Posts Tagged ‘God’
My Last Minute Family “Picture”
Posted on: November 30, 2010
- In: Life
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At some point late Saturday night, I announced to Jonathan “I’ve forgotten to take our family picture, let’s make sure to do it tomorrow before you leave.” Then at some point late Sunday night {well after Jon left} I announced to my SIL “I forgot to take our family picture before Jon left.” I soon came up with what I think was a brilliant idea. I asked my 7-year old niece to draw a family picture:
Grandma, Jonathan, Sarah, Julia, Hannah, Jack
November has been a crazy, crazy month. The second week of the month, Jonathan accepted an offer at a company in Austin, Texas. This new job is an amazing opportunity for Jon and we are thrilled to see how God will be using his talents while there. He started the job Monday and is spending this week on a company scavenger hunt – a way the company gets new employees to learn all about company history and their fellow co-workers. Pretty cool idea, huh?
Julia turned 3-years old on the 23rd. Wow. I can’t even fathom that three years have passed. On one hand it’s flown by, but at the same time I can’t remember life without my precious little girl. I’d love for you to read my birthday letter to her: Happy Birthday, Julia Mabel.
Hannah has really started talking more and more. She’s added “Katie {her cousin}”, “guys {as in “hey guys”}, “yes”, “Julia {which sounds more like Ju}” and “grandma”. Hannah is really claiming her own and making me see that she is a force to be reckoned with. She is showing some stubbornness and making herself known far more than I expected at this age. And topping it off with a fearlessness that puts Julia’s antics to shame. She is keeping us on our toes, there is no doubt about that.
As for me, I’m feeling like I’m just trying to keep up with it all. Aside from packing and moving, not much has happened for me this month. I had started the 30 Day Shred, but couldn’t keep up with it the last few days in Iowa and certainly haven’t been able to while we’re in this holding pattern {Jonathan is in Austin, while the girls and I are in Ft. Worth}. It’s been a trying month at times, dealing with a lot of emotions and changes, but God has really been good to show me His continues faithfulness and love. I will say though, I’m so looking forward to setting up all my Christmas decorations. And don’t be surprised if I leave them up a little longer this year.
Of pregnancies and babies
Posted on: November 29, 2010
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
Since August, Jonathan and I have not-not tried to get pregnant. Essentially, we aren’t trying to get pregnant, but for the first time since Hannah was born, we aren’t preventing it either. And quite honestly, I am all confused by the not-not trying.
Before I go any further, let me say this: My daughters are more than enough for me. It’s hard to explain or understand, but if I never have another child, my mama heart will be full to the brim just because of Julia and Hannah. Yet, at the same time there is a longing for a larger family. And that’s where the confusion sets in. In all this not-not business, I am constantly having to evaluate my heart and motives. Having to question why I want more children, why I think I’m “ready”, and staying content with my life as is. Then comes the planner in me: If I know my cycle, why would we not try? And how much effort do I put into tracking my cycle if we aren’t necessarily trying?
God has been revealing a lot to me in the last few weeks. I haven’t grasped all of it, but am starting to understand certain points. Starting to understand that life isn’t mapped out, delivered to you in a perfect package. That what I think should happen, is certainly not what needs to happen. Understanding that I rely far too much on my own control than God’s. It’s a constant lesson, not just with our not-not trying, but in all my life. It’s a constant reliance on God to lead me through my days. And I trust that in it all, He will grow me, shape me and draw me closer to Him.
Everybody Panic!
Posted on: November 22, 2010
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
{photo credit}
The girls have been watching a lot of tv lately. And while I am not one to use tv as a babysitter {as a general rule} it has come in very handy while packing. They have watched and re-watched the same Word World episodes several times. In one episode the animals keep coming across situations that are out of their control. They immediately say “Everybody panic!” and run around like crazy. Then one animal says “Let’s just stay calm and think things through.”
Julia has been saying “Everybody panic!” for the last couple of days. Each time I have to laugh, because she is saying exactly what I am thinking. As our move date is rapidly approaching I can’t help but think things are not going to come together as we need. Our movers are coming on the last day {instead of today}, we still have several last minute things to organize, making sure that we celebrate Julia’s birthday {which is tomorrow}, along with keeping my heart in check about our family’s future. Every day God is reminding me of His truths, that He is in control. It is a comfort to cling to when I just want to yell “Everybody panic!” I’ve realized, this move has really stretched my faith and forced me to rely on God when so many things are out of my hands.
Here are the latest verses I’ve been holding onto:
“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.” Psalm 112:7
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalm 103:4
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We only have five more days in Iowa. Yesterday was the first day that everyone was health {or relatively enough to have outside contact}, so we did a lot. And in the craziness of everything, two amazing things happened:
1. We found renters for our house! Praise God! After several postings on Craigslist, with no response, we finally had a couple contact us for a showing. They are moving into the area for work and just fell in love with the house {who could blame them?!?}. They signed the lease yesterday – the same day we gave them a tour. It all happened in four hours! Whew. Talk about a whirlwind.
2. My sweet and dear friend, Leah, gave me this:
"Would you look at that? Would you look at THAT? Holy smokes. Do... Do you know what this is? This is... A lamp!"
While my version is a night light, it is perhaps the coolest Christmas gift I have ever received. I love it. And owning it now allows me to cross off #27 of my 30 Before 30 – Own a Leg Lamp. Thanks again, Leah!
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Posted on: November 17, 2010
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
Do you know that Bobby McFerrin song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy“? Some days I’ve got a lot more worry and a lot less happy.
{photo credit}
We are moving to Texas in one week. One week. Not a big deal, since packing is coming along {though not without some price}, we have a place to live once we are there, and movers to handle our stuff. But one thing looming over my head is this: We haven’t found renters for our house.
We bought our house in March, and since we have other rental properties, we don’t want to sell. Which means we need to find renters for December 1st. That’s two weeks from today. Two weeks.
I’m trying real hard to say “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. But it can be hard when all you see is worry.
I know God asked us to go to Texas. I’ve seen His hand working in our lives there already. It’s amazing and exciting. Yet it’s scary to take such a huge step of faith. Down right terrifying for me at times. So I’ve been clinging to these verses lately:
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34 {NLT}
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:5-7 {NLT}
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:4-5 {NLT}
We Are Moving to Texas
Posted on: November 11, 2010
- In: Life
- 20 Comments
In what has been one of the craziest Windham adventures yet, we have decided to move back to Austin, Texas. We will be moving Thanksgiving week. There are a number of factors as a basis for this decision, as there are with any big move. Three main influences in taking us back to Texas are:
1. Spiritual direction – God is calling us to a place where we can minister to our (extended) family, to our past, and mostly to Him. We know that God is moving mightily and drawing us to follow Him there.
2. Family – Being closer in distance to our family while surrounding ourselves and our girls with our/their heritage.
3. Work – The reason for “why now” is that Jonathan will be employed and that’s important for him and for our family as you might agree.
Now for the hardest part:
For nearly six years I’ve lived in Iowa. And over the last 5 years our friends here have become family. They have been with us through life and death. They have been our support, our encouragement, our lives. I would not be the same person without them. I’ve shared many tears and laughter with each of them; building memories and relationships that I pray stand the test of time.
So, my sweet Iowan friends, we are heading south for the winter. Please know each of you mean the world to me. I treasure your friendship and thank God that I have had you all in my lives.
Now to leave you on a funny note, I give you this:
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
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I lost Molly tonight.
The girls and I went to the library late in the afternoon and Hannah asked to take Molly along. I allowed it. At one point she set Molly down and I reminded her to hold on to her. The girls played, I read. And we left.
When bedtime came around the “great Molly hunt” that happens every night began. Like a punch in my gut, I realized Molly got left at the library. No sweat, right? We’ll just go there in the morning and all will be well, right?
Sure. Maybe most rational people {like Jonathan} can think that way. But not me. No, I’ve spent the last hour searching for a replacement Molly. All I can think is “What mom, what good mom, loses her daughter’s favorite bear?” What if someone took Molly? What if she’s gone forever?
Told you I’m not always the most rational person.
What if? Well, Molly is just a bear. And keeping track of a bear doesn’t actually show my ability to parent {right? please say no.}. And Hannah might have some sadness if Molly doesn’t resurface, yet I’m sure in time it’ll get better.
We said a prayer tonight that Molly would show up tomorrow. As soon as the library is open we’ll be there. Here’s to trusting God for Molly Bear!
*Update – We went to the library as soon as it opened this morning. I ran in alone, searched all the spots that we had gone yesterday before asking at the children’s desk. They had nothing and sent me to the main desk. I anxiously asked if they had a bear, and the librarian said it didn’t sound familiar but that she’d check. Lo and behold, I spotted Molly as soon as the lady opened the cabinet doors! Praise the Lord!
Hannah squealed when I came back out to the car with Molly in hand. She is one happy little girl: http://twitpic.com/34fhw4
Putting God First
Posted on: November 4, 2010
- In: Life
- 6 Comments
I’ve been challenging myself lately to stay connected to God through actively reading His Word. Being a mom, it’s easy it let my relationship with God take a backseat. The girls wake up during my morning quiet times, I need to do chores during naps, and by the end of the day I realize I’ve spent no time with God.
This month I’m reading through the book of Psalm. Start to finish. This means reading 4-6 chapters a day {not always an easy task!}. It’s only week one and I’ve been faithful, making it a priority in my day. Part of me thought that in doing this my week would go much smoother {girls acting like angels, house clean, dinner making itself} but it’s been the opposite. My house is dirty, the girls are coming off their travel highs and dinner, sadly, has yet to make itself. But, and that’s a big but, my attitude about it all is so much calmer. Sure it bothers me, but in a oh-man sorta way, not a I-can’t-handle-it sorta way. Being immersed in the Word reminds me of what’s important – my relationship with Christ, my family and my friends.
This newest adventure just might be the best one I’ve had in a while! I can’t wait to see how God reveals Himself to me this month.
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
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“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matthew 11:28-30 {The Message}
In February I took on a personal challenge to pray daily for an entire month for my younger brother, Fletcher. February turned to March and I kept praying. Then I prayed through the spring and summer. It’s October and I’m still praying. My constant prayer is that Fletcher would lay his life before the Lord and be saved by grace.
About three weeks ago Fletcher called me. Said he need to talk to me about some trouble he was facing, some hardships that happened. About half way through our conversation, Fletcher said “Sis, I’ve realized I can’t do this on my own. I need Christ.” I asked him what that meant. He said he was ready to lay his life before God; to surrender his life in return for a relationship with God. I wept. Literally. I stood in my kitchen and cried sweet, sweet tears.
Let me bold. Let me tell you, Christ died for your sins. He died to put you in right standing with God. He died because He loves you.
Christ wants to have a relationship with you. He wants to have a relationship with me. He loves us. He wants to “recover your life”. He wants to give us “real rest.” Recovery from our sins, from our hurts, from our pain. Rest in Him. Rest in the grace He gives, the mercy He brings, the love He covers with.
Visit Jill at Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday.
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God is amazing and overwhelming. I’ve been battling with some crazy heart issues lately – wanting to control my own life, being angry at the girls, frustrated with abnormal laziness/fatigue. Most glaringly is my desire to chase after things of this world. Daily I feel the prickling of God’s Spirit warning me when something flashy catches my eye. Sadly, I don’t always listen. I tell Him “not now” and indulge. Even when sin doesn’t seem ugly or “bad” it is. It starts off all pretty but ends in heartache. And that’s where I am – in heartache. I’ve chosen things of this world over a God who loves me.
But it’s not hopeless, it’s not over. The next chapter has begun. And here are the ten verses that I have been meditating on lately:
1. Hosea 14:4 {NLT} – “The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.”
2. Proverbs 28:13 {NLT} – “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
3. Psalm 65:3 {NLT} – “Though we are overwhelms by our sins, you forgive them all.”
4.Psalm 4:4 {NLT} – “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.”
5. James 1:19 {NLT} – “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters. You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
6. Psalm 62:5 {NLT} – “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.”
7. Psalm 39:7 {NLT} – “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.”
8. Psalm 13:5-6 {NLT} – “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.”
9. Proverbs 19:21 {NLT} – “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
10. Psalm 118:24 {NLT} – “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Clearly I’m a big fan of Psalm – I do actually read other books in the Bible. Promise.
Visit Oh Amanda for more Top {Ten} Tuesday.
A Wife Loved Like The Church 
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