Sunday, June 26, 2011
New!! Teaching Toddlers
Click on the "Teaching Toddlers" tab above for an exciting new addition to my life as a stay-at-home-mom and the blog! I hope you find it useful!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Celebrating 1,460 Days as One
Four years ago today, on a hot, sunny June evening, My Hero and I exchanged vows amongst dear family and friends. It was a day full of unbridled love and uncontainable joy....a wedding of my dreams. More important than seeing all the wedding plans come together was the fact that he was now mine and I was his. 1,460 days have passed since that once-in-a-lifetime evening, and I am more in love with him now than I was back then. We often times recognize the truth that we aren't perfect people and don't have a perfect marriage, but we are perfect for each other. He is the answer to all my prayers and even the ones I didn't know to pray. Marriage to him is an amazing gift that I get to open day after day.
Remembering....
--------------------------------------
As some of you know, we started an anniversary trip tradition right after we got married. Our goal is to travel to every state until we get to all 50. So far we've explored the following places...
Maine (honeymoon), South Carolina, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.
This year's destination? The shores of Alabama. No matter where we go, we always look forward to several days of uninterrupted one-on-one time eating at good restaurants, experiencing new adventures, and most importantly, just being together.
Remembering....
 |
| Photos taken by Steve Barnhart Photography |
--------------------------------------
As some of you know, we started an anniversary trip tradition right after we got married. Our goal is to travel to every state until we get to all 50. So far we've explored the following places...
Maine (honeymoon), South Carolina, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.
This year's destination? The shores of Alabama. No matter where we go, we always look forward to several days of uninterrupted one-on-one time eating at good restaurants, experiencing new adventures, and most importantly, just being together.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Unwrapping
“Whether you choose to count your blessings or choose to complain, it’s helpful to understand that you have a choice.” -Tommy Nelson in The 4:8 Principle
---------------------------------------------------------
More and more gifts continue to be found each and every day. I am amazed at the multitude and so thankful...
113. An unexpected evening downpour to quench a dry earth
119. Morning fog dancing around the curtain of dark green trees
122. A light blue, lavender sky with one long, puffy airplane trail dividing it in half
131. Slowly savoring my once-a-year Chick-fil-A milkshake (Banana pudding!)
133. A clean house at the start of a new day
138. Hearing a student I tutor say, "I love writing!!"
149. Vermont maple syrup drizzled over a warm wheat pancake
150. The sweet, summery smell of watermelon - if I could create any perfume it would smell just like watermelon!
152. An opportunity to practice not getting frustrated when my dog barked and woke Addison up from a much needed (for her sake and mine) nap
158. The fact that Addison leaves on her sunglasses and hat simply for the reason that she wants to look like Daddy
159. A cool morning that brings back memories of summers in New England - thin, refreshing air, chilly breeze, warm sun, crystal-blue skies
160. Long talks into the night with my sister, comfortably sitting on her couch
162. Watching Addison wear my old dress in a quiet field surrounded by mountains, birds, tall grass, and horses
165. Enjoying a snack shared with ducks and a quiet pond
169. A clean baby after a busy day
175. Spending an evening with dear friends - feeling like no time has passed at all!
177. Celebrating my wonderful Dad and my husband on Father's Day - what incredible men!
178. Addison decided to hug and kiss the playground before we left - how sweet!
179. Her pride and joy when she accomplishes something new followed quickly with a loud "yay!" and clapping! :)
180. Matt discovering hundreds of fireflies last night when he let our dog out before bed. I have never seen so many dancing lights in one place before! Tonight I am going to set up the tripod and try and capture this incredible sight! Words cannot do it justice! (Note - Sadly, no luck with the picture!)
---------------------------------------------------------
I just finished reading a book entitled Mustard Seeds by Lynn Coulter. It was exciting to discover that Lynn already views her life through the lens of counting gifts and recognizing God in the small details of life. Here's an excerpt:
---------------------------------------------------------
More and more gifts continue to be found each and every day. I am amazed at the multitude and so thankful...
113. An unexpected evening downpour to quench a dry earth
119. Morning fog dancing around the curtain of dark green trees
122. A light blue, lavender sky with one long, puffy airplane trail dividing it in half
131. Slowly savoring my once-a-year Chick-fil-A milkshake (Banana pudding!)
133. A clean house at the start of a new day
138. Hearing a student I tutor say, "I love writing!!"
149. Vermont maple syrup drizzled over a warm wheat pancake
150. The sweet, summery smell of watermelon - if I could create any perfume it would smell just like watermelon!
152. An opportunity to practice not getting frustrated when my dog barked and woke Addison up from a much needed (for her sake and mine) nap
158. The fact that Addison leaves on her sunglasses and hat simply for the reason that she wants to look like Daddy
159. A cool morning that brings back memories of summers in New England - thin, refreshing air, chilly breeze, warm sun, crystal-blue skies
160. Long talks into the night with my sister, comfortably sitting on her couch
162. Watching Addison wear my old dress in a quiet field surrounded by mountains, birds, tall grass, and horses
 |
| Photos taken by my talented sister! |
165. Enjoying a snack shared with ducks and a quiet pond
169. A clean baby after a busy day
 |
| Photo taken by my talented sister! |
175. Spending an evening with dear friends - feeling like no time has passed at all!
177. Celebrating my wonderful Dad and my husband on Father's Day - what incredible men!
 |
| My dad, sister, and me many years ago |
178. Addison decided to hug and kiss the playground before we left - how sweet!
179. Her pride and joy when she accomplishes something new followed quickly with a loud "yay!" and clapping! :)
180. Matt discovering hundreds of fireflies last night when he let our dog out before bed. I have never seen so many dancing lights in one place before! Tonight I am going to set up the tripod and try and capture this incredible sight! Words cannot do it justice! (Note - Sadly, no luck with the picture!)
---------------------------------------------------------
I just finished reading a book entitled Mustard Seeds by Lynn Coulter. It was exciting to discover that Lynn already views her life through the lens of counting gifts and recognizing God in the small details of life. Here's an excerpt:
“God called me back to faith in a hundred ordinary little ways: through a friend’s loving words, an encouraging phone call, a timely note or card in the mail. He opened my eyes to see and appreciate his myriad daily gifts: the freshness in the air after rain blows through; a wren’s nest built in an old motorcycle helmet atop a pile of trash; the sweet, gritty taste of pears; the deep shade in a grove of pecan trees; the cool, damp feel of morning fog; fat blackberries hanging from prickly vines; my son’s laugh; dark nights that helped me sleep; the sound of a rooster’s throaty wake-up call. God has given me a wake-up call through all these tender mercies and many more.”
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Teaching Toddlers: Noah's Ark Week
Noah’s Ark Week
18 Months+
(Note: The following activities are intended to be repeated each day for an entire week.)
Subject | Focus | Time | Activity |
Bible | The story of Noah’s Ark | During breakfast | Read the story of Noah in a toddler’s Bible. (One of our favorite children's Bibles. It also comes in a toddler version which I'm sure is great too!) |
Music | Reinforce Bible story through music. | Soon after breakfast | Sing “Who Built the Ark?” and encourage child to follow along with hand motions. |
Letter Awareness | To recognize the capital letter “A” | Morning, before nap | Write the letter A on several index cards. Put cards in various places throughout the house. As child finds the cards exclaim, “Wow! You found the letter A!” Point to A and say “A” while asking child to repeat. As the week progresses, include the letter B on separate index cards. When the child finds “B” say, “You found B! Let’s go find A!” Hold letters side by side while saying, “A, B.” Have child point and repeat. Practice writing A with bathtub crayons while your child is taking a bath (or with chalk when you are playing outside). Encourage your child to point to A while saying A. Towards the end of the week, put A and B index cards side by side. Say, “Give Mommy A!” |
Math | To recognize the difference between 1 object and 2 objects | During lunch and playtime | Give your child one piece of food in their hand. Say, “One, you have one pea.” Add another piece of food and say, “Two, you now have two peas!” Stab each pea with a fork while saying, “one, two, two peas!” Continue this procedure throughout lunchtime. Remind your child that God put two of each kind of animal on the ark. Get a box and pretend it is a boat. Gather your child’s stuffed animals and allow your child to put them on the boat while counting, “one, two, one two, etc.” You can also sing the following song sung to “The Ants Go Marching” (one of Addison’s favorites!): The animals went in two by two, hurrah, hurrah The animals went in two by two, hurrah, hurrah, The lion, hippo, rhino too All went in two by two And the rain came pouring down, to the ground, but the boat kept them safe Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom Towards the end of the week, encourage your toddler to get you one and two things. For example, “Go get one ball! GREAT! Now go get two blocks! VERY GOOD!!!” |
Play time with a purpose | To learn through play | Afternoon | Set up an inflatable pool or water table outside. Let your child play with a boat as you remind him/her of the story of Noah. Talk about Noah’s boat and all the animals that God put on it. If you have animals that can get wet, let your toddler put them on the boat and practice the various animal noises. Talk about how much God loves us and how he takes care of us just like he cared for Noah, the animals, and his family. To improve fine motor skills, give your child different sized cups and let him/her practice pouring water from one cup to another. Note: On a cold or rainy day, these activities can be done in a bathtub. Encourage your toddler to explore the opposites wet and dry. Show examples of each as you have him/her repeat “wet and dry.” |
Following Directions/ Obeying | To learn to recognize Mommy’s voice and obey what she says | Any time of the day | Tell your toddler that Noah listened to God and obeyed by building a big boat. Play “Listen to Mommy and Obey” – Say, “Look at Mommy. Listen to Mommy and obey. RUN!!” Then both of you run. Say, “Listen to Mommy and obey. STOP!” Continue this game by having your child do various tasks such as, crawl, walk backwards, get a certain toy, etc. |
Art | To express oneself creatively while interacting with water | Afternoon | With careful supervision, allow your toddler an opportunity to watercolor a rainbow. Talk about the different colors and God’s promise to us. On another day, print out this page. Allow your child to color the animals with watercolors or crayons. Cut a "boat" out of construction paper. Put the boat on top of the animals and cut doors in the boat. When your child opens the doors he or she sees the animals! This is a fun activity to keep to remind your toddler about the story of Noah. (finished product looks similar to the picture on the top left-hand side of this page.) |
Story time | To snuggle and read together in preparation for going to sleep | Before bed | Re-read the story of Noah (maybe from a different toddler Bible) and any other books pertaining to Noah or water. |
Additional resources for Noah's Ark:
Monday, June 13, 2011
Be Still
Be Still and Know by Steven Curtis Chapman
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still, O restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still
Be still, and know that He is God
Be still, and know that He is God
Be still, and know that He is God
Be still; Be speechless
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know He is our Father
Come rest your head upon His breast
Listen to the rhythm of His unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still, Be still
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still, O restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still
Be still, and know that He is God
Be still, and know that He is God
Be still, and know that He is God
Be still; Be speechless
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know He is our Father
Come rest your head upon His breast
Listen to the rhythm of His unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still, Be still
Rather than setting New Year’s Resolutions and goals at the end of 2010, I decided to choose a word to focus on throughout the next 365 days. Without much thought, the words BE STILL were tied to 2011 for me.
 |
| Scrabble tile idea found here |
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." -Psalm 37:7
"Be still and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10
Being still does not come easy for me. I am not a good relaxer, "rester," or "sit still-er." I like to get up early and be productive from the time I get out of bed until I return to bed later that night. However, I was missing out on an intimate relationship with my patient Heavenly Father as a result of this constantly on-the-move pace I was trying to keep. I came to the realization that I was like Martha...always running around, distracted, when I should have been Mary...sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening and soaking Him up; being still.
While in college, I listened to a message by Andy Stanley (in the Sinai Code sermon series) on the importance of the Sabbath. Andy encouraged his listeners to follow God's command by setting aside one day of the week as a work-free day. I took Andy's challenge. My "rest day" was not always Sunday, but it was a 24 hour period without interruptions of work-related matters (at that time, schoolwork assignments). During this time I focused on my quiet times, spending time with friends and family, enjoying the beautiful outdoors, reading books for pleasure, etc. God used that day of rest in amazing ways and to my astonishment, I was able to finish everything I needed to on the other 6 days!
Recently, Jeff Henderson and Andy Stanley preached an incredible sermon series entitled Life Apps. (Click the previous link and you can listen for free!) The fourth message really hit home. Jeff clearly explained the importance of rest as it relates to God and the Bible. The message is described the following way, "Can naps and vacations actually be spiritual disciplines? Communicating the importance of rest was one of the first things God did in the Bible. So why have we neglected - or worse denied - the importance of this principle? In this message, Jeff Henderson illustrates the pattern God gives us for the pace of our lives. And it just may begin with a nap."
With the truths of those messages and the words "be still" etched into my every day, I am slowly learning how to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus each and every morning and then to find moments throughout the day to be still. I want to "sit at His feet, to listen to His Word, to receive His love, to let Him change me, and to pour out my heart's devotion to Him" (quoted from Nancy Leigh DeMoss in A Place of Quiet Rest).
What changes have I made to open the door for this kind of relationship with God? First, I have to get up early, earlier than even I would choose, each and every morning. My Sweetie Pie takes after her Mommy already as she is an early riser! I need some moments of undivided attention with My Savior while the day is still young so my heart and mind are in tune with God before I even leave my bedroom. At first it was a struggle. My alarm would go off and I would want to stay in bed a few more minutes (sometimes those "few more minutes" turned into a half an hour and not long after that my little Morning Glory woke up and my chance of a few alone moments vanished). Thankfully I am learning and changing. Most days I go to bed each night looking forward to the upcoming morning. This special time has become a part of my every day, whereas before it was something I tried to squeeze into my day if Addison happened to sleep in.
I am slightly amazed and very excited as I go about each day and I recognize the areas God is tweaking me to be more like Him ("tweaking" in some areas, doing a 180 in others!). My mind and days seem less cluttered, more purposeful, peaceful, as I am avoiding distractions that move me away from God and my family. I am able to start the day equipped with the Word and with His mindset at the front of mine. While I still fail time and time again, I am taking baby steps in the right direction and I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who opens His arms wide to me and who loves me enough to change me so I can be a blessing to others while bringing Him glory.
In addition to the benefits of having a deepening personal relationship with Jesus in my life, my prayer is that Addison will know at an early age that God is essential to make it through each day. Setting this example shows her that we need God each day, not just when life takes a detour and things become difficult. How can I hope that Addison would have this dependency on God if her Mama doesn't make it a priority? I am looking forward to the age when Addison is old enough to observe me spend time in the Word and possibly sit beside me as she reads her own Bible (maybe even with a warm homemade blueberry muffin and the windows open as we listen to the birds!). I want to model for her that prayer is not a monologue, but a two-way conversation. No, I've never heard God speak audibly, but I see glimpses of Him and I feel His presence and He leads me as I spend time communicating with him. I want to talk to her about what God is teaching me and how much Jesus desperately loves her and longs for a relationship with her.
And I don't want my time with the Lord to stop at the beginning of the day. I want the constant communication to go from sun up to sun down. While I may not have any more opportunities to sit alone as the day progresses, I can still find brief moments to be still. I want to meditate on the Scripture I am memorizing and praise God for His many gifts and for His evident love. This is where Ann Voskamp and One Thousand Gifts has made such a huge impact throughout my day. My eucharisteo notebook and pen stay open in the kitchen so I can write down my gifts all day long. My day sways back and forth between changing diapers, cleaning sticky hands, grocery shopping, cooking, tutoring, watering the garden to "wow, God, those birds are singing a beautiful song this morning. Thank you." Or, "This place is a wreck! Thank you, God, for a house to live in. Thank you that I have the ability to clean and serve my family in this way." Or, "It brought me so much joy to watch Addison share a toy with her friend today. Thank you for her sweet spirit and for encouragement that my guidance in her life is having an effect." Thus, I am finding moments to be still amongst the chaos as I draw closer to the heart of God.
Hopefully in the near future I can take a day to spend alone, with God, in a beautiful setting. A mini-retreat. There are few places closer to my heart or where I feel nearest to God than WinShape Retreat.
With the truths of those messages and the words "be still" etched into my every day, I am slowly learning how to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus each and every morning and then to find moments throughout the day to be still. I want to "sit at His feet, to listen to His Word, to receive His love, to let Him change me, and to pour out my heart's devotion to Him" (quoted from Nancy Leigh DeMoss in A Place of Quiet Rest).
What changes have I made to open the door for this kind of relationship with God? First, I have to get up early, earlier than even I would choose, each and every morning. My Sweetie Pie takes after her Mommy already as she is an early riser! I need some moments of undivided attention with My Savior while the day is still young so my heart and mind are in tune with God before I even leave my bedroom. At first it was a struggle. My alarm would go off and I would want to stay in bed a few more minutes (sometimes those "few more minutes" turned into a half an hour and not long after that my little Morning Glory woke up and my chance of a few alone moments vanished). Thankfully I am learning and changing. Most days I go to bed each night looking forward to the upcoming morning. This special time has become a part of my every day, whereas before it was something I tried to squeeze into my day if Addison happened to sleep in.
I am slightly amazed and very excited as I go about each day and I recognize the areas God is tweaking me to be more like Him ("tweaking" in some areas, doing a 180 in others!). My mind and days seem less cluttered, more purposeful, peaceful, as I am avoiding distractions that move me away from God and my family. I am able to start the day equipped with the Word and with His mindset at the front of mine. While I still fail time and time again, I am taking baby steps in the right direction and I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who opens His arms wide to me and who loves me enough to change me so I can be a blessing to others while bringing Him glory.
In addition to the benefits of having a deepening personal relationship with Jesus in my life, my prayer is that Addison will know at an early age that God is essential to make it through each day. Setting this example shows her that we need God each day, not just when life takes a detour and things become difficult. How can I hope that Addison would have this dependency on God if her Mama doesn't make it a priority? I am looking forward to the age when Addison is old enough to observe me spend time in the Word and possibly sit beside me as she reads her own Bible (maybe even with a warm homemade blueberry muffin and the windows open as we listen to the birds!). I want to model for her that prayer is not a monologue, but a two-way conversation. No, I've never heard God speak audibly, but I see glimpses of Him and I feel His presence and He leads me as I spend time communicating with him. I want to talk to her about what God is teaching me and how much Jesus desperately loves her and longs for a relationship with her.
And I don't want my time with the Lord to stop at the beginning of the day. I want the constant communication to go from sun up to sun down. While I may not have any more opportunities to sit alone as the day progresses, I can still find brief moments to be still. I want to meditate on the Scripture I am memorizing and praise God for His many gifts and for His evident love. This is where Ann Voskamp and One Thousand Gifts has made such a huge impact throughout my day. My eucharisteo notebook and pen stay open in the kitchen so I can write down my gifts all day long. My day sways back and forth between changing diapers, cleaning sticky hands, grocery shopping, cooking, tutoring, watering the garden to "wow, God, those birds are singing a beautiful song this morning. Thank you." Or, "This place is a wreck! Thank you, God, for a house to live in. Thank you that I have the ability to clean and serve my family in this way." Or, "It brought me so much joy to watch Addison share a toy with her friend today. Thank you for her sweet spirit and for encouragement that my guidance in her life is having an effect." Thus, I am finding moments to be still amongst the chaos as I draw closer to the heart of God.
Hopefully in the near future I can take a day to spend alone, with God, in a beautiful setting. A mini-retreat. There are few places closer to my heart or where I feel nearest to God than WinShape Retreat.
I am carefully, slowly savoring the gift I am opening day after day...
#128 The truth of Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
---------------------------------------------------------
If you are willing to share, I'd love to know how you find a block of time each day and moments throughout the day to be still despite your busy life. How are you teaching your children the importance of being still before God?
Monday, June 6, 2011
Thankful
While reading my daily devotional, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, I stumbled upon this (written from Jesus' perspective), "Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings Joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily. Your prayers and petitions are winged into heaven's throne room when they are permeated with thanksgiving. In everything give thanks, for this is My will for you."
Wow. You'd think Sarah Young and Ann Voskamp shared notes before writing! Better yet, they both have grown to intimately know our Heavenly Father and He has given them the same glimpse of His heart...a heart that longs for us, His children, to lavish gratitude at His feet while joy finds itself a part of our every breath regardless of the present circumstances.
How easy this is to write, but how difficult it is to put into practice each and everyday. I am learning and I can already tell that God is at work.
---------------------------------------------------------
I've been counting more gifts. God is gracious and a I am grateful...
#42 Laundry - I am thankful for the man and little girl that wear the clothes that I wash
#46 Watching Addison interact with a newborn baby for the first time - tender, sweet, gentle, soothing; 100% motherly
#47 A shy green tomato slowly making its grand appearance as the first vegetable in our new garden!
#59 A cool home on a very hot day
#72 Addison's little arms giving me tight leg hugs, first the right, then the left
#95 The endless fun and entertainment of bubbles for a 16 month old
#96 Capturing this priceless moment on camera - quite a feat for a constantly moving toddler! How I will treasure this photo forever....
#100 Morning walks and talks with a good friend
#104 A summer day enjoyed with our little family of 3 - an afternoon at the pool shared with friends, making and eating fresh Zucchini Parmesan next to My Hero, playing in the sprinkler after dinner, and an inviting bed welcoming rest
#105 Addison saying "love you" without being asked!
#106 Cleaning up one mess after another - I am so thankful for a little girl who can make a mess. It saddens me beyond words to think of all the women who desperately long to have a baby or a healthy child in their arms. When cleaning up after her becomes a chore, I now recognize that my attitude must change as well as my perspective. Each cluttered room is a gift and one day she will be able to clean up after herself...another gift yet to be opened!
Wow. You'd think Sarah Young and Ann Voskamp shared notes before writing! Better yet, they both have grown to intimately know our Heavenly Father and He has given them the same glimpse of His heart...a heart that longs for us, His children, to lavish gratitude at His feet while joy finds itself a part of our every breath regardless of the present circumstances.
How easy this is to write, but how difficult it is to put into practice each and everyday. I am learning and I can already tell that God is at work.
---------------------------------------------------------
I've been counting more gifts. God is gracious and a I am grateful...
#42 Laundry - I am thankful for the man and little girl that wear the clothes that I wash
#46 Watching Addison interact with a newborn baby for the first time - tender, sweet, gentle, soothing; 100% motherly
#47 A shy green tomato slowly making its grand appearance as the first vegetable in our new garden!
#59 A cool home on a very hot day
#72 Addison's little arms giving me tight leg hugs, first the right, then the left
#95 The endless fun and entertainment of bubbles for a 16 month old
#96 Capturing this priceless moment on camera - quite a feat for a constantly moving toddler! How I will treasure this photo forever....
#100 Morning walks and talks with a good friend
#104 A summer day enjoyed with our little family of 3 - an afternoon at the pool shared with friends, making and eating fresh Zucchini Parmesan next to My Hero, playing in the sprinkler after dinner, and an inviting bed welcoming rest
#105 Addison saying "love you" without being asked!
#106 Cleaning up one mess after another - I am so thankful for a little girl who can make a mess. It saddens me beyond words to think of all the women who desperately long to have a baby or a healthy child in their arms. When cleaning up after her becomes a chore, I now recognize that my attitude must change as well as my perspective. Each cluttered room is a gift and one day she will be able to clean up after herself...another gift yet to be opened!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
-Psalm 107:1
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Finding Joy Amidst the Flames
"Every time fear freezes and worry writhes, every time I surrender to stress, aren't I advertising the unreliability of God? That I really don't believe? But if I'm grateful to the Bridge Builder for the crossing of a million strong bridges, thankful for a million faithful moments, my life speaks my beliefs and I trust Him again. ...Trust is the bridge from yesterday to tomorrow, built with planks of thanks. Remembering frames up gratitude. Gratitude lays out the planks of trust. I can walk the planks - from known to unknown - and know; He holds." ~Ann Voskamp
---------------------------------------------------------
Being the wife of a firefighter/paramedic is hard. Often times extremely difficult. Several of you know this first-hand.
Not worrying or dwelling on fear when I know My Hero is in the midst of flames seems impossible (especially when I don't hear from him for hours or I see coverage on the news of a fire he is fighting). Celebrating holiday after holiday and weekend after weekend without him is lonely. Creating a peaceful retreat for him when he returns home after a full day and night of running calls requires much sacrifice as I am ready for a few moments to myself as well.
(Note - Photo taken at a training during Matt's recruit school.)
However, I fully believe that just as Matt has been called into the fire service, I am called to be a firefighter's wife. I am so proud of my husband and what he does for a living. He is the dictionary definition of a "hero" at work, but he is also our hero at home.
---------------------------------------------------------
I am learning not to worry and to place all my trust on the One who is always in control of every situation.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1 NIV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow" (Romans 15:13 NIV)
(Note - Photo taken at a training during Matt's recruit school.)
And I continue to learn from Ann, "And trust is that: work. The work of trusting love. Intentional and focused. Sometimes, too often, I don't want to muster the energy. Stress and anxiety seem easier. Easier to let a mind run wild with the worry than to exercise discipline, to reign her in, slip the blinders on and train her to walk steady in certain assurance, not spooked by the specters looming ahead. Are stress and worry evidence of a soul too lazy, to undisciplined, to keep gaze fixed on God? To stay in love? ...Isn't joy worth the effort of trust?"
She continues, "Count blessings and discover Who can be counted on. ...This living a lifestyle of intentional gratitude became an unintentional test in the trustworthiness of God - and in counting blessings I stumbled upon the way out of fear."
(Note - Photo taken at a training during Matt's recruit school.)
---------------------------------------------------------
With that, here are a few more gifts that I have recently counted (many of these I formerly would have not considered gifts):
#83 Because of the many days Matt has to be away from home we cherish the moments we do get to spend together and we try not to waste a moment.
#84 Since Matt is right in the middle of life or death situations each day, he has the amazing opportunity to intercede in prayer on his patient's behalf. I will focus on this incredible opportunity instead of the lurking dangers on both medical and fire calls
#85 Matt has and will continue to save people's lives.
One recent call he responded to stands out in my mind...A little girl (not much older than Addison) was choking. Matt and a fellow medic responded to the call. Matt was able to pry her throat open, reach down between her vocal cords (with big "tweezers"), and extract a marble. If he would have gotten there a minute or two later the little girl would have been in serious condition - most likely suffered from severe brain damage and possibly death. Thankfully Matt was able to give back an alive, walking, and talking little girl to her trembling parents. I cannot think about this story (and MANY others just like it) without feeling an overwhelming sense of pride and respect for the man I call my husband.
#86 Matt loves his job. I have no doubt in my mind that he'd rather be home with us on any given day, but he looks forward to going to work and the challenges that it brings.
#87 The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found in Daniel 3. Thank you, God, for being with those 3 men in the furnace. I love the details You included - the furnace was ordered to be heated 7 times hotter than usual (vs 19), the three men were clothed in layers of heavy materials (vs 21), the flames were so hot that the soldiers who threw the three men in were instantly killed without even stepping into the flames (vs 22), and when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were summoned out of the fire by Nebuchadnezzar "the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them" (vs 27, emphasis mine). Protect my husband as you protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. You are a powerful God!
#88 The many opportunities I have to fully place my trust in God when Matt is surrounded by danger - my faith is deepened.
#89 Hearing Addison tell her Daddy goodnight over the phone. Tonight we had to leave him a message because he was on a call. It went something like this, "Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! HI! Daddy! Night night. Love you (with my prompt!). BYE! Bye bye!" I love that he saves these messages on his phone. They are priceless.
#90 As completely exhausted as Matt is most days, he never complains about anything. I have learned so much from his attitude!
#91 Covering my husband in prayer each morning before he leaves for work and continuing to pray for him throughout the day - a reminder of the power a wife's prayers have over her husband because we serve a powerful God.
#92 Seeing my husband in his uniform...so handsome!
#93 Visiting Matt at the station and bringing all the guys dessert - Addison loves her Daddy and his firetrucks!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV, emphasis mine)
---------------------------------------------------------
Being the wife of a firefighter/paramedic is hard. Often times extremely difficult. Several of you know this first-hand.
However, I fully believe that just as Matt has been called into the fire service, I am called to be a firefighter's wife. I am so proud of my husband and what he does for a living. He is the dictionary definition of a "hero" at work, but he is also our hero at home.
---------------------------------------------------------
I am learning not to worry and to place all my trust on the One who is always in control of every situation.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1 NIV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow" (Romans 15:13 NIV)
And I continue to learn from Ann, "And trust is that: work. The work of trusting love. Intentional and focused. Sometimes, too often, I don't want to muster the energy. Stress and anxiety seem easier. Easier to let a mind run wild with the worry than to exercise discipline, to reign her in, slip the blinders on and train her to walk steady in certain assurance, not spooked by the specters looming ahead. Are stress and worry evidence of a soul too lazy, to undisciplined, to keep gaze fixed on God? To stay in love? ...Isn't joy worth the effort of trust?"
She continues, "Count blessings and discover Who can be counted on. ...This living a lifestyle of intentional gratitude became an unintentional test in the trustworthiness of God - and in counting blessings I stumbled upon the way out of fear."
---------------------------------------------------------
With that, here are a few more gifts that I have recently counted (many of these I formerly would have not considered gifts):
#83 Because of the many days Matt has to be away from home we cherish the moments we do get to spend together and we try not to waste a moment.
#84 Since Matt is right in the middle of life or death situations each day, he has the amazing opportunity to intercede in prayer on his patient's behalf. I will focus on this incredible opportunity instead of the lurking dangers on both medical and fire calls
#85 Matt has and will continue to save people's lives.
One recent call he responded to stands out in my mind...A little girl (not much older than Addison) was choking. Matt and a fellow medic responded to the call. Matt was able to pry her throat open, reach down between her vocal cords (with big "tweezers"), and extract a marble. If he would have gotten there a minute or two later the little girl would have been in serious condition - most likely suffered from severe brain damage and possibly death. Thankfully Matt was able to give back an alive, walking, and talking little girl to her trembling parents. I cannot think about this story (and MANY others just like it) without feeling an overwhelming sense of pride and respect for the man I call my husband.
#86 Matt loves his job. I have no doubt in my mind that he'd rather be home with us on any given day, but he looks forward to going to work and the challenges that it brings.
#88 The many opportunities I have to fully place my trust in God when Matt is surrounded by danger - my faith is deepened.
#89 Hearing Addison tell her Daddy goodnight over the phone. Tonight we had to leave him a message because he was on a call. It went something like this, "Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! HI! Daddy! Night night. Love you (with my prompt!). BYE! Bye bye!" I love that he saves these messages on his phone. They are priceless.
#90 As completely exhausted as Matt is most days, he never complains about anything. I have learned so much from his attitude!
#91 Covering my husband in prayer each morning before he leaves for work and continuing to pray for him throughout the day - a reminder of the power a wife's prayers have over her husband because we serve a powerful God.
#92 Seeing my husband in his uniform...so handsome!
#93 Visiting Matt at the station and bringing all the guys dessert - Addison loves her Daddy and his firetrucks!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV, emphasis mine)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)