Tuesday, December 28, 2010
These past few weeks living in our new home has been really nice. I love relaxing and not having too much responsibilities besides bills, cleaning, cooking, and laundry. The downside is that i'm feeling super lazy! I can hardly gather the energy to wash the dishes today. :) But don't worry they'll get done along with the laundry.
Last night I realized the need to soak up this time in my life because before we know it our baby boy will be here and there won't be enough time in the day to sit and relax!
On a side note the other day I was reading in one of my baby books about labor and delivery and i've decided that I have been blocking this part out. SO as I read and became more familiar with the delivery process I freaked out. Is there any way to bypass this step and jump straight to holding my baby? Wouldn't that be wonderful?
Darren and I ordered the nursery furniture yesterday and I'm one happy girl! I really love what we picked out and am excited about the price we're paying for everything. The mattress comes with the crib too! (What a deal!)
My husband has been home for a week now and I LOVE it. On top of that I really love him and the man that he is. I'm dreading the month he has to be away but we have some time before he has to go. It just stinks that he has to leave again but he'll come home shortly before the baby is due. I am praying hard that our son decides to wait until his dad can be there! I know God will provide no matter what happens.
Lately i've wanted to press the pause button and soak up the sweet moments Darren and I have shared. We both agree this 'honeymoon phase' has been wonderful! I think it's great how God blessed me with Darren to walk through life with. I can't believe how much our marriage has changed for the better. Before I fell asleep last night I was thinking about our relationship and how much we've been through together already in the four years we've known each other. I was thinking about how happy he makes me and how much i appreciate the husband he is.
Last night we went out for a nice dinner date and then to best buy to spend Darren's gift card money. It was fun to help him pick out a new ipod. He picked out the new ipod touch and i'm only a little jealous :). We had fun talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company.
He is an incredible guy and very protective of his wife and son. We were taking the trash out and there was a ton of ice and he made me stop and took the trash I had so i wouldn't walk over the ice. It's the little things like this that cause a wife's heart to swell with pride over her man.
Throughout this pregnancy he has been a huge blessing. He is excited and into this pregnancy and frequently asks how i'm doing or how the baby is doing that day. He'll put his hand on my belly randomly or say the funniest things to the baby. I am able to enjoy our son with him and that is fun to share! We're both looking forward to the change in our lives and knowing that Darren is on board this ship with me is a blessing.
I am loving the extra time we've been able to spend together but am being spoiled at the same time! I'm soon going to have to accept the balance of him going back to work with normal hours and our time together being cut down. I still believe we'll find time to enjoy each other and that the time we do spend with each other will be special. If the navy has given me one thing its been a sense of appreciation for time with him..and to not take it for granted.
I think it's time to do those dishes now! Have a wonderful day :)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
I was dreaming of a white Christmas like back home..but am afraid this area doesn't get too much snow. They are calling for a snow shower tonight though?! I hope so! It is a very strange thing to me not having any snow on Christmas. Snow goes hand in hand with Christmas, right? :)
Four Christmas' ago (2007) Darren took me hiking in Arizona and when we reached the top he pulled me aside and asked me to be his bride. Christmas is even more special because of that and I will never forget feeling on top of the world and dreaming of our future together. We are much more in love since that day and i'm blessed to call Darren my husband.
So i've started to collect the Willow Tree statues. I only have a few but this Christmas I was given TWO more! Thanks to my mother and mother in law. They are really simple statues but they say so much in how sweet they are. I had the first one of the couple but was given the pregnant one and family one for Christmas. I love them!
Darren came home and woke the little guy and I up. Well i was awake writing in my journal so he actually just woke up the baby. It was fun to talk about how this is our last Christmas just together for a long time. I can't wait for our son to be a part of Christmas with us and to teach him why we celebrate Christmas and start new traditions with him. He is going to change our family for the better and i'm really thankful for that. Well my husband is stirring and I'm going to talk him into playing a game :) maybe..
December 25, 2010
A Christmas Masterpiece
by Charles R. Swindoll
Before time began, God had in His mind's eye a masterpiece—a beautiful picture of grace that His beloved Son, the second person of the Trinity, would illustrate with His life.
Even before the breathtaking splendor of creation, God sketched out His plan for His perfect fellowship with humanity. But not long after He had splashed color on the landscape, the deep, dark shadows of man's rebellious choice to live independently of His grace obscured the beauty of God's work. Coal black, pitch darkness enveloped the scene, and all creation hung in suspense of what God would do.
How could God redeem His masterpiece? What could rescue us, the pitiful portraits in whom breathed God's breath?
Then, with a heart weeping for His people, God dipped His brush in Calvary's scarlet ink, wrote His message on a rough wooden banner, and pinned it against an empty sky for all the world to read. Bold, crimson words: "I love you."
This is the message of Christmas: Because He loves us, God has come to redeem us—to bring life and color back to our lives, to expel the darkness of our hearts and from our world.
On a rescue mission designed by His Father before time began, Jesus silently slipped into our world, breathed our air, felt our pain, became acquainted with our sorrows, suffered and died for our sins . . . to show us the way out of our darkness and into His glorious light.
This Christmas, may you know the warmth of the Savior's love spreading over you as you never have before. May the beauty of the season remind you of His intense concern for every detail of your life and His great, sacrificial love for you.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Insight for Living.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
It's neat to realize how much God has reconstructed my heart while Darren was gone. I'm not claiming to have a perfect flawless marriage because we're two sinful beings but it is awesome to be able to say there is much love in our marriage right now. I truly believe when God is at the center of the hearts of a wife and husband he will bless that relationship greatly. That doesn't mean arguments won't come or tough times won't be there..but he'll give you the grace and strength to walk through those moments together in a way that glorifies Him.
Darren has been an incredible husband and best friend. This past week I have cherished introducing him to this pregnancy and his son. It's fun when he places his hand on my belly and talks to our little guy. He is going to be a great dad and i know our little man will adore him.
I was praying last night and asking God what makes our marriage so different at this point then a year ago? Because i'm crazy about this man and find myself walking down a really great road with Darren. While I was spilling my heart out to God I realized that loving Darren the way God loves me is the key. I respect my husband because he's a man of God and is worthy of my respect. This world is a mess and I desire my husband to have a safe place in me...he needs that. That's what's changed..my attitude and view of Darren. A year ago i'm not sure that I respected him or put him before me. I was always asking what can he do for me and after I did something for him I was expecting a favor back. I'm a selfish young woman unfortunately and for the rest of my life i'll be fighting to put Darren first ahead of me. I have been blessed with a really great husband who loves me and makes life more full.
The first few years of our marriage haven't been easy but i'm thankful that we're standing on solid ground (Christ) today and very much in love. I have to thank God for bringing us into to navy and using that as a tool to rebuild our marriage and make us stronger. We've been really blessed.
Alright well I am going to finish some laundry and hang up the ornaments i found yesterday! I hope that you are having a great day. I'll probably be back tomorrow to share with you about this awesome year and my excitement over Christmas!
Laura
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Was that a dream?
So it wasn't a dream and i'm thankful that Darren is home.
It's been fun to watch him adjust back into civilization. When you spend half a year on a ship you lose touch with driving, the real world, foods, etc. But he's doing very well now.
I've really enjoyed catching up with him and we've found ourselves laughing a lot which has been great.
I'd love to recap what happened yesterday :)
The night before I couldn't fall asleep..it was terrible! So I prayed and prayed talking to God about everything under the sun and when I finally did fall asleep I woke back up to a clock that said 4 am! The bad part was those few hours of sleep seemed to be enough at the time because my mind went right back to 'i can't believe he's coming home!'. So..i stayed up and when the clock hit 6 I jumped out of bed and started getting ready.
When I went to the pier I saw a handful of huge carriers and I started crying. Everyone waited in the bitter cold for what seemed like forever. As the sailors made their way off the ship it was really neat to watch husbands and wives reunite and little children see their mom or dad. I was once again crying! I don't think I can explain the height of emotions everyone feels after long deployments..it was special though.
I almost grabbed the wrong guy..twice :). I decided that to stand in one place until he found me would be better. Even though it felt like forever eventually I turned and saw my darren walking towards me with a huge grin on his face. I can't even tell you how sweet that moment was. With a little belly in the way it made an even better reunion! He was so funny about how much my belly has grown but it was awesome to see his reactions to feeling his first kicks yesterday and when he'd move around.
We went on a date yesterday and to a few stores to look for a kitchen table because we're going to have a few people over for Christmas dinner and not having a table wouldn't be good! I dragged Darren to the baby section and although he willingly went he wasn't as enthusiastic as I am about baby things ha.
We had a lot of fun yesterday and it felt like a second honeymoon! We soaked each other up the entire day just getting back to Darren and Laura. I love that he's been my best friend this year, and even though we had to be apart it didn't change, God has blessed us so much.
Today my sweet man agreed to come to the doctor with me! Can you believe that? That meant a lot and i'm looking forward to going with him. Wish us luck as we venture back into the military healthcare system! It's confusing and weird but we're blessed to be provided for in this area.
I'm going to go make my list for groceries this week. I finally have mr. muscles here to help me carry things up the stairs :). I hope you are having a great week so far! Thanks for letting me share with you today.
Laura
here are a few pictures from yesterday...
Sunday, December 19, 2010
He is one wonderful baby though and the poor thing gets the hiccups all the time now.
His room is not ready but Darren said he wanted to help me with that and i'm really looking forward to sharing that together.
I still love our new home and am adjusting well to the area. It's been nice to make a few friends as well!
Well it is finally dark and that means soon it will be time for bed which means it will be the morning soon!! I hope you have a wonderful night :)
Friday, December 3, 2010
I made it safely to my new home and have so much to tell you!
Where to start though? Saying goodbye to my family was hard and I miss them already. My in-laws drove with me to Virginia and it turned out to be a two day trip. We went through a little snow in west Virginia but otherwise it was a smooth drive. I probably ate too much and am in need of a good workout but am lacking the motivation!
Monday we moved into the apartment and i'm crazy about my new home! It's very cozy and I feel at home. I'm excited that our tiny family will call this home. We're close to a lot of stores and restaurants and i'm happy that we won't have to drive far but along with closeness comes traffic! Thankfully we were introduced to that while in Maryland.
My favorite room is the kitchen. There is a big pantry, green granite counter tops, nice desk in the kitchen, and plenty of counter space for baking/cooking.
The apartment is unpacked and we were able to get a nice sized Christmas tree too! All in the first week. :) I probably did too much but am thankful to have our place set up.
It was really neat how God allowed things to happen that were answers to prayer. Like where to store our Washer/Dryer, where the futon would go, how to get rid of some extra furniture, and what to do about our crippled kitchen table. Everything turned out perfectly!
I did go to a doctor's appointment at my new family doctor and he has put a referral in for an obgyn so please pray that there is an opening and this next week i'll be able to figure out where i'm going. The military health care system is crazy and sometimes it feels like you're going in a circle but hopefully things will fall into place.
My baby boy has been wonderful. He is moving around and according to the doctor his head is down and he's moving along getting ready to enter the world in a few months. I can't wait to see my husband and have him home. :)
I went to a new church today and enjoyed my time there. It was nice to meet a few people and be invited to a Christmas party too! I am not a big fan of looking for a new church but in order to find a church family you sort of have to step out of your comfort zone.
This week I don't have a lot going on but am looking forward to baking and to finish decorating.
Tonight i'm going to watch a couple Christmas movies and enjoy not having too much to do.
I miss you all and wish there weren't so many miles between us.
Here are a few maternity pictures my sister Melissa took :)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Here I am almost 7 months pregnant, about to move and unpack a home, my husband is out to sea, and as the responsibility piles on...I haven't shut down. It's because God has not forgotten me. I am blessed to serve a God that cares about the details and who hasn't said, 'well good luck laura! see ya on the other side!'. No, He has taken me through every new situation and allowed me to walk through in a way that surprises me. His patience and grace towards me is unreal! I have a friend in God and it's a blast to spend each day with him. OKAY fine...it's not always a blast because he is stretching, molding, breaking, and building me and that's not always fun but He cares for me.
I have been reading the gospels john and mark. It is always interesting to go through the life of Jesus and learn more about him. I don't know when but as soon as I'm finished digging apart these books I know that i'll have a few great things to share with you! I'm in the stage of complete confusion about a few things that i've read and it's a great place to be actually. As crazy as it sounds, I love being confused about something I read because for one God encouraged me to dig deeper and go to other sources, i'm about to learn something new about Jesus and his character that in the end will draw me closer to Him and be more in love with Him. Does that make sense?
In a short amount of time I'll be packing up the car and saying goodbye to my family. This tears me apart beyond any words can portrait. I don't want to leave especially because of my mom. She is my best friend and I love her so much. I have learned a lot from her since moving back home and have come to appreciate who she is. We have fun together and i'm going to miss seeing her everyday. I am choked up even thinking about hugging her goodbye! I learned about my mom over the last 5+ months and am grateful for the mother she is. I cherish our conversations and the way she has been honest with me. We've gone to stores, had our weekly trip to the grocery store, worked on projects together, shared in many conversations, taken a few trips together, and enjoyed each other. It's wonderful to love my mother so much that leaving is this hard! I'm thankful for that.
I was searching for a quick verse filled with comfort during this transition time so i could say it over and over when i'm sad. There are many to choose from but I read this one and knew it would be perfect.
Psalm 139:1-6 (NIV)
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
The sweetest thing about this verse is the reminder that God knows me. How he will provide in ways He knows I need. God always knows what the best for me is. So when the 'what if's' seem dark (what if Darren can't be here for our son's birth, what if Darren has to be gone again, what if I don't find a church, what if I don't make friends?) I remember they aren't from God. I know satan wants a foothold, but he doesn't have control over me, and as quickly as the what ifs come...I can seek God and lay all worries at His feet. He is going to provide because He loves me. And no matter what happens, it will be for the best if i'm trusting God. Maybe not the way I'd like things to turn out, but I trust God.
I haven't figured everything out and realize that as situations arise it will be difficult to face them but I am comforted by God's word and His presence.
I have been daydreaming about Darren's arrival and seeing him for the first time. I can't tell you how excited I am (even thinking about it makes me so happy!) to hug him and give him a kiss. To be in his arms and feel him close to me..
We are rewarded for time apart with these wonderful reunions!
I think it will be fun to hug him and have a bump in the way! But you know what I know will happen?? We're going to smile A LOT at each other because it will be unreal to be in the same room, the same car, etc! I can't wait. :) I'm totally going to be a creeper and stare at him that first night because i know i'll not be able to sleep. It will be like a little kid the night before christmas. Haha okay i will not do that but I'm telling you, it's going to be awesome to see him!
I love who my husband is and how God created him in a way that fits me perfectly.
Well it's getting late and I should be going to bed! I hope that everyone is having a great weekend, thanks again for reading and sharing in this journey with me! It is always fun to sit down and write what God's doing in my life.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Darren's family! I love my second family and enjoy all the time spent with them. We're spread out across the country but it's nice that we're able to stay close through phone calls, email, and short visits.
My baby boy! Oh my goodness do I adore this little guy already. We are bonding more and more and i'm daydreaming about what life will be like when he arrives. I have a feeling life will never be the same. I can't even believe that he's going to be here soon! I'm thankful to be almost 7 months pregnant and feel this great!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Sitting in church the thought came that God is going to meet me in Virginia. He will provide a church family that as I become involved and grow new relationship will walk with me through this new time in my life as a young mother. He will place people in my life that desperatly need His love and i'm excited to reach out and share the love God shares with me. God is definitely doing wonderful things at Calvary but that same God is working in lives of others and He seems to want Darren and I to be in Virginia for this time in our life.
He blessed me with a lot and i'm really able to look back on this time with a smile and say God is sovereign. I will finish my apron, start/finish my cross-stitch, go for a few walks, read my Bible, and enjoy a few more quiet days.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I am very very excited to see Darren put together the crib. I think it's one of those sweet moments I have pictured and look forward to giggling in the doorway and watching him piece together the instructions and whip out his 'tool box' which is actually the wimpy-est tool kit I have ever seen. Someone please get the man some 'manly tools'! haha I will take a picture of our hammer and post it for us to laugh about. We are not a DIY kind of couple and we're perfectly okay with that! We will venture into new projects when we have a place of our own but between apartment living and moving we haven't had a chance to fix up a home.
I'm going to be given a choice daily over the next few months. Will you choose an attitude that reflects Christ or sit with your arms folded and refuse to let God be glorified?
We need to remember the ways we're blessed when our circumstances seem unfriendly...it's how we're going to walk through life honoring God.
Life was sweet when I was a child. I had a great childhood and loved my two brothers and two sisters. We had so much fun together and as we each have different personalities we come together and make a pretty entertaining bunch. Our parents loved us and always did what was best for us. We went to a great church where 'God' sang as the choir director. (at least I thought Mr. Douglass was God, I'm still given a hard time about that!) When we moved and went to a new church I had a great time there too! I played soccer for 13 years and LOVED it. I wasn't the best on the field but enjoyed practices and the games and friends. I loved going to awana and saying my bible verses and getting candy! I played..oh did we ever use our imaginations! From cutting out 'paper dolls' people, furniture, etc from magazines, running around outside climbing trees, Polly pockets, barbies, throwing the ball around, our swing set, sledding, riding bikes, playing waitress with Melissa, having tea parties...I had fun. I was a blessed little girl. We didn't have a lot of money but we were well provided for. It hasn't ever taken a lot to make me happy.
So when I met my husband as a senior in high school, It didn't take much to make me love him. He loved God, sports, and was really happy. I knew right away that he was the guy that I wanted to spend my entire life with. He was the guy that I prayed for under the stars, and wrote all those letters to. That was what I knew then but it's incredible the way I see him now.
He still makes me incredible happy, and it doesn't take a lot on his part. If he smiles at me from across the room, sits and talks to me while I'm cooking dinner, grabs my hand as we're walking, kisses my forehead. But what makes me the happiest is when we're able to talk about God because I know that He is giving me something special. He isn't a man of many words and it takes effort, but when he shares his heart, He is trusting me and letting me see the Darren that only God has seen. That is one of the things i've experience in life that has made me feel special.
We're getting ready to be parents together. Can you even prepare yourselves for this adventure? I don't think so! No matter what books you're reading, or people you're talking to. It's something you learn as you go trusting God and each other...but the important part is being together. I've seen that in my parents and pull that out as one of the many things they did right as parents. They stood alongside of each other and honored the other one.
I thank God for my fun to love Husband. God made us for one another....and I'm so happy that he did!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
These pictures were taken by a friend on Sunday and I'm crazy about them. It was such a cute idea! I haven't posted bare belly photos because well I'm reserved but these are too sweet not to.
Friday, November 12, 2010
My first pregnancy meltdown
I am having the weirdest first pregnancy meltdown though! Is it okay if I share with you? I've loved being pregnant and have felt incredible! Normally I'm feeling joyful and ready to welcome this baby into the world. However, today that is not the case! I am emotional.
I actually googled 'why do pregnant woman feel emotional'....oh yes i did. There is list of medical responses as well as practical to why a pregnant woman would feel bad every now and then. I already know that my body is going through change and that my hormones are wacky but it seemed wrong to feel this way.
So I went to God and was reminded of this verse:
Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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."
I LOVE this verse because it describes my Lord...He is actually explaining how he is inside. Gentle and humble..that is comforting.
It's incredibly to go before God and breakdown while confessing fears and discomfort.
Today I was on my feet all day and my back is killing me, something i've dealt with but this is really uncomfortable! I am not feeling very attractive which stinks and haven't been able to work out as much as I'd like. I'm STARVING all the time and have to fight cravings all the time. I am still working on wrapping up things with our move and new home. I am getting ready to say goodbye to family and friends which is really hard! Darren is unsure whether he'll be around for the birth of this baby, and I'm not sure where to have the baby. There are a list of things demanding my attention and i'm tired! I was writing out the list of food i'll need when I go grocery shopping while trying to figure out how to decorate the nursery. BREATHE! :) It's adding up, see?
My husband is gone..completely clueless to what's building up inside me because this is when i need him to hold me and tell me it's going to be fine but he's not here. Right now there's not much he can do since he's pretty busy.
This was dragging me down all day and I felt terrible for letting worrying steal the peace and joy that's become constant. It was really nice to go before God and share all this and be reminded of who he is and find comfort in that. I'm not perfect and am learning a lot these days! I'm thankful for how patient Christ is with me and how he's willing to meet me where i'm at and walk me out of darkness.
:) I am feeling MUCH better this evening. About the time I finished praying my baby boy starting wiggling and shifting around. I sure do love him! I can't imagine how much my life will change when he comes but i'm truly excited to meet him. I loved watching my belly bouncing and being kicked tonight and am treasuring our time together.
Tomorrow we're going to be baking and preparing food for my baby shower on Sunday! I'm looking forward to spending time with church friends and family. These ladies each have been an encouragement to my walk with God and i've loved that they're walking with me through this pregnancy now. Well I should wrap this up because sleep sounds pretty good about now! Thank you for walking with me through life and letting me share how God is working in my heart!
Laura
Thursday, November 11, 2010
My sister shot a ton of maternity pictures at the beach today. I snuck one in from my phone though. They turned out really great from what she showed me on her camera! We're going to do studio pictures either tomorrow or Saturday and that will be neat. It was fun to be creative and capture moments of this pregnancy.
I am beyond tired tonight. There are some days that it hits me suddenly and not only does my body shut down but my brain as well! It's wonderful that at the time being there isn't a lot of responsibility put on me. At least during the nights when this happens :). We're officially welcoming back heartburn to this pregnancy. It's here once again :/ I haven't been a griping pregnant woman because honestly this pregnancy has been incredible and I've felt wonderful. The heartburn is a part of pregnancy that I can tolerate easily, but it's been gone for so many weeks which was really nice. I guess it's time to say goodbye to orange juice again.
Today my sister and I went to the outlet mall for my first shopping trip for my baby boy. Oh how dangerous caters, gymboree, the childrens place are! it's terrible....I see these cute things and think my boy NEEDS this or that. haha I did really well today and stuck to a tight budget and shopped clearance racks and talked myself in and out of clothing selections. I haven't bought anything for him yet so today was the first time i let myself.
In my free time I've been thinking about how to decorate his nursery and at this point i've narrowed it down to either sports or sailboats. It's not easy for me because i'm not a visual designer. I'm more of the type to see something already done and say, 'yes! I love that!'. We'll figure something out though and i'm sure it will be cute.
I miss Darren so much today. A friend asked me last night how I was doing emotionally and it threw me off. After Darren left life had to go on and I had to figure out how to function normally without crying or feeling sorry for myself. I haven't cried a lot at all during this deployment because God has provided the strength to walk this road. There is joy and hope when my eyes are glued to Christ. I do have hard days though. When they come I spray his sweatshirt, look at a picture of him, and pray that God would let me crawl into his lap for awhile.
I will never stop missing his smile, kiss, laugh, comfort, and friendship. It's hard to let him leave for this long and trust God's plan.
Today is veterans day and for the first time in all my life I'm thinking of the veteran's families. The other half that goes unnoticed and sometimes not appreciated. Maybe because I'm there right now and it brings comfort to know so many have walked this road. My heart goes out to the wives who kissed their husband goodbye and He never did come home, or the children who said goodbye to mom or dad for months and made sacrifices. Also for the wives/mothers who held down the fort at home and supported their husband and took the role of everything...Thank you!
Happy veterans day!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
My nephew logan and I :) had to slip that one in
Most creative? 'LaDarren' haha
24 weeks! Where is the time going? I am treasuring this pregnancy everyday.
3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (New King James Version)
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Timothy 4:12 (New International Version)
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Proverbs 31:26 (New King James Version)
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
If my son observes these qualities of faith in me, he will be blessed! He will be a sponge as he observes my attitude, reaction to different situations, my actions, faith, and my relationships. As i think of this side of motherhood and it's significance I ask God, 'And all this on top of taking care of his physical needs?' haha and God responds with a 'yes!'. This baby has made me look closely at my relationship with God and how I live my life as a christian. There is no riding the fence between God and the world as I raise him. It's either one or the other and whichever road I take will ultimately effect this boy. I am raising this boy to be a man of God. That is why God entrusted him to me. He will sin and fall short just as we all do, but it's my prayer that he recognizes all that God is offering him through acceptance of His son Jesus. Forgiveness of sin, Grace to walk with him, the gift of spending an eternity in Heaven with him, and so much more.
A prayer for myself is that God would provide the strength to live in such a way that I have an unmovable faith.
Friday, November 5, 2010
My mom and I spent the day together going grocery shopping, buying my baby shower gift (that was strange to be with her and see what the gift was), looking through cookie recipes, and having coffee and biscotti. We had a good day :) She told me that I'm not allowed to move away and that made me feel bad because it's been nice to spend time with my mom everyday. Goodbyes are not easy!
Today we went to 'babies r us' and parked in the, 'expectant moms' space. We had a nice laugh about it and I loved the special treatment.
While we were in the store we came across this walker jeep! (My husband is constantly talking about wanting a jeep.) Well with our baby coming the jeep seems to be out of the questions so i tagged him in a picture on facebook letting him know this is the closest he will get to owning a jeep. How cute is this thing though? It's dangerous being a parent because there is way too many cute clothes, toys, and accessories for babies!
Today my baby boy was given his first colts attire. It was a colts hat and I can't wait to see him wearing it!
Tomorrow will be the first baby shower and it's going to be great to see family and celebrate this baby! I can't wait to see what He gets but am warning all of you that I'll be wanting this baby to be here all the sooner! I am treasuring this pregnancy and have been feeling wonderful.
I came across this verse in 1 Samuel 1:27 (NIV)
27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I ask of him.
This verse comes from the story of samuel's mother Hannah and how she prayed for a son and God blessed her with one. Of course there is a lot more to the story but when i read that verse it reminded me of similar conversations I've had with God in thanks for my son.
I have never desired to be in a career and I hope that you understand it has nothing to do with being lazy! I've always wanted to be a wife and mother. These dreams are engraved deep into my heart by Christ and it's part of what makes me who I am. I love that my husband is the leader of our home and my spiritual leader. It's been a blessing to have him as my best friend. I want to be available for him and fulfill my role as his 'help-mate'. It's not always easy to respect and love your husband because we're human and have flaws but I sure do love that guy! It's amazing to grow closer through the years and see God working in our hearts and using us to glorify Himself.
I had always dreamed of being a mother. I can't explain how thankful I have been towards Darren that he wants me to stay home with our son. To be able to raise this baby and be around for him is important to me. It's a tough job and takes endless patience and love! It's going to be overwhelming to become a parent because although I know some things, I don't know everything. I'm happy to have Darren at my side as we learn together. I may make some mistakes but will learn and figure things out.
Well I'm going to enjoy the rest of this night by the fire :). Hope things are going great for you!