Thankful

 My Thanksgiving festivities began this past Thursday at my ladies Bible study where we celebrated with a  huge turkey feast. We shared praises and how God has been working in our lives. I was just overwhelmed with a Spirit of Thankfulness for God's Faithfulness. Then to top it off, when I picked up Sam from the nursery  I saw that he had "made" his first craft at church! With his little yellow hand print on top of the die-cuts and Psalm 106:1.

That day I started a new tradition that I hope will continue throughout the years.  I put out a big dry erase board and markers out with the idea that everytime we thought of something we were thankful for we would add writing or pictures to the board. I can just envision  that board being filled up that day with scribbles of a toddler, Kindergarten level drawings of people that look more like spiders, and words spelled out so creatively! But of course, this year it was only Brodie and I adding to it, but we filled up our Thanksgiving board quick! We have so much to be grateful for!

Thinking about this past year, there are two major prayers which we prayed often and God was so good to answer.

1. For a healthy pregnancy, birth, and baby. As you can see by looking at past blogs, God answered this one above and beyond everything we could ask for!

2. For a church home and friends in Fort Worth. After being discouraged so many Sundays by visiting churches and feeling like we'd never fit in to Fort Worth, God finally gave us a church to call home. We love Christ Chapel Bible Church so so much and it has provided many new friends for us too. We are so thankful that God answered this one very specifically.

Our Anniversary Adventure

I just want to brag on my sweet husband and the creativity he had in celebrating our anniversary despite his very engineer-y mind :) (Oh..engineers...how I've grown to love you!)

He created a "choose your own adventure" day for me. You know those books you read as a kid where if you chose to go into the scary cave you havd to go to page such and such to see what would happen but if you chose instead to go for a swim then you'd turn to a different page. Different fates awaited you depending on what you chose.

So for my adventure I has a series of clues throughout the day and whichever I chose would determine the activities for the day. But I had to choose based on clues written on notecards, and sometimes I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into! Like the card that said, "let's get on unhealthy healthy snack" (which turned out to be the yummy mexican corn from Fiesta with all the sourcream and butter galore) or the card that said "let's fulfill a drawing of an artist now a second grader." (which meant a picture one of my kinder students 2 years ago drew of us eating mint chocolate chip ice cream. Some cards were a little more obvious, like the one that said "your husband telling you nenu nenu prame stunane makes you crave what kind of food?" (which means 'I love you' in Telgu-from India- so we would go to an Indian resturant if I chose this card). It was a super fun day and was sweet celebrating our first year of marriage.

I special thanks to Grandmother who babysat for us that day and brought us paper products as a traditional gift for a first anniversary. Special thanks to Mimi who saved our wedding cake topper for a whole year so we could smoosh it in each others faces! And thank you to technology so we could watch the video from our wedding that evening and relive those special memories!






We have a Baby a Cousin!

About 3 months after I announced my pregnancy with S, I got a phone call from my little sister Becky telling me that "Booger" (S's nickname) was going to have a cousin. I had joy in the fact that God had brought forth a new life into the world and that I would get to experience pregnancy side by side with my sister. But I also had a lot of worries about how they would financially support the baby and I had just met this Brandon guy and wasn't quite sure about him yet. But over the past 9 months I have seen both Becky and Brandon really step up into their new roles as parents. Really supporting each other and showing so much love, care , and excitement for their unborn baby as he grew bigger and bigger. Brandon works countless hours upon hours to make ends meet, taking responsibility for his new family.  Becky went through a pretty rough pregnancy with lots of morning sickness, scares of placenta bleeding, puffy hands and feet, and an itchy rash. But she did a great job hanging in there through it all and making it 39 loooog weeks. They both have done such a great job preparing for the arrival for their precious little one.

And now Declan Zane is here. He was born October 24 at 7:34pm. He weighed 8 lbs even and 19.5 inches. He is a pretty chubby baby already! I know his Mommy and Daddy already just love him so so much.

I like how the meaning of his name fits together. Declan means "full of goodness" (Celtic) Zane means "God is gracious." He can be "full of goodness" because "God is gracious." I pray that Declan's name come to life throughout all of his days. That through God's grace, he becomes full of goodness.

I am excited to see our two boys as they grow up together,being so close in age. Two little boys running around, wrasslin, pickin each others nose...being boys! Being from a family of 3 girls I never experienced such things, so it will be fun (and I know trying at times) to have energetic little boys around.

Aunt Bri, Uncle Brodie, and Cousin S are happy to welcome "Little D" into the world.

Happy BIRTH-day Declan!!!

He will Never Leave Me

On October 16, Brodie and I will celebrate our first wedding anniversary. This past year I have enjoyed so many aspects of marriage, like the free back massages, the late-night heart to hearts, learning about each others little quirks, laughing together at our bodily functions, etc, etc. But there is one thing that I think is my favorite part of marriage, and that is the sense of security I have. I know Brodie and I are in it till "death do us part" no matter what. The SECURITY, the COMMITMENT, the FAITHFULNESS is my favorite part of this thing called Marriage.

When we were dating, there were times I had a bit of a fear that Brodie would break up with me. I would be scared to let find out about weird habits or annoying quirks I had. I didn't want to tell him about things in my past for fear that he would like me less. He told me later that he had those same fears, those same tendancies. When I would tell him we needed to "have a talk," he would always, think, "oh, no, this is it, she's breaking up with me." When we were dating, there was no commitment. We were both free to leave each other whenever we wanted.

But now, as a marrid couple, we are STUCK! Stuck in a good way! God has united us in the covenant of marriage, and has super-glued us together if you will. It is a beautiful thing, being stuck with God's super glue to the one you love. I am free to be my weird self around Brodie without fear he will leave me!

What is even more beautiful is that this commitment between husband and wife is just a small picture of the UnBreAKaBle commitment God has with His people. For those who have entered into a covenant relationship with the living God by calling on Jesus for Salvation, He is ever faithful. He will not leave us no matter how much we think He won't like us. We don't have to live in fear that something we do will make God leave us or forsake us. In fact, He promised us the opposite, that he would NEVER leave us or forsake us. What a good God to help us see such a commitment in a tangible way in our daily lives through our marriages. But with God, there is no "till death do we part." With God, it's more like, "at death do we START!" Our face to face relationship with Jesus starts at death and last forever!


And now enjoy a fun memory of Brodie and I celebrating on the day we entered into the marriage covenent. Only one short year ago.

My Mommy Library

On my bookshelf, there is now a section I like to call, "My Mommy Library." Here's what I got on the shelf and my mini reviews. Maybe it will be helpful to you Mommas or future Mommas out there:


Baby Boot Camp by Rebeca Powell

My favorite book during the first 6 weeks. She writes 6 weeks worth of short, inspiring devotionals to get Mommy's through those rough weeks. The Scripture she uses and the way she applies it to life with a newborn really helped me to see God is my everyday life. It helped my mind to focus on Jesus those weeks when everything else seemed so cloudy around me. Strongly recommended for all new moms!






Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam

This has served me as a great baseline for how to start my baby on a schedule while still using me brain and it is helpful on some of the mechanics of breastfeeding. I love the Christian ideals in it, of how the marriage should be most important thing in the home and the baby comes second to your spouse. Teaching your baby they are NOT the center of the universe. They are a bit too strong on the "cry it out" philisophy. Overall though, it was a great book!





Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth

This book, recomended to me by our pediatrician helped so oh so much with getting S to sleep through the night! Understanding the need for an early bedtime, a regular naptime schedule, and deep uninteruppted sleep really enouraged me to get Sam going good on his sleep. Following the advice in this book, Sam now sleeps 10-12 hours a night now (waking only to eat 1-2 times) and consistently takes 3 naps a day, and is such a happy baby when awake. And I am one well rested Mama!




The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by the La Leche League

This one had great advice on the mechanics of breastfeeding and answering in detail any and all problems you can think of about breastfeeding. Reading their section on childbirth helped me to understand all the benefits of a natural childbirth. Their philosophy about child rearing is one I don't particular care for-the "Attachment Parenting" theory. The idea that the baby needs to always be in a sling, needs to sleep with you, needs to be offered breastfeeding everytime it cries, and will feel like you don't love him if left to cry for a little bit. So though I don't agree with it all, there are lots of good things you can filter out!




What to Expect the First Year

The most opened book of all! Information about anything and everything! It's like Google, in book form!











Fit Mama Postnatal Workout with Leisa Hart

This is my fav workout DVD right now, though I need to do it more often! The workouts are fun, short, and I really feel a burn and get out of breath at times. And there is a bonus workout called "Fit Mama and Me" where Sam and I can work out together! It is great!







The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent


One of the authors of this book came to our church and Fathers day and spoke about the importance of blessing your children. The book is very encouraging and gives ways that children in the Bible were given the blessing and how we can practically bless our children today. I think the book is a little overwritten, but overall it has great ideas.







Bringing up Boys by James Dobson

I haven't gotten too far in this one yet, but I'm hoping it will help me figure out the strange world of boys and raise up a man of God.











The Duggars, 20 and Counting! by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Previously mentioned in a blog, this book by my favorite famous family is very encouraging. It gives practical advice for raising children in a a loving environment with Jesus as the center. I love the section on raising little ones.

Homeade Stuff inspired by the Duggars

Brodie and I started watching the Duggars on netflix and got hooked. Then I found their book at Half-Price Books and we read it and were inspired by their lives. I have gotten to where I can name almost all 19 of their children AND I keep up with their lives on their website too! Though I may not agree with everything they believe ( I choose to wear things other then long skirts and I love dancing) I am encouraged by their faith in God, their unwavering convictions, and the light the bring to so many people.

In their book, there are some budget-friendly recipies that Brodie and I have recently decided to try out. One is homeade wet-wipes and the other homeade laundry soap. The wet wipes work great. Haven't tried out the laundry soap yet, but will let you know! The recipies follow:

Homeade Baby Wipes
Ingredients

Round plastic container (old ice cream bucket works fine)

Thick, strong roll of white paper towels (Bounty is best)

Sharp knife to cut paper towel roll in half

2 cups water

2 Tablespoons baby shampoo or baby wash

1 Tablespoon baby oil

Directions

1. Cut the roll of paper towels in half with a knife and remove the inner cardboard core.
2. Mix liquid ingredients in container.
3. Place the paper towels in the container with the cut side facing downward.
4. Secure lid tightly and allow to sit until all liquid is absorbed into the paper towels.
5. Turn the container upside-down and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
6. Open container and 'start' the roll by pulling a towel from the inside of the roll.
7. Wipes are now ready to use.

Homeade Liquid Laundry Soap

Ingredients (can all be found on the laundry soap aisle at Wal-Mart)
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

Directions
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
Our Laundry Soap was put in this giant Lowes bucket, after the babyl was taken out of course :)

One Proud Mama

Something momentous occured recently. Sl has shown us his first BIG smiles. Not those little half grins of a newborn caused by gas, but those big smiles that fill up his face as if he is saying "I love you! I hear your voice! I know you! " It is enough to make a mommy melt!

You know you are a Mommy when, every little new thing he does makes you so proud! Oh look, he turned his head! Oh my goodness, he rotated 90 degrees in his crib. Aww...he is cooing!! I love it! I love seeing him grow. It amazes me how I don't notice him growing day to day, but as I look back on pictures from over the past month its easy to see that growth! Just looking at the two videos below of him "swimming" as I call it shows a huge growth. In the first one he is 3 weeks old and the second one is at 6 weeks old. I am  so proud at him for all that he has grown these past 7 weeks.

I can't help but this that is how our Heavenly Father feels when we are growing in our Faith. He says, "All right! She controlled her tongue!" "Good, she is serving the poor!" "Aww..look how much she loves me with all the time she spends talking to me in prayer!" He is so proud of us for our little accompishments. He loves it when we look at at him and smile so big because we love him, we know him, and we love hearing his voice. And just like I can't see S growing on a day to day basis, we don't see ourselves growing spiritually on a day to day basis. But when we look back on the little bit further past, we can say, Wow! Look how much I've grown! When we are growing, our God is one Proud Daddy!

The Cloth Diaper Experiment

I never thought I would use cloth diapers. Just like I never thought I would want a natural child birth. Just like I never thought I would meet my husband in a church Singles group...God has a way of making you laugh at your "so called plans"!!

BUT..after using almost 500 diapers--about $100 worth-during the first month on Sam's life, (thank goodness many of those diapers were gifts) I wanted to look into a way to save money! Yes, using this many diapers over the course of one month is a little more then usual for two reasons. 1. Brodie and I as new parents changed him way more often then need be. 2. Babies poop A LOT the first month!

After doing the math, it seems that in a normal month as he gets older we will use more like 6-8 diapers a day. Totaling about $40 in a normal month, almost $500 a year! Still ALOT to spend on something that gets pooped and peed in and thrown away!

So I found these awesome cloth diapers online at nickisdiapers.com.  They are easy to use and so cheap! We'll spend about $250 over the course of 2 years, so like $10 a month. So we'll save about $750 over the next 2 years! Not to mention if we have more Kiddos then we can use these same diapers for them and save $1000 per kid! I know that is a lot of math! I've had my cell phone calculator out as I have typed this!

As you can see I am very excited about our purchase!

The Unexpected

August 2nd, 2011-S's due date according to calculations based on "mother nature". But as you all know, he suprised us, coming about a month early! How grateful I am to have gotten to know S for one extra month and also to have had to be pregnant for one less month!

Along with this unexpected arrival of S, here are some other
UNEXPECTED things I have learned in the past four weeks:

1. I have the best husband ever who has jumped so easily into the role of Daddy! It makes me love him all the more!

2. Baby Boys can be dangerous on the changing table. You know what I mean! What a fountain!

3. My body needs to get out of the house to get fresh air and exercise! Being cooped up all day is not healthy! So walking in the early morning is my only option in this hot weather!

4. How much I have gotten to know a little baby who just sleeps and eats all day! I already know so many of his mannerisms, faces, cries.

5. The number of spit-up rags I can go through in a day is phenomenal!

6. How much deeper I know the love of God my Father by the deep love I have for my own son.

7. How hard breastfeeding was in the beginning, but how much easier it is now that we have both caught on!

8. Newborn toots can be quite loud and explosive! I am convinced God made newborn toots like such to give parents some comic relief!

9. Having a natural birth was darn hard, but I have forgotten much of the pain now! (Jesus was right in John 16:21)

9. Having a baby can be quite the marriage builder, it forces you to work as a team. Go B-Team!

The Birth Story: Brodie's Persective

                   Summary

We prepared for the birth of our son by taking classes, acquiring mounds of baby accessories and converting our condo into a baby room. Though we hadn’t completed our list by the time he came, we awaited his arrival. Bri's water broke at 1 am Thursday July 7, 2011 triggering our labor. We packed our bags and got ready to leave. Actually, Bri packed while I walked around aimless. Labor progressed quickly, and we didn't have time to process the events. Once admitted, we focused on each contraction. Before we knew it, we were at 9cm. We had an awesome nurse /midwife that helped during the pushing stages. The baby came soon after at 7:38 am.

1:00 am Wake Up!

“Brodie wake up something is happening to me”

“Hu? Whatever”  gurgled out of my sleepy stupor.  Between slow swings of my eyelids my wife’s silhouette formed. Her concerned words repeated “There’s something happening to me! Go look in the toilet if you don’t believe me! Wake up!” Finally I wobbled up to my feet and encouraged her to go to bed. Frantically she dug through the OB instructions looking for guidance. We decided to call the OB nurse while going to bed.  

2:00 am Let’s Leave

As the sheets came up, she sprung out of bed toward the restroom.  When she reached the potty water gushed out.  The nurse collected Bri’s information and connected her to the on call OB. The OB requested us come to the hospital.  Thoughts screamed through my head “What?! Is it really time? Stay calm. What did class say to do at this stage? Don’t we still have 1 month left?” I don’t see any “Time to go to the Hospital” signs. Finally the most important thought came, “I need to pack the overnight bags!” At each contraction I asked Bri to sit on the couch and relax. She never did. I darted aimlessly around our condo trying to figure our needs for the hospital. Each time I returned to the bedroom, Bri’s packing filled the bag. As she packed, she guided my mind by asking, “Why don’t you get a shirt?” then “How about some shorts and pants?” The guidance continued until completion of the list.  Finally I added my few things to our bags. We were ready to leave!  Before bolting out of the door we prayed for the Lord’s guidance, blessing and wisdom. Now an hour after my wakeup call we progressed down our much anticipated path toward the hospital.

2:30am Admission

Our drive to the hospital allowed us to time the contractions and to refocus our minds in preparation for birth. Upon arrival, the contractions were 15 minutes apart and seemed to pass unnoticed. I figured we wouldn’t be admitted. This logic brought me to the conclusion to leave the camera and overnight bag.  In maternity area of the hospital, the nurse’s greeted us.   Urgency seemed to be left outside as the nurse showed us to our room.  The spacious room begged for more furniture than the sol glider, lounge chair, and hospital bed. The nurse monitored both mom and baby then completed the check-in procedures.  My nesting in the room began by positioning water bottles and snacks. Bri sent a text message to her mom informing her that we were admitted to the hospital.  During our admittance the contractions sneaked to 5 minute intervals but intensified in magnitude.

?:?? am Labor

My concept of time left and each contraction became my focus.  Contractions at 3 minutes came quickly. We moved from bed to restroom and returned. The contractions intensified becoming back to back. “Lets go back to the restroom, That was comfortable” she remarked. We returned to the restroom. During each subsequent contraction she blurted defeat and desires to give up. Between contractions, I searched to provide encouragement and realized that we were in the midst of the  transition period.  Plenty of contractions passed and Bri wanted to go back to bed. She took a pause to labor on all 4’s. Somehow strength came to me to support her torso so she could relax her arms. She vocalized with each contraction the desires to give up. “The baby will be here soon, We are almost done” rang from my lips.  “Call the nurse, have the check my progress!” she explained.  The nurse appeared in the room and check Bri. “9.5 cm” she indicated. “9.5  cm?”, I thought “I think that means we are close but not sure. Anyway I still have to coach my wife.” People, carts, and bags quickly transformed our spacious room into cramped delivery quarters. We transitioned to the bed, a shift change provided our normal OB and a new nurse, and I found time to text my family of our status.  

7:00 am Suzy

At the end of my birthing knowledge, I had no ability to coach my athlete. I only knew encouragement and that lost all effectiveness. Bri’s face indicated her efforts would not prevail over the coming trial. Calmness flooded over all defeat as our new nurse, Suzy, took charge. She grabbed Bri’s attention and began to coach. Renewed with energy, techniques, and help, I resumed my role to tag team with Suzy.

Suzy, our awesome coach!

7:38 am Delivery

Oblivious to surrounding preparations, Bri pushed with increasing pain. She focused only on her task of delivering our baby. With each push, her screams pierced the rumbling voices.  After the loudest, highest piercing wail from her mouth a faint cry emerged. After a few more pushes, the doctor escorted Samuel to Bri’s chest.  “Here Dad, cut the cord” repeated the OB. “Oh, that’s me” ran through my head as I took the scissors and worked through the fleshly tube. The bees continued to work around us, cleaning the room and giving instructions. Nurses directed me to answer a ringing phone.  “Hey Brodie, what’s going on” chimed Russell. “Well” I answered “You’re grandson, was just born!” The hospital staff disappeared. We relaxed and called friends and family.  I became aware of my fatigue and began drinking fluids and kept my tummy settled. Now 8:30 am we were excited of our blessing from the Lord and curious of the future he holds for us.

Child Birth Classes

We started the Bradley Natural Child Birth 12 week class 9 weeks prior to our birth. I think that the classes helped me encourage Bri through the entire labor. It helped us prepare for and understand the task before us. The classes helped us to achieve our goal of a healthy mom and baby while using no pain medications.  I think every expecting family should take these classes to aid in their birth whether or not a natural birth is the goal. We’d be glad to share our experience and thoughts.

The Birth Story: Bri's Perspective

As I was trying to get my big ol 36 week preggo belly comfortable in bed, I all of a sudden felt a trickle of water go into my panties which I knew was not pee pee! I ran to go the the bathroom and blood showed up in the toilet. At this moment, my heart started beating really fast as I started to realize what was happening. I ran into the living room where Brodie has fallen asleep on the floor and woke up a very groggy husband, telling him all that happened. He didn't quite comprehend it at first and just got up and went an laid back in bed! I started busting out all my Doctor's guides and pregnancy books trying to realize what was happening. As I was searching Brodie urged me to slow down, breathe, and stop freaking out! He gently took away the book I was looking in, and pulled me close to him, and started praying for God to give us help and wisdom about what was going on. I definitley needed that moment to be just be still before the Lord to calm my heart. I then went back to the toilet, called the Dr, was on hold listening to twangy country music, when water gushed out all over the toilet. Brodie and I looked at each other with wide eyes, thinking this is it! The Doctor finally answered and told me to come on in! This was Wednesday evening, around 1am.

Well, at 36 weeks pregnant, packing for a hospital stay was still on my to-do list and has NOT been done yet! So we scrambled around, found my packing list in my Bradley Class Book (more about that later), and got all our goods together. Poor Brodie was freaking out more then me at this point but somehow I managed to keep a clear and organized head through some light contractions and  focused on the task at hand. We were all ready to go and Brodie again, made me sit down, pray, and be still before the Lord praying for his help and guidance through it all. We sat on the couch and looked at each other with tears in our eyes, realizing the next time we would be home we would have our long awaited baby with us.

We hopped in the car and drove the 30 mins to our hospital (thank goodness it was 2am by that time and there was no traffic!) They checked me and sure enough it was amniotic fluid that bursted out of me and I was already 2cm dilated. It was time to have this baby!


Brodie and I had decided to aim for an all natural childbirth and had prepared ourselves by taking a 12 week class called, "The Bradley method of Natural Childbirth." The class focuses on teaching the husband how to be a good "Coach," getting his wife to focus on relaxing through pain and encouraging through the birth. Now, I know what you are thinking, that I am crazy for wanting an all natural childbirth. But after taking this class, Brodie and I were well educated about birth, very confident we could do it, and were ready to go. As the contractions grew closer and closer together and more and more painful, Brodie did a great job coaching me through and helping me relax, taking it one contraction at a time. Labor went by so fast and before I knew it I was in Transition stage--the most inteste and hard part of labor. I was about to give up and get the epidural cause I couldn't handle much more of the pain, but when they checked me and told me I was already at 9.5 centimenters, I got a new rush of energy and motivation! I didn't need drugs, I was almost there! Just a little more to go! At this point it was around 7am-It had only been 6 hours since my water broke--it all happened so fast!

As the pushing stage began, God brought us an awesome nurse, whom we call our "angel nurse." Nurse Suzy had been a midwife for many years, and had delivered over 100 babies naturally. She knew exactly what to say and do to get me through the pushing stage. Between her and the support of Brodie by my side, I was able to relax when I could and focus on the pushing techniques I had learned in our childbirth class. As he crowned, I experienced the most pain I had ever felt in my whole life and was literally screaming at the top of my lungs, but as he came out I experienced the most amount of relief I had ever felt in my whole life as all the pressure disappeared and I saw the most beautiful, slimy, naked baby held up in front of my body. I got to hold the slimy ball of a little boy as Brodie cut the umbilical cord. He was so tiny, so precious, so beautiful, and yes, so worth the pain. It was so surreal, such a strange feeling.  Baby Swas born at 7:38 am on 7-7-11. What a cool birthday :) I already love him soo much.

Judgement Day IS coming.....just probably not tomorrow

We've all seen the billboards in these past few months. Now recently, the buzz about Judgement Day is all around the internet, facebook, and other media. They claim that Judgement Day is tomorrow (May 21st) so we better be ready! Harold Camping, the man behind this movement, claims that he has figured out some secret mathematical equation and got the Bible decoded to find this specific date in time for the end of the world and he has no doubt about it. But for those of us that read the Bible as the literary work that it is, not as some mathematical code, can see clearly from various Scriptures that only God knows the day and hour when Christ will return (Matt 25:36,44). But I'm not gonna write another blog about how and why this prediction is wrong. There are plenty of good blogs out there about that: see Time will Tell: An Open letter to Harold Camping and Will the World End on Saturday..Focus on the Family

This is a Blog about what how he is RIGHT. I do think he is right about one thing. Judgement Day IS coming...just probably not tomorrow. And we DO need to be ready for it. How do we get ready for it? I think it depends on what you believe.

There is HOPE if you are a Christian, that is if you believe that though you deserve to be separated from a Holy God because of your sin and unworthiness, but God displayed His mercy and kept His justice by sending Christ died to die in your place, and you are utterly dependent on Christ alone to save you from God's punishment and to let you have an intimate relationship with a Holy God. Judgement Day is not something to be fearful of for those with Faith in Christ.  When it is our turn to be judged, God will see our sins covered by the blood of Jesus, will find out name written in the Lambs book of life, and will find the seal of the Holy Spirit on our hearts.

So how do we as Christians Get Ready for Judgement Day? By looking forward to it with excitement,like a child with glowing excitement about Christmas though its only October. Romans 8:23 says that our Spirits GROAN inwardly as we EAGERLY await our redemption. It is our hope, it is what keeps us going in this hard life in the midst of this sinful world. Study up on the new heavens and new earth the is described all throughout the Bible. See the beauty, righteousness, and holiness that we will get to experience. And the best part is, we will be in the presence of God himself. We will finally get to meet, face to face, the One who loves us unfathomably, the One who created our very being, the One who has sustained us and given us His mighty strength throughout lives, the One who has prepared a place for us in the new heavens and new earth. He is coming to take us Home!

But for those who don't believe in Christ, who do they prepare for Judgement Day? There is nothing really they CAN do because Christ has already done everything for them. Like the Billboard above says, "Cry mightily unto God for His mercy." Throw yourself at the feet of the Cross of Christ, plead for your forgiveness, and declare your utter dependance on Him for salvation, your desire to live your life to honor Him because of the amazing gift He has given you. And when He does come back, He will know your name and take you Home.

One of my new favorite songs is all about the Hope of this Glorious Future where we will dwell with the Lord forever. Here is it:

The Worn Path of Motherhood

This past Sunday was Mother's Day and at church that morning they had a very sweet sermon honoring mothers and the life they bring to their children. They also had some sweet testimonies of some mothers and how God has used motherhood to bless their lives. After the service the kids passed out carnations to all the mothers and I got one!! Me!! I'm a mother! I get a carnation on Mother's Day! As we walked to the car this reality started to set in and tears started welling up in my eyes. Brodie gave me a puzzled look as he opened the car door for me and I just spurted out, "I'm a Mother!" and started blubbering all over the place. Crying, mixed with me laughing at myself for blubbering so much about a carnation!

Until then, I hadn't really seen myself as a mom, I just saw myself as pregnant. I knew I was a Mom and all, but not having to do any real motherly duties yet, the reality hadn't set in. But it is true! Little ol me, little ol Bri is a Mommy! Weird!

At the beginning of pregnancy,I had been a bit scared...no.. freaked out... about jumping into being a Mommy. Scared of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Freaked out realizing my loss of "freedom" without children. Concerned that I would not find fulfillment in being a stay-at-home Mom. Worried about disciplining and losing my temper. Scared at the thought that as much as we may teach him about God, he may still rebel and refuse.  All of these fears and concerns that I'm sure many other women have had before me. But lately, the Lord has really been working on my heart to ease those fears and build my trust in Him. I know I am not on this path alone.

My favorite artist in the world and one of my favorite people, Dawn Baker, has helped me to see God's role in Motherhood through her art. She is a mother of three beautiful daughters and her art really reflects her experiences. In her blog describing her piece called "The Path Between the Trees" she describes her own walk down the path of motherhood:

"I wrestle with my life sometimes. Having three small children makes me so busy. I look at this path that I have gone on and sometimes see just to the next tree line. It's a worn path. One that many women have gone before me, this motherhood. Yet, there are times I just want to stop. Go back to what I know, the path behind me. This walking deeper and deeper into the woods makes me tired and afraid. That's when I remember that the deeper I go the more I see, the more I experience the more I have to trust God for my direction and help. I have to lean on His kindness to see me through. And if I open my eyes and really look, I get glimpses of such beauty. The way the branches hold their leaves, the wind in the trees, the smell of dark earth and river rocks. I get to be a part of the walk not just view it from a distance."

God has walked with many other women on this worn path and now I get to join the ranks of those other Moms. I have begun my own little study of mothers in the Bible. Starting with Eve and going through until the end of the Bible. Studying the ways in which God  blesses these women with children, the interactions of these mothers with their kids, the way they honored God in motherhood, and seeing the mistakes they made along the way. It has been a good study so far (I have only gotten as far as Rebekah, in Genesis!) and I love learning about Motherhood from these women of old. I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have walked this path of motherhood who are cheering me on.

In another painting dedicated to her oldest daughter, Dawn describes a beautiful picture of how even though she had no idea how to do this thing called mothering, God took her by the hand and said "let's do this together, ok?" Knowing I am walking onto this path of motherhood with my Creator is what keeps me walking. Knowing I will experience the depths of His beauty more and more through this journey makes it all worth it. He is holding my hand as I take my first steps into motherhood. And He has given me a wonderful husband who is holding my other hand.

Pain in Childbearing

 Everyday the little kicks and bumps inside my womb increase in amount and intensity, reminding me of the crazy reality that I really am a Mother! Wow! I'm a mother and there is a tiny person breathing inside me! The reality never ceases to amaze me.

But as we all know, especially those moms out there, childbearing is not easy! Before Brodie and I got married, Brodie suggested that we talk about child bearing and do a study on what the Bible has to say about the topic. So I went to the concordance in my Bible, searched for the word children and began my study. The first verse I came across was Genesis 3:16a: "To the woman He said, I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing: in pain you shall bring forth children..."  Great!! How encouraging!.... NOT!

As I thought more about this I realized that it is not just the birthing process that causes much pain, but it is everything surrounding bearing children that causes pain for a woman too. It all began as teenager when our bodies in an effort to reproduce, caused our first period and continue experiencing those awful menstrual pains monthly. Our bodies go through some pains when we lose our virginity and begin having sex. In the beginning of pregnancy there is pain as we suffer through morning sickness and fatigue. Then in the rest of pregnancy, there are the back pains, swelling feet, heart burn, leg cramps, and so much other stuff to go through! There is the pain of losing children in miscarriage or stillbirth. There is pain for women as their children grow older and begin disobeying the mother that cares so much for them. There is pain as the child grows into an adult and the mother has to let go. There is a lot of pain surrounding the bearing and rearing of children!

BUT! There is a big BUT! Some Hope! The Bible also says, the woman will be "saved through childbearing-if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control." 1 Timothy 2:15

I'm no Bible Scholar, but I think they are talking about being "saved" in a couple different ways. First, there is the literal Salvation of our souls. It was through a woman that Jesus came into this world, and it was through Jesus that the world can be saved. So women can be saved through childbearing because of the birth of Jesus! But also, after the Salvation of their souls, through childbearing they are saved from living a life that does not honor God. Women are able to be like God when they bear children. God created us in his image and desires us to reflect who He is to the world. God is the ultimate life-maker and life-giver. As women we get to have life created in our very own wombs and give birth and life to a child, much like God breathes life into all of creation! The dependency infants have toward their mothers is much like the dependency we all have for God to care for us. The deep and unchanging love and mother has toward her children reflects the depths of the love of God. And just as we mothers will experience pain in childbearing and rearing, God too experiences pain when dealing with His children. When our children disobey us, defy us, disrespect us, and break our hearts, we get a small glimpse into the heart of God and the pain He must experience when His children do the same things.Childbearing helps us to understand God and even to become more like God!

Yes, there is pain in childbearing, as I will soon find out for myself, but we as women have the hope that we are saved through childbearing!



 ((Side Note: For women without children, I think you can still experience the joy of children in having Spiritual offspring to care for and can experience many of the things that mothers of physical children experience! God still has beautiful plans for you.))

David Shaver

A sweet man in my life, David Shaver, went Home to be with Jesus this weekend. I along with many others were shocked as he died unexpectedly, most likely caused by a blood clot from a recent knee surgery. Left behind here on earth is his beautiful and precious wife Tonya and their hundreds of adopted "kids" from over 10 years of youth ministry.

at church camp

He in so many ways, exemplified the character of Jesus to me. He was a faithful husband and adored his wife. He was a father to the fatherless, who "adopted" kids and loved them as his own. He loved the sinners and the least of these. He had a great compassion of the lost. The biggest aim of his life was to worship and glorify his King.

He adored his wife Tonya. You could see it in his eyes when he looked at her. You could hear it in his voice when he talked about her. He was a big man, and she is a little lady and you could just tell how much he was protective of his bride. They were best friends, a strong team for the Lord. Although he poured his life and soul into student ministry, he never put it before her. She was his primary ministry and his faithfulness  to her beautifully reflects the faithfulness of Christ to His Church.

he came to all the football games

During a time in my life where my own Dad was absent and working overseas, David was a huge father figure to me. He went to football games and watched me perform in drill team. He came to my high school graduation. He would stay out late with some of us from the youth group, just goofing off, telling stories, trying to keep us out of trouble. He would visit middle schools and high schools throughout the week to have lunch with students. After church events, we was always found taking a group of students out to do one of his favorite things--to eat! He kept a close relationship especially with the guys of the youth group and mentored them into becoming men of God. So many people saw him as a Dad. Especially for those who were literally fatherless, and to those with a broken relationship with their father, David was a beautiful reflection of the unchanging love of our Father in heaven.

my high school graduation

And he loved all the youth the same. My teenage eyes, saw people in the youth group as types--there were the nerds, the pretty popular people, the rebellious kids, the gothics, the band geeks, the super conservative Christians, and the average joes. But David loved them all the same, and they all loved him too! He is well known for his big bear hugs that he distributed freely throughout the youth. When he hugged you, you would just feel enveloped in his big arms! He did not let any kid fall through the cracks. David always kept in touch with the ones that left the church or the ones that even left the faith. Though his heart ached for them to return to the Christ, he showed them an unconditional love.What a beautiful reflection of a God who aches for us to be close to Him, yet gives us a big bear hug and loves us the same no matter our actions.

at my friend's wedding

His heart was devoted to worshiping his King and Savior Jesus Christ. If he were reading all this right now, he would just shake his head and point to Jesus. He knew his passion and gifting for working with youth was by no means anything he could be prideful about because it was all graciously given to him by God. He would often lead worship through music and you could tell in the way he sang, he knew his Savior intimately. I remember a t-shirt he always wore that said, "Cr8td to worship." What gives me to most hope right now, in light of his death, is that David is with his King worshiping him face to face in all of His glory. He did not enter heaven and into the presence of God because he was a good person. He is there only because he is covered in the blood of Jesus. His name is written in the Book of Life because Jesus was his Lord, his Atoning Sacrifice, his Savior! One of his favorite worship songs was, "I can only imagine," and now he doesn't have to imagine anymore what it would be like. He is there. He is with God right now! It is in this I can celebrate and rejoice in the midst of death. I celebrate his earthly life and the imprint it made on others and I rejoice in his eternal life as I imagine him worshiping now before the throne of God!

The last time I saw him..my wedding day