Dear Daughter, I Want You To Know....

This sweet girl turned 10 on Wednesday!  I am thrilled with the young lady that you are growing up to be.  I am so thankful that you are so full of life and so compassionate toward other people.  I pray that you continue to find joy even throughout the hard times!

There is still so much that I want my dear daughter to know.  So, I decided to take some time to compile everything and document it (since my blog is like a journal to me).

Dear Daugther, I want you to know:

1. You are Beautiful: On 10/12/06, you entered this world at 9:20 PM.  You were the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen.  And you still are!
Not only are you beautiful to me, but you're beautiful to God.  The God that created the entire universe, thought that the world would be a more beautiful place with you in it (and he was right, as he always is).

I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

So, please do not ever put yourself down.  Please do not ever compare your appearance to others.  Do not let anyone else tell you otherwise.  God created you to be unique and you are beautiful!

2. You are Loved: Oh my word, when I found out that I was pregnant with you, I was so over the moon with excitement!  Your Dad and I fell in love with you right from the start!  We even talked to you in my belly! Not only do we love you more than words can say, but the God who created you loves you so very much!

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

My sweet girl, I know that there will be times in this life that you feel so very alone and unlovable.  However, please remember that even in those times, you are never ever alone and you are always loved by The Father (and your Mom and Dad too)!

3. God has a plan - Sweet girl, as you grow older you will see that growing older isn't always so easy.  You will be faced with difficult decisions.  Some will be easy and some will not.  Sometimes, you will make the wrong decision...and that's okay too!  We all mess up a few times.  However, God always has a plan for your life.  Sometimes, that plan isn't the easy one either!  However, his plan is always the perfect plan!

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

And sometimes, his plan isn't instantly revealed.  Sometimes, it takes even years for God's perfect plan to be revealed (your Dad and I prayed for 7 years when he desired a position in ministry...7 years before God's perfect plan was revealed)!

4. God gave your gifts - Not only are you a gift, but God gave you gifts to bless others.  God gave each of us talents to bless others.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen 1 Peter 4:10-11

If your gift is baking, please bake for others...your family, the homeless, use your skill to bless someone else and make their day brighter.  

5. Always be a friend - You will be faced with times during your life when it is much easier to follow "the crowd".  Please always be kind to everyone, never leaving anyone out or alone. Always treat others the way that you would like to be treated.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12

Even though it is not always the easiest to love others like Jesus loves us.  It will be a blessing.  It is not easy to love someone after they have hurt your feelings, but please remember that Jesus always loves us, no matter what we do.

6. Do Not Worry - My precious girl, as you know your Mama worries about everything and I always have!  When you were in daycare the first year, I drove those poor teachers crazy!  I called to check on you several times per day.  Sometimes, they would even hold the phone up to your ear so that we could chat!  There was no need for me to worry, you were in excellent hands.  Even more, God loves you so much and he was watching over you even when I wasn't there!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Sweet heart, whenever your heart feels overwhelmed with worry-- pray!  God will hear your request and you will feel his perfect peace wash over you.  I have come a long way with my worrying, by praying !  

7. Remember the quiet - One of my favorite authors, Lysa TerKeurst states "We must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world."  This is so true.  Please remember that your day will go so much smoother if you talk to God at the beginning of the day.  You are like a sweet little sponge and if you soak up God's word before going about your day, you will be more likely to leak out his love on others!

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  Matthew 6:6

I pray that your children will also see your devotion to God and that they will see you reading and studying God's word.  It is my prayer that many generations to come will know about God and his love for us!

8. Live to be you! My precious little princess, you have always lived to the beat of your own drum! I remember when you were younger and took ballet classes each week, you always insisted on wearing your rain boots with your tutu!  It was adorable, but you got some funny looks.  However you were happy! Don't stop now!  God designed you to be YOU!  Please do not compare yourself to others, do not compromise your beliefs.  Live free because you are loved by the father!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

You my darling are my joy!  I love being your Mommy and I love seeing you grow up each day.  I love your sweet sensitive heart and how you care for others.  Please do not ever change!  I look forward to seeing all of the great things that God has in store for you. Live loved, because you are loved by the Father!

Lots of love,

Mom

Lately around here...

Wow!

I just realized that it has been over a month since my last post!

Honestly, I have been feeling slightly overwhelmed with life since school started back in August.  Some days are long and busy....some days I find myself longing for a cup of coffee and a good conversation with a friend.  Nonetheless, most days I enjoy the season of life that I am in.

Six months ago, my husband was granted the job as Associate Children's Minister at our church.  There are really no words to describe how excited we were to take on this position.  I didn't find it coincidental that he took on the position, almost 7 years to the day that he announced his call into the ministry.  He is 6 months in...almost daily he says "Can you believe it? I can't believe that I've got my dream job!"

I myself have learned a lot in the past 6 months.  I have a new respect for pastors and their wives and families.  I have learned that there are sometimes that your husband isn't present for a family event, because he is ministering to another family, or attending a conference...or sometimes you wake up in the middle of the night to find your husband bowing in prayer beside your bed because he is truly burdened for another person.

My children and I love that my husband is now in ministry.  Sometimes it means that they have a little extra craft time on the weekends...



Like these adorable bee hives that we created and hung over the weekend!  Addison and Finn also play an important role in children's ministry event planning.  I am also humbled with how they often pray for their friends at church during our devotion time at home.



Our first church event trip to a local apple orchard!

I have also felt convicted lately that I do not know enough scripture to recite when needed.  I wanted to start to memorize scripture myself and I wanted my children to be able to memorize scripture as well.  So....I purchased this beautiful chalkboard and placed it on the mantle in our living room.  Each evening during our family devotion time, my children and I take turns reading it over and memorizing the verse.  This is our second verse since the chalkboard purchase.

"And the child grew and became strong in spirit."  Luke 1:80

This week seems just as busy as the last few have been, but we're gearing up for a special kid to turn 10!

Lots of love!

Saturday Smiles...

I was attempting to do a good Friday Funnies post, however...after work on Friday turned into the grocery store (ugh!) which turned into pizza delivery for dinner and then turned into an evening at the fair.  I did however manage to check one item off of my bucket list...I milked a cow!  Not sure why I ever wanted to do that because it was pretty gross!

Anyway, I have recently discovered my new favorite mom band.  Their name is The Texting Yoga Pants and if they ever decide to tour, I will be their groupie!

I still can't drive a mini van...even though my children beg me to get one, complete with the tv in the headrest!

I could have starred in this video!  There have been many days where I thought I would have to choose between doing my hair and my make up!

Hope that you smile this Saturday!

To My Girlfriends: I Miss You!

Oh my childhood BFF, I miss you!  I miss the days when we would say "I'll ask my mom if you can come over and you ask your mom if I can come over...deal?"  "Deal!"  We were inseparable!  We would spend 5 days together at our elementary school and we would still long to spend all day together on Saturday's.  We spent the night together on the weekends, shared our deepest darkest secrets sealed with a pinkie promise and shared bologna sandwiches together on warm Saturday afternoons.  I miss you! I miss hearing our innocent giggles while making shadow puppets on your bedroom wall, I miss being scared of the creeks of your house on a Friday night and you lending your favorite teddy bear for me to snuggle. I miss knowing that you were my BFF...for life.  Most of all, I miss our friendship.  I miss having someone to stand up for me against the bully on the playground, I wish that you were in my life today.  I wish that I could tell you all of my deepest secrets and have you stand up for me to the bullies in my life, and I miss that I can't do the same for you!

I walked into the first day of middle school with my childhood BFF, she thought that my white short overalls were awesome!  I walked out of my last day of middle school, with completely different people, my childhood BFF was no where to be found.  I remember the pain that I felt when I realized that my childhood BFF and I were going different directions in our lives.

  To my middle school girlfriends, I miss you. I miss that you taught me to be brave enough to ask the boy to dance, I miss writing you notes and taking longer to fold the note than to actually write it.  I miss getting excited about your Birthday and taking an hour to pick out your $10 gift from Wal Mart, because it had to be perfect.  I miss thinking that you  were the coolest girl on earth!  I miss having you there to lift me up after my first heartbreak, I miss having you by my side to have my back when I stand up for myself and I miss having you encourage me to try new things! Because even when we're older, we still need to try new things once in a while!

I remember staying on the phone for hours talking to my middle school girlfriends (on 3 way) about the perfect outfit to wear on my first day of high school.  I remember sitting beside you in that huge auditorium during freshman orientation.  Did I even get a picture of you at graduation?  I remember feeling hurt when you chose your boyfriend over me.  I had (secretly) wanted you to break up and come running back to me.  I waited and waited, but sometimes high school sweethearts actually stay together for better or for worse.  In the end, I couldn't be happier for you, I'm glad that you avoided the heartbreak of break up's and that you got the guy of your dreams!

To my high school girlfriends, I miss you!  I miss being brave and being the first person to ride in your car!  I miss late nights of pizza, football games, concerts and staying out way too late.  I miss our conversations about what we were going to do when we were older.  There are moments with you that I still hold in my heart!  I miss you, I miss the memories that we shared.  I miss the person that I was when I was around you...a fun girl!  A girl that had no worries other than zits, curfews and Biology.

I was thrilled when I got the shiny diamond on my finger! I couldn't wait to call you!  I was thrilled when you went with me to shop for my wedding gown and you agreed to stand beside me on my wedding day.  I probably would have treasured the moments a little longer, if I had known that this would have been the last day that we would "hang out".  I remember blowing you a kiss as I rode away for my honeymoon, and then moved to the city.  Weeks became months, months became years...and one day I bumped into you when I visited family in our hometown. Everything was awkward...you were with your new friends.  I felt a slight sting as we hugged goodbye in the coffee shop.  I am so thankful that technology has progressed and I can see your beautiful kids on Facebook. I love reconnecting with you when we occasionally bump into each other at a 5 year old's Birthday party.  Who knew that my biggest social events would ever be at Chuck E Cheese's when I'm 33??

To my adult girlfriends....I probably miss you the most!  I miss the days when we would sit for hours and sip coffee.  Discussing everything from stain removers, marriage problems and the thrill of new blessings on the way!  I still see you.  I see you at soccer practice, I see you at the PTA meeting, I see you at church, but sadly we do not connect.  We have light conversation "Have a lovely week."  "Hope that the baby feels better."  "Let me know if you need anything." We always say that we will get together soon!  However, it always seems that something happens...work happens, an extra soccer practice occurs,  the baby gets sick, family comes in unexpectedly.   Life happens! We always say that we miss each other, but I truly miss you.  I miss having someone to connect with.  I miss having someone to listen to me when I'm wondering if I'm doing this parenting thing right, I miss sharing tears with you after the disappointments in my life.  I miss being there for you!  I miss knowing what is going on in your life, I miss caring for you.  I miss bringing you a meal when everyone in your home has snot coming out of every orifice of their bodies.  I miss having someone who needs me and I need you too!

Eyes, Ears & Heart

I just wanted to pass along some items that I am currently reading / listening to/ making my heart beat. I am hoping that it will be an encouragement to you!  As always feel free to email me at imaginehisblessings@yahoo.com if you have any questions, comments or suggestions!

Eyes - I am currently reading Univited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely by Lysa TerKuerst (5 gold stars for me for spelling her last name correctly on the first try).

I actually pre ordered this book at Lifeway & picked it up the same day that it was released !  I could not wait to get my hands on it and now, I can't put it down!  

Since reading this book, I have uncovered a lot of hurt that I have had in my life and I am working through it to forgive.  My favorite quote from this book, so far is:

Bitterness, resentment and anger have no place in a heart as beautiful as yours. 

- Lysa Terkeurst

I'm saying too much...go and pick up your own copy!

Ears- I have recently fallen in love with the Christian group "For King and Country".  Their songs always seem to come on the radio at the exact moment that I need them.  Within the past 6 months or so, we started playing Pandora softly in our home.  I was so excited when I found the "For King and Country" Pandora station!

This is their newest song.....don't you love it?

Heart - About a year ago, I read "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson.  It completely changed my prayer life!  The day that I went into Lifeway to pick up "Uninvited", I noticed "Draw the Circle: " The 40 Day Prayer Challenge" on the sale table ( I may or may not have squealed)!  

"When you pray to God regularly, irregular things will happen on a regular basis." - Mark Batterson

I am currently on day 11 and one thing that I have noticed is that my quiet time has gotten a lot longer!  I started writing in my journal the other night and I was so consumed in my quiet time, that before I noticed an hour had went by and my husband was snoring beside me!

What are the things that have pricked your heart lately? 

Friday Funnies

Enjoy these Friday funnies!  

P.SA.: If you're a lady over 35...or er...29, please empty your bladder (or secure your Depends) prior to watching!

A joyful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

How Did I Get Here?

Disclaimer...This has been one of the hardest blog posts that I have ever written.  Leaving our "old church" was one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make. I have laid awake in my bed for many nights, trying to put the words together for this post. I did not want to write this.  However, I continued to feel God urging me to write this.  Much love and thanks for reading!


It was Sunday and I got out of my car with my coffee cup in hand and I was greeted by our friend Mr. R on his golf cart in our church parking lot.  This is one of the many things that my children loved about our church.  Being rode into church on the golf cart.  As I noticed the beautiful sunshine and how it reflected off of the mountains, I immediately thought "God is so good" and I reflected the many changes that have taken place over the past year.

A year ago on this Sunday, we were still in church.  However, it wasn't the right church for us.  It was for a season, but like seasons...they change.  We loved our little country church that we actively went to for over 8 years.  We worshiped with family, it was not uncommon for a cousin, grandparent or aunt or uncle to be the Sunday School teacher of my children.  It was also a common sight to see little ones being rocked to sleep of a family member, or someone as close as family in the church choir.  The small country church was full of love. Our pastor loved his congregation, often times you would see a group gathered at our pastor's home to split and stack wood for the winter months.  We would also frequently gather at the soup kitchen to serve those who were less than fortunate. So, you may ask...why did you leave a church filled with such love and harmony?

To be honest, I'm not quite sure myself.  However, I do know that like puzzle pieces that sometimes get warped when my children have played with them too long, they get warped.  They have a hard time being put back together.  The puzzle piece of my family started not to fit quite right.  We still felt love, we were still being fed the gospel, but we wanted more of something and things started to feel like they didn't fit just quite right anymore.

I remember the Sunday that my husband suggested that we visit the church not far from our home.  I had quickly dismissed this suggestion many many times because "they watch the church on a screen, how is that any different than enjoying the service from the comfort of my living room?"  He would always shrug his shoulders and walk away.  However, on this Sunday I didn't dismiss his suggestion.  I only said "okay, we can try it, but if F gets upset walking into his classroom, I'm leaving."  My husband agreed and off we went....to a different church.

We drove up the big hill and found a parking spot and quickly a lady in capri pants ran out  to greet us...hugging us!  We received other numerous hugs and warm smiles as we walked into the door.  You could feel love and I felt my anxiety of a "different church" leaving my body.  We escorted A to her kids classroom where she found numerous other children around her age playing games and a teacher, Mrs. P gathering materials to teach the group of children.  She warmly introduced herself and Addison began being immersed in the activities that were provided.  We told her goodbye, but she didn't even turn around to hear us as she began to make new friends.

Then it was off to F's classroom.  He ran right in!  I think that they had him with the play dough. He ran right up, took a seat and he was sucked in as well.  His teacher warmly smiled and promised to find us if he needed us.  I looked at my husband as we walked down the hallway to the sanctuary and we both agreed that in all of the years that we have been in church, our son has NEVER just walked into a strange classroom without wailing for us to stay with him.

We were warmly welcomed in the sanctuary.  We loved the contemporary worship music and all of the young families that began to trickle into the sanctuary.  People our age. We quickly stood and began to clap our hands to the music and I even began to cry at how powerful I could feel the love of God in the sanctuary.

For years, my husband and I have wanted to feel accepted and to have friends around our age.  We occasionally were invited to cook outs, but other than people that we met at work, we didn't have many people that we could call up and ask to "hang out".    While we had a few people in our lives that we could do this.  We longed to sit in a small group with others our age and receive Godly advice, wisdom from the older generation who has been in our shoes. We also longed for our children to have a community of friends and activities for them while my husband and I could worship and not have to worry if my children decided that it was time to go during the middle of a worship service.  I could slowly see where we would fit into this church...

As the service began, it was so powerful that I quickly forgot that I was watching it on a screen.  Especially when the pastor at this church stood at the end to speak.  I shed many many tears that day.  It had been a long time since I had experienced the love of God so powerfully in my life.

As the week went on, I received a phone call from the pastor and cards from two people telling me how much they enjoyed me how much they enjoyed meeting me and that my children were well behaved....whoa!

I was dreading the next Sunday.  I didn't want to leave our old country church, but this new church was so intriguing.  My daughter asked numerous times during the week if we could "go to the new church."  She loved all of the other children in her class.  My husband admitted that he loved the service and that he would like to attend at least once again.  I agreed with him.

A year later, I will admit that leaving our "old church" was very very difficult.  It was hard to leave people that I have grown close to over an 8 year period.  However, looking back I knew that in the months prior to leaving that I felt that something was missing from my life.  I wanted to grow in knowledge  and see God's love in my life.  I wanted a community of other people that I could call on if needed and I wanted people that needed me as well.  I have found that in my church.   I can see my children growing up with their church friends.  That's not something that I could have received from watching the service on tv...

We received a community!