Daughter of the King

Back to School Interview

2010-08-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

I decided to try to do homeschooling with Mia twice a week this year to get her ready to go to preschool next year. She is so interested in going to school but hasn't totally mastered the potty yet. To start out the year I thought we could make a time capsule and fill it with drawings and writing samples and other things so that at the end of the year we can compare how far she has come. I also thought a good memory to have would be a list of questions for her to answer about herself. Yesterday, while she was sitting down for lunch I asked her the questions and recorded her answers.

What did you do this summer?
Play, painted, go to Nana's house, we go to Louisville, we saw Lillian, we rode Small World (she then started singing, "It's a small world after all...")

What do you think you will learn at school this year?
I don't know. We are reading and coloring. (more singing, "It's a small, small world."

What is your favorite color? Pink
What is your favorite movie? Peter Pan
What is your favorite food? Cheeseburger (what she was eating for lunch)
What is your favorite TV show? Dora
What is your favorite toy? Toy Story--I like Jesse and Woody
What is your favorite outfit to wear? My butterfly dress and my turtle dress

Who do you like to play with? What do you like to play?
Bryce and Collin...and ummm, Kylie. I like to play blocks. Kylie don't usually go to Nana's house. You member last time Bryce and Collin come to Nana's house and he say, "Building!" That was fun.

What makes you happy? Playing, bouncing and I like to jump (then she started singing "dancey, dancey dance....dancey, dancey, dance")
Sad? Zane's messing all my toys up
Excited? My makeup with curling iron with dryer. I can dry my hair and put make up. (more singing--"today is the day you have made...")
Mad? Zane's wearing my bib. He eating and I'm mad...I'm really mad.
Scared? The dark makes me scared. (then she started acting silly, looking down at the circles we had just made for a project) OOO...cirlces make me scared! Ahh!

Where do you like to go?
Nana's house. Sometimes Bryce comes.

What do you like about yourself?
Myself is sparkly...that's all I wanted to do

What can you do to make someone else happy?
Somebody to give another toy to anybody who doesn't have any toys.

Is there anything else you wanted to say?
My face looks like I'm sparkly. That's all.

A Spoiled Brat? Or an Opportunity to Help?

2010-08-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I was really put in my place today. Once again, my 3-year-old daughter inadvertantly taught me a lesson. We had a huge stack of library books that were due back today and even though it feels like we have been running around all week, I wasn't about to rack up a fine on that many books. Although Mia whined all morning while we were getting ready, I just shrugged it off and decided that she would be fine once she had some breakfast. So as soon as she finished her milk and fruit we headed out the door to return the nearly overdue books and to hopefully get a new stack. She and her brother did wonderfully at the library. Mia picked out a huge pile of books and proceeded to read them all while I fed Zane his bottle. We gathered up all the books, checked them out and it was only until we started to head out the door that the whining returned. She had wanted to carry some of the books but they suddenly became too heavy and she dropped them on the floor, sending her into one of her drama queen moments.

Though Mia was a little cranky, I continued with my original plan...to get milk while it was still on sale at Kroger. I let her browse through the book aisle before heading back to the dairy case in hopes that I could spend a little more time checking out the sales that were going on this week. When we finally had to head home, I told Mia that we were not going to buy the books and we had to return them before we could leave. This is a common practice and it usually works out fine...she is usually tired of the book by the time we need to leave the store and we put it back and move on. But today, she decided that she wanted to take those books home and her whining escalated into yelling which turned into a high pitched, ear splitting scream that could be heard all over the store. Her face was red, her eyes were blood-shot and she was jumping up and down in the back of the buggy. This is where I also need to mention that I decided to let Mia wear her Ariel costume out today. I don't usually let her wear those kind of things out, simply because it makes it awkward to get her in and out of the carseat. So, I have in my buggy, a lethargic 5 month old who is slowly falling asleep, 2 gallons of sale priced milk...and a screeching 3-year-old in an Ariel costume.

I don't know about anyone else...but there have been plenty of times where I have seen a child dressed similarly to the way Mia was dressed, screaming the way that she was and thought, "What a spoiled brat! That parent doesn't even have control of what that kid wears. I am sure they have no sense of discipline. I am so glad that my kid doesn't act like that...." and other similar degrading thoughts. I was immediately put in my place. As her mother, I knew this was the absolute biggest fit I had seen her throw in months, maybe even a year...and the Ariel outfit was not a cave in discipline but a reward for being so cooperative and obedient the last few days...and I had pushed her way past her lunch time so that I wouldn't have to go back out later to get milk. As all the people stared, I began to realize just how those mothers (the ones that I found so easy to judge before) must feel.

I learned that it is entirely unhelpful to stand by and judge a situation like that. Who am I helping when I assume that I know what is going on and proceed to pass my own judgement on a family that I don't even know?...I'm not helping them, and I'm not even helping myself. I hope that from now on, I will try to view a screaming child as a way to comfort and encourage a struggling mother and not a way to make myself feel better, because in the long run I'm not making myself feel better but enforcing my pride and judgemental attitude. And it doesn't matter if that child is a brat every single day of their life because the parents don't discipline them...I can view these people through the eyes of Jesus, pray for them and offer my help in the moment knowing that I would want someone to do the same for me.

Recipes

2010-08-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

I'm attempting to gather all of my family's favorite recipes in one place so that not only are they easy to access when I want to make something delicious for my family but so that when the time comes, I can pass the well worn book of recipes on to my daughter. I've started by making a list of every dish that I could think of that my family enjoys and now I am in the process of putting each recipe on a 4x6 note card. When this step is complete, I'm going to put each recipe in a cute photo album...and somewhere down the road I would like to put a picture with each recipe (but we'll see how that goes)

I wanted to share one of my new favorite recipes...I just used this one for Mia's birthday party. Lasagna is one of my favorite foods, so I have eaten a lot of it. And over time I have become somewhat particular as to how I like it...firm noodles, not too much sauce, lots of cheese, not too garlicky. This recipe, in my opinion, is perfect

My Favorite Lasagna

1 1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons basil
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a large skillet cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning and 1 tablespoon parsley.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
4. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
5. Bake for an hour. Remove foil after 30 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

John 14: Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

2010-07-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

As I have made my way through the study of the gospel of John these verses could not have come at a better time. The healing and peace that the Word of God brings is amazing! Chapter 14 of the book of John is filled with the words spoken by Jesus as he prepares his disciples for his death. The comfort he presents to his followers then, is filled with application for his followers now.

We have all experienced the trials that life holds...death of a loved one, loss of a job, strained relationships, the uncertainty of the future...they are just part of our existence on earth. But as Christians, we are not left without hope. We can experience these hardships in a unique way because we have the promises given to us by God himself. The first verse of chapter 14 gives us the most clear cut way to avoid letting the troubles of this world get to us. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me." When we believe in God, and in the work of Jesus Christ, we are then presented with blessings that make the world a lot less troubling.

We have hope in the future...in verses 2 and 3 of chapter 14 Jesus gives us the ultimate promise that he is preparing a place for us to be with him. There is a place already in heaven for us and Jesus will someday take us to be with him. With this is mind, we don't have to live in the shadows of this world because we know this life is so insignificant compared to what awaits us...life is so short and our wonderful home in heaven is eternal.

We have the Holy Spirit living in us...in verses 16 and following, Jesus describes to us the power and strength that the Holy Spirit gives to us. He calms the disciples fear of being left without their leader by explaining to them that he will ask the Father to send a helper...the Holy Spirit...to live in us to comfort and counsel us. As a comforter, the Holy Spirit calms our hearts when we feel we cannot take another trial. As a counselor, the Holy Spirit brings the word of God to our mind and applies its truths to our broken spirit. The Holy Spirit is God living in us. The Holy Spirit is Jesus living through us. R. Kent Hughes explains it best in his commentary on John, "The same power that through Jesus brought regeneration and life to many flows through us. The same wisdom that brought healing to most fragmented relationships is operable in us. The same miraculous love that brought life to impossible situations resides in us, through the Holy Spirit"

Through these promises, we can have a peace that the world cannot give us and that the world will never understand. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" John 14:27

Cute Things My Kids Do

2010-07-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

My favorite things to post about are my kids...and I really love sharing all the cute things they are doing.

Maleigha:
1. I love how she can't quite remember simple words so she just says what comes to her mind or she tries to describe it. For example, she was outside the other day helping me dig up weeds and she said, "Mommy, I need a...a...shelf". I tried not to laugh because she is a little sensitive about it when she messes up her words and just replied, "Here ya go. Here's the shovel."

2. She has started to really take notice of sunsets and her response is always, "Look, Jesus made the sky pink just for me...he knows its my favorite."

3. I admire the way she doesn't care at all what people think about the way she dresses...if she wants to wear a yo gabba gabba party hat to church, she will and not think anything about it.

4. I love to watch her sing at church. She closes her eyes and sings so passionately. She lifts her hands to the sky and dances like nobody is watching her. Oddly enough it makes me want to laugh and cry all at the same time....if only we could all worship like that

5. Although it has become somewhat of a problem...it is still so cute that she can't control her affection for her brother. She squeezes his chubby little arms and legs and kisses all over him.

Zane:
1. He started rolling over while we are on vacation last month and he mostly practices during the night. I put him to bed at one end and I find him turned on his side at the other end when I go to get him.

2. He already loves to sing. When we sing to him, he sings along with his gurggles and coos and a huge smile on his face. I am almost certain that he asked me to sing to him last week...he looked me straight in the eyes and started softly and melodically cooing.

3. He loves his sister...if she is in the room, his eyes are on her. She makes him laugh and he loves cuddling with her before they both go to bed.

4. When he gets really tired he gets a little out of control...he talks and laughs and wiggles. It is a little sad because I know he is extremely tired but it is so cute at the same time.

5. I think it is so adorable that he snuggles with a blankie to sleep.

The Last 4 Months

2010-07-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I posted...I've needed about 4 months to adjust to the arrival of our newest addition. Zane David Russell Dunham joined our family on February 27th and although he is one of the happiest babies I have ever encountered...it took us some time to get used to having a baby around again. After many Sundays of rushing in to church sweating, with arm loads of bags and blankets, feeling frustrated and exhausted, I have now mastered the art of getting two children ready and am now even able to arrive early. I think the secret is to gladly accept help from anyone who happens to be arriving at the same time as me.

And although it is somewhat more difficult than I thought it was going to be to have two little ones to take care of every day I have actually been able to accomplish more than I thought I would. I have read a few books, taken up a new hobby, continued to serve at the church and I've still been able to have somewhat of a social life.

David graduated in May from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us while serving in our current location. God has given David many opportunities to learn and serve since he felt the call to be a pastor and I am confident that each step along the way has been to prepare us for what lies ahead. Please pray for us as we try our best to love like Jesus and to seek God's will for our lives.

Maleigha will be turning 3 on July 25th. I can't believe my baby girl is going to be 3!! Her current obsession is a sparkly pink tiara that she got for Christmas. She wore it every day last week. It started as an accessory to wear to our growth group picnic on Tuesday...she insisted that because it was a party she had to get fancy. So, when we also had a picnic on Wednesday, she had to wear it again. I had to talk her out of wearing it to bed on Thursday and by Saturday her ensemble for the Roe family 4th of July picnic included the tiara (of course), with the addition of a valentine's necklace, a "happy new year" necklace and a blinking, bright pink jack-o-lantern necklace. I'm pretty sure she is convinced that you can never be too fancy.

Choosing Forgiveness

2010-02-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long since I posted...things have been a little crazy around here getting ready for Zane. But I thought that since my due date is tomorrow I should at least attempt a thoughtful post before my blog becomes ransacked with new baby pictures or, yet again, becomes dormant for months.

After finishing the book "Same Kind of Different As Me", (which I would highly recommend and would gladly tell you about at another time) I was at a loss to know which, in the massive pile of unread books, to choose to read next. I have for the past few years received books for my birthday and Christmas that I deliberately asked for with the intention of diving right into them...but with a two-year-old around who has lately decided she doesn't like to nap, it has become more difficult to reach my goal of finishing each book before I request another pile. For the last week I have moved a stack of 10 books from the coffee table, to the shelf, to the bedroom and all around again, trying to decide which one would best suit my needs at this time. After a week of such nonsense and a few meaningful conversations with friends, I decided on "Choosing Forgiveness: Your Journey to Freedom" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

This book is so practical and engaging...though it repeatedly steps on my toes, I keep coming back for more. After only two days I have nearly finished it and I would have to say it will probably be one of the most influential books I have ever read in my life (and that is saying something, because I have read a lot of books). DeMoss recounts many stories of people who have been through horrible circumstances and have found the grace and strength from God to move on through the power of forgiveness. Though I don't have a testimony racked with horrible sins dealt against me, I have benefitted so much from reading about the forgiveness of God poured out on me. I offend God greater than anyone could ever offend me and yet he wipes my slate clean and gives me an intimate relationship with Him....but I still find it hard to forgive some people for the simple act of neglecting my feelings or for being selfish.

The first half of the book clearly lays out why we should forgive, giving floods of biblical references and examples. The second half of the book explains how to follow through with it. This book is truly for everyone. "Whether the offense is so large that you think you can't forgive, or so small that you think you don't have to forgive"...everyone has experienced a hurt brought on by someone else that effects the way their life is being lived right now. It actually took reading this book for me to realize how true this is for me.

I've begun to realize how destructive unforgiveness can be...over time you find yourself turning from the grace of God, thinking that revenge belongs to you. You choose to codle your hurt feelings which snowball into bitterness, becoming just like the person who has offended you. By not letting the person "off the hook" you are in turn keeping yourself in a prison. I have so many times convinced myself that the feelings I have felt toward people are justifiable because they were the ones that were wrong and they needed to know it and experience the same frustration and pain...but in chasing the need for retaliation, I have only made myself miserable while the offender (most of the time) remains unware and unaffected. DeMoss, suggests...and presents biblical evidence for it...that in forgiving others, even when they have not extended an apology or even any sign of remorse, we are showing them a glimpse of what Jesus did for us and we can call them to Christ through our actions. And isn't more important to see a person draw near to Christ and be reconciled with him than to receive the miniscule, brief relief of bringing our idea of justice upon them?

This book has deeply affected me and I know it will be life changing for those who have experienced great hurt if the principals are taken to heart and applied to their life.

Preparing a Place

2009-12-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

I had a great conversation with my daughter over dinner this evening and I needed to write it down somewhere.

David had gone to help with the youth at church so it was just the girls for dinner. Mia sat eating, seemingly consentrating only on the mac and cheese in front of her when suddenly she said, "Mommy, God is making me a castle." I was a little surprised by her comment and simply asked, "Who told you that?" She replied, "Jesus".

I went on to tell her that the bible says that if we love Jesus and we follow him and trust him that God really is making a place for us in heaven that could be like a castle. I said that God was making one for Mommy and for Daddy and when she trusted Jesus and understood and believed that he died on the cross for her that God would make one for her too.

I realized later that she may actually be confusing God and Santa...she had asked Santa for a princess castle for Christmas, Santa makes toys--so Santa is making her a castle. But despite that, it provided a means for me to share the gospel with my two year old daughter and we'll work on clearning up the Santa/God confusion.

Contentment

2009-11-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

This year my husband bought me a short devotional book that God has really been using to change my heart. Contentment: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback has challenged me on a daily basis. This book has so much wisdom pack into 107 pages...I found myself many times wanting to highlight every word on the page, every sentence felt like something I never wanted to forget. I am currently half-way through it and wanted to share some of the wisdom God has poured upon me from this insightful book. (I will simply give the info to you in bullet points to avoid getting too wordy...I could go on forever about each point and how God is working and has worked in my life relating to each one, but I won't right now. I'll save it for another post)

If we trust in God wherever we find ourselves, we will know contentment whether the season is easy or hard...He will lead us in, through and out of any situation
If your circumstances feel frustrating it may be God's way of getting you to deal with sin...turn to God and examine your heart
If we focus only on what we hope tomorrow will bring, we miss all the pleasure of today
We may not be able to change out circumstances but we can change the way we think about them
God is the only remedy for our unhappiness...anything else we cling to for comfort is only robbing us to blessing
Real contentment comes when we willingly embrace the loss of our maximum benefits and let go of our entitlement to them
Good things are not worth it if God is not the giver. If we let go and allow God to work in His time, we will be content with or without our hearts desire
Lack facilitates closeness to God in a way that prosperity rarely does--the more we have, the more self-sufficient we deceive ourselves into thinking we are
Our problem isn't that we need something we don't have, our problem is that we don't find God to be enough
God comes in the place of our desires to give us something better...joy, peace, guidance, love, security and communion with Him
We should enjoy the material things God gives us but hold them loosely
Home cannot be our comfort and security because it is constantly shifting (especially when you are a pastor's family). Contentment comes when we discover that home is much more about where we are going (Heaven) that where we have come from. We have the contentment of home right now, wherever we are, because home is where God has us...home is Christ who unites us to God--this is the only home we will never have to leave
God may choose to bless us with things we plead for or he may not...getting out of misery is guaranteed if only we will give our heart to God
When we get the "if only" (if only I have more money, if only I were thinner, etc.) we want so badly, it fails to satisfy so we set our sight and energy on getting the next thing. Only God can ultimately satisfy. When we pour our desires into God and His purposes, we find deep satisfaction that nothing else can gives us.

20 Cute Things My Daughter Does

2009-10-21T04:49:00.000-07:00

1. She stays in bed for at least 30 minutes before and after sleeping to fill her bed full of books and read

2. She says "sutu duty" instead of sleeping beauty and "blanklet" instead of blanket and "moofie" instead of movie

3. She thinks "I love you" and "I miss you" are the same thing

4. She loves to have her fingernails painted and to wear a tutu, a million necklaces and bows all the way around her head

5. She says that her brother's name means "God gave us a present"

6. When going to bed she looks at me with sad, puppy dog eyes and says, "Lay, Mommy, lay" and wants me to lay with her for a few minutes before she reads...and of course I find it impossible to say no

7. She finds a way to sing everything to the tune of "Twinkle, twinkle little star"

8. She has started saying, "Oh, wait a second" and "Five more minutes"

9. She sings very loudly at church with her eyes closed and her hands raised up to the sky...on many occasions she also dances

10. She makes up names for characters in her books...such as "Buki, Zoofa and Masa"

11. She always tries to find a way to make people feel better when they are sad or sick...like once I was sick in bed and she came in to see me. She didn't know what else to say so she said the happiest thing she could thing of, "Happy Birthday, Mommy!"

12. She LOVES babies...even the doll she found at Target that only had one eye. She would not put it down and rocked it and pretended to give it a bath and sang to it.

13. She talks about what Zane is going to do when he gets here..."Eat and POOP and sleep and POOP and cry and POOP"

14. Everything makes her super excited...suckers at the bank, hot dogs for lunch, wearing her panda shoes, going on a walk. And that she has started saying "Best day ever" or "Best book ever"...or best (anything) ever

15. She would look at pictures for hours...in picture albums, on the computer, on the camera, on someones phone

16. When listening to music in the car...it has to be turned up and can never, ever be turned off and sometimes everyone in the car is required to sing along

17. When going out on a windy day she immediately yells, "Oh no, my hair". What a girly girl! I don't know where she came from!

18. She is learning how to use her cuteness to get what she wants (thankfully, I'm learning not to give in everytime she is cute, or she would always have candy for breakfast). So, she asks for something once in a normal tone and then turns her head to the side, grins really big and changes the tone of her voice to small and cute and asks again.

19. Right now it is cute that she wants to act like a baby...she gets one of her baby doll bottles, a blanket and a pacifier and wants me to hold her while she whimpers and cries like a baby. I'm sure it will get a little old after Zane arrives.

20. I love that she is already a runner...when we go on walks, she jogs out in front of us with her arms pumping. She looks so cute and actually has really good form for a 2-year-old

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

2009-10-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have found it difficult lately to memorize scripture and have made excuse after excuse for why I am not doing this much need discipline:

1. I have a two-year-old who not only demands my time when she is awake but leaves me a million chores to do while she is asleep...although I've seen young women with more children than I have find the time. Above is a picture of my little distraction.

2. Like many other people I know, it does not come naturally for me to memorize anything. At times I unintentionally sink into the philosophy of "why memorize anything that you can look up on your laptop or cell phone within seconds of needing to know it?"

3. I fill my mind with so many other things...although I haven't been so guilty lately of wasting time with TV and internet, I have rediscovered the library and historical fiction and have spent the hours of Mia's nap held captive by the curious combination of hard facts and an entertaining story.

But as I have found out, the benefits of memorizing scripture far outweigh the difficulties. The Lord has challenged my faith so much through the scripture He has placed on my heart in combination with the trials that I have had to go through. For example, I memorized Romans 8:18 "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" and Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" and Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not me anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" And soon after, our precious girl had to have spinal surgery. These verses, along with others sent to me by dear friends, became my strength. The Holy Spirit used the Word of God to calm my heart and build my faith in God.

The verse I am currently working on is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things are are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use this verse in the future as He has used so many others.

I pray that by the Lord's strength I will overcome all obstacles this week in order to memorize this verse...I will be intentional about waking up early, I will guard my heart against wrong, wordly philosophies that convince me that I don't need to have the scripture in my heart, and I will guard my mind against any other thoughts or activities that could keep me from God's word.

100 Things that make me happy

2009-09-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

I've found myself complaining a lot lately. I grumble about people, circumstances, our house, the government, my cell phone, my clothes...you name it, I was finding some way to complain about it. For awhile I blamed it on pregnancy hormones...but even if that truly is the cause of my rantings, giving in to those effects can soon become a habit that is hard to break long after the hormones have settled down. So, in an attempt to rescue my discontent heart I decided to compile a list of 100 things that make me happy. It seems like a lot of things to come up with but I feel that I'm in need of some serious intervention. So, here it goes...

1. My relationship with Jesus Christ

2. David

3. Maleigha

4. Baby Dunham

5. Maleigha's health

6. Finding out I was pregnant after being told I was infertile...twice

7. My family (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, nephews, etc.)

8. Laughing so hard that I cry

9. Catching up with old friends

10. Knowing that heaven awaits me

11. Meeting new friends

12. Guacamole

13. Understanding and applying the word of God

14. Watching Maleigha play

15. Finishing a book

16. Writing a poem

17. Finding free shoes...yes, that really did happen to me once

18. Everything about the fall (candy corn, leaves changing, wearing a sweater, waking up to the windows open, pumpkins, decorations, cool breezes, apple picking, hayrides, football games)

19. Decorating (or re-decorating) a room in our house

20. Date nights with my husband

21. Staying in a hotel with free breakfast

22. Making homemade bread and eating it with apple butter

23. Learning that Jennifer Knapp is coming back

24. My zebra print shoes

25. Shopping with my mom and sister

26. Eating outside

27. Reading to my daughter

28. Listening to my daughter "read"

29. Singing in the car

30. Hobby Lobby

31. Spending the night at my parents house

32. Sharing stories with my siblings from when we were growing up

33. Checking facebook and blogs

34. Making lists

35. Grocery shopping...I know it's a chore for some people but I look forward to it every week

36. Going on a walk

37. Riding my bike on the bike path in Athens...I miss that

38. Peanut Butter

39. Louisville, KY...I love that city

40. Hearing someone pray for me

41. Listening to Maleigha talk about Jesus

42. Winning a bid on ebay

43. Writing a story

44. Trying a new restaurant

45. The enthusiasm of a new Christian

46. Singing with my praise team

47. Watching Maleigha sing and dance on Sundays

48. When my husband comes home from work

49. Maple cream filled donuts

50. My favorite pink blanket

51. Finishing a sewing project

52. Running

53. Recalling the victories God has given me in my life

54. Pancakes and cartoons on a Saturday morning

55. Family gatherings

56. My Granny's noodles...and spaghetti sauce (which my mom has now perfected as well)

57. BBQ sauce...on pork, tacos, hamburgers, chicken, or baked potatoes

58. Sitting in the corner of our sectional sofa
59. Going to the fair...but it makes me sad it only happens once a year
60. Hearing my husband preach
61. Making a really cute outfit out of the clothes I already have
62. Getting a new magazine or catalog in the mail
63. Watching David and Mia play "critters"
64. Coloring with new a coloring book and crayons
65. Trying a new recipe
66. Having a whole afternoon to read and listen to music
67. Hearing news from our old church....3ABC
68. Going out for ice cream
69. Making s'mores over a real fire
70. Stopping at a gas station for snacks on a long trip
71. Looking through albums full of pictures
72. Hearing my favorite song on the radio
73. Listening to a new CD
74. Listening to an old favorite CD that brings back floods of memories
75. Coming home to a clean house
76. Fresh, clean laundry
77. Holiday traditions
78. The beach
79. Seeing other people happy
80. Tickling Maleigha
81. Finding out that Mia's surgery was a success
82. The grace of God
83. Thinking about my friends and family I will see again in heaven
84. Vacation
85. Hot chocolate and coffee cake
86. Ordering pizza and watching movies
87. Homegrown tomatoes
88. Coupons
89. Parades
90. Funny youtube videos
91. Chatting with friends while the husbands have the kids
92. Nap time
93. Visiting places with good memories
94. Finding a bible verse that really fits in my life
95. Reconciling with someone I feel I have wronged
96. Daydreams
97. Seeing pictures of my unborn baby
98. New clothes
99. Cookbooks
100. Sunsets....

and I could keep going. God is so good to me! Why should I ever complain?

Death

2009-08-26T10:35:00.001-07:00

This morning I received the news that a young woman I went to school with had died. Though I don't know all the details and haven't had any contact with her over the years since we left school I do know that she left behind family and friends that cared about her very much. She grew up in Lucasville and went to the same school as me. There were people who worried about her, prayed for her and depended on her. She was the same age as me, she had children, parents, grandparents...so, if all these factors were the same, what brought her death before mine? How can I be so arrogant to live my life every day like I have a million more to waste?

Over the years I have seen death more times than I would ever want to in my lifetime. I've lost a cousin and a grandparent. Close friends have lost relatives as well. I've prayed for the dear lives of little children, only to have to stand by as their parents grieve over their deaths. I've heard of numerous people my age dying...one in particular of an undetected heart problem that took him suddenly. Though I act as though I could not possibly be next...there is no way for me to know that.

Though I cannot know when I will die....I can know without a doubt where I will go when I die. Because I have trusted Jesus Christ with my life and I believe in his death and resurrection I don't have to fear death. Though my time could come today or 60 years from now...I will always know where I will be when that moment comes. Since I have this confidence in my own life, what worries me most when I hear of tragic deaths is...what if that were my unsaved family member or what if that were my neighbor that I never took the time to talk to about Jesus? It is not so terrible for me to live my life as if I will never die as it is to ignore the fact that it could be the people around me who have never heard about Jesus.

So, when faced with death, I pray that you will 1. Reflect on your own life...do you know where you will go when you die? Do you live as if your death will never come? and 2. Reflect on the lives of your family, friends and neighbors...is there someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus? Speak to them about it before it is too late.

I Will Rise

2009-08-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

There's a peace I've come to know

Though my heart and flesh may fail

There's an anchor for my soul I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:] And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near

When this darkness breaks to light

And the shadows disappear

And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won He is risen from the dead

[Chorus]

And I hear the voice of many angels sing, "Worthy is the Lamb"

And I hear the cry of every longing heart, "Worthy is the Lamb"[x2]

[Chorus]

I heard this song the other day on the way home from Cincinnati after a long day of tests for Mia. We spent hours at the hospital watching kids being pushed in wheelchairs, wearing masks, hearing aids and leg braces, and pulling IV polls along with them...and these were just the ones that were there for check-ups or would be leaving the hospital very soon. From our experience with Mia's surgery in May, I knew there were hundreds more who were not leaving the hospital that day because they were under much more urgent care and there were even some who would never leave that hospital in this life. My heart aches every time we have to make another visit to Cincinnati Children's Hospital and not just because I hate to see my little girl in pain but because I see all these precious little children walking around and think of the ones that are upstairs in their hospital rooms struggling with whatever is ailing them and I feel there is absolutely nothing I can do.

But as I drove home on Wednesday, listening to Chris Tomlin sing, "...no more sorrow, no more pain..." I began to realize that there truly is coming a day when there will be no more wheelchairs, or medical masks, or hearing aids, or leg braces, or IVs, or heart defects, or spinal surgeries and absolutely no death because Jesus has truly overcome and the grave is completely overwhelmed. The victory has already been won because he rose from the dead. And though heart and flesh may fail here on earth we know that one day those who know Jesus will leave this failing world and join him in heaven. And there is certainly something I can do about these sick children and all the people who are struggling in this life...spread the good news that heaven awaits them if they turn to Jesus and trust in his death and resurrection. This life is hard, but one day those of us who know Jesus will rise to be with him and leave the hardship of this life forever.

Mia's going to be a big sister

2009-07-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

There has been so much going on with us lately! But the biggest news of all is that there is going to be an addition to the Dunham family. Mia is going to be a big sister at the end of February. She is really excited and loves to pray for "mommy's baby" before she goes to bed. (And just to clarify, none of those band-aids are actually covering any wounds...she just likes to decorate her arm)

This is Mia giving her "baby" a bottle...just getting some practice in so that she will be able to help Mommy when the new baby comes. (This is actually her cousin, Collin, who is only a year younger than her and out-weighs her by a few pounds)

We have been extremely blessed this year and it is only half over...a new house, a new church, Mia's sucessful surgery, finding out I'm pregnant without any medical intervention....I can't wait to see what God has in store for us!

Isaiah 26--Perfect Peace

2009-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Chapter 26 of Isaiah brought me such peace that I felt I needed to share it. After already reading in chapter 25 that the Lord will destroy death and bring us to a wonderful banquet in heaven, chapter 26 brings us encouragement that we don't have to wait for until Jesus comes. The peace that is offered in this chapter is open to us now.

Verses 1&2 speak of salvation as a wall and the gates are open to those who keep the faith. And verses 3&4 go on to say that "[God] will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on [God] because he trusts in [God]. So trust in the Lord forver for the Lord God is an everlasting rock" Though it may be difficult to stay strong in the faith when there is every sort of temptation pulling you away from it, God has brought you into his wall of salvation and will protect you. God will give you perfect peace...something that is very hard to come by in a economic crisis, or in the midst of a child's illness, or when the future of your spouse's job is uncertain, or while simply struggling to stay patient with a 2-year-old.

But God promises to give us that perfect peace when we keep our mind stayed on him. Though the world is telling us to be afraid, though our friends and families may be trembling in fear, and even if we have a tiny bit of doubt creeping in our minds...when we intentionally fight to keep our hearts and minds fixed on the Lord God, our everlasting rock, he will give us a peace that is not just satisfactory or simply acceptable...it is a peace that is perfect, without flaw. Verse 12 even says that God ordained peace for us. He already planned for us to have peace. And we can have all of this (salvation, peace, a place in heaven, freedom from death) because as verse 12 goes on to say he has indeed done for us all our works. We don't have to count on getting any of those things I have mentioned because we are good enough or we have done something to deserve them. God has done the work for us and offers those things to us by his grace.

Verses 13-15 remind me that I shouldn't worry about the state of our nation and I shouldn't have doubts about who is leading our country. These verses say that even though other lords have ruled over us, the name of God alone will be remembered. The rulers of this world have and will all die and will not be remembered. As Christians, God is our one true ruler and we know that when Jesus returns every knee will bow to Him. God has placed those rulers above us, he is in control of their plans, and ultimately their plans will be destroyed and God will continue to reign.

I am so thankful for the peace that is offered to us through the grace of God!

Isaiah 25

2009-05-29T10:26:00.001-07:00

I have been reading through the book of Isaiah (something I attempted once before but without the proper tools, I gave up only a few chapters into the book). I would strongly recommend reading this after finding a copy of the commentary on Isaiah by Ray Ortlund. He makes a theologically dense book very applicable and easy to understand. God has taught me so much and I'm not even half-way through the study.

Chapter 25 is a great encouragement when life seems overwhelmingly hard. Upon reading the first five verses I could think of nothing else but the glorious things that God has done and how He stands high above all earthly powers. The world can often take over our thoughts so that we feel defeated and frustrated. The events in our life can pile up and seem unsurmountable...but even in these times, we can choose to exalt God and praise His name. Even in these times, God's plans are being carried out and we can trust Him to be faithful and sure. In difficult times God is a stronghold and a shelter. But God's plans do not end with the power and strength He can give us while we are on earth...

In verse 6, Isaiah goes on to say that the Lord will make a feast for us in heaven. We will receive every wonderful thing and there will be absolutely no disappointment. Everyone at this banquet will be happy and nothing will ever make them sad again. Verse 8 says that "He will swallow up death forever and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces". We will never again have to experience the pain left behind when someone we love dies, we never again will have to shed another tear over those we have lost. I know people who long for the day that Jesus returns more than I do. I have not experienced death as closely or deeply as others...I have not held a child after she has drawn her last breath, I have not stood by my spouse's casket with tears on my cheeks...but because of Jesus Christ these pains will be removed one day and not another tear will be shed because of them.

And finally, verse 9 says, "It will be said on that day 'Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation'. As we think upon the day of the Lord's return, may we always be glad and rejoice in the salvation that He has given to us. I tend to let the tiny frustrations of my day steal my joy...I often forget that if I had nothing but my salvation that should truly be enough because I don't even deserve that.

I pray that Isaiah 25 will remind me today of the power that God has on earth, the joy that is waiting for me in heaven, and the wonderful gift of salvation that God has given me.

3 weeks after Mia's surgery...God is amazing

2009-05-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

I am doubling up on blog posts today because I realized that three weeks ago from this very moment we were waiting for Mia to go into surgery. I am amazed at how quickly she has returned to her normal routine and activities. She is now dancing and running and playing even better than she was before the surgery.

I am amazed at the work of the Lord leading up to Mia's surgery. She was born with a birth defect of her spine and was diagnosed at 3 months with tethered cord. God had us in the right place at the right time. She was born at a large hospital in Louisville, KY...I strongly believe that if she had been born at a smaller hospital in a smaller city they would not have caught her condition. When she was 5 months old we moved back to Ohio, so her pediatrician in Louisville referred us to Cincinnati Children's Hospital where we eventually met up with Dr. Mangano who is one of the top doctors in the state of Ohio for dealing with tethered cord. We saw God's hand working even down to the last appointment she had before her surgery. Dr. Mangano actually looked Mia over and told us we could wait a few months to see what would happen...but after he finally was able to get ahold of the urologist she had been seeing, he sent a nurse out to find us to inform us that he would strongly recommend surgery. We signed all the papers and were later given a date for the procedure. Only weeks after this appointment, I noticed Mia's feet starting to turn in...a sign that her mobility was starting to be affected. Had she missed this appointment or if any information had not reached the neurosurgeon in time, she could have had the surgery months later and we could have seen much more drastic and permanent affects.

I was amazed at the work of the Lord during Mia's surgery and hospital stay. We had so many people praying for us and keeping up with her progress on facebook. We could tangibly see the love of our Christian brothers and sisters. The surgery went well--no complications and it even went by a lot faster than we thought it would. God gave David and I such a peace as we waited for our little girl to come out of the operating room. God even saw fit to give Mia a fabulous nurse who went above and beyond what was expected of her...she did her job and truly showed interest in our lives and showed such love and care for our baby. Mia even got to go home sooner than we had expected because she was doing so well. It was an exhausting and trying experience but God brought us through it.

I am continually amazed at the work of the Lord now that Mia's surgery is over. When I look at my little girl I am reminded of the grace that God showed to us. I think about how bad her condition could have been...I've spoke to people who have children who are permanently disabled because of the same condition that wasn't found early enough and I've read of numerous people who will have a lifetime of catheterizations and surgeries. We are not completely sure that Mia won't have any more problems because of this...but I'm truly amazed at the grace of God and what he spared us from. But besides what God spared us from, I am truly amazed at what God has taught me. I learned to trust God's sovereignty more, to pray harder and the importance of memorizing scripture. I found deeper truths in His Word and learned more about helping those who are suffering.

I can't believe it was only three weeks ago! God has done so much since then and continues to work in the life of our little Mia! Praise God for His amazing work in her life!

Philippians 4:6-8

2009-03-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Many things come to my mind today as I read Philippians 4. God has taught me much and yet He is still doing so much work in me. A few months ago I set at the task of memorizing verses 6-8 in this chapter. I knew that I am instructed in the word of God to memorize scripture but I honestly didn't feel in my heart that I really comprehended this to the full extent. But after already having these verses stored in my heart, when I read them today they really meant something to me. And not only that but I truly felt like I finally understand why it is important to memorize scripture. When I read verses 6 and 7 I was excited and began to think, "this is what God is doing in my life right now!" I memorized these verses and God is putting them to action as I'm dealing with the news of Mia's surgery.

When people ask about her or find out about the surgery or what we've been through, often the response is, "I can't imagine going through that" or "This must be really hard" or "I'm so sorry that you have to go through this". But honestly, I don't feel like it is a trial or even a hard thing to deal with because through memorizing these verses God has changed my heart...at least in this situation I am not anxious. I have, as the verses say "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests me made known to God" and in return He has given me "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding". And truly this peace does surpass all understanding...it doesn't make sense to me that I should be so calm about my baby having spinal surgery. If this had happened even just months ago I would have been in total despair over the situation...but God has brought me so far through even just my small obedience of memorizing a few verses. Which makes me think, "what could God do with my full commitment to Him?"

But as the time approaches for Mia's surgery in the next month I must, as verse 8 instructs, think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise and avoid thinking on the "what-ifs" and focusing on my own doubts and worries and frustrations. I pray that God will keep these verses in my mind as we wait and make plans for Mia's surgery.

Update on Mia

2009-03-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to blog since Mia had her test on Monday so I wanted to update everyone on what is going on with her. A few months ago she had a urodynamics test which had determined that her bladder could hold very little fluid so it was refluxing onto her kidneys. And the ultrasound she had on the same day showed that her kidneys were both swollen and urine was collecting on top of them.

On Monday Mia had a cystogram which required her to be catheterized like she had been for the urodynamics test but this time they filled her bladder with fluid and took x-rays of her bladder and kidneys. They determined that on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being normal and 5 being really bad)her bladder was refluxing at a 3. They told us that this type of reflux can either be a primary issue and it will just get better on its own. Or it could be a secondary issue caused by her tethered cord and it would require surgery. The urologist seems to think that it is probably the latter but has ordered an MRI to help determine that.

Right now Mia is on an antibiotic that she has to take every night to prevent any infection due to her bladder/kidney issues. She is scheduled for another ultrasound and consultation with the urologist on June 8 and we are waiting to hear back about when she is scheduled for an MRI and a consultation with the neurosurgeon. We are currently in monitoring mode...if anything changes with her (good or bad) we will know more. Because of all the tests that she has had done we at least now have a reference point to work from. She'll be going back to the hospital about every 6 months so that they are able to monitor her condition.

Thanks for all the prayers! I have really felt them in the last few months and especially on Monday. Eventhough Mia was distressed and screaming during the test, I felt like I could stay calm and strong for her. I don't worry about her as much as I once did because I know that God is in control and he has a perfect plan for all of this.

Rude People

2009-02-26T06:31:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in awhile but it wasn't until yesterday that I had something that I passionately wanted to blog about. Even after living in Athens (known for drunk college students who only care about the next party and opinionated liberals who aren't afraid of hurting people's feelings), I have never seen such rude behavior until I came in contact with some disgruntled customers at the restaurant where my friend and I met for lunch yesterday.

My daughter had sat for 45 minutes or so, eating and looking at a coloring book while my friend and I talked. I must also add that this friend was one of my best friends in junior high who moved to another school and we have now been reunited because she married one of my best friends from high school and we go to the same church. We hadn't had a chance to sit down and really talk since 8th grade...so I was excited to have a chance to talk to her again. Mia started getting restless and began interupting our conversation, so I let her get down and wonder around the tiny cafe. The place was small enough that I could see her and there weren't very many people there so I thought this decision was pretty harmless.

Well, apparently I was wrong because suddenly a woman sitting at the table next to us blurted out..."Excuse me, you might want to get your daughter. She is into something back there and has gotten it everywhere." Her tone let me know that she was not trying to help me, she was criticizing me. So as not to cause a scene or upset another customer, I went back to rescue Mia from a situation, that sounded from the angry lady's response, to be pretty tragic. Upon arriving at the scene of the crime, I found a miniscule pile of tiny flowers lying beside a basket. I calmly swept them up and threw them away and led Mia back to the table. I thought the problem was over, but after arriving at my chair, I realized I was wrong yet again. The other woman sitting at the same table had taken it upon herself to tell my friend exactly what she thought of the situation.

I didn't hear all of it but what I did hear went something like this..."It just sends fire through me when people don't watch their kids. She's just sitting there talking and not paying a bit of attention to that child. She could have just walked right out the door and she wouldn't have known." My initial reaction was actually just to cry. I have insecurities about being a good mom anyway and I often let the things that random strangers say to me make me upset. But then I just wanted to yell at her...but I knew that wouldn't be very pleasing to God. So, I just sat there. My friend spoke up, "I think it's fine and it's really none of your business." And then she leaned to me and said, "I have never seen someone act so rude." I agreed, but didn't know what to say for myself.

After leaving the restaurant and having time to think about it, I came up with a pretty hateful response that would have certainly put those ladies in their place but then as I had time to pray about it and pray for them all I could really feel was sadness. I felt sad that there are people out there who talk to others like that every day. They don't know the person's situation or what is actually going on, they just jump to conclusions and start giving their opinion. I have the priveledge of having a husband and a mother that I could run to when I was upset about what those women had said, but what about a single mother who is trying really hard and has no one to support her? What if they had said something like that to her...? And I felt sad because people like that live that way every day. They don't enjoy watching a baby toddle around the room because they're too busy being angry and upset. I just felt sorry for them that they had to be so miserable.

So, if I do ever see those women again I would like to say to them, "I have prayed for you and I forgive you for wrongly judging me. It may have looked to you like I wasn't paying attention to my child but I keep a close eye on her, in fact I enjoy watching her and I thank God for every step that she takes. When she was diagnosed at 3 months with a spinal condition, I decided then that I was going to make it a constant effort to enjoy the things she did because I didn't know exactly how her condition would effect her and what she would be able to do. And I would just plead with you to be careful what you say to people because you don't know how badly your words can hurt them...you don't know what they've been through or why they are doing the things they do." I will keep these thoughts in my mind because I'm sure that will not be my last encounter with rude people.

Snow Day

2009-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

The thick blanket of snow that God sent our way could not have come at a better time. Everyone in my little family has caught the horrible cold that is going around and we needed an excuse to stay in and watch TV all day. We don't do very well with resting...David and I keep our schedules pretty busy and Mia's favorite thing to do is to "Go, go" (usually to Walmart). David's meeting at the church was cancelled and SSU is closed for the day and I absolutely hate to drive when there is even a little bit of snow on the ground.

Mia got up at 6 and her cold has already knocked her out for a nap this morning. She and I snuggled up in bed and watched Little Einsteins. I rubbed her back and before I knew it she was sound asleep. So, now David and I have a great opportunity to catch up on our movie watching (thanks, Mom, for Netflix!). When I ignore how much my throat hurts, it feels like the perfect day. I love snow days!

My blog is back...I have high speed internet!

2009-01-14T10:09:00.001-08:00

I know, I know...if you didn't know better, you may think I had disappeared off the face of the earth. I have been absent from my blog for a very long time. The frustration of dial-up finally got to me and I gave up on a lot of my internet hobbies for awhile. But the great news is that David and I finally got high speed internet and I can now do all the things I was missing before.

This is the run down of what has been going on in the lives of the Dunham family...

David is still teaching English at Shawnee State University. After our pastor at Bigelow Church left, David felt that he should step up and put his application in for the job. He went on to fill the pulpit for a few months but upon realizing his lack of experience in everything but preaching he decided to follow our former pastor to Christ's Community Church which is also in Portsmouth. David is currently employed by CCC and is beyond excited at all the learning experiences is has had and will have there. The current pastor started the church and has been there around 50 years...and a few of the other pastors are very experienced as well. David gets to attend sermon reviews, planning meetings and just gets to see all of them in action. We are enjoying the preaching, the people, the involvement the church has in the community and the music...among other things. We are very happy that God has led us to CCC!

We just moved into our new house on Friday and are still getting uppacked. We have gotten pretty good at the moving process and I think we would already be done except that I got called for jury duty and actually got picked to serve Monday and Tuesday for a case that has gone on for 15 years, is well known in the community and involved some very graphic details...so, it ended up taking from 9am-6 or 7 pm on both days and it really drained me. But when it was all over it felt good to know that I contributed and helped to bring justice...it was interesting, I got to practice being assertive and I made 8 new friends.

Maleigha (who will soon be 18 months) loves our new church and our new house. She likes having so many new friends to play with at church and she loves the music. She is really enjoying our new house...every time she walks into her new room she says, "Oh WOW!". At our old house all of her toys had to be spread out everywhere but her new room is big enough for everything...and it is pink! Her time is divided between playing in her room and walking up and down the stairs (with parental assistance, of course).

And relating to her health--we are still in the process of getting a neurological consult for her (something we have been attempting since her diagnosis at 3 months). We keep hitting speed bumps along the way...there have been so many more tests than I ever thought there would be. I thought she would be diagnosed and then we do something about it. I didn't know we had to find out so much more info in other departments before we could move on to the neurological aspect of it. And I never imagined they would cancel so many appointments. But in the last couple days we have experienced hope. My mom contacted a lady that our family knows that is on the board at Cincinatti Children's and she has given me someone to talk to that may get some things done for us. God has a plan for all of this...even if it has been just to teach us some patience.

Now that I have filled in the blanks of the last few months I will take a break for now and hopefully be back to blogging another day this week.

Maleigha's Test: Part 2

2008-10-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we went to Cincinnati yesterday with the intention of hearing some news about the test that Mia had done a few weeks ago. We were not expecting her to have to have another test done...and find out that she needs yet another test in December. I am glad that they are being so thorough in their diagnosis and treatment and the people at Cincinnati Children's Hospital are so nice...but I have discovered that I am not as patient as I thought I was. I really just want to have all the tests done and know the full extent of what is wrong so that we can fix it and move on with our lives. At the same time, over the last few weeks and through watching all the kids coming in and out of the hospital yesterday...I have seen how much I really have to thank my amazing God for. We have our Mia with us and she has a condition that is treatable and she is currently functioning just fine. And thus far I have learned to trust God more than I ever have and I am learning patience...though that may take awhile.

We found out yesterday that the results from Mia's last test were not so good but the doctor said not to really freak out about that yet because Mia simply being upset while the test was taking place could have possibly caused the results to be skewed. He said the test showed that where her bladder should be holding 40 mL at a time, she can only hold 1. And then the ultrasound that she had yesterday revealed that her bladder is having to work way too hard and this has caused scar tissue to form along the inside of her bladder. And because her bladder cannot get rid of urine as it should, there is urine collecting on her kidneys which has caused some swelling and over time could cause distress for her kidneys.

I have a hard time not thinking too far ahead to some of the possibilities that the doctor mentioned...to surgery, to the possibility of surgery not even helping the problem, to having to learn to catheterize my own daughter, to kidney problems...and my mind can even come up with things that the doctor didn't even mention. But God continually pushes those things out of mind, reminding me that he will only give me what I can handle and that through suffering comes endurance, character and hope and he is leading me step by step (not giant leap by giant leap) and that all things will work together for my good. God's Word gives such great encouragment in times of uncertainty!

I just ask that you pray for Maleigha as we continue this process. Please pray most of all that God would be glorified in my and David's thoughts and actions. God has truly blessed us with friends and family who faithfully pray! Thanks!

Perseverance Through Suffering

2008-10-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Recently I have observed two godly families as they have endured the loss of their very young daughters. Upon hearing the news about each child's death I began to question my faith...is my faith in God firm enough that I could endure such a tragedy and still bring glory to Him? How could I possibly lose someone I love and still find the strength to praise God? I wrestled for days with this concept and only found myself more frustrated and discouraged until I came to the chapter on perseverance in the book I am reading (Discliplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes).

She started the chapter by relaying the story of a couple who were in a terrible car accident and lost 6 of their 9 children when the car burst into flames. She told of how the couple's physical recovery gave them time to read the Word of God and reflect on his character and promises. Though I began to see the process that they went through to bring glory to God through their suffering, I still found myself discouraged. I thought "I still believe that if I were faced with the death of my child, I don't know if I could truly bring glory to God in the way that these families have".

But as I read on, the author made a point that finally gave me some hope. "Faith in the goodness of God in the face of extreme adversity doesn't just happen. It grows out of perseverance in the day-in, day-out grind of everyday life". These families that I had observed and read about were not just suddenly stricken with amazing faith in God that they had not cultivated. The faith came because they had spent years knowing God better and trusting every day in the goodness, mercy, justice, kindness, grace, omniscience, omnipotence and sovereignty of God. So faith like this comes from trusting in God through my daughter's doctors appointments and possible surgery. It comes from praising God when I feel like crying because people I trusted have hurt me. It comes even from just relying on God to give me patience with my husband leaves his socks in the floor.

I also was reminded that even our cultivation of faith is not enough. Jesus Christ himself has given us an example to follow. He endured the cross (physical pain and separation from God) to bring glory to his Father. And as well, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf. That is amazing to me! That God himself prays for us! God piles on top of our faith (which he has given us anyway, by his grace) a special prayer just for us.

And even beyond those things, I have learned that I should not be afraid of or resist suffering because God uses it as a means to make us more like Him. This is something that, as long as we are on earth, we will always need more of. He also uses the suffering of His saints to spread the Gospel--people can see how great our God really is when we rely on him no matter how difficult (or just plain annoying) a situation might be. And this is the one I find most inspiring...God also uses suffering as a means for us to see Him. We can learn so much about God through hard things that we go through.

Mommy, we didn't pray yet

2008-10-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

I really believe that we are given children to sanctify us in so many ways. I have learned so much already in just the short year and three months that my daughter has been in this world. She teaches me patience on those days that she won't let me out of her sight even to go to the bathroom. She keeps me from being lazy by getting me out of bed at 6am. She teaches me how to not hold a grudge when she gives me a big hug after I've just punished her for opening the kitchen cabinets. She teaches me what it really means to love...just because she is so lovable.

But this week, she really put me in my place when I neglected to thank God as I should. I was in a hurry to get our lunch ready because I wanted to get her down for a nap on time. I put her food in front of her and she sat quietly as I ran around the kitchen getting something for myself. I quickly got my food and drink, sat down and immediately began eating. She just stared at me like I was doing something weird and then she did something that made me stop what I was doing...she bowed her head and closed her eyes as if to say, "Mommy, we didn't pray yet." I followed the example of my little Mia and bowed my head and prayed. And in my heart I was thanking God that slowly my daughter was learning to love Him.

Maleigha's Test

2008-10-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

**For those of you who are also on the women's yahoo group for 3ABC or who keep up with Facebook--This is the same message I posted at both places so if you already read it, you can save yourself the time and stop reading now.

Some people had commented on my Facebook account that they would like
an update about Mia. Until Thursday nothing had really happened
since we moved to Ohio. We had a little trouble getting things to
work out at the hospital in Cinci. We had the records of her
ultrasound and MRI sent from Kosair in Louisville to the children's hospital in
Cinci and they decided that she needed one more test. We had been
waiting for a long time for them to call us and finally they called
last week with an appointment for Thursday. It was kind of short
notice but since we had been waiting so long, we just dropped
everything and went.

The test was called a Urodynamics test. It was a little difficult
for all of us because they had to put a catheter in her and she was
scared and upset and then that made David and I upset for her. But
by God's grace the test didn't take too long and the people were very
nice. This test is done to show how well the bladder empties and
fills. It also measures the pressures in the bladder and the function
of the muscles that cause the bladder to open and close. This is the
definitive test to finalize a diagnosis when all other tests have
confirmed the presence of tethered cord. We are still praying that
all other tests have been wrong while continuing to trust God and
pray that we would be strong and faithful even if Mia does end up
needing surgery. It feels hard to pray for both of those things
because I would ultimately prefer her to be perfectly healthy.

Through this and other cirmumstances, God has really been teaching me
a lot about suffering for His glory. I've just seen time after time,
how God works through hard times (much harder times than what we have
ever gone through) and this encourages me to trust Him and persevere.
Thanks to those who are praying for us, those who showed concern
about Mia's test and those who are reading this now. Hope you all
are doing well.

Bryce's Birthday

2008-09-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Maleigha enjoying Bryce's 4th birthday. She wasn't really sure she wanted to go at first. And then when we got there, all the people scared her...but as she does at every party, she quickly became comfortable with the crowd and had a lot of fun. Her favorite discovery was Bryce's kitchen set. She opened the doors and put plastic food, plates and silverware in, then shut the doors and opened them again to take it all out. She was in her own little world for awhile and I could only bring her out of it with cake.

OPGA Convention

2008-08-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

I was at my mom and dad's for the evening and thought I would hurry and get some pictures up of Maleigha...for anyone who has been patient enough to wait for them. She is growing up so much! Here are some cute pictures of my little Mia enjoying the propane convention that we went to with my family.

We got to go to a water park where Mia was absolutely fearless. She loved crawling through the wading pool...she would have kept crawling until the water was over her head if I hadn't stopped her. She loved splashing in the fountains and watching the other kids.

We also got to go to a fancy dinner...the perfect occasion for her fluffy tutu. Everything about the trip made her so excited. She was excited that the whole family could be together, she loved playing at the water park and watching the big TV in the motel room. She had a great time loving on baby Collin and wrestling with her big cousin, Bryce.

2008-06-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a cute picture of Maleigha. This is my favorite outfit!

She is growing up so much. She can say Mama, Dada, Nana, cracker and duck...and she also quacks. She is also starting to try to repeat everything that we say. It's cute when she sings along with David as he plays the guitar or when she tries to say car or dog or kitty and can't quite get it, but it's not so cute when she mocks her cousin,Bryce, when he cries or she shakes her head no and mimics us by saying "na, na, na, na".

I finally got a good video of her dancing today...and if our internet weren't so slow I would share it with you. But, it took 20 minutes just to get this little picture on here...so I'd rather not attempt a video right now. I will just tell you that it is very cute. Mia is the best dancer that I know.

Rainy Day Fun

2008-06-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Since the rain has trapped us indoors today I am getting to see my daughter's many tricks as she attempts to overcome boredom...and in doing so, she is making things a little less tedious for me as well.

We have rolled the ball back and forth for awhile. She would hold the ball in her hand and flail her arms around until the ball slipped out of her hands and rolled across the floor. Occasionally the ball rolled to me as I sat only a couple feet away...but the game wasn't really being played for accuracy, we were just having fun. And from the squeals and giggles that escaped from Maleigha I could tell our goal had been reached.

I have also seen her repertoire of goofy faces. She finds it facinating to grind her teeth together which makes a horrible noise and contorts her face into an awkward but cute grin. She also loves to blink at me and blow spit out of the side of her mouth.

But most of our time was spent today dancing with the music turned up loud. My little Mia loves to dance and she's pretty good at it too. She shimmies her shoulders back and forth and rocks back and forth on her bottom. When she stands up she bounces with her knees bent and cocks her head to one side and then the other with a big grin on her face. With as much fun as we had today, I would wish for rainy days everyday!

God is in control

2008-06-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

I had a taken a little break from posting because I wasn't enjoying it anymore and I really didn't think that anyone was reading my blog. But after a few comments from people that they were still checking my blog everyday and even printing off some of my old stuff I decided to give it another try.

I've been a little frustrated lately because I feel after all we've been through to move back to Scioto county and all the ways that God has led us to be here I just thought that ministry here would be so obvious and available. We felt called to start a college ministry at Bigelow as soon as we got here but lately it has seemed nearly impossible for it to work. After other obligations have piled up and another, much larger church has developed a very similar ministry with many of the same ideas I just find myself wanting to give up. But...

The good news is that God is in control. He knows what is best for us and what He really wants us to focus on. He can make a great ministry out of seemingly impossible circumstances. And as I read the book of John this week I was reminded that Jesus didn't have a big group of people to back him up, he didn't have a band and loud music and he didn't have parties and exciting speakers...it was just him and people were drawn to that. As long as we are focused on the truth and sharing Jesus with others that is really all we are supposed to do. We shouldn't compare our ministry to the one down the street, we should just look to God as our "audience of one". What we are seeking is to make true believers not to have a big group of people who only think they might be going to heaven.

Easter

2008-03-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Since our move, it has been a little frustrating trying to keep up with my blog. Not only has life become a lot more hectic but our internet won't allow me to download pictures onto my blog to share with my interested viewers...which is the only joy that blogging really brought me. I just feel like if I can't share pictures why even take the time to post. Our internet is dial-up but also free, so I can't complain too much.

So anyway...here is a picture I snapped of Mia enjoying her Easter celebration at Nana's. She opened her Spring basket at from Mommy and Daddy at home on Saturday before Easter. We started this tradition to avoid confusion about what Resurrection Day is really all about and because it is so much easier. We won't have to worry about hurrying through the festivities or getting up even earlier or having to tear our children away from their new stuff. Working out deals about when and where to eat candy will be a different story...but we'll deal with that when it is actually an issue.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some cute pictures of Mia in her Valentine's outfit.

Valentine's Day was special for her because she got to spend the evening with Nana and Papaw and her favorite guy, Bryce...while Mommy and Daddy stayed at home eating Chinese food and heart shaped chocolate chip tarts (which I almost burned the kitchen down trying to make, but ended up being proud of). Hope everyone spent the day with someone they loved...I know I did!

Ear piercing adventure

2008-01-28T11:48:00.001-08:00

Mia got her ears pierced today and I just wanted to post a few pictures. I had wanted to get her ears pierced since she was born but I was continuously afraid. I just hated the thought of having something done that would hurt her but was completely unnecessary. After six months of deciding to go for it and then not going through with it, I finally did it. I went to Walmart not really thinking about getting her ears pierced. I filled my cart full of groceries and when I passed by the jewelry counter I thought, "It's now or never" and I just went for it on my way to the check-out. The lady marked her ears with the purple marker and called another worker over to help. I hated having to hold Mia's arms down and her head still but she did really well and didn't fight against me. They each took their turn with the piercing guns...pop, pop...and it was over. Mia screamed for about 20 seconds as I prepared her bottle, but as soon she got it in her mouth she had forgotten about the whole incident.

One of the reasons I wanted her to have earrings so badly was because she doesn't have much hair and a lot of people have thought she was a boy...even once when she had a pink shirt on with flowers. So, I thought that getting her ears pierced would keep people from calling her a boy, but I guess that was too much to expect because as we left the post office today...with her new earrings shining in the sun, her shirt with a lace collar, her sweater adorned with flowers...a lady commented, "Aww look at him, he's so cute." I've done everything short of tatooing "I'm a girl" on her head. Oh well...

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Matthew: A Call to Humility

2008-01-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else attempting to read through the bible in a year? I've made it so far...although I'm about 5 or 6 days behind. It has been relatively easy to keep up with this time despite that I now have a 6 month old, a house with more rooms, and a new role as a pastor's wife to compete for my time in the Word. God's grace has really been upon me and He has kept my heart and mind eager for Him.

A theme that I have noticed over and over as I read the book of Matthew, is resisting pride and striving to be humble. In Matthew 6 we are reminded that if you seek your recognition on earth that is your reward but if you are humble and do good things because it pleases the Lord then you will be rewarded much more in heaven. In Matthew 18 the disciples ask, "Who is the greatest?" and Jesus tells them that unless they become humble they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. And in Matthew 20 James and John's mother desires for them to be at Jesus' right and left hand but Jesus simply reminds those who were listening that he had come to do the will of his Father...he came not to be served but to serve.

Jesus is our ultimate example when it comes to being humble. He healed the sick, he spoke to the outcasts and he spent time with the sinners who no one else would have anything to do with. He humbled himself to leave heaven and spend time with people like us knowing that we would reject him and he would end up on a cross to be a sacrifice for us. How can we have an ounce of pride in our hearts if we would even think of how awful our sin is in the light of Christ's holiness?

Update and Prayer

2008-01-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

I finally feel like I've established some sort of routine here after the craziness of the holidays. I realized today that it has been over a month since I've posted and so much has happened over the last few weeks. My family and I had a successful move back to the great Scioto county where I was born and raised. The minor problems we had with the truck seems so minuscule to me now after all that has happened.

David's job at Bigelow Church was in full swing only a week after our arrival. He is currently in charge of the order of service as well as leading the worship on Sunday mornings. He co-teaches one of the adult Sunday school classes--a review of the Reformation (if you know my husband well, you know that is a complete dream come true). And he is helping to write the curriculum for the next class on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. He also is scheduled to preach next Sunday morning. He gets along really well with the other pastors and elders and we are constantly amazed at how quickly this church has begun to love and welcome us.

I've already had many opportunities to get involved at the church. My first calling is to help my husband, so I have helped him introduce new songs to the congregation and given him feedback on the service and his Sunday school lessons. I'm getting to know the other pastors' wives pretty well and have already learned so much! I'm excited to glean from their experiences. I've read a lot about being a pastor's wife but nothing compares to observing a wife who has been by her husband's side for over 20 years while he pastored the same church. David and I are meeting new friends at our small group and I've been asked to help plan a women's retreat in the Spring.

As many of you know we had been praying that David would get a job. Our prayers have been answered! David was hired on Tuesday last week as an adjunct professor in English at Shawnee State University. He had wanted to teach there since the first time we thought we were going to move last July but had continuously been discouraged since they weren't hiring and he found out that they required a PhD to teach there. He thought this job was out of the question and had applied at Starbucks, Kroger, and UPS (all places he was just willing to settle for) until our pastor mentioned he knew someone and could get David an interview. The next day he was hired on the spot. God is so good...he orchestrated it so that our faith was strengthened and that David got the job he had truly wanted. Now David is in a position where we are more available to minister to the college students at Shawnee, which is what we had really had a passion for all along.

Please continue to pray for us as our ministry here progresses. We need prayer to help us reach out to the people in our community and to minister to the members of our church. And as well, I still struggle with trusting God with Mia's health and the complications that her condition presents as we try to find insurance. But in all, I am praising the Lord because He has done so much for us and taught us so much...I'm excited to see what He has in store for us.

Emotions about Moving

2007-12-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

As many of you know we have less than a week left here in Louisville. I have mixed emotions about leaving.

I'm excited to be a member and to serve at Bigelow church in Portsmouth, OH and to finally have a house with a washer, dryer and dishwasher and to be near my family and to finally be in a place that we plan to stay for the rest of our lives
I'm nervous about meeting new people, my role in ministry, family dynamics, finding a job for David, and making sure our insurance is dealt with properly so that Mia's surgery will be paid for later
I'm sad to leave our church family who have helped us to grow so much spiritually and who have guided us through some of the most difficult times of our lives. I am sad too, because I know this place will never be the same--when we move on, it is only the beginning of the long line of people who will be doing the same, scattering the members of 3rd Avenue Baptist church all over the world.
I'm happy that I was able to be a part of such a wonderful body of believers, that one day I will see these people again after the long journey of life and we can spend eternity telling each other stories of our ministries, and that I have a whole new group of Christians to build relationships with and learn from at Bigelow.
I'm tired from packing for weeks and trying to get my 4 month old daughter to sleep through the night
I'm thankful for the fun going away party that some of our friends threw us last night

Trusting God

2007-11-05T14:55:00.001-08:00

I realized that I had hardly posted in October at all which means I had failed to include anything on my blog about the work that God is doing in our lives right now. I guess I should start from the beginning, though I know most of you that read my blog already know the whole story.

Our daughter Maleigha was born with a small dimple above her bottom. The first time I saw it I didn't think it was anything to be alarmed about...I wasn't even sure if it was that abnormal (I haven't really looked at that many bottoms..hehe). But when every doctor and nurse that came into the room said something about it, I began to realize that it might be a little more serious. They told us to keep an eye on it--make sure no fluid was coming out of it, it didn't get bigger, etc. And we left the hospital not really hearing another thing about it.

It wasn't until her 2 month check-up that they decided to look into it a little more. She was scheduled for an ultra-sound (this test was the most tramatic for all of us. I ended up having to hold Mia down for 15 minutes while she screamed until her face was red and she was covered in sweat, drool and snot) and when that seemed to show signs of a condition called tethered cord (where some fibers from the spinal cord attach to the tail bone) they proceeded to do an MRI. This included making a 2 month old baby fast for almost 6 hours. We thought this would be a much bigger ordeal than the ultrasound but it went smoothly. We definitely felt the prayers of our family and church. We got the results the next morning and found out that she indeed had tethered cord and would require surgery on her spine to repair it.

We are now at the point where we are simply trusting God and waiting for answers. We found out today that they won't do this surgery on children under the age of 2. We were frustrated because we thought they would need to do surgery right away. We had planned on moving at the end of this month and had decided not to so that Mia could get her surgery here...but after finding out we would be waiting over a year, we have started looking harder for a job for David in Ohio and researching the neurosurgical department at Children's hospital in Columbus.

I'm learning to trust God in new ways. We had our life planned out for the next few months and God had a different plan. And just when I became okay with the new plan, God threw us for another loop and we are back to having to take it one day at a time and not really knowing what the future holds, trusting God with every step. Though I know this is the way I should be living my life anyway, it still feels so scary. I know when we come through this I will see all that God has taught us and done for us but right now I feel like I can't even see my hand in front of my face. Please pray for our family, that we would trust God and lean on Him only. He has brought us this far and I know He will lead us through this as well.

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

Wheww...Mia and I just made it back yesterday afternoon from a busy, exciting, fun and crazy time with the family in Ohio. We went on Saturday to surprise my mom for her 50th birthday. She was so excited to see her little Mia (and Mia's mommy and daddy too). David had to come back on Monday for work and class but Mia and I were able to stay til Wednesday so that we could participate in all the festivities of Halloween. We had such a fun visit with everyone...we were both very sad to leave.

On Tuesday, Mia dressed up and went Trick-or-Treating with her cousin, Bryce...I mean, Scarecrow. (While in costume, he insisted on being called "Scarecrow" and Mia was "Baby Butterfly") She had so much fun. She laughed at all the kids walking by and kept her eye on Bryce. She had a continuous smile on her face until we made it back to Jayme and Josh's house where she crashed and slept for an hour or so. Mia's first Halloween was better than I even imagined it would be. She stayed pretty happy (except for the extreme breakdown she had when we visited Josh's office, but we don't like to talk about that). And she looked so adorable in her butterfly costume.

Mia's 2 month check-up

2007-09-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

This is the story of Mia's 2 month doctors appointment. To begin the adventure she decided she didn't want to sleep through the night after doing so for a whole week. She cried off and on during the night...I even tried feeding her and she still cried when she was done eating. She probably heard David and I talking about her having to get shots and she was feeling anxiety about it...I don't think that was it because I was worried enough for the both of us. So, after a rough night, I drug myself through the morning until my spirits were lifted when I saw how cute Mia looked in this outfit (picture on the left). Even if the appointment was going to be horrible, she could at least look cute.

I didn't anticipate that Mia would spit up a large quanitity of her noon feeding (which was usually at 1 or 1:30, but because of her rough night she was all confused and ate too early, so my plans to take a well fed, happy baby to the doctor at 1:40 were foiled). So, I had to change her cute little outfit. The picture on the right was what she looked like when we left the apartment...she looked a little scared.

I arrived at the doctor's office with a sleeping baby in tow but when the nurse weighed and measured her she was forced out of her peaceful slumber. When the nurse left the room I was happy to see Mia play and coo with the baby in the mirror above the examining table but deep inside I knew it wouldn't last long. By the time the doctor arrived, Mia had already had enough and all the poking and prodding only made it worse. The screaming began and I could not get her under control until minutes before the nurse came in to give her 4 shots but by then it was too late. Tears welled in my eyes as she writhed and screamed on the table as the needles went into her legs.

Finally the tramatic experience was over and we were able to go home but for Mia, the screaming had only just begun. She cried all the way home and could not be consoled until she was in the safe and loving arms of her daddy who came bounding out the door to greet us the moment we pulled into the parking lot. I was afraid that this was only the beginning of what our long evening would look like, but Mia proved me wrong when, after I finished feeding her, she cooed and played. She was happier than I had seen her in a few days and was full of energy.

By God's grace, Mia and I made it through the ordeal. I experienced a difficult aspect of being a mother--seeing your child in pain, knowing there isn't much you can do about it. And although I would hope that I would never have to experience that again, I know there will be many times that I will have to be there for Mia when she gets a boo-boo, or gets her heart broken or when she gives birth to her own little one someday. This was a big step in the direction of trusting God with my precious daughter...He can protect her like I will never be able to.

Just like Mommy

2007-09-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

The dress that I wore when I was a baby finally fits Mia. She looks so much like me in this picture. I often forget that I was this small and someday Mia will be as old as I am now. Realizing this reminds me that I need to trust God so much...I am responsible to make this little child what she will someday be as an adult. I pray that I will raise her to love God and live her life to please Him only.

Mia and her swing

2007-09-07T09:42:00.001-07:00

Mia loves playing in her swing. I always worry about her getting bored in it but most of the time she would be content to sit there all day and watch the lights and listen to the music as she swings. She is the happiest when mommy and daddy play with her while she sits in her swing--she gives us the best smiles when she is sitting in it.

And as you can see in the first picture she is starting to figure out how to control her arm. She spent the entire day yesterday staring at her hand as she held it out in front of her face. Occasionally she will attempt to bring it to her mouth but it seems like now she is just fine with showing everyone that she possesses a hand on her right side. It looks like she wants us to "give her the rock".

Growing Big and Strong

2007-08-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

Mia had her one month doctor's visit today and everything is looking great. She is now 20.5 inches long and weighs 8lbs 5oz. She has grown so much since she was born when she was 18.5 inches and 7lbs 2oz. The doctor said she is one of the most alert and responsive babies she has ever seen at this age. She really does love smiling and talking...even to the point that she won't sleep if she knows there are people around to play with. We have loved watching our little girl grow over the last month.

Over the last month I have had to learn how to trust God to protect and take care of Mia. I worry that she isn't getting enough to eat, I worry that I'm feeding her too much, I worry that she will choke in her sleep, I worry that I'm not holding her enough, I worry that I'm holding her too much, I worry about her schedule...and so on. But it all comes down to that God is in control of her life anyway and there is only so much I can do. So far, He has given us a healthy, happy baby that has given us so much joy...and right now that is all I could ask for.

Mia misses her Aunt Jayme

2007-08-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Maleigha missed her aunt Jayme yesterday so she wanted to surround herself with things that she had gotten her. She wore the cute outfit with the butterflies on it and the pretty white tennis shoes with flowers and lace and she insisted on putting the "I Love My Aunt" bib on while laying on the special blanket that Aunt Jayme made just for her. Mia can't wait to see her on Saturday.

Cousins

2007-08-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Mia had a great time with her cousin, Bryce, when he and Nana and Aunt Jayme came to visit on Thursday and Friday. The first time he met her he wasn't so sure about what to think about her. The hospital was scary, he was worried about his Aunt Kiki and everyone was talking to him all at once. But when he got to come back after having some to think about how much he loved her he was able to feel really comfortable around her.

Bryce spent the two days watching, kissing and playing with Mia. When she was gone from his sight for a little while he started asking, "Where did baby Mia go?" and when she would cry he wanted to make sure she was okay. And Mia loved watching Bryce and she especially loved when he held her. They are such a cute pair...it will be fun to see them grow up together.

Smile!

2007-08-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today we captured one of Mia's first responsive smiles. I was setting up a picture...she had on the really cute tennis dress that Nana got her and I was using some pink tennis balls as props. I was trying my best to get her to just look at me but when her dad came home she didn't just look at him, she grinned from ear to ear. She was so excited to see him after he had been away all day at class. The first smile we thought might have been just a coincidence but when she did it over and over as David talked and played with her we knew she was really just happy to have her dad home.

Attempt at a fashion show

2007-08-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Don't I look cute in the outfit my Aunt Jayme got me and the cute little shoes that Nana got me? I'm finally starting to grow into some of my cute clothes so my mommy wanted to dress me up just for fun. I didn't want to cooperate for a complete fashion show but I was good while I got my picture taken in this outfit.

Finally asleep

2007-08-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

I really can't complain about how our little one is sleeping at night. She only wakes up once, I feed her and she usually goes right back to sleep. But she seems to be a different girl in the day. I guess she doesn't want to miss out on any of the day's activities but she really hates to sleep. It is a real effort to get her to quiet down and then when we put her in her bed she is awake again within 5 minutes. She sleeps best when she is snuggled up with her mommy. I'm sure she was awake and crying about 5 minutes after this picture was taken...but she is so cute in this picture anyway and I, of course, don't mind snuggling with her.

Things I Love...by Mia

2007-08-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite book--Nana bought it for me when she was here visiting. I love to play with my doll. Its name (Ookie) even makes me laugh.

I love for my daddy to hold me.

I also really love wearing hats!

And I really loved getting dressed up for my first Sunday at church.

Mia and Daddy

2007-08-02T09:39:00.001-07:00

Mia really loves spending time with her daddy! David picked out this shirt for her as soon as we found out she was a girl. He was so excited to have a little "Daddy's girl"...and now he's got her (or rather she's got him because she already has daddy wrapped around her finger). Here are some pictures of her in her "I Love Daddy" shirt and her gianormous pants. She'll grow into (and out of) her clothes someday.

Daddy worries about his little girl so much. With every noise she makes in the night he is jumping out of bed and every sound in the day makes him ask, "Is she okay?" But he has become an expert at getting her to burp. I think she feels more comfortable doing it around her dad because she has seen him do it too. David has been so helpful to change diapers and sit up with her so I can sleep. I couldn't do it without him!

Mia is here!

2007-07-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

After 36 hours of labor, Maleigha Evangeline Dunham finally arrived on Wednesday, July 25th at 12:08p.m. weighing 7 lbs 2 oz. and measuring 18.5 inches long.

On Monday evening at 9, I started having contractions that were coming about 5 minutes apart. I really had myself convinced that I wasn't really in labor, so I waited an hour or so to say anything to David. By then it was nearing time for him to go to work so I thought I should probably mention it before he left me alone for a few hours. He waited with me as the contractions gradually got more intense. When they seemed harder to endure and they were coming closer together, we took off for the hospital. After going through all the paperwork and waiting for the nurse to analyze the situation, we ended up being sent home to try to get some rest--I was still only 1cm dilated.

Of course I couldn't sleep through the pain, so I spent the next 12 hours worrying and finding a way to cope with the contractions. Finally at about noon on Tuesday we headed back to the hospital. I wasn't able to stand the pain anymore and I thought for sure I had made some progress. But upon going through the same routine as I had the night before I was informed that I still was only at 1cm. I immediately burst into tears. I didn't want to be sent home again. Thankfully, the doctor decided to keep me there. I got some great pain medication and was sent over to labor and delivery.

To make a long story short, they found that I had scar tissue on my cervix making it impossible for it to dilate on its own. I got an epidural, one doctor stretched my cervix I got some Pitocin and I slept throught the night. The next morning another doctor came and broke my water putting my labor into warp speed. I dilated 3cm in about an hour and soon found myself getting ready to push. The nurses couldn't find a doctor so I had to wait, but in all I only pushed for about 20 mintues and Mia was finally in the world.

We've spent the last few days getting to know our little girl and sharing her with friends and family. She is worth every day of pregnancy, all the painful hours of labor and every hour of sleep that I have lost. David and I are enjoying so much our little gift from God!

Maleigha will be here next week!!

2007-07-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog for quite awhile. Our internet was only working on our slow computer and it was frustrating to try to type out e-mails and blog entries when there was so much delay. But anyway, I just wanted to fill you in on what is going on with the pregnancy situation.

I went to the doctor on Thursday and because my fluids were up the time before and I was measuring bigger, they didn't have to do an ultrasound. I was thankful for multiple reasons--one, because that reassured me that my baby is okay and two, we were having to pay for half of every ultrasound they did and those things can be kind of expensive, and three, the ultrasound technicians are not the most friendly people in the world--I think they might be in the dark for too much of the day and that makes them grouchy. I was glad to not have to see them again.

But at this appointment there was still no progress so I discussed with the nurse practitioner what would happen if I went over my due date. She explained that they don't like to let women go more than a week over because of health risks to the mother and baby. I was relieved by that, but it still wasn't good enough for me so I pressed a little further. "Is there any way that I could be induced sooner than that?" She thought it through and said the best she could do was to get me in to see a doctor on Monday who could schedule me to be induced on Thursday.

It is so exciting to see the end in sight. If she doesn't come before then, we will have our baby on Thursday!

Another crazy day!

2007-07-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a little anxious and restless for our little Maleigha to come. I tried to spend the day out today so that I wasn't going crazy here at home. I went to a few stores and got the groceries we needed for the week.

I was feeling tired and ready to go home so I checked out with my cart full of groceries and waddled to the car. But as I approached the drivers side to unlock the door, my heart sank. The wheel that had just been replaced two days earlier had a flat tire on it. I put the groceries in the trunk and remained calm as I dialed my husband's cell phone. He was in class but I knew he would get the message because he had his phone on vibrate in expectation that I would go into labor any day this week. But when he didn't answer, I panicked a little and my crazy pregnancy hormones took over and I started crying. I didn't know what else to do.

David soon called back and I gained my composer. By God's grace the tire had gotten flat while in the parking lot so I was able to get a drink and stand (yes stand, because a large man had spread himself across the only bench in the entryway and didn't seem to notice that a pregnant women needed to sit down) in the air-conditioned comfort of Walmart. My legs soon became tired so I found a seat outside and waited where I would be visible to my husband when he arrived. But my attempt at resting was soon thwarted when two women decided to take their smoke break only a few feet from me.

I non-chalantly ambled back inside--not wanting my unborn child to be exposed to second hand smoke--and resumed my position, still without a seat. I watched as person after person walked through the automatic doors, each one either pretending there wasn't a distressed pregnant woman standing in front of the gumball machine or giving me a look as if to say "oh, poor thing" but never stopping to offer assistance. I even thought back to moments ago when I had been crying in the car. There had been people sitting in the car next to me, clearly viewing the flat tire and my sobbing hysteria but not doing anything.

I became frustrated at first but soon realized that I wouldn't have done anything different. I certainly would not have spread myself across the only available seat but I probably would have avoided inviting anyone nearby to sit next to me. I would have walked by a upset young pregnant woman thinking, "certainly someone else is on their way to help her, I probably shouldn't get involved". Or if I saw someone crying in their car I would assume that territory was off limits and I should mind my own business for fear that they would be angry if I pryed into their affairs.

This incident really convicted me to do better. Jesus Christ talked to people who were considered outcasts and helped those who others looked over. I pray that I will not continue to live as I have, avoiding situations that may be uncomfortable. As a Christian I should be willing to step out of my way to help someone, no matter how inconvenient or awkward it may be.

Devotions--July 4

2007-07-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a little of what my devotions have been looking like in the mornings. I'm excited about what God is teaching me through simply reading and praying through His Word. I was inspired by the book "A Place of Quiet Rest" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss to do better in my time alone with God. I was led to start back on reading the bible in a year with the M'Cheyne reading plan and then taking meaning from each chapter by writing down what I learn and praying over it. I thought maybe this would inspire someone to do the same--it has been so fruitful already!

Genesis 37--Joseph was favored by his father, Jacob, so the other brothers hated him. Joseph had two dreams which symbolized his brothers bowing to him--this made them hate him even more. Joseph’s brother plot to kill him but Rueben saves his life by suggesting they throw him into a pit. A caravan of Ishmaelites came and took Joseph as a slave to Egypt. The brothers lied to Jacob and said that Joseph had been slaughtered by a wild animal. Because of the brothers jealousy and hatred of Joseph, they sinned. I pray that the Holy Spirit would guard my heart against becoming jealous of anyone. Much is given to me by the Lord and I have no reason to envy another person’s possessions or talents.

Job 3--Job cursed the day he was born. He lamented to God about his sufferings. In his suffering he does not see significance in his life. May I, even in times of trouble and sadness, see the mighty hand of God on my life. I pray that I will remember that no matter how bad my life may seem, God has a reason for me to be alive and I should praise him for giving me life.

Mark 7--Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for holding to human tradition and keeping their hearts far from God. The heart of a man is evil and that is what defiles him. Jesus heals a deaf man and tells him no to tell of what took place--but he does anyway and people are astonished by the miracle. May I not cling to the traditions of man but follow what the Lord has for me to do and lean on his grace. Legalism can make us hard and unforgiving and I pray I will seek to be like Jesus, no matter what traditions I must break. And may my heart constantly be reminded that when I put too much faith in works I am taking away from the work of Christ on the cross. May I guard my heart against evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness so that I will not be defiled.

Romans 7--Just like a woman is free to marry another man after her husband dies, we are free from the law because we have died to it. And now we are free to be one with Christ. The law is holy because it was given by God and was made to teach us what sin is. Because of our sinful flesh we still sin and do not have the ability to do what is right. But we can remember that the death of Christ saved us. May I seek the Lord in my thoughts and actions so that I can do what is right but when my sinful flesh takes over may I also know that I am forgiven through the death of Christ.

Baby shower

2007-07-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

After this weekend I feel so exhausted...but there is no way I would have taken time to rest and miss out on all the fun. The ladies of 3rd Avenue Baptist Church threw a shower for Maleigha and I on Saturday night and my mom, sister and nephew came to be there for it. I was so excited to see how much my nephew had changed in the last couple of weeks. He is almost completely potty trained, he can work big kid puzzles and he talks so much more. I just can't believe how much he has grown up! It was fun having my mom and sister here too--to talk about Maleigha and get things ready for her...and to go shopping too, of course...I loved seeing how excited they are for the baby to arrive. I am so thankful for all that my mom and sister have done as I prepare for the birth of little Maleigha. I wish I could do more to repay them.

The shower was so encouraging. I couldn't believe how many people came and how generous they all were. I was so humbled by their giving and their excitement about the upcoming birth of our child. It was so uplifting to hear such godly women pray for me and to receive advice from mothers that I admire so much. There wasn't a thing I would have changed about the whole evening...except for maybe all the sweets I ate. But anyway, I have kept pretty busy the last couple of days with putting away all of Maleigha's new clothes and finding places for all the gear that she requires.

I just praise the Lord for the generosity of friends and family because we could not do this without all of them. Their prayers have been so valuable and their willingness to give has left me feeling that I have so much more to learn about helping other people.

No News is Good News and the Grace of God

2007-06-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

I guess no news is good news when it comes this close to the end of my pregnancy. My 36 week appointment yesterday was pretty uneventful...heartbeat is still great, no dilation yet...no big surprises. I think my hopes for her coming a little early were never very realistic...Maleigha is my first baby, my siblings and I were all late and general statistics aren't really in my favor. I should probably count on her being on time or just a little late. I'm just so ready for her to be here!

I got a little experience in parenting today. I watched a little girl from my church who is just a couple months old. I had never been left alone that long with a child that small but I welcomed the opportunity to get some practice. It wasn't as terrifying as I thought it would be. She slept a lot and only cried a little. But, during the whole process, it did help for me to remember that she was going back to her mother at the end of the morning...it kept me from getting too overwhelmed. Although I gained some confidence in taking care of an infant, I still feel a little nervous considering that when my baby cries, I can't just call her mother because I will be her mother. But I do know that I can call on God and He will give me the grace that I need...His hand will sustain me when I can't sustain myself.

Week 36

2007-06-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

I've finally hit week 36 in my pregnancy... and I have definitely started to feel different. I can feel my muscles and bones stretching to get ready to give birth...so as my friend Moriah kindly observed, I now have the pregnancy waddle. And when I get tired, I get really tired...but when I get energy, I get a lot of energy. Yesterday I got a spurt of energy and finally got a lot of much needed cleaning done...the extra energy was probably brought on by the excitement of the weekend (our church is in the process of getting a new pastor so we had events planned all weekend for the church to get to know him...but that's another story)

So anyway, I'm also feeling that Maleigha is getting big. When she starts moving, I really feel it...and see it too! My belly changes shapes numerous times a day and it occasionally looks as if she is doing the wave inside of there. David and I are both ready for her to come...we are ready to hold her and to have a new addition to our little family. I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday. I don't expect to get any ground breaking news...so far she's been healthy and she hasn't really started to drop yet...but we'll just have to see. The doctors I go to are known for getting babies to be born very near their due dates, if not earlier so that makes me happy. As long as she is healthy, I'm ready for her to come at any time.

Just a day in the life...

2007-06-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think of anything else to write today so I thought I'd share about my eventful day. David marched loudly into the bedroom at 7:00 this morning and rolled playfully onto the bed beside me...I got a glimpse of what he must feel like when I cheerfully wake him from his short nights of slumber. He had worked all night and collapsed on the couch at 5 am for a little power nap before class. He explained his intrusive actions by explaining that he needed some company while he ate his breakfast and since I was supposed to get together with Samantha at 9:00 I thought I might as well start my day a little early.

He traveled his usual path around the internet--you know, reading blogs, checking the news--while I looked over his shoulder. He took a break from his rountine to get dressed and then he was out the door. I threw on some clothes, pulled my hair back and put some makeup on just in time for my phone to ring--that was my cue that Samantha must be waiting. We walked to Heine Bros. for coffee and chatted about life as seminary wives. After we took a lap around the block and then around the campus I was ready to rest so I went home to rejuvenate before I had to run my errands.

As you know, baby Maleigha is coming soon so I had a few random things to do to get ready for her arrival...one of them being to get the things I need for my bag to take to the hospital. I spent hours at Target picking out just the right toothbrush and making sure all my travel bottles matched. I probably have much more than I really need...but I guess I was having so much fun I just got carried away. I just hope that her arrival comes sooner rather than later or I'm going to run out of things to keep me busy.

So, here I am now at 8:15 pm waiting for David to wake up. Maybe he'll get a little pay back for the abrupt wake-up call he gave me this morning or maybe I will be the better person and let him sleep a few extra mintues...we'll just have to see.

Waiting for Maleigha

2007-06-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

My mom was excited that I had started my blog back up again because she thought it would be a good way to see how my pregnancy is progressing and to get updates on how her little granddaughter is doing. I hadn't actually posted anything about either of those things...I didn't know where to start. So this post is for my mom. Hopefully now that I've gotten started I will post more about what is going on with Maleigha.

The picture above is my first pregnant belly picture. It was November 19th...Mia had only been in existence for a month so she hadn't started to effect my shape yet (I'm still wearing my regular jeans). Only David and I knew--it was fun having our own exciting little secret. We were finally done with fertility medications and monthly disappointments. Our hearts no longer ached with empty longing but were full of praise to God for answering our prayers.

The picture to the right is my most recent pregnant belly picture. It was taken on Jun 17...a little over a month to go. It's hard to believe that I've been pregnant that long. Except for the months that I was sick (and even then it wasn't too bad because friends, family and holiday festivities kept me pretty busy) the time has just flown by. Now that we have Maleigha's room in order and I know the day is coming soon, I just get more and more excited for her to be here. I want to know what she looks like and I want to hold her and see how proud and loving her daddy is when he holds her. This girl is so loved already...and we haven't even seen her.

A Devotion on Psalm 48

2007-06-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God
God I praise you for who you are—you are creator and all your creation bows to you. You are powerful—all things are in your hands. You are strong—you protect me from harm and you give me strength to endure. You are holy—you cannot look upon sin and because of that I seek your Son to redeem me and overcome that sin so I can be in your presence. You are glorious—my heart longs to be near you. I praise you for all you have done in our home. You have worked a mighty hand in David’s life and mine so that while we look upon your face we see an end to our striving after worldly lusts. Help us to never look away from the strength and power that your presence has given us.

His holy mountain beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great king
When I look upon a day like today I am compelled to worship you for what you have given us. The sun shines on the trees to produce a radiant glow. The wind swirls around me only to emphasize how comforting the warmth is when I feel it. (And it is so in life--the trials come to remind me of the warmth and light that you provide when they cease). But I cannot quite become content with what is here on earth because I know there is a place that no earthly city can compare to. I praise you for creating a place that is beyond my comprehension at this time…a place that is glorious because of your presence…a place where I can be with you forever and enjoy that blessing. Thank you for allowing me to have assurance and hope in the fact that I will see your face some day after life’s long journey. Help me to remember this so that I can face trials with a strong and fearless energy—knowing that all I do is for you and all earthly struggles will one day be forgotten.

Within your citadels God has made himself known as a fortress. For behold, the kings assembled, they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever.
Make yourself known in this place—give us assurance that you are our fortress and that you will protect us from anything that may come our way. Help us not to forget the power and strength that you possess when we are faced with difficult times. You are the strength that holds us together and the wall that surrounds us when enemies attack. Help me to keep this on my mind and know that your presence causes even great kings to tremble…your strength can shatter ships. Help me persevere, knowing that you are establishing a great city that will endure forever.

We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. As your name, O God, so you praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgment.
Help me think always of your steadfast love—it never gives up, no matter what sinful deeds I have committed. I praise you for loving me even though I am so unlovable. Give me a heart like yours that loves without condition—strengthen me to love those who are struggling and who need you. Put it on my heart to contribute to the spreading of your name and praise throughout the earth. Your name is known even when the hearts of men are cold and when they turn from you. Your plans are never thwarted. Let us rejoice like the daughters of Judah because of your judgment. It reminds us of your holiness and justice—you are truly great and worthy to be praised.

Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.
I praise you Lord for reminding us that you will guide us forever. As we prepare to move from this place of comfort…a place where we have the best friends we have ever had, where David has a good, reliable job, and where I am finally happy…to labor for your kingdom, I pray that we will not forget this. We are prone to worry and we attempt to make our own plans and control situations by our own hands. Remind us that your strength and your wisdom far exceed ours. Your plans are perfect and anything we do can only dull the shining brilliance of what you have in store. Guide us Lord, as we seek friends, a job, and ministry opportunities. Only you, God are with us forever and ever and only you will guide our every step.

3rd Anniversary Highlights

2007-06-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

David and I are celebrating our 3rd anniversary today...our anniversary is actually on Tuesday but since he is taking classes this summer and working the night shift at UPS I may very well not even get to see him that day. We are probably going to the art museum, going out to eat (probably for Chinese food since that is what baby Maleigha wants), and possibly a movie. Not having exact times and places is so not like us, but I guess it's good that we are becoming a little more relaxed about stuff like that...we will need a more laid back attitude for when the baby comes. So anyway...I just wanted to look back over the past year and highlight some of the memories of our 3rd year of marriage.

3. Walks around SBTS campus--in the last year we have probably made at least 200 trips on foot around the beautiful campus of Southern Seminary. There were somedays...and many of them have been lately because of how uncomfortable I have gotten in my final weeks of pregnancy...that we took 3 walks in one day. It seems as if our conversations flow more freely. It is then that we find out the most about each other--what we think on certain issues, what happened in our busy days, what plans we have for the future. Even if it's just for a few minutes, we walk away from all other obligations to spend time with each other.

2. Time with friends and family--We have had planned and unplanned get-togethers, dinners at church, baseball games, cook-outs, parties and through all these experiences David and I have met some of the best friends we have ever had. We have such a unique opportunity to build relationships with the people at our church who truly understand what we are going through. It is encouraging to know that we have so many people who are genuinely interested in our lives and pray for us when we struggle. We have also been blessed to see the relationship grow with my family in particular. We trust my mom and dad to help us and pray for us in times of need. I feel like I can talk to my brother and sister now about things I never would talked about before--feelings and emotions, our relationships with God, etc. We look forward to building these relationships in our future years together.

1. And of course the brightest highlight of this past year has been--Waiting for Maleigha. Our 2nd year of marriage was marked by the struggles, frustrations, and disappointment of infertility. We learned to rely on each other and trust the Lord in ways we never thought possible. But after testing our faith and blessing us with a better relationship with each other, the Lord saw fit to give us a child. Maleigha was conceived in October 2006 and the past 8 months have been spent waiting for her arrival. The joy of finding out we were having a baby is not only the highlight of our 3rd year of marriage, it is also one of the highlights of my life. I will praise the Lord every time I see or even think of Maleigha, for he has blessed us greatly.

Summer Book List

2007-06-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

Since summer is just beginning, I wanted to share some books that would be great for adding to your summer reading list. I know I look forward to having some time to catch up on my reading...I hope this inpires you to do the same.

I just finished the book A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. This book inspired me like no other, to daily come before the Lord and seek communion with Him. With accounts of her own experiences and struggles as well as with the encouragement of other godly women, this book gave me a spiritual boost to long for the presence of my God. After reading each chapter I would have such a strong desire to spend time with God that I would immediately grab my bible and find a quiet place to meditate on His word and pray. I appreciate the ever present bluntness of DeMoss' writing style--she does not shy away from convicting her readers.
I would also recommend Lies Women Believe by the same author. The light of grace shines to reveal the truth from God's Word. When I read this book I was forced to struggle with issues in order to figure out what the Bible really says.

In the past year I have also discovered that I like historical fiction. I began reading The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and couldn't put it down. The story of the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair unfolds with stories of struggle and of triumph, of celebration and of murder. The scenes were spectacularly described so that I really felt like I was there. I also found it exciting to see how history has effected our lives today, even down to the smallest detail...such as, shredded wheat being introduced at the fair and is now found in many pantries around the world today. I especially liked reading about Frederick Law Olmsted who was the landscape architect behind the Chicago World's fair and also designed the wonderful park system that we enjoy in Louisville today.

And finally, I would recommend that you pick up a biography. I have read two in the past year that were especially inspirational. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot, which is the story of Amy Carmichael who labored in India to lead many young women to Christ. And the story of Ann Judson is revealed in My Heart in His Hands by Sharon James. Ann Judson, the first wife of missionary Adoniram Judson, spent her life by her husband's side, spreading the gospel to the people of Burma. Both of these women were clear pictures to me of what sacrifice looks like and their stories convicted me of how little passion I show for those who are lost.

A life outside of blogging

2007-06-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is my second attempt at maintaining a blog. I think, as with many other things I have attempted to do, I took the all-or-nothing approach to something that should truly not be as stressful as I was making it. I had the idea that since I sat down and put alot of thought into a meaningful article for my blog one day that I had to continue to do that for all the days that followed. And soon it became a task that I simply dreaded facing everyday and, of course, I gave up. I'm sure there are many who can relate to that--whether you have your own neglected blog, are on a diet, started reading a ridiculously hard piece of literature or have wrapped your life up in some other task that has quickly overwhelmed you. So, my new and improved blog will be a mixture of my brief thoughts on everyday life, articles that I have taken time to prepare, and maybe some pictures and poetry along the way...nothing too exciting, but hopefully it will stay low maintainance so I can have a life outside of blogging.