As the Lord Works

Just One Thing

2012-01-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

It's January, the infamous month of resolutions. And while some may role their eyes at the notion of making goals for change during the first month of the year, I think that no matter when it happens, it SHOULD happen. Prayerfully and humbly taking inventory of our lives and the way we are stewarding our time is important, at the very least on an annual basis if not more often. As I've been praying about the ways God wants me to grow in the management of my time, I believe He's given me a simple plan that revolves around the number "one". I think one of the pitfalls of new years resolutions is their complexity and hugeness. Now certainly people have been able to follow through on big goals, but I think for most of us, with lives that very much do NOT revolve around ourselves, need to keep it simple and small, building towards our goals one block at a time. So here it is, my "one plan":)...

One prayer before each task (praying for a different person/issue each time).
One (at least) chunk of focused, one on one time with Travis and each of the kids every day.
One load of laundry (from start to closet) every day.
One room to clean from top to bottom each day (not that other rooms won't get tidied along the way).
One weekly task each day (planning the menu, scrubbing toilets, vacuuming, etc...)
One phone call to a friend each week.
One chapter to read in the Word each day.
One self care task each day, beyond a shower which is a given;) (exercise, reading a book, painting my nails, tweezing my eyebrows, etc...)
One written letter to a friend each week (email or card)
One verse/passage of scripture to memorize each month.
One set amount of time on the computer each day (I'm thinking 30 minutes divided into 15 in the morning, 15 in the evening.)

This is my list for right now. These are goals, not a prison, a way to refocus on what I believe God has told me is important in my life. I pray for His mercy each morning, to empower me to live inside His priorities for me, not my own. If you would like to join me in making your own "one plan", or any other plan for that matter, let me know so we can pray for each other. I think my 15 minutes are about up, so I'll talk to you soon!

So I Don't Forget- Sawyer

2012-01-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

I could, quite possibly, have the sweetest son that ever lived! Today he was watching Dumbo for the first time ever when he called for me in a sad voice. When I came to see what was wrong, he broke into tears and said, "Mommy, I don't like this movie, he not findin his mommy!" to which I replied with a smile, "but where's your mommy?" his face filled up with a smile through the tears and he said, "right here! Hold me mommy!" And I did, soaking in every ounce of his sweetness! Later on, right before bed, he asked me to rock him to sleep like Dumbo's mom, in my trunk. So I formed my best trunk and rocked while singing the "baby mine" song. I then waved goodnight to him with my "trunk". If he ever forgets how much he loves his mama or how very much I love him I will remind him of this story. Thank you Father, for letting me be Sawyer Michael's "Mrs. Jumbo"!

The Nutcracker

2011-12-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

The day started with a fancy lunch at one of our favorite local Itallian restaurants downtown. Nana and Auntie Amber came up for our special girly date. We had amazing seats! This Nutcracker performance was beautiful and put us all in such a festive mood. I have fond memories of seeing The Nutcracker with my mom and grandma when I was little, I still have the Nutcracker souvenir from that day. I bought each of the girls a Clara ornament as a keepsake.

The girls with "Clara". She was an amazing ballerina for her age! I'm certain she's going places, and she was so sweet to boot!

Here they are with another amazing ballerina. Chloe was pretty tired at this point, can you tell?

And the best part of the whole day? That evening, the girls asked for Nutcracker music, dressed in their ballet outfits, helped each other put buns in their hair and danced around the living room with Nutcrackers in their hands. And of course, asked daddy to do lifts with them. I wish you could have seen the glee on their faces as daddy treated them like prim a ballerinas, priceless!

Autumn Mae at Nine Months

2011-12-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

Mommy's precious baby girl!

Snugglin with Nana

A nap with daddy on the guest bed. Is it just me, or does that little foot peeking out of her blankie just beg to be eaten?!!! I'll post some crawling pics soon, baby proofing is in full swing over here!

In My Own Little Corner...

2011-12-03T22:16:00.001-07:00

Last month, I took the girls and my mom-in-law "Grammy" to Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at our local performing arts center. The afternoon started with a lunch date and then it was off to the show. I have vivid memories of seeing these productions as a little girl with my mom, at the very same performing arts center. It was where I developed my love of theater.

This was the girl's first live musical. When the lights dimmed and the music started, I got teary watching Emma and Chloe on the edges of their seats in excited anticipation of what they were about to see. It was as if I was a little girl again, feeling all those same feelings of wonder and excitement.

Here they are getting Cinderella's autograph. They were too shy to pose for a picture with Prince Charming;).

And of course we had to talk to the silly step sisters, such great acting!

And the fairy godmother of course. It was such a special day, one vivid childhood memories are made of. Next weekend we have our Nutcracker date with my mom and sister. Oh how I love my girls! Thank you Jesus for the gift of daughters!

Homemade Avent Calendar- The Greatest Gift

2011-12-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

This mama has been a busy bee for the past month creating this special Advent calendar. Three years ago, my good friend Lindsay displayed her version of this calendar at our moms ministry auction. I have wanted it (but have never been able to bid high enough at the auctions) for three years. So this year, when my paddle had to come down, I buckled down and committed to making one myself. I'm so glad I didn't win the bid this year, because now I have a handmade-with-love by ME keepsake that will hopefully stay in the family for years to come! If any of you would like all the instructions and patterns for this, let me know and I can email them to you. I'm so excited to open our first pocket tonight!

Each pocket contains an ornament that represents an attribute/name of Jesus along with a devotion for that day. Each devotion takes you through scriptures that tell of who Jesus is. Just like the Bible, it all points to our only Hope, Jesus Christ. The devotions are short enough for the little ones, but deep enough for the whole family. And the ornaments are a visual memory cue for remembering each attribute, I love it!

You wrap each ornament in tissue paper so that opening each one is like opening a gift. Each member of the family takes a turn doing this of course.

Here are the ornaments (I'm not quite finished with them, still need to fill with fleece, tack together fronts and backs and sew on all the snaps). The star is ready for tonight's devotion though:).

Here's what the devotion cards look like. Each one has a song as well, that you can either sing if you know it or read as a poem if you don't.

A close up of some of the adorable ornaments.

With the help of this calendar, I hope we can keep our eyes on Jesus this Christmas season, on the author of our Hope and Salvation, truly the greatest gift we've been given! Happy Advent!

Autumn Just Crawled! (So I won't forget)

2011-11-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

At 8.5 months, Autumn Mae just put her first knee forward to crawl! For what you might ask? A plastic sword. I will take this as a sign that my sweetie will grow to be passionate for God's Word, the Sword of Truth, LOL! A mother can think that way right? Anyway, just had to pop on here to commemorate the milestone so I won't forget. And that makes her my earliest crawler I do believe, the girl is going places, yikes!

Sick Lessons

2011-11-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

Lessons during times of sickness:

1. if you think getting up once a night with a baby makes you tired, remember it could always be worse... like being sick with a cold yourself and getting up with multiple children all night long. Lesson? Don't complain, it could always be worse.

2. When mama is sick, housework doesn't get done... but it certainly continues to pile up. Lesson? Ask for specific help from well family members when your sick, they aren't mind readers after all.

3. A baby's cough can wake a mama from the deepest sleep and spring her to her feet faster than lightning. Lesson? Stop worrying that you won't hear them or wake up if they need you, I'm pretty sure the angels shake mamas awake when they are needed.

4. Sometimes, the whole family just needs to sit around and watch movies all day. Mindless snuggles when you're sick are very important. Lesson? It's really okay to do this, don't feel guilty about it! It takes voice power to read to the kids, mama's sore throat no likey, give yourself a break!

5. Even the nastiest virus's/ infections do go away eventually, so take heart! I always try to remember this when I think of those with terminal illnesses. Again, it could always be worse.

So what am I going to do right now? Go snuggle with Chloe:).

A Concerted Effort

2011-11-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

So I think I'm ready for some more bloggy action! Yes, I want to post on here more and be on facebook less, lofty goals I know, but if you aim for nothing you'll hit it every time right!;). So here I am with a random post to relieve the pressure I feel to only write the deep and eloquent.
- Chloe had her nursery rhyme festival at school today. She made an adorable Little Miss Muffet! Each student was to recite their nursery rhyme to the class, but Chloe has a bad case of stage fright, so guess who ended up saying her rhyme for her, DADDY! Now that's real heroism!
-I'm getting my football gear on tonight for our mom's ministry's annual fund raising auction. There is a homemade nativity calendar, made by my friend Lindsey, with my name on it!! I WILL be the highest bidder, so just keep your paddles down ladies!
-Chloe wants me to play with her, and they only do that for so long right?, so I'm saying yes!:) Gotta run!

Sacred Marriage- Chapter 2

2011-09-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

This was a great chapter! I love how Gary brought us back to the Biblical and primary purpose of marriage, which is to model God's love for and relationship to the church. Our marriages are supposed to be a picture of divine reconciliation. A reconciliation that involved commitment and sacrifice and complete selflessness. Gary says, "If I believe the primary purpose of marriage is to model God's love for his church, I will enter this relationship and maintain it with an entirely new motivation, one hinted at by Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians: "So we make it our goal to please Him" (2 Corinthians 5:9)." We have been given so much in the Salvation we received because of what Christ did on the cross, it should be our priority in marriage and in every other area of our lives to please God. It's an act of worship, a big "thank you" that we can't say enough. God is clear in the Word that committed, lasting marriages are what pleases Him. He gave the analogy of how extremely wet forests rarely have devastating forest fires, so there are some extremely old trees in those forests. I'm going to get quote happy here, but I underlined a lot in this chapter. Gary says, "Strong Christian marriages will still be struck by lightning- sexual temptation, communication problems, frustrations, unrealized expectations- but if the marriages are heavily watered with an unwavering commitment to please God above everything else, the conditions won't be ripe for a devastating fire to follow the lightning strike." The thing that really struck me while reading this chapter is how we need to guard ourselves against the world's view of what marriage should be. Gary says, "The key question is this: Will we approach marriage from a God-centered view or a man-centered view? In a man-centered view, we will maintain our marriage as long as our earthly comforts, desires, and expectations are met. In a God-centered view, we preserve our marriage because it brings glory to God and points a sinful world to a reconciling Creator." And really what it all boils down to is that the world teaches us to be selfish, to always be looking out for our best interests instead of going to God for all our needs and then laying our lives down for others. My prayer as we continue in this study is that I will be constantly reminded to put my relationship with God first, to go to Him when I have need or struggle before burdening Travis with unrealistic and misplaced expectations. I praise the Lord for giving me a renewed sense of "for better or worse" after reading this chapter, a renewed commitment to making our marriage one of those oldest trees in the forest, for His glory, as we water ourselves with God's word and presence and power to "do all things through Him who gives us strength"!

Oh Little Blog of Mine!

2011-09-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Oh little blog of mine, all dusty and neglected. I have not forgotten you, sweet place where my heart gets voice. You see, dear friend, life is full... full of good things and people who need my love and serving. Your season will come again, so sit tight. But for now, living life well is far more important than writing about it and time is limited, I must be a good steward of it, for the days are evil and time slips away all too quickly. Thank you for waiting...

Our Story- "Sacred Marriage Study"

2011-08-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, don't faint with shock, but I'm actually going to do a thinking post! At least I'm praying my thoughts come coherently. I'm starting a study on the book titled, "Sacred Marriage". My dear childhood friend Jenn (and current bestie, yes Jenn, I just reverted to junior high and called you that;)) is hosting this study and I'm so excited to dig in. A couple of years ago I attended a conference that Gary Thomas, the author of the book, spoke at. I remember being particularly drawn to this book and his message about it, but never did buy the book, sort of put it on the mental back shelf as a "when I have time to go to the bathroom, let alone read a book" book. I'm twiddling my thumbs waiting for it to arrive in the mail so I can crack it open. Going in to this study, I'm ready to go deeper. Here's the description of the book:

"Your marriage is more than a sacred covenant with another person. It is a spiritual discipline designed to help you know God better, trust him more fully, and love him more deeply. Scores of books have been written that offer guidance for building the marriage of your dreams. But what if God's primary intent for your marriage isn't to make you happy. . . but holy? And what if your relationship isn't as much about you and your spouse as it is about you and God"

For those who may not know, Travis and I have a long history. We've known each other for over half our lives actually. We met in Junior High, 7th and 8th grade (I'm a year and a half older than him, yes a craddle robber). Having met so young and having been so young in our walks to boot, we were not short of struggles in our dating relationship, many to do with the temptation of physical intimacy. But looking back, even though our struggles in our physical relationship seemed to be the all-encompassing struggle, I can now see that there were many other things going on that have shaped what our marriage is today. My dad was dying of brain cancer shortly after we met. Travis and his family became an escape for me as a self centered teenager, it was the way I found normal in a very overwhelming family crisis. My dependence on Travis became immense, I was very needy and I counted on Travis, not the Lord, to meet all of my needs. It set the stage for a very claustrophobic Travis who started to pull away as my grip tightened. We had a brief separation during our dating years when my neediness got to a boiling point which forced me to the well I had been neglecting, my relationship with God. I finally found what I really needed all along and Travis and I experienced great freedom from it, which brought us back together. Through all of our struggles and triumphs, we are continually humbled to see God at work in our individual hearts and in our marriage. My hope for this study is that God would get to the deep places in my heart that need refining, that He would continue to bless and grow our marriage as we are open and moldable before Him. I am so thankful for the blessing of Travis, this man that God has entrusted to me to love and honor and care for! I am thankful for his friendship and commitment and openness, for his willingness to share his heart without holding back, to confess his temptations, sins, hopes, and convictions and to listen when I need to share my own heart. I am thankful for the ways he serves and provides for our family, the ways he lays down his own life and interests for us on a daily basis, the way he partners with me in the care and raising of our four children, often up in the night with them even more than I am. He is a treasure to me, a treasure I never want to take for granted. And I am convinced, now more than ever, that our story is not a story about us, but rather a story about God and what He can do. It is a story of His glory despite ourselves, a story that I pray will point all who know us to the One who is the source of all life and hope and true joy, the author and perfecter of our faiths. I'll be back with more thoughts from the study as we go along, but if you are so inclined, please pray that this study would be used by God in my life and the lives of all who are participating. And join in if you'd like!

Sawyer is three!

2011-08-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

I'm so late getting this up, I try to get these birthday posts up day of, but I digress. Sawyer turned three on Friday! Yes, my baby boy isn't a baby anymore (although he'll always be mine). I feel like Sawyer has changed so much from two to three. His language has taken off, it's now very rare that I can't understand what he's saying. And his will has taken shape to be sure, and he gets right in there playing with the girls. He's no longer the annoying toddler, but rather the much desired cast member to many dramas. In fact, Emma and Chloe often fight over who Sawyer seems to favor on a given day, shmoozing him with sweet talk and promises of treats and toys in order to come out on top. He knows his power and it's pretty cute to watch him revel in it. Oh what sweetness escapes every pore of my little man's being! Travis often says he's got me wrapped around his little finger, and I really can't deny it, after all, he is my only son. And truly, after seeing these pictures, is there any wonder why I'm so smitten? Sawyer Michael, you are such a gift!

Autumn Mae, Six Months!

2011-08-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Somebody just turned six months old today! This little somebody is now rolling around, sitting all by herself (with pillows behind her) and eating her first foods! She is spitting and babbling and squealing away her time, putting everything she can get her hands on in her mouth and continuing to be doted on by all who know her. She has bright eyes that nearly pop out of her head when she's excited or scared and a smile that can brighten up any room. She's got her own look, but most often we get that she favors her big brother Sawyer. I still see more of myself in her than any of my children, but there's something unmistakeably daddy in her little mouth. And something about the way she pops her little eyes so bright reminds us of grandpa Mike, which blesses my heart. I don't have a current weight and height for her yet as her six month appointment is later this week, but she seems to be continuing to move in the tall direction, imagine that!;). So without further adieu, I give you my little six month old "Tulip", the prettiest little tulip in the flower bed!

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-17T19:46:00.001-07:00

I have two big girls at school now, I repeat TWO big girls at school! Emma is a big second grader and Chloe a Kindergartener! Today as I was taking the girls to school, under the effects of Ibuprophen for the nasty bug I came down with last night and that has had me in bed all day today, the girls could not contain their excitement. Emma sang Chloe songs she learned in music class last year and told her all about recess and how much fun she was going to have in Kindergarten. I was nervous that Chloe would have a hard time with me leaving her, but she completely surprised me. She was so excited, she sat at her little table just beaming, gave me a big hug and kiss and said, "bye mom, I love you!" No tears or clinging or any of the things you might expect on the first day of kindergarten. And Emma was equally pumped up for her first day, she was all smiles. And after school she told me all about the new friends she made and how much she loves her teacher. Emma even had homework tonight, which she promptly completed right when she got home at her little desk in her new room. Chloe was jealous that Emma had homework and she didn't, so Chloe practiced writing her letters. It was a good first day for my sweeties, as these pictures tell. If only mama had been feeling better:(. Travis had to take some sick time, that's how rotten I felt. Feeling a little better tonight, so hoping we can all get some good rest tonight and continue getting into the swing of the school year.

Chloe is Five!!!

2011-08-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

I fully meant to get this post up ON her actual birthday, but it was a busy day, what can I say? We were busy preparing for Chloe's ice cream sundae party and after the party, well, I was pooped! But here it is, Chloe's first day of Kindergarten, so I thought this might be a good time to do her five year post. It's hard to think up new phrases to use I tell you! The whole, "I just can't believe how big she's getting" one or "I wish she'd slow down" one just seem too common. The truth is, putting my heart on paper is hard work when it comes to my kids, and I don't know that I ever really do it justice. For instance, Chloe asked Jesus into her heart this year. Just typing that out doesn't seem to convey my heart about it adequately, you know? It's been a full year for my precious Roo! We did Kingdom Kids preschool co-op with some of my good friends from church and she learned so much. Her handwriting is really good for her age and she knows more lowercase letters and letter sounds than most of her peers, according to her Kindergarten teacher. The girl is ready...but her mama is less so. Chloe is no longer a toddler, she's a little girl, a beautiful one I might add, both inside and out. She's funny and imaginative, curious and stubborn, compassionate and independent, friendly and kind and just downright amazing! Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll leave you with these I took for her five year photo shoot. I. Love. This. GIRL!!!

Coming up for air

2011-08-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Busy doesn't quite cut it when describing what we've been. Finishing this basement has felt like having a child. The "pregnancy" started last December, "labor" started when the carpet was installed. Now we're in "transition" as I paint, move, and organize furniture and stuff! This child won't be born until all of this is complete and we're just living in our house again. I know I haven't been here in awhile, I've missed this space in the world. But there is a season as verse says. But just wanted to come up for air and tell you all that I'm still here:). Until the child is born...

Good Conversation

2011-07-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

This post is a first for me. I had such a great conversation following a question I posted on facebook, that I just had to repost it here for safe keeping. This was the question:

"Do you think we are a lazy generation when it comes to house keeping? Do you think it's our generation or an individual thing? If it is a generational thing, what are the factors?"

RESPONSES:

A.S.- "Yes! mostly generational thing...factors are more things to distract us from our "duties" maybe I'm just speaking for myself, but with tv, cell phones, unlimited minutes on home phones, computers...and yes facebook...I look around and see that I need to do a load of laundry, but wait...I need to check e-mail or voicemail or whatever first. Humm...this is making me want to become unplugged! Thanks for the thought provoking question Sarah!"

T.L.- "Yes! But I have no answers."

ME- "A.S., more distractions (like computer and fancy cell phones) was one of my ideas. I do think there are some who struggle with laziness more than others, so there are individual differences. But maybe too, as technology and "fast food" h...ave made lives "easier", we're a bit spoiled and expect that everything should be easier, and if it requires hard work with no recognition, forget it. I've also seen a lot of people hiring house cleaners. It's the mentality that if I don't like doing something, I'll just hire someone else to do it. I actually really enjoy cleaning my house and HAVING a clean house, but I do think those distractions come into play for me once in awhile, doing what I want to do rather than what I should do. I think it's also hard with young kids who take so much energy and work and who make so many constant messes, I think I often wave the weariness flag, but I think many generations before us know how that feels, I think it's what we do with the feeling that is different now."

N.B.- "Do you have your kids help with chores around the house?"

T.M.- "Oh, I have too many thoughts on this to list here...it is generational, a discipline issue, a priority issue and I see many women neglecting this area because they have bought into society's view that a homemaker role is non-important, no-status job...or they escape becasue they are overwhelmed at the state of their homes and rather than find a solution, it is easier to engage in so many activities you can excuse an ill-kept home...when in fact...it is such a rewarding and life-giving endeavor to create a home with beauty, order, and yes, even cleanliness. It is okay to love that...and it is good for others who enter and can feel loved there!"

A.S.- "Sarah & T.M....thank you so much for your wise words and thoughts on this subject! Before G was born, I was so good at keeping my house clean, kept & orderly, but in the last year have made a ton of excusses. My house is ok, but not ne...arly up to my standard...time for a reality check! Also, T.M....I do think that a lot of us do buy into society's view that being a homemaker is not a "real job" or as you said "unimportant". Having a clean, orderly and well-kept home is so very important for our children as well. They need to see that everything has a place and that work must be done before play. That is how God designed it, correct?"

ME- "good stuff ladies! This is what I was hoping for, good discussion! Yes N.B., my kids have chores, but I feel like one of the only moms I know who has them do them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a perfect housekeeper, but the reason I brought this up is that I've really been noticing, in people I know, lots of laziness and excuses in this area and I've been wondering what the factors are that contribute to it. T.M., I love how you mentioned the devaluing of the role, I think that's a biggie. I also think women don't fully realize the tremendous blessing it is to their families to have the peace of a well organized, clean home. And Amber, the work before play value is definitely being lost, I guess we can call these things what they really are, selfishness=sin, laziness=sin. Deep breath and asking God to help me in the area of homemaking, that I would see it the way He sees it."

K.L.- " I think there are several different factors. Probably some I haven't even thought about. For me- I used to let others' attitudes affect my attitude, until God taught me that I need to work for Him, not for others (including my husband and children.) If I worked hard but wasn't "appreciated" or under-appreciated it felt like I was working for nothing. I also feel like it is not viewed as important by society. A homemaker is never as appreciated as she should be, people are generally not impressed by a good homemaker... but again, I am not working for society I am working for God. I know He thinks it is important and I know He sees my heart and my work. Next I think we are distracted. We have many more "things" to do: kids sports, kids activities, more church activities, more work, TV, movies, internet, friends, clubs, life. It wasn't common in past generations for kids to play sports before middle school/ high school. Most kids were not involved in several different activities (swimming, basketball, soccer, awana, scouts, 4H, skiing, dance, football, volleyball, track, etc.) It seems like families are always on the move, and maybe even overextended. With less time sometimes it can feel impossible to accomplish everything. Sometimes we also have to realize that a "perfect home" does not make a happy family. My husband's grandma had a great saying "my home is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy." It's the saying I live by."

A.R.- " Interesting, Sarah. Good question... I feel different than the rest. I do feel like being a homemaker is important. I am one and I love it. But I think it has so much more to it than a neat and orderly home. I tend to think that we often spend too much time on our home and making it appear perfect and not enough time pursuing real relationships and real conversation. Maybe it is perfectionism, maybe pride? I agree, an organized life is such a gift to the family, but if we had smaller homes/fewer things, we would be able to spend a heck of a lot more time on other things that also matter to the heart of God. Just my two cents:) And I'm working through all of this and trying to create a balance."

M.G.- "Well, here's a perspective from a "Nana" who has reached the empty nest stage, AND has someone come in to clean my house twice a month:) I think there is a MUCH greater pressure on moms of this generation to entertain their children - and ...if you're not, well you aren't stimulating them enough or meeting their "emotional" needs. Hogwash!! Your kids will benefit greatly from being included in the work of running and maintaining their home. They will take ownership and pride in helping. AND it is eternally valuable for them to realize at an early age, that they are not the center of the universe. Creativity in alone time, and an ability to "quiet" our own hearts is important for all of us, and the sooner we learn how to do this, the better:) Listening for God's voice is tricky business when every minute of the day is filled with noise and a busy social calendar. When I was in the trenches raising my children, I had 2 friends in particular whom I felt had the right balance. One had a "clean" house, but it was never perfectly in order - children were allowed to make messes in play, and my kids always loved to spend time at her kitchen table doing crafts, baking, etc. But cleanup time was mandatory when it was time to go home. She and I always enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee, some conversational therapy, and our children had a great time as well. I HATED messes and was never relaxed with my kids' creativity:) It was stressful for me and so I followed them around cleaning up after them! Another friend was the queen of hospitality! She would invite you over on the spur of the moment for left over soup and a loaf of bread; not really caring if her house was perfect and I knew that she valued my friendship way more than impressing me:) Her house was LIVED IN! I loved the way she made us feel welcome and I was able to truly relax in her presence. So, individual personalities play a huge part in how we keep our homes and raise our children, obviously. What are your motives for a spotless house?? Is there eternal value? Are you hospitable? Moderation is the key in all things after all:)."

T.M.- " I completely agree with you, M.G.! I also have an "empty nest," and do get outside help with housekeeping when I need it! You said it so well with the "entertaining our kids", the hospitality issue, the moderation issue, and balancing it out. I am so much more relaxed now at cleanliness, but I did like to also get creative with crafts when our kids were little, and clean up time was part of it. I think some of us get more relaxed with messes as we get older!"

ME- "love all this input! I'm so glad I posted the question! Each of you has offered something profound and worth much considering, thank you! Balance is key I think and cleanliness does NOT equate to Godliness as the saying goes. It's a heart issue, a who are you serving issue, a stewardship of time issue. And mom, have I told you lately how blessed I am to call you mom;)!? Ya, M.G. is MY mom ya'll!"

A.L.- " Lots of good thoughts here. I would say that sometimes I feel lazy, and sometimes I feel overworked. Like sometimes I don't feel like I do enough housework, and other times I feel like it's all I do. I do like a clean house, but don't fe...el that a clean house equals a Godly house by any means. A house too clean all the time means not enough time spent on the most important stuff I think. Of course a horribly dirty house is gross and quite honestly gives me an eye twitch. He he! I used to be very anal about a clean house, but have had to let a lot of stuff go over the years to keep my sanity. It is such a freeing feeling to know that it's ok to slack on the house cleaning sometimes. I once saw a fourties looking poster that said "A Clean House is a Wasted Life." Now I wouldn't go that far, but it did make me think. : )"

Please feel free to add to the conversation if you wish, and I hope you've enjoyed this lovingly lively conversation as much as I have, definitely one I'll want to share with my kids some day;).

Seven Years Old!

2011-07-11T13:14:00.001-07:00

This week is shaping up to be quite busy, so I thought I'd get Emma's birthday post up nice and early to relieve my stress later in the week. Emma Grace turns seven this weekend! To me, seven is the heart of childhood, right smack in the middle of it, about half way to being a teen. I will not type the "t" word again any time soon as it has a tendency to put a lump in my throat :(. I did a little photo shoot with my big girl a couple weeks ago, so here you have it, my precious Emma at seven years old, more beautiful than I can find words to describe! Sometimes I just marvel with speechless wonder that God would entrust me to care for and bring up this little girl I call "mine". So uniquely her, fearfully and wonderfully made. And me, so fallen and sinful, so in need of her forgiveness daily, trying to show her her need for Jesus as she sees mine. So many hopes for you, sweet Sauce, as I think of all that lies ahead, good friendships, the fruits of the Spirit, and most of all, a deeper understanding of who God made you to be and of what it means to know Him and love Him intimately. Big words for a girl of seven, but just know that mommy is praying for you every day and hoping with all I have that God will equip your daddy and I to be the parents you need us to be! Happy Birthday Emma, I love you to the moon!

Pinch Me!

2011-06-27T13:43:00.002-07:00

Next year marks an amazing milestone in my book, Emma will be in second grade. Now wait for the punch line, this is the exact year in school I was introduced to my bosom friend, Jenn. Our mother's were good friends, both lovers of Jesus and raising their kids with the same goals in mind. I know I've posted before about this, but they pretty much told us, you WILL be friends. Fast forward about 25 years or so and we ARE friends, best of in fact, and are raising four children EACH of our own and hoping to foster friendships between them as well. This has been easy since her Devyn and my Emma hit it off so well. They have similar sweet, nurturing spirits and all the comradery of both being the oldest of four. We don't have play dates nearly as often as we'd like, but when we do, it is such sweet, sweet time. I love this picture of our big girls holding their baby sisters, little mommies in training to be sure!

And of course, with all these adorable babes on our hands, we simply must jest about match-making possibilities! Now what do you think, Sawyer and Ashlynn? Now wouldn't this just be the cutest wedding slide show picture, IF they ever needed it?!

Happy Four Months Autumn!

2011-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

My little Tulip is four months old today! I will say ONLY four months, because I insist that she will be my baby forever. She's simply not allowed to grow up, to lose her baby chub and butter soft skin. She's not allowed to replace her gummy grin with teeth or to stop having kissable feet. If I could stop time, I would stop it right now, because I love my baby girl at four months! And I do believe these pictures say more than words can, so I'll stop talking. I had so much fun doing her blue blanket photo shoot!

And the Winner Is...

2011-06-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Drawn by Travis using the high tech papers in a bowl method, the winner is... NANA!

Yes, my reaction was, "oh no, now everyone will think it was rigged!!" But the more Travis and I debated about it, we decided that it wouldn't be right to take away her win just because she's my mom, she won fair and square so there you have it. Thanks for playing and keep checking in at Kathy's etsy shop, Wee Frilly Designs to see her latest cutie pie items. Mom, you can pick up your chosen item when you come in two weeks, I'll let Kathy know you won. Just let me know which one you want.

Giveaway!!!

2011-06-09T14:16:00.001-07:00

Okay my faithful blog friends, you're in for a treat! My lovely neighbor Kathy is starting up a business selling her adorable handmade clothing for girls, it's called: Wee Frilly Designs. I tried this adorable top on Emma over the weekend and promptly placed my order for one size up to be shared between my girls. Is

this not the cutest summer top ever!?!

So now for a little fun! Kathy has agreed to let me give away one of the following pieces to one lucky blog reader! Here's how it will work, comment on this post for one entry. If you link to my giveaway on your blog or facebook (be sure to tell me you've done this in your comment), that will give you another entry. If you buy something from Kathy's new etsy site, this will give you a third entry (again, be sure to tell me you've done this and I will confirm with Kathy). The drawing will close at noon MST on 6/17. Happy shopping!

Choice #1 (Pink Skirt size 2T)

Choice #2 (Aussie Capris size 3T)

Choice #3 (Cowgirl Skirt size 3T)

I can vouch for the quality of the fabrics and sewing on all of Kathy's pieces. I'm sure we will be shopping often from Kathy in the future!

Happy Anniversary Travis... Counting our Blessings!

2011-06-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Eight years and four children later... we have A LOT to give thanks for!

This baby girl lights up our lives!!! Seriously, would you not kiss this little mouth at least 1000 times a day if you were us?!? Thank you God!

Sawyer... my only son, my heart just aches with love when I look at this picture! The sweetest, most handsome little boy that ever lived... and he's our son!!! Thank you God!

A mama scoping up her little chicks in her wings. I am so undeservingly blessed! (And I love how spell check is telling me that "underservingly" is not a word... well I'm making it one!) Thank you God!

I love this picture of my Chloe, the look on her face says it all! She loves Autumn with fierce love and her maternal bent is undeniable. She is fire and glue and everything God made her to be! How did we get so lucky to call her daughter? Thank you God!

Travis often marvels at his love for Autumn, he adores her beyond words, and yet it took such a step of faith for him to "try" for her. It's hard to imagine having enough love for all your children and then you realize you have more than enough and that your heart just might burst! Thank you God!

Emma Grace, the first one, the one who made us parents for the first time. Her outward beauty is no competition for the beauty of her heart! Again, how did we get so lucky to call her daughter?!? Thank you God!

I am thankful for every part of our lives together Travis, the happy and the hard, ALL of it, because it is God "working all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purposes." I pray for more of Him, more glory for His name, more courage to share the good news in the years to come. And I will keep counting His gifts, the ones all wrapped in pretty paper right along with the ones wrapped in tear stained rags, I will count until I He calls me home, because thanksgiving is the highest form of worship, it is seeing God and His goodness in the every day, and refusing to give the enemy an inch of ground.

Autumn Mae, Three Months!

2011-06-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

Is this much cuteness in one little girl even legal?!?! I want to freeze my sweet "Tulip" at this age forever, do you think that would be okay? I mean, she can develop mentally and all, maybe even learn to walk, but she has to stay this small, soft, chubby and toothless and absolutely edible!

Friends, Fruit, and Chocolate

2011-06-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Katie came over for lunch today! Not only did she bring a delicious homemade lunch, she also brought this little beauty.

Fruit and chocolate! Could a gift be more delicious?! Thanks Katie, for YEARS of friendship, you are a blessing in SO many ways.

My Little Mae in a Basket

2011-05-19T12:54:00.001-07:00

I've got to be better about getting pictures on here instead of just facebook, thanks for the reminder Katie! Here's a recent picture I took of little miss Autumn Mae at around two months. She'll be three months this weekend, so I better get cracking on her three month pictures:). In other random news, I finally got my garden planted after some big rain dumpings. Still no final word on whether or not our HOA will change our documents to allow for chickens, but our fingers are crossed. Emma has her last day of school tomorrow and we're all so ready for a summer together doing our OWN schedule! I'll try to pop on here soon to do a more coherent post when I get some more time. For now, enjoy this shot of my sweet baby girl!

What do you think, black and white or color, which is your favorite version of this picture? Click them to enlarge if that helps you cat your vote:).

My Daughter's Love

2011-05-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Emma diligently worked to finish a project she started in art class that I was not allowed to look at. She then proceeded to put it under her pillow to hide it. Not more than ten minutes later, she sheepishly walked up to me with something behind her back and asked, "Do you want to wait til Mother's Day to see what I made for you or can I give it to you now?" I told her it was up to her. She thought for a minute with a smirk on her face and then whipped it out from behind her back ( I have no idea where she gets her impatience in gift giving;)). It was a beautiful card with a little pop-up bouquet inside. She beamed as I gushed with thanks and an embrace of kisses and hugs. She then informed me that she needed to write something on the calendar, because on the real Mother's Day, she was going to give me something even more special. When we looked at the calendar together, I pointed out that Mother's Day was already written in type on the calender, but she insisted that she must write it herself so she wouldn't forget. Here's her sweet handy work:).

It is the simple gestures that make us feel the most loved... I am feeling SO loved!

Two Month Stats

2011-04-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

So I don't forget, here are Autumn's two months stats

She's growing beautifully, as the doctor put it, she's gained exactly four pounds since birth and now weighs 11lb., 5oz. (70th%) and is 24 inches long (90th%). This makes her long and lean, as the doc put it. She's getting the cutest baby chub on her arms and legs now, SO kissable!

She's really turned a corner as far as being easy during the day. She now goes to bed between 8 and 8:30pm. I wake her up before I go to bed for a late night phantom feed, then she sleeps until 4 or 5am, eats, and is back down til 7 or so. During the day, she's extending her wakeful times to about 1.5 to 2 hours at a time and taking three or four 1.5-2.5 hour naps. She's so happy and observant during her wakeful times, which makes it so much easier to get things done. And it's so helpful that her siblings love to talk and play with her so much, she's never lacking in entertainment.

The girl just doesn't cry much, such a happy little camper. She'll whine (not really cry) for a minute or two when I put her down for her naps, but that's pretty much it. Her smiles and coos are absolutely intoxicating, with the choice between chores and hanging out and chatting with her, she usually wins;). She's starting to kick her legs and move her arms in excitement rather than just out of reflex, her whole body smiles!

I am soaking this sweet time in with my baby girl as I know the time will pass too quickly. I am videoing her all the time because I know how fast she's changing. Autumn Mae, you are such a gift! Thank you Lord for this sweet baby!

Autumn Mae Two Months Old!

2011-04-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

This free scrapbooking design personalized with Smilebox

Sweet Feet!

2011-04-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Her piggies look like they're praising the Lord in this one:).

These feet are just so sweet, I'm half tempted to eat them at least once a day;)!

Chance to Win!

2011-04-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

My good friend Jenn at Munchkin Land Designs is giving away a blog design! She does beautiful work, hop on over for a chance to win!

Smiley Friday!

2011-04-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

This first picture is my best attempt at capturing Autumn smiling. The big black camera distracts her, so it was not easy! This isn't her full grin, but you get the idea.

Can't believe how much our sweetie has changed in just five and a half weeks!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! We'll be officially done with the electrical work in our basement this weekend and ready for the first inspection. Travis should be able to start insulation next weekend, so excited!

Keepin it real

2011-03-28T13:21:00.001-07:00

Do you have one of those places in your house, a clutter trap that drives you ten shades of crazy? Well I sure do, a couple of them to be exact! And here, for your viewing and feel-better-about-my-own-clutter-traps viewing pleasure, are some pictures of these areas in full clutter glory:). Just keepin it real folks:).

p.s. if you're one of those people whose house never looks like this, then... I bite my thumb at you!! Totally kidding:).

Beauty (X4)!

2011-03-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

In order of their appearance, each at approximately one month of age:

Emma Grace

Chloe Paige

Sawyer Michael

Autumn Mae

Each uniquely themselves and yet unquestionably belonging together:). I am speechless and humbled...

Autumn Mae, One Month!

2011-03-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

To say this past month has flown by at lightning speed is an understatement! Autumn Mae will be one month old tomorrow, I just can't wrap my mind around it. How in the world did she go from being too small for newborn clothes to comfortably wearing size 0-3 months in just four short weeks!? I guess my milk agrees with her;). Here are a few pictures taken over the past week or so.

such a good little sleeper!

learning to focus

nothing like a snooze on daddy:)

meeting grandpa for the first time

I think Emma might have her lips permanently attached to Autumn's head if she could.

Loving her baths!

sweet profile, complete with a milk double chin.

rosebud lips

Sleep smiles, melt my heart!

Just for record sake, here's what she's doing at one month old:

-waking up once, rarely twice, to eat during the night, but goes right back to sleep.

-focusing her eyes on people and things with great interest.

-eating every three hours and taking great naps in her bed (which is so great for a mama with so much to do:)).

-holding her head up with good neck strength.

-gaining more control of her hands, not scratching her face anymore.

-making a few random cooing sounds while awake, so sweet!

-being the apple of her siblings eyes! They still fight over who gets to hold her next and for how long

-fitting right in to our family, we just don't know what we would do without her:). We know she was meant to be our sweet little caboose;).

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! From our little leprechauns to you!

(This picture was taken right before the parade this past Saturday)

Sending you to her...

2011-03-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

You all probably know by now how much I adore Ann Voskamp over at A Holy Experience. Her words, her heart, the wisdom God has given her, all penetrate my heart like few others. I just have to share her most recent posts with you. These both made me smile, and breathe, and take new joy in my life and my many roles. Enjoy!

When the Grind of it all Makes it Hard to Keep going

What Happy Homemakers Know

Two Weeks

2011-03-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

They change so much so quickly! This mama is trying to capture each moment in time lest it slip from memory without a trace. My last newborn, such heartache in those words and yet, such gratitude for "now". Enjoy!

These two pics were taken during week one. Her face is less "swollen" already

Crazy how much this pic looks like my baby pics!

Emma is such a proud big sister, she cannot keep her hands or eyes off Autumn. I ordered some prints for her to take to school as she's been dying to show off her baby sister to her teacher and friends:)

Love the funny faces newborns make:)

she's already making such good eye contact, it's amazing!

love this look!

precious sleeping beauty...

Autumn Video

2011-03-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Introducing Autumn Mae

2011-02-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Autumn Mae was born on 2/22/11 at 5:48am. We are smitten! She weighs 7lb., 5oz. and is 20 inches long. We are home now and trying to adjust, but everyone has more love than they know what to do with for our newest little gift from above! Here are some pics to speak more than words can:).

The Last Shot

2011-02-16T11:30:00.001-07:00

Well folks, this is it, my last pregnant belly shot with Autumn.

I'm 38 weeks, 3 days today. Tomorrow marks the 10 days before due date marker, which was the gestation Emma was born at. If this little girl decides to stay inside longer than tomorrow, she'll be my "latest" baby yet. I've been claiming that she can hear all the chaos out here and has decided to stay inside as long as possible before joining it;). It is a bittersweet time in my heart to be sure. Sweet because I'm so excited to meet my third daughter, to kiss and smell and nurse my sweet baby, but bitter as I cherish all the "lasts" with her. Today I have been basking in her movements within, closing my eyes and imprinting to deep memory the feeling of life in my womb, the miracle that has graced me four times, all praise to the awesome Creator! Each ending marks a new beginning and God is granting me peace. The next pictures you will see here will be of our new baby girl! Until then, we ask for prayers for a safe delivery and healthy baby. All my love!

His Perfect Timing

2011-02-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough week friends, one of those weeks to be classified under "trenches". Chloe had her tonsils and adenoids removed last Thursday and I've been battling a nasty upper respiratory bug since a few days before that. While I've been up coughing every night, my precious Chloe has been up with horrible pain, we've been quite the pair, let me tell you. Chloe has lost 5 pounds in just one week, I can feel every bone in her body it seems. And her sad eyes say it all as she longs to eat normal foods, but can't handle more than pedisure, cream of wheat and chicken noodle soup sans noodles. I keep hoping that each day will be her turn around day, feeling like this healing process is taking an eternity. I have such a new found empathy for parents with children facing diseases like cancer, and it's only been a week for us. Watching your baby suffer has got to be the worse thing to endure, I wish I could take her pain on myself so much, but instead all I can do is hold and stroke and sing songs and reassure. But at least there is hope on our horizon, I am beyond grateful for that! By next weeks end, statistically speaking, she should be feeling much better. And my barking cough seems to be a little better this morning. All this going on just before we welcome little Autumn Mae into the world has felt a bit overwhelming and stressful, but it's been a good reminder that God's timing will be just as it should be, and we can't worry about the things outside of our control. The fact that I've made it this far is such a blessing, that Chloe and I are past the worse of our ills and that we might actually be getting a little sleep in the next few days, thank you Jesus! I'm so thankful for God's new mercies each morning, especially in times like this. When I have so little to give, it's wonderful to be carried by a fully capable father who knows our needs and cares about them. I may not get a chance to post again until after Autumn is born, but until then, know how thankful I am for each of you, for the ways you encourage me and lift our family up in prayer, for the ways many of you have reached out in practical ways, bringing meals and just being God's arms of provision for us. All my love!

The Last Time

2011-02-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

February, 2011 marks the last month I will ever be pregnant (Lord willing). This makes me sad, but I'm also at complete peace about the size of our family and Travis's leadership to that effect. Four children is always what we envisioned for our family and as we've prayed through the decision of family size, God has given us both the assurance that four is our number. But there is grieving at the end of any beautiful adventure, any treasured stage, and so that's where I'm at as I look forward to the birth of this, our last, little miracle from above. I'm so excited to meet her and yet so filled with patience at the same time. I'm reveling in each kick and roll and contraction, the look of my pregnant form in the mirror. Being pregnant has by far been the most joyous time in my life thus far. My body has never felt more alive and creative and used by God and for that, I am so thankful! Little Autumn Mae, nestled in my womb, I cherish this time with you...right where you are. You mark the end of something so special to me and at the same time, a new beginning that I welcome with completely open arms. There is a season, as God tells us in His Word, for every purpose under heaven, and I lay flat on my face in gratitude for the gift of getting to experience the season of childbearing. There will undoubtedly be some tears shed, in the quiet alone of my hospital room as I fully take in the closing of this chapter, but I promise to turn those tears of sadness into tears of joy as I look forward to the next step. And as I cherish the gift of now, I wait and love and praise the Giver of every good gift!

p.s. I recently had some maternity pictures taken by a dear friend of mine that I can't wait to share with you. As soon as she gets them to me, they will appear here!

Maternity Photo Shoot

2011-01-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I haven't shared very many of my recent photo shoots here on the blog, only on facebook. So here are a few of my favorites from a recent shoot I did for a beautiful first time mama to be and her husband. I love taking these kinds of pictures, capturing these moments in time! God gives me such joy in this art!

Choosing to Love

2011-01-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

In those essential relationships, the ones that must remain,when your sins sit unforgiven, when efforts fall on deaf ears, when understanding will not penetrate, and when the sins of another continue to pile upon you, there is but one choice. To choose love, the kind you've been given by Him, the kind undeserved but graciously bestowed. And then, to let go and stop expecting. We bask in the forgiveness freely given, in the understanding beyond our own, and we beg for wisdom and patience and security and direction from Him on how to continue relating and loving and letting go. It is to Him we give account and by Him alone that we have victory over flesh. And He asks us what merit it is to us to only love those who love us, the easy to love? It is far greater to love our enemies, to love beyond feeling but by choice and obedience, when love is truly laying down self, this is the love He asks us to give, because it is the love He has given. It is love that doesn't make sense and yet... it makes perfect sense to a Holy God and "we can do all things through Him who gives us strength."

In My Skin

2011-01-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

The only way I can think of to explain my lack of "thinking" posts lately is writers block. It's not that a million thoughts and insights don't flood my mind and heart every day, it's just that it takes energy and time to get them on "paper", both of which are in short supply lately for obvious reasons. Tonight, Travis is at our men's life group, so I've got some time to myself. I probably should be soaking my aching hips in a sea salt bath at the moment, but I just need to get this out, so no more excuses!

I've been thinking a lot lately about where God has me right now. It's a good place, a really good place, but a place that needs nurturing to grow into an even better place. I feel like my twenties were spent in a whirlwind of change and learning new roles. First homemaker, then wife, then mother. As I learned (and continue to learn mind you) God's best for me in these roles, there was a lot of insecurity, looking over my shoulder or across the street for some sort of affirmation that I am doing it right. I'll admit, comparison is an easy temptation to fall into for me. Sometimes it's easier for me to look at someone I admire in one area or another and try to do things like them instead of looking to God's Word first. The slippery slope to this approach is when I feel that I can never measure up to those people I admire, that somehow they've got it more figured out than me, that they must have a stronger direct line to God infusing them for better success than I seem to have. But that's where it all comes apart, comparing ourselves to each other in areas of Christian freedom and self-imposed legalisms. In those moments, I hear God nearly shouting at me, "but what does MY word say?!" And "apart from ME you can do nothing!" and " you are justified by faith alone!" But those whispers of the evil one can be relentless, it really is a spiritual battle at times to believe the truth rather than the lies. I've been reading in Romans lately, about how obedience to the Law never justified, but only pointed us to our need for God by revealing our sinfulness. And yet, how easily we think that if we just do this or that, or do this or that better, or more like so and so, surely then we will be more pleasing to God. Do we so easily forget that NOTHING we can do can add to what we've already been freely given by Christ? We were all wretched in our sin, deserving of death and eternal separation from a Holy God and yet in His great and incomprehensible love for us, He came down in flesh, to take the punishment for us and to give us the gift of eternal life with Him if we would just trust in what He did as our only hope for salvation. If we think there is anything we can do to add to what He did, we arrogantly and disgracefully proclaim it was not enough.

And that's what brings me to my most recent insight. As I strive, empowered only by Him, to live in obedience to His Word, to live a life that is pleasing to Him, I have to remember that it is for two reasons alone. One, because I am eternally grateful for what He did and I want to live my life as an offering of praise to Him and two, because plain and simple, He deserves it! Not because it's going to earn me any favor with Him, I already have it thanks ONLY to Christ, which is clear in scripture, and not because I'm trying to measure up to so and so, because so and so is not the measure of Godliness, only a measure of God's grace for a sinner just like me. I believe God is challenging me to be comfortable in my own skin, to praise Him for the strengths He has given others rather than seeing them through the eyes of envy and despair at how I measure up. Being comfortable in my own skin does NOT mean being unteachable, in fact I think it means quite the opposite. I think God has far better access to our hearts when we're not so busy feeling inferior to those around us. Our insecurities often lead us to defensiveness, to places of trying to justify to ourselves why we're just fine and there's actually something wrong with that other person. And the bottom line? God's Word is our compass, it is the place we should go to seek the truth, God's best for us, not someone else's definition of it. Being comfortable in our own skin means not seeing ourselves as better or more arrived than others and not seeing others as better or more arrived than us, but rather focusing on God, His perfection and majesty and living our lives in humble adoration of Him, jaw-dropping, speechless adoration! It's about keeping a vertical rather than a horizontal focus. It's about laying our lives down for His use, however that may look. Whether we are used in big or small ways, ways that bring us glory or ways that give all the glory to Him. Because being comfortable in our own skin means realizing that our lives are not our own, that it's not about us, it's about HIM! Insecurities keep us self-focused when God wants us to be others-focused...meaning loving and serving others, considering others as more important than ourselves.

So thirties, let's settle in to this skin of ours and lay it down at the throne of Grace. Shape me, mold me Father, into all you've created me to be! I praise you, for all my brothers and sisters in Christ, for their strengths and callings, and I praise you for mine as well. Use us to sharpen and challenge each other Father, but let us not fall into the trap of legalistic comparison. Fix our eyes on You and Your Word, pour your mercy fresh on us each morning and refine us for your glory! You are great and greatly to be praised! Amen

A New Year and New Pictures

2011-01-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

We had an unexciting New Year's Eve this year, but it was just what the doctor ordered. We have been so busy over the past week getting our basement ready for the framers this coming Monday that all we wanted to do was relax at home last night. We went over to Travis's parents and shared some Vietnamese take-out, but got home in good time so the kids could get to bed on time and we could watch a movie. Perhaps New Years will look different in the future, but for now we are content with simple and quiet. Not to mention that this pregnant mama can't stay up late even if she wanted to;). Speaking of this pregnant mama, here's my latest belly picture, taken this morning at a day shy of 32 weeks. I am in awe at how fast things are flying now! In five to eight weeks, we'll be holding our baby girl! I'm so excited to meet her and yet, there's still so much on the to-do list. One day at a time right, I need to remember that or I get overwhelmed.

On this first day of the new year, the first day of a new decade, looking back and looking forward, I am thankful, excited, and resting in right now. And I think that is going to be my theme word for this year, "NOW". Living in the future or the past cheapens the beauty of the moment we've been given, right now. Now is our current reality and it is right now that we must choose to abide in His presence, to receive His grace, to slow down and live inside the fruits of the Spirit that we can only live in when we are plugged into to Him and His Word. Now is our greatest sphere of influence and our greatest chance to be influenced. Living in the past can weigh us down with guilt that keeps us from moving forward. Living in the future can create stress about the unknown and a grasping for control that was never ours to have. Wishing you all a year of living on your knees before your Maker and Savior in the "now". I leave you with a picture of my heart. My beautiful husband and our three precious, candy eating rug-rats:).

Happy New Year 2011!

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

Twas the night before Christmas... Here are my beautiful little Christmas girls all dressed up for Christmas Eve Service.

And of course, our strapping little lad!

After a night of church and Grammy's for a family celebration, two tired girls set out milk and cookies and head to bed for those "visions of sugar plums".

What's this? Santa's been here!

And the stockings are hung by the "chimney" with care...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

28 weeks and blooming!

2010-12-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking my freshest and best in the morning when Travis isn't home to take my picture, so here's yet another attempt at self-photography. This is my bare (gasp, shock) belly at 28 weeks. This may be the last bare belly shot you get of me...ever, so enjoy! I'm feeling pretty good these days, emphasis on the word "days". Nights are getting a little rough with heartburn, hip pain, frequent bathroom trips and the feeling that I can't quite get enough air at times, which forces me to sit up, or dark trips to the kitchen for a snack. But I've been with child enough to know how quickly these last two months will fly. The very thought of that is a bit too much to comtemplate right now, so I'll save that for another post. But I am thoroughly enjoying all the kicks and hickups and rolls little Autumn is entertaining me with throughout the day and relishing in this special time with her inside me.

I've also included our family picture for your viewing pleasure. May your Christmas season be filled with reminders of God's great love for us. And may that love inspire and fill you to pour your own life out to those in need of it.

Slowing Down

2010-12-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

The house is silent as I type. Chloe and Sawyer are napping, Emma is at school, Travis at work. Dishes are begging to be done, two loads of laundry need folding, and of course the ever-present tiddying of clutter. But I am soaking in the silence, beautiful solitude, so those things will have to wait for a moment. It's been a busy, loud week. Good things yes, but maybe as I grow older, simplicity and silence are becoming more appealing. I'll just say it, I don't like to be too busy, I don't like the building stress of too much on my plate. There is a simple life I long for in those times, a simple life of simple tasks, of basking in relationships with my children and husband, of making meals and cleaning house, quiet afternoons to think and pray and read. Too much clutter in my life, just like too much clutter in my house creates stress and noise that cloud out what's most important, those simple things, those higher callings that need my time and effort and work. Thank you Father for the simple and profound callings on my life, for giving me rest and silence after times of busyness, for helping me know that more is not always better. Thank you for this moment of rest and reflection, and please give me the energy I need to accomplish the simple tasks of this day. May I abide in you through every one of them. Amen.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 25

2010-11-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

Day 25

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for a cozy, warm bed to crawl into after a day of eating and relaxing with family. I think food is something we so easily take for granted, as well as a warm, comfortable place to sleep. Thank you Lord for your provision of both, for the abundance I don't deserve. Amen.

Goodnight sweet friends, near and far, may we all rest on a bed of thanksgiving tonight.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 24

2010-11-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

Day 24

Today I am thankful for three beautiful children, who flock around their mama like little chicks, who consider me their favorite place. I am thankful for their daily requests for special time, with just them. It is my earnest prayer, that even in my blazing imperfections and failures, I will point them to their Father's love with my love for them. Father, I thank you for being MY favorite place. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace, your mercy that is new each morning. Thank you for loving me, in all my sin and wretchedness, and washing me white as snow by the blood of Jesus! Thank you for blessing and entrusting me with four young lives and a precious man to pour into and love. Thank you for the ways you use each of them to shape and refine me and to draw me closer to you. You are the giver of good gifts! May I never stop praising Your name and thanking You for all that You are and all that You've done! Amen

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 23

2010-11-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

Day 23

Today I am thankful to have this beautiful girl home with us for the next five days! As much as she loves school, she's happy about a break too. We have plans for lots of reading and snuggling and movies and walks as a family. And of course, LOTS of eating! This picture also happens to be taken when I was exactly 23 weeks. I'm now 26, the weeks are flying!

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 20, 21, and 22

2010-11-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Day 20, 21, and 22

Well, just when I thought I was getting better, bronchitis really settled in, so I'm combining the weekend's days too. But I am so excited that it's Thanksgiving week! I am so thankful that Travis will have six whole days off with us this week, I'm positively giddy! We got all our Christmas decorations up inside on Saturday night while my mom was here this weekend. It just makes the house so cozy, I love it. I am thankful for eggnog and Christmas music, for stuffing and hot rolls and green bean casserole, for pies and homemade whiped cream, yes food is a gift and the enjoyment of it even moreso. Happy Thanksgiving week to all! May you have safe travels and warm times with family and friends this week.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 17, 18, and 19

2010-11-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Day 17, 18, and 19

Once again, an illness has kept me from keeping up with my daily thanksgiving, this time it was me who has been sick. But in my efforts to be obedient to the call to "give thanks in all circumstances", I am truly thankful for an illness that reminds me how good it is to only be temporarily out of comission. There are so many who struggle daily with pain and chronic or terminal illnesses who don't have that light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you Father, that I was ONLY sick for a few days and that you are making me well again. Thank you for a husband who takes care of us so well and steps up to the plate when mama is in bed. And thank you for the humble reminder that chores can wait and that the meals I cook, or don't cook, do not define my worth.

Amen.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 16

2010-11-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

Day 16

Today I am thankful for coffee dates on cold evenings with good friends, I'm looking forward to such an evening tonight. There's just something about sipping a hot drink while bearing our souls and laughing together that is such medicine for woman's spirits. May we never underestimate the importance of maintaining our female friendships.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 15

2010-11-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Day 15

I am thankful for the Holy Spirit, convicting me of sin, encouraging my heart, and enlightening me to the truth of God's Word. I am thankful for God's mercy, that is new every morning, that I do not have to sink under the weight of a day's failures without the hope of complete forgiveness, renewal, and the promise of wisdom when I ask for it. Thank you Father for saving me from the filth of my sin by the torturous death and glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ! Your love for me inspires me to live a life that is pleasing to you and to share the good news with others. Thank you for adopting me through my faith alone, so that every good work springs forth from gratitude, not stressful attempts at earning your favor, which no imperfect human can ever do on their own merit. You are my everything, my love, my life, my Savior, and my friend. May my life exist to praise your matchless name and may my joy be complete in you, as nothing else but knowing you can give me true joy. Amen!

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 12, 13, and 14

2010-11-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Days 12, 13, and 14

After a weekend of coughing and body aches and a baby boy with stomach flu, I am thankful today for a day of rest, for the calm after the storm. Looking forward to still waters and green pastures again.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 11

2010-11-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

Day 11

Today is Veteran's Day, so let me give my genuine thanks to all the service men and women who have, do, or will serve our country, not only by fighting for our freedom, but for the freedom and justice of those without a voice or defense. God bless you and your families for your tremendous sacrifice, for laying down your life for others! I will probably never know what it's like to have my husband on a year-long deployment, but I know so many heroic wifes who have. So today, not only do I want to honor those serving, but also the families they leave behind. May God sustain you and fill you with the joy and peace and safety that only He can provide while you are missing your loved ones.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 10

2010-11-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

Day 10

As the cold air moves in, I am increasingly thankful for shelter, a home and roof to keep out the elements. Not only does our home protect us, but it encircles us in arms of togetherness, cozy times on the couch or snuggled in beds. It is a place where the aroma of cooking food and scented candles invite us in after we've been in the world, a place of comfort and love and relaxing. A house is shelter, a home is something created and longed for. Thank you Father for our home!

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 9

2010-11-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Day 9

I am exactly 24 weeks, 2 days pregnant today. Six and half years ago, my precious nephew Tayden was born at this exact gestation, almost four months premature, weighing only a little over a pound. He was not much bigger than a pencil, as you can see in the picture below. Today, I am thankful for Tayden, that God chose to spare and protect his life through modern medicine and His matchless healing power! I am thankful that Autumn Mae, at this very same size, is still safe inside my womb. And I pray she will stay there until at least 37 weeks.

Tayden, you are a miracle and such a blessing to all who know you! Auntie Sarah loves you more than words and can't wait to watch you grow into the man God created you to be!

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 8

2010-11-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Day 8

Thank you Lord for naps. They are few and far between these days, but when they come, what a sweet blessing. My pregnant body longs for them these days and today, I got one! I laid down right away when Sawyer and Chloe went down for their naps, so I got a full hour and a half, bliss:).

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 7

2010-11-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

Day 7

Today I am thankful for free food! Noodles and Co. had an awesome deal today where your kids turn in their Halloween candy to be sent to troops overseas and in exchange, they get a free dinner. So the kids and I had a lovely dinner for just $4.25! We cleaned our bowls and left with full bellies, I didn't have to cook, and we didn't break the bank, mama likie! And it was an evening proof positive that a mother with three young children and one in the oven can have a peaceful dinner at a restaurant with her children without fighting or fit throwing, praising the Lord (and my children) for that one big time!

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 6

2010-11-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Day 6

It really struck me today how fortunate we are to live in the same state with all our siblings and both sets of parents. That will soon change when my brother and his wife move out of state at the end of this month, but even so, they will only be about 8 hours away. It really is all about perspective and attitude isn't it? There have been times when I've envied the fact that my sister and mom live in the same town with each other while I'm two hours away, but I always have to remind myself how very blessed I am to ONLY be two hours away from them. I get to see them about once a month, sometimes more often, and I know there are so many out there, military families especially, who have known the sting of very long separations from loved ones accross very far distances. There's also the fact that there are no guarantees we will always live so close to each other, so today I'm choosing to cherish the blessing of now. Thank you father for the blessing of family and for the undeserved gift of having them so close and getting to see them so often. Amen

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 5

2010-11-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Day 5

Today, I am thankful for the people who dare to go deep, who dare to tackle the stuff of life that really matters and share it with others. I read this post today and love it! She is one of those people I am thankful for. Be sure to read this post of Ann's too, somehow the music on her blog opens my heart to deeper places too.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 4

2010-11-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

Day 4

(Travis brought each of the girls a rose home after work one day, because Chloe had left him a tearful message at work saying she missed him)

At around 4am this morning, I was suddenly awakened by an aweful cramp in my calf. All I could mutter to Travis was that I was having a bad cramp! He quickly wanted to know where, thinking I was talking about a contraction, so I eked out "calf". I finally got it to release, when Sawyer woke up. I like to think he sensed his mama in peril, but it was probably just a coincidence. Travis jumped up to tend to him, but I soon heard calls for "mommy" that I couldn't roll over and ignore. He just needed a little reassurance from a bad dream I think, as all it took was a few rocks and he was ready to be put back in his crib. Not even an hour later, we heard Emma calling for me in panic, so once again Travis jumped up from bed and ran to her. Then I hear racing feet coming back down the hall and Travis say, "she's going to throw up!" They made it to the toilet, but once again, it was mama Emma wanted. Travis tried to convince her that I was pregnant and needed my rest and that he would fill in as back rubber and hair holder, but I could tell she longed for me in that moment, so out I rolled. She was on an every 15 minute roll, so I made a bed for myself on the bathroom floor and closed my eyes in pretend sleep as I rubbed her back. After about 30 minutes, Travis appeared at the door and said he'd take a shift, so I went back to bed. As I snuggled in, I listened to the sweet words Travis whispered to Emma, that he loved her and would take good care of her and she would be okay. After a few more rounds over the toilet, she fell asleep in the make-shift bed on the bathroom floor, so Travis returned to bed. The next time she woke up, it was Travis she called for. And this leads to what I give thanks for today, Travis. Not only did I mention him yesterday as my dearest friend, or the day before that as our provider, but today I celebrate him as my mate and companion, the servant leader of our home. He loves and cares for us with such selflessness, it can only come from one place, Christ in him. I often call him my night time hero as he has never been the type of husband to lay like a rock in bed as I tend to all the kid's night time needs. In fact, aside from when I am nursing a baby, he is the usually the first one out of bed to answer our kid's calls. He sacrifices his own sleep for mine and never tries to make me feel guilty about it. Especially when I'm pregnant, I SO MUCH appreciate this way he selflessly loves me. And selfless love illicits selfless love, does it not? Nothing makes me want to serve him more than my gratitude for the way he serves me! I delight in doing his laundry and making him meals and keeping the house clean, because these things bless him and I just love him so stinking much! Thank you Lord for Travis, You love me so well through him, I really don't deserve it. Show me ways to love and bless him even more as I fill my tank with Your love for me. Amen!

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 3

2010-11-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Day 3

Friendship. Such a commonly used word and yet there are so many different interpretations of what it means. Today, I am thankful for the true and Godly friendships God has blessed me with in my life. With my husband and with the beautiful women whose hearts I have come to know and love. Friendship, to me, is what God describes in scripture as true brother/sisterhood in Christ. Relationships where we offer forgiveness before it is ever asked for, where intimate accountability is desired and offered in love as we both desire to grow more like Christ, where humility and servanthood are given, without the expectation of equality. It is a place where we can be real and open and honest, a listening ear for breaking hearts, an encouraging word in times of despair, a challenge towards righteousness in times of our weakness, prayer together when the best place for us is at the foot of the cross. Friendship is the closest extension of God's love for us we can come to in human form, more and more beautiful the closer we draw to Him. It is pouring out our lives for each other, considering each other more important than ourselves. To all of you who have been and are this type of friend to me, I want you to know how very thankful I am for you! I praise God for you and pray to grow more and more in my love for you. You are gifts from above, God with skin on to me, He has used you in ways you will never know to bless, challenge, and grow my heart.

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 2

2010-11-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Day 2

Today, I am praising the Lord for His provision. Specifically, through the hard work of my husband. God has blessed Travis with work since the day we brought Emma home from the hospital, he has never been without it, even in this sketchy economy. Not only that, but God has provided well enough for us never to have to consider me needing to work to supplement his income. I have been able to be the full time homemaker I have always wanted to be, and because I know there's no guarantee this will always be the case, I am flat on my face with gratitude! We have a home, food in our pantry and fridge, clothes on our backs, cars to drive and far more wants than we deserve. My prayer is that as I ponder the tremendous blessing of God's provision, I would be moved more and more every day to give and overflow to others in need. That I would have a spirit of true contentment, of understanding that nothing is mine, but all the Lords. I am but a steward of every material and non-material gift He has given me. I pray that I would be a good steward, that greedy or materialistic would never be words to describe me. Thank you father, for abundantly providing for all my needs!

Amen

A Month for Giving Thanks- Day 1

2010-10-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

I'm doing this for me. I know that every day benefits from an attitude of gratitude, but it's so easy to forget. So for the month of November, I'm going to daily count my blessings here. My theme verse for his month is:

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18-

"Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Day 1

I'm so struck by how surprisingly overwhelmed with joy I am about this little baby girl within my womb. And not that the joy pregnancy in general, of life growing in my womb, surprises me. But little Autumn Mae is such an unexpected blessing in that, I never envisioned four children being a reality for me. Travis and I always said that four would probably be our max, but that three was most likely. As I feel her moving and kicking within me, there are times when I just feel overcome with joy! Daughters are so special, they are the heart and heritage of their mothers, the crown of their fathers. I dream of holding her in my arms, nursing her in the wee hours, of her first smiles and laughs, of watching her little unique personality emerge, even of the adult relationship we might have some day as we grow into dear friends. Thank you Lord, for blessing us with another baby girl. May we be good stewards of these four tremendous gifts. Give us grace and wisdom for the journey...Amen.

A Blogger's Prayer

2010-10-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

I came accross this prayer through a friend's blog and I simply must share it! This is my new prayer, both for this blog and every word I utter on facebook or otherwise. Thank you Lord for the way your are speaking through Ann Voskamp!

21 weeks

2010-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here we have my growing girth at nearly 21 weeks. Chloe took this picture this morning. I could nit pick about how puffy and tired my eyes look, but they look that way for a reason due to little sleep last night, so I digress. Travis and I have been staying up way too late each night watching the Pillars of Earth series and then of course, the kids are up at their normal early time. The news that a little princess is on her way is sinking in around here, the girls are already calling Autumn by name and are very excited to have a little sister. I don't think Sawyer really knows what's coming, but I'm banking on his mellow personality to get him through without too many hardships;). Housework is calling my name at the moment, so until next time...

Indroducing...

2010-10-07T19:16:00.001-07:00

Autumn Mae

Her beautiful profile!

Showing us her dancing (or soccer) legs

Little foot

Hi!

Here's looking at you

A proud and excited big sister:)!

A Repost- "We hope for YOU!"

2010-10-05T18:38:00.001-07:00

I wrote this post at exactly the same point in my pregnancy with Sawyer over two years ago. It really captured my heart then and truely fits now too, so I thought it was worth a repost:).

For those of you who don't already know, we're having our diagnostic ultrasound this Thursday and yes, we'll be peeking to find out if it's a boy or girl. Going into Thursday, I can't help but feel a sort of pressure that I just have to talk about here. When you have two girls, it seems almost inevitable that everyone assumes you are hoping for a boy, and vice versa if you have two boys. This seems to be especially true since this will most likely be our last, Lord willing of course:). Now while we'd be lying if we said we're not curious what a boy would bring to the mix, what it would be like to parent a child of the opposite sex, I can't say that we're "hoping" for anyone other than exactly who God created in my womb. In our own limited view of our lives, and in our simple human logic, of course we've thought, it would be nice to have a boy. As I've dialogued with Travis about it, we understand how natural it is to desire a child of your own sex, someone "like you", to teach and train in "the ways of man or womanhood". I know that if I had two sons right now, I would be diligently praying for a daughter, but again, that would be in my own wisdom and understanding of what fulfills my life. And don't get me wrong, it's not just Travis who desires a son. I too would love to know that special relationship between mother and son.

But all this brings me to where our hearts are at a mere two days before the big ultrasound. And please know that these are not just words we've convinced ourselves to believe. This is really, truly where God has us, and it feels really good, all glory to Him! We know, that before this little baby in my womb was created, every hair on his/her head was numbered. Every day of their lives was ordained for them before one came to pass. Our precious Father, in His infinite wisdom, even took into consideration our family dynamics. And here's the part that fills my heart to bursting! He decided that Travis and I, full of weaknesses and faults that stretch a mile high, would be just the parents for this little life. That we needed this baby in our journey of growth towards deeper intimacy with Him, and that this baby needs us. Humbling? Incredibly so! And so don't you see? To "hope for" anyone other than exactly who this person is, girl or boy, seems pretty arrogant and silly. Do we really presume to know better than the God of the universe? The God who loves us so much that He sent His own son to die for us? The God who loves us more than any human love can match? Certainly not! We already love this baby, for exactly who they are. Thursday to us is an exciting chance to get to know this little one just a little bit more, and we can't wait! And we can't wait to share our news with you as well.

Baby (insert last name), we want YOU! We hope for YOU! We can't wait to see YOU on that ultrasound screen! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Emma, Chloe, and Sawyer xoxoxo

The Big Week!

2010-10-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning a bit more giddy than typical for a Monday. Today is a "normal" day, but this Thursday we have our 20 week ultrasound and get to find out just who has been swimming around in my womb for the past 18 weeks! On one hand, I can't believe it's already here, but on the other hand, I know each day of this week is going to drag by as I anticipate Thursday. I want to see this little one so bad, to make sure they are healthy first and foremost, but also to see that precious little profile, the little kicks and turns and maybe some thumb sucking:). And of course, those little parts that reveal our big surprise, the boy or girl news! We've had people ask us if we're going to wait til the birth to find out since this is number four, but I have to say, we've so enjoyed splitting the surprise between two dates in the past that we have no real desire to wait. I also love to name our kids at the 20 week ultrasound, this way we get to call them by name for the rest of the pregancy and feel like we know them just that much more when they actually get here.

We had a wonderful weekend with my mom this past weekend, she came for a fall visit. Lots of enjoying the outdoors, some Go Fish playing, watching movies, laughing and soaking in our time together. I also got the chance to take some "professional" pics of her and the kids, they turned out so great! I can't wait to get some with Connie and Lee and with Grandpa Dan too! Cousin Lupe had the idea that I should make a collag of all these pics with the grandparents for the kids bedrooms, great idea Lupe! Here are a sampling of the pics we took. And I'll be back on Thursday for our big announcement, so stay tuned:).

Giving the Gift of Humility

2010-09-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sisters, it can be so hard to gauge our "realness" when it comes to the blogging world. Even in our attempts to be authentic, we can still be seeking praise for our humility, or we can be painting a prettier picture than really exists of ourselves so as not to appear "too bad". We can even be tempted to explain away our failings or struggles to make it appear that we are somehow justified in our sin. I realize this may be a heavy topic, but I think it's one we need to talk about. I believe, with all my heart, that one of the greatest gifts we can give one another, as sisters in Christ, is our own humility. Do we bless a sister in Christ when we clean our houses to spotless perfection before they come over, after all we claim it's not to impress them, but rather to offer the "utmost in hospitality"? Personally, I find it more of a blessing to see a sister's house in the midst of real life living. It reminds me that none of has it all together all the time, and it becomes an extension of God's grace towards me. So what about our blogs? Are we painting romantic, "holy" pictures of our lives through pictures and words on our blogs in attempts to "bless and inspire", cleaning house so to speak? Is that really where the most blessing and inspiration happens? Or do most of our readers walk away from our blogs feeling less than us and defeated. In our own insecurity, do we only ever put our best foot forward? Or maybe we keep it shallow because we are afraid our deep ponderings might bring judgment? These are all hard questions friends, and I'm still pondering them. What I do know is that I am most drawn to blogs where people aren't afraid to be humble, to share their REAL and current struggles, even when they haven't reached the hindsight place where they can see the big lesson. I'm less drawn to blogs that make me feel like a schmuck because the person always appears to have it all together and always has the perfect, "holy" words to say. As a writer, I know I've fallen into this trap too, so I'm preachin to the choir girls;). It's tempting to write a good "story", to paint yourself and your life in the best light possible, but is that the greatest gift I can give those reading my blog? I really don't think so. Certainly, God gives me inspiring lessons to share, but honey, sometimes I'm wallowing in the muck and I have to ask myself why I'm not as quick to jump on my blog and share about it. Don't get me wrong, we all need to have healthy boundaries here. There are certain issues that have no place on our blogs because they could defame others, or perhaps they just need to stay private because that's best for one reason or another, but I would venture to guess that most of the time, we need to get some of that muck up here to be the greatest blessing to our readers and to get the accountability and encouragement that is such a great blessing to us. We need to allow God to display His power in our weakness, to use even our struggles with sin for His glory as He draws readers in who can relate and then brings us all to a better place as we link arms in the journey and beg Him for healing, redemption, and wisdom. In Beth Moore's book, "So Long Insecurity, You've Been a Bad Friend to Us", she talks about how that person who seems to have it together the most is often the one with the greatest insecurities. When she tries to prove to others her "goodness", she's really trying to convince herself. But it's GOD who's great friends, not us. And His greatness is more evident when it's clear that anything good in our lives is from and because of Him, not from our own merit. Girls, I'm asking you AND me to step out of our comfort zones and get a little more real. God wants to use us in each others lives in mighty ways, this blogging platform is such a powerful tool and a gift that we've been given. How are we using this gift friends? To puff ourselves up or to display God's power and perfection in our weakness and imperfection?

2 Corinthians 12:9- "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Romans 3:22-24- "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Proverbs 11:2- "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

So I guess it's time for some muck to come up. Let's pray about the struggles God may be prompting us to share and trust Him enough to share them. Let's give each other the gift of our own humility and watch God's power be made perfect!

A Stolen Moment

2010-09-23T12:31:00.001-07:00

Just a few fall pictures for your viewing pleasure:). We've been busy around here, between Emma's school schedule, Chloe's preschool co-op, worship dance on Fridays and all my nesting and normal homemaking activities, I've found it hard to make time for blogging lately. The deep thoughts are brewing, but it seems to be a time for quiet. I love this season , Autumn truly is my favorite time of year, spring being a close second. I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is flying! I'll be 18 weeks on Sunday and we're just a few short weeks away from our big ultrasound and finding out if we'll be meeting a little girl or boy come February (the ultrasound is on Oct. 7th). I've been having lots of "it's a boy" dreams, but I'm not making too much of them since some of them are SO off the wall. I'll go ahead and spill the beans on our name choices as of now. If it's a girl, her name will be Autumn Mae. If it's a boy, he will be Grayson Lee (Lee after Travis's dad). Here's a bare belly pic taken at 16 weeks, I know I'm brave;).
Now this picture just cracks me up! Sawyer has this Mr. Cool face on when there is frankly nothing cool about his appearance. When you're sporting underwear, a camo shirt and your sister's princess helmet, cool just isn't a word to describe you. But cute? Oh yes my son, so cute I want to eat you up!
Here's our little Roo all coordinated in her pink and purple. She's been having fun with her new birthday bike, she feels like a much bigger girl than she did on her big wheel.
And finally, here's a shot of my three darlings enjoying a nice fall dinner on the back porch. We'll soak in as many of these evenings as we can before the snow flies.

Until the next stolen moment...

80 Years

2010-09-06T16:47:00.002-07:00

We had the privilege this past Friday to celebrate my Grandpa Dick's (my dad's dad) 80th birthday with him here in CO. This man makes 80 look good, let me tell you! I teased him all weekend that I really hope I inherited his aging genes. He shares a birthday with my dad (who went to be with Jesus when I was sixteen), which was always special for them over the years. Looking into his eyes, his smile, all his expressions, I was able to see glimses of my dad all evening, which made the day all the more special. Thank you, Grandpa, for setting such a great example and passing on such a legacy. We love you and hope we get many more years with you this side of heaven.(78 years between these two handsome men!)

First Grade...YES!

2010-08-18T11:52:00.004-07:00

There was a little song I made up when I was a little girl as I anticipated going to first grade. It went like this:

"First grade never, first grade never
I like to go to school
But I don't like my friends
who don't play nice,
all around the town."
I sang this song to Emma probably a year ago and of course, she got a kick out of it and wanted to learn it. About a week ago, I asked her if she remembered my first grade never song and this is what she said, "yes, but I want to change the words." This is the song she came up with:
"First grade YES, first grade YES
I like to go to school
But I don't like my friend
who don't play nice
all around the town."

This one little word change tells me the world about Emma's attitude towards school. She's excited to be there, to make new friends and learn new things. She's much braver than I was, and for that I praise the Lord, because I remember many a shed tear over recess as I sat in the very spot my mom dropped me off, missing her in the pit of my stomach.As we drove to her first day of school today, we prayed. We prayed for God to remind Emma to do the right thing, even when others do the wrong thing, that she would be a light for Jesus to her teacher and her classmates, and I finished by praying for bravery and comfort if she feels sad or scared. After we had said "Amen", Emma informed me that she wouldn't be sad, but that she might be a little nervous and her tummy might hurt. We quickly added a prayer for her tummy not to hurt and that God would remind her that He's always with her, even when mommy and daddy are not. As I hugged her good-bye while she was sitting in her big girl desk, a surprising lump began to form in my throat. I thought I'd be okay today, we did this last year after all. But as I drove home I realized that it will never be easy to say good-bye to my children, for any reason under the sun. But I have to let them go or they will never learn how to lean on the God who never leaves them. These times apart are gifts because they teach both of us to trust the Lord with each other and our own hearts. They are little journeys out of the nest where they can encounter the world and then come home to process and learn and grow from what they've experienced. It is my prayer that some day, when the time comes for a more permanent flight from the nest, that each of our children will have genuine walks of their own where they depend on the Lord over anyone else. I pray that they will know how to encounter the sin in the world and the sin in their own hearts with the truth of God's word and the reality of His presence. Emma Grace, be courageous as you cling to your Savior at every turn! May this school year draw you closer to Him and may He equip your dad and I to teach you and point you to Him through every experience.

Love, Mommy

The Summer in a Nutshell

2010-08-12T12:54:00.004-07:00

It's long past time for a post, but once again, the beautiful living of life has gotten in the way. I don't feel guilty for not posting in so long, because I know it's the result of right priorities, but I love it here, I really, really do. Writing here is such a little oasis for me, a refreshing for my soul that feeds a deep seeded need in me to share my heart and life through writing.

So what have we been up to, in a nutshell? Well, summertime, that's what:). Lots of time outside, which by the way has made it harder than usual to stay on top of the inside chores. But in the winter, when I have ample time for inside tasks, I know we'll be longing for more time outside...so I take each season in stride, knowing that just around the corner is change. I'm FINALLY feeling more myself as I near the end of my first trimester, I'll be 12 weeks on Sunday...I can't believe it! My stomach has grown very obviously already, which doesn't surprise me. I'm anticipating a fair share of stretch marks when all is said and done:(. My poor garden is overrun with weeds, but when the heat makes you ill and you're tired most of the time, weeding just doesn't land very high on the priority list I'm afraid. Amazingly though, we are getting a good harvest of yummy veggies this year.

At the beginning of the summer, the girls had swimming lessons, then each of them went to their own dance class at different times during June and July. Emma's class was called Tappin Dumplins, Chloe's was called Magic Wand. They each had a blast! We celebrated Emma's 6th birthday and my 31st in July. We also went on a fun camping/fishing trip with Auntie Kim and Uncle Tyler at the end of July, complete with roasting the catch of the day over an open fire. Most recently, we went on a little family vacation to Salt Lake City to visit old/current friends who were like family during our time there. It was such a blessing to see them all again and take the kids to our very first apartment in married student housing at the U.

Now we're back and gearing up for the school year ahead. Emma is starting first grade, which seems so surreal, and Chloe, Sawyer, and I will be doing a preschool/homeschool co-op with some friends of mine from church. It will be a busy year no doubt, lots of driving and the need for organizing and being purposeful with our time. But I'm excited! I can already smell fall in the air and am loving the cooler evenings and mornings. Today is Chloe's forth birthday, so I'm busy getting ready for her little party tomorrow. Happy birthday to my sweet baby girl, you've blossomed so much this year, inside and out. We had our 12 week ultrasound yesterday and brought all the kids along to meet baby sibling. It was such a treat to see more baby this time, all the little kicks and rolls and waves, be still my heart! We used the nub angle theory to try to guess the gender and right now, I'm thinking girl if the theory is right, but we'll find out for sure soon enough. Wheh! Okay, back to work for me. My goal is to get some pictures of all the said events up very soon. Thanks for your patience, and all my love to each of you! I do read your blogs whenever I see new posts:).
Love, Sarah

Morning Snuggles

2010-07-20T06:41:00.001-07:00

No words!

News to Share!

2010-07-18T20:05:00.003-07:00

Once again, I feel SO behind and neglectful towards this blog and I will once again blame it on facebook. But I have something exciting to share that deserves more than just a facebook announcement...I'm PREGNANT!!! I'm eight weeks along and due Feb. 27th, 2011. Many have asked us if this was a surprise and the answer to that one is no. This baby was just as planned and prayed over and wanted as the others. After Sawyer was born we were on the fence about the size of our "quiver". Some days, I felt like we were complete while Travis wasn't so sure. Other days, the table was turned. But the bottom line was, we just didn't have a true peace about saying for sure that we were done. Now, I realize that some believe God wants us to have as many children as He would allow our biology to produce. For the record, we are not in that camp, but that's a topic I really don't want to get into at the moment as I fear it's one of those that has a tendency to divide instead of unite. That being said, this decision certainly didn't come easily and we know full well that God could have and still could say "no" even if we decided "yes". Here's what this baby represents to us in a nutshell: Faith! It is when we feel incapable that God can show up and be glorified as He enables us. It is when we feel like we can't that God shows up and proves to us that with HIM all things are possible. It is when faulty logic douses the God-initiated desires of our hearts that God asks us to trust Him, even when it's scary. That's what this "decision" was, a trembling, slow-moving, heart-racing step of faith. After seeing a little baby with beating heart last Thursday, the first flood of blessing came over us as reward for this step...and the trembling in fear was replaced with trembling for joy! As the saying goes, "we know not what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future!" We are under no romantic notions about bringing a forth baby home. We know there will be hard moments, just as there have been with every adjustment we've had in our lives, but we are excited to see what God has for our family as this new little child becomes a part of it. Please pray with us for a healthy baby and pregnancy, and thank you to so many who've given us such kind and uplifing congrats. We are so blessed by each of you!

The Pictures are Up!!!

2010-07-02T10:32:00.005-07:00

Don't stay here for long, head over to my cousin's photography blog to see the beautiful pictures she recently took for us!

Katie Metka Photography

Been awhile, I know...

2010-06-27T06:50:00.006-07:00

For the past three weeks, I guess I've been enjoying life instead of writing about it. But for those of you who don't keep up with me on facebook, I don't want to leave you high and dry and wondering what's happened to me. (Right before we left for the airport)
So a little catch up, Travis and I went to Vegas for our seventh anniversary last weekend. It was so much fun! We saw Cirque Du Soleil's Mystere show, there just are not words! We were in the second row, right in the center, the best live show I've ever seen!(In front of the Bellagio fountain show)
We ate wonderful food, enjoyed the pools at our gorgeous hotel, and did lots of relaxing and sight seeing. (Around the pools at our hotel, Mandalay Bay)
When we got back we had a few days of getting back to life before my cousin Katie and her family came on Wednesday. She's the one I went to help after she had her twin girls in December. We had a great time and the girls just couldn't get their hands off those baby girls, it was so sweet. This week we start swimming lessons every morning and Emma has her last tap dancing class. If July flies half as fast as June has, we'll be feeling crisper air and smelling the glorious smell of new school supplies before we know it! We're looking forward to our annual Forth of July neighborhood party next weekend and hopefully a camping trip and a road trip to Salt Lake City some time before the summer's end. I hope you all are enjoying your summers as well. My cousin took some amazing family pictures for us, so hopefully I'll get to post those soon. Blessings!

Seven Years

2010-06-07T14:34:00.003-07:00

I know I've posted this picture for past anniversary posts, but I never get tired of looking at it. A young couple, with all the hope of the future in their eyes, rested eyes I might add. Little did we know that day about the richness of life experiences and time that would grow our love over the next seven years, and I can only imagine the richness and depth that will be our love when we're bouncing grand-babies on our knees. I pray we get to do that some day, Lord willing and by His grace!

Happy Anniversary Travis!
I'm the luckiest girl alive to be your wife, and I mean that with all of my heart!

Alina Renee

2010-05-29T21:21:00.007-07:00

Introducing, my beautiful new niece, Alina Renee!

6 pounds, 8 ounces, born on May 26th, 2010 at 9:56pm.

Amber's Photo Shoot

2010-05-29T15:00:00.008-07:00

It was a wonderful day, from start to finish. Little did we know when I was taking these pictures that only hours later, Alina would make her big entrance. Timing was perfect! And isn't my sister the picture of maternal beauty! I love you Seed!

Handsome

2010-05-29T14:30:00.004-07:00

This level of handsomeness should be illegal...I'm just sayin;).And my sister had her baby! I'll be posting some pictures soon, so stay tuned!

A Good Day and Growing Up!

2010-05-10T09:49:00.005-07:00

I had a truly blessed Mother's Day yesterday! It started with a sweet "happy Mother's Day" greeting from Emma before my eyes even opened. Travis took good care of me too, homemade french toast, fresh flowers for a vase and to plant and wonderful servant hood throughout the day. Our pastor gave a great message at church too that really spoke to my heart. It was based on this verse:

2 Corinthians 4:7-
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

He pointed out the profound implications this verse has for mothers as we are often chasing our version of what a "super mom" looks like, forgetting that we are weak jars of clay on purpose, so that "this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." The world tells us that if we work a little harder, do a little more (or at least appear that we are), then we'll see success, then we'll be happy. Or maybe when our kids get to the next stage...or the next, or the next, then we'll be better mothers. But the truth is, we should rejoice in our weakness because it leaves room for God's strength to be revealed, to be worked out in our lives despite us, so that others will look at us and give God the glory for the work He is doing in and through us. In a world that glorifies independence and self-sufficiency, God wants something a little different.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says,
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

There are so many times when I'm tempted to look around me, at other moms and feel less than, weaker than, somehow not as good, but God wants me to "boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." This is good news! This makes me want to draw near to Him, to bath in His Word, to talk with Him all day long, to abide in Him so that His power can be made perfect in my weakness! This takes away the temptation to compare, when I am living inside this truth, because it enables me to see Christ's power in the strengths of others and praise Him for them instead of being jealous. It enables me to learn from their strengths (God's strength through them) instead of feeling like a failure that doesn't measure up. I was also reminded that a branch can only bear fruit when it is anchored, attached, ABIDING in the Vine. Oh how I was/am needing these reminders, and such freedom is found there! It was a good day, and I praise God for using me, a weak, earthen vessel, in the lives of my children for His glory. I am praying for more of Him and less of me and that "His power would be made perfect in my weakness". Amen.
And here's a cute picture of Sawyer to end on a lighter note. He's taken an intense interest in the potty seat lately and "acting" like he's doing something on it, even the wiping part, it's so cute. But I've had enough experience to know that we're probably not that close to potty trained status yet;).

The Truth of the Matter

2010-05-04T13:17:00.002-07:00

The truth of the matter is... I'm struggling. Struggling with a three (almost four year old) who just doesn't seem to be learning self control or the submission of her will. I am on my knees, begging for wisdom from the Lord, counting on Him to give it as He promises. I am pouring over books on Biblical parenting, seeking mentors for advice, and all the while staring at my own sin in my response to her in the mirror with heartache. I get so angry, so angry I could lift a car it feels like. I get so sad, so at a loss for what she's needing to penetrate her heart. So weary and discouraged as we discipline and pray, discipline and pray, discipline and pray with her over and over again. What am I missing Father?, "if there is any offensive way in me..." show me. Oh how this is showing me our desperate need for Jesus. Our sin is so ugly and yet, when we receive the free gift of God's grace, the forgiveness of sin through Christ's death on the cross, we can live in the power, the freedom of His Resurrection!

Father, I lay this burden at your feet. Thank you for loving my children immeasurably more than I ever can. Thank you for entrusting me with these little lives, I long for nothing more than to point them to you, to show them that they are nothing without you and everything with you. Father, I am weak and I need your strength. I beg for wisdom! Refine my own heart as I attempt to Shepherd theirs, let me be a light to them by example. If you use me for nothing else Father, use me to bring each of my children to your saving grace, let each of my children walk in newness of life, knowing the joy and purpose that supersedes all their circumstances and shortcomings. And Father I confess my anger and frustration, my impatience and unkindness and ask you to renew my spirit and produce those fruits of your Spirit. Show me what it looks like to truly abide in You, show me how to walk by the Spirit and how to really let you carry my burdens. And I pray specifically for Chloe's heart Father, soften it and make her receptive to discipline, help her develop self control and first time obedience, kindness, gentleness and security when she's away from us. I love her with all that's in me and I want to be the mother she needs. Please send spiritual mentors into my life who can help me see things I may not be seeing, make your Word come alive to me as I seek you above all else. Amen.

Still Here

2010-04-29T11:44:00.004-07:00

Not much to say these days, but that doesn't mean I haven't had a lot on my mind. Trying to live by the scripture, "be quick to listen, slow to speak...". We've been busy with life too, I'm finding it harder and harder to make time for the computer lately. But God is helping me get those priorities in order, and it doesn't surprise me that computer time has clicked down a few notches on the list...at least for now. Believe me when I say there are times when I'd much rather sit here and ponder the great questions and struggles of life, edit and share pictures and read all of your beautiful blogs all day long. But doing a good job at homemaking and my roles and relationships often pulls me in another direction, and so I wait, embracing that "there is a season for every purpose under heaven". So until the next time I'm able to carve out a bit of time to sit in this special place of my own, blessings and love to each of you! And I always welcome personal email conversations:). Here's a bit of spring cheer from our home to yours!

April Showers

2010-04-15T14:50:00.012-07:00

Emma learned a little riddle at school.

"If April showers

bring May flowers,

then what do May flowers bring?"

did you guess yet?

Emma's deep in thought about it (not really, she's the one who told me the riddle)...

Are you ready for the answer?

...Pilgrims! Get it!?
I know, pretty clever huh!

These are those bulbs I planted in the fall, we are THOROUGHLY enjoying them!

Happy Easter 2010!

2010-04-06T09:18:00.002-07:00

Enjoy this slideshow of our Easter festivities!
Be sure to click on full screen:)

This free photo slideshow customized with Smilebox

Children

2010-03-29T12:40:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to share this verse God gave me today:

Psalm 127: 3-5 - "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in ones youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them, they will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

May we see our children the way God sees them and may He give us the strength and perspective to live inside this truth each day!

The Love Triangle (not what you think)

2010-03-19T08:46:00.006-07:00

First, take a look at my very first bulb flower to bloom yesterday! It's a snow crocus, aptly named since today, a mere one day after it bloomed, it's covered in snow. I'm not sure how it will fair, but I sure enjoyed it for it's one day of glory:).

Now on to the second speakers from Focus on Marriage.

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott- It was wonderful to get to hear from this couple. I read one of their books back before Travis and I were married called, "Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts". It was a great book that really laid some good foundation for starting a marriage. Their primary focus for the conference was the concept of a love triangle. Each side of the triangle represents one of three elements that make up any marriage, Passion, Intimacy, and Commitment. They talked about how love is fluid and we move through different seasons and changes in each of these areas throughout life, but that each is important and we need to ask each other how we're doing in each of these areas regularly. Much of what they shared was review from what I've read/heard before, but it was a fresh reminder to be purposeful in the maintenence of my marriage, to make time to talk about our marriage, which we don't always think to do. The biggest thing I took from what they shared was the part about men and intimacy. As women, we love intimacy, we love those deep talks on the couch with our mate, being raw with what's in our hearts, talking about our relationship and how we can better meet each other's needs. It comes more naturally to us to go there, but Leslie talked about how men are wired a little differently. For them, they are most likely to open up and share their hearts when they're doing something with us that we both enjoy. She shared some stories about how this has worked in marriages she's come accross, it was both funny and inspiring! It really made me think about how many times Travis has talked about wanting more time to do fun things with just me and how hard it can be to make time for that when we're in the throws of raising young children. And yet, it's important to put our marriage first, even when it takes a lot of effort.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekened! Spring is here, that's worth celebrating!

Focus on Marriage Highlights...Finally!

2010-03-18T12:18:00.002-07:00

To sum up the wealth of wisdom and insight into marriage the speakers at the Focus on Marriage conference shared would take more than a blog post...it would take a book, or two, or three, or more because that's what each of them have written! But instead of trying to rewrite their books, most of which I haven't even had the privelege of reading yet, I'm going to share the specific things God challenged, encouraged, and inspired my heart with at the conference through their wisdom. I'll break it up into a speaker a day for the sake of time and focus. I'll try to keep these posts short and sweet, but for those of you who know me well, you know how hard that will be;)...the short part I mean.

Francis Chan (author of Crazy Love)- okay, this guy just blew me away! I'd have to say he made the greatest lasting impression with his message. He was the first speaker, which was perfect, because he gave us such a profound truth to filter all the other marriage wisdom through. This passage of scripture was the focus of his message:

1 Corinthians 7:29-35- "What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord."

Right off the bat, Francis told us how unlikely this scripture is when talking about the good of marriage. In fact, the second half of the passage is often used to encourage people in their singleness. But if we dig deeper and see this passage for what it's really saying to all of us, here's the message, in Francis's words, "it's not about this life!", and that applies to marriage. Marriage can be a distraction from God's greater purpose for our lives or it can be a tool for even greater fulfillment of that purpose. In his words, with some of mine added in, make sure your marriage is focused on God and what He created each follower of His to do; sharing the good news with the lost and loving Him with all of our hearts and loving others more than ourselves! Don't just focus on having a great marriage, because that, in and of itself, is not living God's greatest purpose for us. He closed with the best news of all! When we, as individuals and in our marriages, are focused on our relationship with and purpose in the Lord, our marriages become greater than they ever could be if a good marriage alone was our focus. God delights in blessing us in our relationships, especially when it's a byproduct of loving Him FIRST. The points from the Corinthians passage that really sum up what God taught me through Francis are: "Let those who have wives (or husbands) live as those who have none...because time is short!" At first glance, these profound truths could seem discouraging to someone in an unequally yoked marriage with a non-believer, or even to someone in a marriage when one is growing in maturity and the other is swimming around in luke warm water. But I believe this is a call to us as individuals before anything else, and that God can and will still work in our marriages when we answer the call, regardless of where the other person is at. It may sound strange to say this, but my new and greatest marriage goal is to fall more in love with my Savior and my God and to live the abundant, fruit-filled life He has for me. I guess that about sums up what God is teaching me through Francis, but I can't wait to read his book too! And see, I told you short is not my forte...I'll try to work on that:).

The Winner Is...

2010-03-12T12:57:00.001-07:00

Since I already have your address, "winner", be watching the mail:). It will probably be coming from Amazon, but I'll be checking for the best price. And to those of you who didn't win, don't let that stop you from getting and reading this amazing book! I am convinced God has something for every woman in this book! Blessings friends, this was so much fun! I think I'll have to do a giveaway several times a year now:). Have a beautiful weekend!

GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-03-08T15:50:00.006-07:00

The giveaway is now CLOSED! I'll announce the winner some time this afternoon:).
As promised, I have something to give away this week. When you discover something that touches you so profoundly, you've just gotta share! So, drum roll please, here's what I'm giving away to one lucky winner this week:

Beth Moore's newest book, "So Long Insecurity, You've Been a Bad Friend to Us"
I'm not even halfway through this book and I'm already being challenged and inspired! So here's how it will work; all you have to do is leave a comment about why you'd love to win this book and you're entered. If you'd like an additional entry, just post about my giveaway on your own blog and link to mine, but be sure to tell me you've done this. I'm also going to use this giveaway as a chance to get to know my readers better, so come out of hiding and say "hi", even if you don't want to be entered in the giveaway. I'd love to get to know you better. Please leave your comments by noon MST on Friday the 12th, that's when I'll do the random drawing.
I know I said I'd be talking about the Focus on Marriage conference this week, but I think it's going to have to wait til next week, this week has gotten full fast!
Good luck and even more blessings!

Friday!!!

2010-03-05T12:28:00.002-07:00

Happy Friday! Here are some random pictures for your viewing pleasure. First, my handsome men in all their sunglass-wearing coolness. I'm one lucky lady!

Spring is just around the corner and I couldn't be more happy about it! I already have bulbs popping up along the front walk, they make me smile every time I see them. I was telling a friend yesterday, I love our four seasons in Colorado, even when I get sick of winter (it's my least favorite season), because without winter, would we really appreciate spring like we do?

This sweet picture was taken a couple days ago when Sawyer was fighting nap time. All it took was a good snuggle with his cozy Grammy to do the trick. Such a sweet angel face!

I have plans to post about everything I learned at the Focus on Marriage conference some time next week, so stay tuned. I also will be doing a giveaway, so all you lurkers will have to come out of hiding and say "hi", if for no other reason than the chance to win something!

"That's Not Her!"

2010-03-01T08:26:00.007-07:00

Before I get into the meat of this post, and in case the suspense was killing you, the childhood heart throb I got to see in person, a mere 10-15 feet away from me was Kirk Cameron and his wife Chelsea! It was like watching those Growing Pains episodes all over again, except this time he was making actual eye contact with me (I was in the front row at the Focus on Marriage Conference at Focus on the Family this past weekend) and talking about Godly marriages! It was a surreal experience to say the least, but even more than that, it was so wonderful to see a Hollywood figure who passionately loves God, and his wife of 19 years, who has such a platform to reach so many with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in this case, the power of God as the focus of your marriage. The picture above is one I took. The lighting wasn't perfect and we couldn't use flash, but you get the idea. The entire conference was so inspiring and challenging and straight from the Lord. It would take me another full post to cover everything God brought to my attention about marriage, and perhaps I will share some of that...later.
We also had some great time over the weekend with my mom and dad and my sister and her family. This next picture was such a sweet moment. Tayden (Amber's oldest) was holding Sawyer while they watched a movie.And the meat? Yes, here you go. For those of you who watched the Focus on Marriage simulcast across the U.S. and Canada, you may know what I'm talking about. But for the rest of you, let me tell you the funny story that God, of course, gave me some insight through. First some background. On Thursday, MckMama, a dear sister in Christ whose story and candid writing and photography God is using mightily through her blog, held a gathering at Focus on the Family for any of her readers to come hang out and get to know each other better. It was a fun, but admittedly nervous time of meeting these women face to face who we've only ever seen on our computer screens. As the weekend progressed, all nervousness went away and we had some amazing times of casual conversation and of deeper conversation and prayer together. I am so thankful for these new connections!
So with the background, now for the funny (turned profound) story. During the simulcast, the speakers were recognizing several audience members, one of which was Jennifer (MckMama). And who do you think the camera zoomed in on when they recognized her? Yours truely! Ya, so embarrassing and hilarious and just plain awkward to be honest. My big mug, broadcasted across churches all over the U.S. and Canada and they weren't even my two seconds of fame to have! Jennifer was so gracious about it, and they did correct themselves later in the simulcast, but God is not letting the experience go void in my heart. He's giving me a lesson to share, I love it when He does that. No accidents right! Back to that moment, I could hear a certain phrase (in my head) ringing out accross the T.V. waves, "That's Not Her!!!" And I'm sure that's what each of you who read MckMama's blog and love her were saying when you saw my embarrassed face. But ever since then, it's been like the picture of a person with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, each one trying to whisper in my ear, convincing me to react their way. Here's what the little devil would have me believe: "Did you hear that Sarah, you're NOT her, nor will you ever be. Why would God ever use YOUR story, YOUR writing, in such a famous way? You are nothing, she is something, anyone who sees something great in you is simply mistaken."
But here's what the "angel" (actually God) said: "Sarah, this is the perfect picture of what I want you to be and what I want people to say of you. I want people to see you, to read your words and shout, "that's not her!" I want them to see ME! If there is ever fame to be had, I want it to be MINE not yours. I want you to let me be strength in your weakness, I want it to be so obvious that it's ME, not you, that is working, so that I will receive all the glory. When someone gets done talking to you, reading your words, hugging your neck, I want them to feel like they've just interacted with ME. Be emptied of yourself, Sarah, so that you can be filled with me. I will lift you up in your humility, I will use you as a vessel for my work when you are emptied of yourself so I can fit inside and drive!"
Guess who's voice I'm choosing to listen to?! Well, okay, the voice I want to choose to listen to even when I'm tempted to listen to the other. And about this woman...who I am NOT, let me just tell you that she IS wonderful! Her heart is so transparent and genuine. She's in process, just like the rest of us, and she's the first one to admit that. She is incredibly humbled by the platform she has been given and is earnestly seeking God's plan for it at ever step. She is facing attacks from every angle as her fame has grown, but she is letting even the hate refine and shape her, letting God be victorious even through what Satan would use to harm her. When I look at this picture, I see two sisters in Christ, two imperfect and yet beloved women of God, two souls wanting to be more emptied of self and filled with Jesus and His work and will for our lives. I love you Jennifer and will continue to pray for you on this road God has for you. Remember what we talked about, "if God is for you, who can be against you?" Press on sister! And now I can call you friend!