Psalm 118:24

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Sunday, February 26, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 21

We had dinner with friends tonight.  It was so much fun to spend time with them tonight and I'm so thankful that God led us to the church we currently attend.  Here's a list of things we wouldn't have if we hadn't listened when God told us to make Community Alliance Church our home church.

1. friends
2. fellowship
3. family
4. ministry
5. bible study
6. worship team
7. elder
8. children's ministry leader
9. awesome life group
10. deeper faith

Could we have gotten these things at another church?  Sure.  But I really believe that God is using us at our church, and that He has also used people from our church to help us.  I truly feel like I belong.  I'm thankful for all the friends I've made along the way.  I'm thankful for the ministries my husband and I have been able to be a part of.  I'm especially thankful that I'm challenged at this church.  Staying the same is not an option.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 20

Gosh, I have so much to be thankful for!  We spent the day as a family today and it was wonderful!  I really liked showing my list of things that I'm thankful for, so I'd like to do the same again today, except these are things I was thinking about on the drive home last night.  They are random, but they just show how BIG God really is!

The sky was pretty a little cloudy during the first part of our drive home.  Evan notice a star, and I actually think it was a planet.  It was so bright!  But it really made me think about how small we are in comparison to the galaxies and planets and stars.  I'm thankful for that reminder on days when I'm a little too full of myself.

The moon also looked beautiful tonight.  It was a crescent moon and I couldn't stop staring at it.  I am thankful that God can appreciate beauty and gave us beautiful things to appreciate too.

I am thankful for the fun day we had and that God protected our trip and our travels!

Friday, February 24, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 19

Wow!  I have so much to be thankful for today!  Instead of sharing what my 4 categories of thankfulness are today, I thought I'd list some of the items on my thankful list....including some new ones I added after a really fun Girls Night Out with some ladies from church.

1. God
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Friends with hot tubs (thanks Jane!)
5. My health
6. Good meds to keep my rheumatoid arthritis under control
7. My hard working husband
8. friends from my church who listen even when I'm completely irrational!
9. Children's Ministry
10. my dishwasher
11. my washer and dryer
12. my son's school
13. my home
14. no car payment
15. all my shoes
16. being able to stay at home while my kids are young
17. 3 healthy kids
18. this blog
19. my ability to write (even when I do make mistakes)
20. God's forgiveness

I think 20 is good for today, and it took my probably less than 5 minutes to type them all out.   I've been trying to remind myself that when I'm feeling unthankful, or whiny, to just imagine how I'd have to do that particular job 200 years ago....it makes laundry and loading the dishwasher so much easier!  Have a great day!

~Heather~

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Show Him the Lovin' in March!


Now that I've officially gotten your attention, we can get down to business!  MEN ARE COMPLICATED!  Can I get an 'Amen!'  Just when I feel like I've finally got a good understanding of how my husband operates I feel like the rules change!  It can be very frustrating!  Plus, it makes me feel like I don't know him very well, and since we've been married for almost 8 years, and together almost 10, there are certain things I should definitely know!  I don't expect to know everything about him, but I never want to think I know enough, or give up trying to figure him out.  I hope he feels the same way about me :)

With that being said, March is just around the corner, and I'm so excited for my new challenge!  It's really a challenge for myself, but I'm inviting YOU to participate, or just come along for the journey!  Let me back up, and explain where my heart has been lately.  I'm been reading several new blogs (posted on my sidebar) and books, as well as the current Bible study I'm involved in, and somehow, they all deal with the same subject.  Coincidence?  I think not.  What's the subject, you are probably wondering?  Well, lately I've been wondering if I'm doing a good enough job showing my husband that I love him.  I'll give you an example; it's embarrassing, but I want to share with you so you see where I'm coming from.


I hate to shave my legs.  In the winter time, I can get aways with shaving less frequently.  And it is wintertime.  And the hair on my legs is blonde.  Plus, I have 3 kids..ages 5, 4 and 10 months.  I'm busy; I'm tired.  Shaving is really low on my list of priorities.  But early this winter, my husband made a comment about my hairy legs.  I got mad, and being the super mature person I am, made a vow then and there that my legs wouldn't get shaved again until spring.  I only caved once when I had to wear a bathing suit at a birthday party.  (No sense in scaring people, right?)  Of course I felt that I was perfectly justified in this attitude because he called me out on my hairy legs.  But was I right?  No.  It wasn't right for him to make a comment about it, but I was just as wrong for my response, because I'm not responsible for his actions, only my own actions, or reactions.  And if I'm being honest, my thought was, "well, if he wants sex badly enough, he'll deal with my hairy legs" thrown in with a little "I'll teach you to criticize me" just for good measure.  But God's been whispering to me that this attitude is wrong.  So a few days ago, I shaved.  I want my husband to know that I love him.  I want him to see that his opinions are important to me (not that I will do everything he wants).  I want him to see that even though I'm tired and busy, I'm making the effort for him.  And in this instance, I was choosing not to make an effort.  I want him to see that I choose him over a silly argument about hairy legs.

That was just one example, a silly one at that, but there are lots of things I'm doing, or not doing, that don't reflect the attitude of a loving wife.  And God's been convicting me of that lately.  I want my husband to know that no one (except God) will cherish him the way I do.  And if I cherish him, shouldn't I act like it?  My love for him should be selfless -- doing things for him because I love him, or because it's in his best interest, not doing things for me and saying it's because I love him.  There are a thousand little ways that I can show my husband how much I admire, love, respect and appreciate him.  Yes, I went there...I said the 'R' word.  RESPECT!  I'm finding that my husband equates respect with love.  If he knows I respect him, he knows I love him.

 



PLEASE DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND ME, I am not an advocate of the 'Stepford Wife.'  My husband is perfectly capable of taking care of himself.  I don't wait on him hand and foot, but I do enjoy doing things for him to show that I appreciate what he does during the day.  He works incredibly hard to provide for our family so I can stay home with the kids.  I want to do more than just cook his meal and wash his clothes to show him I love him.  I want to do more than just say the words.  And I could definitely be doing a better job in this area. 




Keeping that in mind, I am officially declaring March......(drum roll)............. Show Him the Lovin' Month.  Before your minds go directly to the gutter, let me explain my concept.  And no, it's not ALL about sex.  During the month of March I will be posting ideas, or challenges, that you can do to show your husband what he means to you.  I'm also going to try to post ideas for things you can do if your spouse happens to be in the military and is deployed, or works out of state, or even travels a lot. 

If you've ever seen the movie Fireproof, you know that the main character does what's known as The Love Dare for his wife to try to save their marriage.  It was a really broken relationship, yet God was able to restore their love.  Some of you may have even bought The Love Dare book and done it for your spouse.  I did it a few years ago, and found that it did make a big difference. My idea is similar, in that it dares you to love your husband.  This might sound scary to some of you.  You might be thinking, "what if he laughs, or acts like it's stupid?"  Or, "what if he doesn't even notice?"  Well, that's certainly a possibility, especially at first.  But if you are truly doing this to show  your husband that you love him, that fear shouldn't be a deterrant.  God will see your heart, and your motives, and bless you for it.  So I dare you....Show Him the Lovin'!  Make him realize that you love him more than you did the day you got married!  Let him know that HE is the only one for YOU!  I think it will make a big difference in our lives, and our marriages.

So stayed tuned in March for some great ideas to Show Your Husband You Love Him!  And if you have a great idea, leave a comment!  I probably won't post it, just so we don't start things off early, but I will give you credit if I use your idea!  So make sure you leave your name!

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 18


ChOOSE TO BE

It's all a choice.  What do you choose today?  I choose to be thankful in spite of....

Personal
I choose to be thankful that I can walk up and down the stairs, even when my knees hurt.  Many people are not as fortunate.  Just because they hurt today doesn't mean they will hurt tomorrow.

School/Work
I'm thankful I can keep my daughter home from preschool on days when she is sick, even if she is cranky.

Church
I'm thankful for the people in my church, even when if one of them does something hurt.  I hope I can extend the same grace to them the God gave to me.  I also pray to remember that I am far from perfect and make many mistakes as well.

Family
I'm thankful for my crazy family, even when they are interfering, butting in or giving unsolicited advice!  They are so wonderful!  When we all get together, we're loud and I'm sure we're obnoxious!  We laugh, sometimes argue, tease and just have fun together!  I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 17

Day 17 -- we're more than halfway through.  Are you having to make an effort to find things to be thankful for yet?  Some days are a stretch, to be honest.  But you know what?  Being thankful does take hard work.  We are so conditioned to think, or expect, the worst, that it's hard for us to make our minds transition to optimism.  Have you ever heard the saying that the times you LEAST WANT to pray are the times you MOST NEED to pray?  It's sort of the same concept as being thankful.  The more pessimistic you feel, the more you NEED to choose optimism.  I am finding that once I get through the first category (still the hardest one for me) the rest comes pretty easily.  Once I make myself sit down to make out my list, I'm so glad I did.  I hope you are feeling just as blessed!

~Heather~

Personal
I am thankful that I'm not the kind of person who is caught up in perfection.  Sure, I do the best I can, and I'll try my hardest to not make mistakes, but I've learned that I can't keep beating myself up for making mistakes.  The only thing I can do is learn from them and move on.  Thank goodness God loves me in spite of myself!

School/Work
Once again, I am so thankful that I am home during the day, especially on the days when my Mom gets out of work early.  Then we can spend some time together!  Today is just that day!  Can't wait!

Church
I'm thankful for the church custodian.  I know that I can count on her to have the children's church rooms clean and ready for use each Sunday.  I'm pretty sure she is very underappreciated!

Family
I love that my kids love music.  Listening to them sing is such a blessing for me. They get so excited when we sing at church, or when a worship song they know comes on the radio.  My kids are the greatest!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 16

Personal --
I'm so thankful that God's going to give me the strength for today, because I'm so tired!  We have ballet this afternoon and Tae Kwon do this evening, we are busy!  I dread Tuesday each week, but at the end of the day, I think, "This Tuesday wasn't so bad."

School/Work --
Thankful to have been home to get our taxes done!

Church --
Thankful that the heat was working ok last night during our bible study!  (It's the little things sometimes!)

Family --
I'm thankful that our new fish, King Big Fin, the Explorer, survived his first night as a member of the Bang family!  The kids would have been very sad to have to flush him this morning....

Have a blessed rest of the day!
~Heather~

Confessions: What's Your Porn???

Oh my!  When I saw that as a title on one of the Christian blogs I read, I was kind of stunned.  "A Christian used the 'P' word!" my mind whispered.  Curiosity got the best of me, as I wondered what in the world they could have written about.  Turns out, it was a pretty great video having very little to do with porn and more to do with our own convictions.  The author, Joy Eggerichs, talked about reasons why men turn to porn and how the consequences of that behavior can be similar to the consequences of reading christian romances.  Well let me tell you I was intrigued.  I'm sure most of us can see how porn and trashy romance novels are not the best choice for us, but including Christian romances in with that list?  If God hadn't had to work through this in my life last year, I would have found this idea very surprising.

Reasons For Watching Porn (as stated by men):
  1. It's an escape
  2. It's a stress reliever
And pretty soon, that 'escape' or 'stress reliever' has a man comparing the subjects he is watching to his wife, and feeling dissatisfied.  He finds his wife wanting because she doesn't look, or behave, like the women in the videos.  His life isn't as exciting as whatever goes on in porn videos.

Makes sense, right?

But then she talked about reasons why a person reads Christian romance novels.  This might be a new concept for you!

Reasons for Reading Christian Romances:
  1. It's a escape
  2. It's a stress reliever
  3. Idealism (what to look for in a potential spouse)
And after awhile, those same reasons can also cause readers to become dissatisfied with our spouse, wishing he would act and talk more like that characters in the novels we read.  We lose our contentment with the life God has given us, wanting instead, the romantic or adventurous life of the heroine in the novel.

Don't get me wrong, not all Christian women struggle with this.  Personal convictions are just that -- personal, different for everyone.  But like I said before, this is something God had to convict me about last year.  I had just had a baby, I was exhausted, fat, depressed and stressed with a messy house and a never ending mountain of dirty laundry and baby bottles.  Reading Christian romances were wonderful, at first.  It gave me a chance to escape my reality while the kids napped or my husband watched TV at night.  But then I found myself feeling disgruntled and irritated, wishing my husband acted more like the men in the books I'd been reading. 
  • Why doesn't he hold my hand all the time? 
  • Why doesn't he make impassioned speeches about how much he loves me? 
  • Where's the romance? 
  • Why isn't he fighting for my love? 
  • Why is my life so boring? 
  • Is there something wrong with me?  Or him? 
  • Does he REALLY love me? 
I lost my contentment in my marriage.  Thankfully, God showed me that these books were becoming my standard for reality.  But they were far from reality.  Becoming aware of what I was doing made me feel so guilty!  Something that started out so innocently really became a problem for me.  But you know something?  This can happen with anything we use to escape from our lives -- we should be turning to God, but instead we turn to books, food, movies, shopping, exercise.  In moderation these things are all fine, but in excess, they can start to rule our lives, replacing God as our number one during good times and bad. 

Just to clarify:

Am I saying porn is bad?  Yes!!
Am I saying Christian romances are bad?  No! 

There are still a couple authors I do still read.  I have learned to read in moderation.  I remember that I need to be careful to know why I'm reading them, and to remember that they are stories, not reality.  Nobody's life is like the lives of characters in books!  I also need to be careful that I'm reading for pleasure, not to escape the stress and pain of my own life.  I need to be going to God when I've struggling, feeling depressed or stressed.

I think God is so amazing!  The past few weeks have been very eye opening for me.  God's been showing me that I need to do a better job of showing my husband that I love and respect him.  Or actually, I should say respect and love him.  It seems like every day He's showing and confirming this idea to me.  I'm seeing it in the video blog today, other Christian blogs I read, my current Bible study and the book I'm reading.  So stayed tuned later this week to read about my newest challenge: Show Him the Lovin'!

In the meantime, check out the What's Your Porn video over at Roo Mag.  She explains it so much better that I did.  I really enjoyed it.

~Heather~

Monday, February 20, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 15

We're halfway there!  Congratulations on making it this far!  And if you're like me, you may have missed a day.  My prayer is that you noticed a difference on the day(s) you missed.  I know I did.  And it's something I don't want to happen again.

Day 15!

Personal
I never used to like other people's kids.  If you know me, you might find this comment hysterical!  I lead my church's Children's Ministry.  How can someone who only likes her own kids lead a ministry like this, you might be asking?  Well it's not through my own strength!  I truly believe it was something supernatural.  There was no flash of lightning -- nothing hit me on the head.  I just felt like God wanted me to take over this ministry.  I think the biggest thing for me, was that I was obedient.  And once I was obedient to His will, God gave me an overwhelming love for each child in my church.  So today, I am thankful for the love I have for the children in my church.

School/Work
I'm thankful for days like this, when I can spend the day at home with my kids, setting up the fish tank they've been begging for!

Church
I'm feeling thankful for the pastors in my church -- these are men who stand up for, and support ministry leaders.  That kind of support is immeasurable.

Family
There really no rules that said we couldn't be thankful for the same thing throughout the course of this 30 days.  My husband is such a good man.  I am so thankful for him.  Is he perfect?  No.  But he's perfect for me.  He has to put up with me on a daily basis, and I'll admit to being kind of high maintenance.  I get my feelings hurt easily, I get lonely easily, I'm insecure.  But he still loves me.  I've kind of tested this the last few days (not on purpose).  They've been rough days for me since I gave up caffeine cold turkey (unintentionally, but that is another story).  I've been mean and miserable, but he hasn't gotten mean or miserable in return.  In fact, he's been loving and understanding, even when I haven't wanted to be around him!  I've got a good husband, and I'm so thankful for him!

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 14

Personal

School/Work

Church

Family


Notice it's blank?  That's right.  I was so busy yesterday and didn't make the time to fill out my thankfulness chart.  No excuses -- I CHOSE NOT TO MAKE THE TIME.  And boy did I feel it!  Not only did I feel guilty for not doing it, but my day was also long, tiring and stressful.  I didn't enjoy it, and this is truly the first time since I've started this challenge that I've felt like that.  One positive that has come from missing a day is that I've realized that this is making a difference in my life.  Some days I spend more time than others focusing on my blessings, but taking that time each day to list things I'm thankful for is really affecting my life -- in a major way!  So I won't be skipping another day.  The cost is just too great!

Stayed tuned later today for Day 15!  We're halfway there!

~Heather~

Saturday, February 18, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 13

We're getting there...almost halfway there!  And if you're like me, you are being stretched.  It's getting harder to think of things to be thankful for!  That's embarrassing to admit because I am so blessed.  But I know the more I put into this challenge, the more I'll get out of it.  It'll be easier to remind myself of my blessings.

Personal
I'm thankful for curly hair.  On days when I don't want to fuss with it, but don't want to pull it into a ponytail, I'm thankful I can put a little gel in it, pull it back out of my face and go!  It'll usually curl nicely.


Work/School
I'm thankful that I am home on days when my kids don't have school.  They are off Monday too, and they really are cool kids.  We have movie nights, jammie days, we play games and eat snacks.  I'm so thankful to be able to be home with them.

Church
So thankful for my children's church budget.  If would be so hard to plan and implement an effective ministry without money for supplies.  So while I will always wish it were a larger number, I am thankful for that money and for the fact that God provides for our needs.

Family
I'm so thankful for a healthy baby girl who is becoming a little less of a baby every day.  I am thankful for those little hands that keep pushing buttons on the keyboard of my laptop.  I'm thankful for her ready smile every time I talk to her.  I'm thankful for her laugh and her inquisitive personality. 


I AM BLESSED.

Friday, February 17, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 12

My kids are home from school today....apparently, it's a holiday weekend.  Sigh.  I'm kidding, it hasn't been that bad.  But if you really want to wish it were spring, or at least wish it was nice enough (dry enough) outside to go out and play, get stuck inside the house with 2 whiny kids and a baby for a day!  Thank goodness there is a children's fair at the mall tomorrow and we can get out of the house! 

Personal
My husband is on call this weekend.  I'm thankful that I thought ahead this week and bought enough food to cook tonight.  It sounds funny, but we do usually eat out on Friday nights.  But when he's on call, you just never know if he'll be busy, or get no calls at all.  It's stressful for me because when we're out and he gets paged, I have to keep the kids quiet while he talks to a patient.  And you know how kids are...the minute you get on the phone, all heck breaks loose!  I'm thankful for homemade fried chicken tonight!

Work/School
I am thankful that I don't really 'have' to go anywhere on days when it's impossible to get a shower....like today.

Church
I'm thankful for....Amazon and Oriental Trading Company, and all the other businesses I order children's church craft supplies from.  Just got a huge delivery of construction paper in the mail this week!  No more digging around, praying you can find 7 pieces of green construction paper for your class...ha ha

Family
I know I already said I'm thankful for him, but I am choosing my hubby again.  He puts up with a lot from me.  I'm kind of high maintenance....I can be moody, selfish, mean, cranky, exhausted, whiny...and he still loves me!  Oh and if I wouldn't have married him, I'd never have learned about my love of Korean food....

Thursday, February 16, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 11

I'm working on plans for a new blog series this morning.  I'm pretty excited about it, but I don't want to rush into anything.  I've been reading some very interesting, and challenging, books lately and they've given me an idea.  I'm going to keep praying about it to see if God wants me to write about it.  But in the mean time, I've got some things to be thankful for!

1. Personal
God gave me the ability to write, and I think I'm pretty good at it.  It's something that has always come easily to me.  I never struggled with comma rules and I love grammar.  I even have a bachelor's degree in English.  But to be honest, I haven't written anything except a school excuse or a grocery list in almost 10 years.  I was really focused on my marriage and my kids, for good reason.  But now it seems like God is calling me back to writing.  Don't get me wrong, I am still focused on my family, but God is putting ideas in my head; these are ideas I believe He wants me to write about.  I'm not out for recognition, or anything like that, I just want to be obedient.  But I am extremely thankful that I feel God calling me to use this gift.

2.  School/Work
Yesterday I took my kids to a play area at our local mall, where I met with a friend.  We sat and talked and had a nice time.  I'm thankful that I my schedule is flexible enough to allow for visits with friends during the day.

3. Church
This Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of the month!  That means the kids in children's church will be singing in front of the congregation.  This month, they are singing You Are My King and I'm so thankful for this ministry!

4. Family
Today I am thankful for Sabrina, who is a dear friend, someone I consider family.  She lives in NC now, and we don't get to talk as often, but she is such a wonderful person.  She helped me so much through some really hard times.  I miss her dearly and wish she and her beautiful family could move back.  She's like a sister to me and I love her!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 10

Well today I'm going to try something new.  Since the purpose of this challenge is to be "thankful in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), today I'm going to be thankful for things that I might have a tendency to complain about.  Maybe if I make myself focus on them, and find the good in them, I will find myself complaining less.  Here's hoping, anyway :)

Have a great day!
~Heather~

1. Personal
I'm going to be thankful for all the gray hairs I have.  I looked in the mirror today and was amazed!  But so what!  I have gray hair.  I'm in my 30s.  I'm not a teenager anymore.  I have a husband, and I take care of 3 little kids.  I clean my home, I cook meals, I do our laundry, I lead our church's children's ministry, I lead a bible study, I take kids to school, I take my daughter to ballet and my son to tae kwon do.  I'm a wife, mother, daughter, and friend.  I'm busy!  And sometimes stressed!  But if these gray hairs are a sign that I have a full life, then bring 'em!  I wouldn't change my life for the world.  It doesn't mean that I won't go to the salon and have them dyed, but I refuse to stress over them anymore!

2. Work/School
I thankful for my washing machine.  I've often been heard complaining about doing laundry, or even about the machine itself.  I am not a fan of front-loading washers.  But  this morning, as I was taking yet another load of clothes out of the washer, God reminded me that this would have been a whole lot longer, and more difficult, process 150-200+ years ago.  Laundry was back-breaking work.  Bending over a wash tub full of steaming hot water, scrubbing clothes on a washboard sounds like a nightmare!  I'm thankful I can do my laundry indoors....and I don't have to do the actual washing.

3.  Church
Alright, so I'm veering away from my original intention of being thankful for things I'm not always thankful forI am definitely thankful for the people in this category today.  I'm thankful for each and every children's ministry volunteer at my church.  It wouldn't be possible to minister each week to the almost 30 kids in the program.  I can't, and don't, do it alone.  I may not say thank you often as I should -- in fact, I know I don't -- but I appreciate the hard work each and every one of you do to teach these kids the importance of a relationship with Jesus.

4.  Family
Once again, straying from my original intentions.  I am always thankful for this next person!  My Mom is my biggest fan, my best friend, my fiercest advocate.  I don't know what I'd do without her, and I hope I never find out.  She has always been there for me.  When I was little, she made sure we had what we needed.  She helped us however she could.  As an adult, she still does the same thing.  She watches the kids if we ask.  She's even taken vacation time from work so my husband and I could go away for my birthday, or for our anniversary.  She's kind and unselfish.  She makes me laugh, and never just tells me I'm right when I'm not.  I respect her opinion.  I am thankful for my Mom today.  I love you, Mom!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 9

I've already been able to sit down this morning and blog about what's on my heart today, so I just want to encourage you with something I learned last night at Bible study.  There are different seasons of life.  A single person's life looks different than a newly married person's life.  Everyone is in a particular season, and even if someone is in the same season as you, it won't look the same.  So don't look around at other people and feel bad that you can't do the same things they can.  Try not to judge people for making life decisions that you wouldn't.  Don't get discouraged because it feels like life is passing you by.  Make decisions according to the season of life you are in, and according to God's plan for your life.  And try to enjoy your days, because we aren't promised a tomorrow.

~Heather~

1.  Personal
I am so thankful that God chooses to use music to work in my life.  I am not a musician, but God speaks to me through music.  He places a song in my heart that can bring wisdom or encouragement to whatever situation I'm in.

2.  Work/School
I'm so grateful that I can drive my kids to school everyday.  My son is in Kindergarten and I just couldn't picture putting him on a bus at that age.  I rode the bus everyday, so maybe I'm just being overprotective, but it's been 28 years since I was in Kindergarten....times have changed!

3.  Church
There is a woman on the worship team who has an amazing voice.  It's absolutely beautiful.  I am also blessed to be in the same Bible study as her, so I know what a sweet, kind, loving, gracious sister in Christ she is.  I'm so thankful that she allows the Holy Spirit to move through her.  She sang a medley of songs last week that changed the entire mood of the worship service.  You could feel a difference the minute she sang the first note.  It was an amazing time of worship for everyone in attendance.

4.  Family
I am so thankful for my Aunt Diana.  I had the chance to have a conversation with her this morning, and I love that we have the kind of relationship where we can be honest.  She was really sad this morning, and while I didn't have any grand words of advice, and didn't say anything to make her feel better, I'm glad I was available.  She's always been a great role model to me, like a second mother growing up -- that's how often I saw her!  And I really admire her as a person, as a woman, and as a woman of God.  She's been through some hard times, and her class, faith, perseverance and honesty have really shown through.  I love her very much!

Because He Lives

I'm totally digging the old hymns lately.  This morning I started singing the chorus to this one.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

I know God must have put it in my head, because it was a hectic morning, trying to get the kids ready and to school on time.  Oh, and we had to make sure to bring their treats and valentines too, so I wasn't exactly in a music mindset.  I find that God puts songs in my head alot, especially when I'm going through something, so I've learned to just go with it!   My only question now is, "what so You want me to learn from this song, God?"

......And I just realized why this song is in my head.  Today is Valentine's Day.  My baby would have been 2 years old today.  I miscarried in 2009.  It was a surprise pregnancy, and from the beginning something just wasn't right.  I normally get sick, but I was so sick.  Then they couldn't find a heartbeat, or even a baby inside the sac, during the first ultrasound.  Then I had to have blood test after blood test to see if my hormone levels were increasing, which they were.  I was told everything seemed good, the first ultrasound had probably just been too early.  Finally, nine horendous, tortuous days after the first ultrasound, the miscarriage was confirmed.  It was something called a blighted ovum - I had no idea what this was, so the doctor explained it like this.  There was something chromosomally wrong with my baby, and my body knew it would either not survive birth or have so many birth defects, that it spontaneouly aborted it.  Naturally I was devastated.  I have very little memories from the rest of that year.  I have a hard time describing that time in my life, and not just because of the fog I was in.   It was so hard on my mind and body, but the hardest part was that I didn't really have closure.  Most times, when a person passes away, there is a funeral, a chance to say goodbye.  I didn't get that -- but I felt a bond with this baby that I didn't even know.  It was a part of me.  And I've always wished I could have put up a memorial, or done something to help me feel some closure.  I miss this baby that I never got the opportunity to know.  I love this baby that I never held in my arms.  I used to dream about him (I feel like it was a boy), about being able to rock him.  In my mind, and heart, I have 4 kids, not 3.

I know that God put this song in my head for a reason this morning.  It was to give me comfort and reassurance that this life isn't all there is.  I heard Francis Chan give a sermon one time about how very short our time on Earth really is.  To illustrate his point, he carried a long rope across the stage. The very tip was red, the rest was white. His point? The red tip is like our time on Earth -- short, especially in comparion to the white rope, eternity. And I know where I'm going to spend eternity.  That really puts this into perspective, doesn't it?  But what if Jesus, or God, didn't exist?  Can you imagine that?  When we died, that's all there is.  We would never see our loved ones again.  We would just be....gone.  How sad is that?  How final is that?  There would be no hope, nothing to look forward to.  Thank goodness that isn't the case!  My God is alive and well; my Jesus didn't stay dead, but rose again three days after being crucified.  He died on that cross so we can live forever with Him in Heaven.  Because He lives, I can face whatever tomorrow brings, and I can face the sadness from yesterday's memories -- Because He lives. 

So today I am sad.  Part of me will probably always be a little sad.  And that's ok.  In a way, being sad is a reminder that I haven't forgotten this baby.  I can, and do, take comfort in the chorus of this song, in knowing the because He lives, I can go on another day.  Most importantly, because He lives, my baby lives!  My baby is alive and well in Heaven.  I will meet him one day!  Until then, I like to imagine that my Mimi, my grandmother who passed away when I was 20, is taking care of him until I get there.  My Mimi has finally met one of her great grandchildren!  I can't be sad about that.  How many times have I wished she could know my kids, and see the Mom I've become?  So today I'll let myself be sad; I'll let myself think about what might have been.  But I'm going to stop thinking about my baby as not being alive.  Because it isn't true.  My baby is alive with Jesus.  And "an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives."



~In loving memory of my sweet baby Bang.  Mommy loves you and can't wait to meet you one day.~

Monday, February 13, 2012

Roomag.com Giveaway!

I'm so excited!  I just joined Twitter (ChristianMom003) a few days ago and came across Candace Cameron Bure there.  I checked out her website, watched her testimony, and today came across this awesome website by her!  Check it out

The do a much better job of explaining what this site is about, and why, so I'm just going to copy their info.  I've linked the site above, so please, check it out!

Why the name Roo?

Roo – As in Kangaroo
There are two words synonymous with Kangaroo : strength and femininity. Strength, because a kangaroo is known as a boxer. She’s tough, ready to fight the battle and prepared at all times by her God given attributes. Femininity, because she carries her baby (joey) snuggled in her front pouch for up to 18 months. She goes to any length to love, nurture and protect her child. Roo Magazine is a reflection of the picture the kangaroo gives us. A reflection of the woman who embraces and lives out her strength and her femininity with strong power and beautiful grace.

Who we are

We believe that traditional values are not necessarily old-fashioned values. We believe that modern women want traditional values.
Traditional values are one thing, but they aren’t our ultimate goal as parents. They are of great value, but unless they are backed by a strong conviction they are nothing but traditions and choice. Values are a means of growth, but the fruit we produce as a result of them depend on the beliefs that are backing those values.
  • We believe in radiant health, which includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
  • We believe that women are enthralled with beauty and fashion, and that shopping is the female equivalent to hunting down moose.
  • We believe that children grow when they are nourished with love, direction, and discipline and that compassionate discipline is firm at times.
  • We believe that embracing these roles brings ultimate empowerment to our femininity.
  • We believe that the mother of George Washington and wife of Martin Luther King have had more influence and impact on modern society that any corporate CEO.
  • We believe that wives were created to be helpers to their husbands, building them up to become strong leaders in their homes.

What we do

We believe that if united with the purpose to support encourage and trade secrets with each other, that together we can be one of the most powerful influences on the future of our world

Why it Matters to Us

The extreme feminist mindset is a minority in our society, and although pop culture tends to portray it as the norm–real women believe differently.
Modern women in the trenches of motherhood can feel isolated at times, and want a watering hole where they can gather with like-minded women. They need support that empowers them to optimally function. They seek to find fulfillment and purpose in who they are.


As you can see, this is a great site for Christian Moms who see that the world needs a change, especially among Mothers.  Plus, they are having great giveaways this week!  Starting today February 13, and ending the 19th, visit www.roomag.com (or click here for the giveaway page) to enter for a chance to win.  5 winners will receive a copy of Candace's book Reshaping It All, plus a CD copy of her testimony.  Winners will be announced February 22.  There a 6 ways to enter, so head over there and get started!

Have an AWESOME day, know that God is in control!
~Heather~

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 8


Week 2 already!  Are you finding it difficult to take the time to write out your thankfulness list each day?  I’ve tried to sit down in the morning and do it after I take the kids to school…it worked pretty well until the weekend.  On Saturday and Sunday, all bets are off….for everything!  Between church, family visits, cleaning and keeping the kids busy, I usually don’t have a minute to myself until the kids go to bed.  But I have to be flexible because they are only going to be little once.  If I don’t write it out until night, that’s OK.  It doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about it at all that day – in fact, I usually know exactly what my 4 answers will be because I’ve been thinking about them all day.



Have a blessed day in Jesus,

~Heather~



1.     Personal

Honestly, I still struggle with this category.  I still feel like people reading this will think I’m bragging.  It’s something I need to work through. 



Today I am thankful that I can read.  You know the bumper stickers, “if you can read this, thank a teacher”?  I think of that, because reading is a precious gift.  I love to read; I always have.  In fact, I can remember my parents getting so mad at dinnertime because they would call and call for me, but I was so engrossed in a book I didn’t hear them.  I’d try to read at the dinner table, which didn’t usually work J  I can finish a 400 page book in 1 day.  I just love to read.  I’m thankful for that ability.



2.     Work/School (wherever you spend the majority of your day)

I’m tempted to say I’m thankful for my warm house again, because it’s so cold here today.  It isn’t that it’s so cold, it’s 26 degrees, but we’ve had such a mild winter this is a rough adjustment!  However, I’ll try to be more creative than that! 



I have a cold, so today I’m thankful that I don’t have to leave my house (except to pick up Evan this afternoon.  That gives me plenty of time to rest and prepare for the bible study I lead Monday evenings.



3.     Church

Today is Monday, the day of the ladies Bible study I’m involved in.  I’m so thankful for the study, as well as the group of women from the church who also attend.  They are awesome ladies!  We laugh and talk, but we also have an earnest desire to see God’s best in our lives.  I love them all!



4.     Family

I am thankful for my sister Kristin.  Kristin teaches Kindergarten, and I’ve never seen a better teacher!  She is truly doing what God called her to do.  She’s married with a little boy, so I know it’s hard for her to go to work each day.  But she’s a great teacher and an especially great Mom.  I’m so blessed to have her as a sister.  She has a great heart!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 7


The end of our first week!  I’m so excited!  What are some things God is teaching you through this exercise?  I’m learning that it really takes a concentrated effort to be thankful.  It’s so easy to slip back into the old habit of being discouraged when things go wrong.  I think Thursday was finally my breakthrough day.  I was worrying about the outcome of a specific situation, when God brought an old song to my mind.  It was Jehovah Jireh.  I was trying to focus on my blessings when this song came to mind and I was struck that God is MY provider.  These blessings I’m thankful for are God’s way of providing for me.  He has supplied me with everything I have.  Not that I really spent a lot of time analyzing it before, but I guess I always thought of God providing for me in terms of providing family, or shelter or food – necessities.  But God provided my hair, my husband, my church family, my kids – all the things I am thankful for.  It’s certainly eye-opening when you look at it this way. 



I just want to leave you with an encouragement.  When we are open, and really focusing on living as God wants, that includes being thankful in all circumstances, that is when God can really mold and change us.  I pray that you find yourself being changed



In Him,

~Heather~



1.     Personal

I’m thankful I can sing.  I am NOT a singer, I don’t have a good voice.  I am capable of singing.  And I was so thankful for that voice this morning during worship at church.  There are others ways to worship God, but this morning during worship was such a personal time for me to sing the words on the screen directly to my Heavenly Father.



2.     Work/School (wherever you spend the majority of your day)

I am thankful for my stove/oven.  If you know me, I am always complaining about how I need a new one.  I think one of the burners isn’t working right, and it doesn’t match the rest of my appliances.  But really, what would I do without it?  What did people do before stoves?  I would not want to live like that.  Plus, a new stove would probably cost around $800 or so, and I am thankful to not have to spend that kind of money on one right now.  3 little kids are expensive!



3.     Church

I’m thankful for my worship Pastor and his leading by the Holy Spirit.  Worship was amazing today….there is just something about the old hymns and choruses.



4.     Family

I am thankful for my sister Jessica.  See is a wonderful sister and friend.  I can always count on her to tell me the true, in a nice way.  She will do anything for anybody.  She really has a great heart, and really loves God.  She has a weight loss blog called, Pudget: Losing Weight on a Budget. It’s a really great site with amazing low fat recipes and ideas.  She is also married, with 2 girls, and she works full-time.  I’m mostly thankful because she doesn’t get mad when I call her when she’s at work J

Saturday, February 11, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 6


I bet you thought I forgot!  Nope, today has just been crazy!  I haven’t had 2 seconds to sit down and post this.  We have my parents, sisters and their husbands and our nieces and nephew over for dinner to celebrate my Dad’s birthday.  I made 4 homemade Stromboli, veggie pizza, mondoo (Korean egg rolls) and a cream cheese and basil bruscetta.   It was amazing, but man am I tired!



I pray you had a great day in Him

~Heather~



1.     Personal

I’m thankful I have thick hair.  It’s falling out like crazy since Alexa was born.  It’s really been bugging me lately since there is so much in the drain each morning, but I’ve decided to see it 2 ways.

a.     I’m not going to go bald because my hair is so crazy think.

b.     I don’t have to pay to have it thinned at the hair dresser.



2.     Work/School (wherever you spend the majority of your day)

I’m thankful for the ability to have my family over to my house to celebrate birthdays, holidays or just to hang out!  We’ve had to set up a kids table in the living room, and we may get cramped sometimes, but we always have a good time!



3.     Church

I’m thankful for all the kids I teach in Children’s Church.  It’s so amazing to see how much they change and grow each year.  I love them all!



4.     Family

My daughter, Allyson, is my sunshine.  She tends to drive me crazy but you will not find another fun, creative, imaginative little girl anywhere.  For example, today she referred to herself in the 3rd person all day long.  There are days when she won’t answer me unless I call her princess __________ (insert princess name here.)  She is obsessed with mermaids….today our kitchen floor was the ocean and she had to ‘dive’ into it to find something; thank goodness I’d just mopped the floor!  She also loves fairies, but today her wing was broken so she couldn’t fly.  Her favorite game is ‘Let’s Pretend.”  Never heard of it?  It goes like this:

a.     “Mommy, let’s pretend this is  my make-up.”

b.     “Mommy, let’s pretend you’re the baby and I’m the Mommy.”

c.      “Mommy, let’s pretend that I can drive the car.”

d.     “Mommy, let’s pretend Alexa is my baby.”



You get the picture.  I love this little girl so much.  She keeps me on my toes, that’s for sure!




Friday, February 10, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 5


Yesterday was such a great day!  Some tense things were happening, but I knew that God was in control, and when I would waiver, or lose sight of that truth, I came back to my thankfulness list.  Sometimes (most times) it takes a conscious decision to be thankful, but I can tell you from experience, it is so worth it.  I am so glad to be on this journey, and I am so glad to have you to share it with.



Have a great day in Him

~Heather~



1.     Personal

I am thankful that God gave me a creative spirit.  I’m not the most creative person in the world, or even my family…my sisters have me beat by a landslide, but I’ve been known to have my fair share of creative ideas.  I enjoy being creative; I enjoy looking at things other people have done and making them my own.  I look at things and picture how they could look.  Seeing things how they COULD look, instead of how they DO look is a wonderful ability.  That’s how we should see others.  I foster that ability whenever I am creative.



2.     Work/School (wherever you spend the majority of your day)

I was thankful for my super warm, comfy bed this morning.  (Even though there were 4 of us crammed into it since my kids come in to snuggle with us in the mornings before we have to get up for school.)  One day soon, that bed is going to seem empty when my kids find themselves too old to snuggle with Mom and Dad.  I’m trying to cherish these moments.



3.     Church

Today I am thankful for the Associate Pastor at our church.  He allows himself to be moved by the Holy Spirit, and follows It’s lead, even when it takes him out of his comfort zone.  Miraculous things happen when we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.



4.     Family

I am so thankful for my son, Evan, today.  He is hysterical, and I don’t know what I’d do without him.  Yesterday was chapel day at his school, and the speaker was our pastor.  When our pastor came into the room, Evan stood up and yelled, “Hey, that’s Pastor Nathan!  He’s my Pastor!”  Well, that made everyone’s day, especially Pastor Nathan’s.  In fact, when the older kids came into the room, the head of school introduced him as Evan’s pastor.  I love all of my kids, and there is something special about each one of them.  Evan is kind-hearted, sweet, very literal, and smart and is so excited about everything!  He’s very dramatic and I thank God for him every day!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 4

"Give thanks to the God of gods.  His love endures forever."
Psalm 136:2


So how are you doing being thankful?  This has been a pretty eye opening experience for me so far.  I find that God is reminding me, convicting me, in the areas where I’m not as thankful.  Which leads to my next question.  Are there any categories that are easier, or more difficult, to fill out?  I’ll be honest, I find the first category, Personal, to be the most difficult one to fill out each day.  Don’t get me wrong, I am as selfish as the next person.  I am ashamed to admit it, but most times, my first thought is, “how is this going to affect me?”  But I’m learning that maybe I’m having a hard time, because this is an area in my life where I’m not as thankful.  I tried to make the excuse that I have poor self-esteem.  Then I tried to convince myself that I’m just humble.  But the truth is, I’m just not recognizing the fact that the way God made me (my personality traits and quirks) CAN be a blessing….if I allow it.  God made me just the way He wanted, but most times I find myself complaining because I’m too tall, or too fat, or not smart enough, or not organized, or an introvert.  I think maybe God is trying to make me understand that He created me to glorify Him, so I need to thank Him for giving me qualitites that I can use to glorfiy Him.  Then I need to find away to use these personal qualities to do just that.  

1.     Personal
I have a great sense of humor!  I love to make people laugh.  I’m not afraid to be silly, but I do need to be careful, because I do use humor as a defense mechanism, or to turn the focus of a situation away from myself.  I have also been known to incorporate quite a bit of sarcasm into my humor, which can lead to problems too.  But overall, I am thankful that God has given me the ability to make people laugh.

2.     Work/School (wherever you spend the majority of your day)
I’m thankful for the windows in my house this morning.  We got snow last night, and as I type, I can look out my dining room window and see the snow covering the trees and shrubs.  It’s so beautiful.  In the fall, I can look out another window to see the leaves changing colors in the mountains.  I can watch my kids play in the backyard from my kitchen window.  I can even use one of my windows to see who is at the door without them seeing me.  I’m finding myself a little self-conscious about this answer, but at this moment, it’s the truth.  I’m thankful for the windows that let me see the outside world, but say warm and protected inside my house.

3.     Church
Today I am thankful for my church friends.  You know who you are.  And I cherish each one of you.  I know that you accept me for who I am, quirks and all, and my life would not be the same without you.

4.     Family
I just need to say Happy Birthday to the world’s greatest Dad!  Today is my Dad’s birthday and it’s all about him.  For the second time this week, I’m thankful for my Dad.  Without him, I wouldn’t have been born!  But seriously, he’s a super guy.  He coached my softball team, taught me how to pitch, tried to teach me how to drive (no, I am not going to elaborate.  Lol), walked me down the aisle at my wedding and has always been supportive of my decisions.  And I love the fact that he was the first person to meet my Alexa (the baby) after she was born.  He was already at the hospital for an appointment – what great timing!  I’m planning a special birthday dinner for him on Saturday night.  I hope he likes what I’m planning. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Have a blessed day in the Lord!
~Heather~

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

30 Days of Thankful -- Day 3


30 Days of Thankful


Day 3 already!  I hope you are as encouraged as I am.  Yesterday, I began to feel sorry for myself, worrying about a situation out of my control.  God reminded me of my goal of being thankful in all circumstances.  And once I started thanking God for the items on my list, reminding myself that God blessed me with them, I felt peace that I could indeed trust Him with the circumstance that was causing me to worry.  And the most amazing thing:  God is now moving in that situation!!  I won't give specifics, just be assured that this is a situation that can only be resolved with God's intervention....and that's what He is doing!  I am so blessed, excited, awed and encouraged!

Here goes day 3!

1. Personal
I am thankful for my education.  I have dual degrees in English and Secondary Education.  I taught for a couple years in North Carolina after I got married, but since having children, I have chosen to stay at home with them.  My only son, my oldest child, is almost 6 and in Kindergarten; my oldest daughter is 4 and in pre-school; my youngest, the baby, is 10 months old.  Lately I've been giving some thought to going back to work, but I struggle with the idea of not being there for my kids.  I don't have to go back to work, I just sometimes miss adult interaction.  Then yesterday, while speaking to my son's teacher, I mentioned that I used to be a teacher and she got so excited!  She wanted to know when, or if, I'd be interested in subbing at the Christian school my kids attend.  Truthfully, I'd never thought of it.  But now I am because I could choose how many days a week I would work, and because the school is K-12, plus they also have a preschool/daycare on site, I would have a place for my kids.  A place I know, love and trust!  I'm going to keep praying about it, but I'm thankful for my education that gives me these kinds of options.
2. Work/School (wherever you spend the majority of your day)
Today is cold here in North Central PA, so I am thankful for the warmth of my house!  My husband reminded me to wear my coat this morning, but me, being stubborn, insisted that I didn't need it.  Let me tell you, I was so glad to get back in my car after dropping the kids off at school!  I was even more glad to get back into my nice, warm house!
3. Church
I'm thankful that God put Children's Ministry in my heart around 18 months ago.  In 2010, I became a co-leader of this ministry at our church.  I've been so blessed since that time!  It's hard work, and I do miss a lot of services, but seeing the kids in the church growing spiritually and knowing that they are learning more about what following Christ looks like make all the hard work and sacrifices worth it.  I never saw myself in children's ministry....ever.  I did it once, a long time ago, and I got burned out.  But God gave me a love for these kids.  I can't even begin to describe it; all I can say is I feel like these are my kids, and it's my privilege to be one of their teachers.
4. Family
My baby is sick today.  She's running at 102+ fever.  Plus she has a very stuffy nose and major congestion.  I feel so bad for her.  Today, I am thankful for her, my Miss Alexa Kim.  I never thought I'd have a 3rd baby, especially after suffering a miscarriage a year before.  It wasn't that I didn't want another baby, I was just scared.  What if it happened again?  I also get really sick during my pregnancies, and I was worried about taking care of Evan and Ally.  So we had decided that we were happy with 2 kids.  But God had other plans...thank goodness!  I was so surprised when I found out I was pregnant again.  And I was terrified!  I didn't want to spend my entire pregnancy a nervous wreck.  But God was gracious, and really took away my fears.  And He blessed me with the most amazing, beautiful, smart, funny baby I could have imagined.  She's my miracle baby!



Pictures of my miracle baby!

Have a great day!  And remember, God loves you so much!  Choose Him today!