Wuve, twuu Wuve

 

Anytime I think of the word “Love”, I think of the movie Princess Bride and the famous saying.  With February upon us, the worlds focus will definitely be on love.  However, our church as really been focusing on love for a while.  And February will just magnify it even more.

God’s #1 mandate for our lives is to Love God, Love People!  The tricky part comes in with the loving other people.  Yes, we may think we can love other people pretty easily or the ones that are easy to love.  What about the unlovable people in your life? 

God wants us to love people as God would love them.  Wow, like that should just hit you smack in the head.  We aren’t supposed to love people how WE think they should be love, but how GOD wants us to love them and commands us to love. 

So how is that working in your life???  I know that definitely means some changes in my life.  So here is my challenge for you…while we are in the month of LOVE, evaluate how you love.  Are you loving as God commands?

Christmas Wrap-up

Wow, what a great December/Christmas we had.  We did a lot of fun activities with the girls and family.  I had many times that I wanted to blog, but just found that I didn’t have any time.  We were so busy, I had to try and catch up on sleep when I could.  I did get sick and am still on antibiotics, but it hasn’t been anything too serious (though I did miss all of Christmas Eve with ML’s family with a throwing up child). 

Our event's consisted of: walk-thru Bethlehem/live Nativity with the girls and friends, Christmas Under the Stars with our church, sleepovers with friends and grandparents, bowling on Christmas Day with family, road trip to Sedona, Jerome, and outlet stores, Tempe Town Lake, going to the movies, and shopping for a needy family and delivering their presents.  Well, that’s all I can remember right now. 

We just love spending time with our families.  It was extra special because we have South African family that was in town for 10 days and we got to spend tons of fun with them.  This was the first time the girls had met them and they immediately fell in love with them.  I think we created some great memories for the girls that they will remember for a lifetime. 

And now that today is the first day back to school, it’s time to get the house back in order and mommy to rest and get back on a good schedule.  I am glad that 2012 is here and so excited to see what God has in store.

Happy 2012 to you!

Thanksgiving Reflections

What a fun month November was.  Looking back, I can’t remember everything that we did, but I do remember a lot of baking.  I can’t tell you how many loaves of my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (to die for!) I made.   I also found a recipe for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles and tried those…to die for!!!  Those were a bit hit and I made 4-6 batches of those (I can’t remember now).

It has become our tradition to host Thanksgiving and I love it!  ML always helps clean the house which helps and my mom even helped this year.  It makes it so nice that everyone chips in and helps cook so ML and I aren’t stuck cooking everything.  It turned out to be a nice, relaxing even with family.  And of course, we ended the night with our family tradition of watching “Christmas Vacation” with Chevy Chase.  Can’t get any better than that.

One thing I didn’t do this year was the 30 days of Thanksgiving.  But everyday I am so reminded of things to be thankful for.  The Lord has blessed me and my family so much that I am reminded to be thankful for more than just 30 days in November.

Happy December!

Awww, I love the holidays.  There were so many times I thought to blog during November and I just never got to it.  We had a great Thanksgiving and loved the fall season.  And now I am ready for Christmas!  The house is 95% decorated and we are getting scheduled with tons of festive, Christmasy stuff. 

I have some fun events planned to get out and share with others and love on others during this Christmas season so stay tuned…

 

Saturday Random Play

I love listening to my girls play.  They are so creative and hilarious with some of the stuff they come up with.  Their favorite things to play are drive-thru (now that it is cool enough they play through the open window), dentist, beauty pageant, and now that I am in physical therapy, they play physical therapists. 

Some of the things they come up with you now are things they hear from us as parents.  Miss G and Little Miss A were playing Barbie’s and this is what I heard:

G:  Let’s go on a ride (in the Barbie car).

A:  Ok, I want to sit up front.

G:  No, You and your husband sit in the backseat and me and my husband will sit in the front.  That way we can each have some quality time with our husbands.

 

We were also talking in the car the other day and Miss E tells me that she doesn’t want to marry a tall man (because she is going to be short).  And Little Miss A blurts out “I want a husband that will carry my boxes!”

Boy, I just love these 3 girls the Lord has brought me!

Mommy Confession: Matters of the Mouth

So I have a confession/deep thoughts that have been plaguing me for quite some time, but more this last week.  I really believe it is a problem for a lot, if not most women, the need to vent/talk through problems, etc.  But the issue I have is how much to share?  When to share?  When not to share?  I don’t want to gossip.  Gossip is evil and can be so damaging and hurtful and so deceitful.  It can sometimes seem that before you even know it, you are involved in it. 

I have had a few instances this summer (all completely not related) and one a complete brain-fart of a situation.  As in brain-fart, I mean that I had shared a piece of information and it wasn’t until ML and I were in bed that night and I remembered that the friend didn’t want that piece of information shared yet.  It was truly an honest mistake, not done out of harm or malice.  It honestly, completely slipped my mind.  (Luckily it was something that wasn’t earth shattering and my friend accepted my apology and I had done no damage.)

***So what did I learn:  I really need to think before I speak and remember important pieces to conversations. 

Secondly, is the need to vent, clear your head of all the thoughts swarming around.  Who do you vent to?  Who can you trust?  Should we learn to not vent and find a way to just deal with things so that we don’t risk the chance of gossiping?  Do we find someone completely removed from the situation that knows none of the people that can be a source of advice to talk to?  I DON’T KNOW!!!

I do know what the Bible says about gossip: 

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man [or woman] who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19).

 
It just confuses me, not the bible, the being able to speak and get advice without sharing to much and to whom to share to.  I know that I am not sharing information to harm or build myself up, I just need someone to talk to, to help me through the situation. 

***So what have I learned…I’m still confused, but I'll be ok.  I’d like to say that I am just not going to talk to anyone anymore.  But I doubt that will be very realistic.  I have such a heart to be true and honest to everyone and not hurt anyone.  So at this point what do I do??? Continue talking and praying to God asking for clarity and guidance and direction.  Follow God's word to best of my ability on what it teaches about gossip.  And when I mess up, confess it, ask for forgiveness and continue on with becoming more like Jesus.  And also, think before I speak and choose my words carefully. 

I think we all need to be reminded of this from time to time, we are not perfect, I am not perfect.  I am just thankful for God's grace and mercy for when I do mess up.

Funeral First

As parents we are faced with so many decisions.  Should we do this with our kids or that?  Should we let them experience a certain event or not?  What is the right thing to do? 

We were faced with this when our friend passed away.  Were we going to take the girls to her funeral?  When is the right time to expose them to this?  How much is too much?  So many questions that you are never taught in childbirth classes.  We have always been open and honest with our girls about life and death and we remained so with this situation. 

Through some discussion we decided that it was the right time for the girls to experience a funeral.  (The husband also helped make the decision because he said “now you are bringing the girl, right"?)  We did clarify if it was going to be an open or closed casket which was also a deciding factor (in this case it was closed). 

Thankfully we had a week to prepare the girls and had many opportunities for discussions where they asked tons of great questions.  We walked them through everything that would happen that day and what different things meant.  We also explained what things meant to our family and our relationship with Jesus Christ. 

The girls ended up doing great and really learned a lot going through this process.  They each took in what they could for their age and mental ability.  We were able to share and teach them so much, it’s just sad that it was due to the loss of our friend.  I think that ML and I made the right decision to involve them and that it brought the girls closer to us and a greater understanding of love and life.

Fibro Friday: Court Update

Well, I got some great news…..the judge approved my court case.  That means I WOONNNN!!!!!!!  After an almost 2 year long, tiring battle, I finally have justice on my disability case. 

It was a little weird that I first got the call from social security that I had won and even now that I have received the judgment from the judge still haven’t heard from my lawyer.  I’m afraid that it’s because my case wasn’t 100% successful when you look at my case overall.  But for us, any win was a win.  The ideal was for the judge to find me disabled back to 2001.  Unfortunately, the judge only found me disabled back to 2009.  But like I said, for us a win is a win. 

It means a lot to hear someone of huge authority say that yes, I am disabled and that I cannot work in the working world.  It is now officially on paper that I can’t do it.  I do not have enough energy to function in the work place.  I am in too much pain to be able to work.  Overall, I just can’t do it. 

And the first thing I said was waaaa hooo and Praise the Lord!!!!!  It has been 10 years of suffering with FM, but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.  This is who God made me to be and I have accepted it.  The Lord is providing a way of easing our financial stress and it takes a huge load off of our chests.  It has been a long time in the making, but I know that it comes perfectly in the Lord’s timing. 

Goodbye Shauna

Spring break in March was a long, hard week.  On Thursday, March 10th we lost a friend to cancer.  She was a young, 30 year old wife and mother to an almost 3 year old and 5 month old little boys. 

Shauna fought a good fight and gave God the praise and glory through the entire thing.  Up until the end she believed that the Lord was going to cure her of this horrible disease.  The end came fast and sudden to everyone.  When she went into the ER on that Tuesday no one thought she wouldn’t be coming home.

ML and I have a great last memory of her that will always be in our hearts.  And her hubby and her boys will forever be in our lives.  We know without a doubt that God put this family in our lives for a reason and we are here to be used as God sees fit.

Shauna we are all so thankful that you are out of pain and suffering.  We ALL know without a doubt that you are up in heaven with our Lord and Savior praising Him with the angels.  All we can say is that we will see you one day.  We still wish you were here on earth, but know that you are truly somewhere even better. 

 

Amazing Day

There was no April Fools going on today in our house.  The most awesome, Praise the Lord moment was that our middle, Miss G. asked Jesus to come into her heart tonight.  We finally found our devotional book (lost with the move and out of habit) that we would read with the girls at dinner and have been reading it the past couple nights.  And it lead to her wanting to ask Jesus into her heart. 

She prayed the prayer inside her head (they have always been so scared to say it aloud) as she repeated after us.  We are so proud of her and so happy that she has taken this step, now we just have our Little A. left.  Thank you Lord that you have given us girls that have a heart for loving you!

Kid Funny

Little A is the only kid I know that has dreams/nightmares about fighting her sisters.  She will scream and cry that they are taking something of hers.  Or scream out and say “Give me my bear” or something like that.  It doesn’t seem like she gets tortured like that at all during the day. 

That’s one thing I would love to ask God about…how/why do our brains process things the way they do?

Author Am I?

So I have really been thinking…I want to write a book.  The book would be about mental illness in the Christian community (which is totally needed, I’ll probably write a post on this another day).  I have personal experience from myself extending down to several family members.

Here’s my dilemma… I don’t feel like I have the educational or mental background to write it.  This is mainly due to the Fibro Fog.  Yes, I have graduated from college, with a Psychology degree to boot.  But can I recall any of it??? NO!!!  Yes, I  have been a stay-at-home mom for almost 10 years so I haven’t had to use my brain like that.

But with the Fibro Fog, I can’t even remember simple words like table, chair, book, etc.  So what is a girl with Fibro to do???  Well, I guess I better still try.  My only reason for writing the book is to help people.  There is such a huge need for help and understanding for people with mental illness (from depression to bipolar).  This goes for the regular community down to the Christian community to which I am really involved. 

So I guess I will start writing.  Who knows how long it will take.  Years I am guessing, but I’ll see how the Lord leads with it and see what happens.  Wish me luck and good memory recall!

Sunday Reflection

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”     Matthew 11:28-30

My heart is just so burdened right now.  I just can’t explain it.  I know so many people that are suffering and going through so many hard, life threatening medical issues right now.  My heart just aches for them and their close family members.  I just don’t know what to do.  So I have really tried to commit myself to pray.  I am trying to pray as often as I think of them.  And it’s definitely why I keep the attitude that my situation could be so much worse.
The Lord is the only one who knows what each of these people need in there specific situations.  And I pray that they would each find  the strength to keep relying on Him. 

For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing."  Jeremiah 31:25

Comfort

***Ok, I am a few days back logged, so I will try and catch up.****

I receive the K-Love verse of the day every morning.  And a few days after the court hearing I received the following verse.  It gave me some comfort and hope that the Lord is still working in my case.

O Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips.         Psalm 17:1

 My prayers were always for justice and that I would be as honest as I could possibly be.  Thanks Lord for the encouragement.

Fibro Friday: Court Update

Yes, I know it's Saturday, but I was too tired yesterday to update the blog. 

Thursday went very well.  The judge was very friendly and cordial.  He made me feel comfortable and I wasn’t barely nervous.  They had a occupational witness that the court brought in and he was very friendly and smiled which was nice too.  The hearing was supposed to last 30-45 minutes and we ended up being in there for an hour.  I was asked a lot of questions about medications I am on, past medications and their effectiveness, past job experiences, current daily life, current pain, etc. 

The judge was very throughout with his questions.  Then my lawyer was allowed to ask me some questions too.

When it was all said and done, the judge said that there was “significant evidence” that I was disabled.  The occupational expert testified that I would not be able to function in the working world.  We (my lawyer, hubby, and I)really believe that the judge would have ruled in my favor at that time if he could.

The only issue (which we knew going in) was that there is a specific date that they have to go back and prove disability on (has to do with 5 years after the last date I actually worked).  And the judge didn’t feel that there was enough evidence surrounding that date.  BUT he is giving my lawyer 30 days to come up with a brief outlining more supporting evidence for that date in question.  If we can get that date in question taken care of, my lawyer feels that we should be good. 

We went into the day wrapped in prayer and completely felt it.  We greatly appreciate all those who were praying.  It made such a difference.  We are continuing to pray that we can get the rest of the evidence that we need and that a doctor of mine will cooperate. 

All in all it was a great day and things couldn’t have turned out any better.  We are still fighting the battle, but the end it way closer than it ever has been.   The judge then asked the occupational expert some questions about my work ability back then and my work ability currently.

Big Day

Today is a big, important day for me, my family, and my Fibromyalgia.  It’s a day to go prove myself in court and hope and pray that they find in favor of me.  Find in favor that I am disabled enough not to be able to work.
I already know deep down that I am disabled and that I am not able to work and I really don’t need a judge to give me the approval for me to finally believe it.  What I do need is for a judge to agree to let me get paid for it. 
I/me and ML are going into this day wrapped in prayer.  We fully believe that God is in complete control.  We trust that whatever the outcome is that He has orchestrated it.  We have prayed that it would be God’s will that my disability be approved. We have prayed that God have favor on us and provide this for our family.  We have prayed that we receive an immediate answer and do not have to wait for the judge to make a decision. 
I feel calm and not nervous.  I do want to get it over with, but I am ready and at peace.
So thank you to all who are praying.  The prayers are so greatly appreciated.  Here’s hoping to a great, successful day tomorrow. 

Happy New Year

Happy 2011!!!!


Wow, I can't believe it's 2011!  I am glad 2010 is over.  It was a tough, hard, tiring, stressful, taxing year and I am glad it is over.  I am hoping that 2011 brings a new start and new beginnings.  Honestly, 2010 seemed as though it got as bad as it could have so 2011 has high hopes for me. 


I pray that the Lord continues to see my family and I through.  I pray He provides where it is needed.  I pray He heals where healing is needed.  I pray I get closer to Him in a way that I have never been.  There is so much I am hopeful for and the only person who is going to help see us through is God.


So here's to a new year and new experiences!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! 

I hope you all remember the real reason for this CHRISTmas season.

Moving Along

Well, it's the 16th of December.  I am done with Christmas shopping (maybe just one more gift for ML), I am on a new diet, it's a lovely rainy, cloudy day.  What else could I ask for?  The weather has finally cooled down (darn La Nina in Arizona).  ML and I haven't cheated on this crazy diet (even though I am super hungry today and the only reason I want to cheat is because I am starving), but hey, in only a week I have lost 9.4 pounds. (And yes, I am usually  not a diet fad person, but ML is in a weight crisis and needs to get it off fast so I really don't want to hear it :).  

The girls have a half day tomorrow and then we are on Christmas break.  I can't wait.  Welcome the sleeping in, not having any plans, not having to make sure uniforms are washed and lunches are made. 

And the best part of all....it will soon be JESUS' BIRTHDAY!!! 

Happy Thanksgiving

What a successful day!  Thank you Lord for the strength and energy to get through (and the help of pain meds.)  We had 18 people total in our new house.  It was awesome.  We had enough places for people to eat.  The weather actually feels like it should, nice and chilly and breezy all day.  I actually got to wear winter clothes and we had a fire in the back yard. 

Thanks family for coming over and letting us host you.  It was a blessing having you.