Wow. So usually we have no trick or treaters, but for whatever reason the street is flooded with kids tonight. And... we... are... not... handing out candy (or celebrating in any way). Hubby's at the church where there's a "Fall Festival" going on, but since it includes dressing up and getting candy (pretty much celebrating in my mind!), our family's decided that even though it's our church's event, it's not for us/our kid. When we first arrived, we sat down and shared our views with the senior pastor and while hubby has to go for work time, the s.p. knows we are personally not in support of it. But, it's not part of hubby's ministry, so beyond attending, he doesn't have to do much with it.
So, oblivious to the goings-on, Lynn's in the tub playing. It's kind of eery, though, to hear all the cars and activity on a normally quiet street outside. With all the outside lights off and no idea about what pranks might be done, it makes it even creepier.
Lynn and I attended her school's fall festival a few weeks ago, where there was no link to Halloween, so I don't feel that we're being a "scrooge" to the whole harvest season activities.
I found this article describing the origin and present day activities of Halloween and thoughts about the church's and a Christian's role in the "holiday." Honestly, I agree with most of it and feel that it's one holiday that doesn't deserve my support. Second to Christmas in money spent... third most "partied" holiday, behind Christmas and New Years... wow. A lot of money and time and energy goes to celebrating a holiday that teaches our children about ghosts and goblins... spirits from the dead, from hell. Seriously? It doesn't matter if you don't dress your kid in those costumes, the ideas still go hand in hand with the holiday.
Anyways, just some thoughts from someone who doesn't usually get too vocally opinionated on my blog. :) You are more than welcome to share your views and what your family does in the comments below.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
one gift down!
I've been reading about the latest deal through Kodak, and finally put my creative juices into play to take care of one Christmas gift (frugally).
Here's the deal: Go to their site, click "get your free gift," open a Kodak gallery account, then they will email you a coupon code to get $15 off your next order. That's it. The only "catch" I would say, is that the coupon code doesn't last long. I think I had about a week or two to submit my order. I was a bit bummed at that, thinking it'd have been neat to use the money and create a baby brag book or create a calendar, mug, etc. with both kiddos - but, for these ideas, I'd first have to have my baby which requires a little more time :)
So, instead, I created a set of coasters for my parents. They recently moved out of their house (and out of state), where they'd lived for 20 years. I had shot a couple of pictures of the house/yard before leaving - capturing some of the unique, old trees on the property. I selected a photo that focuses on part of the tree, but has the house in the background. (Well, I'll just attach it and show you :) I thought that was a neat "remembrance" of the house, but still "pretty" enough to be used and displayed on a set of coasters (that comes with it's own wooden display/holder, neat).
The bottom line was that I had to pay the difference of the item's initial cost minus the $15 coupon (5.00) plus shipping (5.99). However, not all products are greater than $15, so it's possible to get an item at the cost of just shipping.
Looking for a unique, personalized gift? Go for it - happy shopping!
Here's the deal: Go to their site, click "get your free gift," open a Kodak gallery account, then they will email you a coupon code to get $15 off your next order. That's it. The only "catch" I would say, is that the coupon code doesn't last long. I think I had about a week or two to submit my order. I was a bit bummed at that, thinking it'd have been neat to use the money and create a baby brag book or create a calendar, mug, etc. with both kiddos - but, for these ideas, I'd first have to have my baby which requires a little more time :)
So, instead, I created a set of coasters for my parents. They recently moved out of their house (and out of state), where they'd lived for 20 years. I had shot a couple of pictures of the house/yard before leaving - capturing some of the unique, old trees on the property. I selected a photo that focuses on part of the tree, but has the house in the background. (Well, I'll just attach it and show you :) I thought that was a neat "remembrance" of the house, but still "pretty" enough to be used and displayed on a set of coasters (that comes with it's own wooden display/holder, neat).The bottom line was that I had to pay the difference of the item's initial cost minus the $15 coupon (5.00) plus shipping (5.99). However, not all products are greater than $15, so it's possible to get an item at the cost of just shipping.
Looking for a unique, personalized gift? Go for it - happy shopping!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - Blue Ridge Mtns.
This gorgeous shot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, off of the BR Parkway, was taken by my hubby. (Thanks, babe!)
The position of this shot makes me think a lot about what I just learned in Bible study yesterday.
Waiting.
The photo shows two options - turning left or turning right. A decision is to be made. But, make the decision too hastily and you might end up going the wrong way. By pausing, or waiting, my husband was able to snap this shot of the gorgeous mountains ahead.
Now, obviously, my analogy has got to end because if you're truly on the road, with cars behind you, you can't just stop and wait. However, in the spiritual realm of things, waiting may be just what God has called you to do right now. When we wait upon people or situations, our strength will be depleted, however when we wait upon the Lord and His timing, our strength will be renewed. He gives us that promise in Isaiah 40:31.
"but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint."
I'm doing some waiting right now myself... but, honestly my life should be filled with more than just scheduled calendar appointments. I desire to wait upon God to fill my days with spiritual appointments, whether it be through the computer, over the phone, or people I come in contact with in the community. May I be open to His schedule for my life... in the coming days ahead and years ahead.
Now that's a promise worth waiting to see happen!
If we rush through, we miss the view (sometimes literally ;)
More WW at 5M4M.
The position of this shot makes me think a lot about what I just learned in Bible study yesterday.
Waiting.
The photo shows two options - turning left or turning right. A decision is to be made. But, make the decision too hastily and you might end up going the wrong way. By pausing, or waiting, my husband was able to snap this shot of the gorgeous mountains ahead.
Now, obviously, my analogy has got to end because if you're truly on the road, with cars behind you, you can't just stop and wait. However, in the spiritual realm of things, waiting may be just what God has called you to do right now. When we wait upon people or situations, our strength will be depleted, however when we wait upon the Lord and His timing, our strength will be renewed. He gives us that promise in Isaiah 40:31.
"but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint."
I'm doing some waiting right now myself... but, honestly my life should be filled with more than just scheduled calendar appointments. I desire to wait upon God to fill my days with spiritual appointments, whether it be through the computer, over the phone, or people I come in contact with in the community. May I be open to His schedule for my life... in the coming days ahead and years ahead.
Now that's a promise worth waiting to see happen!
If we rush through, we miss the view (sometimes literally ;)
More WW at 5M4M.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
labor... delivery... soon? oh my!
Ok, I just reread my post on fear, I promise. However, I was just talking to my hubby and realized that I am really just around the corner from giving birth to this kiddo and that scares me out of my mind! Like, the birthing process... I know I've been through it twice and when I think about that, I calm down a bit, but seriously, labor... delivery... recovery...ugh. I still remember my words to the doctor after pushing for two hours to deliver my 8lb 12oz Lynn, "Why in the world would someone do this a second time?!" :) Too funny. I also remember the doctor checking in on my the next day asking if I was so enamored with my newborn that I was ready to retract my previous question. I told him I hadn't forgotten the pain quite yet! And here I sit six years later... I have birthed another in between, but he was a little five pounder and quite a bit easier to deliver (as in pushed for ten minutes and boom, there he was)! I am anxious about how it will all go down and my stomach turns over when I think about that day approaching. I know that my anticipation also includes apprehension regarding getting this one out safely so it amps the nerves up a notch. I have a doctor's appointment on Friday in which I'd like to talk to her about narrowing down an induction date. I'd like to see this little guy on an ultrasound sometime soon as well. It's been two weeks and I'd like some visual assurance that levels are where they should be and what he's up to (or hopefully where he's down to). My NST on Monday showed contractions, which I've felt for some time now, but they haven't yet shown on the monitoring. Good stuff. So, induction date... we'll see. Hopefully the 12th of Nov. My doctor's on call that day and I'd be at the end of my 38th week. Sounds good to me! From my 20 week u/s baby's been measuring consistently a week ahead (I've had 3 u/s since the 20 week one) so if he can be ready early, I'm ready early!
Anyways... that's what made my sudden "scare," realizing that the 12th is only two weeks (& one day) away! Yikes!! :)
Anyways... that's what made my sudden "scare," realizing that the 12th is only two weeks (& one day) away! Yikes!! :)
Monday, October 26, 2009
good couch reading
Friday and Saturday, I was confined to the couch with a stomach bug. Uck. Feeling better now, but it's taken some time to gain full strength back.
In between naps, I finished (part of) a series of books that I thought I'd pass along as a good, enjoyable, mystery read... The Million Dollar Mysteries series by Mindy Starns Clark. I've read the first three now, although I see there are two more in the series. Hm... inter-library loan here I come!
So what are you reading right now?
In between naps, I finished (part of) a series of books that I thought I'd pass along as a good, enjoyable, mystery read... The Million Dollar Mysteries series by Mindy Starns Clark. I've read the first three now, although I see there are two more in the series. Hm... inter-library loan here I come!
So what are you reading right now?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
If...
"If ______, then ______."
We inevitably have answers that fit in those blanks. Something happens and we have a reaction. It can be a positive situation or a negative one. Likewise, it can be a positive reaction or a negative one. In my current week of Beth Moore's Esther study, she challenges us to fill those blanks like this: "If this, then God." It really doesn't matter what the "this" is... will our reaction include God? Will our reaction by Godly? Will our reaction acknowledge His presence in our lives despite how hard the "this" of the moment is?
She had us fill in blanks with things that we fear most and how we should respond using scriptural promises. My first blank was: "If I lose this baby as well, then God will continue to guide us through with His peace and love. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us."
Fear. It's shown up in random little ways throughout this pregnancy. I wouldn't say I'm struggling with it, but when it hits, it is all-consuming. You can't crack the door open for fear to come in because it will push the door open wide and fill the room! In Moore's study she said that the command "Do not be afraid" is the most frequent command in the Bible. I found that extremely interesting. God knows that fear is where we are most likely to let Satan have a foothold... fear, worry, preoccupation with the worst that might happen... I believe those are all the same. When it consumes our waking moments, then we are not filling in our "If, then's" with God as the result.
Think about it... what "If ___, then ___" have you faced this week? What have your reactions been?
We inevitably have answers that fit in those blanks. Something happens and we have a reaction. It can be a positive situation or a negative one. Likewise, it can be a positive reaction or a negative one. In my current week of Beth Moore's Esther study, she challenges us to fill those blanks like this: "If this, then God." It really doesn't matter what the "this" is... will our reaction include God? Will our reaction by Godly? Will our reaction acknowledge His presence in our lives despite how hard the "this" of the moment is?
She had us fill in blanks with things that we fear most and how we should respond using scriptural promises. My first blank was: "If I lose this baby as well, then God will continue to guide us through with His peace and love. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us."
Fear. It's shown up in random little ways throughout this pregnancy. I wouldn't say I'm struggling with it, but when it hits, it is all-consuming. You can't crack the door open for fear to come in because it will push the door open wide and fill the room! In Moore's study she said that the command "Do not be afraid" is the most frequent command in the Bible. I found that extremely interesting. God knows that fear is where we are most likely to let Satan have a foothold... fear, worry, preoccupation with the worst that might happen... I believe those are all the same. When it consumes our waking moments, then we are not filling in our "If, then's" with God as the result.
Think about it... what "If ___, then ___" have you faced this week? What have your reactions been?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
time ticks forward
Quiet, reflective, contemplative...
I've been all of these and more these days as I have been physically feeling the need to slow down. Nearing the end of a God-guided pregnancy and boy does it feel tremendous. Tremendous, as in, God is tremendous... this baby feels tremendously huge... and some days the pregnancy has felt tremendously long. :) I think back to April and that long, drawn out saga of finding out we were pregnant. Time moving forward... commemorating the one year mark of Nathan's loss in May... then going through a busy summer full of travel and youth trips. Now here we are at the brink of November, the month I am due. In a few days, I'll hit the 36 week mark, the week we lost Nathan. I can't even imagine going this far again and losing this one. To think I went this long in pregnancy and lost Nathan, in the whisper of a moment, with no knowledge of the exact moment his life left me. What's "scary" is that I have done so much more preparing this time around for this little one. Finding out that baby is a boy has been a huge difference in this pregnancy alone. We didn't find out with either of the others, so I don't think that the temptation was there to complete the nursery early on. But, aside from setting up the bassinet (which is at my sister's house), the room is ready for little man. I was given several boxes of boy clothes, which are now washed and folded in his drawer, ready for him. Stroller, car seat, clothes, diapers (well, I don't have those yet either), his family - all ready for him to make his live appearance. What a difference that one little word makes. Live. As in alive. Breathing, moving, crying, eating, opening his eyes. I didn't even get to see Nathan's eyes. I'm sure they were the customary infant blue, but what a difference it will be to get to look into this one's eyes. Oh, my heart tremors in anticipation... in hope... in trust.
So, as these last couple of weeks tick by, I'll remind myself to treasure the movements of life within me and praise God for holding my hand through this journey, trusting him through to the end.
I've been all of these and more these days as I have been physically feeling the need to slow down. Nearing the end of a God-guided pregnancy and boy does it feel tremendous. Tremendous, as in, God is tremendous... this baby feels tremendously huge... and some days the pregnancy has felt tremendously long. :) I think back to April and that long, drawn out saga of finding out we were pregnant. Time moving forward... commemorating the one year mark of Nathan's loss in May... then going through a busy summer full of travel and youth trips. Now here we are at the brink of November, the month I am due. In a few days, I'll hit the 36 week mark, the week we lost Nathan. I can't even imagine going this far again and losing this one. To think I went this long in pregnancy and lost Nathan, in the whisper of a moment, with no knowledge of the exact moment his life left me. What's "scary" is that I have done so much more preparing this time around for this little one. Finding out that baby is a boy has been a huge difference in this pregnancy alone. We didn't find out with either of the others, so I don't think that the temptation was there to complete the nursery early on. But, aside from setting up the bassinet (which is at my sister's house), the room is ready for little man. I was given several boxes of boy clothes, which are now washed and folded in his drawer, ready for him. Stroller, car seat, clothes, diapers (well, I don't have those yet either), his family - all ready for him to make his live appearance. What a difference that one little word makes. Live. As in alive. Breathing, moving, crying, eating, opening his eyes. I didn't even get to see Nathan's eyes. I'm sure they were the customary infant blue, but what a difference it will be to get to look into this one's eyes. Oh, my heart tremors in anticipation... in hope... in trust.
So, as these last couple of weeks tick by, I'll remind myself to treasure the movements of life within me and praise God for holding my hand through this journey, trusting him through to the end.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day
I'll be lighting a candle tonight... in memory of my sweet babies in heaven.This post is dedicated, in loving memory, to my child lost in 2006 at only 11wks as well as my son Nathan, delivered stillborn at 36wks in 2008. If you are not familiar with Nathan, I invite you to glimpse more of what happened by reading my posts labeled Nathan. I was not blogging during my earlier loss.
If you are a part of this devastating "club" of mothers' of loss, you are in my prayers today. Please feel free to share your stories, or your child's name and age/date of loss, within the comment section as a tribute to your little one in heaven.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - fall's on the way
One little leaf, giving promise of the burst of color we should see in the weeks ahead!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tackle It Tuesday - curtain
To do: Find a curtain for the baby's room.
Progress: Failed! After checking around at a few stores, I couldn't find anything that I liked.
New task: Make my own curtain!
Progress: Failed! After checking around at a few stores, I couldn't find anything that I liked.
New task: Make my own curtain!
The inspiration piece (the baby bedding/quilt):
I found a GREAT Columbus Day sale at Joanne's and was able to find the colors I needed on the clearance table. Clearance fabrics were an additional 50% off. Woohoo! Since I love ribbon, I knew I wanted to incorporate ribbon somewhere, but not too much since it is a boy's room. :)
(The most expensive part of this curtain was the blue thread! Crazy.)
The supplies:
(The most expensive part of this curtain was the blue thread! Crazy.)
The supplies:
After getting my kiddo to bed on Saturday night, I pulled out the machine and got to work!
The final product:
The final product:
I'm really excited and happy with how it turned out. By the end of the month, our goal is to have the room cleaned out (boxes put in the attic) and we can move on to the finishing touches (i.e. crib set up, quilt hung on the wall, etc). Then, mid-November, with the Lord's grace, we'll be bringing home baby boy!
Friday, October 9, 2009
tooth fairy uncovered
Had an interesting conversation with my six year old daughter this evening. It began with Lynn randomly, suddenly asking... "Are fairies real? Like, all fairies - well, except the tooth fairy! Well, wait, what about the tooth fairy? All my friends say that the tooth fairy is real, but I don't know whether to believe them or not. Mom, is there really a tooth fairy?" I hesitated and she said, "Really... Just tell me."
So.. I said, "No, it's not real... but moms and dads like to pretend to be one and we take your tooth and trade it for money. It's a fun thing that we can pretend and talk about and do." She goes, "YOU would take my tooth?!" (She swallowed her first/only two teeth that she lost so far, so we hadn't had to deal w/ the tooth fairy thing yet. When she swallowed them I guess it never crossed her mind on what she "missed out" on). And that was that. Lynn (although I think most kids are) is pretty black and white. And, I'm pretty much a realist kind of person. Such as, "that's how it is, can't change the past, just gotta pray about it and deal with it." :) I'm all for the having fun, pretending, etc., but if we're having a serious conversation and she asks me for the truth, I just can't lie to her. She's got to know that she can come to me for the truth!
So... with all that said, it sure will be interesting when Christmas rolls around. :)
So.. I said, "No, it's not real... but moms and dads like to pretend to be one and we take your tooth and trade it for money. It's a fun thing that we can pretend and talk about and do." She goes, "YOU would take my tooth?!" (She swallowed her first/only two teeth that she lost so far, so we hadn't had to deal w/ the tooth fairy thing yet. When she swallowed them I guess it never crossed her mind on what she "missed out" on). And that was that. Lynn (although I think most kids are) is pretty black and white. And, I'm pretty much a realist kind of person. Such as, "that's how it is, can't change the past, just gotta pray about it and deal with it." :) I'm all for the having fun, pretending, etc., but if we're having a serious conversation and she asks me for the truth, I just can't lie to her. She's got to know that she can come to me for the truth!
So... with all that said, it sure will be interesting when Christmas rolls around. :)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
womanly pursuits
Bummer. Last night, after Mr. H dropped Lynn off at Awana, he headed out on a youth trip and I got to have a little "mommy alone" time! I went out to Target intending to pick up a curtain for the baby's room that I had registered for (online) earlier. It said that it was out of stock online, but should be in stores. Turns out the curtain has been discontinued. Bummer. It wasn't anything special, just a denim valance. However, at only $10, I figured I could buy it cheaper than making it myself. Since I had time, I wandered the store, specifically the baby section, toy section (looking for a 1yr old's birthday gift... safer to do this by myself vs. with Lynn!), and the home interior section (curtains, picture frames, etc). I think I had my entire home redecorated in my mind with things I saw. Shopping & dreaming... I wonder what gene it is that makes us women enjoy such a thing? :)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
a funny for Friday
For all you fellow pastors' wives out there...
The Funny Side of Parenting
After church on Sunday, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided I'm going to be a minister when I grow up."
"That's okay with me," the mother said, "But what made you decide to be a minister?"
"Well," the boy replied, "If I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit still and listen."
taken from:
the "Biblical Parenting Update" from the National Center from Biblical Parenting
The Funny Side of Parenting
After church on Sunday, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided I'm going to be a minister when I grow up."
"That's okay with me," the mother said, "But what made you decide to be a minister?"
"Well," the boy replied, "If I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit still and listen."
taken from:
the "Biblical Parenting Update" from the National Center from Biblical Parenting
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