My sister-in-law, Katie, has been running for 5 weeks now!!! I am so jealous!! Way to go Katie :) I enjoy exercising, but I have NEVER been consistent and can't seem to find the best time for my schedule...
Does anyone have any suggestions for consistency? When do you excercise? How long? Where? How often? What do you do?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Diversco
In my excitement, I forgot to mention a small detail :) Ross will be working for a company called Diversco. They contract out to other companies and provide different services for them...Ross will be an account manager of about 30 employees. In his case, Diversco is contracted by the Hanes Brothers plant in Kings Mountain, which is about 20 minutes from here!! :)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
God's Faithfulness
God's faithfulness to answer prayers and provide for us is MORE than I expect or expected. So much more...
ROSS GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a job that provides
a job with insurance
a job closer to home
a job he is excited about
a job with some "extras" :)
When he came home last night and said he accepted, AND began telling me the greatness of it, I got lightheaded and my arms were weak!!! ahhahahah!!! I didn't know God would answer our prayers in the detailed way that He has.
I think back on several occasions of our marriage and see God's mighty hand upon us....
I was sick our ENTIRE first year of marriage, yet was able to maintain a job with INCREDIBLE insurance.
In October of our first year, God spared my life from a blood clot in my leg and two in my lungs.
After my hospital stay, I was unable to work YET my company let me keep my position AND my insurance which.....
PAID 100% of the surgeries I had to have the following Jan and Feb!!!!!
AND Ross was working PART TIME and in school, and we NEVER left a bill unpaid because of other believers who supported us during this time!!!!!!!
That time was a whirlwind, but there was a peace among us that I WILL NEVER forget. It was unbelievable and still is, to see how God has preserved our lives in so many ways....
and Ross' new job is just another glimpse of God's awesomeness....
ROSS GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a job that provides
a job with insurance
a job closer to home
a job he is excited about
a job with some "extras" :)
When he came home last night and said he accepted, AND began telling me the greatness of it, I got lightheaded and my arms were weak!!! ahhahahah!!! I didn't know God would answer our prayers in the detailed way that He has.
I think back on several occasions of our marriage and see God's mighty hand upon us....
I was sick our ENTIRE first year of marriage, yet was able to maintain a job with INCREDIBLE insurance.
In October of our first year, God spared my life from a blood clot in my leg and two in my lungs.
After my hospital stay, I was unable to work YET my company let me keep my position AND my insurance which.....
PAID 100% of the surgeries I had to have the following Jan and Feb!!!!!
AND Ross was working PART TIME and in school, and we NEVER left a bill unpaid because of other believers who supported us during this time!!!!!!!
That time was a whirlwind, but there was a peace among us that I WILL NEVER forget. It was unbelievable and still is, to see how God has preserved our lives in so many ways....
and Ross' new job is just another glimpse of God's awesomeness....
Friday, August 22, 2008
Clarification and Freedom
Just for clarification:
Not to belabor this subject but...My sister and I were talking about "how many" children we would like to have. We both brought up the subject of "planning" that I have previously blogged about..."Blessings as a Curse"...one thing I love about my sister, actually more than one :), is that firstly she likes to talk as much as I do, and secondly I think she understands me even when I don't make a lot of sense! Anyways, just to be clear, I desire to be Biblical in my thinking and my passions. This would include my views on child-bearing/rearing. In no way, do I think that those who have three children are any more godly that those who have one child! In no way, do I think you should not use wisdom and discretion in pregnancy and child rearing! What I DO think is Biblical, is that children are a blessing, and we should not be in opposition to those who welcome those blessings, whether it be one year after the other or 10 years in between! I just wanted to make sure there was no confusion on my part of sharing :)
Now on the subject of freedom and my confessions:
I am speaking of freedom in Chirst. This is a tough one for me. I usually don't mind sharing a struggle or two, but as I thought about these things while I was shopping BY MYSELF!!! today, I was hesitant to write about it. I am not sure how to convey this as clearly and simply as possible but here is my attempt:
My beliefs/ convictions have been dictated only by what I hear others say or teach...in the context of Biblical Christianity. I have been exposed to some of the most aweseome men and women of Christ, that I KNOW have an active relationship with Christ. I desire inflence from people like this BUT I have let THEM make up my mind about what is RIGHT and WRONG. I have failed to study God's Word intently on my own and allow His truth to dictate what I believe to be true and right!!
Here is the HANG UP...debatable issues within the Biblical community of believers such as...Halloween, alcohol, Santa, church, child rearing, homeschool, daycare,etc...You get the picture. These are just a FEW that I have wrestled with!!!! It is grueling when you are making choices based off of what others think, verses being convicted of them in your own heart by God's word!!! On some issues there are just no RIGHT or WRONG answers.
I confess that I am JUST learning to make choices for me, me and Ross, and my boys, based off of Biblical freedom and not what I think is the RIGHT thing to do according to others. I have felt this BURDEN being lifted off of me. I do not have to be in bondage to man and what man thinks!!
Second confession :) I have pridefully thought, that because I have chosen the "right way", that my choices were better than other friends and family. How prideful is that??
I need God so much everyday...every hour...
Not to belabor this subject but...My sister and I were talking about "how many" children we would like to have. We both brought up the subject of "planning" that I have previously blogged about..."Blessings as a Curse"...one thing I love about my sister, actually more than one :), is that firstly she likes to talk as much as I do, and secondly I think she understands me even when I don't make a lot of sense! Anyways, just to be clear, I desire to be Biblical in my thinking and my passions. This would include my views on child-bearing/rearing. In no way, do I think that those who have three children are any more godly that those who have one child! In no way, do I think you should not use wisdom and discretion in pregnancy and child rearing! What I DO think is Biblical, is that children are a blessing, and we should not be in opposition to those who welcome those blessings, whether it be one year after the other or 10 years in between! I just wanted to make sure there was no confusion on my part of sharing :)
Now on the subject of freedom and my confessions:
I am speaking of freedom in Chirst. This is a tough one for me. I usually don't mind sharing a struggle or two, but as I thought about these things while I was shopping BY MYSELF!!! today, I was hesitant to write about it. I am not sure how to convey this as clearly and simply as possible but here is my attempt:
My beliefs/ convictions have been dictated only by what I hear others say or teach...in the context of Biblical Christianity. I have been exposed to some of the most aweseome men and women of Christ, that I KNOW have an active relationship with Christ. I desire inflence from people like this BUT I have let THEM make up my mind about what is RIGHT and WRONG. I have failed to study God's Word intently on my own and allow His truth to dictate what I believe to be true and right!!
Here is the HANG UP...debatable issues within the Biblical community of believers such as...Halloween, alcohol, Santa, church, child rearing, homeschool, daycare,etc...You get the picture. These are just a FEW that I have wrestled with!!!! It is grueling when you are making choices based off of what others think, verses being convicted of them in your own heart by God's word!!! On some issues there are just no RIGHT or WRONG answers.
I confess that I am JUST learning to make choices for me, me and Ross, and my boys, based off of Biblical freedom and not what I think is the RIGHT thing to do according to others. I have felt this BURDEN being lifted off of me. I do not have to be in bondage to man and what man thinks!!
Second confession :) I have pridefully thought, that because I have chosen the "right way", that my choices were better than other friends and family. How prideful is that??
I need God so much everyday...every hour...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
More on the Terrific Twos, Tantrums, and my craziness
Recently, I have read and talked to so many friends and family that I admire on the subject of....well...the tantrums, screaming, and self-centerdness of a two year old...AND the tantrums, screaming, and self-centerdness of a twenty-seven year old. Those two DO NOT work together.
These are the bits of advice and encouragement that I have received that have been playing through my head all week long:
1. "Just take a minute to cool off." - words and wisdom of Tasha Via (www.tashavia.blogspot.com)
2. "Pray through the situation out loud with your child." - words and wisdom from Tasha Via
(When Luke first started exhibiting some strong-willed FITS, I can remember praying through one out loud and when I was done he screamed 'MAY-MEN', his word for AMEN) I think this is an awesome opportunity for me to humble myself as a woman and a mom to God and say, I can not do it and I do not know how to do it. It will also show Luke that God IS our lives, not just night time prayer and church....he needs to see that his Mama needs Christ and we pray one day soon he will see that same need!!!!!!
3. "You are such a great mom."- words from my grandmother
(This is the simplest of phrases, and quite common to most of us, but it means so much to me to hear it from my grandmother. She raised four children of her own. I admire her and it makes me feel so proud and encouraged for her to tell me these things, even though I am not perfect.)
4. "Keep doing what you are doing."- words and wisdom from my mother-in-law
(The days that I see NO FRUIT of mine and Ross' relentless efforts with Luke, this bit of advice gives me a bit of peace and enough endurance to keep working hard!)
5. The following paragraph was written by Leah on www.prayerofhannah.blogspot.com. I couldn't say it better than she did. This is a constant pull on my heart and when it is out of line, it can cause me to bitter on days that are tough with Luke.
"There were many days when Margaret and Kirsti would let me go out and about with them as they "mommed" their children and I learned to appreciate both the joys and the constraints of being a mom. Beth made the comment to me one time that she had to learn how to say no to some things in order to take care of the more important things. This lesson has taught me to focus on my priorities (most important being my relationship with the Lord and caring for my family and home) and not stress myself out when I can't do other things I'd like to do. This is a really tough thing for me because I am a people pleaser and a do-it-myself-er. I always have a million ideas of things I'd like to do, but often they take me away from my young family when they are the ones that need me most. I remind myself that this is just a season and it won't always be like this. But for now I must direct my love and attention on my family."
What would we do without fellow believers to encourage us to press on in godliness?...
These are the bits of advice and encouragement that I have received that have been playing through my head all week long:
1. "Just take a minute to cool off." - words and wisdom of Tasha Via (www.tashavia.blogspot.com)
2. "Pray through the situation out loud with your child." - words and wisdom from Tasha Via
(When Luke first started exhibiting some strong-willed FITS, I can remember praying through one out loud and when I was done he screamed 'MAY-MEN', his word for AMEN) I think this is an awesome opportunity for me to humble myself as a woman and a mom to God and say, I can not do it and I do not know how to do it. It will also show Luke that God IS our lives, not just night time prayer and church....he needs to see that his Mama needs Christ and we pray one day soon he will see that same need!!!!!!
3. "You are such a great mom."- words from my grandmother
(This is the simplest of phrases, and quite common to most of us, but it means so much to me to hear it from my grandmother. She raised four children of her own. I admire her and it makes me feel so proud and encouraged for her to tell me these things, even though I am not perfect.)
4. "Keep doing what you are doing."- words and wisdom from my mother-in-law
(The days that I see NO FRUIT of mine and Ross' relentless efforts with Luke, this bit of advice gives me a bit of peace and enough endurance to keep working hard!)
5. The following paragraph was written by Leah on www.prayerofhannah.blogspot.com. I couldn't say it better than she did. This is a constant pull on my heart and when it is out of line, it can cause me to bitter on days that are tough with Luke.
"There were many days when Margaret and Kirsti would let me go out and about with them as they "mommed" their children and I learned to appreciate both the joys and the constraints of being a mom. Beth made the comment to me one time that she had to learn how to say no to some things in order to take care of the more important things. This lesson has taught me to focus on my priorities (most important being my relationship with the Lord and caring for my family and home) and not stress myself out when I can't do other things I'd like to do. This is a really tough thing for me because I am a people pleaser and a do-it-myself-er. I always have a million ideas of things I'd like to do, but often they take me away from my young family when they are the ones that need me most. I remind myself that this is just a season and it won't always be like this. But for now I must direct my love and attention on my family."
What would we do without fellow believers to encourage us to press on in godliness?...
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A FUN Saturday
5:30 am- David's first bottle (typical)
5:31 am- Luke is up for the morning (not so typical, not so fun)
6:00 am- Ross is still making a painful attempt to convince Luke that he is still tired
7:00 am- we are hours into the start of our day :), David is the only one asleep
8:00 am- showered and begin getting ready for the pool with Mammy (Ross' Mom)
8:30 am- Ross makes a change of plans, confirms and organizes childcare
10:00 am- David and Luke with Mammy
10:04 am- Ross says "Take in the moment and lets GO!" ahhah (he really did say this)
10:05 until 3:00 there was no time, we just enjoyed the town:
Went to the mall and spent Christmas giftcards...yes, Christmas. I hoard gift cards.
We ate out for lunch.
We went to the bookstore for a bit.
We looked inside of a house we really, really, really like.
We got a homemade Cherry-Lemon Sundrop.
We went to Morgan's shoes and bootery.
I would rather do "nothing" with him, than anything else in the world...
I loved today...
5:31 am- Luke is up for the morning (not so typical, not so fun)
6:00 am- Ross is still making a painful attempt to convince Luke that he is still tired
7:00 am- we are hours into the start of our day :), David is the only one asleep
8:00 am- showered and begin getting ready for the pool with Mammy (Ross' Mom)
8:30 am- Ross makes a change of plans, confirms and organizes childcare
10:00 am- David and Luke with Mammy
10:04 am- Ross says "Take in the moment and lets GO!" ahhah (he really did say this)
10:05 until 3:00 there was no time, we just enjoyed the town:
Went to the mall and spent Christmas giftcards...yes, Christmas. I hoard gift cards.
We ate out for lunch.
We went to the bookstore for a bit.
We looked inside of a house we really, really, really like.
We got a homemade Cherry-Lemon Sundrop.
We went to Morgan's shoes and bootery.
I would rather do "nothing" with him, than anything else in the world...
I loved today...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Do I see Blessings as a Curse?? Surely not...
My last post on "Blessings as a Curse.." found me pondering on my words, my convictions, my heart, my desires, God's heart, God's desires...
I am being convicted that, at times, I see the blessing of my precious boys, as a curse.
Ross and I were both sick yesterday. Ross headed to work, because he's just that kind of man :) and I called my Mom! :) Luke stayed with his Mimi all day long, David cooperated quite nicely, and I slept the day away when I could. That evening, Ross took the boys to a family cookout, and I continued to rest.
I missed Luke so much!
When they got home last night, all I wanted to do was talk to him, ask him questions, play with him (from the couch in a reclining position:) ), and just plain enjoy him. I relished being with him. I really did.
God began to prick my heart.
Why do I not ENJOY my blessing everyday? Why do I struggle with losing my temper with him? Why do I wish Mimi or Mammy would PLEASE come get him? Why do I live for nap time? All the while being irritated until those things come. Then who gets the attitude when the day is done? My sweet husband.
What a wasteful way to live as a mom and a wife. BUT....
I am FREE and FORGIVEN in Christ. I do not have to live this way!! I KNOW I cannot be a good Mom or wife on my own. I cannot love my children the way they need to be loved. I cannot serve and love Ross in the ways that he needs to be served and loved. I cannot wake up tomorrow morning and say, "OK, today I am going to try really hard not to loose my temper, and to enjoy Luke." I've tried it, and my sinfulness rears its ugly head at Luke's first meltdown. I have to deperately and humbly ask for patience, love, humility, etc...from Christ...constantly.
I am thankful for Christ's forgiveness. I am thankful for my husbands forgiveness. And I am thankful that I can excercise asking Luke's forgiveness now.
I need rest. I need time away. I LOVE IT!!! It is a BLESSING too! Fine, ok, TRUE, BUT what if it doesn't come? How will I respond? I am desperate for Christ.
I am being convicted that, at times, I see the blessing of my precious boys, as a curse.
Ross and I were both sick yesterday. Ross headed to work, because he's just that kind of man :) and I called my Mom! :) Luke stayed with his Mimi all day long, David cooperated quite nicely, and I slept the day away when I could. That evening, Ross took the boys to a family cookout, and I continued to rest.
I missed Luke so much!
When they got home last night, all I wanted to do was talk to him, ask him questions, play with him (from the couch in a reclining position:) ), and just plain enjoy him. I relished being with him. I really did.
God began to prick my heart.
Why do I not ENJOY my blessing everyday? Why do I struggle with losing my temper with him? Why do I wish Mimi or Mammy would PLEASE come get him? Why do I live for nap time? All the while being irritated until those things come. Then who gets the attitude when the day is done? My sweet husband.
What a wasteful way to live as a mom and a wife. BUT....
I am FREE and FORGIVEN in Christ. I do not have to live this way!! I KNOW I cannot be a good Mom or wife on my own. I cannot love my children the way they need to be loved. I cannot serve and love Ross in the ways that he needs to be served and loved. I cannot wake up tomorrow morning and say, "OK, today I am going to try really hard not to loose my temper, and to enjoy Luke." I've tried it, and my sinfulness rears its ugly head at Luke's first meltdown. I have to deperately and humbly ask for patience, love, humility, etc...from Christ...constantly.
I am thankful for Christ's forgiveness. I am thankful for my husbands forgiveness. And I am thankful that I can excercise asking Luke's forgiveness now.
I need rest. I need time away. I LOVE IT!!! It is a BLESSING too! Fine, ok, TRUE, BUT what if it doesn't come? How will I respond? I am desperate for Christ.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Chappell's
This post speaks for itself. (these are friends from Wake Forest) You can view the full story from the Chappell's at www.caseychappell.typepad.com/baby
They are honoring and glorifying Christ in a way that the world cannot comprehend......
August 10, 2008
Give Thanks To The Lord For He IS Good
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His Steadfast love endures forever. We desperately need this truth to sink in today. The last week has been filled with hope and with new plans to ready the arrival of our Son, Asher. Yesterday was a suprise to us, but not to God. God brought our precious boy into this world @ 9:08pm and took him to be in the arms of Jesus shortly after. We do not understand fully through our pain, but our only real comfort is also our only hope: That God understands the death of His Son and that death has also brought us life and is giving Asher the chance to dance right now. We prayed for all of you this morning and asked that God grant you to worship in Spirit and in Truth today (draw near to Jesus, for he is our steadfast hope). Praise Him, please praise him for He is good! We love you all so much and love the body of Christ so much more through you. God grant each of us to fight for Christs kingdom perspective and to know that He loves us radically and longs for us to long for Him. We do today, now more than ever!
Dan and Casey
They are honoring and glorifying Christ in a way that the world cannot comprehend......
August 10, 2008
Give Thanks To The Lord For He IS Good
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His Steadfast love endures forever. We desperately need this truth to sink in today. The last week has been filled with hope and with new plans to ready the arrival of our Son, Asher. Yesterday was a suprise to us, but not to God. God brought our precious boy into this world @ 9:08pm and took him to be in the arms of Jesus shortly after. We do not understand fully through our pain, but our only real comfort is also our only hope: That God understands the death of His Son and that death has also brought us life and is giving Asher the chance to dance right now. We prayed for all of you this morning and asked that God grant you to worship in Spirit and in Truth today (draw near to Jesus, for he is our steadfast hope). Praise Him, please praise him for He is good! We love you all so much and love the body of Christ so much more through you. God grant each of us to fight for Christs kingdom perspective and to know that He loves us radically and longs for us to long for Him. We do today, now more than ever!
Dan and Casey
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Blessings as a Curse..
A recent post in one of my favorite blogs (www.prayerofhannah.blogspot.com), shared the joy and the work of having two children under the age of two. This is the comment that I shared in response:
Leah,
Thanks for the post! As you know, my Luke and David are almost exactly the same ages as Samuel and Joel. I will agree that the work load seems constant and the quantity/quality of attention that each one gets is different and somtimes minimal or strained, BUT in God's sovereignty He decided to bless me with my two boys up to the very seconds that they are apart in age. I often find myself trying to "decide" when would be the "best" time to "plan" another one, but I am quickly reminded that God is the giver of life and children are a blessing. Often the world looks at having children close together in age as unwise, financially a burden, not "fair" for the other child, etc...if it truly were my choice, I know I would "mess it up" but since it is not, I have to the two greatest blessings in addition to Ross. How awesome. Thanks for sharing!!!
Shannon Bradley
So if I told you we were expecting again, what would be your thoughts? We AREN'T hahahah....just something to think about.
Why do we veiw blessings as a curse?
Leah,
Thanks for the post! As you know, my Luke and David are almost exactly the same ages as Samuel and Joel. I will agree that the work load seems constant and the quantity/quality of attention that each one gets is different and somtimes minimal or strained, BUT in God's sovereignty He decided to bless me with my two boys up to the very seconds that they are apart in age. I often find myself trying to "decide" when would be the "best" time to "plan" another one, but I am quickly reminded that God is the giver of life and children are a blessing. Often the world looks at having children close together in age as unwise, financially a burden, not "fair" for the other child, etc...if it truly were my choice, I know I would "mess it up" but since it is not, I have to the two greatest blessings in addition to Ross. How awesome. Thanks for sharing!!!
Shannon Bradley
So if I told you we were expecting again, what would be your thoughts? We AREN'T hahahah....just something to think about.
Why do we veiw blessings as a curse?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Day 1
It is an unspoken among family members and friends, that you are supposed to post more pictures on a blog than words. As a quick confession, I too, quickly skim the ramblings and go straight to the pictures, hoping to get a glance into other people's business :) However, I must also confess that I am secretly jealous of those who have enjoyed blogging without the added stress of pictures! With that being said, I am creating my own place to post my thoughts, my ideas, my joys, my fears, and my day to day life....my pursuit of Christ and the woman that He desires for me to be.
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