Today started just as any other day in our lives: a screaming Ms. Bug, pleading to be released from the confines of her crib-like jail. I'm so grateful that she's started to sleep more at night, but the alarming wake up calls have yet to be outgrown.
I remember talking with Momma about me when I was a baby. She said that in the mornings she and Daddy would hold their breath as I "stirred the cookies". I was a happy waker. I'd chat to myself, my toes, my mobile. Why on earth did my child not inherit that lovely trait?
I was given, what I can only assume to be, the world's most tenacious child. This charter trait is something I know will serve her beautifully in the future... It does not serve her father and me now. For some reason she's able to leave her dad completely alone, no matter where he is in the house. He can sit in the floor with the computer in his lap and she wouldn't even care. If I try to sit on the sofa with nothing, she's on me like flies on honey.
I love her more than anything and wouldn't ever trade her for the world, but right now life is challenging. I'm her only playmate (aside from her rather old, grumpy, senile puppy). Daddy plays when he can, but Momma is here 24/7. Where we currently live, there aren't any Mom & Me playgroups or activity centers; the weather here in northern Arizona is such that as soon as it snows, the dirt turns to mud-paste and by the time it dries out enough to walk on, it snows again. Winter is obviously not the best season for an energetic toddler who needs to blow off some serious steam.
Alas, I didn't stay in bed today. Therefore, I must be mom and carry on. (Haven't we all seen enough of those little phrases on Pinterest?) Pity party over.
Hope all you out there in internet land are having a fabulous time in your lives!
21 February 2012
20 February 2012
Scripture Memory Verse 2012 #4
Well... I'm a few days behind. That seems to be the story of this month for me. I am just in a "lukewarm-ish" funk. I'm quasi-motivated parts of some days, but for the majority of this month, I've been kind of sloth-ish.
Upon this realization, I immediately thought of a passage of scripture. I know lots of people shy away from the book to which I was drawn, and it's understandable. Revelations isn't the most straight forward of all the Bible's books, but it is absolutely my favorite!
There's so much information about things to come and I kind of like knowing the end of the story before it plays out. To me, it's like watching a movie for a second (or third, or fourth, etc!) time and all I can think is how awesome it will all be! Sure there's a lot of negative things that will happen, but ultimately it's all for God's purpose to bless us and give us what He most wants for us.
I have absolutely no idea of when God will sound the shofar, but I believe that He will call us believers before the Great Tribulation. I don't think that I'll ever have to witness the seven seals that have been revealed to John. I find it all fascinating to study though.
The passage of Revelations that really started to speak to me was Revelations 3:14-18. Here, Jesus is talking to the church at Laodicea about how they are neither hot nor cold. He actually calls them out as being lukewarm. Exactly like how I've been feeling for the past couple of weeks. How apropos. I love how God will speak directly to us through His Word. He brought condemnation upon my heart. But He also brought hope.
After telling the Laodiceans they weren't making a passionate stand for or against Him, Jesus proceeds to tell them there is still a way to return to Him. And that brings me to this week's memory verse:
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Revelations 3:19-20 NIV
So simple, so perfect. I've already felt Jesus' knock upon my heart, calling me to repent for my sloth-ish attitude and demeanor. By repenting I am opening the door to him and inviting him in to fellowship with me once again. I pray that I am able (through the Holy Spirit) to get out of this slump and get back to the vibrant life that God has in mind for me.
How are you feeling this month?
Upon this realization, I immediately thought of a passage of scripture. I know lots of people shy away from the book to which I was drawn, and it's understandable. Revelations isn't the most straight forward of all the Bible's books, but it is absolutely my favorite!
There's so much information about things to come and I kind of like knowing the end of the story before it plays out. To me, it's like watching a movie for a second (or third, or fourth, etc!) time and all I can think is how awesome it will all be! Sure there's a lot of negative things that will happen, but ultimately it's all for God's purpose to bless us and give us what He most wants for us.
I have absolutely no idea of when God will sound the shofar, but I believe that He will call us believers before the Great Tribulation. I don't think that I'll ever have to witness the seven seals that have been revealed to John. I find it all fascinating to study though.
The passage of Revelations that really started to speak to me was Revelations 3:14-18. Here, Jesus is talking to the church at Laodicea about how they are neither hot nor cold. He actually calls them out as being lukewarm. Exactly like how I've been feeling for the past couple of weeks. How apropos. I love how God will speak directly to us through His Word. He brought condemnation upon my heart. But He also brought hope.
After telling the Laodiceans they weren't making a passionate stand for or against Him, Jesus proceeds to tell them there is still a way to return to Him. And that brings me to this week's memory verse:
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Revelations 3:19-20 NIV
So simple, so perfect. I've already felt Jesus' knock upon my heart, calling me to repent for my sloth-ish attitude and demeanor. By repenting I am opening the door to him and inviting him in to fellowship with me once again. I pray that I am able (through the Holy Spirit) to get out of this slump and get back to the vibrant life that God has in mind for me.
How are you feeling this month?
02 February 2012
Musings of a Momma
The other day I was watching the precious little life I've been given and my mind started to wander. It was a random stream of consciousness that started with the thought, "My kid is so cute!" She's pretty smart too... Yay! Then I started to panic.
... oh crap...
I know it's a great thing to have a smart and cute kid. But, I started to wonder, "When will she realize that she'll be smarter than I could ever hope to be? When will I cease to distinguish between her intelligence/adorableness and bad behavior?" It's so hard to not smile or laugh at a toddler when they do something they shouldn't.
They're just these cute little people exploring their boundaries and pushing the threshold with these cute little nudges with long bangs in their eyes because they refuse to leave their ponytail alone. Seriously, how can you be mad at a tiny little thing in polka dotted undies who is pulling all her clean clothes out of her dresser? Speaking of undies, why don't they make them in a 12-18M size? I know they do sell infant underwear online, but why can't a major retailer/discount store carry some too? 2T-3T is really just too big for a little bitty bug.
I digress... I have started to realize that my child needs more structure than the typical "go play with your toys" schtick. We've been going on "outings" (spending time out in our dirt patch of a yard, pulling weeds) as often as the weather/ground conditions have allowed. But that's just not enough.
Pinterest has fully inspired me to expand Ms. Bug's horizons and sensory experiences. I've started to collect a few items to begin sensory bins.
What's a sensory bin, you ask? It's a collection of items that are rather "everyday" to us boring adults, but these items are super fun to explore for young hands and minds. Our collection currently contains colored rice and some dry pasta that is awaiting a color bath. We use simple things like measuring cups, aluminum foil bread tins, whisks, and spoons. As Ms. Bug gets older, we'll add more interesting things for her to explore. There are a gazillion and one different sensory bin ideas out there, just check out Pinterest for proof!
I realize that by expanding my child's mind with different experiences I'm only speeding up the process of her becoming smarter than me... But I can't help it! These activities are just as much fun for me to set up as the are for her to investigate!
My new thought process about Ms. Bug is: Keep her mind busy and her hands busier. I think if I can do that, I'll do some kind of justice by her.
Lindsey
... oh crap...
I know it's a great thing to have a smart and cute kid. But, I started to wonder, "When will she realize that she'll be smarter than I could ever hope to be? When will I cease to distinguish between her intelligence/adorableness and bad behavior?" It's so hard to not smile or laugh at a toddler when they do something they shouldn't.
They're just these cute little people exploring their boundaries and pushing the threshold with these cute little nudges with long bangs in their eyes because they refuse to leave their ponytail alone. Seriously, how can you be mad at a tiny little thing in polka dotted undies who is pulling all her clean clothes out of her dresser? Speaking of undies, why don't they make them in a 12-18M size? I know they do sell infant underwear online, but why can't a major retailer/discount store carry some too? 2T-3T is really just too big for a little bitty bug.
I digress... I have started to realize that my child needs more structure than the typical "go play with your toys" schtick. We've been going on "outings" (spending time out in our dirt patch of a yard, pulling weeds) as often as the weather/ground conditions have allowed. But that's just not enough.
Pinterest has fully inspired me to expand Ms. Bug's horizons and sensory experiences. I've started to collect a few items to begin sensory bins.
What's a sensory bin, you ask? It's a collection of items that are rather "everyday" to us boring adults, but these items are super fun to explore for young hands and minds. Our collection currently contains colored rice and some dry pasta that is awaiting a color bath. We use simple things like measuring cups, aluminum foil bread tins, whisks, and spoons. As Ms. Bug gets older, we'll add more interesting things for her to explore. There are a gazillion and one different sensory bin ideas out there, just check out Pinterest for proof!
I realize that by expanding my child's mind with different experiences I'm only speeding up the process of her becoming smarter than me... But I can't help it! These activities are just as much fun for me to set up as the are for her to investigate!
My new thought process about Ms. Bug is: Keep her mind busy and her hands busier. I think if I can do that, I'll do some kind of justice by her.
Lindsey
01 February 2012
Scripture Memory Verse 2012 #3
It's February 1st and that means.... time for a new memory verse!
Let's get right down to it:
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Colossians 4:5-6 NIV
I am a constant sufferer of not knowing what to say, much less when to say it. Especially as it pertains to the more difficult things of life. A few years ago, the Pastor of the church where we were members, and his wife were in a car accident. Pastor was in the ICU for a while and my in-loves and I spent some time at the hospital with him and his bride. We would each take turns going back to his room and sitting with him.
At one point, I found myself in that tiny, dark, sterile room with Ms. Patty (wife). I had no clue what to say; I was awkward, unsure of myself, at a complete loss. Finally, I spoke, "Ms. Patty, I don't know what to say." A simple, honest statement. She patted my hand and said "Right now it's just about you being here. You don't have to say anything."
I've since taken the late, great Ms. Patty's advice and kept quiet in those times when I knew not what to say. While that advice is great to heed when in situations where you may make things worse, I'm certain I took it to an extreme. (A common action on my part I'm afraid to admit.) I'm even more certain that this particular verse is not encouraging silence, especially when with unbelievers.
With this verse, I am encouraged to speak the truth, not just in love, but also in God's perfect timing. I need to rely on God's guidance when speaking to those (specifically in my own family) who are "outsiders". Only His grace will allow my words to pierce the heart of their need, and only His grace will allow their ears to listen and hearts to soften.
What types of things do you struggle with when sharing the gospel?
Lindsey
Let's get right down to it:
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Colossians 4:5-6 NIV
I am a constant sufferer of not knowing what to say, much less when to say it. Especially as it pertains to the more difficult things of life. A few years ago, the Pastor of the church where we were members, and his wife were in a car accident. Pastor was in the ICU for a while and my in-loves and I spent some time at the hospital with him and his bride. We would each take turns going back to his room and sitting with him.
At one point, I found myself in that tiny, dark, sterile room with Ms. Patty (wife). I had no clue what to say; I was awkward, unsure of myself, at a complete loss. Finally, I spoke, "Ms. Patty, I don't know what to say." A simple, honest statement. She patted my hand and said "Right now it's just about you being here. You don't have to say anything."
I've since taken the late, great Ms. Patty's advice and kept quiet in those times when I knew not what to say. While that advice is great to heed when in situations where you may make things worse, I'm certain I took it to an extreme. (A common action on my part I'm afraid to admit.) I'm even more certain that this particular verse is not encouraging silence, especially when with unbelievers.
With this verse, I am encouraged to speak the truth, not just in love, but also in God's perfect timing. I need to rely on God's guidance when speaking to those (specifically in my own family) who are "outsiders". Only His grace will allow my words to pierce the heart of their need, and only His grace will allow their ears to listen and hearts to soften.
What types of things do you struggle with when sharing the gospel?
Lindsey
17 January 2012
Scripture Memory Verse 2012 #2
Hi All!
The other day wasn't such a happy-go-lucky kind of day on the home front. Everyday can't be all sunshine and roses. But on those days when no one can say or do the right things, the best thing to do is take a break and read God's Word.
When I first sat down with my Bible, I was frustrated, angry and upset. I was on a "silent treatment" kick and to be honest, I was acting like a hissy fit throwing 6 year old. After spending even just a few minutes in Scripture, I started to feel better. God puts all kinds of words in His book. I find most of them to be healing. I also came across a verse that convicted me of my behavior at that very moment. God, You really know how to bring us down off our victimized pedestals. Praise You!
I decided that the convicting word God presented me needed to be something I etched deeply into my heart. So I've made it my second verse for memorization:
"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." Galatians 6:4-5 NIV
I know these two verses aren't full of super complex theological ideas. However, it was a word that spoke directly to my situation and heart. I'm praying that these simple words and this basic idea of looking into your own actions/words/thoughts can help me to speak with more gentleness, work with more loving actions, and listen without jumping to the conclusion that someone else is trying to push my buttons. I also pray that these verses can help me to not worry so much about what others do and be more focused on how my actions can help bring glory to my God.
Have any of you decided to join me on this adventure of memorizing the Word of God? More importantly, have you spent time in Scripture lately and been convicted of something in your life?
The other day wasn't such a happy-go-lucky kind of day on the home front. Everyday can't be all sunshine and roses. But on those days when no one can say or do the right things, the best thing to do is take a break and read God's Word.
When I first sat down with my Bible, I was frustrated, angry and upset. I was on a "silent treatment" kick and to be honest, I was acting like a hissy fit throwing 6 year old. After spending even just a few minutes in Scripture, I started to feel better. God puts all kinds of words in His book. I find most of them to be healing. I also came across a verse that convicted me of my behavior at that very moment. God, You really know how to bring us down off our victimized pedestals. Praise You!
I decided that the convicting word God presented me needed to be something I etched deeply into my heart. So I've made it my second verse for memorization:
"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." Galatians 6:4-5 NIV
I know these two verses aren't full of super complex theological ideas. However, it was a word that spoke directly to my situation and heart. I'm praying that these simple words and this basic idea of looking into your own actions/words/thoughts can help me to speak with more gentleness, work with more loving actions, and listen without jumping to the conclusion that someone else is trying to push my buttons. I also pray that these verses can help me to not worry so much about what others do and be more focused on how my actions can help bring glory to my God.
Have any of you decided to join me on this adventure of memorizing the Word of God? More importantly, have you spent time in Scripture lately and been convicted of something in your life?
05 January 2012
Scripture Memory Verses 2012
Ok, It's been a year (or two) since I've tried to do this... But here we go again! I'm going to make it a goal this year to memorize 24 verses of Scripture. Two a month... I intend to start a new verse the 1st and 15th of each month.
I'll be writing my verses on index cards, carrying them with me, and truly committing them to my heart, mind, and soul. I'll share with you, world of internet cruising people, the verse and the version. Sometimes, I may share my thoughts on the verse, other times I may not. I'll let that be up to the Lord to lay it on my heart.
On to Verse 1:
"How great are his signs
how mighty are his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures from generation to generation." Daniel 4:3 NIV
I'm praying that I can stick to this goal this year and that God will use this to bless my life and my family's lives as well.
Lindsey
I'll be writing my verses on index cards, carrying them with me, and truly committing them to my heart, mind, and soul. I'll share with you, world of internet cruising people, the verse and the version. Sometimes, I may share my thoughts on the verse, other times I may not. I'll let that be up to the Lord to lay it on my heart.
On to Verse 1:
"How great are his signs
how mighty are his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures from generation to generation." Daniel 4:3 NIV
I'm praying that I can stick to this goal this year and that God will use this to bless my life and my family's lives as well.
Lindsey
04 January 2012
Welcome 2012!
Happy belated New Year, all!
Loads of things have happened in the past year, some good, some scary, some just flat out random. All in all, 2011 was a good year. I discovered just how blessed Jarred and I truly are.
Super quick rundown of what happened:
1. We bought our first house in July!
2. Daddy had quintuple by-pass surgery.
3. Daddy fell 8 feet off a ladder, broke 9 ribs, and landed in the hospital for a second time within a year.
4. Katelyn celebrated her very first birthday (my baby is a toddler...who ever thought I'd have a toddler!)!
5. Jarred changed jobs and is now an Air Ambulance pilot (job he's talked about for a long, LONG time).
6. We moved... again! This time to Arizona on a Navajo Indian Reservation. Talk about random. :)
This year promises to bring lots of new and exciting things.
1. We'll be joining a new church that's literally a stone's throw from our front gate! I've never lived so close to church, and I like it!
2. We'll be renting out our first house and hopefully selling it at some point this year (God-willing!).
3. We'll be doing plenty of hiking and exploring this year. There's a gazillion different mesas to check out with tons of neat old ruins just waiting to be discovered.
4. My baby sister will graduate from Texas Tech this spring (yay!) and we now live close enough that I'll be able to watch her walk across that stage. (Hopefully Jarred's schedule allows him to come too!)
5. My sister-in-love will be blessing our family with another nephew this coming May!
6. Two of Jarred's cousins are set to be married this year, along with a family friend (3 weddings, I'm exhausted!).
7. Katelyn will turn two! Hopefully, it won't be terrible :)
Ok. That's enough for today... Maybe I'll actually stick to writing on a more regular basis this year. I doubt it, but it's a nice thought right!
Hope y'all have had a blessed 2011 and I'm sure God will bless 2012 for all of us!
Lindsey
Loads of things have happened in the past year, some good, some scary, some just flat out random. All in all, 2011 was a good year. I discovered just how blessed Jarred and I truly are.
Super quick rundown of what happened:
1. We bought our first house in July!
2. Daddy had quintuple by-pass surgery.
3. Daddy fell 8 feet off a ladder, broke 9 ribs, and landed in the hospital for a second time within a year.
4. Katelyn celebrated her very first birthday (my baby is a toddler...who ever thought I'd have a toddler!)!
5. Jarred changed jobs and is now an Air Ambulance pilot (job he's talked about for a long, LONG time).
6. We moved... again! This time to Arizona on a Navajo Indian Reservation. Talk about random. :)
This year promises to bring lots of new and exciting things.
1. We'll be joining a new church that's literally a stone's throw from our front gate! I've never lived so close to church, and I like it!
2. We'll be renting out our first house and hopefully selling it at some point this year (God-willing!).
3. We'll be doing plenty of hiking and exploring this year. There's a gazillion different mesas to check out with tons of neat old ruins just waiting to be discovered.
4. My baby sister will graduate from Texas Tech this spring (yay!) and we now live close enough that I'll be able to watch her walk across that stage. (Hopefully Jarred's schedule allows him to come too!)
5. My sister-in-love will be blessing our family with another nephew this coming May!
6. Two of Jarred's cousins are set to be married this year, along with a family friend (3 weddings, I'm exhausted!).
7. Katelyn will turn two! Hopefully, it won't be terrible :)
Ok. That's enough for today... Maybe I'll actually stick to writing on a more regular basis this year. I doubt it, but it's a nice thought right!
Hope y'all have had a blessed 2011 and I'm sure God will bless 2012 for all of us!
Lindsey
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