On Thursday I was headed to work in our trusty Tracker (the one and only car to our name now) when I heard a LOUD squealing noise. I quickly pulled off the exit when smoke came pouring out of the entire car. All these lights went off and it was nearly impossible to turn into the nearest parking lot. Thankfully I did make it in the lot before she died.
It was the breaking point for me. I have held it together pretty well for all of the challenges presented to us this month but this was the straw that broke the camels back. Well, emotionally anyways. While I waited in the chilly doorway I mentally began to make a list of things that have gone wrong lately. It got fairly long and the complaints wore on in my head. By the time my poor Mom got there I was sobbing. At work it continued, every time someone new walked in an asked how I was I lost it again.
I kept telling myself to pull it together woman! What kind of witness to God was it when I was a puddle. I should instead paste a grin on my face and say, "Well...its ok!" as I have been for the last month and a half. As the day went on and I was able to go home and reflect on the day with Kevin and have a nice quiet time I realized that I don't have to paste that smile and attitude on to be a good witness. The truth is, his strength can only be shown in our weaknesses. His perfection in our sin. This verse popped out to me:
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Wow. The lessons that we have learned this month have been irreplaceable. The scripture memorized, worth it.
At the end of the day Kevin received a phone call letting him know that he has full time hours at DG, his part time job for the month of February! Not only that, but he will have a laptop to do his work from home, enabling him to continue staying home with Sophie on the days that I work. What a blessing. We know that our earthly needs will be met this month. Thats all we can take it is day by day. Also, he had an interview with Allina on Wednesday and by next Wednesday should know what the verdict is there.
It has been so interesting how our needs have been met this past month. Where the encouragement has come from has astounded me. I have received encouragement cards in the mail this month from people I would have NEVER expected. I thank God for each and every one of those people who have had kind words and prayers to brighten our days. Also, on a monetary level we were so blessed when a complete stranger (well "real life" stranger, but internet friend) felt God calling them to send us a check. It was incredibly humbling to us to accept money from someone we had never met before but as it was the exact amount needed for my car payment that day and we were just wondering how to pay it this month we knew God had answered that prayer. What a lesson. It surely has taught us to let go of our worry and more importantly our ties to anything we own. It is not our, nor has it ever been.
"He must become greater; I must become less" Journaling our quest to give thanks and bring HIM the glory in all that we do.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Bummed
Yesterday our whole house came down with the flu. I already had a terrible cold so it was double misery for me. And poor little Sophie. We were both covered in vomit head to toe several times since she can't warn us when she will get sick. A little moaning sick baby is one of the saddest things ever- especially when you and your husband are miserably sick too. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
The big bummer for us though, was that we missed the rally at the capital yesterday for Life. It was the anniversary of Roe Vs. Wade so many gathered in peaceful rally at the capital.
One of the biggest criticisms I heard when I am talking about Life issues with Pro-choicers is that "we" pro-lifers do nothing besides rally against them. That we don't do anything for pregnant Women out there who need help. This argument always really bothers me because many of us are out there doing what we can for mothers who need the help and need options, support and encouragement about choosing Life. Here is just one tiny way you can help if you are interested.
The big bummer for us though, was that we missed the rally at the capital yesterday for Life. It was the anniversary of Roe Vs. Wade so many gathered in peaceful rally at the capital.
One of the biggest criticisms I heard when I am talking about Life issues with Pro-choicers is that "we" pro-lifers do nothing besides rally against them. That we don't do anything for pregnant Women out there who need help. This argument always really bothers me because many of us are out there doing what we can for mothers who need the help and need options, support and encouragement about choosing Life. Here is just one tiny way you can help if you are interested.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Why I hate Sanctity of Human life Sunday
We just read Russell Moores article about why he hates Sanctity of Human life Sunday, check it out!
Also, we will be marching at the Capital on Thursday (January 22-the Roe Vs. Wade anniversary) a bus will be leaving from Bethlehem Baptist Church at 11pm and I believe it will arrive back at the church around 1pm. Please join us! Let me know if you have any questions!
Also, we will be marching at the Capital on Thursday (January 22-the Roe Vs. Wade anniversary) a bus will be leaving from Bethlehem Baptist Church at 11pm and I believe it will arrive back at the church around 1pm. Please join us! Let me know if you have any questions!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller Giveaway at I Never Grew Up
Vanessa at I Never Grew Up is hosting such an incredible giveaway right now! She's giving away a Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller, which is an amazingly cool ride for two kiddos. While I don't yet have two, I'd love to win this for when I do! Check out her giveaway for the chance to win! Non-bloggers are eligible to enter.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Our pastor about the Economic downturn
As most of you know Kevin was laid off from his job a week ago Wednesday. Are we wondering about how the ends will meet? Of course. But we have been clinging to Matthew chapter 6 since we found out. We are reminded that there has NEVER been a time when we have not been provided for. Ever. Wow. Our pastor recently posted this video on his blog and it spoke to our hearts. I know lots of people out there are experiencing a job loss or pay downgrade etc, so be encouraged!
Monday, January 12, 2009
2009 Goals
Another year has begun and it has been a tough start for us already! God is surely working in our lives and we are growing through every challenge brought to us. A friend commented that He never gives us more than we can handle, but don't we wish he thought we could handle less sometimes. :-)
In 2009 we are challenging ourselves to:
-Memorize more scripture. Our church does a fighter verse each week and it is week two. Its amazing how helpful having scripture memorized can be! I have always been the person who, when a friend is talking about a challenge I say well you know that one verse....and then misquote it entirely or forget half of it! Its awful! So it is so past time that we make it a priority to memorize scripture. It has been encouraging to our family and I have had the opportunity to speak the word into others lives already!
This weeks verse is Isaiah 43:10
"Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I am with you, and the rivers, you shall not be overwhelmed, and when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned. The flames shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your Savior."
We are walking through those flames right now but can know with confidence that we will not be burned! And when we feel as though our heads are going under and it is all we can do to doggy paddle we can firmly say that we will not be overwhelmed. For we have the the Lord our God with us at all times.
-Clip more coupons. I am such a slacker at this but recently have started using them and what a difference. Wanting to be good stewards of the money we are given.
-Use our time more wisely. We are getting rid of cable and this will help so much! We are also called to be good stewards of our time and in this we fall short. We need to be in the word more often, having more family time, and fellowshipping with those around us.
-(This is just Kelsey) Being a woman of action. I often think that I should bring that new family in our neighborhood a wreath (a cinnamon bread thing my Moms always made and passed out to neighbors) but never do it. Or to bring a new Mom dinner, or a grieving friend some coffee. Mostly this comes down to money for us and I am praying that I will soon have enough funds to bless those around me in the way that I have been blessed. It is simple enough to send a card out when I am thinking of someone. I have a few friends who are so good at this (Amanda and Marie are two that come to mind) and I want to follow in their lead. I want to move from the desire and good intentions of doing these things to DOING them!
-Keep up on cleaning more. Our house is generally tidy. If you came to visit it probably would look pretty clean. This is because we can't stand clutter. But I need to get better at deep cleaning. I have already improved in the last few weeks! Whoohoo!
-Take a stand for life. If you read our previous post you would see how. I joined the sanctity of Life take force at our Church and want to help more at New Life family services in Minneapolis. Its so easy to say that you are Pro-Life but its the actions again that mean anything. What are we doing for young pregnant women? How are we showing that we don't support abortion? Are we on our knees praying that God will end this horrible act? Are we on our knees praying for these women?
I am mostly putting these out there for us to be reminded so way to go you if you read this far! Praying for a fruitful year!
In 2009 we are challenging ourselves to:
-Memorize more scripture. Our church does a fighter verse each week and it is week two. Its amazing how helpful having scripture memorized can be! I have always been the person who, when a friend is talking about a challenge I say well you know that one verse....and then misquote it entirely or forget half of it! Its awful! So it is so past time that we make it a priority to memorize scripture. It has been encouraging to our family and I have had the opportunity to speak the word into others lives already!
This weeks verse is Isaiah 43:10
"Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I am with you, and the rivers, you shall not be overwhelmed, and when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned. The flames shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your Savior."
We are walking through those flames right now but can know with confidence that we will not be burned! And when we feel as though our heads are going under and it is all we can do to doggy paddle we can firmly say that we will not be overwhelmed. For we have the the Lord our God with us at all times.
-Clip more coupons. I am such a slacker at this but recently have started using them and what a difference. Wanting to be good stewards of the money we are given.
-Use our time more wisely. We are getting rid of cable and this will help so much! We are also called to be good stewards of our time and in this we fall short. We need to be in the word more often, having more family time, and fellowshipping with those around us.
-(This is just Kelsey) Being a woman of action. I often think that I should bring that new family in our neighborhood a wreath (a cinnamon bread thing my Moms always made and passed out to neighbors) but never do it. Or to bring a new Mom dinner, or a grieving friend some coffee. Mostly this comes down to money for us and I am praying that I will soon have enough funds to bless those around me in the way that I have been blessed. It is simple enough to send a card out when I am thinking of someone. I have a few friends who are so good at this (Amanda and Marie are two that come to mind) and I want to follow in their lead. I want to move from the desire and good intentions of doing these things to DOING them!
-Keep up on cleaning more. Our house is generally tidy. If you came to visit it probably would look pretty clean. This is because we can't stand clutter. But I need to get better at deep cleaning. I have already improved in the last few weeks! Whoohoo!
-Take a stand for life. If you read our previous post you would see how. I joined the sanctity of Life take force at our Church and want to help more at New Life family services in Minneapolis. Its so easy to say that you are Pro-Life but its the actions again that mean anything. What are we doing for young pregnant women? How are we showing that we don't support abortion? Are we on our knees praying that God will end this horrible act? Are we on our knees praying for these women?
I am mostly putting these out there for us to be reminded so way to go you if you read this far! Praying for a fruitful year!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
40 days for Life
We are gearing up here for the 40 days of Life campaign. The campaign starts on February 25 and ends on April 5th. If you have never been involved in 40 days for Life (like myself) before here is an explanation of what goes on.
40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God's power through prayer, fasting, and a peaceful vigil to end abortion in America.
The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God's favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion in America.
1. Prayer is at the center of 40 days for Life. During the campaign, we are calling on prayer warriors across the nation to fall on their knees before the Lord, asking him to hear our plea and heal our land. Pray at church. Pray outside an abortion facility. Pray at work. Pray in the car. Pray at home with your family. Pray!
2.Fast. People of faith are also invited to fast throughout 40 days for Life. Christ said there are demons that can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. A fast is not a Christian diet; it is a powerful means of drawing closer to God by blocking out distraction.
Fast from certain foods. Fast from television. Fast from apathy and indifference. Fast from whatever it is that separates you from God.
3.The visible, public centerpiece of 40 Days for Life is a 40-day, round the clock prayer vigil outside a Planned Parenthood center or other abortion facility in your community. It is a peaceful and educational presence. Those who are called to stand witness during this 24-hour-a-day presence send a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion. It also serves as a call to repentance for those who work at the abortion center and those who patronize the facility.
What will we do?
If you live here in the twin cities we will be praying outside of Regions hospital on St. Paul. They not only preform abortions at the hospital but also have a special training program that trains surgeons how to preform them.
Our church will be taking April 3rd specifically and we will be there for 24 hours in prayer outside of the hospital. If you would like to join us we will likely have a shuttle leaving from the church and taking many trips back and forth. I have not yet decided on the hours that I will be there but I am sure that I will spend a good part of the day there. If it is warm out- which I sure hope it is on April 3rd we will likely pack up Sophia to join us as well. There are so many of us who are like minded about life but not many of us stand up and do something about it. I have felt tugging on my heart and conviction about this so now I am doing something, won't you join me?
I will be fasting for the first time in my life during some of the 40 days. Be it from food or computer etc.
Please join us in prayer during this time! "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God's power through prayer, fasting, and a peaceful vigil to end abortion in America.
The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God's favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion in America.
1. Prayer is at the center of 40 days for Life. During the campaign, we are calling on prayer warriors across the nation to fall on their knees before the Lord, asking him to hear our plea and heal our land. Pray at church. Pray outside an abortion facility. Pray at work. Pray in the car. Pray at home with your family. Pray!
2.Fast. People of faith are also invited to fast throughout 40 days for Life. Christ said there are demons that can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. A fast is not a Christian diet; it is a powerful means of drawing closer to God by blocking out distraction.
Fast from certain foods. Fast from television. Fast from apathy and indifference. Fast from whatever it is that separates you from God.
3.The visible, public centerpiece of 40 Days for Life is a 40-day, round the clock prayer vigil outside a Planned Parenthood center or other abortion facility in your community. It is a peaceful and educational presence. Those who are called to stand witness during this 24-hour-a-day presence send a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion. It also serves as a call to repentance for those who work at the abortion center and those who patronize the facility.
What will we do?
If you live here in the twin cities we will be praying outside of Regions hospital on St. Paul. They not only preform abortions at the hospital but also have a special training program that trains surgeons how to preform them.
Our church will be taking April 3rd specifically and we will be there for 24 hours in prayer outside of the hospital. If you would like to join us we will likely have a shuttle leaving from the church and taking many trips back and forth. I have not yet decided on the hours that I will be there but I am sure that I will spend a good part of the day there. If it is warm out- which I sure hope it is on April 3rd we will likely pack up Sophia to join us as well. There are so many of us who are like minded about life but not many of us stand up and do something about it. I have felt tugging on my heart and conviction about this so now I am doing something, won't you join me?
I will be fasting for the first time in my life during some of the 40 days. Be it from food or computer etc.
Please join us in prayer during this time! "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
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