Love grows

The love I feel for my son is just amazing. It grows more and more everyday. Sometimes, I just can't believe that he was knot together and my womb and given to me by God. What a blessing a child is!

Along with the blessing comes the exhaustion. Physical and mental exhaustion. When they are a baby you wonder if they are sleeping and eating enough. Then they start crawling and you wonder what all they will get into. Then they start walking and you wonder where they can get to. And now, they are running and you wonder if he can get away from you. Training a child in the way he/she will go is a very difficult task.

Did you know God cares? I used to think there was no need to pray about Finn eating or sleeping. God had much bigger things to worry with. In the last several months, I've discovered that God does care. Actually He cares a lot. In fact, I'm 100% positive that being a mom has made me much closer to God.

What I'm trying to say here is it took me almost a year and a half to realize that God wants me to pray about the little things. All those little things add up to a big thing. If I'm anxious or worried all the time, I'm not a good mom. So, when in doubt...PRAY. God wants to hear all about it. And he will give you the wisdom on what to do. After all, he is the best Daddy ever!

Heavenly father, today I pray for all the moms out there that need your guidance. Whether it's feeding, sleeping, training, discipline, or something else - we need YOUR wisdom. You are the only one who can truly instruct us to instruct our little ones in the way they should go. Thank you for blessing us. Thank you for pulling us close May we always feel you directing our steps. I continue to pray for more of you and less of me. AMEN!

Rest

I haven't been sleeping good in weeks. I've had to take some type sleep aid to make sure I do sleep a lot in the last few weeks. I'm not sure why I can't seem to settle down and go right to sleep. I mean I am tired. Very frustrating.

This morning I was reminded of some verses in the Bible. I believe it was God's way of speaking to me this morning.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you 

and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Matthew 11:28-30

I might be restless from all that's happened in my life over the last weeks/months. But grateful I can run to Jesus and He will give me rest. 

What about you? Does your soul feel restless, tired, and overcome? Run to Jesus - only He will give you true rest.

If you want to hear more - here's a great message by Jeff Henderson on Rest.  http://goo.gl/vU2Hv

Book review: "Letters to Moms" by Karen Stubbs

I just recently finished ready this book by my mom's group leader, Karen Stubbs. She has a wonderful ministry that I love being a part of called Birds on a Wire. If you're a mom to any age child - you should check out her website or facebook page.

Anyway, the book was great. It's basically a compilation of letters that Karen has written to moms. The letters are her way of teaching us a lesson. Lessons on prioritizing, perfection, putting your husband first, etc. After the letter she expands on the subject using scripture. After that section is a prayer and some questions to work through. It's very easy to read. I read this book in just over a week because you just don't want to put it down.

My favorite chapter was on balance. It was all about how only you decide what all you can participate in once you have children. This chapter was instrumental to me lowering my hours and responsibility at work. It showed me that once you have children - you have a greater calling. A calling to train up a child in the way he should go. I decided that I no longer could work more than 3 days in the office. I needed my pendulum to swing more towards home. Now I have 4 days home and 3 days at work. Things aren't perfect - but it is going much better since the changes.

Ok, my point in writing is to tell you to get this book. It's one I will look back on often! Thanks for writing Karen - you are following God's calling on your life and us mom's are so grateful!

Emotional

So, I know I'm a woman. And sometimes women are emotional. But my goodness this past week has been a whirlwind. I feel like every time I sat down, I cried. I cried yesterday watching The Office. I cried this past Saturday when I got home from the wedding. I cried watching Gregory put Finn down and rub his back. Ok, come on - what mom wouldn't cry at that? It was so precious!

What is wrong with me?

I did have a lot happen so it's taken a toll on my mind. I ran a half marathon with my husband, was surprised to a family celebration for my 29th birthday, stood beside as a matron of honor for my little sister, and then was spoiled for Mother's day yesterday. That's been my last 8 days.

So - I think it's ok to be emotional. I just have to remember this truth...

DON'T let your emotions take over! You can't trust them.

It's ok to feel happy and sad. God gave us all those emotions. But the moment you let your emotions control your mind you take yourself down a rocky road. Or when your "feelings" make you angry, jealous, or anything not of the Spirit - that's when it goes too far. So even in the midst of a lot of activities keep your eyes focused on Jesus. As I usually say - MORE of you, LESS of me. Thanks God for an awesome week - it was great to see all that fruit from you!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Plans

If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time, then you know one of my struggles is control. Today in my quiet time God revealed this verse to me:

 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.  

Proverbs 19:21 (New International Version, ©2011)

Again. Yes again. Just last week he showed me a similar verse but in a different chapter of Proverbs.

So what does it mean? Does God mean that I need to stop making plans? No. Does it mean that I need to recognize Him? Definitely. To me, this short and simple verse tells me that I can make lots of plans. But I need to recognize that ultimately it is His purpose that will happen. I cannot force anything to happen.

But our flesh wants us to take control. I have learned this is a tension to manage while here in this world. A balance so to speak that we must live in. Look at another translation of that verse:

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails. 

Proverbs 19:21 (The Message)

Brainstorming options and plans - yep that's me. My father in law sometimes refers to me as "spreadsheet" because of my love for organizing and crunching numbers. I do love it. That's what I do.

But it's not who I truly am. I am His. I am to recognize the Throne. Lets do that right now...

Father, as we approach the holy week - I pray I can sit back and fully take in all that you have done for me. Thank you Jesus for taking on my sins. I am so grateful. I really do not know what I would do without you, Lord. Right now, I submit my plans to you. I trust you with my life. I pray that we will continue to grow closer. And again I thank you for all you have done for me. Amen.

The hope of Heaven

 "Let the hope of Heaven give you peace today"

I don't know about you but I too easily get caught up in crap during my day. Drama that's happening around me, the urgent tasks, my to do list, and the list could go on and on. I find myself saying - Gosh there are really bad things happening in this world or Life just isn't fair or I have so much to do and not enough hours.

And those statements are true. However, as a Christian we are to have a Heavenly perspective. We are to fix our eyes on Him. I love how Hebrews 12:1-2 puts it - "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame and sat down at the right hand throne of God."

So for me today - I'm asking God to give me that Heavenly perspective. I'm asking him to let the hope of Heaven give me peace. 

What about you? What can you do today?

No control

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his path" Proverbs 16:9

Wow - let that verse sink in. Read it again. What does it mean to you?

To me, it means no control. And I can be really honest here and say this is very hard for me. Actually, it's the hardest piece of being a Christian. I can make all the plans I want, but God's the ultimate director.

What I'm learning lately is that when I don't let God lead I'm not trusting. I'm not trusting Him and all the lessons and blessings he has in store for me. He always has the best interest for me because he can see the whole time line. Whereas I am living in tunnel vision.

So - what I'm trying to say is there is a balance here. You don't want to just be moved by the winds. But at the same time, you must recognize you have a leader. And His will ultimately will take priority anyway. How do you live this out?

1-Recognize God's place
2-Make plans, but be flexible
3-Pray a lot - "Less of me, more of You"


That's what I do. It's a daily hourly struggle for me. So I will leave you with this one last time...

Less of me, More of YOU!

The forgotten but most important

Quiet time with God daily is so important but typically it's forgotten. Yes I said forgotten.

Why? Well, that's easy - the urgent task will always take the lead if you let it. Let me say that one more time - the urgent s always take the lead if you let them. I just want to check my email real quick, i need to get ready first, i would just like to sleep a little longer...the list could go on and on. So today, I'm listing out a 3 things I try to stick to and why it's important to me.

What I try to stick to:
1. I wake up every morning at 6:00 am.
2. I immediately spend time with my God before I do anything else.
3. I change up what I'm doing in my quiet time as soon as it feels stale.

The whys:
1. If I'm not ready by the time Finn gets up, I can't fully be with him before he goes to school. Also, once he's up I cant get back to alone time.
2. If I don't immediately spend time with God when I get up - I cloud my mind with the to-dos of the day, I end up doing other things and before I know it Finn's up and my day has started, and I'm not giving God my first minutes of the day.
3. I'm a human - quiet time gets stale for me every couple months. So I have a rotation. Everytime I switch what I'm doing a light bulb goes off. I love that! Today, I just starter reading "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. I highly recommend it.

Remember, balancing a healthy spiritual walk is the most important item on your to-do list.

I hope you notice above my list of things to stick to - I said try. I am not perfect. I mess up daily. Today, I checked my email before my quiet time. That was a mistake. But the point is - I'm aware. These things work for me. I have the list so that I'm intentional.

Are you? I encourage you to make your own lists of what to do and why. Share if you want.

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39

No easy task

Sometimes the pendulum of balance swings more in one direction than usual. In today's post, I'll explain how I "try" to keep things balanced between work and home.

We had Drive Conference at my work the last week of March. That means I worked from Sunday to Thursday - I put in around 50 hours that week. On a normal week, I work 32 hours a week. Of course it was worth it, Drive is one of my favorite things about working for North Point Ministries. I got to meet and talk to leaders from almost 500 churches. I can definitely say I ran on total adrenaline that week. Little sleep and on my feet all day!

This brings me to this past week - it was SPRING BREAK! And since my husband was home we did all kinds of fun activities. We went to the zoo, we took Finn to an indoor jumpy house, and did plenty of eating out. It was wonderful. When I was home, I was fully home. No work! And on top of that, my awesome husband landscaped our front yard. He did an awesome job.

Below are some pictures for you to enjoy.

 Finn and Daddy in front of the Panda exhibit

 Finn really loved watching the orangutans

 I love my little boy!

 Checking out a komodo dragon

 Happy boy - he loves the ZOO!

 My little cub

 Watching the elephants

 All 3 of us on the train

 The tree behind him was planted when he was born - we call it "The Finn tree"

 Finn and daddy in front of Finn's tree

 The beautifully landscaped front yard - I really love the border he designed

 A little done to the side to help with erosion

And here's the whole front! 

All the pics are blurry from Kangazoom - but this one is my favorite, Gregory's face is priceless.

So - that's how I "try" balance home and work. I try to keep my time as equal as it can be. If my time swings towards work a lot for a week then the next week I'm all home. And of course, it's always a good thing to have the pendulum of balance go more towards home.

How do you keep things in balance? Any tips?

The best job i've ever had.

If someone asked you what the best job was that you've ever had - could you answer it? I can - it's my current job at North Point for sure!

This week is my anniversary date at work. I have been on staff at North Point Ministries 4 years already. As I begin my 5th year at work here, I'd like to make a few comments. First of all, I can say with 100% confidence that I am a better person because of the investment North Point has made in me. Just to be specific - when I say I 'm a better person I mean I'm a better mom, wife, Christian, and friend than I was before coming on staff.

My story of how I came on staff:
Coming on staff was totally a "God thing." I had been in the mortgage industry and was tired of working crazy hours. So, I just submitted my resume into the hiring database. Ashley Jansen was pregnant with her first child, Hamilton, and was looking for a replacement. The role was the IT Admin Assistant to Sean Strickland. I thought this will be a easy job and I will be in the ministry so I'm interested. After applying, I ran into Ashley at GroupLink and she recognized my name. The next week I had a series of 8 interviews. I was exhausted after that and also humbled that North Point took such care in making sure they were hiring the right people for the right job. But 2 weeks later, Sean called me and offered me the job. And of course I accepted right away! I cut my pay in half - but it was totally worth it! God has blessed me WAY more than that extra money every did.

And that's the story - in the last 4 years, I worked in IT for 3 and now in Resources for 1. I loved working for Sean and I loved the IT team. But I do feel like the job I'm in now is the one I was always meant for. To be completely honest, I have found my dream job.

So, cheers to 4 wonderful years! Thank you Andy Stanley for your investment in making sure the staff is cared for. I have felt that from day one and this is definitely the best place I have ever worked.

Thank you Jesus for bringing me to work at North Point 4 years ago. I know it was all you. I love being part of a place that is spreading your name throughout the world. May everything I do here be to your Glory. I take credit for nothing - for it is all you. Thank you for growing me as a person and pulling me closer to you. I pray as time moves that we continue to get the word into as many peoples hands as possible. And also that others not us - but see you shining through. Amen.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. "Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

Who/what are you listening to?

There was a series done last year by Andy Stanley and Jeff Henderson called Game Plan.  It was just life changing for me! Here is the series description:
********************************************************************************

Discovering God’s plan for our lives can be frustrating. Some have described it as the most challenging experience of the Christian life.

 

But it shouldn’t be.

 

It doesn’t have to be.

 

After all, God is the preeminent communicator. He created communication. And as your heavenly Father, he wants you to know his will for your life.

 

In this 6-part series, Andy Stanley and Jeff Henderson explain, in the most practical ways imaginable, how to discover and embrace God’s game plan for your life.

********************************************************************************

In part five, Jeff preached a message that really changed things for me. The message was called A Word from Coach (you can download an mp3 for $1).  The main take away I got was "the people you listen to are a preview to the future you." Basically, everyone and everything you listen to shapes who you will be in the future.

So-my question for you to think about...Who and what are you listening to? 

If you are a mom - hopefully you have some resources and support. Because I know this is all tough to balance. I have to recommend you check out Birds on a Wire. It's an awesome ministry for us moms.

If you are a dad - I can recommend my husband's blog. He is blogging about how he's learning to Raise the Next Generation. Check it out - I know I'm bias, but I think it's awesome! He definitely will make you think.

Please comment if you have suggestions for singles, college students, etc...

Ok - that's it folks...have a GREAT day!

My time balance "rules"

It is so important that you be intentional with your time. As you know, our time is limited. We hear about this in Ephesians 5:15-16. I'm very goal/task oriented. So I write out goals and then back them down to the quarter, month, week, and day. I know that's a little crazy for some - but it works for me. And that's what you have to do. Find a system or no system that works for you. But the end goal is intentionality.

Today I wanted to share how I try to keep my time balanced. It's a challenge but I have a few rules to keep myself accountable. I long to be a great wife and mom. And the only way that can happen is if I keep my husband and family first. I also long to have time to grow a relationship with my heavenly father.

So here are the "rules" for myself...(again this is for me and doesn't work for everyone)

1-I'm not in more than one group at a time. For example-I'm in a mom's group right now, but I'm about to start training a team to go to Cambodia. So I will take a break from mom's group until I get back form Cambodia.

2-I try not to plan more than one outing for the weekends. This gives us time as a family and time to rest before the new week starts.

3-I keep a family calendar on google calendar. This way Greg and I can share it. We both can see what's going on at all times.

4-I set an etched memory for each quarter. I make one for family, one for marriage, and one for Finn and I. This keeps me accountable to do "stuff" that matters and not get lost in the tasks of everyday.

5-I keep a "life on purpose" weekly guide. On it I can write down goals for the week and my schedule. It helps me to easily see how I'm doing balance between all areas (Spiritual, Marriage, Family, Work, and Church) If you are interested in seeing this document - comment or send me an email and I'll send it to you.

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" Psalm 90:12

Cambodia 2011!!

 

Very exciting news...I'm going back to Cambodia!!

I will be sending out a support letter like the picture soon. If you would like to be included, please comment to let me know. I will be mailing and emailing this letter. I'm hoping for a HUGE group of supporters. I need prayer warriors and financial support. I'm very excited about this opportunity. And cannot wait to share it with you. 

Just to go back for a moment, read these blog entries from 2008. God really showed me A LOT! And I know he has even more in store for me this year. Praise Him!
Post Cambodia
Home Sweet Home

Emotionally Balanced

Do I have my emotions in check? Most of the time, that's a no. However, I have really been working on keeping myself balanced when it comes to my emotions.

It's kinda funny that I'm writing this post today. Because today I feel a little unstable. It's that special time of the month if you know what I mean :) 

Anyway, it is very hard to keep my emotions in check because I am an emotional woman. Not in an always unstable way. I don't crying or yelling at the drop of the hat. But I definitely have feelings a lot. I keep them to myself most days. 

Again, the only way I have found to stay balanced is to stay connected to the Lord. He is my focus. I also keep reminding myself that people change but Jesus is the same yesterday and today and tomorrow. That truth always sets me free.

Today is the last of the balanced posts. So I'd love to see what you think. If anyone is out there, please post me a comment. Be honest. Did you like the posts? Hate these posts? And give details! 

I'll be back soon...we're only 12 days away from Finn's 1st birthday! 

Physically Balanced

Most people don't think about balance when it comes to healthy living. And if you think about do you really prioritize eating right and exercising?

If I'm really honest, I can tell you that I always put this on the back burner until 3 months ago. 3 months ago, I decided that I needed to get healthy. I signed up to run a 10k and began training. In just 4 short weeks, I feel in love with running. Never thought that would happen! But now that I've been exercising and cooking healthy meals for my family, I notice myself much less stressed. Several things happen...1-You feel good about yourself 2-Your clothes fit more comfortable 3-You can burn off stress through exercise 4-You are just making better food choices

So, how's your lifestyle? What are some small changes that you can make to get healthier?

Last but not least, when it comes to being truly balanced in the terms of health-who do you really depend on? Who will you go to?

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

Relationally Balanced

Relationships are everywhere-with your family, your friends, your coworkers.

The important question is "how healthy are your relationships". The Webster dictionary describes healthy as "prosperous and flourishing". When you think about relationship with your spouse, your kids, your friends, etc.- do you think "these relationships are prosperous and flourishing"?

More importantly, how is your relationship with God?

Prosperous and flourishing is basically a fancy way of saying growing. I've found I have to be very intentional and purposeful when it comes to the relationships in my life. In order to keep my relationships healthy, they need to be prioritized correctly. For me, they have to stay in this order-God, husband, child, family, friends. When the priority gets out of whack then my relationships are no longer balanced. So to stay healthy and balanced you must put your relationships in order.

What is one action item you can do this week to be balanced in the area of relationships? For me it is to put God first.

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-10

Spiritually Balanced

Spiritual warfare is real.

That's been really bothering me lately. And I have found that I need to be very intentional to stay strong and not get discouraged. I have to be balanced when it comes to being spiritual so I can fight!

In a lot of ways I feel that be spiritually balanced could easily be the most important way to balanced life. I believe this simply because of spiritual warfare. Also, I have found that if I don't spend time with Him, then I am disconnected from Him all day.

Are you connected with the Lord for a quiet time everyday?

Consistency not quantity is the only thing that matters. God just wants you to start your day with him. I used to think it didn't have to be the morning. I am NOT a morning person. However, my 15 minutes with my God each morning sets my day with God. No one else. Just me and God. My priority is Him and will be all day.

So, how do you get and stay balanced spiritually? You spend consistent time with the Lord everyday. It doesn't matter if it's 2 minutes. What matters is that it's consistently every day. Lets follow the example of Jesus.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35

Mentally Balanced

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The next few entries are going to be steps to becoming balanced. They will be short and sweet telling what I have learned. I by no means am balanced in these areas. It's a daily struggle, but I have learned what I need to do. And my hope is that this will encourage you as well. 
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Your mind is powerful.

It can take you from calm and peaceful to anxious in seconds. As a woman our mind is always working. I think that's why I have trouble sleeping most nights. I never can seem to get my brain turned off. For me, reciting scripture over and over works every time.  Your mind can work on overload all day long as well. I find I have to stay connected to my Father all day long.

If I lose my connection, I lose my mind. 

What about you? Are you connected to God all day? Do you allow Him to renew your mind multiple times during the day?

Having a renewed mind is the first step to being balanced mentally. And like I said before the mind is powerful. Use it wisely.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2