There are a lot of "things" accumulating in my life. A mixture of stress, lack of confidence, apathy, weariness, and a genuine feeling of being overwhelmed are just permeating in my heart right now.
I feel far from the Lord. I don't know why. I feel like I'm giving half of my heart to everything because I'm stretched so thin. I feel a general blah-ness that comes from not seeing the sun enough.
Then this passage comes to mind -- and I can fill in plenty for "THESE THINGS" ...
"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
I feel that. OVERWHELMING victory.
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
I want overwhelming victory, but I'm a work in progress ...
But God is not finished with me.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6).
God will not abandon me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands (Psalm 138:8).
God will keep me strong.
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8).
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Why I Hated the Hunger Games ...
I know. You probably think I'm crazy.
But hear me out!
The books were extremely interesting, and they were very well written. I fell in love with Katniss's character right away. Nothing gets me more than sacrifice for family. After finishing the first book, I had to see how it ended.
Boy, was I disappointed. (No, I will not be divulging any spoilers. Feel free to read on.)
After the second book, I was leery to continue but I thought, well it will all wrap up in the end.
However, the third book just got worse ... And worse ... And worse ... Until there were only a few pages left. I kept thinking ... Ok, time to wrap up!
It didn't. At least, not in a way that pleased me.
I can't stand books where the main character does everything they can to be a good person or do the right thing - and just keep getting screwed over.
This book had an opportunity to show a mass amount of people - especially teens - that there is hope. Yes, life can be hard. The world can be cruel and terrible. But, in the end, there can be hope. There can be good.
But there wasn't. There was death, murder, and betrayal - over and over again.
I wasn't looking for a cutesy ending. I think the nature of what was going on wouldn't allow for a "happily ever after," but there were two major plot twists near the end that really didn't NEED to happen, which is what I am most angry about.
Yes, angry. I was angry after reading them. I'm angry every time I talk to someone about them. Ask Brent.
I think the ending could have been written extremely differently and still had a lasting effect on the audience. It was much to dark, depressing, and macabre for my taste.
I'll stick to Karen Kingsbury, thank you very much.
But hear me out!
The books were extremely interesting, and they were very well written. I fell in love with Katniss's character right away. Nothing gets me more than sacrifice for family. After finishing the first book, I had to see how it ended.
Boy, was I disappointed. (No, I will not be divulging any spoilers. Feel free to read on.)
After the second book, I was leery to continue but I thought, well it will all wrap up in the end.
However, the third book just got worse ... And worse ... And worse ... Until there were only a few pages left. I kept thinking ... Ok, time to wrap up!
It didn't. At least, not in a way that pleased me.
I can't stand books where the main character does everything they can to be a good person or do the right thing - and just keep getting screwed over.
This book had an opportunity to show a mass amount of people - especially teens - that there is hope. Yes, life can be hard. The world can be cruel and terrible. But, in the end, there can be hope. There can be good.
But there wasn't. There was death, murder, and betrayal - over and over again.
I wasn't looking for a cutesy ending. I think the nature of what was going on wouldn't allow for a "happily ever after," but there were two major plot twists near the end that really didn't NEED to happen, which is what I am most angry about.
Yes, angry. I was angry after reading them. I'm angry every time I talk to someone about them. Ask Brent.
I think the ending could have been written extremely differently and still had a lasting effect on the audience. It was much to dark, depressing, and macabre for my taste.
I'll stick to Karen Kingsbury, thank you very much.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Bowl ...
I wish I had been in Indianapolis today. It looked like one heck of a party.
Congrats to little Eli and the Giants for a great game.
On a side note - today Bree had her second tooth cut. It's no Super Bowl, but it to everyone in this house excited!
Goodbye, gummy grin! Hello, toothy smile!
Congrats to little Eli and the Giants for a great game.
On a side note - today Bree had her second tooth cut. It's no Super Bowl, but it to everyone in this house excited!
Goodbye, gummy grin! Hello, toothy smile!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Priorities.
Where are they?
I had a recent conviction in this area.
I was putting Bree down for her nap. She fell asleep, and I put her in her crib. I walked out the door and didn't look back. I went downstairs, sat on my couch, and I started to cry.
Don't stop here or else you will think I am just insane.
I'm not.
As I sat down on the couch to relax with Giselle (naps are our snuggle time), I realized if something were to happen to Bree while she was sleeping, I had spent the entire morning cleaning and worrying about my stupid house.
Don't get me wrong: cleaning is important.
But I was putting a priority on the look of my house rather than my adorable little girl.
When I should have been on the floor playing peek-a-boo or building block towers for her to knock down, I was instead worrying about laundry, the dishes, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and scrubbing my house into submission.
Right now, Bree is my job. It might not be valued by society to be a stay at home mom, but it's what we chose. I chose to stay home so I could teach her, cuddle her, play with her, and show her LOTS of new things each day. I didn't choose to stay home so I could have an immaculate house. I would still be working if those were my choices: job or clean house.
Job.
But Bree is what I chose, and I need to remember each day that I chose her. And I need to re-choose her every morning, every time my dishes stack up, every time my table is cluttered. Because my house is not eternal. My stuff is not eternal.
My daughter's soul ... now that's eternal.
So where is my priority?
Right where it should be: gazing into the beautiful blue eyes of my extremely happy and silly baby girl.
I had a recent conviction in this area.
I was putting Bree down for her nap. She fell asleep, and I put her in her crib. I walked out the door and didn't look back. I went downstairs, sat on my couch, and I started to cry.
Don't stop here or else you will think I am just insane.
I'm not.
As I sat down on the couch to relax with Giselle (naps are our snuggle time), I realized if something were to happen to Bree while she was sleeping, I had spent the entire morning cleaning and worrying about my stupid house.
Don't get me wrong: cleaning is important.
But I was putting a priority on the look of my house rather than my adorable little girl.
When I should have been on the floor playing peek-a-boo or building block towers for her to knock down, I was instead worrying about laundry, the dishes, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and scrubbing my house into submission.
Right now, Bree is my job. It might not be valued by society to be a stay at home mom, but it's what we chose. I chose to stay home so I could teach her, cuddle her, play with her, and show her LOTS of new things each day. I didn't choose to stay home so I could have an immaculate house. I would still be working if those were my choices: job or clean house.
Job.
But Bree is what I chose, and I need to remember each day that I chose her. And I need to re-choose her every morning, every time my dishes stack up, every time my table is cluttered. Because my house is not eternal. My stuff is not eternal.
My daughter's soul ... now that's eternal.
So where is my priority?
Right where it should be: gazing into the beautiful blue eyes of my extremely happy and silly baby girl.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Dear Bree,
I know you are very busy soaking up everyone's attention. That must be a rough life you have. I remember when it used to be mine. You know me, I am the one under the blanket on the couch. You always rip my blanket off me and laugh. I don't think it's funny.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I have made my peace with you being here. But please stop chasing me while I eat or taking my food from me. Our parents might think it's funny to watch you eat my food, but I dont. In the wild, that calls for acts of aggression. But when I try, you know who comes to your aide, and I get in trouble. I don't know why it's my fault. But it always is.
Also, I know my legs, eyes, ears, mouth, head, and fur LOOK like toys - but they're not. They are necessary to my survival, even if dad says otherwise. So please stop pulling, pinching, grabbing, or squeezing them. I don't like it. I would retaliate, but, as previously mentioned, you would only be rescued and I: in trouble.
I hear mom and dad talking about more of you. I surely hope not. One of you is enough.
I can only imagine I have a few good years left, anyway. They hardly ever remember to give me water and food each morning. They are too busy doting on you. Just let me live in peace under my blanket. Please.
Love,
Giselle
P.S. I will disregard all animosity if you start dropping food on the floor "accidentally" during meals. They think it's cute. I get food. We all win. Think about it.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I have made my peace with you being here. But please stop chasing me while I eat or taking my food from me. Our parents might think it's funny to watch you eat my food, but I dont. In the wild, that calls for acts of aggression. But when I try, you know who comes to your aide, and I get in trouble. I don't know why it's my fault. But it always is.
Also, I know my legs, eyes, ears, mouth, head, and fur LOOK like toys - but they're not. They are necessary to my survival, even if dad says otherwise. So please stop pulling, pinching, grabbing, or squeezing them. I don't like it. I would retaliate, but, as previously mentioned, you would only be rescued and I: in trouble.
I hear mom and dad talking about more of you. I surely hope not. One of you is enough.
I can only imagine I have a few good years left, anyway. They hardly ever remember to give me water and food each morning. They are too busy doting on you. Just let me live in peace under my blanket. Please.
Love,
Giselle
P.S. I will disregard all animosity if you start dropping food on the floor "accidentally" during meals. They think it's cute. I get food. We all win. Think about it.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thankful Thursday
Thank you, Lord, for these wonderful things, in no particular order:
Our Keurig machine, even though it's technically Brent's;
a mild, almost WARM, winter;
a Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, and Hobby Lobby within walking distance;
Oh, and this little, happy thing ...
Our Keurig machine, even though it's technically Brent's;
a mild, almost WARM, winter;
a Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, and Hobby Lobby within walking distance;
Oh, and this little, happy thing ...
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
What's it like?
I've had a lot of friends wonder what my life is like.
The life of a stay at home mom.
It's a mystery unknown to many, but those who are in the same boat know all too well what goes on all day.
It's a glamorous life. I enjoy plenty of alone time. I shower each morning and dress in my prettiest outfits. I take plenty of time primping, meticulously styling my hair and applying my make up. I work out each morning and have a healthy breakfast. My day is filled with important household tasks that never go unnoticed. I, of course, make time for Oprah and Bon-Bons. I await my husband in my dress, apron, high heels, and pearls with a four-course meal on the table - with our nicest China set out, of course. I love my life.
Oh wait, no, sorry. That was a dream I had last night.
Mine is an unglamorous life. The only alone time I have is when I hide in my shower for 15 minutes while Bree plays in her bouncer watching Veggie Tales. Sometimes there's no time for a shower until after bedtime. I dress in the same outfit everyday. Jeans and a nursing tank top - it just makes life easier. Often, I will get thrown up on and change clothes multiple times a day.
For instance, yesterday I was thrown up on so I changed pants, and I was thrown up on again 5 minutes later.
My hair has made its peace with never getting attention. It's either in a pony tail or pig tails - I try to at least vary between the two. It doesn't matter anyway; it is seen as a toy however it's styled. Forget make up. The only work out I get is walking up and down the stairs changing poopy diapers and the new game of walking around the house holding Bree's fingers. Rather than toning muscles, I am developing scoliosis. I pray she walks soon.
I pretend the food I actually eat is healthy. For my sister's sake, I will leave out what my diet consists of. The only TV shows I watch are on PBS: Word World, Angelina Ballerina, or Peep and the Big Wide World. There are never any Bon-Bons - even though I keep checking my pantry hoping they just materialize for stay-at-home moms because that's all you hear about.
My husband comes home and asks how my day was and what I did. He falls asleep listening to my account of washing clothes, cleaning the fan blades, and dusting. He does take notice if there is a delicious meal prepared for us - because there's usually not. I fall asleep looking at the clock, counting how many hours of sleep I will get until 3 am, when it all starts over.
I guess the only part of my dream that was real is that I love my life.
I love the craziness. I love the new things I learn each day. I love the challenge to grow and become a better wife and mom. I am never without trials - giving me daily opportunities to show patience, grace, love, and kindness. I am always reminded of the blessings God has given us. I treasure the little things Bree learns each day. I anticipate my husband's return home because I love watching him give Bree a bath. That little girl loves her daddy, and that man loves that little girl. I love our nightly games of Carcassone after Bree is asleep, which is also when we eat cookies or ice cream or -let's be honest- both. I love my snuggle time with Giselle each night while I do my devotions and Bible study homework on the couch. I love crawling into bed with the man of my dreams and tickling him until he commands me go to sleep. I usually take this opportunity to practice my monologue, which is the first 20 minutes of the movie Megamind. I've got it down. Before I fall asleep I thank God for the life He has given me and pray I can appreciate it the next day in the midst of trial.
The life of a stay at home mom.
It's a mystery unknown to many, but those who are in the same boat know all too well what goes on all day.
It's a glamorous life. I enjoy plenty of alone time. I shower each morning and dress in my prettiest outfits. I take plenty of time primping, meticulously styling my hair and applying my make up. I work out each morning and have a healthy breakfast. My day is filled with important household tasks that never go unnoticed. I, of course, make time for Oprah and Bon-Bons. I await my husband in my dress, apron, high heels, and pearls with a four-course meal on the table - with our nicest China set out, of course. I love my life.
Oh wait, no, sorry. That was a dream I had last night.
Mine is an unglamorous life. The only alone time I have is when I hide in my shower for 15 minutes while Bree plays in her bouncer watching Veggie Tales. Sometimes there's no time for a shower until after bedtime. I dress in the same outfit everyday. Jeans and a nursing tank top - it just makes life easier. Often, I will get thrown up on and change clothes multiple times a day.
For instance, yesterday I was thrown up on so I changed pants, and I was thrown up on again 5 minutes later.
My hair has made its peace with never getting attention. It's either in a pony tail or pig tails - I try to at least vary between the two. It doesn't matter anyway; it is seen as a toy however it's styled. Forget make up. The only work out I get is walking up and down the stairs changing poopy diapers and the new game of walking around the house holding Bree's fingers. Rather than toning muscles, I am developing scoliosis. I pray she walks soon.
I pretend the food I actually eat is healthy. For my sister's sake, I will leave out what my diet consists of. The only TV shows I watch are on PBS: Word World, Angelina Ballerina, or Peep and the Big Wide World. There are never any Bon-Bons - even though I keep checking my pantry hoping they just materialize for stay-at-home moms because that's all you hear about.
My husband comes home and asks how my day was and what I did. He falls asleep listening to my account of washing clothes, cleaning the fan blades, and dusting. He does take notice if there is a delicious meal prepared for us - because there's usually not. I fall asleep looking at the clock, counting how many hours of sleep I will get until 3 am, when it all starts over.
I guess the only part of my dream that was real is that I love my life.
I love the craziness. I love the new things I learn each day. I love the challenge to grow and become a better wife and mom. I am never without trials - giving me daily opportunities to show patience, grace, love, and kindness. I am always reminded of the blessings God has given us. I treasure the little things Bree learns each day. I anticipate my husband's return home because I love watching him give Bree a bath. That little girl loves her daddy, and that man loves that little girl. I love our nightly games of Carcassone after Bree is asleep, which is also when we eat cookies or ice cream or -let's be honest- both. I love my snuggle time with Giselle each night while I do my devotions and Bible study homework on the couch. I love crawling into bed with the man of my dreams and tickling him until he commands me go to sleep. I usually take this opportunity to practice my monologue, which is the first 20 minutes of the movie Megamind. I've got it down. Before I fall asleep I thank God for the life He has given me and pray I can appreciate it the next day in the midst of trial.
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