I heard this said recently, and I think it is true, that as Christ-followers sometimes we are so hung up on experiencing a spectacular moment in our lives, that we miss out on the supernatural moments of every day.
I want to tell you about my friend Meagan. We met not even 3 weeks ago. I was killing time at a nearby park while someone was viewing our home that is for sale. I had my dog and my 3 girls with me. As my older girls were playing I noticed a girl alone on a bench smoking a cigarette. I had that quickening in my spirit immediately...you know, that feeling, that nudging, that prompting to act. If I am being honest, I will tell you that I didn't feel like meeting anybody. It was hot. I was bogged down by an unruly dog, a stroller, bags, a mint plant I just bought at the farmers market, and the responsibility of making sure my older girls were safe playing. I wanted to just sit there quietly and pass time until I could return home. But thank God for that quickening.
Awkwardly I inched closer to her, sort of pretending my dog was wanting to see her. As I got closer, she got more and more interested in her phone, even turning away from where I was slowly approaching. Making it even easier to get her attention, I noticed she had ear buds in. Great. Should I dance or something? (Let me remind you I had no idea what I was even going to say once I did get her attention.) Ok, so I got as close as I could without being totally creepy and I gave an awkward smile/wave/raised eyebrows to show I was interested in conversation. She took her ear buds out. I said hello, and it took no time at all to begin making small talk. Next thing you know, my girls and I are hunched over her phone looking at pictures of her pet rats.
I was clinging to anything that could lead to something of significance. Remembering that God says not to worry about what to say, that he has it covered. Remembering that we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. I saw a tattoo resembling something religious and took the open door to ask her about it. I shared the briefest version of my testimony and told her that God loves her and knows what she is going through (I had no clarity that that would mean anything, but I knew that it was at least true!). She told me she knows about God, goes to church sometimes, but feels judged by people. I offered to pray for her, asking if there was anything specific she needed. She played it off at first like everything was fine. But then let me know she was actually sitting on that bench trying to figure out what to do next because she had just lost her housing. I didn't know what to do. Or say. I prayed because I said I would. I am not exactly sure what I prayed, I think I thanked God for his goodness and love (you know, the basic things that, again, are true so I figured they were probably relevant.). I gave her my cell #, assured her God would take care of her, asked her to text me if she couldn't find anywhere to go, offered her the $10 I had left over from the farmers market (she declined). And I left her there in the park.
When I got home I talked to a friend about it. I was pumped to have gotten the chance to reach out to someone. But I was filled with all kinds of doubt and insecurity. Did I say anything of value to her? She didn't have anywhere to stay, wouldn't the obvious helpful thing be to bring her home? I should have just handed her the money, not asked her if she needed it. What did I even pray? Did I fail? My friend simply told me to trust the Holy Spirit to do the work. So I prayed that God would move above and beyond anything I did (or didn't do) for Meagan.
Days passed and I didn't hear from her, so I thought that was probably the end of that. Of course it wasn't, or this would be a lame story.
So, a few days ago I re-watched a message I love by a pastor I love to listen to (http://thecity.org/message/a_problem_called_praise). And I remembered Meagan and remembered that she told me where she works. And I told myself I should write her a note and drop it by sometime this week. I did that yesterday. I wrote a short note, wrote some scripture verses and had the girls color her a picture. She wasn't working when I dropped it off, but I was told that if they could get the envelope to her they would. I walked away knowing I did all I could and told God (as if he needed a reminder) that he would have to do the rest. Within a half an hour I noticed a text message from Meagan. She thanked me for the card and asked me if I knew what happened to her. I told her I didn't. She told me how I was there for her that day at the park and then after having a crazy week she gets my card and she thinks maybe I'm her guardian angel. I let her know it is all God, that he put her on my heart. I asked about her crazy week. She goes on to explain how she overdosed this past week and was saved when someone called an ambulance. She said she prayed to God in that moment to help her if it wasn't her time to go. She said he did help her, and then when she got home she received my card with the scripture verses telling her everything she needed to hear-that she was made for more, has a greater purpose, and that she is supposed to be here. Just like that. From death to LIFE.
I was moved to tears. In fact I continue to be moved to tears every time I talk about it (I've been talking about it as much as I can). Humbled by the faithfulness of our great God. How he blessed me with an opportunity to see a girl alone on a bench smoking a cigarette through his eyes. How he worked above and beyond my underwhelming prayer for her, my inability to say something really moving, my failure to give her any practical help. Meagan is his beloved daughter and he was pursuing her in that moment. It had nothing to do with me.
God is so good. He is alive. He is at work and moving. He uses us when we make ourselves available. He takes the very ordinary things we do and turns them into supernatural moments. Every day is a supernatural day. I hunger and thirst for the moments when I feel that quickening in my spirit. I praise him ahead of time for the next story. When I think about what happened on a very ordinary day, in a very ordinary moment...new life. Hope. As Meagan put it, moving forward. I guess it turned out pretty spectacular after all.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Life Beyond Facebook
I have a 3(almost 4)-year-old, a 1(almost 2)-year-old, a 6-month-old, and a dog. All girls. My husband works out of town Monday-Friday. So for 5 days and 4 nights out of the week I am on demand 24/7. On demand for 3 small children and a dog, all of whom completely lack the ability to care for themselves. It has been this way since January. This isn't something we planned. Circumstances just sort of happened. These are also not circumstances that we find acceptable and are working to remedy the situation. If I have learned anything over these trying months it is this...single mommy-hood is not for me. I need my husband. And my girls need their daddy.
I have learned some other things too. Like how to say no. The amount of obligations I have outside of my home have drastically decreased. I simply cannot do everything I used to do. Some things have been hard to give up, others not so much. Standards have certainly decreased as well. I am a tidy person. I like organization. Sometimes when my whole life feels out of control I simply run my vacuum and I feel a whole lot better. Unfortunately my expectations for cleanliness and organization have plummeted. "I'll do that as soon as I get a minute" can be more accurately translated "That will get taken care of sometime in the next 3 days-3 months". Even my standards for personal hygiene have suffered. Brush my teeth. Put on deodorant. Those are the main priorities. Friday before Josh gets home I do a real deep cleaning. Like the deluxe option in a car wash. Good to go 'til next Friday.
I say none of these to complain. I have learned more about myself in these last few months than ever before. Seen what I believe to be the ugliest sides of myself. Cried a lot. Drew near to the presence of God in a way I never have, and consequently have experienced the presence of God in ways I never have. A lot of growth has occurred. I'm thankful. Truly grateful. It's not a bad thing to be pushed to the end of yourself as long as when you get there you meet Jesus!
Another thing I have learned is that I really long for genuine relationships with people. I don't have a lot of time. Not that any of us feel like we do. But literally I sleep in 2-3 hour increments, and spend every other waking moment aside from 45 minutes-2 hours (tops on the most perfect of nights) taking care of my children. So I have realized in order to maintain relationships that matter to me I really need to make the most of what resources I have available. Get the most bang for my buck so to speak.
When I originally got Facebook I thought how great it was that I could stay in touch with so many people. What I realize now at this point in my life is that (FOR ME) it has actually created a whole bunch of superficial relationships (I use that last word loosely) and has distanced me from people that I genuinely care about and am interested in staying in touch with. There is this deception that I am staying in touch with people, know what's going on in their lives because I happened to see a post here or a status update there. So-and-so went on a vacation. Somebody else is trying a new recipe. Oh look, what's-their-face is having another baby...how many is that for them now, not sure...let me look at their pics and I'll find out. Meanwhile I haven't had any significant conversation with these people for years. And some I may see in real life and we totally don't even speak to one another. Add to that the problem of posting my own status updates and whatnot. Such a dilemma. I don't like making myself the center of attention (yes, I realize I am doing that by sharing this). So I post on Facebook hardly ever. But when I do and somebody comments on it, I feel it is polite to take notice of it by clicking "like". Ok, then someone else comments. And someone else. Do I click "like" for all of them? Isn't "liking" all of them really the same as not "liking" any of them because how can every comment possible be "like"-worthy? But if I "like" this persons and not that person's am I gonna hurt someones feelings? Better not to "like" anyone's just in case. Bummer, cause I really do like that person's comment. Add to that the random invites to people's random events, the relentless requests to play games (Play games? Seriously? Who in the h-e-double hockey sticks thinks I have time to sit and play games?! I haven't even showered in 48 hours. (Insert angry eyebrows here.)), and last but not least, the fact that when someone sends you a message they are notified when you have read it. Who thought that feature was a good idea? Sometimes the mere fact that I have received a message feels like a million lbs of pressure. 'Cause now I have to read it and I don't know what may be expected of me, asked of me, etc. I certainly can't ignore reading the message. But as soon as I read it I know that person knows that I read it and then that million lbs of pressure increases exponentially because I am expected to reply in a reasonable amount of time. Remember the 3 days-3 months rule I mentioned earlier? Yeah. Big problems people. BIG problems.
So, all that to say...in this time of my life where I may just go a little cracky-wack (that's just a silly way of saying crazy) if one more demand is placed on me, I am giving up Facebook. I am a little apprehensive, for I do not want to lose access to people. It may seem ironic for me to share this blog post on Facebook. But I do so to genuinely ask that you keep in touch with me. I am trusting that if you are reading this, you care about our relationship and if I don't have another way of contacting you outside of Facebook, that you will share with me how I can do that.
I don't know what life beyond Facebook will look like. I plan to be much more active on my blog. For instance, I'm really excited to share with you how God has been moving in my life lately to remedy the circumstances Josh and I are currently in. I hope to share that post with you sometime in the next 3 days-3 months. :)
I have learned some other things too. Like how to say no. The amount of obligations I have outside of my home have drastically decreased. I simply cannot do everything I used to do. Some things have been hard to give up, others not so much. Standards have certainly decreased as well. I am a tidy person. I like organization. Sometimes when my whole life feels out of control I simply run my vacuum and I feel a whole lot better. Unfortunately my expectations for cleanliness and organization have plummeted. "I'll do that as soon as I get a minute" can be more accurately translated "That will get taken care of sometime in the next 3 days-3 months". Even my standards for personal hygiene have suffered. Brush my teeth. Put on deodorant. Those are the main priorities. Friday before Josh gets home I do a real deep cleaning. Like the deluxe option in a car wash. Good to go 'til next Friday.
I say none of these to complain. I have learned more about myself in these last few months than ever before. Seen what I believe to be the ugliest sides of myself. Cried a lot. Drew near to the presence of God in a way I never have, and consequently have experienced the presence of God in ways I never have. A lot of growth has occurred. I'm thankful. Truly grateful. It's not a bad thing to be pushed to the end of yourself as long as when you get there you meet Jesus!
Another thing I have learned is that I really long for genuine relationships with people. I don't have a lot of time. Not that any of us feel like we do. But literally I sleep in 2-3 hour increments, and spend every other waking moment aside from 45 minutes-2 hours (tops on the most perfect of nights) taking care of my children. So I have realized in order to maintain relationships that matter to me I really need to make the most of what resources I have available. Get the most bang for my buck so to speak.
When I originally got Facebook I thought how great it was that I could stay in touch with so many people. What I realize now at this point in my life is that (FOR ME) it has actually created a whole bunch of superficial relationships (I use that last word loosely) and has distanced me from people that I genuinely care about and am interested in staying in touch with. There is this deception that I am staying in touch with people, know what's going on in their lives because I happened to see a post here or a status update there. So-and-so went on a vacation. Somebody else is trying a new recipe. Oh look, what's-their-face is having another baby...how many is that for them now, not sure...let me look at their pics and I'll find out. Meanwhile I haven't had any significant conversation with these people for years. And some I may see in real life and we totally don't even speak to one another. Add to that the problem of posting my own status updates and whatnot. Such a dilemma. I don't like making myself the center of attention (yes, I realize I am doing that by sharing this). So I post on Facebook hardly ever. But when I do and somebody comments on it, I feel it is polite to take notice of it by clicking "like". Ok, then someone else comments. And someone else. Do I click "like" for all of them? Isn't "liking" all of them really the same as not "liking" any of them because how can every comment possible be "like"-worthy? But if I "like" this persons and not that person's am I gonna hurt someones feelings? Better not to "like" anyone's just in case. Bummer, cause I really do like that person's comment. Add to that the random invites to people's random events, the relentless requests to play games (Play games? Seriously? Who in the h-e-double hockey sticks thinks I have time to sit and play games?! I haven't even showered in 48 hours. (Insert angry eyebrows here.)), and last but not least, the fact that when someone sends you a message they are notified when you have read it. Who thought that feature was a good idea? Sometimes the mere fact that I have received a message feels like a million lbs of pressure. 'Cause now I have to read it and I don't know what may be expected of me, asked of me, etc. I certainly can't ignore reading the message. But as soon as I read it I know that person knows that I read it and then that million lbs of pressure increases exponentially because I am expected to reply in a reasonable amount of time. Remember the 3 days-3 months rule I mentioned earlier? Yeah. Big problems people. BIG problems.
So, all that to say...in this time of my life where I may just go a little cracky-wack (that's just a silly way of saying crazy) if one more demand is placed on me, I am giving up Facebook. I am a little apprehensive, for I do not want to lose access to people. It may seem ironic for me to share this blog post on Facebook. But I do so to genuinely ask that you keep in touch with me. I am trusting that if you are reading this, you care about our relationship and if I don't have another way of contacting you outside of Facebook, that you will share with me how I can do that.
I don't know what life beyond Facebook will look like. I plan to be much more active on my blog. For instance, I'm really excited to share with you how God has been moving in my life lately to remedy the circumstances Josh and I are currently in. I hope to share that post with you sometime in the next 3 days-3 months. :)
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
When you were in the womb you moved almost constantly. I would say it was as if in the busyness of our world, you wanted to make sure we knew you were there. Then, on July 5th, 2012, not a day early or late, you entered the world with speed, force, and determination. You have been declaring your place in this family ever since.
You are intense and demanding. In the hospital the nurses warned us we would have our hands full with you. I blew them off. Well, they were right! And for however many months after I even literally had my hands full with you-swaddled and in my arms day and night. Your passion and intensity is seen whether you are happy, sad, mad, frustrated, excited, and so on. Bottom line, when you are happy you are HAPPY, and when you are not you are NOT!
Yet, somehow aside from all this you are incredibly sweet, and tender, and sensitive. You are extremely affectionate. You love to cuddle and will frequently stop what you are doing to come to me for a hug. Makes my heart swell.
As my second child, I have often feared I am not enough. With two little ones to care for, I am needed all day (and sometimes night). I simply cannot meet all of your needs, or at least not at the exact moment or in the exact way that you would like me to. On top of that I have longed for you to move on to the next stage...and the next, and the next, and the next! I have "needed" you to sleep through the night, stop nursing, eat whole food, crawl, walk, and so on. Celebrating this first year of your life feels like for me a celebration of my survival. I made it! Now please someone just let me lie down on the couch for a minute to catch breath!
Aside from all of the beautiful chaos that has been this past year, I want you to know you make me come alive in a way that only you could. You are precious and unique and my love for you is purely unconditional. You make me smile and laugh out loud every day. In fact, you make this whole house laugh daily. You are sort of the life of the party around here. I am better because of you. I thank God for the privilege it is to be the one you need so much in these early years. And though each stage you advance to provides a little relief for me, I know it is one more teeny step in independence and in you ultimately learning to leave home. So, I cling to you...in the peace and in the chaos. Happy 1st Birthday, Baby Eden.
I love you,
Mommy
Monday, January 16, 2012
Living on Miracles
Sometimes the situations we need to experience to bring us closer to Christ are painful.
I have to say, I was not sorry to see 2011 go. The year seemed full of struggles, predominately financial. Josh and I no longer had the security of knowing payday would bring enough money to meet bills and give us the ability to buy food. The pressing weight of financial need is heavy and sometimes all-consuming. Recently I have been challenged to look past it's burden to reflect on what great things God has done for me in 2011, despite the struggles.
For one, he gave us a bigger house to live in (with a pool, how cool is that?!). In 2010 after welcoming our first child into the world, our teeny tiny house became a whole lot teenier and a whole lot tinier. There were many times throughout my pregnancy where we thought we had something worked out, buying a house here or finding a great place to rent there. Every situation ended in disappointment and left me in tears feeling crushed and defeated. Out of no where in February of 2011 we inquired about the house our pastor was moving out of and the next thing we knew, we were moving. All those months of trying, and suddenly God dropped the blessing on our lap.
Second, God did a work in our marriage. Something about year five of marriage...it was a rough one! It felt like our make or break moment...the year where we decide we are either going to die to ourselves and live as one, or let our marriage die instead. With the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, the help of some godly resources, and prayer and support from some people who love us our marriage was totally transformed. It felt as though we fell in love almost for the first time. I can honestly say there is nothing I desire more than to spend the rest of my life with Josh. And though I know we are not perfect and we will weather the ebb and flow of life and some days we like each other more than other days, we are united. Josh, you are my best friend and I thank God for you.
Third, God released me from my job. I have shared on my blog before what a struggle it was to work full time. I felt like I was missing out on my calling as a mother and a wife. Waiting patiently for the Lord to move in our circumstances was all that I could do. And after what felt like forever, God brought a very unique opportunity for me to do something else that I love and that allows me to be a mom. In August I began working as the Youth Director at Zion Church. It wasn't necessarily an easy decision, as it meant losing over 50% of my salary at a time when we were already struggling financially. In fact, it didn't make any sense. But God doesn't always make sense, and we covered the decision in prayer. I can confidently say that I had a moment of clarification where I felt the Holy Spirit giving me peace of mind that we were doing the right thing. And the moment I accepted the position, I felt as if I stepped into a calling that I never knew I had. I cannot regret the decision.
Fourth, we found out we are having another baby. On November 8, 2011, two years to the day that we found out we were pregnant with Jezze, we got the news. Though it mostly just felt like I had the flu for awhile, the miracle of life is truly amazing. As I now begin to feel the early movements of that life inside me, I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be a mother again and look forward with excitement and anticipation to July 5 when we are to meet this new baby.
I don't think it is wrong to want financial security. To know that we will be able pay our rent, put gas in our car so we can get to work, go to the grocery store and buy stuff for tacos if that's what we are hungry for. We don't have the security of knowing any of those things right now. I have to laugh at thinking of Josh and me digging through our jeep looking for enough coins to get one gallon of gas to hopefully make it to church! (Note: We did make it that day, praise God!). I've been putting off blogging for a long time thinking I will wait to post something AFTER God brings us through all this. I thought that is where the blessing would be found, in the resolution of the situation. In the ending of the pain. But I am learning that God has been blessing us all along. I just couldn't see it because I was too focused on the circumstances.
The last blessings I would like to share have come at different times all along the way from different people. We have been needy, and that is a humbling place to be. Though most of the time there has been a heavy sense of not having enough, when I really look at our situation I see that God has been our constant provision. Through the generosity of others he continues to meet our needs. Here is what I can remember...one time we got an unmarked envelope on our doorstep with $400 in it. At the time weren't sure how we were going to pay our rent. Another month our landlords notified us that someone anonymously paid our rent for us. Once we received $1,000 from a family friend that again paid rent, health insurance, etc. Countless times family brought groceries, or left $10 or $20 that we'd find around the house. A dear friend that works at a local agency would occasionally bring surplus food-fresh spinach, boxes of yogurt, bananas, etc. Just this past month on the very day we were going to have to call our landlords to let them know we didn't have money for rent we received a Christmas card from dear friends with $500 in it. I had just prayed a few days prior to this that God would show me that he hadn't forgotten us.
Sometimes the situations we need to experience to bring us closer to Christ are painful. I have spent too much time resenting the pain and the circumstances we are in. God has convicted me to let go of my mistrust and to see His glory at work in my life. And I do see. And I do trust. And I am clinging to the promises of God that He will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5), that He is constantly concerned for me (1 Peter 5:7), and that He is working in these circumstances to make me more like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). And as our pastor recently said, what a blessing it is to be poor and to see the constant work of Christ in our life. Though I look forward with anticipation when we can be the on the giving end of generosity rather than the receiving end, it is a blessing to be living on miracles.
Praise be to God!
I have to say, I was not sorry to see 2011 go. The year seemed full of struggles, predominately financial. Josh and I no longer had the security of knowing payday would bring enough money to meet bills and give us the ability to buy food. The pressing weight of financial need is heavy and sometimes all-consuming. Recently I have been challenged to look past it's burden to reflect on what great things God has done for me in 2011, despite the struggles.
For one, he gave us a bigger house to live in (with a pool, how cool is that?!). In 2010 after welcoming our first child into the world, our teeny tiny house became a whole lot teenier and a whole lot tinier. There were many times throughout my pregnancy where we thought we had something worked out, buying a house here or finding a great place to rent there. Every situation ended in disappointment and left me in tears feeling crushed and defeated. Out of no where in February of 2011 we inquired about the house our pastor was moving out of and the next thing we knew, we were moving. All those months of trying, and suddenly God dropped the blessing on our lap.
Second, God did a work in our marriage. Something about year five of marriage...it was a rough one! It felt like our make or break moment...the year where we decide we are either going to die to ourselves and live as one, or let our marriage die instead. With the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, the help of some godly resources, and prayer and support from some people who love us our marriage was totally transformed. It felt as though we fell in love almost for the first time. I can honestly say there is nothing I desire more than to spend the rest of my life with Josh. And though I know we are not perfect and we will weather the ebb and flow of life and some days we like each other more than other days, we are united. Josh, you are my best friend and I thank God for you.
Third, God released me from my job. I have shared on my blog before what a struggle it was to work full time. I felt like I was missing out on my calling as a mother and a wife. Waiting patiently for the Lord to move in our circumstances was all that I could do. And after what felt like forever, God brought a very unique opportunity for me to do something else that I love and that allows me to be a mom. In August I began working as the Youth Director at Zion Church. It wasn't necessarily an easy decision, as it meant losing over 50% of my salary at a time when we were already struggling financially. In fact, it didn't make any sense. But God doesn't always make sense, and we covered the decision in prayer. I can confidently say that I had a moment of clarification where I felt the Holy Spirit giving me peace of mind that we were doing the right thing. And the moment I accepted the position, I felt as if I stepped into a calling that I never knew I had. I cannot regret the decision.
Fourth, we found out we are having another baby. On November 8, 2011, two years to the day that we found out we were pregnant with Jezze, we got the news. Though it mostly just felt like I had the flu for awhile, the miracle of life is truly amazing. As I now begin to feel the early movements of that life inside me, I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be a mother again and look forward with excitement and anticipation to July 5 when we are to meet this new baby.
I don't think it is wrong to want financial security. To know that we will be able pay our rent, put gas in our car so we can get to work, go to the grocery store and buy stuff for tacos if that's what we are hungry for. We don't have the security of knowing any of those things right now. I have to laugh at thinking of Josh and me digging through our jeep looking for enough coins to get one gallon of gas to hopefully make it to church! (Note: We did make it that day, praise God!). I've been putting off blogging for a long time thinking I will wait to post something AFTER God brings us through all this. I thought that is where the blessing would be found, in the resolution of the situation. In the ending of the pain. But I am learning that God has been blessing us all along. I just couldn't see it because I was too focused on the circumstances.
The last blessings I would like to share have come at different times all along the way from different people. We have been needy, and that is a humbling place to be. Though most of the time there has been a heavy sense of not having enough, when I really look at our situation I see that God has been our constant provision. Through the generosity of others he continues to meet our needs. Here is what I can remember...one time we got an unmarked envelope on our doorstep with $400 in it. At the time weren't sure how we were going to pay our rent. Another month our landlords notified us that someone anonymously paid our rent for us. Once we received $1,000 from a family friend that again paid rent, health insurance, etc. Countless times family brought groceries, or left $10 or $20 that we'd find around the house. A dear friend that works at a local agency would occasionally bring surplus food-fresh spinach, boxes of yogurt, bananas, etc. Just this past month on the very day we were going to have to call our landlords to let them know we didn't have money for rent we received a Christmas card from dear friends with $500 in it. I had just prayed a few days prior to this that God would show me that he hadn't forgotten us.
Sometimes the situations we need to experience to bring us closer to Christ are painful. I have spent too much time resenting the pain and the circumstances we are in. God has convicted me to let go of my mistrust and to see His glory at work in my life. And I do see. And I do trust. And I am clinging to the promises of God that He will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5), that He is constantly concerned for me (1 Peter 5:7), and that He is working in these circumstances to make me more like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). And as our pastor recently said, what a blessing it is to be poor and to see the constant work of Christ in our life. Though I look forward with anticipation when we can be the on the giving end of generosity rather than the receiving end, it is a blessing to be living on miracles.
Praise be to God!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Happy Birthday Jezze
Dear Jezze,
A year ago I went to bed consumed with the same thought that I had been for weeks. I propped my gi-gantuous belly up on a pillow, closed my eyes, and thought, Will this be the night?
At 3:45 AM I woke to a cramp and a gush of water. Exactly nine hours later, and after withstanding the most intense pain and the hardest work I have ever experienced, you were born at 12:45 PM. "A baby girl," they said as they slid you right up onto my belly. I have never felt relief as powerful as I did in that moment. Welcome Jezze Grace Pié.
And so Daddy and I entered the world of parenthood. A world full of crying, sleeplessness, poop, spit-up, crying, burp cloths, bibs, pacifiers, crying, sippy cups, diapers, toys, crying, giggles, LOTS of picture-taking, onesies, bubble baths, and...oh, crying. We have watched you grow from utter dependence and helplessness to a beautiful, bouncing, little toddler-independent and fiercely determined. You are as tenderhearted as you are passionate (just like Dad). You are cautious until you feel confident, and then you proceed fully focused on what you set out to do. And you will let the world know when you have declared even the slightest injustice-seriously, 12 months of diaper changing and you still refuse to accept it as a necessary daily task.
Over this last year I have struggled with the conflicting desire for time to pass quickly (I can't wait until she can...sleep through the night, crawl, be more independent, ask for what she wants, etc.) and for time to stand completely still (I never want to forget...the smell of her warm, sweet breath, the feeling of her tiny hand on my chest, all her little noises and facial expressions, the sound of her laughter, etc.). I anticipated your first birthday with much excitement. And joy burst forth from the depths of my heart as we celebrated you. Yet I felt torn again, saying goodbye to a year of firsts (the first time you...cried a real tear, laughed, rolled over, crawled, got a tooth, brushed your teeth, saw snow, opened your Christmas present, ate baby food, colored a picture, etc.). A whirlwind of memories that leaves me humbled with a heart of gratitude for the blessing it is to have you as my daughter.
You have unlocked in me the tender, simple spirit of a child. I am suddenly aware again of the fun of being silly and playful, and of the excitement of holidays, summer vacations, and the discovery of new things. You have also unlocked in me a confidence that I did not know I had. I am fully willing to do whatever it takes to protect you and to make decisions in your best interest, no matter the cost.
As you grew in my belly I was keenly aware that you are only on loan to me. You are my daughter, but you are first a daughter of the Most High. I love you beyond the description of words, and He loves you even more. My commitment as your mom has been and always will be to encourage you along the path laid out for you by God, so that you can experience His love and your purpose.
Since your arrival, life has truly flipped upside down. Nothing is the same. Yet, it is better; somehow more fulfilled. And my love for you deepens with each day and with each stage. Thank you for being such a joy. And though technically over, happy birthday little girl!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Goodbye Grandma Dolly
Today my family said goodbye to a very special lady...my Grandma Dolly.
My gram was the youngest girl out of 14 children in the Gregory family, with just one brother behind her. Being the baby girl, they called her Dolly, though her real name was Ruth. She was a tough little lady...and I do mean little as she measured in at UNDER 5 foot! But she would speak her mind. Not just as she got older. For as long as I can remember Gram would tell you just exactly what she thought...good or bad:) Replying, "K, Gram," was most often an appropriate response to any rude or awkward comments. Later my sisters and I would have a good laugh about whatever was said. Like most of my family, Gram showed her love through giving gifts. She was one of the most generous people I knew-to me, to my husband and most recently, to my daughter. And though I've always appreciated that, I am even more grateful now, as I look around my house and see so many things to cherish because they have come from her.
My gram instilled in me the importance of family and of respecting my parents, no matter what. She gave me an appreciation for being domestic, as she taught me to sew (I still have fabric for a table runner that we were supposed to make together) and to make strawberry jam (a tradition every June when strawberries are harvested) and to bake (her recipes handed down from generations ago just made things taste better!). These were my deepest connections with her. They were what made me feel close to her and what made me feel she was proud of me.
When I was pregnant last year, I made a new connection with Grandma Dolly. She called me all the time! She had all the news about flu shots and infant sleep positioners and what baby names I needed to consider:) Toward the end of my pregnancy she would call and ask how I was feeling, if my feet were swollen, if I had any cramping. She was there the day Jezze was born. Proud as ever. And from that day forward she never stopped showering my little girl with gifts. Jezze "wrote" her a thank you note recently and mailed it to Gram. A few days later Jezze got a letter from Gram thanking her for the thank you note! Although that seems so silly and small, the first thing I thought of when she passed away was how grateful I was to have that note to keep for Jezze and to tell her of the love of Grandma Dolly.
I miss her. Already. She is the only grandparent I ever had the privilege of knowing. When I saw her in the hospital, dying, I was speechless. I couldn't think of any words that would convey what I wanted her to know-how I loved her, appreciated her, wished desperately for another decade with her so that my children could laugh about the rude things she would inevitably say to them. Mostly I just wanted her to know that the world would feel a little emptier without her in it. And it does.
K, Gram. I love you. I'll see you in heaven.
Grandma and me 1984
Grandma and Jezze 2010
My gram was the youngest girl out of 14 children in the Gregory family, with just one brother behind her. Being the baby girl, they called her Dolly, though her real name was Ruth. She was a tough little lady...and I do mean little as she measured in at UNDER 5 foot! But she would speak her mind. Not just as she got older. For as long as I can remember Gram would tell you just exactly what she thought...good or bad:) Replying, "K, Gram," was most often an appropriate response to any rude or awkward comments. Later my sisters and I would have a good laugh about whatever was said. Like most of my family, Gram showed her love through giving gifts. She was one of the most generous people I knew-to me, to my husband and most recently, to my daughter. And though I've always appreciated that, I am even more grateful now, as I look around my house and see so many things to cherish because they have come from her.
My gram instilled in me the importance of family and of respecting my parents, no matter what. She gave me an appreciation for being domestic, as she taught me to sew (I still have fabric for a table runner that we were supposed to make together) and to make strawberry jam (a tradition every June when strawberries are harvested) and to bake (her recipes handed down from generations ago just made things taste better!). These were my deepest connections with her. They were what made me feel close to her and what made me feel she was proud of me.
When I was pregnant last year, I made a new connection with Grandma Dolly. She called me all the time! She had all the news about flu shots and infant sleep positioners and what baby names I needed to consider:) Toward the end of my pregnancy she would call and ask how I was feeling, if my feet were swollen, if I had any cramping. She was there the day Jezze was born. Proud as ever. And from that day forward she never stopped showering my little girl with gifts. Jezze "wrote" her a thank you note recently and mailed it to Gram. A few days later Jezze got a letter from Gram thanking her for the thank you note! Although that seems so silly and small, the first thing I thought of when she passed away was how grateful I was to have that note to keep for Jezze and to tell her of the love of Grandma Dolly.
I miss her. Already. She is the only grandparent I ever had the privilege of knowing. When I saw her in the hospital, dying, I was speechless. I couldn't think of any words that would convey what I wanted her to know-how I loved her, appreciated her, wished desperately for another decade with her so that my children could laugh about the rude things she would inevitably say to them. Mostly I just wanted her to know that the world would feel a little emptier without her in it. And it does.
K, Gram. I love you. I'll see you in heaven.
Grandma and me 1984
Grandma and Jezze 2010
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Run With Me?
It has been on my heart for months now to start a running club. Actually, the thought first crossed my mind a few years ago. But that was it. The thought came and went with no significance, much like many thoughts (i.e. "I should paint my toenails today." "It would be cool to go to Europe." "I think I'd really like to be a dog groomer, but I wouldn't want to get bit." etc.) Until recently.
I'm about to seemingly go off on a tangent, but hang with me because it's relevant:)
In my last post, I shared how I've been struggling to juggle my role as a working mom, when my heart longs to be home with my daughter. This isn't the only struggle that I've been experiencing lately. God has really just been allowing me to be wrecked-relationally and financially. I have thought a lot about Job lately. Though I would not compare my circumstances to the depths of his, I honestly have thought, "God, who do you think I am, Job?!"
But here's the cool thing...there is purpose in the turmoil I have been experiencing. I know that, without even knowing what it is. I can feel God refining me. I can sense God moving. I can see that he is shattering barriers in my life by way of preparing me for something. It's that same kind of feeling when you have a particular word right on the tip of your tongue. So close I can almost taste it. And I know from personal experience that it is often at the end of our selves that we hear and see the will of God. I'm there.
Throughout the stress that I have been under, I have had this nagging desire to start a running club. In my stubborn protest against not being Job, I have pushed it aside again and again. Sometimes I would even tell God, "You move first, then I'll move. You give me more time, then I'll look into starting one." Yeah, I don't think God works like that.
Is this the calling I have been sensing? I don't know. But, if nothing else, I want to continue breaking barriers (disobedience in this case) that would keep from being used by God. So, here's my first step.
What is a running club? It is two or more people that meet for the purpose of running. Two or more? TWO or more? That shouldn't be hard. I just need one more person to make it official:) "Official" running club things will develop in time, like a name, a website, a schedule, etc. For now, I am just generating interest. I am looking for other women (Sorry men, I'd like to avoid getting stuck with just me and some creeper running around Clarion County together!) who run and would like company. It doesn't matter if you are fast, slow, experienced, out-of-shape, have never run before, run marathons every day, etc. If you are that person, let me know. If you know someone who may be interested, get us connected.
My dream for this club is to be a way to connect with other women. I have a girlfriend who loves running as much as I do. When we hang out, we don't go to lunch or go shopping or sit and drink tea (do other female friends do that?). We run and we talk. We talk about all kinds of things. She doesn't know Christ. What a great connection to have with her. I want that with more women. Running is my passion, why can't it be my ministry too?
Well, I guess that's it. That's my heart. Okay, I'm off for a run.
I'm about to seemingly go off on a tangent, but hang with me because it's relevant:)
In my last post, I shared how I've been struggling to juggle my role as a working mom, when my heart longs to be home with my daughter. This isn't the only struggle that I've been experiencing lately. God has really just been allowing me to be wrecked-relationally and financially. I have thought a lot about Job lately. Though I would not compare my circumstances to the depths of his, I honestly have thought, "God, who do you think I am, Job?!"
But here's the cool thing...there is purpose in the turmoil I have been experiencing. I know that, without even knowing what it is. I can feel God refining me. I can sense God moving. I can see that he is shattering barriers in my life by way of preparing me for something. It's that same kind of feeling when you have a particular word right on the tip of your tongue. So close I can almost taste it. And I know from personal experience that it is often at the end of our selves that we hear and see the will of God. I'm there.
Throughout the stress that I have been under, I have had this nagging desire to start a running club. In my stubborn protest against not being Job, I have pushed it aside again and again. Sometimes I would even tell God, "You move first, then I'll move. You give me more time, then I'll look into starting one." Yeah, I don't think God works like that.
Is this the calling I have been sensing? I don't know. But, if nothing else, I want to continue breaking barriers (disobedience in this case) that would keep from being used by God. So, here's my first step.
What is a running club? It is two or more people that meet for the purpose of running. Two or more? TWO or more? That shouldn't be hard. I just need one more person to make it official:) "Official" running club things will develop in time, like a name, a website, a schedule, etc. For now, I am just generating interest. I am looking for other women (Sorry men, I'd like to avoid getting stuck with just me and some creeper running around Clarion County together!) who run and would like company. It doesn't matter if you are fast, slow, experienced, out-of-shape, have never run before, run marathons every day, etc. If you are that person, let me know. If you know someone who may be interested, get us connected.
My dream for this club is to be a way to connect with other women. I have a girlfriend who loves running as much as I do. When we hang out, we don't go to lunch or go shopping or sit and drink tea (do other female friends do that?). We run and we talk. We talk about all kinds of things. She doesn't know Christ. What a great connection to have with her. I want that with more women. Running is my passion, why can't it be my ministry too?
Well, I guess that's it. That's my heart. Okay, I'm off for a run.
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