Joy in the Little Things - Day 19

Today I had a wonderful surprise phone call! My Uncle Doug, whom I haven't seen in about a year and a half, called me to let me know that he had a layover at Love Field for two hours, and wanted to see if I had time to come hang out with him. Of course I jumped at the opportunity!

My Uncle Doug, all growing up, was the "guy" in my life. Whether he knew it or not, he was always there for me, he always loved me well, encouraged me, and built in to my life in very meaningful ways. Growing up without a father figure was hard, but he made sure he let me know that he cared for me and loved me very much. We had so much fun together, and I have extremely wonderful memories of my time with him as a little girl!

Uncle Doug, thank you for always being there for me, both as a little girl, and even now! Your big heart and compassion has NEVER gone unnoticed! You are so special to me, and I cherish every moment we get to spend together! While we don't see each other very often anymore, I pray that over the years to come, we will continue to be intentional with conversations and family visits. Thank you for being a constant in my life, and for showing me in so many ways, the love of our Heavenly Father! I love you very much!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Joy in the Little Things - Day 17 & 18

So sorry this post is late! We had a jam packed weekend and I was not in front of the computer much! I am going to combine Fridays & Saturdays joy posts because they were both the same thing.

This weekend, for 24 hours, we got to get away from the busyness of life, and a bit of a messy home, and enjoy some priceless time with friends at a Parenting Conference that our church hosted. We stayed at a very nice Marriott Hotel, ate WONDERFUL food, and spent some great time learning about raising Godly children. What a blessing this was to not only myself, but Aaron, as we are gearing up for the transition of a lifetime!

Friday night, we heard from Todd Wagner, the pastor at Watermark, who gave great insight into:

1. Providing LIFE
2. Providing LOVE
3. Providing LEADERSHIP

He spoke about the importance of providing leadership, and instilling leadership qualities in our kids, so that they will grow up to impact the world in dramatic ways for Christ. One of the most influential things Todd said, that really resounded in my heart, was that we as parents (or soon to be parents) have the opportunity to give our kids either a great burden to overcome, or to disciple them well and give them leadership qualities. Looking back on my childhood, I know how much my mom loved me, and desired for me to have the best life possible, but as always, there were many obstacles that I have had to overcome over the past ten years of my life as an adult. We are imperfect people, and so there will always be obstacles, but I would rather go in to parenting with the mindset that I am going to "...train up my child the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it..." rather than hope for the best, but expect the worst.

Todd also outlined different parenting styles, which I thought was very interesting and wanted to post up here. Here it is:

Also, he encouraged us to make a plan for essential greatness and gave us his vision for his kids...

Godly men:
1. Step Up (Ezekiel 22)
2. Speak Out (Proverbs 24:11-12)
3. Stand Firm (1 Cor. 15:58)
4. Stay Humble (1 Peter 5:5-6)
5. Serve the King (Mark 10:45)

Godly Women:
1. Serve first (Mark 10:43)
2. Speak faithfully (Genesis 2:18)
3. Show beauty (Proverbs 31:30)
4. Stay Humble (1 Peter 5:5-6)
5. Seek God (Matthew 6:33)

After Todd spoke, we were GREATLY entertained by the christian comedian, Tim Hawkins. He was also the entertainment for our bi-annual volunteer appreciation night at Watermark back in May, and let me just say, I don't know that I have EVER laughed so hard in my entire life!! He truly is absolutely hilarious and clean as well, which makes the experience so much more enjoyable!! Free plug here: http://www.timhawkins.net/

Saturday, we had the opportunity to choose three breakout sessions before the final session. The first one we chose was Preparing to Parent. This one was so encouraging to my heart because although most couples go through "pre-marital" counseling, there's not really and "pre-children" counseling offered out there! We learned the importance, not just in this session, but in all five sessions, the importance of our own personal relationship with the Lord, and how that is what spills over into our kids lives more than anything else. During this particular session, valuable things were spoken about the roles of the mother and father.

1. Children need both mom and dad, and He has designed us to be different.
2. Fathers parent differently.
3. Fathers play differently. Dads encourage independence. Moms encourage security.
4. Fathers build confidence. Dads encourage pushing the limits. Moms protect.
5. Fathers communicate differently. Dads provide direct communication. Moms are more descriptive and personal.
6. Fathers discipline differently. Dads provide justness, fairness and duty. Moms provide sympathy, care and help. It's more like rules vs. relationships. Both sides are necessary.
7. Fathers relate differently. Dads relate the child to the world. Moms see the rest of the world in relation to their child. Dads prepare and Moms protect.
8. Fathers are different. Dads teach their boys how to relate to women with respect.

The final thoughts from this session that both apply to mom and dad are
1. Pursue Christ Yourself (Col. 1:10)
2. Pursue Your Wife (Eph. 5:25)
3. Pursue Prayer as a Couple (Col. 4:2)
4. Pursue the Word of God (Col. 3:16)
5. Pursue Forgiveness (1 Thes. 5:14-22)

The 2nd session we attended was Early Childhood Discipline. I won't go on and on about this one, just because I know each and every parent has different methods that work specifically for them and their children, and I don't want this to become a debte issue. But just a few highlights that I found encouraging to me was:

1.) take the time to remember the fun times with your kids, whether you journal about it, blog about it, scrapbook about it, whatever way works best for you, take time to remember the little things.
2.) There are no formulas or easy answers!
3.) Our primary responsibility as parents is to mdel a life full of devition to Jesus Christ such that our children will find it easy to believe that God loves them and that His way is teh best way.
4.) Celebrate when your kids are Christlike!!
5.) It will be easier to let them get away with things, but that's not always the right or most beneficial way for them
6.) Commit to consistency & choose your battles carefully.

Our model: The Lord's Discipline...
-Is always motivated by LOVE
-Is proof that we are His children
-Always has our best interest in mind
-Is purposeful

The last breakout session was Parenting Young Children. This session was particularly insightful for me, as a mom (to-be) because there were many different "home styles" that were explained. This helped me understand better my growing up as well as allowing me to have a visual of what style home I want to provide for our children. I'll go through these quickly, but I do want to share them because what Blake & Rebecca had us do was to think about which one of these each of our own parents did. It was very eye opening to me, just to be able to put the puzzle pieces together between Todd's parenting styles given Friday night, and then these home styles given. It helped me to have a better understanding of some of my own personal struggles growing up, as well as the good and bad things that happened in my childhood. Here are the home styles Blake & Rebecca talked about...

1. An Amusement Park
-Characteristics: Fun times
-"No" is seldom heard
-Lack of discipline
-No appreciation for delayed gratification

2. An Airport
-Characteristics: Complete Busyness, Problem saying "No" to activities
-Little Margin
-Preoccupied with what lies ahead
-Anxiety & Stress - watch the pace of each child because they are all different

3. A Zoo
-Characteristis - no clear "chain of command"
-Confusion over roles...You are the parent!
-Little regard for boundaries

4. A Business
-Characteristics - worldly values
-Aiming for Success, no significance
-"Right Schools" and GPAs
-World's Economy

5. A Nursery
-Characteristics - constant manipulation of situations in life, tries to keep ALL bad things away
-Safety First!
-Sheltering
-Tendency to prepare the parth for the child rather than the child for the path

6. An Embassy
-Characteristics - Godly home where the Lord is put first in everything
-Aiming for greatness
-Eternal perspective
-God's Economy

The final session was taught by Kyle Kaigler, the pastor of Family Ministry at Watermark. He shared about the Foundation of Family Ministry and what Watermark will be embarking on in the near future with starting a whole ministry focused on families. It was so exciting to hear the vision of what they have planned and I truly feel like Aaron and I are in the best place for this time because by the time everything gets up and rolling, our kids will be old enough to understand family values and what worship really is.

Overall, this was a wonderful weekend, not just to get away, but to be given such encouragement by others who have gone before us, who are seeking out the best from the Lord, who desire to teach what the Lord would have us learn as parents, and the push to grow strong, Godly leaders for this next generation!

Thank you Lord, for the blessing of children, for the blessing of your Word, and how you instruct us to live and grow as parents. Help Aaron and I to constantly run to you with questions, as I do know there will be many of them! Give us your strength to endure the hardships that come with parenting, and the awareness of the blessings in life through parenting!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

A Great Reminder...

Last Sunday morning at church, our worship team introduced us to a new song, well, maybe a new song to some, but I have heard this song before. For some reason, singing it with a couple other thousand people and in the presence of the Lord, brought me to tears. The Holy Spirit was alive in me and I praise the Lord for awakening my heart to his truths spoken within the lyrics! Since Sunday, I have listened to this song probably a dozen times a day, and still feel the same tug at my heart each time. I've tried adding it to my playlist below, but they don't have it available, so I'm just goig to write out the words to the song. If you can find it online, listen to it, it's amazing!

Stronger - Hillsong

There is Love
That came for us
Humbled to a sinner's cross
You broke my shame and sinfulness
You rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm
And through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me

CHORUS:
You are stronger
You are stronger
Sin is broken
You have saved me
It is written
Christ is risen
Jesus you are Lord of all

No beginning and no end
You're my hope and my defense
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross

CHORUS:
You are stronger
You are stronger
Sin is broken
You have saved me
It is written
Christ is risen
Jesus you are Lord of all

BRIDGE:
So let your name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher
Be lifted higher

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Joy in the Little Things - Day 16

I was surprisingly emotional today when I was listening to my iPod at work and found myself overwhelmed with joy, hearing the song that I walked down the aisle to at my wedding (An Improvisation on Canon in D, by Robin Spielberg, this is not your normal version). I've heard it many times before, but this time seemed extra sentimental. Maybe it was thinking about where we both came from, how the Lord brought us together in such a random situation (well, random to me, but not to the Lord!), or how far we've come in the past 4 years of our marriage. Either way, the Lord has done miraculous things in our marriage and our lives, and I was sweetly reminded today of how precious Aaron is to me, and how special I felt, not only on that first day as husband and wife, but have continually felt each and every day.

Aaron, you are my world. You are my soulmate, you are my best friend, you are the love of my life. You are strong and courageous, you are mindful of others, you are passionate about the Lord, you are forgiving and understanding, you are gentle, you are patient, you are so very helpful and you are caring. The Lord knew exactly what he was doing when He brought us together. We are opposites, but fit perfectly together. You are my life, and I truly cannot imagine living each and everyday without you by my side, holding my hand, and encouraging me to be the Godly woman I was created to be! Your love overwhelmes me, and I find myself questioning how I was so fortunate to have been found by you, and chosen by you, and by God for you. Thank you for your love, you passion, your drive, your committment, your loyalty, your honesty, your grace and your determination. Without those things I know I would be lost!

Lord, thank you for giving to me a husband who loves me for who I am, who is in love with you, and who leads our family so well. Thank you for the joy you have brought to our marriage, even through the trials and struggles that we have had and continue to battle. Thank you for helping us to see the benefit in honesty, trust and compassion. Thank you for blessing us with other couple friends whom we can count on to keep us accountable to the way that we love each other and take care of each other in our marriage. Thank you for the gift of marriage, may we always be aware that it is a gift, and I pray that we would continue to honor each other for the rest of our days here on earth.

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Joy in the Little Things - Day 15

Finding joy today didn't come easy. Not that I wasn't happy or grateful for all of the wonderful blessings the Lord has given me, but the past few nights, I have really felt like I am in a battle with Satan.

I've been getting up in the middle of the night 2-4 times. Each time, when I get back in bed and try to get comfortable, it feels like Caleb is having some kind of panic attack. It almost feels like what I can imagine a seizure would feel like, and lasts probably in all reality, 2-3 minutes max. He does not move like this ANY other time during the day, and boy does he moves a lot. This has been really scary for me, and when this happens, I find myself frightened that maybe the cord is wrapped around his neck and he's trying to get free. This is when the fear consumes me and I find myself in my own little panic attack. The only way I have found that I can get back to sleep is by praying. I fall asleep praying for the Lord to protect Caleb, to keep him safe, and to keep me safe as well.

The good news is that each morning I wake up and feel him kicking and moving as he normally does, which puts my mind at ease for that moment. I don't know where this fear comes from except from Satan. It's really the first time in my entire pregnancy that I have been fearful of Caleb's life and well-being.

I do praise the Lord for giving me feelings of Caleb's normal movement during the day, and I continue to pray against any harm, and espeically against the attacks of the enemy. He knows that I am weak when I am half asleep, and he has used that weakness against me.

So, my joy for today is found in the fact that each morning I wake up, I find my pregnancy and Caleb's movements to be back to normal.

I covet any and all prayers as I battle this out with Satan, and continue to trust the Lord with Caleb's life.

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your weary souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-29

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Joy in the Little Things - Day 14

Today is a very special day, it's my Mom's Birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!!

I want to take a moment to share, with whomever out there in blog world acutally reads my blog, about my sweet mom. She is many things. She is super mom for starters. She raised me as a single parent until I was 15 when she remarried. She is courageous, she is smart, she is sensitive, she is caring, she has a heart of gold, she LOVES the Lord, she enjoyes bird watching, she is patient, she is so kind, she is loving, she is nurturing, she is compassionate, she is selfless and she is giving. But the greatest thing about her is that she is MY MOM!!

Mom, I am so thankful to the Lord for blessing my life with you. I know normally it's said the other way around, but I know the Lord gave me to you for a reason, and I'm so thankful that He did! He knew what he was doing when he made us a team. Thank you for ALWAYS taking care of me growing up, for trusting the Lord, even in the most difficult of times, and for loving me just the way God created me. Your lovingkindness has never gone unnoticed. Your faith and passion for the Lord has been seen throughout the years, by me, and I thank you for that. You taught me to be strong in my faith, to love the Lord with all my heart, and to believe that I was created in His image. Thank you for showing me a Godly perspective on being a mom and a wife. Words cannot express how much you mean to me. I love you so much and thank the Lord for you everyday, but especially today!!

Mom & I - March 2008

Mom & I September 2008

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Joy in the Little Things - Day 13

Today I was sweetly surprised to receive an e-mail from a very close friend. Aaron and I have been friends with this family for a little over 4 years (wow, that long already!?!?) and have so enjoyed watching their two precious kiddos grow up!

There's no better way for me to put this, so I'm just going to copy the e-mail word for word, Karla, I hope you don't mind!

"So Noah woke up this morning and as we were both walking into the kitchen for breakfast I hear him say something and all I could make out was 'come over'. So I asked him, 'Who do you want to come over?' and he said without a pause, 'Aaron and Jill.' I said, 'do you miss them?' and he said, 'yes, mommy.'"

This sweet e-mail brought so much joy to my heart and tears to my eyes! Thank you Self Family, for loving us and allowing us to be a big part of your life!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Joy in the Little Things - Day 12

Today was a L-A-Z-Y day if I've ever had one. It's 9:30pm and I'm still in my pj's that I wore to bed last night! There is justifyable and good reasoning for not leaving the house though.

I woke up at about 7:30am feeling really sick. I had already gotten up to potty three times and felt fine, until this time. I honestly don't know what made me feel sick today, whether it was the pizza we had for dinner last night, or maybe the boat ride didn't do so well with Caleb after all, but for some reason, I have been off all day.

While I haven't felt up to par all day, there are still many reasons for me to be joyful. I have an understanding and loving husband who would do anything for me. I have the freedom to rest and take the time I need to feel better, because I live in a free country. I have a healthy baby boy growing inside of me, who today is 27 weeks old (I don't know about you, but I like to consider him 27 weeks old, in utero of course, it makes him seem more real to me). Those three reasons are enough for me to count my blessings and praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy!

Thank you Lord, for allowing me to see your good and experience your joy, even in difficult times. Thank you for blessing me with a serrvant hearted husband, for my freedom, and for Caleb. May I always recognize that these blessings are not because of anything I have done, or can do, but are freely given to me by you, my gracious Daddy! I love you Lord!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Joy in the Little Things - Day 11

Today I am filled with joy for two reasons! One, today is my little niece's 3rd birthday! Miriam is such a precious little gift to our family, and the only girl so far. What joy it brings to my heart every chance I get to spend with her and watch her grow up, through pictures and occasional visits. With my sister and her family in Raleigh, it's not that often that we get to see wach other, but I am so thankful that the bonds of family are so strong! Miriam, I can't wait to see who you become as a woman of God. You are such a blessing and a joy to my heart! I love you and miss you terribly!! I Love you!

My second joy of today was the chance Aaron and I had to spend the day on the lake with the Eubanks and Selfs. As I said earlier this week, joy fills my heart when I see the beauty of God's creation, and boy did we ever today! The lake was perfect, the sun was shining, and it couldn't have been more than 85 degrees otuside. There was an awesome wind blowing and the time we got to spend with our closest friends was such a blessing! Caleb even liked the ride, I think.

Thank you Lord, for allowing me to see and appreciate your handiwork, wherever it may be. May I always remember that you are not only the Creator of this universe, but the Creator of me, and my Heavenly Father!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Joy in the Little Things - Day 10

Today, I have to admit, was a difficult day. With stress at work, and not enough sleep, I felt exhausted and a little overwhelmed. I know the Lord is faithful to give me his peace and joy when I ask, and He didn't let me down today, even in the midst of my circumstances.

Tonight, Aaron and I had the chance to do absolutely nothing! It was so wonderful to be able to spend time together, catching up on our shows we missed during the week, and just relaxing! I know that this time together doing nothing is limited and so I count it very precious.

Thank you Lord, for the opportunity to be lazy tonight with my sweet hubby. Thank you for allowing me to see the benefit of quality time with him now, so that when Caleb gets here we will continue to not only fight for our time together, but make it purposeful as well.

Be Blessed and Encouraged!