Eliana continues to grow in taking care of her baby dolls. Stroller rides, wiping their noses, reading books to them. Much to my surprise and delight, I found her attempting to diaper her doll this week. She was quite determined to make sure her baby’s bottom was covered. So cute! She’s definitely going to be an amazing big sister this summer.
Diaper Duty
Filed under Eliana
Day At The Beach
Our family traveled to Brandon, FL, this past weekend to visit Jordan’s family. Between the good company and beautiful weather, it was a great trip. We spent Saturday at Vero Beach visiting his grandmother, Virginia, along with his sister, Kim, who drove in from Gainesville to see us. Good food, great conversations, and an intense game of Bananagrams. We had a wonderful time together. I’m so grateful that Eliana has the chance to know two great-grandparents – both who are still vibrant and living life to its fullest.
The weather in Vero Beach was stunning. 60’s and sunny. Quite a relief from the frigid winter we’ve had in Raleigh. Despite the chilly winds, we took Eliana to the boardwalk to run to heart’s content and see the ocean. She had a blast!
Filed under Eliana, Family, Photography, Weather
You Are Faithful
Another couple of dear friends have been hit by loss. My heart aches for them, as well as the others we know who have recently been affected by the frailty of this fallen world. I don’t know that I’ll ever fully understand the why. In the midst of it all, a simple song continues to play over and again in my mind. Its an old, Australian song but the Truth contained within remains as powerful as ever. When all around aches with confusion, His faithfulness remains.
You Are Faithful by Hillsong
Lord of all the earth
how You care for me
You have made me
You will save and carry me always
You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful
Your joy is my strength
Lord, You are my God
I rely on You
I put my hope in things not seen
Your promises all true
Always You’re with me
Your hand will lift me
My trust is in Your hands
You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful
Your joy is my strength
Meringue Addiction
Confession: I have an addiction. Meringues! These light, fluffy, gooey, delectable treats always leave me craving another bite. The fact that they are primarily egg whites and contain no flour often has me rationalizing just one…or twenty…more. I now limit myself to making a batch only for the purpose of taking them to someone because let’s be honest – they will all be gone by morning. It’s for the baby…really!
In honor of this deliciousness, here’s a recipe for chocolate chip meringues for your enjoyment. You can use any size chip but I prefer mini morsels or Andes mint chips. (The original recipe bakes the meringues at 300°F but I’ve found 310° works better for our oven.) Eliana loves to watch the clear egg whites whip up in a frenzy into thick, glossy goodness.
So grab your bakers’ hat, your favorite apron, your sweet tooth and bake away!
- 3 egg whites
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp. distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Grease baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
- Whip egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar, vinegar and vanilla while whipping to stiff peaks. Mixture should be glossy. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are dry. Yeilds 4 dozen cookies.
Here’s wishing you all a delightfully delicious weekend!
I Belong
The season of love is upon us. Valentine’s Day is a mere four days away and everywhere you look, hearts and chocolates and the color red abound. Personally, I find the holiday quite strange. If you love someone, do you really need an “official” day to show them? Do you need the calendar to mandate that you make that affection tangible in some special way for the day? Just my personal opinion. Though I always enjoy a good chocolate. 🙂
That said, Jordan has been amazing on this day for as long as I’ve known him. From grand occasions to celebrating in sweet, simple ways, he has a knack for romance. I am truly blessed and continually grateful for him. Whether its February 14th or some obscure day anytime year round, he never ceases to show me love and value as his wife. It is a gift I never knew possible and one I do not take for granted. I am most fortunate to be Jordan Leino’s soulmate.
Beyond the holiday festivities, the subject of love has been in the forefront of my mind of late. Wrapping my brain around God’s love, applying it to my life (not just knowing about it), and learning more how to live out His love in my own life. He has taught me much but heaven knows, I still have a long way to go. This past Sunday, Pastor Jimmy began a 4-week series on Love at Journey Church. His sermon focused solely on God’s love for us. It was saturated with Truth – that God is love, He pursued us before we even knew we needed pursuing, and NOTHING can separate us from His love. Nothing! He closed with a passage from Romans that has been a rock for me through the ups and downs of my life: Romans 8.38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This passage continues to amaze and challenge me. Is it even possible to wrap one’s mind around the vast expanse of this love? Regardless of my circumstances, do I remain convinced His love remains unlimited and unchanging? Blows my mind. A simple song by Kathryn Scott captures these verses so beautifully: I Belong. It has been playing in my mind all week. I find myself waking to its melody and humming its lyrics as I go about my day. It reminds me of the truth in Romans 8 – that nothing can take me from God’s great love. Click the link below to hear I Belong. This song has blessed my heart; perhaps it will do the same for you today.
Big Sister In Training – Pt.2
Eliana continues to show more interest in caring for her baby dolls, taking them everywhere she goes. Her care always begins with the best intentions…
So close! Try putting the stroller upright, sweet girl.
Much better! 🙂
Yesterday’s sunny and somewhat warm weather allowed us to have a nice walk around the neighborhood. Of course, Eliana brought her baby doll along. She was power walking with that doll!
Work it, girl!
Like any big sister in training, she was sure to check how her “baby” was doing once we reached the clubhouse.
No doubt about it – Eliana Faith is going to be one amazing big sister!
Filed under Eliana, Evan, Fun, Photography
My Girl
Filed under Eliana, Photography
Faith, Hope & Lovebugs
I have been blessed by countless friendships over the course of my life. Some for a season, others for a lifetime. God has graciously crossed my path with many incredible people who have taught me life lessons, inspired me and challenged me…simply by how they live their lives day to day. To put it plainly – their lives have changed mine.
One such friend stands out in my mind today. I first knew of her casually during my time at Liberty University. She was the brown-eyed girl who always wore a smile. Everyone who knew her would comment on how amazing she was anytime her name came up in conversation. But it wasn’t until the fall of 2007 that our paths would divinely collide and begin what has grown into a sweet friendship. A friendship that I’m honestly humbled and overwhelmed to have.
Our story begins in September 2007. It was the month following Isaac’s death – a time when we were still shell-shocked and perhaps numb from all that had occurred during the 6 months prior. A time when we were surrounded by more love and support than I ever imagined possible by people we knew well and others who only knew of us through our blog. September was a month of learning a new “normal” and figuring out how life was supposed to move on as a family of two again. It was a time when God carried us moment by moment.
I received an email from an old acquaintance at Liberty – Nathan Lawrenson. He had served on one of the ministry teams at the same time as Jordan and I. All I remembered of Nathan was his incredible singing voice, constant humor, and that he had married the brown-eyed girl everyone spoke so fondly of during my time at LU. I read on to learn that he and his wife, Tricia, lived in North Carolina’s Outer Banks where he was a worship pastor and had just learned through a mutual friend that we had just lost Isaac. His condolences were so sincere. He wrote that Tricia had cystic fibrosis and they would soon be traveling to Duke to begin the process of qualifying her for a necessary double lung transplant. With Duke being a mere 40 minutes from us, they hoped to attend October’s First Wednesday service at the church where Jordan then worked and catch up with us a bit.
At that next month’s First Wednesday, we saw Nathan and Tricia. It was a wonderful service and we were so excited to catch up with these fellow LU alumni afterwards. I remember first seeing them after the service ended. They looked shell-shocked and tired. All I knew is they had arrived at the church immediately following a full day of tests and doctors appointments at Duke. With the late hour and their apparent fatigue, we made plans to postpone our catching-up date for the next time they were in town – just a week or two later.
That following visit, we met up at Coldstone for some delicious creamy calories to catch up with each other. And it was that day that a beautiful journey in friendship began with the lovely brown-eyed girl named Tricia. We reminisced over days at Liberty and memories from serving on ministry teams. We laughed as we realized just how many mutual friends we had from LU. We shared some of our story with the Lawrensons and how we were coping with the sudden change in our family. And then they caught us up with their lives, explaining why they looked so shell-shocked at the service a few weeks prior.
Tricia’s CF had deteriorated her lungs to the point of now needing to qualify for a double-lung transplant. It would be a rigorous process of tests, strict diets, and strong medication to ready her body for the new lungs should they become available in time. Their visit at Duke had been going smoothly until they learned shocking news that would forever change the course of their lives. Tricia was pregnant! While most cases of pregnancy begin with pure elation, theirs was a mix of shock, awe and fear. Terminating the pregnancy was NOT an option as they knew every child is a gift from God. But how could Tricia now qualify for the lungs she was needing with increasing severity? The drugs necessary would harm the baby. Would her body even be able to carry the baby to term, let alone survive a full pregnancy and delivery? They were smack in the middle of a rock and a hard place. This precious couple was facing impossible odds, however in the midst of the madness, had a peace about them that could only be explained by their faith in Jesus. I was so amazed by Tricia that day. Her very life was in jeopardy, yet she was so full of joy and gratitude for God’s working in her life. All the while, they kept asking how they could pray for us in our time of grieving! They were facing the impossible but were so focused on how they could still be God’s hands and feet to others. I left that afternoon completely humbled and amazed by this sweet couple, particularly Tricia’s grace and genuine love despite her circumstances.
This truly is only the beginning of their remarkable story of faith and overcoming insurmountable odds by the grace and power of God. Nathan gives a beautiful snapshot of their life since that October here on his blog. Please read it! My words will not do it justice. Even during our many visits to the hospital as Tricia’s health quickly declined, both she and Nathan would always ask how we were doing and how they could pray on our behalf. Since that day at Coldstone, my friendship with Tricia has grown into one I truly treasure. Every time I’m with her, I’m deeply humbled and challenged by her example to surrender my life more fully to Christ. She faces so many obstacles each day. She has nearly every reason to live a selfish, bitter or complacent life. Yet Tricia joyfully lives out the love of Jesus in each day, always seeking ways to serve others and display Him more. And to this very day, anytime we are with this precious couple, they still ask how they can serve and pray for us. Amazing.
Words completely fail me to describe the impact they both have had on my life. When I think of women I want to be more like, Tricia is always on that list. It is a joy and privilege to call her friend. She has recently begun blogging again – Faith, Hope & Lovebugs. I strongly encourage everyone to read it! You’ll fall in love with this sweet family as she both inspires and challenges you through the example of her own life and her written words. There are many beautiful things about Tricia (beyond the fact that she’s gorgeous). Truly beautiful in every way. But the one that stands out to me most: she never thinks of herself as inspiring or exceptional. Rather, she simply thanks God for the gift of every new day she’s given and out of that gratitude and love for Jesus, strives to live Him out however she can. She loves boldly, serves tirelessly, walks humbly and seeks to better the lives of every one around her.
Tricia lives every moment on purpose and because of it, my life will never be the same.
A Beautiful Mess
I’ve been a mess the past few days. A pregnant, emotional, occasionally ugly-crying mess. In a matter of milliseconds, I’ve gone from laughing hysterically to bawling my eyes out and back. Wrestling with vastly different emotions on behalf of dear friends: miscarriages, pregnancies in peril, healthy babies born, cancer diagnoses, relationships restored, jobs lost and found. Add in a healthy dose of pregnancy hormones and you’re left with one whopping mess* of tears and chocolate cravings. (*insert prayer for my dear husband here)
Then Thursday night came. The whole drive to pick up Jordan from teaching had me, once again, in tears. Being the genius that I am, I decided to play a Kathryn Scott song that has me weepy on a sanguine day. Eliana must have been wondering, “what the heck is wrong with my mother?!” She simply laughed and sang her heart away all the while. Our trek from Jordan’s office to Journey for worship band rehearsal had thankfully less tears with precious encouragement coming from my wonderful husband (also probably wondering “what the heck is wrong with my wife?!”)
As the band set up and prepped for rehearsal, I saw a dear friend of mine. Within moments, we both were sharing tears and our struggles from the week. Though we live quite a distance apart, we both had been experiencing similar emotions and wrestling with similar heartaches from our own experiences and on behalf of mutual friends. We cried, we expressed our own confusion in ourselves and not having the answers to the questions that perplexed us. We laughed at our hysteria and how grateful we are for husbands who love us in spite of us.
Then we were able to pray together. What a gift it was to pray together to the God who hears, even while not having all the answers ourselves. I’m so grateful for friendships that bear burdens, rejoice together and regardless of current circumstances, go with you before the Throne. God worked through those few moments together with this wonderful woman to bring peace amidst my madness and to encourage my hormonal heart.
The rest of rehearsal was a beautiful time for me, relishing in the truth of the lyrics we sang and surrounded by incredible music played by people who genuinely love their Savior. By evening’s end, I left encouraged and at peace. Granted, I still feel the weight of concern for friends facing trying times. But God had worked through my steadfast husband, a dear friend, and the songs we rehearsed as a soothing balm on my emotional, weary heart. Will I cry again tomorrow? Probably. After all, I am still quite pregnant. But I’ll be able to laugh at myself in the midst of the raging emotions and confusing times, knowing that ultimately God still holds my whole world in His hands and that I am not alone. Thank you, Lord, for all the ways you work in my life. Even in my weakest moment, Your strength shines all the more.
Wondering Why
Recent happenings in the lives of loved ones has me once again wrestling with an age-old question: why. Why was this allowed to occur? Why has this not happened yet? Why?
In many ways, I find myself in a similar place as when I wrote the post Seasons. Its a time of wondering, of wrestling, of balancing life’s circumstances on this fallen planet with the Truth of God’s Word and His promises.
My quad group (four ladies reading through the Bible in a year together) just finished the book of Job yesterday. How timely! After chapter upon chapter of Job’s laments and his friends’ off-based judgments, God finally speaks and sets the record straight. Interestingly, He never gives the reason for His actions. He simply reminds Job of who He is and that “whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.” (Job 41.11) Though Job’s circumstances did not immediately change, his confession certainly did upon seeing who God is. “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted…I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You.” (Job 42.2, 5)
What struck me most of all was that last statement: I have heard of You but now I see You. Job had known of God in the blessed times, but it was in the times of deep trial that he saw God Himself. Job’s perspective shifted from the difficulty of his circumstances to God’s magnitude above and amidst it all. This did not diminish the severity of what Job had experienced. Rather it allowed him a greater perspective of who God was in spite of them. Though Job’s life had been turned upside down, God who loved him remained sovereign and supreme. Through this dark valley, Job received the greatest gift of all: he gained personal knowledge of the Almighty for himself.
The Book of Job closes with beautiful restoration as verse 12 records, “The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” I can’t help but wonder how much more Job valued all he was given after loosing everything. Each possession and privilege – a blessing. Each new child born – a gift. Such a treasured perspective that could only be gained from loosing it all. And interestingly enough, there is no record that Job ever knew the original why to his suffering. Nevertheless he gained a priceless gift in the midst.
I’m sure I’ll always grapple with life’s hard circumstances, always struggle with wondering why. But in the not knowing, I pray that I’ll be able to remember God reigns supreme above it all and that all things allowed to occur can be worked out for my good according to His purpose of conforming my life to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8.28-29). And perhaps in looking back on life’s mountaintops and deep valleys, I’ll be able to see all the hidden treasures therein. It may not remove the real pain of challenging times but it will provide His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Filed under One-Year-Bible, Struggles, Thoughts
Pineapple Pie
This weekend found me in a baking mood. (Be aware – I do not proclaim to be the most proficient baker at all! I’d much rather cook than bake, but preggo hormones had me craving something sweet.) Part of my morning routine is to visit The Pioneer Woman’s website and see if any of her kitchen concoctions spark my curiosity. Well Friday was no exception. The delectable image of pineapple pie covered in a meringue topping caught my eye and as the weekend went on, I could not get it out of my mind.
By Saturday night, I had a baking itch that I simply could not scratch. So with the necessary ingredients assembled, I grabbed my favorite apron and got to work. 20 minutes later, this lovely pie emerged from the oven:
Creamy pineapple filling topped with fluffy meringue. Mmm. My first attempt at pie – a success! Simple and scrumptious. There’s a very strong chance I’ll be baking this one again.
18 Months & Fabulous!
Eliana Faith is 18 months old today! Its hard to believe that my sweet baby girl is already a year and a half old. In a blink she’s gone from a wee bundle in my arms to a running, talking, playful, singing, dancing, giggling little lady. This little girl talks up a storm! Lately she likes to count to six. The words aren’t completely formed but she makes the vowels sounds in order every time with a celebratory “Wee!” when she’s done. So cute! Curious about absolutely everything, Eliana’s recent fascinations are putting puzzles together and drawing.
We’re so excited to see her interact with her brother this summer as she’s quite a nurturing little lady. She loves to rock her baby dolls, “feed” them, and push them in their strollers. At church, she’s often found bringing toys to the crying kids in her nursery class and chatting it up with everyone. So sweet!
Eliana received a play car for Christmas and she loves to give her dolls a ride on her car. With a playful “Go!” she sends them flying across the room. (We’re still working on the gentle aspect of it all.)
Little Miss is quite an active lady! She would rather walk than be carried, run than walk, and push her stroller instead of riding in it. Its humorous to see her independence already. Once she’s shown how to do something, there’s no doubt that she wants to do it herself.
A favorite place to play for Eliana is in our van. She laughs every time she pretends to drive! It entertains her for quite some time, standing at the steering wheel and trying to turn it with all her might. Its amazing how much kids observe at such a young age. With keys in hand, she’ll try to put the correct key in the ignition all by her self and sings away during her “drive”. The only challenge is when its time to leave the drivers’ seat and go back in her car seat for an actual drive. She just wants to play!
Eliana Faith, you are a beautiful gift from God! We immediately fell in love with you the moment we met and that love has only grown by leaps and bounds ever since. You are sweet, intelligent, strong, beautiful and kind. Your hugs and kisses always melt our hearts and your smile lights up any room. We are so thankful that God allowed us to be your parents. You are a blessing through and through. We are proud of you, sweet girl, and are so excited to see all that lies ahead for you. Happy 18 Months, Eliana! What wonderful things are in store for you next!
Filed under Eliana
Perils of a Pregnant Brain
A pregnant mind is a perilous thing. At least it is in my case. As previously mentioned, I have been beyond forgetful during this pregnancy. Like embarrassingly forgetful! Paying cash for a dinner while saying a generous, “Keep the change,” only to learn that I didn’t even leave the fellow enough to cover the bill. Loosing my phone multiple times on a daily basis. When asked what my age was, replying with a cheery, “19! Nope…wait…I’m 29.” Well, yesterday topped them all.
Jordan and I have a great routine with Eliana after dinnertime. One of us does her bath and gets her ready for bed while the other cleans the kitchen/family room. We swap out day-to-day and it has really worked well for us. By 8 pm each night, we have a happy sleeping girl and a clean apartment to relax in. Fabulous! Tuesday night found me on bath duty with Jordan recovering the kitchen from dinner. Eliana was adorable as always, splashing and giggling to her heart’s content while singing a random song during her bath. Once she was scrubbed and near pruned, I got her ready for bed: lotion, jammies, clean teeth, brushed and dried hair. The result – a happy, sparkly little lady! After hugs, kisses and snuggles, Jordan prayed over her in her room and laid her down to sleep. A lovely end to an enjoyable evening.
Then Wednesday morning came. I left the apartment early to get to Chapel Hill for a full day of Six Sigma training, leaving Jordan on child duty for the day. Class was just beginning as I received the following text from Jordan:
“Um…that was disgusting. Just imagine picking up a newly wakened child who is bawling, to find her entire nighty soaked and smelling like poop. So I go to change her and…there’s no diaper! Just poop and pee everywhere! Let’s just say she just had a bath.”
I could not contain my laughter! Poor Jordan…what a way to start the day! Hysterical child who wakes to find herself covered in nastiness. I chuckled as I thought that he had forgotten to put her diaper on the night before. No wait…I got her dressed last night. She must have taken it off. No wait…he said there was no diaper. There was NO diaper. I FORGOT TO DIAPER MY OWN CHILD!!! This fiasco was completely MY fault!! I know I’ve been forgetful lately but really?!?! What parent forgets to diaper their un-pottytrained child before bed?! Or ever?!?!!! REALLY?!?!!!!
The next hour consisted of random spurts of laughter blanketed heavily by mortification and many apology texts to Jordan. Thankfully he had a great sense of humor about it. Of course, I will be trying to live this down for the next decade or lifetime or so. *sigh* I’ve had pregnant brain before but this is ridiculous! It is beyond humiliating but way too hilarious to keep to myself. So if you’re ever having a forgetful day or find yourself having a pregnant moment, just smile and say, “At least I didn’t pull a Patience!”
Filed under Chapel Hill, Patience, Pregnancy
Pumpkin Deliciousness
All this frigid weather lately has left me with two conclusions: 1 – If its going to be that cold, it ought to be snowing! Otherwise its just stupid. 2 – I crave chocolate and carbs way more when I’m cooped up inside on blustery days. Thankfully I’m pregnant. “The chocolate is for the baby…really!” In light of this non-girth-friendly realization, I’m sharing a recipe with you all that has brought both warmth and smiles during these weeks of arctic temperatures. Pumpkin chocolate chip bread. Mmm… I can’t take any credit for this recipe. My dear friend, Abby Lutz, passed it on to me a few months back. But I can say that it is crazy simple to make and extremely addicting. So get your baker’s hat on, people! You won’t be disappointed.
Boo!
Eliana has a new favorite game: Peek-A-Boo. She loves hiding behind things, giggling all the while, then popping out with a cheery, “Boo!” Of course, I don’t quite think she has fully grasped the concept of a good hiding place yet.
Filed under Eliana, Fun, Photography, Random
The Little Things
I find myself quite reflective these days. Be it the start of a new year or the constant flux of pregnancy hormones, I’m in a season of taking stock over my life – past, present & hopes for the future. Certainly there have been struggles and trials, seasons deep in the valleys of life. But as our pastor recently said, “While we love times on the mountaintops, growth happens in the valley.” How true! Yes, my life has not been perfect. No, the road has not always been paved with ease and grace. But in surveying the paths I’ve traveled and taking in all that surrounds me in current days, I’m left with only one conclusion: I am grateful and blessed.
There are many big things I’m thankful for: Jesus, my husband, my children, family, church, our home, health, friendships. Yet there are a multitude of little things I am absolutely grateful for as well. Here are but a few:
After knowing him for 8 years, Jordan still gives me butterflies. His hugs always make a crazy moment instantly fill with peace. His music. His ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. Eliana’s random, unsolicited hugs and kisses. Her laughter. Her ability to breathe and eat and grow on her own. White cells. How nearly every conversation with my mom and sister somehow revolve around delicious food in some way or another. The ability to bear children. Warm blankets. The Bible. Crème brûlée. Apple’s genius bar. UNC Hospital’s PICU and commitment to excellence. My brother’s creativity and stories (seriously, he has the ability to develop characters like no one else!). Clean running water. No matter the weekend nor the topic, every Sunday at Journey Church leaves me challenged, encouraged and changed in my walk with Christ. Blackberry Cabernet sorbet by Ciao Bella. Hot showers. Jordan’s laugh. My mom’s spunk, wisdom and example of trusting God in every circumstance. Life Group. Quad group. The ability to read, write and sing. My husband continues to love and serve me despite all my faults and failings. Photographs. After 5 years of marriage, Jordan and I still find ourselves laughing together daily. How God can redeem and restore anything for His glory. His faithfulness. Coffee. Scarves. Journey’s worship team. Relationships that inspire and challenge me. Eliana’s awesome dance moves every time the theme song to VeggieTales plays. A safe, working vehicle. Snug socks. Jordan’s humor, work ethic and wisdom. Heat and air conditioning. God’s provision and growth to Leino Studios. Taste buds. Eye sight. Sunshine. God’s ability to turn trials into triumphs. 2007. 2009. Heck, every year that I’ve been given! Life.
These are but a few of the million little things I’m thankful for. What little things are you grateful for today?
Hump Day
Well, it’s here again. Wednesday. Hump Day. The half-way marker to the week. A barometer really of whether the week has been trying or flying. Either “wow, this week is flying by!” or “Is it really only half-way over yet?!”
For me, this week has both crept and flown. Battle of the Sinuses for the past two days has rendered me feeling somewhat unproductive and wanting to just crawl in bed for the day and sleep. On the other hand, life’s to-do’s, meetings, caring for my baby girl who is under the weather again, keeping up with my reading plan (more on that later) has made the days since Sunday seem to race by. Quite a funny place to be – feeling both lazy and über productive. Hmm.
So Happy Hump Day, everyone! Whether today is the marker of getting through or time seeming to escape your grasp, my hope for us all is that we would remember this above all: God’s mercies for us are new at the break of every dawn. (Lamentations 3.22-24) Even on a Hump Day.
Above The Mountains, Beyond The Deep
Yesterday was one of the most humbling, intimate times of corporate church worship that I’ve ever experienced. From the first down beat to the final lyric, Sunday’s services at Journey Church were saturated with God’s presence as He alone was exalted in word and song. Pastor Jimmy brought a timeless, powerful message on God’s vision for our lives. Simply put – His vision for us is that we would become like Jesus!
During the time of response in worship, we sang a new song: You Are Good by Gateway Worship. Its been around for a little while but this was first time our church sang it together as one. A simple song, it declares God’s goodness above and beyond everything. In preparing for the song, God directed me to a beautiful passage in Psalms that vividly describes the magnitude of His love and faithfulness.
Psalm 36.5-9:
5Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
6Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
Your judgments are like a great deep
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
7How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
8They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;
And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.
9For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
His love exceeds the heavens. His righteousness is strong as mighty mountains. His judgments stretch beyond the deep. How wonderful You are, o God! No matter my circumstance, Your strength is ever-ready, always prevailing. You are so good. Your mercy is forever!
Filed under Journey Church, Thoughts, Worship
Half-Way There
Today, I am 20 weeks pregnant! Its shocking really that this pregnancy is already half-way over. Just a few short months ago, I was in the best shape of my married life as I ran my first half marathon. Little did I know that as I ran those 13.1 miles, a new life was just days old and growing within me. No wonder the nausea lasted so long after the race! 20 weeks later, my runners’ body has given way to a baby bump and maternity wear. (Sadly, this week brought the stark realization that I can no longer fit into my normal skinnies. *sigh* So long, favorite jeans. Hopefully we’ll meet again in a years’ time.)
This pregnancy has been quite different than my previous prenatal journeys. For one, I’ve experienced nearly no nausea (thank You, Jesus!) which is a far cry from the others. I was always on the verge of puking throughout my first two. With nausea next to nil and migraines occurring no more than usual, this physically has been a much easier pregnancy so far. It seems my hormones have made up for the lack of sickness though as I’ve been very emotional since day one. Poor Jordan. I can be laughing one moment and then uncontrollably weeping the next. Definitely moody as well. Jordan, you are the most patient man! Thank you for loving me in spite of me and for finding humor in my randomness. You are more than wonderful.
As far as memory goes, it seems the brain dies just a bit more with each pregnancy. That’s how it feels anyways. I’ve forgotten names of people I’ve known for years (30 minutes into talking with them!), put the cutting board away in the fridge – twice, asked Jordan the same question 5 times in a row without realizing it, and searched fervently for keys that I was holding IN MY HAND. Goodness. My family has certainly enjoyed much entertainment on account of my forgetfulness. Not that it makes it any easier. To be honest, I just feel stupid during those moments but my sweet husband never makes fun of my absent-mindedness. Lord, seriously bless him!
Above all the changes, discomforts, quirks and emotions, this new child is a gift! This growing life has taught me much about trusting God’s will and provision. I’m fully aware that God is the One who ultimately places children in their mother’s wombs and that He has different journeys for different women. To simply be pregnant is a privilege, one for which I am truly grateful. Since learning at last week’s ultrasound that we were having a healthy baby boy, I’ve experienced waves of emotions. A son! We’re having a baby boy whose organs are all forming correctly! It still brings tears to my eyes knowing we’ve been given another opportunity to love and parent a sweet boy. While we are quite far from having a name picked out (QUITE far), I’m so eager to meet our son face-to-face in a few months’ time. Will he have his daddy’s rich brown eyes? Will he have red hair like his brother or bright green eyes like his grandparents? I can hardly wait!
20 weeks down. 20 weeks to go. Lord, thank You for growing this precious child in me thus far. Please continue to mold him physically and even emotionally to be a strong champion for You once he’s here. Thank you all who read our blog for your prayers on our behalf. What a blessing.
Now I’m off to get out all of my maternity clothes as life is about to get much, much larger….
New Obsession
I have a new obsession. Georgetown Cupcakes is its name. For years, I have heard of these delectable delights but never made it into their store to try one. This weekend, everything changed. One simple bite and all my preconceived skeptical ideas of gourmet cupcakes faded forever. Perfectly sized with the ideal ratio of moist cupcake to creamy frosting. I mean really – Strawberry Champagne cupcake with a chocolate ganache core? Come on! ‘Tis a lovely bite. Its now official. Every time I’m in DC to visit my sister and brother-in-law, Georgetown Cupcakes will be part of the trip. Yum…..
A Life Of Patience 