two, or three, that will not be known here on earth, but is waiting in Heaven.
A few weeks ago, I heard of a close friend trying to give her adorable toddler a sibling losing a baby. My heart was instantly broken. I couldn't call her right at the moment because I was on vacation celebrating my Grandma's 90th birthday. I got some alone time the next day and called her. She didn't answer, so I left a message...a message that I barely squeaked out through the knot in my throat. Who knows what would've happened if she had answered...she'd probably be comforting me!!
I saw her at church the next week and she thanked me for the message. I was in the nursery that week (the answer's yes, before you ask if it's hard to work nursery while TTC and everyone's asking "When?", and newcomers asking "which one's yours?"), and held it together when we hugged. I told Conrad about it later and couldn't keep from crying.
Then comes yesterday. She started talking about a babyshower she went to for a friend's baby due in Nov. She talked about how hard it was because the small group went for pedis and lunch, and it was all baby talk between the guest of honor, one girl ready to pop, and the last just finding out. Just hearing her talk about her experience gripped my heart and I literally could've burst into tears had we not been in a *very* public place. All I could think was No! I'm experiencing these crazy childless grieving emotions so none of my friends will have to, and now she's been having to war with them...not fair. I want it. I will take it. Please, just let my friends be.
A few weeks ago, I heard of a close friend trying to give her adorable toddler a sibling losing a baby. My heart was instantly broken. I couldn't call her right at the moment because I was on vacation celebrating my Grandma's 90th birthday. I got some alone time the next day and called her. She didn't answer, so I left a message...a message that I barely squeaked out through the knot in my throat. Who knows what would've happened if she had answered...she'd probably be comforting me!!
I saw her at church the next week and she thanked me for the message. I was in the nursery that week (the answer's yes, before you ask if it's hard to work nursery while TTC and everyone's asking "When?", and newcomers asking "which one's yours?"), and held it together when we hugged. I told Conrad about it later and couldn't keep from crying.
Then comes yesterday. She started talking about a babyshower she went to for a friend's baby due in Nov. She talked about how hard it was because the small group went for pedis and lunch, and it was all baby talk between the guest of honor, one girl ready to pop, and the last just finding out. Just hearing her talk about her experience gripped my heart and I literally could've burst into tears had we not been in a *very* public place. All I could think was No! I'm experiencing these crazy childless grieving emotions so none of my friends will have to, and now she's been having to war with them...not fair. I want it. I will take it. Please, just let my friends be.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
No Announcement
Contrary to popular belief, my prolonged absence from the blow world has not been due to my *surprise* announcement that I didn't want to let slip. No, no. I wish it was. You have no idea how I long to jump on here one day and announce that Conrad and I are going to have a baby.
My sporadic appearances have simply been a mix between not having anything *new* to say/report and being caught up in summer.
Since last spring, whenever people have asked me what our next route is for overcoming infertility, I've said (and yes, I was being completely honest) "I don't know, we are going to address it next fall when Conrad is done with harvest." This has been a safe answer. However, as beet harvest will be wrapping up in less than a month (God-willing), I am feeling the pressure to have a plan.
No one's putting pressure on me but myself. What should we do? Where should we go next? Should we schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist (3 hours away)? Do we even have the money to be addressing IVF? Do we look into accupuncture therapy? Do we look into surgeries to correct the problems and hope they actually work? Do we pursue the adoption route? Do we simply "be still..." and wait for God to do a miracle?
What I wouldn't give to see writing on the wall.
My sporadic appearances have simply been a mix between not having anything *new* to say/report and being caught up in summer.
Since last spring, whenever people have asked me what our next route is for overcoming infertility, I've said (and yes, I was being completely honest) "I don't know, we are going to address it next fall when Conrad is done with harvest." This has been a safe answer. However, as beet harvest will be wrapping up in less than a month (God-willing), I am feeling the pressure to have a plan.
No one's putting pressure on me but myself. What should we do? Where should we go next? Should we schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist (3 hours away)? Do we even have the money to be addressing IVF? Do we look into accupuncture therapy? Do we look into surgeries to correct the problems and hope they actually work? Do we pursue the adoption route? Do we simply "be still..." and wait for God to do a miracle?
What I wouldn't give to see writing on the wall.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
I Remember...
This picture was taken when I visited Ground Zero.
(sorry about the date stamp...still haven't had time to learn Photoshop)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Most Richly Blessed
Most Richly Blessed
Sometimes I wonder when things go wrong,
Has God forsaken and left me alone?
Then I remember through trials and distress,
He’s always with me,
I’m most richly blessed.
I asked God for strength,
that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.
I asked for health,
that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches,
that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power,
that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things,
that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
But everything I had hoped for,
And almost despite myself,
My unspoken prayers were answered.
He’s always with me
I am, among all men, most richly, blessed.
~Unknown
Last Sunday, we had a guest speaker at church. She is a missionary in Michigan that pastors churches/disciples people who are/were Muslim. She is a white girl from Idaho, who's had her share of difficulties while growing up. Besides being hearing-impaired, she struggled with relational/family issues, and I'm sure other things (like we all have...). God has radically changed her life, and has given her a heart and passion for the lost.
She spoke on love. Loving God, which in turn turns to loving people. Love. A basic concept, right? Sure, but if you're anything like me, it's a concept that seems so basic that it gets overlooked.
Of course, I've heard that verse, and the next one, before...lots. If you've been to a wedding lately, you've heard parts of 1 Corinthians 13. Ah...so romantic. Of course, it's NOT only a chapter about the love in a marriage. Yes, again, I know that. But that's what I've always related it to. The middle section, where it talks of what love is/isn't, really spoke to me on how I relate with people. Especially in my job as a credit union teller. Of course, if someone's irritating me I still treat them like a princess (or prince)...thank you, years in customer service and as a social worker...but if I'm not loving them in my heart, I'm missing it. God, help me!
So, again, I know this is "basic" stuff, and maybe I'm the only one who hasn't totally grasped the concept of God's rich/deep/boundless/unconditional love for me and for others, as well as my love for God and others. But, I'm pretty sure it's a lesson that this world as a whole would benefit from reviewing.
Sometimes I wonder when things go wrong,
Has God forsaken and left me alone?
Then I remember through trials and distress,
He’s always with me,
I’m most richly blessed.
I asked God for strength,
that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.
I asked for health,
that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches,
that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power,
that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things,
that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
But everything I had hoped for,
And almost despite myself,
My unspoken prayers were answered.
He’s always with me
I am, among all men, most richly, blessed.
~Unknown
Last Sunday, we had a guest speaker at church. She is a missionary in Michigan that pastors churches/disciples people who are/were Muslim. She is a white girl from Idaho, who's had her share of difficulties while growing up. Besides being hearing-impaired, she struggled with relational/family issues, and I'm sure other things (like we all have...). God has radically changed her life, and has given her a heart and passion for the lost.
She spoke on love. Loving God, which in turn turns to loving people. Love. A basic concept, right? Sure, but if you're anything like me, it's a concept that seems so basic that it gets overlooked.
Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
37 "Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Of course, I've heard that verse, and the next one, before...lots. If you've been to a wedding lately, you've heard parts of 1 Corinthians 13. Ah...so romantic. Of course, it's NOT only a chapter about the love in a marriage. Yes, again, I know that. But that's what I've always related it to. The middle section, where it talks of what love is/isn't, really spoke to me on how I relate with people. Especially in my job as a credit union teller. Of course, if someone's irritating me I still treat them like a princess (or prince)...thank you, years in customer service and as a social worker...but if I'm not loving them in my heart, I'm missing it. God, help me!
1 Corinthians 13 (ESV) (my emphasis added)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
So, again, I know this is "basic" stuff, and maybe I'm the only one who hasn't totally grasped the concept of God's rich/deep/boundless/unconditional love for me and for others, as well as my love for God and others. But, I'm pretty sure it's a lesson that this world as a whole would benefit from reviewing.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Lord, Make This True in My Life
"My secret is very simple: I pray. Through prayer I become one in love with Christ. Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depths of our hearts." ~Mother Teresa
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Harvest Time
"If you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, then someday you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them." ~Zig Ziglar
This quote is an important reminder to ME that the hard work the Conrad is putting in now, and hopefully the work I'm doing outside of the home, will not be in vain. We are doing things now to set ourselves up for the future. Sometimes it's hard to look that far into the future when you (I) want things now.
Harvest time should be a happy time, right? Don't get me wrong, I love riding in the combine with Conrad and watching the wheat heads fight to get past the header and be separated out into kernels, leaving the straw behind in hefty rows. I can brag on my man...he is an amazing farmer. His crops are excellent, and beautiful. However, because of our teetering on the financial edge of being able to hire a full-time guy to help out, Conrad works hard. Too hard. He realizes this too, that not only the physical labor, but the investment of mental and emotional stress, cannot be a lifestyle that lasts too many more years without taking a toll. But it's only for a season, I have to remind myself (and he reminds me).
Sometimes I want to fast-forward a few years ahead to when we're able to hire out some jobs, though I know these trying times are shaping our [debt-free] future, and contributing to our growth individually and as a couple. So, today, I'm reminded of why harvest is not always "happy"...when the stress comes due to lack of help, the machines don't work right, and family jealousy runs rampant (this last one could be a whole post in itself, though I'll spare you the misery).
Lord, I know you hold our future in Your hands. Let us trust you, and may Your wisdom shape our every decision. We don't depend on other people to control our destiny...You control it. Give us patience and grace as we ride out this season.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Seattle--August 2011
My friend Andrea moved to Seattle in April to pursue her dream of working for a graphic design firm in downtown Seattle. She lives in a super cute studio apartment about 15 minutes from work. Our friend Steph and I went to visit for a long weekend recently and had a BLAST! The next two pictures were taken at Kerry Park. This is one of my fav lookouts in Seattle and is in the Queen Anne area. We went one day and it was too foggy to see downtown (reminded me of then I took Conrad to Mt.Rushmore for the first time...not impressed). On a clear day, you get a great view!
We went to The Locks in Ballard one afternoon (don't fret, we made it to happy hour on time...). The Locks consists of botanical gardens, live music on weekends during the summer, and, the reason they exist in the first place, to assist boats in the move from salt to fresh water, or vice versa. We watched the whole process and it was pretty cool.
One night, Steph and I walked a few blocks to the Space Needle. It was dusk on Sunday and it was bustling! We walked in circles in the gift shop and walked around outside a bit. Did I mention the weather was PERFECT while we were there? Not one drop of rain.
One afternoon, we went to Boehms's Candy in Issaquah. They have a chef who makes the recipes and they hand-dip all of their chocolates (only 200 chocolate-dippers are left in the USA!). We took a tour of the facility, Mr.Boehm's chalet, and the surrounding grounds. My only complaints: not enough samples on the tour, and a tour nazi that hung around behind our tour group with a scowl (someone needs to eat more chocolate!). We all bought some oh-so-good chocolate and we were happy ladies!
Though I enjoy my little town of 4,000 people and living out in the country, I also enjoyed living the "downtown Seattle" life. This included lots of walking, shopping, eating at awesome happy-hour restaurants (at least once daily...I am now a "happy hour" addict!), shopping at Pike's Place Market, eating yummy gelato and pastries (including an orange/chai cupcake from The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co.), etc. The last picture in this section shows a vehicle that's preparing to shoot a VW commercial. There were lots of cops and street closures. We tried to get them to let us be extras, but they weren't interested...whatever! Glad we were on foot so we could snoop a bit, though we never saw anything too exciting.
On Saturday, we took the water taxi over to Alki Beach. It was soooo nice to be able to use public transportation to get around...we rarely drove. We walked around the beach for about 15 minutes then went and took our seats at Cactus--a restaurant with awesome decor/set-up/HH food/etc. After we got our fill of amazing Mexican food, we decided to rent a surrey to ride along the bike path at the beach. We became an instant ourist attraction. We had people laughing, staring, taking pictures, and looking longingly with jealousy as we rode around on this bicycle built for three...or so they said. It was a tight squeeze onto that seat since we're all post-adolescence! I haven't had a perma-grin or laughed so hard in a looooooong time!! This pic just shows Andrea, we have lots of other pics on Steph's camera. It was soooo much fun! The best part was when we'd go over the tiniest bump and a bell would announce our encroachment on the next victim, er, passerby:)
On our last night there, we met up with a couple of [new to Steph and me] friends for...wait for it...HH at Ruth's Chris (would never go there on my own tab if it wasn't HH!). From there we went to a little Irish pub close to the Pike's Place, and chatted a while longer, until leaving to hit up the infamous gum wall in Post Alley. This was the first time I was a contributor:) We ended our last night on the town with another ice cream/chocolate/pastry store...surprise! And I wonder why I have a quad chin in the above pic at Kerry park!!
Overall, the trip was a much-needed getaway for this girl. It was fun to hang out with awesome friends, eat amazing food, and explore Seattle. Never a dull moment!
We went to The Locks in Ballard one afternoon (don't fret, we made it to happy hour on time...). The Locks consists of botanical gardens, live music on weekends during the summer, and, the reason they exist in the first place, to assist boats in the move from salt to fresh water, or vice versa. We watched the whole process and it was pretty cool.
One night, Steph and I walked a few blocks to the Space Needle. It was dusk on Sunday and it was bustling! We walked in circles in the gift shop and walked around outside a bit. Did I mention the weather was PERFECT while we were there? Not one drop of rain.
One afternoon, we went to Boehms's Candy in Issaquah. They have a chef who makes the recipes and they hand-dip all of their chocolates (only 200 chocolate-dippers are left in the USA!). We took a tour of the facility, Mr.Boehm's chalet, and the surrounding grounds. My only complaints: not enough samples on the tour, and a tour nazi that hung around behind our tour group with a scowl (someone needs to eat more chocolate!). We all bought some oh-so-good chocolate and we were happy ladies!
Though I enjoy my little town of 4,000 people and living out in the country, I also enjoyed living the "downtown Seattle" life. This included lots of walking, shopping, eating at awesome happy-hour restaurants (at least once daily...I am now a "happy hour" addict!), shopping at Pike's Place Market, eating yummy gelato and pastries (including an orange/chai cupcake from The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co.), etc. The last picture in this section shows a vehicle that's preparing to shoot a VW commercial. There were lots of cops and street closures. We tried to get them to let us be extras, but they weren't interested...whatever! Glad we were on foot so we could snoop a bit, though we never saw anything too exciting.
On Saturday, we took the water taxi over to Alki Beach. It was soooo nice to be able to use public transportation to get around...we rarely drove. We walked around the beach for about 15 minutes then went and took our seats at Cactus--a restaurant with awesome decor/set-up/HH food/etc. After we got our fill of amazing Mexican food, we decided to rent a surrey to ride along the bike path at the beach. We became an instant ourist attraction. We had people laughing, staring, taking pictures, and looking longingly with jealousy as we rode around on this bicycle built for three...or so they said. It was a tight squeeze onto that seat since we're all post-adolescence! I haven't had a perma-grin or laughed so hard in a looooooong time!! This pic just shows Andrea, we have lots of other pics on Steph's camera. It was soooo much fun! The best part was when we'd go over the tiniest bump and a bell would announce our encroachment on the next victim, er, passerby:)
On our last night there, we met up with a couple of [new to Steph and me] friends for...wait for it...HH at Ruth's Chris (would never go there on my own tab if it wasn't HH!). From there we went to a little Irish pub close to the Pike's Place, and chatted a while longer, until leaving to hit up the infamous gum wall in Post Alley. This was the first time I was a contributor:) We ended our last night on the town with another ice cream/chocolate/pastry store...surprise! And I wonder why I have a quad chin in the above pic at Kerry park!!
Overall, the trip was a much-needed getaway for this girl. It was fun to hang out with awesome friends, eat amazing food, and explore Seattle. Never a dull moment!
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