Entrusted with Zane & Gemma

I am grateful to be doing a Parenting/Bible study this summer called "Entrusted With A Child's Heart" by Betsy Corning.

Why does the study hold this name?
Entrusted means "Giving over the trust, care and protection of another." What a perfect title. My children are God's first, His creation, and He has entrusted me with their care. Bryce and I are to train them on "His Behalf".

Psalm 127:1
"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain."

I encourage you to find this study if you are a parent. I have already been blessed and I've only just begun. If you happen to be in my area, I can hook you up!

Just Call Me Mom

I just finished reading Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham Jr. I am newly aware of the task ahead of me as a parent. Is it really a task though...wow, what a blessing God has given me in children. Maybe better, a responsibility and privilege to point them to Christ. And then again, I don't want to just point them to Christ. I want them to be enveloped by His love and know Him like they know their own breath.

Baucham writes, "More teens are turning away from the faith than ever before: it is estimated that as many as 70-88% of teens who profess Christianity walk away from their faith by the end of their freshman year of college. Something must be done."

If I had read this statistic in college (and I went to a "Christian" one by the way), I would have not been shocked in the slightest. And I probably would have added some cynical remark like, Who can blame them? I endearingly coined the phrase "The Halls of Hell" to describe my high school. Really, I don't think any of us are unaware of the temptations that will eventually greet that silly 4 year old that's putting a puzzle together on the floor and making me laugh, because he can wiggle his head and his leg all at the same time...and the precious baby that's sleeping peacefully in the next room...


What about those things though that don't appear to be a problem?
(Side note: questions that I pose from here on out are not directed at you. I'm not judging you or the way you parent or did parent. I'm merely debriefing a minuscule amount of info that is swarming in my head and the questions I have been posing to myself.)


Voddie discusses the Anti-marriage and Anti-child culture that we live in. It is accustom to wait to get married and have children before you have "found yourself". I guess this means until your career takes off and you have experienced everything you feel you need to in life before restricting yourself in any way. And definitely not before you finish college! So after your "self" is no longer MIA and you are "ready" for children, 2 or 3 will be more than we can afford or have room for. Plus, we have to have time left to enjoy ourselves when the children are out of the house. (I personally have great plans to run a bed and breakfast)
Why did I not see before how selfish this timeline is?
Why do we judge Christian families for how many or few children they have or what we think they can afford?
"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22
"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
So are the children of one's youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5


When did being a Mom stop being honorable? I wanted more than anything to be a "Stay at home Mom". Then when I was blessed enough to be just that, I found it difficult to embrace it. My old boss even asked "what I was doing now" a while back and I told him I was loving staying home to raise my kids and... I was catering and doing taxes on the side. As if the on the side stuff verified my existence. He teased me about "just" being a stay at home mom, because I was "capable of so much more". He meant it as a compliment and sadly, I think I sort of took it as one.


Which leads me to the meat of the book, which is that parents are responsible for discipling their children. Doesn't sound all that profound, does it? How much discipling am I doing though? An average Christian family goes to church. Has their kids in Sunday school and/or youth group. They're involved in all the extra church functions, service projects and mission trips. The kids are involved in quality activities, for example, sports or dance. And maybe the kids even go to a Christian school. Do you worship as a family in church or does everyone go their own way? Do you worship together as a family at home? Do you discuss and read the Bible together as a family? Do you memorize scripture together as a family? Do you pray together as a family outside of meal time? Do we refrain from doing too much of this, as to not shake up the norm or appear odd?


"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6


I talked with a family a while ago that was clinging to this verse because their teenager was "beyond their control" and felt like the only thing they could do was pray for them at that point. You can guarantee I'll be praying for my children as teenagers; I am praying for them now. I want to do so much more than that though. God has given us a huge and wonderful responsibility. Don't miss the opportunity to instill in these precious lives, what noone else but you as parents can.

Pray for Bryce and I, that we will be the primary discipling force in our children's lives. That we will not only point them in the way they should go, but walk there with them.

THANKFUL

"Be joyful always; pray continually; giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

After enjoying several pity parties during Hutson Germfest 2009, I was jolted while reading "Heaven at Home" by Ginger Plowman this morning. These verses in 1 Thessalonians seemed to jump off the page at me. Thank you Lord.

I have had a year full of a few health challenges, but man, do I have so much to be thankful for. It is terrible how quickly I forget. I even have a painting above our fireplace that says "Count Your Blessings". Maybe I should have it outlined in flashing lights...

So, here's my list of what I'm thankful for, and merely for today alone:

• My husband is amazing. He did two loads of laundry this morning, put the dishes away and vacuumed under the table before he left for work. He told me I was beautiful on his way out the door...and trust me on this one, only my Heavenly Father and my partial husband could possibly think this way, in my current state.
• We are receiving our 5th meal tonight from family in the area, all orchestrated by a precious selfless cousin.
• Both of my children are with my in-laws for the afternoon and my precious mother in-law has offered to keep them every afternoon of her spring break this week. We are affectionately terming this "Mono Camp".
• A sweet friend called this morning offering to take Zane to the zoo tomorrow morning with her 3 children and to tell me she was praying for me.
• It is beautiful outside today. Although I can't be out in it, my windows are open letting the fresh air in.
• It is absolutely OK for me to be home. I'm not working. God has provided beyond our needs. There is no need to feel guilty, although I have to remind myself sometimes. I am free to take time to recover without any outside stress.

Thank you to all who have called and helped in any way. I really feel overwhelmingly blessed and prayed for.

Random thoughts about Mono

You will never feel like you are caught up on sleep.

Even though you are so tired you can barely move, you may not be able to actually sleep.

Mono makes me melancholy.

You should evidently feed Mono and not starve it, because we have received a lot of amazing meals.

I am actually too tired to get the ice cream out of the freezer.

I'm thinking about having our couch moved outside for a change of scenery.

It's hard to parent from the couch/bed.

I have done more word puzzles than I can count.

Blogging takes more energy than you realize...

Satan, aka Joy Stealer

After being at home for SEVERAL days now with a very sick baby. I woke up super discouraged this morning to find Zane and Bryce were now dealing with the never ending germs around here. I have cleaned. I have Lysoled. Mostly, I just needed out of the house! So, after I made lunch for everyone, my gracious husband said he could handle things and off I escaped for some window shopping therapy.

I spent time walking and praying and became shocked how quickly I lose my contentment. Yesterday especially, I was feeling useless. Like I wasn't accomplishing anything and frustrated that I couldn't get out and do what I wanted. During my little refresher away from home today, God again reminded me how blessed I am to be able to stay at home with our children. They won't be here long and they definitely won't be this young for long. What a privilege to be able to hold and comfort my daughter for several days without worrying about how to fit it into my schedule. I want to remember these days when I'm older. Remember holding Zane and Gemma's precious hands in mine and looking into those bright blue eyes. Remember feeding and bathing and comforting. And smile with such joy that I was there for those moments.

So, I started confessing to the Lord my loss of joy and discontentment with my situation the last few days. I also found other areas where Satan had robbed me of joy recently. Why does it happen so easily? Something as simple as Bryce and I going out to eat a couple of weeks ago. We had saved up some money. We went to a nice restaurant, known for a quality meal and didn't receive one. My attitude after we left reflected my feelings about the meal. I robbed myself of some precious alone time with my husband. So silly. Oh and I'm not finished yet... Then there was the discouraging comment to my husband from a church goer. We are so blessed to be at a church that is so supportive. We honestly receive such wonderful feedback from people regularly. And yet I have been dwelling on an insignificant amount of negativity.

Father, please forgive me for my attitude. For losing my contentment and joy in the midst of my everyday. I am so thankful for your love and your provision in and through my family. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

My Romantic

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I thought I would share some of the sweetest Valentine's I remember with Bryce. For those who know me well, I do not possess the normal female romantic qualities. I am grateful to have a romantic husband though. I sure don't deserve him!


THE CASTLE
He went to a furniture store and collected refrigerator boxes that were being disposed of. This is when we were living in the men's dormitory. He stored them all in an empty dorm room. There he constructed a castle, complete with painted stones and windows. On the big day he then placed it in our apartment. It took up the whole living area. He put our bed inside and the TV. We watched movies and ate dinner inside of our castle that night.


THE MIRROR
In our first apartment in Dallas we had a large mirror in the dining area that covered the length of the wall. When I woke up for work the morning of Valentine's Day, I came out to the mirror covered in different colored hearts, each with a reason he loved me written on it.


THE DINNER
One year he got on the food network website and came up with a fancy dinner including appetizers and dessert. He went shopping for all the ingredients and came home and made the whole dinner himself. It was wonderful and so much more fun than going to a crowded restaurant!


THE JAR
He gave me a glass jar full of 365 strips of paper he had placed inside. I was to pull one out everyday for the next year. Each one of them had a scripture, something he loved about me or a coupon for a foot massage written on it.


So creative and so thoughtful! I will always remember these precious gifts from Bryce to show me how much he loves me. I am so blessed!

A wife of noble character - Part 4

Proverbs 31:26-31
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31:26-31 (Kara's convictions)
She thinks before she speaks and prays for wisdom. She is an inspiring role model for her children. She holds others accountable, but also has a teachable spirit.
Her family is her first priority, following the Lord. She cares for and serves them with love; never putting them aside for selfish desires.
Her children admire her and see God's love through her words and actions. Her husband loves and respects her and is quick to tell her so.
She is a woman respected above all others, although is she unaware, due to her humility.
She never dwells on if she's "good enough". She doesn't concern herself with measuring up her personality and appearance with others. Her respect and devotion to the Lord bring her the greatest joy and peace.
Earthly rewards are of no concern, her reward lies in heaven.

A wife of noble character - Part 3

Proverbs 31:21-25 (NIV)
"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Proverbs 31:21-25 (Me again)
Anxiety does not consume her. She rests in God's peace, which surpasses all understanding. She lives confident and thankful in her salvation through Jesus Christ.
She keeps her home a sanctuary for her family to call home. She takes care of herself too. (She even gets dressed for her family, instead of staying in her pajamas all day, which might be easier some days)
She is proud of her husband and respects him as the leader of their home. She supports his career and prays for him diligently. Others can see her love for him.
She helps support her family financially as the Lord provides opportunities. She remains wise and generous with all she earns, as it is the Lord's first of all.
Life was never promised to be easy and she lives one day at time, dying daily to her self, and with God's strength and grace. She is full of joy and keeps a sense of humor, for no matter what life may bring, she is His.

A wife of noble character - Part 2

Proverbs 31:16-20 (NIV)
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."

Proverbs 31:16-20 (Kara's words)
She uses her resources wisely and free of selfish desires. (I must remind myself, "No, I don't need a new outfit today and yes, I'm surviving just fine without cable")
She is not lazy and accomplishes the tasks before her with enthusiasm. She prioritizes her time wisely.
She is head smart, but does not let it "go to her head". As a mother/wife, her job does not end, even though she is resting. What she does with her time always glorifies God.
She takes care of her family with love. It may not be actually making clothes (my family is grateful I don't do this), but keeping the home clean and welcoming, shopping with care, cooking with creativity and giving focused attention.
She has a servant heart. Her actions speak louder than her words.

A wife of noble character - Part 1

Proverbs 31 can easily be depressing to me. As a perfectionist at heart, these verses are unattainable for me. I want to be that woman, but I'm exhausted now and I'm not even half way there. A wise woman, Linda Lamp, reminded me this passage is not a description of a woman's day, but her life. Whew... feeling better, but not great. Praise the Lord for GRACE. I am thankful for this example of a Godly woman, of whom I will strive to be.

Proverbs 31:10-15 (NIV)
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls."

Proverbs 31:10-15 (Kara's version, as God has laid on her heart)
It is difficult to find a woman whose heart is fully devoted to God. She is worth more than precious things.
She brings her husband pride and he sees everything beautiful in her.
She puts him before herself, always building him up and not tearing him down with critical words.
She is thankful for even the mundane tasks (laundry, dishes, picking up toys), as they are ways to serve her family. She has a happy heart that rubs off on her children.
Although the task at hand may seem like something far out of her capability, she knows that she can do all things through Christ and that He will not give her more than she can handle.
She begins her day eagerly, rejoicing in the day ahead (even though she is not a morning person). She keeps her home running with love, and that love spills out on others everywhere she goes (even at the grocery store when there are only 2 checkout lines open).

6 Random Things

I was tagged a while ago, by my sweet cousin in-law, to share 6 random things about myself. It took me a while to come up with anything very exciting, but here it goes...

1. I listen to Christmas music all year. I know that disappoints you Dalene.
2. I don't like pancakes, waffles or funnel cakes, but will eat ANYTHING else put in front of me!
3. I had an unusual medical issue when I was 5 or 6 years old that made it into a medical journal.
4. Both of my children were born at 2:10 in the afternoon.
5. I can plug my nose with my upper lip. And that is quite a feat considering the size of my nose!
6. I learned to sing all the states in alphabetical order in grade school and can still sing it verbatim.

I'm not going to tag anyone else's blog, as are the "rules", but if you want to share some random things about yourself here or on your blog, I'd love to see them!

Conviction

I prefer to live in my comfort zone. I realize a lot of people probably feel that way, but I really, really like my comfort zone.

Our pastor has started a preaching series in the book of Luke. He spoke on the passages in the first chapter of Luke when Gabriel visits Mary to tell her she is going to have a baby...and not just any baby. There are many things to be gleaned from this passage, but there was one thing that really stuck out to me last night.

Mary's response. "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

There are a myriad of reasons why she could have understandably not had this response! An angel was visiting her. A virgin conception is logically inconceivable. Punishment for a baby out of wedlock or adultery during that time was often death. How would she tell people? Would they even believe her? Why her?

To say this situation was out of her comfort zone is a bit of an understatement. I see Mary's response and think; what is my response to an everyday inconvenience, a prodding at my heart to serve somewhere that may not be easy for me, to a life altering event?

Ouch, that stings.

Count Your Blessings

I woke up this morning to a lot of anxiety. Fear concerning the present and the future. I'm quick to forget who's in control. I'm reading "Women of the Bible" by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda. Here is their prayer today that I needed...

"Father, how easy it is to let anxiety snuff out my gratitude. Help me to linger thankfully in your presence rather than simply rushing on to my next desperate request. Use my weakness and need as a showcase for your strength."

I have been blessed immeasurably, but here are a few modern day miracles, that when I look back on them, I can't help but be in awe of God's presence in my life.

• Brought me out of a 2 year relationship, with the wrong person, and brought a Godly, selfless, honoring man into my life to love me and take care of me.



• Provided a job, after I foolishly & excitedly got an apartment right out of college without any known income.



• When discussing seminary options for our future, God placed on my heart a location that we had not even discussed. I prayed about it, not knowing for certain where the "idea" had come from, without mentioning it to Bryce. God showed me a miracle in placing the "idea" on Bryce's heart, when he mentioned it to me a few weeks later. Then confirming with us through an amazing visit to DTS.



• Led us to an unknown, to us, ministry in apartments on a weekend trip to Dallas to find a place to live. Confirming His direction in our lives by getting us out of a lease, we were "mistakenly" never asked to sign, at an apartment we found, not involved in this ministry.



• Provided a job that supported us, as well as kept an ideal schedule, allowing me to do the apartment ministry.



• Healed me from a long battle with postpartum depression and when blessed with another child, guarded my body and mind, with very minor, if any symptoms.



• Provided Bryce a school schedule that allowed him to stay at home with our son almost full time and for those few times his schedule did not allow, blessed our son with the care of the one family member in the Dallas area (that just happened to live close to my work and lived there during the same time we were there, they are now in Kansas as well).



• Provided Bryce with a job that had not even been advertised after seminary, close to family, and that allowed me to stay at home to raise our children.



• Has forgiven me.

Thank you Lord for your provision, direction and protection. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the miracles in my life to remind me I have nothing to fear.

Tradition, Tradition!

I wish I could sing the title of this post to you to give you the full affect. My amazing husband took me to see "Fiddler on the Roof" (my most favorite musical of all time) at a dinner theater on Friday night. He even tried to keep it a secret and surprise me, which I'll give him credit for, even though he's not very good at it! We ate until we couldn't breath at the ginormous buffet and enjoyed the show. Fun, fun, fun! Maybe not as much fun, is that I keep finding myself singing all the Fiddler songs over and over in my head....well, and out loud. Bryce and I were talking about going to the dinner theater again soon, when I chimed in with "If I were a rich man...". Then last night at church I ran into this sweet young man, whom I would love to meet my precious sister and found myself singing "Matchmaker" on the way home. Bryce and I finished off the evening last night with a rendition of "Do you love me?". Anyway, as a warning, you might want to keep your distance, until the music wears off. Unless you want to be a part of "Our Life", the musical.

Hope

I read the headline this morning, "Hope won the election".

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God, he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalms 62:5-8

All election discussions aside; I hope, your hope, rests in God alone.

To blog or not to blog?

After much deliberation, I guess the answer is...to blog. I have followed several blogs for a long time now. I love reading the journaling and I love being able to peek into the lives of others I admire in their everyday. You definitely don't have to admire me to read this blog, but you're invited to share in our lives if you would like. I have a great desire to write and would love to write a book or two someday. However, raising two small children is not very conducive to book writing. So for now, I'll be writing here, along with my dearest husband from time to time. We are a family of four, overwhelmingly blessed. Our greatest desire is to glorify God in all that we do. You are invited to keep up with us here, while we are still being molded...