When you can't trace His hand...trust His heart.
That quote has stuck with me for many years now...and I tend to fall back on it more than I realize. As I have grown closer to Christ through this process, I have learned that His hand is involved in everything I do. Well, actually...His hand and His heart. But there are moments when I can actually picture His hand guiding me towards my future. And I follow...slowly...uncertainly...I follow. I know there is a path. I believe that beyond what you can imagine. But the path sometimes is so dark. It is hard to find my way. It is hard to see the next step...even the one right in front of me. And what I am learning, is that I have to just close my eyes and walk anyway. There are stumbling blocks along the way. Provided by none other than the devil himself. But every time I find myself on the ground, I have help getting back up. God has provided me with the most wonderful support system...no matter what is going on in my life. I have parents who support me and are proud of me no matter what. They love me as God loves me and have never...ever turned their back on me. I have a sister who is there for me without fail. Emotionally and physically. I have a husband...who doesn't fully understand my "womanly" ways...but he never lets me down. He is there to listen...to support...to help me make decisions. And he too loves me unconditionally. And then I have these amazing friends. All I can say is that I hope that you all have the kind of friends that I have. They are there for me...they are encouraging....they make me laugh...and they say just the right thing when you need it the most. I think that the song that plays when you pull up this blog would apply to just about everyone in my life at some point or another.
Last night a friend said some things to me that warmed my heart. They made me smile. They gave me encouragement. They gave me the confidence to move forward in my life. And it was such a God thing. He was there. He orchestrated the entire conversation. I am so blessed to have friends with a God loving heart. It is truly a blessing. Beyond measure.
His hand and His heart are always present in my life due to the people that I have surrounded myself with. I am forever thankful for the love and support of my friends and family...and fully and completely believe...
God gave me you.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Referee of 3
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Back
Good morning! We're back...from Spring Break. What does this mean? Oh nothing, but blissful, non fighting moments between Big and Middle. It means sending Middle to school with his new, green cast for all of his friends to admire and sign. It means having some special one on one time with Little. It means getting up before 9:00am and drinking several cups of coffee to make this seem right. It means Coach begins his season of coaching baseball...tonight. (GO CATS)
It means...life as we know it...resumes.
Oh well.
We knew it was coming for us. And it was a good break. Lots of productivity...a broken arm...some special time with the kids...and a break. From normalcy. Sometimes, that is all we need. Going on vacation is wonderful. Packing up...leaving what we know to be our day to day...and venturing out. But for us...just taking a vacation from our daily routine proved to be much needed and wonderful.
Coach and Big always get very nervous the night before we return to normalcy. Middle, Little and I are much more likely to fall asleep standing up...and seem to find our way to dreamland no matter how close we are to resuming normal life. But when the alarm went off this morning, you can bet my mind was spinning. Backpacks, lunches, breakfasts, agendas, blogging, showering...COFFEE...etc. Immediately as my feet hit the floor, I knew where I was. Back to reality. And to be completely honest...I am ready.
I have a responsibility each day to face the challenges with God. Many, many mornings...and especially here lately...I've been facing them on my own. At the end of the day, things seem less "done" than when I had started. Typical of a day without God. So my challenge this week...amongst the stress of returning to life...I am going to include Him in my day. Quiet time...decisions...fret and worry...will go to God. Moments of excitement...weakness...and success...will go to God. Coffee...selfishly I am keeping to myself. I think God understands this one. :D
I wanted to share something that jumped out at me at bible study last night.
This got me thinking...for whoever does not love those whom they Have seen, cannot love God, whom they Have NOT seen.
Interesting. As we go about our week...focus on loving those you thought not possible. Reflecting His love...shining His light in their lives. You might be surprised in the change you see. Because if we can't love those here...in our presence...that cause us grief from time to time...we cannot love God...who loves us all the time, no matter what. Show His love and feel His love in return. Food for thought!
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
It means...life as we know it...resumes.
Oh well.
We knew it was coming for us. And it was a good break. Lots of productivity...a broken arm...some special time with the kids...and a break. From normalcy. Sometimes, that is all we need. Going on vacation is wonderful. Packing up...leaving what we know to be our day to day...and venturing out. But for us...just taking a vacation from our daily routine proved to be much needed and wonderful.
Coach and Big always get very nervous the night before we return to normalcy. Middle, Little and I are much more likely to fall asleep standing up...and seem to find our way to dreamland no matter how close we are to resuming normal life. But when the alarm went off this morning, you can bet my mind was spinning. Backpacks, lunches, breakfasts, agendas, blogging, showering...COFFEE...etc. Immediately as my feet hit the floor, I knew where I was. Back to reality. And to be completely honest...I am ready.
I have a responsibility each day to face the challenges with God. Many, many mornings...and especially here lately...I've been facing them on my own. At the end of the day, things seem less "done" than when I had started. Typical of a day without God. So my challenge this week...amongst the stress of returning to life...I am going to include Him in my day. Quiet time...decisions...fret and worry...will go to God. Moments of excitement...weakness...and success...will go to God. Coffee...selfishly I am keeping to myself. I think God understands this one. :D
I wanted to share something that jumped out at me at bible study last night.
1 John 4:20 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
This got me thinking...for whoever does not love those whom they Have seen, cannot love God, whom they Have NOT seen.
Interesting. As we go about our week...focus on loving those you thought not possible. Reflecting His love...shining His light in their lives. You might be surprised in the change you see. Because if we can't love those here...in our presence...that cause us grief from time to time...we cannot love God...who loves us all the time, no matter what. Show His love and feel His love in return. Food for thought!
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Survivor
"That book breathes life"
Does anyone watch Survivor? I am a forever fan. I (along with my Mom and Grandparents) have been a fan since season one. My Grandparents actually lived in a condo in Arizona and became friends with Jeff Probst's parents. So...I could even say I know him. I would be lying...but it sounds so cool to know that my Granny has talked to his Mom.
I wanted to share this with you because it is so easy to get bogged down in this world with smutty tv. Reality TV shows can bring out the absolute worst in people...this being one of them. But this season, a young man by the name of Matt has surfaced as a "believer". Now...on national television, not everyone knows what that means...but, we do. He believes that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior. This man was taken out of the game at an early stage, but has kept himself "alive" in the game by winning several duals. He is alone on this part of the island until the next person is voted out of the game, and they face off in a "dual". Whoever wins the dual gets the chance to enter back into the actual Survivor game later in the season. But in order to do so...he has to win each dual that he faces. If you lose...you are out. Completely.
On last night's episode, the young woman that was voted out, entered the area of the island where he had been staying and they immediatly shared the bond of being "believers". They talked openly about God...prayed together...and talked about scripture. They talked about no matter who won the dual, it would be God's will. God's will! On national TV!!! I was so proud of them for speaking of God...openly...without reservation. And they are young. What an inspiration to other young people! And to all of us actually.
At the end of the dual, Matt won and the young woman went home. But before she left, she gave her luxury item to Matt. It was her bible. He had not brought his along, and she left hers with him as she journeyed home. He said how great it was that she left it with him...
because "that book breathes life".
Amen brother. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Does anyone watch Survivor? I am a forever fan. I (along with my Mom and Grandparents) have been a fan since season one. My Grandparents actually lived in a condo in Arizona and became friends with Jeff Probst's parents. So...I could even say I know him. I would be lying...but it sounds so cool to know that my Granny has talked to his Mom.
I wanted to share this with you because it is so easy to get bogged down in this world with smutty tv. Reality TV shows can bring out the absolute worst in people...this being one of them. But this season, a young man by the name of Matt has surfaced as a "believer". Now...on national television, not everyone knows what that means...but, we do. He believes that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior. This man was taken out of the game at an early stage, but has kept himself "alive" in the game by winning several duals. He is alone on this part of the island until the next person is voted out of the game, and they face off in a "dual". Whoever wins the dual gets the chance to enter back into the actual Survivor game later in the season. But in order to do so...he has to win each dual that he faces. If you lose...you are out. Completely.
On last night's episode, the young woman that was voted out, entered the area of the island where he had been staying and they immediatly shared the bond of being "believers". They talked openly about God...prayed together...and talked about scripture. They talked about no matter who won the dual, it would be God's will. God's will! On national TV!!! I was so proud of them for speaking of God...openly...without reservation. And they are young. What an inspiration to other young people! And to all of us actually.
At the end of the dual, Matt won and the young woman went home. But before she left, she gave her luxury item to Matt. It was her bible. He had not brought his along, and she left hers with him as she journeyed home. He said how great it was that she left it with him...
because "that book breathes life".
Amen brother. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Where have you been?
Well...Spring Break. And before that...I decided to take down the curtains in my kitchen/bay window area to paint. And before that, I was stressing about the daily schedule we were about to take on with the start of baseball. And before that, I was worried about our future...and the changes that are being made in our lives.
Middle...had a bike wreck.
I was driving home from the grocery store and Coach called to tell me that Middle had fallen and needed to go to the Dr. I came straight home, switched cars with Coach and drove Middle to the Dr...tears and all. On the way there, he kept telling me how bad it hurt. He had an ice pack around his wrist and his other forearm was all beat up. I cringed as I looked at his injuries. Since the boys were born, I have had a pain in my stomach when any of them even talks about an injury. As I looked him over and he told his story, the pain was there in full force. My stomach was turning.
We sat in the office and he had such a brave face. A few tears every now and again, but Middle was as brave as I have ever seen him. He "sucked it up" as Coach would say...in a big way. The X-ray tech put the pictures up on the light board as Middle and I were escorted to the room. And my wonderful friend Shannon motioned for me to come to the hall. As I rounded the corner, my sister (who has worked at our Dr.'s office since she got out of school) was standing there with her hands over her mouth. "He broke it!", she said. From there...it gets a little hazy. I turned around and told Middle..."well...you broke it." (his wrist, by the way) He simply said..."okay". Then the chin quivered...but NO tears. Except for mine. I got a little teary at the thought of him having to be casted up at the start of baseball season. The Nelsons LOVE baseball. But...I was quickly reminded that it was NOT his writing hand so school would not be a huge problem. That was good...especially for his teacher who happens to be one of my very best friends.
Like...quit worrying about things you can't control.
Like...quit worrying about other people.
Like...quit worrying about your baseball schedule...( I cleared that up for you a bit...poor Middle )
Trust me.
Fine.
Fine, fine fine fine fine.
I will trust you God.
So, I apologize for my lack of blogging. I've been very busy not trusting God. It pains me to tell you that, but it is the honest truth. I've been worrying and trying to control things far beyond my control. After the bike wreck...and a few handfuls of cookie dough...I am totally giving this to God.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Mess
In the middle of my little mess....
I forget how big I'm blessed...
I am continuously singing that song. Over and over and over. And I have heard several comments and have seen it posted two or three times on facebook. What that means to me is that there are others out there whose lives are like mine.
Except...staring at my kitchen counter, I would like to replace the word 'little' with BIG OL'. I have so so so so much to do tonight. Just to get ready for tomorrow. And to be honest with you, I am feeling a bit
O,
ver,
whelmed.
This morning when I sat down to write...I had nothing. So I went on about my day. And here I am...12 hours later...and this is what I have for you. That I am overwhelmed. I made myself a pot of vanilla flavored coffee in hopes that it will give me the kick in the backside that I need to get this BIG OL' mess cleaned up.
Sometimes in life...it takes just that. A little boost of whatever it is that motivates us...and baby steps. Even though it seems as if this mess became a mess in a matter of minutes...the truth is, it has built up over time. Setting something here or there because I didn't have time to put it away. Or maybe it was because I got distracted? And forgot? Yeah...I bet I forgot. None the less...it has built itself up over time into a big, huge pile of just "stuff". And here I sit...staring at the stuff.
Life is just as hard. When we let things pile up on us...we tend to feel as though getting to the heart of the matter would be too difficult. We don't have time to tackle the mess. We don't have time to take the steps necessary to clean up after ourselves. Truth again people...we do. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was the mess our lives can sometimes end up to be.
It takes motivation and baby steps to get ourselves back where we should be. Is it a bible study? Is it attending a new worship service? Is it taking part in a mission trip? Is it making dinner for someone who has had surgery or maybe a new arrival in the family? Whatever it is that motivates you to clean up your own life...allow it to do just that and take the baby steps necessary to get there.
Tonight my motivation is vanilla flavored dunkin'donuts coffee. And little by little, I'll tackle this mess. Tomorrow, I'll handle the big stuff...and I will forever know that the steps I take, I will not be taking alone.
Have a good one friends!
Referee of 3
I forget how big I'm blessed...
I am continuously singing that song. Over and over and over. And I have heard several comments and have seen it posted two or three times on facebook. What that means to me is that there are others out there whose lives are like mine.
Except...staring at my kitchen counter, I would like to replace the word 'little' with BIG OL'. I have so so so so much to do tonight. Just to get ready for tomorrow. And to be honest with you, I am feeling a bit
O,
ver,
whelmed.
This morning when I sat down to write...I had nothing. So I went on about my day. And here I am...12 hours later...and this is what I have for you. That I am overwhelmed. I made myself a pot of vanilla flavored coffee in hopes that it will give me the kick in the backside that I need to get this BIG OL' mess cleaned up.
Sometimes in life...it takes just that. A little boost of whatever it is that motivates us...and baby steps. Even though it seems as if this mess became a mess in a matter of minutes...the truth is, it has built up over time. Setting something here or there because I didn't have time to put it away. Or maybe it was because I got distracted? And forgot? Yeah...I bet I forgot. None the less...it has built itself up over time into a big, huge pile of just "stuff". And here I sit...staring at the stuff.
Life is just as hard. When we let things pile up on us...we tend to feel as though getting to the heart of the matter would be too difficult. We don't have time to tackle the mess. We don't have time to take the steps necessary to clean up after ourselves. Truth again people...we do. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was the mess our lives can sometimes end up to be.
It takes motivation and baby steps to get ourselves back where we should be. Is it a bible study? Is it attending a new worship service? Is it taking part in a mission trip? Is it making dinner for someone who has had surgery or maybe a new arrival in the family? Whatever it is that motivates you to clean up your own life...allow it to do just that and take the baby steps necessary to get there.
Tonight my motivation is vanilla flavored dunkin'donuts coffee. And little by little, I'll tackle this mess. Tomorrow, I'll handle the big stuff...and I will forever know that the steps I take, I will not be taking alone.
Have a good one friends!
Referee of 3
Monday, March 14, 2011
Remember
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 2 Peter 1:5-8
Yesterday at Target, I picked up some new vitamins for Coach and I. His...a men's multi-vitamin. Mine was a women's multi-vitamin. Just as I went to put mine in the cart, I saw a box that said Energy. So I grabbed it and read more. It was a multi-vitamin plus energy and memory boosting. WHAT??? They make that? I mean, all this time, I've gone along forgetting one thing after another, and here is a vitamin that might help me to remember? I really hope I can remember to take it...
Today's verse I thought was so relevant in my life. I am forever second guessing my actions. Sometimes I am right...sometimes I am wrong. But I am constantly looking back thinking...Did I do the right thing this time? And to be honest with you...I don't very often come up with a solid answer. I just wonder, and worry, and fret. About my emotions...about the feelings of others...and it makes me all anxious inside.
This verse is relevant to me because basically it is saying...if you live your life like Jesus wants us to live...there will be less questioning. You'll do everything you do with faith, goodness, perseverance, godliness, self-control, mutual affection and love. It says if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ.
All I want is to do the right thing. The right thing is so hard to see clearly sometimes. You think you are doing that, only to turn around and see that what you thought to be right and true...was wrong in the eyes of someone else.
But we aren't to live for the likes of others. We are to live as a reflection of Him. And we all know that during the time of Christ on earth...people questioned Him. People were put off by His good works. That is and has been one of the challenges of being a Christian for many years.
So, my focus this week will be to live intentionally for Christ. Trying to look forward in ways I can show his love instead of looking back. The steps I have taken are exactly that. Taken. So we move on...which is a hard thing to do sometimes.
Hope you have a wonderful Monday!
Referee of 3
Yesterday at Target, I picked up some new vitamins for Coach and I. His...a men's multi-vitamin. Mine was a women's multi-vitamin. Just as I went to put mine in the cart, I saw a box that said Energy. So I grabbed it and read more. It was a multi-vitamin plus energy and memory boosting. WHAT??? They make that? I mean, all this time, I've gone along forgetting one thing after another, and here is a vitamin that might help me to remember? I really hope I can remember to take it...
Today's verse I thought was so relevant in my life. I am forever second guessing my actions. Sometimes I am right...sometimes I am wrong. But I am constantly looking back thinking...Did I do the right thing this time? And to be honest with you...I don't very often come up with a solid answer. I just wonder, and worry, and fret. About my emotions...about the feelings of others...and it makes me all anxious inside.
This verse is relevant to me because basically it is saying...if you live your life like Jesus wants us to live...there will be less questioning. You'll do everything you do with faith, goodness, perseverance, godliness, self-control, mutual affection and love. It says if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ.
All I want is to do the right thing. The right thing is so hard to see clearly sometimes. You think you are doing that, only to turn around and see that what you thought to be right and true...was wrong in the eyes of someone else.
But we aren't to live for the likes of others. We are to live as a reflection of Him. And we all know that during the time of Christ on earth...people questioned Him. People were put off by His good works. That is and has been one of the challenges of being a Christian for many years.
So, my focus this week will be to live intentionally for Christ. Trying to look forward in ways I can show his love instead of looking back. The steps I have taken are exactly that. Taken. So we move on...which is a hard thing to do sometimes.
Hope you have a wonderful Monday!
Referee of 3
Friday, March 11, 2011
I will trust you God
"yet will i trust You". (Psalm 146)
Plain and simple. Sometimes that is the best way. I copied and pasted this bit of the verse from someone on facebook this morning and before these words it said this...
Life is hard sometimes.
Amen sister! Life IS hard sometimes. And I am finding out more and more that the moment I think I am in control...I lose it. Key words being "I". I so easily forget that I am never in control. God and I are a team. And I would like to think that He is in the drivers side most of the time. But sometimes I feel like when He steps out to fill the car with gas, I hop in the drivers seat and take off without Him. Which in this life...is never a good thing.
The harder I try to do this on my own, the more and more I realize I Need Him. I need that presence...that assurance. And I need to trust. Most of the time I feel like I do trust...but fully and completely trusting Him is something I have yet to do.
We sing this song in church and I will try not to butcher the lyrics. It has been playing in my head since last night and I think God is trying to tell me something.
In my weakness would You come
Help me stand up, help me run
To the shadow of Your wings
And the comfort that it brings
And I'll wait and be still
And I'll know You are God, You are God
I will love You and adore You
I will trust You, God
I will sing in times of trouble
And I will trust You, God
Lord, let this be the time when we come to you above all else. Let us allow you to shine your light on our lives so that we can shine our light for others who may be in the dark. Help me personally, to not be affected by other people's choices and give me the strength to face another day with encouragement and love. Amen
Today is in fact F R I D A Y!!! And I am loving it. Woohoo for Friday! I wanted to share a really cool video from David Crowder Band that was passed onto me from my sis yesterday. It really touched me and I think you'll find the same result.
David Crowder Band~Shine Video
Have a blessed day all !!!
Referee of 3
Plain and simple. Sometimes that is the best way. I copied and pasted this bit of the verse from someone on facebook this morning and before these words it said this...
Life is hard sometimes.
Amen sister! Life IS hard sometimes. And I am finding out more and more that the moment I think I am in control...I lose it. Key words being "I". I so easily forget that I am never in control. God and I are a team. And I would like to think that He is in the drivers side most of the time. But sometimes I feel like when He steps out to fill the car with gas, I hop in the drivers seat and take off without Him. Which in this life...is never a good thing.
The harder I try to do this on my own, the more and more I realize I Need Him. I need that presence...that assurance. And I need to trust. Most of the time I feel like I do trust...but fully and completely trusting Him is something I have yet to do.
We sing this song in church and I will try not to butcher the lyrics. It has been playing in my head since last night and I think God is trying to tell me something.
In my weakness would You come
Help me stand up, help me run
To the shadow of Your wings
And the comfort that it brings
And I'll wait and be still
And I'll know You are God, You are God
I will love You and adore You
I will trust You, God
I will sing in times of trouble
And I will trust You, God
Life is hard sometimes...yet I trust you God.
Lord, let this be the time when we come to you above all else. Let us allow you to shine your light on our lives so that we can shine our light for others who may be in the dark. Help me personally, to not be affected by other people's choices and give me the strength to face another day with encouragement and love. Amen
Today is in fact F R I D A Y!!! And I am loving it. Woohoo for Friday! I wanted to share a really cool video from David Crowder Band that was passed onto me from my sis yesterday. It really touched me and I think you'll find the same result.
David Crowder Band~Shine Video
Have a blessed day all !!!
Referee of 3
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
My better half
When I fell in love with Coach...life was very simple. All I had to do was get myself up and to class on time at Emporia State University. If I came home for a visit, my parents took care of everything. I was cooked for, cleaned up after, and after meeting Coach, was trusted completely when I walked out the door. (Not so much prior to the entrance of Coach)
Things haven't always been easy. In fact, things have been downright difficult at times. But this man is the love of my life. He's given me more in our 13 years together than I could have ever imagined. The other night I came home from aerobics to find him grinning from ear to ear. He was watching an episode of WWE Raw, which for those of you who might not follow, is a wrestling show. A high drama...morally questionable (right along side my daily dose of reality TV), wrestling show. This is not something we practice often, but when Coach and I were first married, we watched this show on Monday nights with our neighbors. And we had some good times...honestly. We were young...and for three months of our marriage...I was not pregnant. So in that three months, we did whatever we wanted at whatever time we wanted. We had very few rules...and getting up for work the next day was difficult....but we did it anyway.
So...back to our now. When I walked in and saw Coach smiling...he rewound the little bit that brought back so many memories for us and we just watched in amazement at the stuff that we used to watch. We weren't grinning at what we were watching, but the memories that came flooding back from the short time in our lives when the only thing we had to worry about was how tired we'd be when we woke up for work the next day. It had been so long since that time in our lives that we'd almost forgotten. We just laughed as we talked about that time in our lives. No kids...no rules...just a newly married couple experiencing the joys of freedom and togetherness with friends.
God must have decided we'd had enough freedom because 3 months later...the test had 2 lines. Three kids later, we now know without hesitations that 2 lines means pregnant. Life changed in an instant. For the better. We had Big...moved to Mulvane...had Middle...Coach changed from being a City of Derby employee to Mr. Referee of 3 and Coach at Mulvane Middle School...decided to have no more kids...God laughed...had Little...and almost five years later to the day of the third 2 line test...here we are.
Way more responsibility than we'd bargained for. Way more stress than I care to deal with on most days. But so much joy in our lives. I wouldn't go back for anything. I wouldn't change what we are now for anything. We went from two people having the time of our lives to five people living to the best of our ability. I wonder...if God had shown us a blueprint of our lives 12 years later...what would we have done? Would we have freaked out and said..."No way?"...or would we have embraced it and looked forward to it? Well, the answer would have to be in the fact that God doesn't show us our blueprints. Our simple minds would never have been able to understand all that was going to be given to us. We'd never have understood that we'd be able to handle it. But God knew...
I am so thankful for all the memories (the ones I can actually remember) of our 13 years together. I am so glad that God gives us glimpses of our past...and hope for our future.
And Coach...I am so so glad...that God gave me you.
Take a minute today and think about how far you've come. Whether it be with someone...or just on your own. Thank God for all your blessings and even for the time in the valley that has helped you be stronger on the mountain top. And...have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
We fell in love over Christmas of 1997. And after that...the rest has been a fairytale.
You know I'm kidding right?
So...back to our now. When I walked in and saw Coach smiling...he rewound the little bit that brought back so many memories for us and we just watched in amazement at the stuff that we used to watch. We weren't grinning at what we were watching, but the memories that came flooding back from the short time in our lives when the only thing we had to worry about was how tired we'd be when we woke up for work the next day. It had been so long since that time in our lives that we'd almost forgotten. We just laughed as we talked about that time in our lives. No kids...no rules...just a newly married couple experiencing the joys of freedom and togetherness with friends.
God must have decided we'd had enough freedom because 3 months later...the test had 2 lines. Three kids later, we now know without hesitations that 2 lines means pregnant. Life changed in an instant. For the better. We had Big...moved to Mulvane...had Middle...Coach changed from being a City of Derby employee to Mr. Referee of 3 and Coach at Mulvane Middle School...decided to have no more kids...God laughed...had Little...and almost five years later to the day of the third 2 line test...here we are.
Way more responsibility than we'd bargained for. Way more stress than I care to deal with on most days. But so much joy in our lives. I wouldn't go back for anything. I wouldn't change what we are now for anything. We went from two people having the time of our lives to five people living to the best of our ability. I wonder...if God had shown us a blueprint of our lives 12 years later...what would we have done? Would we have freaked out and said..."No way?"...or would we have embraced it and looked forward to it? Well, the answer would have to be in the fact that God doesn't show us our blueprints. Our simple minds would never have been able to understand all that was going to be given to us. We'd never have understood that we'd be able to handle it. But God knew...
I am so thankful for all the memories (the ones I can actually remember) of our 13 years together. I am so glad that God gives us glimpses of our past...and hope for our future.
And Coach...I am so so glad...that God gave me you.
Take a minute today and think about how far you've come. Whether it be with someone...or just on your own. Thank God for all your blessings and even for the time in the valley that has helped you be stronger on the mountain top. And...have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Monday, March 7, 2011
A good read
From the mouth of Little at lunch today...
"Try your best and leave the rest for God who loves you....wait...for Jesus who loves you...yea, that's right. Hey Mom? How come Jesus had bleed (Little's word for blood) on his hands?"
The rhyme is something he and his best friend Livvy learned in preschool this year. Try your best and leave the rest for God who loves you...love it. Apparently they've changed it up a time or two to include Jesus too. So in his confusion, he got to thinking about the bleed on the hands of Jesus.
I just stood there and looked at him.
"Well...Jesus had ouchies on his hand when he died to save us from sin."
"Oh. Okay"
Whew...that was close. How in the world was I going to explain that Jesus was nailed to the cross and murdered...to save us from our sins...to our four year old? Luckily...God made four year olds to accept the simplicity of life in just a few words. Makes me think about how I need to be more prepared for Big and Middle though. The older they get, the more we as parents need to teach them about Jesus and what He went through for us.
In reading blogs this afternoon, I came across our pastor's blog and I just think it is so important to read. He really touched on the importance of Lent and Easter. So...please take a moment today and read PR's little bit about the ever so important holiday that gives us the best gift we could have ever been given...
Salvation.
PR's Blog
Have a great day!
Referee of 3
"Try your best and leave the rest for God who loves you....wait...for Jesus who loves you...yea, that's right. Hey Mom? How come Jesus had bleed (Little's word for blood) on his hands?"
The rhyme is something he and his best friend Livvy learned in preschool this year. Try your best and leave the rest for God who loves you...love it. Apparently they've changed it up a time or two to include Jesus too. So in his confusion, he got to thinking about the bleed on the hands of Jesus.
I just stood there and looked at him.
"Well...Jesus had ouchies on his hand when he died to save us from sin."
"Oh. Okay"
Whew...that was close. How in the world was I going to explain that Jesus was nailed to the cross and murdered...to save us from our sins...to our four year old? Luckily...God made four year olds to accept the simplicity of life in just a few words. Makes me think about how I need to be more prepared for Big and Middle though. The older they get, the more we as parents need to teach them about Jesus and what He went through for us.
In reading blogs this afternoon, I came across our pastor's blog and I just think it is so important to read. He really touched on the importance of Lent and Easter. So...please take a moment today and read PR's little bit about the ever so important holiday that gives us the best gift we could have ever been given...
Salvation.
PR's Blog
Have a great day!
Referee of 3
Pity Party
Oh man...it is definitely a Monday morning. I am struggling to keep my eyes open and I have more things to do in the next 45 minutes than I care to think about. We were gone at a basketball tournament all weekend long...which means...NOTHING got done around here. Which is fine...it always gets done. But it also means that the laundry is spilling down the hall...and the groceries are still on the counter from when I got home from the store last night. Lunches need to be made...agendas need to be signed...and the list goes on and on and on.
Feel sorry for me?
Well, my devotion today was all about not pittying ourselves in times of trouble. The author wrote about how in having a terrible day, she was faced with a situation on her way home, that made her immediately realize how fortunate she was to have all that she did.
Has that ever happened to you? Of course it has. God does that on purpose. In fact...I am pretty sure that it happens to me at least once a day. Sometimes I just blow right on past someone else's troubles because I am so deep in my own pity that I can't see past the nose on my face. Other times, I hear their words and it brings my not so horrible situation to the surface.
We all have moments of weakness. That is when we are most reachable by God. He doesn't get to us very often in the "comfort zone" of our lives. He reaches us when we are uncomfortable and weak. We learned in our bible study the other night that the presence of God is available, attainable and vital to us. We just have to be listening...for when He speaks to us. And sometimes...He speaks to us when we can't seem to get to our feet.
Today, I am going to try to feel less sorry for Me and open my eyes to situations around me that need my prayer. We are a blessed family. And when we realize the truth in our blessings, things don't seem so bad anymore. (Even the angel food cake takes on some humor. Some)
Have a blessed Monday!!!
Referee of 3
Feel sorry for me?
Well, my devotion today was all about not pittying ourselves in times of trouble. The author wrote about how in having a terrible day, she was faced with a situation on her way home, that made her immediately realize how fortunate she was to have all that she did.
Has that ever happened to you? Of course it has. God does that on purpose. In fact...I am pretty sure that it happens to me at least once a day. Sometimes I just blow right on past someone else's troubles because I am so deep in my own pity that I can't see past the nose on my face. Other times, I hear their words and it brings my not so horrible situation to the surface.
We all have moments of weakness. That is when we are most reachable by God. He doesn't get to us very often in the "comfort zone" of our lives. He reaches us when we are uncomfortable and weak. We learned in our bible study the other night that the presence of God is available, attainable and vital to us. We just have to be listening...for when He speaks to us. And sometimes...He speaks to us when we can't seem to get to our feet.
Today, I am going to try to feel less sorry for Me and open my eyes to situations around me that need my prayer. We are a blessed family. And when we realize the truth in our blessings, things don't seem so bad anymore. (Even the angel food cake takes on some humor. Some)
Have a blessed Monday!!!
Referee of 3
Friday, March 4, 2011
In Comparison
In talking with a friend the other day, I found out that she stopped reading blogs for the most part. She felt like some of the blogs she was reading made her feel inadequate. Bless her heart...she is a wonderful Mother of four and she is a homeschooling Momma. That in itself would be a miracle here. She is beautiful...talented...giving...patient...and so, so faithful. Yet she...after reading about other Home schooling Mothers (among other things), felt inadequate.
I would love to say I've never felt that way. I would love to say that I keep my head held high in all situations and would NEVER compare myself to others.
But then I would be lying.
I have so been where she is at. A few of the blogs that I love to read and feel rather inadequate after reading are as follows.
McMamma...is a Mother of 5. She has adorable kids...takes INCREDIBLE Photos and I also believe is a Homeschooling Momma. How in the world does anyone have success with their children home with them all day long? And how do you teach them? Little won't even let me help him with his name!
The Pioneer Woman. There really are not words for this one. I can explain it best in pictures.
My Chicken Noodle Soup
The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Noodle Soup
Big Sigh...
Bring the Rain is an incredible, inspirational blog that actually inspired this blog in the first place. Angie's story of her fourth child Audrey Caroline is so moving and I have absolutely loved watching her following her heart of God. She is an awesome, wonderful Christian and Mother. A mother 5 girls. (another big sigh) and a blessing in my life...no doubt. She is also a homeschooling Momma.
And then there is the wonderful friend of a friend that has inspired me to be a better Mother. She is a now Mother of four (2 girls and 2 newly adopted boys) and has such an upbeat, positive attitude about the life she's been given. She is awesome...and gorgeous...and takes fabulous pictures as well.
These are obviously just short little blurbs about the blogs that I love to read. And they are blogs that I continue to keep up with because when I am done reading, I always feel like I have learned something.
Of course there are days when I feel inadequate...if I was in comparison to these lovely ladies. But the truth of the matter is...I am not.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We are all created in his image. No two the same. All made differently by his design. I think we all know that I am not made to make fabulous cakes...or even homemade soups. I am not made to home school my children (although I fully and completely support and look up to those who do). I am not made to be a photographer. I am not made to have little girls.
I am made to love my God, my Family and myself...just the way I am.
In God's eyes...there is no comparison. What a blessing that is in itself.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
I would love to say I've never felt that way. I would love to say that I keep my head held high in all situations and would NEVER compare myself to others.
But then I would be lying.
I have so been where she is at. A few of the blogs that I love to read and feel rather inadequate after reading are as follows.
- Kelly's Korner Click Here
- McMamma Click Here
- The Pioneer Woman Click Here
- Bring the Rain Click Here
- Yes, My Couch is Ugly Click Here
McMamma...is a Mother of 5. She has adorable kids...takes INCREDIBLE Photos and I also believe is a Homeschooling Momma. How in the world does anyone have success with their children home with them all day long? And how do you teach them? Little won't even let me help him with his name!
The Pioneer Woman. There really are not words for this one. I can explain it best in pictures.
Big Sigh...
Bring the Rain is an incredible, inspirational blog that actually inspired this blog in the first place. Angie's story of her fourth child Audrey Caroline is so moving and I have absolutely loved watching her following her heart of God. She is an awesome, wonderful Christian and Mother. A mother 5 girls. (another big sigh) and a blessing in my life...no doubt. She is also a homeschooling Momma.
And then there is the wonderful friend of a friend that has inspired me to be a better Mother. She is a now Mother of four (2 girls and 2 newly adopted boys) and has such an upbeat, positive attitude about the life she's been given. She is awesome...and gorgeous...and takes fabulous pictures as well.
These are obviously just short little blurbs about the blogs that I love to read. And they are blogs that I continue to keep up with because when I am done reading, I always feel like I have learned something.
Of course there are days when I feel inadequate...if I was in comparison to these lovely ladies. But the truth of the matter is...I am not.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We are all created in his image. No two the same. All made differently by his design. I think we all know that I am not made to make fabulous cakes...or even homemade soups. I am not made to home school my children (although I fully and completely support and look up to those who do). I am not made to be a photographer. I am not made to have little girls.
I am made to love my God, my Family and myself...just the way I am.
In God's eyes...there is no comparison. What a blessing that is in itself.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Do Not Be Afraid
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”” - Joshua 1:9
It has been a few days since I have written anything and there are two reasons why. One...my last couple of posts were in depth and then not so much. I needed a break to get my head on straight. There are times when this blog becomes more of a sounding board for my life than a place to be encouraging. And that is not all bad...but in times like that, I have to refocus. My wonderful friend and neighbor happens to be Middle's teacher. In her room, when someone misbehaves...she sends them to the "refocusing area". Sometimes they sit and cry because they are scared out of their mind they'll get in trouble by Mom and Dad when they discover the "think sheet" in their agenda. Others will glare with as much hatred as they can muster. And some probably just sit there wondering what is for lunch. They are 3rd graders...
Last weekend was exhausting. We had basketball and church obligations...and it was just one of those weekends when I may have been pushed to my limit.
I needed to refocus. I needed to be sent to the refocusing area to either cry my eyes out or glare at God. I am sure...now that I think about it...I did both. And then...knowing me...I probably wondered what was for lunch. (Because I love to eat.)
Wednesday, I was to host our Family Bunco. Now that is no simple task. You have to pick up the house in order to clean the house. And with little ones...that is like shoveling before the snow stops. Then you have to clean the house. And with boys...the bathrooms are like a war zone. Then you have to prepare a snacky/dinner type thing and a dessert. If you cannot see where this is going, you must be new to the blog. Allow me to show you what happened as I was trying to do all these things and more to prepare for our lovely evening.
Why is it...that I cannot make a cake? People...this was a box cake. It was a mix that called for water. That's it. Water. I have a fancy, red, Kitchenaid Mixer that my parents bought me for Christmas last year and I am beginning to think it is hexed. I did exactly what the box told me to do. I mixed it on low for 30 seconds...then on medium for 2 minutes.
However...I did NOT know...(and this is quite interesting and relevant now that I am looking back)...that an Angel Food Cake Pan is something quite different than a bundt cake pan. Mom said the sides are higher and the pan is deeper. Yep...judging by the picture, that would have helped a bit.
Good Grief.
The verse that I posted to go with today's post is right on for me today in my walk. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go.
That means...He was with me in the 'refocusing area' this week. That means He was with me last weekend when I thought I was beyond my breaking point telling me to be strong and courageous. That means...He was with me when the cake in my life outgrew the pan. (Which happens quite frequently) He has been with me every step of the way. And will continue to do so as long as I have Him in my heart.
I am encouraged. I am not afraid. I will someday make a cake worth decorating. I will be able to get through this crazy life I've been given and I will turn to Him in times of trouble. As I said in my last post...This is the stuff.
In the middle of my little mess...I forget how big I'm blessed
It might not be the stuff I'd choose, but this is the stuff you use
I have one request though God...could you quit using baking as your teaching methods? People are really starting to doubt if I can cook at all. Thanks so much.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Basketball in Andale this weekend! Let's Go Cats!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Stuff
Okay...on a lighter note...I wanted to share something else I learned this past week that makes me feel so much better about myself.
For those of you who don't know already, my nickname amongst friends is Dori. As in the fish from Nemo that can't remember a thing.
It is true. I have no short term memory. I am sure I have told you all this before, but I can't remember. See?
Okay, so I went to the grocery store yesterday and had a ton on my mind. What to buy for lunches...if I had all my coupons...where my purse was...getting Little out of the car...etc. I walked a ways from our van and realized when I went to put my keys in my purse...they were no where. So Little and I walked back to the van to find the keys in the ignition...which is not surprising in the slightest. But...the van was on. I had left the van running.
I forgot to turn it off. REALLY?
Who does that?
Oh...me. I also forget my phone about every 2.5 minutes. I forget that the oven is on...that the dog is outside...that I started the water in the sink...I just forget things.
Obvious things.
I've never forgotten to put on pants or anything like that, but I really did flood our basement because I left our sink running upstairs in our bathroom. I believe I was soaking a piece of laundry.
So, at the concert this past weekend, we heard Francesca Battastelli sing. She sang one of her new songs called this is the stuff. I will post the lyrics as I think they are rather fitting for my life. If you can relate to this...good for you!
This is the stuff...that drives me crazy!!! But if this is the stuff you are using to communicate with me God...I am all ears.
Enjoy friends!
Referee of 3
I lost my keys
In the great unknown
And call me please
'Cause I can't find my phone
This is the stuff that drives me crazy.
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately.
In the middle of my little mess I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've got to trust
You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I might choose
But this is the stuff you use
45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind
Whoa
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust
You know exactly what
You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
Oh Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff You use
45 in a 35
Sirens and fines
While I'm running behind
For those of you who don't know already, my nickname amongst friends is Dori. As in the fish from Nemo that can't remember a thing.
It is true. I have no short term memory. I am sure I have told you all this before, but I can't remember. See?
Okay, so I went to the grocery store yesterday and had a ton on my mind. What to buy for lunches...if I had all my coupons...where my purse was...getting Little out of the car...etc. I walked a ways from our van and realized when I went to put my keys in my purse...they were no where. So Little and I walked back to the van to find the keys in the ignition...which is not surprising in the slightest. But...the van was on. I had left the van running.
I forgot to turn it off. REALLY?
Who does that?
Oh...me. I also forget my phone about every 2.5 minutes. I forget that the oven is on...that the dog is outside...that I started the water in the sink...I just forget things.
Obvious things.
I've never forgotten to put on pants or anything like that, but I really did flood our basement because I left our sink running upstairs in our bathroom. I believe I was soaking a piece of laundry.
So, at the concert this past weekend, we heard Francesca Battastelli sing. She sang one of her new songs called this is the stuff. I will post the lyrics as I think they are rather fitting for my life. If you can relate to this...good for you!
This is the stuff...that drives me crazy!!! But if this is the stuff you are using to communicate with me God...I am all ears.
Enjoy friends!
Referee of 3
I lost my keys
In the great unknown
And call me please
'Cause I can't find my phone
This is the stuff that drives me crazy.
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately.
In the middle of my little mess I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've got to trust
You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I might choose
But this is the stuff you use
45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind
Whoa
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust
You know exactly what
You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
Oh Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff You use
45 in a 35
Sirens and fines
While I'm running behind
Better than a Hallelujah
The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
(Amy Grant~Better than a Hallelujah)
All I can say is Amen.
It is funny to me how you can think you are past something...only to find out, it is staring you in the face. You can talk to God at length about things you've done...and you can ask forgiveness knowing...knowing that His son died on the cross for that very sin. But in order to live as a reflection of Christ...you must forgive yourself along with accepting the forgiveness that only He can offer.
I thought I would be praising Him. I thought I would be worshiping Him. Hands in the air...eyes closed...connecting with God. Who knew that the connection would come from the tears...and the broken-ness. Who knew? At Winter Jam 2011...I went with every intention of being with the Father...and came out more confused than when I went in. But after two days of being still...He reminded me through this song, that the disappointment I was feeling was far from what HE intended. I was very disappointed in the turn of events at that concert. I had every intention of it being the best night that I could have...good friends...AWESOME music...and time with God. Walking away, it was a complete let down. But days later, I realized that what happened that night was better than a hallelujah. It was better than the hands in the air, eyes closed kind of worship I had been hoping for.
It was exactly what He wanted it to be. Not what I wanted it to be.
I think I have a pretty good grasp on what all this means...and then I am faced with the reality of what is happening in my heart. And the two don't match up. Huh. I had no idea.
What I do know is that God put me in a place with people in my life who would understand. And maybe...just maybe...He worked on their hearts along with mine. I was able to see God in a moment when I felt like I couldn't even get a breath. I was able to feel God in a time when my feet felt like concrete and time seemed to creep by slower than it ever has. I was able to know God in a way that I have never known him before.
It was better than any hallelujah I've ever wanted to shout.
The verse I posted just the other day was this...
Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
I didn't feel like blogging the past couple of days. But yesterday, I got on my facebook and 2 people had posted this verse. One was a very good friend of mine...who reflects God's love to me in every single interaction. I don't think it is a coincidence when God puts something in your life over and over and over. When I posted this verse the other day, I had no idea how relevant it would be in my life just a day later. "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."
Yes...it really does.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
(Amy Grant~Better than a Hallelujah)
All I can say is Amen.
It is funny to me how you can think you are past something...only to find out, it is staring you in the face. You can talk to God at length about things you've done...and you can ask forgiveness knowing...knowing that His son died on the cross for that very sin. But in order to live as a reflection of Christ...you must forgive yourself along with accepting the forgiveness that only He can offer.
I thought I would be praising Him. I thought I would be worshiping Him. Hands in the air...eyes closed...connecting with God. Who knew that the connection would come from the tears...and the broken-ness. Who knew? At Winter Jam 2011...I went with every intention of being with the Father...and came out more confused than when I went in. But after two days of being still...He reminded me through this song, that the disappointment I was feeling was far from what HE intended. I was very disappointed in the turn of events at that concert. I had every intention of it being the best night that I could have...good friends...AWESOME music...and time with God. Walking away, it was a complete let down. But days later, I realized that what happened that night was better than a hallelujah. It was better than the hands in the air, eyes closed kind of worship I had been hoping for.
It was exactly what He wanted it to be. Not what I wanted it to be.
I think I have a pretty good grasp on what all this means...and then I am faced with the reality of what is happening in my heart. And the two don't match up. Huh. I had no idea.
What I do know is that God put me in a place with people in my life who would understand. And maybe...just maybe...He worked on their hearts along with mine. I was able to see God in a moment when I felt like I couldn't even get a breath. I was able to feel God in a time when my feet felt like concrete and time seemed to creep by slower than it ever has. I was able to know God in a way that I have never known him before.
It was better than any hallelujah I've ever wanted to shout.
The verse I posted just the other day was this...
Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
I didn't feel like blogging the past couple of days. But yesterday, I got on my facebook and 2 people had posted this verse. One was a very good friend of mine...who reflects God's love to me in every single interaction. I don't think it is a coincidence when God puts something in your life over and over and over. When I posted this verse the other day, I had no idea how relevant it would be in my life just a day later. "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."
Yes...it really does.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
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